"A student would be the obvious choice, perhaps an heir who does not know better…" It would require a guardian's consent most likely, but still doable. Perhaps if he was lucky he could even sell off his youngest as well, a two-for-one deal if you will.
For a moment the man's face shifted into an ugly sneer as he recalled his own past. If only he had not been so reckless in his choice of brides. His own parents had passed away when he was young, thus leaving him vulnerable to the Magical charms of his current wife.
She had ensnared him, and by the time he had realized the truth of what she was it was far too late.
...
"Uh uhm hi uh…"
Fleur forced herself not to Hex the living daylights out of the stuttering redhead who was standing over her while she was eating.
"I uh… was just uh wondering if ummm…"
Could he not see she was eating, that perhaps he should stammer out a sentence when she wasn't preoccupied?
"Well I just uhm was wondering if uh… you know… the dance and uh… if you would go with me…"
"I do not dance with boys ." the French Witch managed to growl out, before spotting her target sit down a few tables away from her. "Now if you will excuse me, I have a man to speak with." She promptly stood before walking towards the emerald-eyed boy who had become an obsession for her, and apparently her younger sister, in the recent months.
"Excuse me, Harry?"
For once he glanced up, before nodding in acknowledgment of her. For a second the girl wondered if he knew the effect such a simple gesture could have on her heart rate.
"I was wondering if you had a date for the Yule Ball."
Most of the Great Hall had fallen silent by now, with Ronald Weasley merely gaping in horror at what was transpiring.
"I do not."
She nodded in confirmation, it had been rather embarrassing, but the older girl had finally put aside her own pride and decided that if she truly wanted to advance their relationship she would need to take the initiative herself. She also knew that her father would, undoubtedly, disagree with her decision to think for herself and ask out a boy that 'gave her no political advantages' which just made her decision that much easier.
"Perhaps you would accompany me?"
He fell silent in contemplation, drawing out the tension already present in the room. A few seconds later he nodded in affirmation, "I would be delighted to go with you Miss Delacour. Shall I pick you up at your carriage at seven?"
She nodded hastily, and perhaps a bit too enthusiastically.
"Wh-WHAT!?"
Harry rolled his eyes before turning to face the youngest Weasley son. "Something bothering you Ron?"
"Y-you… but she… and I… but that isn't fair!"
"What?"
"I asked her first!"
"No, I believe several boys asked her before you did."
"B-but you are a Slytherin!"
"After four years I am well aware of this."
"But she should go with me!" the boy practically shouted, earning him a reprimand from Snape as he came striding over to the incident.
"Ten points from Gryffindor Mr. Weasley for causing a disturbance, now take your seat and stop bothering my students."
"B-but…"
" Now ."
The redhead gave a last-minute grumble before sulking off towards his unfinished meal, not noticing his own girlfriend run out of the hall, tears pouring from her eyes.
...
"I'm sorry."
Lavender jumped in shock, before spinning around and seeing Harry Potter standing in the entrance to the empty classroom she had chosen to cry in.
"I didn't think Ron would be that insensitive towards you… did he not ask you first?"
The curly-haired girl shook her head, before wiping her tears away on her sleeve. "N-no, b-but that's o-okay I mean he…" a few more sobs shook her body as the boy moved slowly forward and offered her a tissue, which she took with a whispered thanks.
"No, it is not okay. Even I know you two are in a relationship, he should have asked you before anyone else."
"I-It's not his fault, I mean F-Fleur is…"
"Pretty, yes I am aware. But do not blame the Allure on your boyfriend's actions. Unless it is focused it only creates an effect when someone is in close proximity. Nothing forced Ron to ask her out."
"I-I just… I mean I know she is prettier than me but…"
"Would you like to know a secret?" She blinked, before nodding slowly at the, frankly gorgeous boy who was currently talking to her. "I can tell you why everyone considers Fleur so very beautiful… and it isn't just because of her heritage."
"Wh-why then…"
He looked around conspiratorially, before gesturing for her to come closer. She took a few steps, before he gestured again, this time she shuffled up practically next to him, allowing him to lean in closer to her, his face next to her own.
'Goddess is this what it feels like to be so close to him… no wonder girls can't control themselves' the Gryffindor thought as his breath ghosted over her ear.
"It is confidence ." He whispered huskily, "The way she walks, the way she talks, the certainty she has in her actions, the way she carries herself… that is what makes her sexy. It is something that anyone can learn."
At that point Lavender was sure that if he so much as grazed her skin she would offer herself to him, and not just because her boyfriend was being a total arse.
"H-how…"
"Stop doubting yourself. Stop second guessing who you are and what you can do. Believe that you are attractive, that when you walk into a room people notice you. Know that you are unique and beautiful… and others will see it too."
"O-o-oh…"
He stepped back, allowing the Gryffindor to breathe again. "Simple really, just remember that and you will be fine. Personally, I think you should consider going with someone else to the Yule Ball, someone who won't make you their second choice."
She managed to nod as he turned to leave, pausing as he reached the door. "Oh, and Miss Brown?"
"Y-y-yes?"
"If I was Ron I wouldn't be letting you out of my sight… or my bed." With a chuckle he left, leaving behind a very red-faced teenager.
.....
Can't wait to read more exciting chapters then what are you waiting for Join my p*atreon right now.
Get 60+ Premium chapters.
Link: p*atreon.com/Earthly_Writer (Remove the *)
2 Chapters for all free members.