Chapter 3: Yule Ball


Draco and his friends were at the common room alone. They were discussing about the Potions’ exam results.
“Congratulations Draco!” Pansy stated.
“Yeah, that was really surprising Malfoy.” Said Crabbe.
“So what’s up with you and Greengrass?” Blaise asked and everyone teased except for Pansy. She smiled a bit but she hated the topic.
“You guys really look good together. Does she know?” Goyle began asking questions.
“About what?” Draco looked at him.
“That you like her?” Goyle replied. Draco didn’t answer but he smiled. Pansy was just silent. She stared at Draco with her heart crushed. She has yearned for Draco ever since and knowing that Draco has feelings for Astoria just makes her want to cry.
“Hey, Pansy’s roommate with Astoria. Does Astoria ever talk about any guys in the Slytherins?” Blaise asked her.
“She barely talks to any of the girls. She’s weird.” Pansy bashed.
The door opened and they all stopped talking. Astoria came in while reading a letter. Malfoy’s friend looked at each other and smiled but Astoria didn’t see them. She just walked straight to the girl’s dormitory.
“At least you have a date for the ball. I don’t have one yet.” Blaise continued.
They continued talking about the upcoming Yule Ball and Pansy just felt heartbroken. She stood up and excused herself. She paced out of the room and went to the bathroom. Pansy held on to her tears for awhile and when she was already alone she couldn’t help it but cry.

The following day Draco saw Astoria at the Great Hall eating breakfast. It was a Saturday. Draco ran to sit beside her.
“Are you ready for next week?” Draco asked.
“I’m not great with parties, Malfoy.” Astoria rolled her eyes.
“You promised.” Draco stared at her.
“That’s why I’ll go, Malfoy. Because I promised.” Astoria assured.
“So when will you start calling me Draco?” Draco added.
“Just because you call me by my first name doesn’t mean I have to call you by your first name too.”
“But I’m the one who’s insiting—“
“Well, I’m insisting too!”
They’re arguing like a couple but still, Astoria calls him Malfoy. The day of the Yule Ball finally came. Everyone was ready for this. The boys wearing their suits and the girls are all glam up. Draco was waiting for Astoria. A few minutes later, Astoria approached him. She was wearing a black cocktail dress. Her hair was straight and very formal. She looked a bit shy and didn’t say a word.
“You look beautiful.” Draco whispered. Astoria blushed and they walked in to the Great Hall for the ball.

The night was magical. They danced. They mingled. They laughed. Astoria, being an introvert, was actually having the time of her life. They just both looked happy and content. After dancing, they sat down for awhile to rest their feet.
“I thought you never liked parties?” Draco leaned to her.
“Well, this would be the first.” Astoria answered him back. They both shared a smile for awhile.
“Would you like to go outside for some air?” Draco offered his hand to Astoria.
“Okay” Astoria agreed.
The corridors of Hogwarts were really silent at night. The noise you can only hear is the one coming from the Great hall. Draco and Astoria walked hand in hand around Hogwarts until they reached the Hogwarts covered bridge.
“Thank you Astoria, for the tutoring. I’ve studied a lot lately because of you.” Draco started.
“You’re actually smart Draco. You’re not just very fond of studying that’s all.” Astoria looked at him.
“I like you, Astoria. I like you a lot.” Draco went nearer her.
“Huh? What? He doesn’t like Pansy?” Astoria thought to herself. This was actually happening to her. Draco… confessing for the first time. She wanted to smile. She wanted to cry. She was confused whether she’s happy or hyper.
“Why?” she had nothing else to say. She couldn’t think of words to construct.
“Because when I’m with you, I feel like I’m just Draco. No pretenses, no reputation, nothing fake.” Draco leaned to her close enough to kiss her.

Astoria finally gave in and they both kissed.