Chapter 876 - Return to Prince Manor (2/2)
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.