let's see how far we've come | kalbus
His dress robes didn’t fit anymore.
As he looked himself over in the mirror he thought how queer it was how different his life was in just a years time. Last year he was a mess, arguably the most directionless he had ever been. Now he was in a serious relationship and about to showcase his love at one of the most publicized events of the year–and consequently his fucking least favorite day. He was named after two people who had died in the second war. How depressing was that? Every year he got the same questions from every fucking reporter “What do you think about Severus Snape’s brave sacrifice? How do you feel about Albus Dumbledore’s influence on your father?” He would smile dazzlingly like he always did and answer without a hint of malice. The mask went on smoother each year as he got more practice.
What was the point of celebrating a bunch of good people dying on the same night? Uncle George wasn’t even ever there. It was stupid and everyone knew it. But somehow their parents generation felt that it boosted morale. They were in charge, he supposed. And they did have to celebrate brave sacrifices. He often wondered if he would be brave enough to face what his parents faced. When he looked at Rose, he wasn’t sure. She was so sure of her bravery, she knew she would be good in a fight. She knew she could make the same sacrifices as their parents did.
Yet when he looked to himself he saw someone who wasn’t even brave enough to tell his parents of his career ambitions.
He heaved a sigh and readied himself for what was to come. Even after years of going to the Stupid Fucking Ball he couldn’t fully prepare himself to face it. His father was miserable every year, as was his mother. It reminded his father of everyone he thought he had killed because he was a fucking masochist, and his mom lost one of her closest brothers. It would be fucking lovely. At least he would have Katie.
He was meant to meet her in the Ballroom at 7. Alarmingly, it was already 6:58 and he was still at home. He flew out of the door and down the stairs, getting to the fireplace as quickly as he could. He made it just three minutes late, tossing out as many apologies as he could. “Are you ready?”