Authors Note: I just realized that I've been so busy trying to get as many chapters up of this as fast as possible that I haven't even introduced myself. So first off, I'm Megan. I've been writing this story for awhile and I thought maybe I'd share it. So thank you all so freaking much for adding it to your Favorites lists and Story Alerts. You have no idea how awesome that is for me. If you have any hints, tips, or general feedback I'd love to hear it. I tried to make this story as unique as possible but it's not like it hasn't been done before. I hope you enjoy it.
I had locked Draco out of the bathroom for the past two hours and I could tell he was getting impatient for me to be done so he could do his own beauty routine, or use the loo, one or the other. But I had to make sure I looked presentable, who knew who else would be at this Gala and I wasn't about to look awful if there were going to be eligible guys there, after all my coming out party should be soon and I should be thinking of finding a good guy. This was a good way to scope them out despite the fact I had to be with Draco for most of the night.
My mother had informed me that the Parkinsons had never been invited in the first place. Apparently, Narcissa didn't approve of Pansy's affections or relationship with Draco and tried to keep them separated as much as possible. I didn't quite understand why she disapproved of Pansy, she was a pureblood after all, but I could understand not liking her affections towards Draco. No mom wants an obsessive girlfriend with her baby boy. In any case, it lifted a huge weight off my shoulders knowing I wouldn't have to face her at the Gala and try to explain the messy situation. It also made me feel better knowing she wouldn't be forced to see Draco since she really needed space and time right now.
I finally looked in the mirror and decided that I looked just the way I wanted to. I had gotten my hair done that morning so it was dark brown with some highlights throughout and I had it up in a curly, messy bun with curls around my face as well. My makeup made me look a porcelain doll and I had bright red lipstick on to match my dress. I twirled a few times and sighed. I really loved formal events, mainly because of the dresses; I was a huge formal gown fan. I checked myself over once more and then I quickly unlocked Draco's door and ran to my room before he could burst through it and see me. It was a narrow escape though, that boy had no patience.
I went into the closet and found my shoes I had picked out. I wasn't tall by any means but I knew I'd be on my feet almost all night so I decided on some flats that had a little bit of a platform. I stood in front of the full-length mirror and took a deep breath knowing I would have to go down soon and the spotlight would be on me since I was the host's son's date, I'd be expected to greet and talk with everyone, and to dance with Draco. None of which I was particularly looking forward to but I had to do as my parents asked so here I was.
Soon I heard the knock on my door signaling that it was time for me to go down for the Gala. I walked out and down to the entrance of the ballroom. Draco was waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs. At first, he was obviously off in another world but his eyes slid up the stairs and landed at me and he definitely came back to Earth then because his eyes got huge and his mouth gaped a little before he snapped back and smirked at me. However, this time instead of instilling disgust in me, I actually felt kind of giddy that he was looking at me like that. I mentally slapped the crap out of myself, those thoughts should not be happening.
I collected myself and took the arm he offered when I reached the bottom of the stairs.
"You look fantastic." He whispered in my ear and I tried to ignore the chills that ran down my spine.
"Thank you." I whispered back as we got in place for our 'grand entrance'.
Narcissa and Lucious were first, then my parents and lastly Draco and I. I was getting nervous but I wasn't quite sure why. This was no different from any other ball I'd gone to, except this time I wasn't really a guest. The music began and Narcissa and Lucious moved forward through the doorway to be announced, then my parents disappeared leaving Draco and I by ourselves for a couple seconds.
"You're going to do fine. Just smile, nod and say hello. You know how to be courteous and sweet, they'll all love you." Draco said to me just before the doors opened one more time for us to be introduced.
Somehow, that made me feel much better.
The light hit my face and I heard the announcer saying 'Presenting Mr. Draco Malfoy and his partner Ms. Callisandra Adams'. I could feel all eyes on me and wanted to run away from it all but I held my ground, smiled and descended into the party below. Once we got off the stairs, we were swept into the handshaking and 'how-do-you-do' section of the evening. Everyone's names and faces blurred but I did my best to look interested and act appropriately despite the fact that I didn't know the people, didn't care about politics and all they were playing was classical music.
Once all the niceties had played out I was allowed to sit for a moment while my 'date' went to get us refreshments. I used this time to scope out any potential hotties among the privileged and proper young men before me. There were a few that I thought I would like to get to know but for the most part, there seemed to be very few attractive ones there. Disappointed I looked around the room hoping to find Draco so I could find the food and drinks. I had a feeling that other than dancing I'd be spending the majority of my night there.
Draco made his way back to me and I couldn't help but notice his black on black suit made him look quite dashing especially with the red tie that matched my dress. I'd say he was the best looking guy in the room, there's no shame in admitting that. Pansy at least had good taste in looks but when it came to personalities, she was awful. I watched him move with a fluid grace and an air of superiority that somehow made him sexy not arrogant. I really needed to stop thinking things like that about him. He was my best friends evil, stuck up, cheating, jerk of an ex boyfriend. I needed to remind myself of all his past offenses. He may be acting politely and maybe even a little nicely towards me but it's an act for our parents and the party, nothing more.
That's when I heard the announcement that had me gasping for breath.
'Would you all now welcome to the floor the young couple, our hosts, Mr. Malfoy and Ms. Adams.'
Draco was about 3 feet away from our table at that point and clearly hesitated but then he put on his acting face, smiled at me, strode up, put our glasses down and while bowing asked for my hand. Still in shock I offered my hand and found myself being led out on the floor for the entire ball to watch me waltz around the floor with Draco.
"Since when are we a couple?" I hissed in his ear as we glided around the floor.
"Since my mother wants us to be I would imagine."
"Well that's just peachy. Whatever happened to free will?"
"My mother has a way of making that insignificant when she wants something."
"Well that's gonna have to change this time. You and I are not a couple. Nor will we ever be. You were with my best friend and then completely demolished her."
"So you're saying if it wasn't for that you'd be with me?"
"No you egotistical son of a bitch. I have no interest in stuck up pretty boys."
"So I'm pretty huh?" Again with the smirk.
"I will murder you if I have to dance with you much longer."
" Well then you're in luck cause I do believe my father is about to come over and step in."
"How the hell is that luck?" I said just before Lucious was in earshot. Draco just smirked and spun me into his father while he took up my mother's hand and continued. I nervously smiled at Lucious' stony face and then looked past his shoulder at the people I was whirling by.
"So I take it my wife's little addition to your and Draco's dance was a shock."
"Something like that."
"Well I'd like to say that she'll come off it but she won't."
"Fantastic..."
"Your mother would like you to be with Draco as well though I'm sure that pushes you farther from the idea."
"Yes it does, I've never wanted to be with Draco sir. My best friend is Pansy Parkinson; I've seen him from the perspective of his girlfriend's friend. He's done a lot of unforgivable things to her and with her and I being friends, he's off limits."
"Surely you could tell Draco never had interest in Miss Parkinson therefore he treated her in a way that isn't excusable but slightly more understandable. As for you two being friends, I'm afraid your friendship means nothing in the face of what is to come so you best come to terms with losing her or hope she is forgiving."
"I'm not sure what you mean sir."
"Oh you will soon. Very soon, I suspect. Have a good rest of the evening." He said as he bowed to me and strode off.
'Do all Malfoy men have to be infuriatingly cryptic?' I spent the rest of the night being spun around the floor or eating when I could get away. I tried asking Draco about his father's strange message but he just shrugged it off uncomfortably and went on about talking to the other guests. I looked around for my parents but they were lost in the sea of people I didn't know and I figured I could always figure all this out tomorrow because now I was exhausted. Draco and I hung around for another hour or so and then when it got close to 1 am we decided to retire and leave the entertaining to our parents.
Walking back to our rooms was quiet and awkward. I felt like there was something he wanted to say but he either wouldn't or couldn't. I decided once again that I didn't really care. When we reached our doors I was about to keep going to mine but Draco grabbed my hand and stopped me. I looked at him confused and saw a conflicted look on his face.
"You looked amazing tonight and you handled it all very well. Society loves you. I… I hope that with everything that will happen, you have fond memories from tonight." He said hesitantly and then he did the one thing I never would have thought he would do. Draco softly grabbed my waist and pulled me close at first hugging me, which was weird enough, but then he pulled back a bit, put his hand on the back of my head and softly kissed me. I obviously was delirious from exhaustion otherwise I would've stopped him but I was tired and it felt good to be held and so good to be kissed like that. He broke away and while I was still trying to figure out what just happened while he pushed a piece of hair behind my ear, and whispered 'goodnight' before slipping into his room and closing the door.
