Chapter 846 - Presentation Ball (1/2)
The ballroom is filled with glittering chandeliers and enchanted gemstones that glitter on the ceiling of the ballroom that match the starry night sky. It was a breathtaking sight and one that revealed the wealth of the Verninac family. The guests are dressed in a wide range of attires from formal ball gowns to witches and wizards wearing turbans, saris, and even veils. The older the witch or wizard the more eccentric their garb as there were several guests present that were wearing robes that would have been popular several hundred years ago.
Philippe and his wife, Louise Verninac stand before the crowd in front of a sweeping staircase. There is a full-length carpet running down the sweeping staircase in the Prince family colors a dark sky blue with a silver embroidery of wyverns across the surface of the carpet. Philippe loudly says in English, ”We humbly welcome guests and ministry officials to Verninac Chateau,” there is a sound of clothes rustling as every guest in attendance bows their head to the host and hostess in courtesy. ”We hope that Verninac Chateau will become a cherished memory for all.”
Louise steps forward and sweeps her hand towards the sweeping staircase. In a French-accented voice, she says, ”I am 'onored to prezent, the Lord of the Prince family, Reginald Prince, our in-laws via marriage to our dearly departed, Sirsa, couzin.” The crowd's gazes become fixed to the top of the sweeping staircase to see the figure of an elegant, cold wizard emerge first that of Reginald Prince.
Reginald Prince's frigid gaze sweeps the crowd causing many to stiffen at feeling the suppressed power of the older wizard. Reginald Prince may have aged, but he was far from weak. The sense of danger emitted by him had dulled with age. It had grown if anything else. The crowd carefully watches Reginald Prince extend his hand as Louise says, ”The Lord of the Prince family iz accompanied by his sizter, Georgine Prince.”
The crowd blinks at seeing Georgine Prince. She was a formidable witch, tall, and thin. Much like her niece, Georgine was not a great beauty, but she possessed an elegance and grace that drew attention to her slim figure. Her short, mostly raven hair is swept in its usual fashion that of raven wings. Yet despite her age, her flesh remained taut with nary a wrinkle on her face.
There are more than a few envious stares from the witches present at seeing the entire silver goblin forged jewelry set that included a jewel-encrusted tiara on Georgine Prince's person. The entire ensemble of goblin forged jewelry was worth a large fortune that could permit any pureblood family to live comfortably for hundreds of years. It conveyed the wealth, power, and status that the Prince family possessed. It was a strong show of force and only further cemented the idea in the guest's mind that the Prince family was not to be underestimated.
Reginald Prince and Georgine Prince descend in silence to the ballroom floor. Reginald Prince briskly nods at Philippe Verninac, while Georgine does not even bother to hide a smug smile. Philippe refrains from frowning despite his annoyance at the obvious dismissal. Remembering his duties, Philippe instead steps back with Louise wrapping her arm around his and squeezing it in comfort. It was only for tonight and the Prince's would depart by noon tomorrow.
Each stands on opposite sides of the sweeping staircase covered in the rich carpet in the Prince family colors and crest. Georgine is the first to speak as she says, ”Under the light of the moon and magic with great honor and delight, I introduce Dorea and Fleamont Potter, the godparents of Prince family heirs.” From the top of the stars emerged the pale figure of Dorea Potter in a light-colored violet dress with her shawl hanging in her arms. At her side is the figure of Fleamont Potter, who looks a tad paler than normal from nerves. Still, the two descend among polite applause before each separated at the bottom of the stairs. Fleamont comes to stand next to Georgine and Dorea next to Reginald. Both godparents were dwarfed by their much taller Prince companion.
The ballroom goes still full of anticipation as the main event will begin. Several parents look at their beautiful daughters and handsome sons. If luck would have it, their children might attract the eyes of the Prince heirs if not another notable heir. It was to be a night of great gain and losses for many. And who would win in the end would surely surprise many for fortunes would be made and lost that night.
In a firm voice, Reginald says, ”Under the light of the moon and magic, with great honor and pride, I present my grandchildren, Rowan and Severus Prince,” the crowd goes silent as the two Prince heirs emerge by their primary escort. The Prince heir's much like the rest of their family were more elegant than beautiful, but just like their family, there was something that innately captured the eye.
More than a few hopeful glances died into frowns at seeing the handsome dark-haired youth being accompanied by an ever so lovely red-haired muggleborn witch. It would seem that the competition was fierce. Still, they were not about to concede the battle for the war had just begun! With determined expressions, various youths began to subtly pat their clothes and hair to prepare for battle.
The burst of applause erupts before dying down as the Prince heirs and escorts arrive on the ballroom floor. Stepping forward, Dorea and Fleamont Potter loudly say, ”Under the light of the moon and magic with great honor and delight, we present Rowan and Severus Prince.” The primary escorts are never formally introduced during the presentation only after the official presentation occurs.