Pansy was excited for the gala. She loved any chance to be seen out in public, and her costume tonight? She was definitely going to make a splash. It was also a welcome relief from all the pureblood stuff going on. For once, she felt safe among friends and acquaintances, happy to go somewhere that wasn't work or her flat.
She adjusted the hood of her red cape and smiled as she entered the ballroom, carrying a little picnic basket filled with candy for the children. She paused in the entryway, surveying the room. It was delightful to see so many of the children in her old gowns, a room full of tiny, stylish little girls. There was even a little girl in a pair of Pansy's old heels- charmed so she could walk in them, they were hardly stiletto length, but the sparkly shoes were adorable and fierce. It made Pansy almost wish for a daughter to play dress-up with. Or... no. If she ever got the urge Marcus had a kid now. She didn't need a full-time kid. She didn't have time for that.
The usual partygoers- a few Quidditch players, most of the society people. Of course Brown and her Weasley, because heaven forbid she pass up an opportunity to be seen in public, despite most of the public loathing her. Pansy rolled her eyes, but smiled and waved as little Julie spotted her. Then Pansy moved further into the crowd, looking for Daphne or any of the other Slytherins.