Smoothly drifting through the crowd,
Returning each inquisitive eye with an appropriate nod.
Gliding along the hall in robes of purest silk.
Elegance, height, composure.
A spectacle of nobility, and not given a second glance.
To the humming of violins
A slow, measured dance.
Tense air, hot, readily suffocating.
Porcelain masks of ease and confidence
With water boiling underneath.
A slight misstep.
A stumble.
A slipping mask
Descends with a rush to the ground
Breaks, shatters, hitting cold, unforgiving marble floor.
Heads turn from all sides,
Deadly stares, daggers drilling holes into the unshielded face.
True self exposed.
Dash for the door,
Breaking open the heavy lock.
Running out to meet cool night air,
Calm, silent...
Freedom.
Masquerade Ball by bluexroses
Chapter Notes: This is my first attempt at writing something in fanfic, so please review and let me know what you thought. Disclaimer: Anything you recognize is JK Rowing's, but anything you don't is very much mine.