Chapter 876 - Return to Prince Manor

The Presentation Ball of the Prince grandchildren is still in full swing. The laughter of youths fills the air as they flirt and seek out possible marriage partners, while the whispered voices of the purebloods fill the ballroom. Such international events were rare and never missed for the powerful connections that could be forged. The British Minister of Magic Eugenia Jenkins had just finished a most productive conversation with the French, German, and Italian Minister of Magic's. She quickly wraps up a few details with the French Ambassador, Felix Auroli, a Parisian wizard well-dressed older gentleman with a neatly styled mustache.

The stout witch's usual bobbed hair is neatly curled and pinned up. Eugenia Jenkins wore tasteful robes for the occasion, but not overly decorative. She curtsies to Ambassador Auroli and is about to excuse herself when the ballroom doors swing open wildly banging loudly against the adjacent wall. The orchestra had just finished playing and the applause for the dancers had yet to commence. In that instant of silence, the entire guest body turned their heads to study the source of the sound that disturbed the festive atmosphere.

A sickly-looking wizard can be seen standing in nothing, but a pair of striped pajamas and a night robe tied loosely around him. A bit green around the gills, the wizard let out a great big sneeze causing flaming sparks to come out of his nostrils and singeing the carpeted entrance. The nearby crowd takes a large step back unable to hide grimaces. Dragon Pox was quite contagious especially for the very young and the older generation.

A nearby official recognizes the sickly-looking wizard, Pius Thickness, a member of the Department of Magical Enforcement. Pius Thickness had a long black beard with a great overhanging forehead that shadowed his eyes. He lacked the silver-streaked hair and glinting eyes of the future as he is still a relatively younger middle-aged wizard.

"The Lithuania Ambassador Marijus Ipolitas," Pius loudly proclaimed causing the guests to relax and return to their conversations.

"WAIT!" The Lithuania Ambassador bellowed. "The Ministry of Magic is under ATTACK by GIANTS!" His voice echoes throughout the ballroom as guests begin to whisper excitedly and nervously to each other.

"Excuse me, Ambassador Aurolie," Minister Jenkins firmly said, before moving forward. She was not the only one as various other Auror's began to emerge from the crowd including Edgar Bones, Fabian & Gideon Prewett, and more. The Auror's were not the only ones concerned as various purebloods drew closer including Lucius Malfoy, Ted Tonks, and Arthur Weasley.

"Ambassador Ipolitas, please speak clearly and precisely," Minister Jenkins promptly said while Marijus Ipolitas was still attempting to catch his breath. The poor, rather ill wizard had been forced to jog from the portkey arrival point until Verninac Chateau and was now truly exhausted.

"Three giant attacks," Ambassador Ipolitas gasped, "Fernburgh, Mould-on-the-Would, and the Ministry of Magic. Assistance is requested immediately!"

The instant Lucius and Arthur heard the words, "Fernburgh," they went pale. Their wives and children were at Fernburgh. Without even attempting to excuse himself, Lucius runs out of the hall rather pale followed by Arthur and Ted, who only paused to bow in apology before running out of the ballroom with the elderly, Septimius Weasley much more slowly hurrying after his son, Arthur.

Fabian and Gideon Prewett almost bolt after their brother-in-law, Arthur, but their mother begins to look rather faint. "Molly," Mrs. Prewett mȯȧnėd looking rather faint. They hurriedly move to tend to their ashen-faced father and fainting mother. They knew that if anything had gone wrong that Arthur would contact them regarding their younger sister, Molly, and the children. They hurried to place their mother in a chair and would depart soon enough once their mother was conscious again.

Before Eugenia Jenkins can begin giving out orders Reginald and Georgine Prince approach the Minister of Magic. In a loud voice, Reginald says, "We thank the Verninac's as gracious hosts and the guests that have attended. However, we humbly request that all guests retire for the evening and see their families. The Prince family thank everyone in attendance, but the Ball is now at an end."

Not a single guest protested as Reginald and Georgine Prince stepped aside for the Minister of Magic to impatiently pass by. "All Ministry Officials to report to the Ministry of Magic IMMEDIATELY!" Minister Jenkins roared before marching out followed closely by a team of Auror's for her safety and protection.

The British Ministry officials quickly follow excusing themselves as they hurry after the Minister of Magic. With the attack at the Ministry of Magic Headquarters, all hands are being called to deck to defend. There would be a need to obliviate muggles, treat the wounded, catalog damage including the deaths of civilians and Auror's, a countless list of tasks to be completed without any thanks. Furthermore, the Minister of Magic officials are closely followed by the press in attendance like hungry sharks, at last, scenting blood in the water and among the throng of the press is a certain Barnabas Cuffe, Editor of the Daily Prophet accompanied by his date, Miss Twinkle, who looked rather lovely with her matching lipstick, but hurried back to the Daily Prophet. No doubt, Rita Skeeter was already at the scene of the crime so to speak as not even the threat of giants and certain death would ever stop the nosey reporter!

They weren't the only ones as various ambassadors along with their wives hurried to depart. Their children had been left behind with house elf nannies and governesses. There was no telling what could have possibly occurred in their absence. Thankfully, the French Ambassador, Felix Aruoli upon his quick departure takes pity upon the still ill Lithuania ambassador and offers to host the sickly wizard for the night.

Following the departure of the Minister of Magic and the Ministry officials in attendance, the purebloods hurriedly usher their families away. They too were concerned with their families and friends. Standing on the side of the ballroom, Rowan and Severus could only exchange glances with their friends without being able to say a proper goodbye as their friends departed with their families. Even Lily is firmly dragged away by Petunia back to the Abbott family to depart for the French Abbott home without being able to protest. Severus and Lily exchange a pointed gaze promising to write to each other as soon as possible before Lily vanishes down the corridor. The only sound heard in the ballroom is the scramble of feet from the remaining guests that hurriedly depart home.

Within minutes the Verninac ballroom is empty save for the host and hostess, the Prince's, and strangely, the Potter's except for Dorea Potter, who had hastily departed with the Black's to check on their family. The rest of the Verninac cousins along with their parents had departed for the living quarters to wait for the host and hostess.

Trying to be positive about the abrupt ending to the presentation ball, the hostess, Louise Verninac says, "It iz late, a night's rest will do uz all some good."

"We thank you for your gracious offer, Louise," Georgine said with a knowing look as she knew that her brother did not wish to tarry at Verninac Chateau for a second longer than necessary. "But considering the extenuating circumstances, we shall return to Prince Manor. Please do convey our gratitude and farewells to the rest of the family."

"Of courze, it vill be my pŀėȧsurė," Louise said as she snapped her fingers and called for the house elves to collect their luggage and bring it downstairs.

"Philippe," Reginald bȧrėly inclined his head in the direction of the head of the Verninac family. The feeling is mutual as Philippe stiffly bȧrėly tilts his head towards the old Prince, "Reginald," he stiffly replied.

Before the two wizards can commence a glaring match, the aged voice of Fleamont interjects, "My son and I will also excuse ourselves." He paused and warily said, "Reginald," Fleamont seemed to wince, before finishing his sentence, "might my son and I accompany you back to Prince Manor?"

A flicker of surprise flashes across Reginald's face before a pensive look appears on his face. Reginald's lips twitch slightly as if in approval, before coolly replying, "You and your son may accompany us back to Prince Manor, Fleamont."

"Thank you, Reginald," Fleamont said rather uncomfortably. Despite Fleamont being six years older than Reginald Prince had never gotten along with the younger wizard during their shared time at Hogwarts and afterward. Still, there was a grudgeful smidgeon of respect they possessed for each other that more often than not did not come easily to either of them.

A ghost of a smile flashes across Georgine's face, before she says, "Come along, children," and leads the way followed by her brother, her great-niece, and nephew. and the Potters to the great hall. Their luggage had been expertly packed by the house elves. Surprisingly, Georgine had the most trunks six total which earned her dubious looks from Rowan and Severus.

Pointing her wand at the luggage, Georgine says, "Reducio," and their luggage rapidly shrinks down, while Fleamont Potter does the same for his son and their much smaller luggage only two mere satchels. With another wave of her wand, the shrunk luggage floats into a small purse carried at Georgine's waist filled with female toiletries such as face powder.

The Prince's and Potter's rapidly make their way outside under the cooling starry night. From his pocket, Reginald removed a large round clock. Fleamont blinks in surprise and arches his brow most pointedly at Reginald Prince. "And how did you manage to acquire an emergency international portkey, Prince? I know for a fact that we were with you the entire time."

"It pays to be prepared, Potter," Reginald self-assuredly replied causing Fleamont to purse his lips. Fleamont decided wisely to not pursue the line of inquire nor further ask about the legality of the portkey. He elected to remain tactfully silent on the subject.

"Remember to keep your hands on the portkey at all times," Reginald pointedly instructed before everyone reached out to touch the large, round ticking clock.

They had all bȧrėly touched the portkey when they felt a familiar sickly tug. Their feet abruptly left the ground, before hurtling forward. The shrill of the wind grew pain in their ears, while a maze of swirling colors washed over them. The colors flash in a nauseating whirl traversing a great distance before just as abruptly coming to an end.. Their feet slam into the ground causing them nearly to stumble to the ground.