RP: Welcome to the Swamp

[pb_rosmerta]

Characters: Madam Rosmerta
Location: The Three Broomsticks
Date: October 31, 1999
Status/Warnings: Open/None
Summary: Party at the Swamp
Completion: In progress

Comments

[pb_draco]

It had taken him several hours to actually make the decision to go to the Hallowe'en party at the 3Bs, and several hours more to figure out some sort of costume that wouldn't give away his identity. He knew it would be damned near impossible to spend more than a few minutes there - if Rosie didn't throw him out immediately - if he went without hiding himself somehow. Fortunately, Hallowe'en made it de rigueur to cavort about the countryside in disguise. He'd rummaged through the storage rooms in the Manor, and discovered that apparently one of the Malfoy ancestors had possessed a tendency towards being a bit of a dandy, and a colorblind one at that. Knee-length breeches in a tawny color, a waistcoat in red and gold - Draco had a bit of a laugh over that one, figuring no one would pick him out in those colors - and a frilled cravat made the basis of his costume. With a pair of black boots and a many-caped greatcoat and top hat, he thought he looked rather like someone who'd just walked out of Victorian London. Maybe Jim the Rippist, if

[pb_hermione]

Hermione finished a dance with Charlie Weasley, who was surprisingly good for someone brawny. He'd teased her about it being a great way for a bloke to hold a pretty girl close, so of course he'd learned how to dance. He was such a flirt but an innocent fun one.

After their dance, he'd gone off to the gents and Hermione was looking around for Luna when a tipsy bloke bumped into her knocking her into another man. "I'm terribly sorry," she said. There was no reason for her not to apologize just because the drunk hadn't bothered. "Are you all right?"

[pb_draco]

He staggered slightly when someone ran into him, and Draco turned, eyes narrowed behind his mask. They widened as soon as he saw the outfit that had smacked into him, and it took him a long moment to drag his eyes up from the sparkly navel to the face.

Thank heavens he'd chosen to wear the mask, he thought. His expression could not have been more startled. Only the reminder to himself that he wasn't going to speak kept him from stuttering out a shocked 'oh my god, Granger'.

Instead, he inclined his head and tipped his top hat, bringing one finger up to his mouth in a universal shushing gesture.

[pb_hermione]

Something about the gentleman was familiar. Hermione assumed she'd been at school with him at some point. "Oh, a mime," she laughed. "All right, Sir Aphonic. You have a wonderful costume. It looks vintage. Is it truly authentic?" She realized she was babbling but hadn't introduced herself, "Oh, I'm sorry again. I'm Hermione Granger." Hermione offered her hand.

[pb_draco]

He nodded slowly, trying not to laugh at her chosen name for him. He hadn't actually thought of a character beyond the clothing itself, but she was right, it was certainly authentic. And Sir Aphonic was accurate enough for the night.

When she offered her hand, he tipped his head for a moment, then removed his top hat and held it behind his back. Taking her hand, he bowed low over it before straightening up and giving a silently-mouthed 'hello'.

[pb_hermione]

Hermione looked at him shrewdly for a moment, there was something in his carriage that reminded her of... No. It was likely just part of his characterization. "It seems a shame to go the entire evening silent. How do you plan to order a drink or ask a girl to dance if you won't talk? Or are you here with someone who already knows your preferences?" It seemed a bit boring to be completely silent at party.

[pb_draco]

Damn, he hadn't thought of that. Of course, he hadn't expected to actually be able to get away with attending in the first place, so he hadn't really planned. Not one of his best skills, thinking ahead. He needed to work on that.

He shook his head at her last question, then tapped his chin in an attitude of thought. He smiled widely, as if he'd caught the answer, then held one finger up to say 'first'. He pointed to the bar, held up two fingers and made a drinking gesture. A second finger lifted for 'second', and he straightened his posture and held his arms in a waltz position for a moment. Then he grinned and shrugged casually.

[pb_hermione]

Hermione grinned back, "With a smile like that, who needs words. I am sure you'll get along quite well with your pantomime. Enjoy your evening. I will try my best not to bump into you again," she said pleasantly, wondering who she might find to dance with her next. "If you'll excuse me, I'm in pursuit of a new dance partner myself," maybe Neville was around somewhere. Although Neville, dancing and her sandals might be a dangerous combination.

[pb_draco]

Again, he told himself, it was a good thing he was wearing a mask. Hopefully it covered up the small flash of disappointment he knew had shot through his eyes. It was nice to be able to spend a few moments 'associating' without having to look over his shoulder for his father. Still, he'd seen at least one Weasley there already, and he wouldn't want to have to face the wrath of the entire family if someone outed him.

He took a step back and gave her a deep bow, then raised up with one hand over his heart and a smile in place. A nod of his head, and he turned away to head for the bar and test out his silent ordering.