“Who is she?” Alaric demanded, even as Georgio and Gustav teased him about the possibility of a woman who was older than their mother. The pair had seen to the arrangement of what was to seal the deal of the final Krum child in their part of the family. Yet, of course, Kalina had persisted against their company to the Delacours. The boys, like her husband, were never really good with people. Kalina had taken it upon herself, since a long time ago, to be the only face of diplomacy for the family. Without her, there could be no success at such a time like this. There was no need for hostilities and arrogance; she had decided even for Stefan a long time ago, when it came to the business of their children’s betrothals. It was chiefly her role, then, to ensure the smooth transition of unions. Even now, she prided herself on her experiences. Still, one cannot help but be sure of herself – being a Krum – that it would be unthinkable for anyone with the right frame of mind, to deny a union with a Krum, especially that of an offer from a Krum boy. Of course, the offer was never made by the child.
“Can you please tell me who she is already?” Exasperation was clear, even as Alaric fiercely ignored his brothers to glare at his mother, as if the strength of his glare could shake off the coy attitude she was putting up for her own amusement. Undeniably, he was extremely worried. It was always rare to learn of a Pureblood union that was approved by the two real parties involved – the children. The boy felt as if he had heard enough stories to justify the anxiety of an undesirable pairing. Even after weeks of preparing himself for this day, he could not suppress the disdain he felt towards having to put up with a tradition that he had been taught was necessary. Still, he did not protest. He just needed to know it was already.
“You should be ashamed of your impatience. Like your father, every one of you. Even he taught you better discipline, didn’t he?”
“No, but-”
“You’re just going to have to accept the fact that you will have a wife as pretty as mothe-”
“Stop it, Gus.”
*
Shifting uncomfortably in the outfit that Kalina had insisted him to be in, Alaric stared hard at his shoes as he swallowed the lump at his throat. It wasn’t that he didn’t like her. In fact, it was a huge relief to learn that it wasn’t going to be a fifty-year old lady who looked like mother. Still, it did not settle the new worrying fact that Gisele was one of the most sought-after girl at Hogwarts. He had heard stories. Yet, being himself, Alaric had never so much as utter a brief word of greeting to the girl, before cowering back to his awkward cave.
Alaric heard, but could not pay attention to, the chatter between his mother and Geraldine Delacour, who had earlier been introduced as the Head of the Delacour Household. Clearly, the French were strange. After all, the boy never knew of a woman sitting at the head of any household. Sure, Kalina had been at the reins with their lives, but her voice stood for close to nothing in the face of his uncles and grandfather. Geraldine Delacour, however, was clearly used to being the alpha and omega of the Delacour House. Even as he was in awe of that fact, Alaric could not help but worry about seeing Gisele, now that he was going to see her in a new light.
Chewing slightly on his lower lip, the boy rubbed his hands together and contemplated his anxiety, as House Elves were sent to fetch the girl to the sitting room. And then he remembered Julien, which only made matters worse. How can the two women sit and smile for so long beside him when all he felt was clammy and afraid. It was not clear what he was frightened of, but as the sound of the opening of door finally returned to the room, Alaric balled up his hands and bit down further on his lower lip, prompting Kalina to notice. Chuckling, she merely dismissed his anxiety and returned her attention back to the Delacour Matriarch, even as she alternated her gaze to the door.