Christmas Break had finally come and the students of Hogwarts rejoiced in the festive spirit that lingered around the castle. Lucius had decided to pick up the tradition of throwing an annual Christmas ball each year at the Malfoy Manner for the first time since his father had died. It was to be very grand, for Lucius had just started his first job at the Ministry and Arielle had been accepted into the renowned Slug Club.
"I got a lovely invitation from an owl this morning."
Arielle was sitting on the bridge railing reading up for next semester's potion courses when she saw the charming smile of Evan Rosier leaning against the railing. She smirked, rolled her eyes and looked back down at her book.
"Narcissa has really outdone herself this time." She said.
"Really, because I thought the green and silver lace around the edge of the parchment was your idea."
Arielle closed her book and looked back at the boy. He had grown much taller over the past three year since she first met him on the train, his hazel eyes always sparkling with softness Arielle admired. .
"I think I might be the only Gryffindor attending." Arielle sighed. Lately that fact had been weighing on her mind. She was proud of her house and she had the Marauders to entertain her but things of late had started to heat up. Lucius was becoming more ardent about his disdain for her friendship with Sirius Black and the other Gryffindors. While Sirius and his friends were pressuring her to cut ties with her family and friends in Slytherin. She didn't really understand what was going on, she knew something was wrong, there was something that no one was telling her.
"I'm sure Black will be there. So you won't be alone." Rosier said in a peeved tone.
Arielle studied her friend's hostile demeanor. "Actually I don't think Sirius' parents would let him attend, a fact he is rejoicing in to say the least."
"I'm sorry to hear that." Sarcasm evident in his voice.
"Don't be. It really doesn't matter to me, I'm quite glad he isn't going actually." Arielle answered shifting her gaze to the forest.
"Really?" Rosier asked not bothering to cover up his surprise.
"Yes, why do you sound so astonished?" Arielle asked looking back and examining her friend.
Evan had leaned off the railing and was now standing with both his hands grasping it.
"I thought you fancied him." Rosier stumbled.
Arielle's cheeks flushed red with embarrassment. "Absolutely not."
She noted the relieved look on Rosier's face. The two fell into an awkward silence on the bridge, both refusing to look at another for what seemed like an eternity.
"Does it really come off that way?" Arielle finally gained the courage ask.
Evan looked up at the raven haired girl, his hazel eyes latching onto her dark blue one. "No." He almost whispered. " I mean I don't know. I've just heard things."
"Heard things?" Arielle asked cautiously.
"Just forget about it Arielle." Rosier said before looking away.
"Do you really expect me to?" She asked. "If someone's spreading rumors Evan you should tell me."
"It's not that." Rosier said glancing at Arielle.
"Then spit it out." She vexed.
"Will you go to the ball with me?"
Arielle's mouth fell ajar as she stared at Rosier in utter shock. She had not seen this coming at all. Sure she had a tiny crush on Evan but she never really thought about it too much. Her hand flew up to her mouth and her cheeks flushed an even brighter red than before as she tried to concrete on Evan's continued rambling.
"I mean it would just as friends, and it's traditional you know, for a boy to ask a girl and I just thought..."
"Yes!" Arielle said a little to enthusiastically as soon as the surprise wore off.
Evan fell silent and stared at her.
"I meant of course, I would be delighted to accompany you or be your date or rather your date as friends." Arielle spurred, mentally kicking herself for sounding like such a fool.
A wide smile swept across the face of Evan Rosier.
"Okay good. I mean great. I'll owl you."
Arielle let out a small giggle, this had to be the most awkward yet best moment of her life. "Okay."
Rosier nodded and smiled. "I'll see you on the train?"
"Perhaps." Arielle smirked.
Evan laughed and began to walk away, awkwardly tripping over a passing first year causing Arielle to smile with amusement. She couldn't wait to tell Bella and Cissy.