Chapter 4: the Proust Ball

I pulled on my dress that I've been saving for the ball. It was a body hugging, strapless, thigh-length, navy blue dress that was covered in sparkles that caught the light.

I pulled on silver pumps, cast a glamour charm to hide the scars on my arms and examined my reflection in the full sized mirror. My raven hair fell in curls to my waist and partially pinned to the side with silver clip. I even wore a bit of makeup to highlight my features. I spotted my dagger on the vanity and picked it up, hesitating. Then I finally strapped it to my thigh with its holster, heeding my father's warning, as well as Draco's concerns. Things have been getting pretty suspicious around here to I need to be able to defend myself.

With one final look at myself in the mirror I stepped out of the Slytherin chamber to meet Theodore, who looked handsome in his dress robes. His messy brown hair almost looked charming against his pale skin.

"You look absolutely wonderful Victoria."

"Yes thank you." I sighed and walked to the front doors which lead to where the ball was being held outside. Theodore followed, keeping a hand on the small of my back. We stepped into the cool night air and gazed at the setting.

The dance floor was circled by floating lanterns lit up by fairies. The lake sparkled as the squid propelled itself across the smooth surface. Tables with chairs meant for two lined the floor as well as a table groaning from the amount of food placed on it. A few couples were already dancing while other milled around, talking to friends. As Theodore led me to the floor, I was addressed by friends and other girls who complimented my dress.

For the first two dances Theodore kept stepping on my toes and stumbling around mumbling apologies every time he did so. I finally excused myself for the sake of both of us. I took a seat at an empty table, surrounded by other couples who were immersed in each other. I spotted Pansy in a pretty pink dress with her brown hair up in a bun. Draco was clumsily dancing with her. I smiled to myself at their struggle. Draco looked ravishing in his robes and Slytherin green tie. I finally tore my eyes from him and leaned back, resting my eyes.

I heard someone walk up to me, but I ignored them. They pulled on my hand to stand me up and I found myself face to face with Harry Potter. He insisted on me dancing with him and I reluctantly agreed. He kept his face uncomfortably close to mine and kept switching his grips.

"Not bloody good at this dancing are you?" I muttered.

"I never learned really. You should have seen me at the Yule Ball."

"I did."

"Good." Harry's breath puffed in my face and his face leaned in closer and closer. His hand grazed my dagger's holster when someone put an arm between us. I looked over at my savior to see Draco.

"If you don't mind, can I interrupt this little party?" Draco's face was stone cold and it held a sneer directed at Harry. His eyes burned with hate. Harry narrowed his eyes but released me.

"Come to save the day Malfoy?"

"Only if I can help it Potter. She'd much rather dance with a ferret than a big headed bloke."

"Fair enough." Harry stalked over to his friends Ron and Hermione.

I placed my arm on Draco and laughed.

"What?" Draco's eyes danced in amusement. I propelled us around the dance floor.

"Harry seemed to be enjoying groping me while attempting to dance. You interrupted us. Prat." Draco pretended to look hurt, "I'm kidding Draco." We continued to waltz around the polished floor.

"I'm sorry I didn't realize your taste involved no good Gryffindors."

"Yeah I suppose it doesn't…"

"I'm sorry did I offend you?"

"Draco Malfoy apologizing. That's rare. But no you didn't offend me. I certainly do hold certain things against Harry..."

"What are they, if you don't mind me asking?"

"My father and him... don't exactly see eye to eye. We'll talk about it some other time, now isn't a great time."

"Alright." His forehead creased in worry, but the creases faded and a relaxed expression returned to his perfect face. Understanding played across his weary face.

Later that night we escaped to a secluded area to be alone. We sat under a tree in front of the lake. I huddled close to Draco since it was chilly. He put an arm around me. His eyes swept over my dress to my face. "You look amazing." He leaned over and kissed my cheek. "Do you honestly not care about my reputation?"

I shook my head, "It means next to nothing to me. I think you're an amazing person. Why should I be worried about it?"

"Well I'm involved in some pretty dark stuff..."

"Trust me," I put my hand on his arm, "I would know. Story of my life." He liked at me questioningly. "It's nothing to worry about. My father again..."

"Oh alright. Well then I have a question."

"Yes?"

"..Would you like to be my girlfriend?" he took my hand a slipped a beautiful silver ring on my middle finger. "It's a promise ring." He smiled at me.

"I-I-It's beautiful."

"Something wrong?"

"I just... if I've learned anything from my father.. I don't usually just put myself out there.."

"I promise I'll never do anything to hurt you. But I don't want to pressure you into anything. Just think about it."

I leaned back against the tree. Me, Draco Malfoy's girlfriend? It's too good to be true. I really wanted to. The want inside me was too great. "I'd love to be your girlfriend!" I exclaimed, surprising even myself. I examined the ring to hide my blush from Draco.

"It's real; even the diamonds. A special ring for a very special girl."

"Draco... I can't accept this. It's too much."

"Oh it was no trouble at all," Draco leaned back, "My father is rich beyond compare. It's nothing."

"I know your father alright. Lucius Malfoy?"

"Yes that's him. How do you know him?"

"Umm... he's a... good... Friend of my father's..."

"It comes back to your father a lot doesn't it?" Draco's forehead creased again.

"Yes it does." My hand automatically ran over my arm where my Glamoured scars were.

"I'm sorry I asked, but I do have one more question."

"Ask away."

"I'm not trying to be insensitive, but are you a pure blood?"

"Why?"

"It's extremely insensitive of me, but I prefer pure bloods."

"Well I am a pure blood. Hestia, my sister, is adopted."

I leaned forward before he could speak again and kissed him hard. I pushed him back against the tree, our lips never leaving each other's. Our tongues intertwined as I climbed onto his lap, straddling his legs. His arms slid around my waist like a snake. My hand searched his chest, working my way to unbutton his robes and white shirt beneath it. I undid one button at a time until his bare chest was exposed. I ran my hands across his pale, toned chest in fascination.

Suddenly I leaned back, pulling Draco by his tie with me. He ended up on top of me, our mouths locked and our tongues intertwined. His hand ran up by back to find my dress zipper and tugged on it. I stopped his hand and sat up.

"No Draco, not now, especially not here."

"...Alright." his voice was muffled. He looked at me, disappointment heavy on his face. Draco crawled behind me and sat against the tree again. I cautiously sat next to him.

"I'm sorry I stopped you."

"Don't be. I shouldn't have pushed you that far." He said tiredly. His hand which was resting on my knee slid towards my thigh. It met the now exposed holster of my dagger. "What the- oh my gods!" he pulled the dagger from its holster and examined it with wide eyes. I don't blame him.

The lethal weapon was a jagged 6 inch blade with a wicked point. "Yeah I keep it with me just in case."

"In case of what? A dragon attack? This is wicked cool." His face lit up like a little boy. "How sharp is it?"

"Very sharp."

"Whoa..." he pressed the tip to his finger, "Shit!" the wound began to bleed and soon a single drop of blood ran down his pale finger.

"Draco be careful." I wiped his finger in the grass then healed the punctured finger with my wand before kissing it.

"There's a lot I don't know about you isn't there?"

"Yes. You'll find out soon enough." I laid my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes. He encircled an arm around me. Draco's body was so warm and his shoulder was so comfortable.. My eyes drifted close...