Ink and Parchment ~ blood and bone

39

Sirius does teach her how to ride the motorbike and it doesn’t end as disastrously as they first thought it would which was good. But then Remus found out that Sirius had let her ride the motorbike which was decidedly not good. Eliza was sure one of the reasons she hadn’t been grounded was because Remus would have had to have grounded Sirius as well which was just ridiculous. The other reason was of course that today was the day of the Malfoy Yule Ball and if Eliza didn’t show up then Narcissa would go on a warpath.

Hell hath no fury like Narcissa Malfoy.

It was odd getting ready on her own. Narcissa had invited her around to Malfoy Manor before the ball started but Eliza intended to arrive at the ball with Sirius. Remus sadly wouldn’t be joining them because of the full moon and Eliza promised to smuggle some chocolate back to him.

She had pinned back her hair slightly and using all the spells Daphne had taught her over the years started getting ready for the ball. Sirius was great at a lot of things but ballgowns and makeup was not one of them. Finally, Eliza stepped into her dress and used a spell to zip it up behind her.

It was a strapless floor length ball gown, a deep midnight blue and was decorated all over by the constellations. Small glimmering crystals sewn into it to create a tapestry of the night sky. The Blacks were famous for their naming patterns, naming their children after the stars of the night sky and Eliza was ecstatic with Daphne’s choice in dress. Sliding Narcissa’s hair clip into place and clasping Tom’s necklace round her neck Eliza took one last look at herself in the mirror before nodding.

She usually wasn’t nervous when it came to balls. In fact they could be considered the highlight of the year. It gave time for Eliza to build connections whilst she was still stuck at Hogwarts and establish a place for herself in the world. But she was nervous tonight.

Because Tom was going to be there.

But she wouldn’t let it show, she had defeated dementors and serial killers and Voldemort himself. She could cope with a small tiny crush.

“Pup” Sirius said when she stepped into the foyer “you look beautiful”

Eliza smiled bashfully and linked their arms together “I suppose you’re alright” she joked and laughed when Sirius let out an offended squawk.

“Just for that I’ll let you fall into the floo”

“But then I’ll tell Remus you ate his last bar of honeydukes chocolate”

“Eliza”

When she came through the floo on the other side she was still giggling slightly over his scandalised tone. Stepping out smoothly for once she stayed in the foyer until Narcissa or Lucius came to collect her and Sirius. Thankfully, they weren’t waiting very long and soon the door opened to reveal the two Malfoy’s.

“Cousin Sirius” Narcissa greeted warmly and brought him in for a hug as Eliza smiled at Lucius “please don’t terrorise my guests”

Sirius barked a laugh and grinned wildly “It’s not me you have to worry about”

Narcissa turned to face Eliza at that and hugged her as well which Eliza returned happily.

“Eliza you look absolutely gorgeous” she said and pulled away with a teasing smile “please don’t terrorise my guests” she repeated and Eliza laughed brightly.

“Don’t worry Narcissa, I’m on my best behaviour”

“That’s what we’re afraid of” Lucius chimed in with a grimace and even Narcissa had to muffle a laugh at his tone. The four of them all started moving out of the foyer and into the main ballroom and Eliza felt her eyes widen. The ballroom was covered in fairy lights and ice sculptures, opulent and elegant in classic Malfoy Style.