Chapter 82: Yule Ball 1

-Prince Manor

-December 25th, 1976

After leaving Hermione and Wednesday to continue studying, Severus took a shower and formally changed for the Yule Ball at Malfoy Manor.

He wore a black formal suit with some silver detailing that fitted his body perfectly and the only thing that really stood out was the Prince family crest on the right side of his chest.

Half an hour before 8 p.m., Severus was ready to go to the Greengrass', pick up his partner, Olivia Greengrass, for tonight, and from there go to the Yule Ball.

Since Severus was going with Olivia, Lord and Lady Greengrass proposed that the four of them go together from Greengrass Manor.

Something Severus agreed completely.

Severus took some Floo Powder, threw it into the fireplace making the red fire turn green, and said, "Puzzlegreen".

At that Severus walked towards the green fire and disappeared through it.

.....

.....

-Manor Greengrass

-December 25, 1976

Severus took a step forward ignoring the feeling that he was walking on air and after a while, he felt his feet touch solid ground again.

Once at the Greengrass', he looked up only to find Lord Greengrass standing in front of him already dressed in an elegant black gala suit with some green embroidery and his family crest on his right chest.

"Lord Greengrass," Severus greeted formally.

"It is good to see you on time, Lord Prince," smiled Lord Charles, returning his greeting formally.

"Though we are in private, I thought you preferred to avoid formalities," he added, looking at Severus with slight curiosity.

"Yes, but since I am not used to this and I will be meeting many wizards in this manner today I thought it best to start as soon as possible to get myself in the mind-set."

"Oh, now I get it, a good idea, but don't worry with Olivia by your side you can let her handle the boring conversations, she's already had experience dealing with some pretty dense wizards."

"Hmm, that's actually a good idea, looks like I'm going to have to rely on your daughter"

"She'll be pleased to do so..., by the way, I'm afraid you'll have to wait a few moments, my wife and daughter take their time for these occasions"

"No problem, to be honest, I'm not in any hurry to go to the Yule Ball."

"I can understand that feeling, no doubt you will have many wizards interested in talking to you. It will be a busy day for you as Lord Prince."

"Yes..., I just hope your daughter avoids me choking a wizard in the middle of the conversation," Severus said with a sigh making Lord Charles Greengrass laugh at his comment, he clearly thought Severus was only joking, but he would be surprised to know how serious Severus was when he said that.

A few minutes later, Lady Arabella Greengrass emerged from the fitting room, wearing a long pale blue-green dress, with silver flowers at the top that continued along the long transparent sleeves.

For a moment Severus's gaze strayed to the beautiful Lady Greengrass's lovely curves that were provocatively but elegantly highlighted by that dress.

But he immediately realised that his gaze was being mischievous and quickly focused only on her face.

"You look lovely Lady Greengrass," Severus said with a slight bow.

Lady Arabella chuckled noting the slight moment Severus averted his gaze from her body.

Even Lord Charles Greengrass only smiled in amusement as he nodded his head and shamelessly scanned his wife's body.

"I thank you, Lord Prince, no doubt you stand out too, black is definitely your colour, I doubt any other wizard would look as good as you, it makes a perfect match for your hair, eyes, and skin," commented Lady Greengrass with a charming smile.

"I think most would prefer to say that dark and shadowy suits me better. But I'm glad you think so highly of me"

"Well, I'm sure my daughter shares my opinion," Lady Arabella said with amusement.

"Indeed I do. As my mother said, black certainly suits you Lord Prince" said Olivia Greengrass as she suddenly appeared wearing a white dress with green that made her look like a beautiful angel, only that her attractive body looked like the temptation of the devil himself.

Severus looked at her and had to admit that without a doubt the Greengrass ladies were a combination of devils and angels, angelic faces and bodies that were every man's temptation.

"If two beautiful ladies as you say so then I must believe it. But still, nothing will match the charm of the two of you," Severus replied shamelessly.

Olivia Greengrass' eyes widened before a hint of a smile showed on her face.

"I'm glad you like it" smiled Olivia softly as she came to his side while Lady Arabella only laughed in faint amusement as she watched them.

"Oh, by the way, Charles, I must remind you that your eyes must remain on my face" Lady Greengrass suddenly said now looking at her husband.

"Ah, what can I say, my dear, you are stunning as always, I doubt there is a wizard who doesn't have to force himself not to look at you," said Lord Greengrass smiling.

"Oh and I'm sure you'll take advantage of that to make them as uncomfortable as always," she smiled back.

"Clearly I will, after all, it is only a small price to pay for the sight of such a beautiful woman"

.....

.....

-Malfoy Manor,

-December 25, 1976

After 8 p.m., the Greengrass family and Severus Prince arrived through the floo of Malfoy Manor.

The Floo journey took them to Malfoy Receiving Hall, a place with which the Greengrass seemed to be quite familiar.

The first thing the four of them noticed upon arriving through the floo was that Malfoy Receiving Hall was filled with a magical atmosphere with elegant, ostentatious, and flashy decorations, as well as soft music wafting through the air.

All perfectly planned to make a clear demonstration of the Malfoy family's wealth, and of course, there was the Malfoy's need to stand out even more by displaying their house crest in different parts of the hall.

There were also a group of house-elves standing in different parts of the Receiving Hall, ready to lead the guests to the great hall of the Malfoy mansion where the Yule Ball would be held.

One of the house-elf quickly approached them and courteously offered to guide them.

The four nodded without hesitation and followed the house-elf in silence.

Naturally, when the Greengrass and Severus reached the doors leading into the great hall of the Manor, there was already a tall, elegant man waiting for them, dressed in a long, close-fitting robe of black velvet, trimmed with gold detailing around the edges. The tunic reached down to his feet and was open at the front, revealing a white shirt with a high, stiff collar.

He also wore expensive looking black leather boots, which came to his knees and also had gold detailing that matched the tunic perfectly.

His hands were sheathed in black leather gloves, which gave him an elegant and refined air, while in his left hand, he held a silver staff inlaid with gold, and on his neck, he wore a gold chain with a star-shaped pendant.

His hair was combed back with some magical potion that allowed him to keep it perfect at all times.

The look in his eyes gave the impression of a serious, shrewd, and bright person. His skin was pale, his face was clean-shaven and his smile was bright white, giving an impression of impeccability and neatness.

This was Octavius Spillman, the Master of Ceremonies hired by the Malfoy family, and he seemed to be ready to welcome the guests and announce them to the others present.

Octavius Spillman was well known in the wizarding community for being a pureblood wizard who acted as Master of Ceremonies at most of the important events in Britain.

He was always dressed elegantly and sophisticatedly, displaying his social status and magical might. He was the epitome of magical aristocracy and his presence added a touch of glamour and sophistication to events.

Not everyone could afford to hire someone like him, though, as he charged a huge amount of gallons per event.

"Lord and Lady Greengrass it is my honour to welcome you and your daughter to the Malfoy Yule Ball. I am glad you have found the time to grace us with your presence," the Master of Ceremonies bowed in a refined and courteous manner, bowing slightly in front of them, though there was a tone of familiarity in his voice.

"Mr. Spillman, good to see you, I see business is going well," smiled Lord Greengrass with even more familiarity than the Master of Ceremonies.

The two clearly knew each other.

"Indeed it is," smiled Octavius, but he maintained his elegant and refined posture at all times.

Then Mr. Spillman finally looked at Severus who was standing next to Olivia Greengrass.

Octavius Spillman looked at him for only a few seconds and instantly knew who Severus was, as the Master of Ceremonies he was informed of all the guests and knew their faces, names, surnames, and families to perfection.

"Well met, Lord Prince, it is an honour to finally meet you and to be able to welcome you," Octavius said courteously, bowing slightly in greeting, he did not even blink at the presence of Severus in the company of Olivia, the daughter of Lady and Lord Greengrass.

This could mean that he had already been informed by Lord Greengrass or he simply knew how to hide his surprise extremely well.

"Well met as well, Mr. Spillman. I have a feeling we'll be seeing more each other from now on," Severus replied with the same politeness as the wizard.

"Oh, I hope so, Lord Prince," nodded Octavius calmly as he stared at Severus.

"Now, how about if I announce your arrival to the other guests," he added, looking at the four of them.

"Of course, that would be fine with us," nodded Lord Greengrass along with his wife.

"And I assume Lord Prince will want me to announce him and Miss Greengrass as his escort," added Mr. Spillman, looking at Severus and Olivia.

"That is correct," Severus and Olivia now nodded.

"Very well, that will be done then, please wait just a moment, once I have finished introducing you, please enter," said Octavius as he opened the door to the great hall of Malfoy Manor and entered on his own.

"To all tonight I proudly present Lord Charles and Lady Arabaella of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Greengrass!" Mr. Spillman was heard to announce apparently using an Amplifying Charm to amplify his voice and make what he was saying echo throughout the hall.

Lord and Lady Greengrass wasted no time, gave a quick nod to Severus and their daughter, and then entered the great hall in a quiet, elegant manner.