"The what?" I asked blankly, staring wide-eyed at Narcissa as we sat in the front room. Draco stifled his laughs beside me and I glared at him.
"The Black and White Christmas Ball" Narcissa repeated gently and my eyes narrowed at Draco.
The last few weeks of term were relatively boring, I couldn't wait for the break and now I suddenly wanted to go back to Hogwarts and lock myself in my dorm. Oh, did I mention that Potter and The Weasley's disappeared from classes a week before the Christmas Break began?
Salazar knows where they went but it wasn't my business but I was mildly surprised when Lucius revealed that Arthur Weasley had been attacked at the Ministry late at night. I did feel a little bad for The Weasley's but it was quickly squashed when I realised who had ordered the attack. Now, that I wasn't surprised about. But I couldn't be seen as a sympathiser for the Weasley's, it would be my head on the chopping block.
Draco still hasn't made a move and I'd already decided that if things didn't change by the time we went back to Hogwarts I would just simply give up. I'm not going to wait around forever, I'd already told Pansy about my decision and she agreed. She was on my side with the whole 'the male should take the initiative' rule, even if I didn't stick to that rule I know for a fact that I wouldn't dare ask Draco out. My courage didn't extend that far.
"You didn't tell her, Draco?" Narcissa asked her son and I shook my head quickly, bringing myself back to the here and now. Draco just grinned at me feigning innocence.
"I must have forgotten," Draco said with a smirk and I smacked him across the back of the head, "Not really, I just wanted to see your face"
"Draco!" Narcissa scolded, "You know the Ball happens every year, the least you could have done is warn Adria! Do I need to mention that it's tomorrow!"
"That's Christmas day," I said quickly and Narcissa nodded, "Thanks for that Draco" I muttered to him and he just laughed softly.
"Lucky for you, Adria, I've already had a dress made," Narcissa said brightly and I groaned, slipping down the sofa slightly and Draco chuckled, I jabbed my elbow into his stomach but that just made him laugh harder and I couldn't stay mad at Draco when he laughed like that, it just made a smile appear on my face.
My smile turned into a smirk and Draco's laughter stopped when he saw it, I turned to Narcissa, still smirking slightly, "Narcissa, I was just wondering if Graham Montague will be attending, I had such a good time with him in the Summer"
Narcissa's lips twitched as she tried to hold back a smile, "I believe so, Adria" I felt Draco bristle slightly next to me and I could feel the laughter bubbling inside me, "You two do make a lovely couple, if you don't mind me saying" I smiled slightly when I caught Draco clenching his fists tightly and a muscle fluttered in his jaw.
"Mother-"
"Hush, Draco," Narcissa said with a smile, "The ladies are talking" Draco ground his teeth together before getting up and storming out of the room. As soon as the door was closed I dissolved into a fit of giggles. "Okay, that was a bit mean" Narcissa commented but she laughed too.
"I had to get payback," I said, wiping the tears from my eyes, "He should know not to mess with me"
"If you don't mind me being nosy, Adria" Narcissa picked up her tea and took a sip, keeping her eyes on me as she looked over the cup, "I'd like to ask you what's going on with Draco?"
"Oh" My face flushed and I quickly sipped my tea, "Honestly, Narcissa, I don't know. It's complicated"
"Because of the Mark that's on your arm?" Narcissa asked, raising an eyebrow at me and my heart started pounding, "Please, I know what goes on in my house, Adria. I also know why you took it"
"You do?" I asked in surprise and Narcissa nodded, placing her cup back on the table.
"Of course, I do. I want to thank you for making such a sacrifice for my son"
"I love him," I said bluntly and Narcissa's eyebrows rose in surprise but I didn't shy away, "I couldn't let him die because of my selfishness, I did ask The Dark Lord to keep Draco out of it all as a condition"
"I didn't know that you loved him," Narcissa said softly and my face burned, "Do you know if Draco will return the affection?"
"I think so" I muttered, "I mean, he did but I don't think that's the case anymore. He's been a bit...different since he found out about The Mark"
"Don't give up on him just yet, Adria" Narcissa said softly and rose from her seat, "Alright, off to bed, we're all up early"
I was sat on my window seat with a book later that night when I heard my door open quietly, I didn't bother to move. I knew exactly who it was, Draco would slip into my room every night to talk for a bit before we went to sleep and I didn't mind it one bit. I always enjoyed Draco's company, especially when we were alone because he would drop the attitude he had at Hogwarts and he'd let me see him for who he is. The exact Draco I had fallen in love with.
I know I said I would give up and move on if things didn't change by the end of Christmas Break but in all honesty, I don't know if I could. I would have to eventually though. I can't just keep putting my life on hold, hoping Draco would take the next step but I couldn't help it. There is just something about Draco that keeps me in place, I was completely spellbound by him.
"What was that stunt you pulled, Dia?" Draco asked as he sat opposite me on the window seat, I looked up and my mouth went dry all because he wasn't wearing a shirt, my eyes scanned across his bare torso and I felt my face burn slightly. I looked back down at my book but I couldn't see the words anymore, the image of a shirtless Draco dancing across my vision.
"Payback for not telling me about the Ball?" I finally said after clearing my throat, I could feel Draco's smirk.
"You know how I feel about Montague, Dia"
"You know how I feel about dresses, Dray"
Draco groaned in defeat and reached across to pluck the book from my hands, I glared at him and he tossed the book onto the desk behind him, "You're driving me insane, you know that right?"
I looked back up at him with a small smile, "Am I?" I asked innocently and I stood up from my seat, I could feel Draco's eyes following me through the room as I slipped beneath the covers on my bed, "You should get some sleep, Dray, your mother said we're up early"
"You're right, as always," Draco said and slipped off the window seat, my eyes widened when Draco slid into my bed on the opposite side.
"I didn't mean here!" I said quickly and rolled over to face him, a small smile played on his lips as his eyes scanned my face before meeting my eyes. "Fine, it'll cost you cuddles though"
"Since when are you a cuddler?" Draco asked as I shuffled across the bed slightly and curled into his side, his arm went around my waist and my heart started pounding.
"I'm not" I muttered, I contradicted myself when I put my head on his chest and rested my arm across his stomach. His chest vibrated as he chuckled and his arm tightened around me, "Shut up"
"I didn't say anything" Draco laughed softly, he started to run his fingers through my hair and I felt myself relaxing against him.
"You're the exception" I muttered before yawning, "You know that" I yawned again as my eyes drifted shut, his fingers trailing through my hair making me fall asleep.
"I still love you, Dia" Draco whispered, "You know that right?"
"Mhm" I mumbled half asleep, "I love you, Dray" I added quietly and I heard his heart speed up, smiling to myself I let myself fall asleep wrapped up in his arms.
A knock on my door the next morning jolted me from a peaceful sleep and I was wrapped in something warm, I quickly realised that it was Draco, his arm slung over my waist and his hand resting gently on my stomach. My heart immediately took flight as I slowly turned over, his arm staying in its place and I smiled when I saw Draco was still asleep. His face soft, free of any worry and stress, he looked like any other carefree teenage boy. I gently trailed my fingers across his cheek and his lips lifted into a small smile.
"Dray, we need to get up," I said quietly and his arm tightened around me, preventing me from getting out of the bed.
"Five more minutes" He mumbled, burying his head into my neck and I laughed softly as I pulled my fingers through his hair, "That feels nice"
"We've got about three minutes before your mother decides to come to find out why we're not downstairs for breakfast," I said softly and Draco mumbled something I couldn't quite understand, "Or Lucius" I added and Draco quickly sat up suddenly wide awake, I muffled my laughter with my pillow at the panic in his eyes.
"That was mean" Draco muttered and I laughed again. "You know my father dotes on you"
"Sorry, Dray but I had to get you up" I replied and rolled out of the bed, I stretched out my arms and my face flushed when I caught Draco watching me as he leaned back against my headboard, "What?"
He shook his head with a small smile as he pulled himself out of bed, my eyes trailed across his bare chest and I quickly turned around to head towards my wardrobe. Draco came up behind me and slid his arms around my waist as I opened the doors.
"Go get dressed, Draco" I muttered, ignoring the blush that appeared on my face and Draco rested his chin on my shoulder as I scanned the clothes that hung inside the wardrobe. My eyes fell on a white garment bag and I ran my fingers down it, "That's new"
"Must be your dress for later" Draco commented and placed a soft kiss on my cheek, "Can I see?"
"You can see it later" I replied and pulled out a pair of jeans and a long-sleeve top with a sigh, "Draco, seriously, go and get dressed!"
"Fine" Draco huffed, kissing my cheek again before leaving the room. I smiled to myself as I got dressed, deciding on a shower before the ball this afternoon. I froze as I headed to the stairs as a thought crossed my mind.
He still loved me.
How could I give up now?
I pulled my hair back into a ponytail and forced my legs to move forward, I sat down opposite Narcissa at the table with my mind miles away. Not really thinking just spinning, I could feel eyes on me but I paid them no mind as I picked up a cup of tea and stirred in some sugar. I was about to take a sip when Draco caught my wrist and silently took the cup from me, I frowned slightly and opened my mouth to protest but my mouth snapped shut when he put a couple of drops of Vanilla into my tea and stirred it before handing me the drink back.
"Thanks," I said quietly and took a sip, I looked up and my face flushed when I realised that Narcissa and Lucius saw the whole thing and were now sharing a knowing look.
The rest of breakfast went by in a comfortable silence as everyone woke up properly and as soon as Narcissa finished her second cup of coffee she jumped into action setting up the Manor for the event and Draco and I quickly made an exit not wanting to get under her feet.
Draco drifted off to the library, muttering something about a new book that Lucius found and I went to the garden. I paused by some blooming dark red roses and I smiled softly. Adrenalin Roses, I bent down and gently ran my fingers over the double blooming flowers with a small smile on my face, I stood up and continued to walk through the garden until I found the white bench at the end.
"Adria" I looked up quickly as Lucius sat down on the bench next to me, "I wondered if I could have a moment of your time"
"Of course, Lucius" I replied with a small smile and dropped my legs off the bench, sitting up straighter. You don't slouch in the presence of Lucius Malfoy.
"I've just to check in with you, I haven't had the chance to talk to you privately yet" Lucius commented and my eyebrows furrowed slightly. "How are you doing?"
"I'm doing okay at the moment" I replied and my eyes wandered up to the Manor, "Draco knows, Lucius, I couldn't keep it from him"
"I didn't expect you would" Lucius admitted, a small smile gracing his lips, "How did he take it?"
"He was surprised, to say the least, he distanced himself for a while but it was to be expected"
"Yes, I suppose it was. Have you been summoned yet?" Lucius inquired and I turned my gaze back to the older Malfoy.
"No, I think he just wanted complete control over me before I could defect" I admitted and Lucius pondered my response for a moment.
"You wouldn't" Lucius concluded and I nodded slowly, "Severus has informed me that he will be teaching Potter Occulemcy in the new year"
"Severus wouldn't do that," I said quickly with a frown, "That doesn't make sense"
"No it doesn't does it, but Dumbledore asked him and as part of Severus's role he had to agree"
"There's a war coming, isn't there?" I asked after a moment.
"Yes, Adria, I'm afraid it is but you don't need to worry," Lucius said in a soft tone, I was always surprised at Lucius warmth towards me but it did provide me comfort. "You're under my protection, I won't let anything happen to you or Draco"
"Thank you, Lucius, for everything you and Narcissa have done for me, I'll forever be grateful"
"Of course, Adria. It doesn't matter what happens between you and my son you're a part of this family" Lucius paused for a moment, looking across the garden, I followed his gaze and I saw Draco slowly making his way towards us, "I was there the day you were born"
"You were?" I asked in surprise and Lucius nodded.
"I was friends with both your mother and father, I wasn't going to say anything but you should know that Narcissa was named as your Godmother per your mothers' request, hence why Severus asked us to take you in"
"What?" I blurted and Lucius smiled at me softly, "Why wasn't I told?"
"That is something you should ask my wife, Adria" Lucius said smoothly as he rose from the bench, Draco finally reached us and he frowned slightly as the bewildered look on my face, "I'll see you both this afternoon"
Lucius walked back up the garden and I just stared after him in shock, "What was that about?" Draco asked as I stood up slowly, I blinked a few times trying to wrap my head around the new information.
"I-uh…" I was at a loss for words, I looked at Draco with wide eyes and took a breath, "This complicates us a little bit" I finally said and Draco tilted his head.
"What does?"
"Uh, well" I stuttered and Draco looked at me expectantly, "Lucius just dropped that Narcissa is my Godmother"
"Seriously?" Draco asked, shock clear on his face and I just nodded. "That doesn't complicate things for us, Dia"
"It makes us family, Dray"
"No it doesn't, it just means that either Severus or my mother can be your Guardian, we're not even remotely related. Our bloodlines have never mixed"
"How do you know? You know how the Pureblood lineage works, right? A lot of the Pureblood bloodlines have mixed at some point or another" I argued back and Draco rolled his eyes.
"Dia, stop panicking!" Draco grabbed one of my hands making me look at him, "Trust me, I looked into once I realised the way I felt about you changed, our bloodlines have never crossed"
"Wait, when did you realise?" I asked quickly and I smiled lightly at the blush that appeared on his face.
"Oh" Draco rubbed the back of his neck, "A couple of months into our third year when I finally admitted it"
My eyes widened and my heart started to pound, I had no idea. "Why didn't you say anything?"
"Why didn't you?" Draco shot back with a smirk and I felt face warm, "I expect for the same reasons I didn't"
"Probably. I need to get ready for this ball" I muttered and I turned to walk back to the Manor and Draco quickly fell into step beside me. As we walked back up to the Manor in silence he silently took my hand and entwined our hands together.
It wasn't until I reached my bedroom door that Draco spoke again, "Dia?" I turned back around and Draco ran a hand through his hair, "I was thinking that, maybe, if you wanted to-" Draco cut himself off and shook his head, my heart was pounding in my chest and I could hear my blood rushing through my ears.
"What is it, Draco?" I prompted and I noticed the blush on his face, my heart continued to pound in anticipation.
Come on, Draco. Say it, please.
"Never mind" He muttered and quickly went into his room without another word, my heart dropped into my stomach and I felt disappointment crash over me and I quickly went into my room and went straight over to my desk and flipped open to a fresh page in my journal.
I hate waiting. But if waiting means being able to be with you, I'll wait as long as forever to be with you. But it's hard to wait around for something you know might never happen, but it's even harder to give up when you think it's everything you want. It doesn't matter how much time passes, I think a part of me will always be waiting for you and that is what is so frustrating about being in love. You can't ever give up on the one you want no matter how painful it can be.
What comes easy won't last but what comes last won't come easy.