But we were something, don't you think so?
Roaring 20s, tossing pennies in the pool
And if my wishes came true
It would've been you
In my defense, I have none
For never leaving well enough alone
But it would've been fun
If you would've been the one
#####
November 18, 1995
Juliet woke up surrounded by the faces of her Slytherin friends and Draco. She nearly screamed when Cassie had confetti erupt from her wand into her face as they all screamed Happy Birthday in unison.
"Fucking Salazar!" Juliet grumbles as she scrambles to sit up.
"It's your golden birthday," Margie smiles as Re sets a breakfast tray on her lap.
"Plus Draco here informed us that you and him are flooing out of her in two hours," Re adds, "We wanted to soak up as much time with you before the ball."
"It's too early for this," Juliet groans as she rubs her eyes.
"Eat up," Alistair grins, "We got presents to give you."
Juliet couldn't stomach much as her stomach was in knots so breakfast was rather brief before Juliet mustered herself out of bed and headed to the little common space of her dorm. Everyone had gathered in a circle around an empty armchair, which Juliet assumed was for her.
"Merlin, it makes it seem like a throne," Juliet mutters as she takes a seat.
"Fit for the birthday queen," Ambrose chuckles and hands Juliet her gift. "Happy Birthday."
"Thank you," Juliet smiles graciously and begins digging through the gift bag.
Inside was a hardcover book, Inkheart, and a pair of sunglasses. Juliet looks at the glasses curiously and then at Ambrose, waiting for an explanation. Ambrose gives a soft smile and explains how they're to help with her dyslexia and they illuminate at night so no more straining her eyes in the dark. Her heart warmed at his thoughtfulness and gave him a quick hug before Cassie was pushing her gift into her hands. From her best friend Juliet had received a crystal butterfly hair pin, a couple candles, and a framed moving photo of the four girls from their last girl's night. Draco went next with a bag full of chocolate frogs, a monogrammed journal and some new colored quills. Alistair got her a signed Ireland Quidditch team poster and a book about quidditch strategies of a beater. Margie got Juliet an emerald cardigan, which she made herself, and some new floral perfume and Re got her a new leather jacket, which she customized to have her initials on the sleeves and instead of being only one color of the faux leather it was in different shades of green.
Juliet was thrilled with all the things she received and made sure to hug each and everyone one of them, but a small part of her was disappointed that she had not received anything from Fred. She could understand though, not wanting to have anything to do with her now that she was set to be betrothed by three.
She gathers up her gifts as she stands and bids the boys farewell, "I shall see you lovely gentleman at the ball as I still have a few things to pack. So girls, if you would care to join me..."
"Ciao boys," Cassie waves as the three girls follow Juliet.
The four are wordless as Juliet flicks the close behind them and she sets her gifts gently on the bed. Juliet swallows a hard lump as she begins taking out pieces from her jewelry box to take home.
"So did Fred get you anything?" Re asks slowly.
"I haven't seen him today," Juliet says dismissively.
"But last night?" Cassie questions.
"We didn't meet last night. He said he and George had detention," Juliet replies quickly.
"I'm sure he'll post you something," Margie smiles weakly.
"I wouldn't blame him if he didn't." Juliet replies curtly as she slams the lid and moves over to her dresser. "What are you guys wearing to the ball?"
"Black," They say in unison.
"Bloody hell it's not a funeral," Juliet exclaims.
"Your mother insisted on the invitation," Cassie explains, "It was stated women should dress in black or gray gowns, and believe me there were no cute gray ones."
"The men are required to wear black suits and gray shirts," Re adds, "Your mother really wants you to stand out."
"Sounds like it," Juliet sighs as she sits down on her bed.
"So what exactly happens today?" Margie asks as the three crowd around Juliet.
"Well Draco and I leave at 10 so I have about 20 minutes and then the guests, you guys, arrive a quarter till three. The announcement gets made, champagne toasts and some finger foods and mingling until six which than we all floo back to Hogwarts in time for dinner at 6:30 where Dumbledore will be forced to announce my engagement to the entire bloody student body," Juliet grumbles.
"Merlin," Margie gulps.
"Tell me about it," Juliet scowls.
#####
Juliet gulps as she stands at the top of the large staircase to the ballroom. Her mother had spent a considerable amount of time on her makeup and hair as well as pulling the corset so tight under her dress she was struggling to catch her breath. She could hear the mumble of her father addressing their guests as she hid away from view, waiting for Draco to come and escort her down.
"Lovely as ever Juju," Draco smiles and offers his arm.
"You clean up well too Coco," Juliet smirks as she takes it while they walk near the edge of the top step.
"And without further adieu my son, Draco, presents our daughter, Juliet Dahlia Malfoy," Her father announces as they walk down while the guests applaud.
Juliet gives Draco's arm a tight squeeze as he leaves her by their father's side while he starts to walk towards his mother's. Draco gives her a reassuring nod as she lets go and glances at the four boys standing on the other side of her father. Marcus. Ambrose. Cassius. Adrian. The first three look very handsome but she can't even bring herself to look at Adrian. Time seems to slow as she waits for her father to announce who has earned her hand. She can see Cassie holding Alistair's arm out of the corner of her eye with Margie and Re behind them.
"It wasn't easy trying to find someone suitable for my daughter but after careful consideration I have chosen the most worthy candidate," Her father bellows, "Would the lucky gentleman step forward."
Juliet holds her breath as she waits for one of the four to move. "Thank Salazar," she mumbles as Ambrose strides forward holding a ring box shakily in his hand.
"Hi," Ambrose whispers as he starts to lower onto one knee.
"Hi," Juliet gulps as she allows him to take her hand.
"Juliet Dahlia Malfoy, will you do the honor of marrying me?" Ambrose asks steadily.
"Yes, I accept," Juliet responds in a voice she can't believe is her own as it's calmer than she feels.
Ambrose breaks out in a relieved expression as he stands up and slips the ring onto her finger. She glances down at it, unsure of what to think. It wasn't like any of her references she had picked with her mother so she assumes this is an heirloom, and makes a note to ask Ambrose about it later.
Ambrose's hand slips into her's, breaking her fog, as she quickly plasters on a smile as several people come up to congratulate her. After what feels like ages of smiling and shaking Ambrose and Juliet are ushered into the library. They were only able to talk to their friends for a moment before they had to move on to other people. Their friends and Draco had just gotten back to Hogwarts and the new couple were able to have a few moments to themselves before it was their turn.
"I'm relieved it was you," Juliet sighs as she leans her head on his shoulder.
"I wanted to tell you," Ambrose mumbles and kisses her forward.
"I know you couldn't," Juliet smiles sadly as she lifts her head.
"Do you like the ring?" Ambrose asks nervously, "It was my grandmother's."
"It's lovely," She nods.
"Ambrose. Juliet," Her mother calls from the door. "It's time."
The two get up wordlessly and make their way to the fireplace. Ambrose goes first and then Juliet. They are then led out of Dumbledore's office by Snape and told to wait behind the closed doors of the great hall. Juliet's heart nearly jumps out of her chest as the big doors fly open and she latches onto Ambrose's arm as they begin to walk in.
"Now presenting for the first time as an engaged couple, Ambrose McAlister and Juliet Malfoy," Dumbledore announces, "Congratulations."
Juliet's cheeks are a flame as the student body starts to break out into a slow applause. She catches a familiar redhead's gaze and offers her a sad smile. Her heart clenches as Ambrose moves his hand to the small of her back and guides her into the seat at the Slytherin table.
#####
Juliet feels as if she's been stampeded by a herd of hippogriffs by the time she reaches the solitude of her room. Her head is pounding so she closes her eyes and presses her palms to her lids as she flops on her bed, hissing when something sharp stabs her side.
"Fucking shit," She grumbles as she pulls out the object.
It's a wrapped package, addressed to her with a note. Eyeing it suspiciously she rips open the envelope and her eyes begin to water.
Maybe in another life it works out.
She already knows who it is as she unwraps the present and stifles back a sob at the copy of a first edition Romeo and Juliet. She opens it generally and another slip of paper falls out.
And no one dies so we grow old and gray.
Juliet wipes a few stray tears from her face as she gently closes the book, using the second slip of paper as a bookmark, and places it on her bed side table. She quickly finds her own spare parchment and scribbles a quick note before opening her window, whistling for her owl Aster. She ties the note to his leg before sending him off to Fred.
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The ring
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Juliet's outfit
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Cassie's Outfit
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Re's outfit
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Margie's outfit