Shine So Bright

Shine So Bright

Gringott's Yule Ball has always been one of the highlights of the Christmas season. In some circles to be invited is a social necessity and lack of invitation a sign of social disgrace. For employees attendance is more or less compulsory.

This is not the first time I have attended one, although the demands of my previous position meant that I was usually deep in a tomb in Egypt and therefore excused. But tonight, for the first time, the ball is special, very special, thanks to the beautiful woman on my arm. As we walk up the marble stairs, perfectly in step with each other, I turn to smile at her.

I've never seen you looking so lovely as you did tonight.

I've never seen you shine so bright.

Gringott's main banking chamber has been transformed into a winter wonderland. Delicate traceries of icicles hang from the ceiling and chandeliers, lit by hundreds of frost fairies moving in abstract formations through the air around them. Fantastic ice sculptures line the hall, guarding the doors and stairways. They are intricately carved in the likeness of wizards, goblins, high elves, unicorns, centaurs, dragons and all manner of magical beings. There are snowflakes whirling through the air that disappear before they hit the ground.

When Fleur and I enter the chamber, it is already half full with a milling throng of employees, investors, ministry officials and other invited guests. We pause for a moment just inside the main entrance as the junior goblin on the door checks our names on the list. No gatecrashers allowed here.

Then another attendant takes our cloaks. As we stand there, I see the heads turning to look in our direction. People always like to check out the new arrivals. But in our case they keep looking. Fleur gives me a mischievous sideways glance and squeezes my arm just a little in reassurance. To her it is normal to be the object of so much attention.

I've never seen so many men ask if you wanted to dance.

They're looking for a little romance,

Given half a chance.

We start to move into the room, and I glance around looking for familiar faces. There is so much wealth and opulence on display. Everyone goes all out for this night, robes of the finest materials in a veritable rainbow of colours, and so much jewellery I wonder if there is any still in storage in the vaults below.

Fleur would look good in anything. Tonight she is wearing a dress robe I have not seen before. In fact I don't think I have ever seen her wear red until now. Red is not a colour that I would expect to suit her pale blond hair, pale skin and cornflower blue eyes. She looks fantastic. The colour of the red satin reflects in her hair and makes it look like it is glowing.

And I've never seen that dress you're wearing,

Or the highlights in your hair,

That catch your eyes.

I have been blind.

Over to one side I see a group of ministry officials and their partners. Percy is there. He appears to be alone. He is probably too ashamed to be seen in the company of a Muggle-born witch. Actually, I hope Penelope has finally given him the boot. He does not deserve her. I steer Fleur in the opposite direction where I notice a few of our fellow human employees are clustered together.

Just as we reach them and exchange greetings, the music starts. The chatting crowd moves to the sides and couples take to the dance floor revealed in the centre. Fleur is looking at me expectantly.

I stand back and extend my hand towards her with a bow and a flourish. A trifle theatrical, but who cares? "Miss Delacour," I say formally, to match the gesture. "Would you care to dance?"

"Mr. Weezlee," she says with a musical little giggle, "I would love to dance wiz you." She places her hand in mine and I lead her out to the middle of the floor. The other dancers automatically part to let us through.

We turn to face each other and as I look into her eyes the rest of the room moves out of focus. I slide my arm around her slender waist and she gently places her hand on my shoulder. It seems so natural and so right as we move with the music.

The lady in red is dancing with me,

Cheek to cheek.

There's nobody here,

It's just you and me.

It's where I wanna be.

But I hardly know this beauty by my side

I'll never forget the way you look tonight

I can honestly say I have never experienced anything like this before. The other dancers, the crowd, the room, the world, seem to have disappeared, and the only reality is Fleur and I. The music plays and we dance. I forget about everything - He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, the Order, Percy - at this moment in time nothing is as important as the beauty in my arms.

I almost don't notice when the music stops. We continue to stand there swaying together in each others' arms as the other couples are already moving away. Just for a moment. "Beel, I think ze music 'as stopped." We both let go at the same time and laugh together.

Once we have rejoined our colleagues, I go off to fetch drinks for the both of us. The bar is crowded and it takes some time, but eventually I am heading back towards Fleur. I see her before she sees me. She is distracted, searching the crowd and paying little attention to the conversation going on around her. Then our eyes meet and instantly her face is transformed by the most glorious smile.

And it's all for me.

I've never seen you looking so gorgeous as you did tonight

I've never seen you shine so bright you were amazing

I've never seen so many people want to be there by your side

And when you turned to me and smiled it took my breath away

And I have never had such a feeling such a feeling

Of complete and utter love, as I do tonight

This is the most amazing feeling. She is so beautiful, intelligent and witty. The world and most of the men in it would be hers to command if she wanted. And yet her smiles, her attention, her love are all for me. Whenever we are together, she never looks at anyone the way she looks at me.

I finally realize, at this moment, that despite several good relationships, I have never, ever been in love like this before. She completes me and gives extra meaning to my life. Her love gives me a reason to be the very best that I can be.

I move to her side and put my arm around her. This is where I want to be forever.

By her side.

I never will forget the way you look tonight

The lady in red

My lady in red

I love you