Margo mingled and danced—and danced and mingled. The ball was so crowded that she could hardly keep track of everyone she talked to. Good thing Missis Walton had also ordered Demetra and Violetta to the ball—it gave them a better coverage of the event. There were also some low rank Lilies attending the ball as companions to the quests.

Margo had spent a fair share of the last two hours dancing in the Mirror Hall when she noticed people gathering in one corner of the room. 

“Oh, it must be Mister Hadleigh!” said Mister Connolly, whom Margo was dancing with. He guided her closer to the crowd, yet they did not stop dancing. 

There were indeed a pair of shoulders she did not recognise. The man was tall with dark blond hair. It took awhile before she could see his face. And when she did, it was a reflection in the mirror so she could not be sure of whether she saw the real person or just a vision. Margo tried to sneak a glance at the rumoured Mister Hadleigh but the crowd obscured the view. 

The dance ended and after thanking Mister Connolly for the dance, Margo glanced at the mirror again. Her eyes met what she believed to be Mister Hadleigh’s eyes. There was something about him that Margo could not pinpoint. It took her a moment to realise that the man in question stood only a few steps behind her. She turned around and faced him. Indeed it was the same stranger she had seen at the horse race! He smiled and stepped closer, polite enough to avert his gaze for a moment: “Pardon my intrusion but for quite a while I thought myself to be seeing visions. I am glad to have confirmed I am looking at a real lady.”

“It’s the mirrors,” Margo replied, “makes one believe you are in a dream.”

“No,” Mister Hadleigh smiled delightedly, “I never have that lovely a dream.”

“What a shame.”

Mister Hadleigh furrowed his brow: “I believe we have met before?”

Margo felt embarrassed as she forced herself to confirm: “I am afraid I am the fair maiden you saved from utter disgrace just hours ago at the horse race.”

“Of course!” Mister Hadleigh laughed, “How could I not recognise those remarkable eyes!”

Margo looked away, suddenly feeling overly self-conscious.

“I do hope you did not sprain your ankle?”

“Oh no, I am all well. Thanks to you,” Margo nodded.

“I am glad to hear that,” he had a wonderful smile and for the first time within her years of being a Lily, Margo was lost for words.

“May I ask your name?” Mister Hadleigh asked.

“Margery… Margery Lovegood.”

“Well then, Miss Lovegood, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Mister Hadleigh gave her another one of his smiles. Somewhere Mister Darmouth yelled his name again.

“That’s my cue apparently. It was nice to meet you, Miss Lovegood,” he said and turned to leave.

“My dear Sir?” Margo stopped him before he got away. The man turned to her again.

“You didn’t provide me yours,” Margo smiled at him.

“Oh,” Mister Hadleigh slapped his forehead as he had truly forgotten to introduce himself, “Daniel… Daniel Hadleigh.”

Margo smiled politely: “Well then, Mister Hadleigh, I wish you a wonderful evening.”

She turned towards the doorway—she had to leave the Mirror Hall before anyone else could ask her for a dance so she could take a break. From the mirrors she saw how his gaze lingered just a little bit longer on her.