Finally, it was time for the formal. The manor was filled with house elves galore and decorations everywhere. There were trees around every corner and each was decorated with the finest of glass ornaments. There were sprigs of mistletoe hung on doorways around the entire main floor. The house elves were crowded in the large kitchen preparing the snacks for tonight. All in all, the manor was decked out and it was awesome. I'm wearing probably the most comfortable outfit of my stay: a Christmas sweater and leggings. I swear Mr. Malfoy gave me a side glance when he saw how casual it was, but he sucked it up.

I made my way from the main floor to my room so that I could write in my journal for a little bit before I had to get ready. I've been neglecting writing in it during my free time; instead, I have been constantly sending owls to Mum and my friends. Blaise even received a letter here and there.

Dear Unknown,

Life has been... going. I live day to day and, honestly, each day is getting better. Draco Malfoy has definitely proved himself despite our first conversation. Life at the Malfoy Manor is interesting. Everything is so neat and orderly. Around his parents, it doesn't even seem like Draco has a personality. Especially around his father. It's always "Yes, sir" and "No, sir" and it's crazily intense. Oh well, I gotta go now. Someone is knocking on my door.

"Come in," I called from my bed. I tucked my journal under my pillow and looked up.

"Hello, Anthea. Did you need any help getting ready?" Narcissa inquired as she slowly walked in.

"I usually don't, but I would greatly appreciate it," I said smiling. Narcissa looked at me with a large smile and we walked to the spacious bathroom that was off to the side of my room. I sat at the vanity and Narcissa stood behind me brushing out my hair.

"When I was your age, I always dreamed of being able to help my daughter get ready. For dates, dances, events - whatever it may be. I never was able to do that because I had a son, but it has always stayed in my head after all these years," she said nostalgically. "I remember my mum helping me get ready for my engagement party. She stood behind me just like we are now and it was magical. A bonding experience between a mother and daughter like this cannot be replaced. I pray that you and your mother have done this before."

"No, we have never had a reason to. Holidays were always spent at Durmstrang. They had the best parties for the students. Parents were invited and our ballroom was filled to the brim. Last year, I spent the holidays at Hogwarts. Being home reminded me too much of my brother and I couldn't handle it. It was a pleasant experience, though." While I was talking, Mrs. Malfoy braided back a small section of my hair and began to apply my eye makeup.

"What a shame. Holidays are a big event for the elite here. I am glad you could join us this year." I smiled at her in the mirror. I continued getting ready in silence. Finally, I was just about ready. I looked in the full body mirror at my reflection as Narcissa clasped my necklaces. She pulled my hair behind my back and placed her hands on my shoulders. "There, you look gorgeous. One day, I guarantee you will be a stunning bride."

I blushed. "Thank you so much. I appreciate the help."

"It was no problem at all. Thank you for helping me fulfill a lifelong dream." We smiled at each other once more and moved to exit my room. I have learned over the past few days the true Narcissa Malfoy. She is a fierce, loyal woman who is completely dedicated to her husband and family. She supports the Black and Malfoy bloodline true and true. She is the physical embodiment of a badass mother. I have developed a great and deep respect for her.

We walked down a set of stairs and found Mr. Malfoy and Draco standing near a fireplace in a room off of the room where the formal is being held. My face lit up when Draco turned to look at me. He looked impeccable as always, with his dark dress robes offset by the bright red bowtie around his neck. "We clean up nice," he said, repeating that line from the Halloween dance. I smirked at him.

"Agreed," I replied. The men held out their hands and Narcissa and I accepted them. They led us out into the ballroom and my gaze flew to the crowd. I saw a few recognizable faces from school. The Notts, Parkinsons, Greengrasses, Woodrows, Baders, Boones, and Knopps. Most are families I enjoy seeing. I brightened at the sight of Miles and made a mental note to find him later. As a hostess for the event, I greeted the guests alongside Draco. I was amazed how polite he was, but I noticed that the smile he was giving everyone was not reaching his eyes. Another mental note of mine was made.

A flash of green from a fireplace gleamed in the corner of my eye. I looked over and quickly saw my mum. I whispered a few words to Draco and rushed off to my mother. I hugged her tightly. "Mum! How are you?" I asked, scanning her.

"I am better now that I get to see you. My, you look gorgeous!" she exclaimed.

"Me? Look at you! You look amazing," I said. I don't think I've ever smiled wider.

"Oh, stop it." She waved her hand. I grabbed her elbow and led her over to the Malfoys. "Narcissa, how lovely it is to see you," Mum said. I walked over to Draco and we ventured off to find our friends and give our mothers time to catch up. We found Blaise nursing a glass of punch with a blushing Willa. Her head turned towards us and she looked relieved when she saw me. I gave her a hug and moved to kiss Blaise on the cheek in greeting. While I was at St. Mungo's, mum began teaching me the ways of a pureblood and how to please others. One of the rules was to kiss men on the cheek in greeting. Draco did whatever he was taught to do.

"Willa! How are you?" I asked facing her.

"I am wonderful. I spent the first few days with my family in Albania visiting my grandmother. How are you?" she asked, clutching my arms.

"I am fantastic. I was with my brother for a few days, and then I've been here helping them set up for this event." Being my best friend, she already knew everything about Braxton.

"How's he doing, by the way?" she asked.

"He hasn't gotten any better. It isn't a good or bad thing, but there hasn't been any change. " I replied. We left it at that and I turned to my date for the formal. "Shall we go greet more people?" I asked Draco.

"Of course. I do not think my parents have greeted the Notts - we should go do that," he said. I remembered my past experience with the younger Nott and shuddered, but put on a brave face. I grabbed his elbow and we walked over to the family.

"Mr. Malfoy, Ms. Elsword, it is nice to see you," Mrs. Nott greeted.

"You as well," Draco replied.

"Thea, I see you are still hanging on to that git," Theodore said to me under his breath while Draco conversed with Mr. Nott.

"Theodore, I saw that even Pansy Parkinson has rejected you. Does your mum even love you?" I snarked back at him.

"Tch, I heard that you have been hanging around here for a few days. Have they been using you as a whore? That's the only way you could ever raise your social status through them," he said with a straight face.

My face morphed into one of anger as I replied, "I have been here as a guest to assist in this event. The only reason your family received an invitation was that of courtesy. No one wants your greasy ass here, especially not the Malfoys."

He scoffed and walked off with his family. Draco saw my face and leaned towards me. "Are you okay?" he asked.

"Fine," I spat. "Nott just needs to learn his place." He nodded and we moved to greet more guests.

Other than the altercation with Nott, the formal went very well. I spent the whole time entertaining and staying attached to Draco. Soon enough the guests had all left and the manor was empty. Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy retired to their wing of the house and Draco and I went to our rooms to change. I untwisted my hair and summoned a house elf to unzip my dress. I pulled on a pair of sweatpants and sighed at how comfortable it was compared to the constricting dress I was wearing moments ago. I pulled a crop top on and checked myself out in the mirror. I walked the few doors down to the Draco's room and just walked in. He was pulling on a shirt and damn, quidditch gave him some killer muscles. I shook my head and smiled at him.

"Hey," I said.

"Hey, Thea," he smirked. Damn, he totally caught me looking, I thought. We have grown closer over the past few days and spend a lot of our time sitting in his room talking for hours. We usually end up extremely close, usually with one of our heads in the other's lap. He took his position at one end of the couch in his room, and I laid out on it with my head in his lap. I pulled out the book I brought with me and began reading while Draco played with my hair. We sat, or in my case, laid in silence for a bit. I could feel my eyes start to droop and Draco trying to wake me up so that I could go back to my room, but I refused to move. Finally, he lifted up my head and moved out from underneath me, setting my book aside. I was in a state of being half-asleep when I felt him pick me up bridal style take me over to my room. I was too tired to care so I just cuddled into him further. His chest rumbled a little bit as he chuckled in response to my actions. He reached my room and set me on my bed. He kissed the top of my head and was about to leave my room until I called him out.

"Hey, Draco?" I yawned.

"Yeah?" he said turning to face me.

"Thanks for a good night."

"No problem, sleep well."

"Mhm, you too," I replied softly and closed my eyes, claiming the sleep that I deserved.