{August 6, 1991, Some Residence of the Rosier Family}
The Rosier ballroom was quite enchanting - vast and majestic, with a vaulted ceiling adorned in delicate, entwined silver and onyx filigree, spiraling in ancient patterns shimmered faintly in the candlelight. Floating chandeliers of crystal and gold magically levitated in mid air, spending a soft glow to the floor. A grand Twin staircases, lined with a banister consisting of many elegantly carved marble balusters, curved up from opposite sites of the hall, meeting the second floor, which was extended into a balcony, overseeing the floor. A soft Waltz drifted through the air, played by an ensemble of self-playing instruments, hovering a little above the ground at the opposite of the staircase. Vermillion banners embroidered with the Rosier Families coat of arms hung from the upper walls. Every inch of the room whispered of the prestige and power of the heritage of the Rosier Family.
Standing on the balcony and looking down, Mordred stood with an aloof expression, watching the crowd. While some people were dancing to the music, most preferred to stay at the sidelines, chattering with old acquaintances about the glory of the old times and sharing drinks.
After a while, Narcissa walked over while bringing along another woman and a girl, looking around his age. The woman had pitch-black hair, adorned with some golden brooch, piercing azure blue eyes. Her figure was also quite striking, with a narrow waist and a full, generous bust. Cloaked in a black backless regal dress, she was quite the sight to behold. Her name was Calista Selwyn, Mordred recognized her, since from the memories of his predecessor, he knew, she used to visit the Blacks quite often when he was younger.
Beside her stood her daughter, Lysandra, looking somewhat like a miniature version of her. She had inherited the same cascading long black hair, reaching her hips, along the same azure eyes from her mother. But unlike Calista's voluptuous appearance, she had a rather delicate frame, lacking the curves her mother carried. Still there was grace in how she held herself.
After greeting and exchanging pleasantries and catching up, Narcissa and Calista left to greet other acquittances of them, leaving Mordred and Lysandra behind. Lysandra had just finished her first year in Hogwarts and was about to advance to the second year after the holidays. Seizing the opportunity to make connections already, Mordred was quite willingly to some smalltalk. Asking her some innocuous questions about the life at Hogwarts and how she has been, it was quite pleasant.
Knowing a few influential people, which she was with no doubt, as a member of one of the most prestigious pureblood families, in his future house, Slytherin, wouldn't do him any harm, quite the opposite. This would later help him also in his studies, getting him more resources, or at least easier and faster and also have some members he could use for his group, since as a sole wizard, as strong as he might be, it would be harder to get what he wanted. Additionally she was quit enjoyable to be around, maybe she could become his friend in the future.
Talking for a while, he learned quite a few interesting things, that could help him later, like some good spots in the common room, where he could his peace. Or what to do when he forgot the password. Also it seemed, that some older students run there own little private dueling clubs, helping one to learn combat oriented spells better and giving him some 'real' experience.
They were interrupted when another girl walked over, this one with long blonde hair and emerald green eyes. She seemed to some close friend of Lysandra and had also finished her first year. Introducing herself, he learned her name was Vivienne Travers. After some initial smalltalk, Vivienne delved deep into the latest Slytherin gossip, while Lysandra could only give him an apologizing gaze.
"-so apparently, Casian Nott tried to ask out Melisande Avery during the last Hogsmeade weekend", Vivienne continued with a gleam in her eyes, "even though everyone he's been stringing along Clarissa Flint since Christmas. And to make it even worse, Melisande didn't even say no ..."
Luckily she was cut short when the music stopped and a man, wearing a long black coat stepped up on a small pedestal. Tapping a spoon lightly against his glass a few times, the chatter died down.
"So now, let us continue with the next item on the agenda. The magic demonstration and dueling."