Here is the next chapter. It will be longer than the last, I promise.
Disclaimer: You all know the drill…
For the next week, Draco and Mira practiced their three routines at every possible opportunity. On their next 5th year dance class on Friday, Miss Layla gave them the entire class just to prepare. The competition would be on Monday. The Hogwarts team and Miss Layla would take a portkey to Durmstrang Sunday night, compete Monday and Tuesday, and come back on Wednesday.
Each couple had to dance two dances but as Mira and Draco were more advanced, Miss Layla had asked them to prepare three. Two dances were for the competition; one dance was for the showcase.
Draco was glad however, that the Hogsmeade trip was on Saturday. He wanted to get Mira something from a shop there and he wanted to give it to her before they left Hogwarts. Mira was also glad that they would have an opportunity to go to Hogsmeade because Flourish and Blotts had owled her saying that her requested book order had come in. So both students were glad when Miss Layla told them that they didn't have to practice on Saturday. Draco took particular glee in the fact that of the four couples; only they were given this day off as Miss Layla felt that the other three couples needed more work on their dances.
When Saturday finally rolled around, Draco and Mira were practically up with the sun. They rushed down to breakfast and were in Hogsmeade by 8 am. They split up at first, promising to meet up at the Three Broomsticks at 9:30.
Mira hurried to Flourish and Blotts to pick up her book order. Knowing that she still had plenty of time before she had to meet Draco, she bought the newest Potions Weekly for her father and 2 pounds of candy and snacks for the competition. She also visited the small robes store in search of a new hair clip to go with one of her competition outfits.
Meanwhile, Draco had gone immediately into a small alley and into a small but high-quality jewelry shop. He started looking at the jewelry there, looking for something simple, but elegant and unique. The shopkeeper noticed the boy gazing at the expensive items and waddled over.
"Boy! I'll have you know that these are very expensive items. They won't be within your budget."
Draco looked up coldly. "I'm sure they are well within the Malfoy budget." He stated in a stiff voice.
The shopkeeper looked startled. "Oh I'm terribly sorry Master Malfoy. I didn't recognize you at first. What are you looking for today?"
"Actually, I'm looking for a ring. Simple, yet elegant and unique. Have you anything that fits that description?" Asked Draco.
The shopkeeper smiled and pulled out a beautiful delicate ring. It was made of pure silver with a strip of platinum gold, the same color as my hair, thought Draco. In the middle sat three tiny but exquisite clear diamonds. Draco loved it immediately.
"Perfect. I'll take it." He stated calmly.
"An excellent choice Mr. Malfoy. This little beauty also has many protection charms on it. Have you another ring that you always wear?"
Draco held up his personal Slytherin ring.
"Excellent. For no extra charge, I can link these two rings so you will know whenever the wearer of this ring," the shopkeeper informed an interested Draco, "is in trouble. Also, if the wearer is your true love, it will enable the two of you to speak telepathically."
Draco gave a rare smile. "Brilliant. I'll take it."
After purchasing the ring, Draco slipped the small box into his pocket and went to meet Mira at the Three Broomsticks.
He slipped inside the warm room and spotted Mira immediately. She had her nose buried in what looked to be a new book, oblivious to her surroundings. He walked to the table and slipped into the opposite her.
"Morning love."
"Oh! Hello Draco!" She said happily, putting down her book.
"Good book?" he asked
"Very. It's a new one I picked up at Flourish and Blotts. It's Ancient Spells and Curses by a famous Asian curse breaker. Hermione recommended it." Mira said earnestly.
Draco laughed. "Yes, that certainly sounds like something Granger would like. Did you order anything?"
"No. We already had breakfast."
"Good. Come with me." Draco said, taking Mira's hand and walking with her to a small clearing in the woods surrounding Hogsmeade.
"Mira, there is something I'd like to ask you."
"Alright Draco. What is it?" Mira asked, curious but slightly confused at Draco's serious tone.
Draco knelt down on the ground and grabbed Mira's hand as he looked up at her. Mira's eyes went wide and she gave a small gasp.
"Miralyn Zambini Snape, I have known you for a long time, and even though I haven't loved you for as long, I love you now more than I ever could have imagined. The betrothal aside, if I was freely given a choice, I would decide in a heartbeat to marry and spend the rest of my life with you. Miralyn Zambini Snape. Will you marry me?" Draco asked hopefully.
Mira's eyes swelled up with unshed tears and she smiled ecstatically.
"Yes love. Of course I'll marry you!" she replied in a breathless whisper.
Draco beamed and swept her up in his arms before kissing her madly. He set her down gently and reached into his pocket to produce a small black box. He opened it and grinned at Mira's gasp.
"This is for you love. It's linked to my ring to tell me if you ever need me." He slipped it on her ring finger and she smiled when it fit perfectly. He purposely left out the part about true love. That would either come or it wouldn't.
"Did you ask Father?" Mira asked anxiously.
"Of course. We talked it over during my detention. He is fine with it and happy for us. As long as we don't actually get married before you are 18." Draco smiled down at Mira who was grinning euphorically.
"Wonderful". Mira said as she slipped her hand into Draco's and together they started walking back to Hogwarts.
That's all for this chapter. Competition will be in the next one sorry.
Thanks for reading!
