The parties of pure-blood families were undoubtedly grand and solemn social events; by comparison, the birthday party for the Weasley family's youngest daughter seemed quite simple and casual.
Before departing, Edward spent three hours detailing a series of etiquette rules for Adelaide and Alice to follow—for Alice, who had lived in such an environment since childhood, these rules were long-standing habits, and she showed great receptivity; however, for Adelaide, the situation was completely different.
In her past life, she had lived in a country where everyone was equal for over twenty years, and in this life, she was raised by Albus Dumbledore, a Gryffindor; her Great-Granduncle Gellert Grindelwald was not the type to be bound by tradition either, and Armandina, the pure-blood witch she interacted with most often, doted on her excessively. It could be said that Adelaide had never encountered those cumbersome rules comparable to Muggle nobility, and the sudden addition of these shackles made her feel annoyed.
What Adelaide found most unacceptable was the timing of the party. The party at Malfoy Manor was scheduled for seven o'clock, but according to etiquette, as an important figure attending as a representative of the Grindelwald Family, Adelaide needed to arrive at Malfoy Manor via floo powder between 7:10 and 7:15—she had to grasp the timing precisely, neither earlier nor later.
Adelaide was very dissatisfied with this schedule and complained to Edward, "The party starts at seven and you want me to arrive at 7:10? Isn't that being late? Won't that leave a bad impression?"
However, Edward told her that these were the rules of the British pure-blood circles.
Although the party nominally started at seven, in reality, everyone would arrive a bit late. A party starting at seven usually didn't officially begin until around 7:20. It was said that this was to give the host family enough time for final preparations.
If she went too early, it would instead be considered rude or a provocative act.
Furthermore, Adelaide was not familiar with the hosts, the Malfoy Family. Arriving early would put pressure on them, acting as a signal to the entire pure-blood circle of the Grindelwald Family's dominance.
Alice and Edward were to set off six minutes before Adelaide. Before leaving, Edward specifically emphasized that Adelaide should mind her image, and that Armandina would be waiting to receive her in the hall of Malfoy Manor.
Adelaide stood before the fireplace watching them disappear into the flames, a surge of dissatisfaction rising in her heart.
"Hmph, these pure-blood family rules are truly nonsensical!" Adelaide muttered, rolling her eyes hard.
She secretly vowed in her heart that once Hermione became the Minister for Magic, even if she had to sacrifice her own charms, she would have Hermione enact a decree to make these pure-blood families simplify these messy rules!
"Malfoy Manor."
When the time came, Adelaide stepped into the fireplace and tossed down a handful of floo powder. With a burst of green flames, she was transported into a magnificent, luxurious fireplace.
When she stepped out of the fireplace, she found two gorgeously dressed guide Wizards standing outside. Their waists were bent at a standard ninety-degree angle, and flattering smiles were plastered on their faces.
Adelaide was somewhat surprised because, according to her understanding, acting as a guide at a party was considered a lowly job. Usually, in a pure-blood family's manor, those who received and guided guests should be House-elves, not noble Wizards.
It could only be said that the House of Malfoy attached great importance to her arrival and had specifically arranged for Wizards to welcome her.
Realizing this, Adelaide immediately shed her somewhat casual attitude. She straightened her back and let a polite, dignified fake smile spread across her lips, exuding a powerful aura.
Then, with elegant steps, she followed the guiding Wizards from the side hall toward the main doors of Malfoy Manor.
Standing outside the main hall, Armandina greeted her with a smile. She wore a backless black evening gown, radiating the charm of a mature woman. Her deep eyes seemed to hold a pool of strong wine, making one unable to resist exploring and tasting, yet afraid of drowning in their depths.
Armandina spoke softly in French with a thick Paris accent, "Good evening~ my dearest little mistress. You are simply radiating a charming glow today, like the bright moonlight; even the surrounding stars pale in your presence."
Before her voice faded, she bowed slightly and elegantly, performing a standard Wizard's salute to Adelaide.
As she rose, Armandina smoothly took Adelaide's right hand, gently placing it against her lips, then slowly closed her eyes as if savoring the moment.
Immediately after, Armandina lightly pressed a fiery red lip print onto the back of Adelaide's hand. The vivid color formed a sharp contrast with Adelaide's fair skin, like a red plum blossom blooming in the snow.
When she opened her eyes again, those deep pupils were like burning flames, staring straight into Adelaide's sapphire-blue eyes, as if trying to see into every corner of her soul through them.
After the kiss, Armandina seemed to come back to her senses. She smiled somewhat sheepishly and said with a hint of apology, "I am so sorry, I have soiled the back of your hand... but it is only because you are so beautiful that I lost myself a little~ please, let me wipe it clean for you."
As she spoke, Armandina raised the back of Adelaide's hand, intending to wipe it against her own chest—
Adelaide jerked her right hand back as if she had been scalded—Merlin's evening gown!
What are you planning to use to wipe it!
"No, no need. Everyone is waiting in the main hall, let's head in quickly."
Adelaide's gaze was somewhat dazed. She followed the procedure, stepping forward to take Armandina's arm, but she didn't dare meet Armandina's eyes. An indescribable, strange feeling surged in her heart.
Together they entered the main hall of Malfoy Manor. Adelaide's appearance was like a bolt of lightning cutting through the night sky, instantly drawing the attention and whispers of all the pure-blood family members present.
"Look, that is Grindelwald the Second!"
"Oh, by Merlin's mask, I'm starting to believe the rumors that the Grindelwald Family has Veela blood."
"I heard that even though she's a Ravenclaw, she successfully won over the lower-year Slytherin students in her first year, making them fiercely loyal to her."
Various discussions rose and fell; Adelaide's arrival had undoubtedly become the focus of the gathering.
But at this moment, Adelaide had no mind to deal with these pure-blood family members. She was pondering a far more important question—Armandina was only 21 this year, younger than the age Adelaide was when she died in her previous life; according to Adelaide's understanding of Armandina, she should be a cold-on-the-outside, warm-on-the-inside, 'crazy' young lady who liked little girls.
So, having not seen her for only half a month, what exactly had Armandina gone through to turn into such a predatory, sultry older sister!
This was becoming a bit more than she could handle!
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