The Yule Ball

"And he can't kiss your daughter away from you because?" Artorius asked. "Elrohir doesn't push an issue without reason. He must have had a good reason for it."

"Mister Celebtrian" Darius groaned. "Did you not set rules for my son Descartes?"

"No." Artorius said simply. "I trust my daughter and your son. I didn't feel a need to."

"Well, I'm not so trusting. I'm very protective of my daughter."

"As am I." Artorius replied. "But I also think she is capable of taking care of herself."

"Well, I don't think my daughter can." Darius says looking away from Artorius a second.

"What are you so afraid of?" Artorius asked, his brows furrowing.

"My daughter getting hurt." Darius says.

"And you don't think that Elrohir would risk everything to protect her?" Artorius asked, slightly annoyed.

"I never said he wouldn't." Darius says. "But he is not all powerful. This arrangement is difficult, because I can't have people look after Sonia when she's dating your son. . .no offense."

Artorius frowned slightly. "I know Elrohir is not all powerful, as does he. And what makes you think Sonia needs constant supervision? Or are you just implying that she only needs it when she is dating my son?"

"Not because she's dating your son. If she was dating anyone, I'd feel the same way."

"Why?" Artorius asked. "What do you think is going to happen?"

Darius sighed. "Her going down the same path I did."

"You should have more faith in your daughter." Artorius replied. "I am under the impression that if she dates my son she will not be in any danger whatsoever. Of any kind."

Darius shook his head. "I just can't allow it. I won't let our children suffer for what I've done. The rumors are aweful." He sighed. "I just don't know."

"You shouldn't listen to rumors." Artorius suggested. "They're rarely true. Why don't you just give Elrohir a chance? Don't you think people will stop gossiping if they find out who your children are dating?"

"From what I've heard. . .no. Death eaters' children dating two Aurorers is quite the nasty gossip." Darius closed his eyes rembering the party the night before. He shuddered.

"Why do you care so much what people think of you?" Artorius asked. "Obviously our children don't."

Darius took a deep breathe. "Mr. Celebrian, rumors often mislead the authority figures. I do not want any of our children arrested."