Halloween approached at top speed and soon the day of the ball was upon us. It was a Saturday so most of the girls spent all day getting ready for it. Hermione was the only girl I really got on with so I invited her to my room so we could get ready together.
'Wow! This really is worth having! I hope I become Head Girl.'
'Oh please! You have the most chance out of anyone! You're the cleverest witch in your year, if not the school and you're well behaved.'
'If I'm not with Harry and Ron.'
'Yes, but they're your best friends so you put up with that.'
'Who do you reckon will be Head Boy from our year?'
'Personally, I reckon Draco will be. I'm not biased but he gets good grades and manages to keep himself just out of trouble.'
'Yeah, he's good at that! How are things between you two?'
'Fine, it's like we never split up. I know you can't see it but I like him, a lot.'
'But you don't love him?'
'I do, sort of, just not as much as…'
'Oliver?'
'Yeah!'
'Well, he's your first love.'
'I told him he'd probably be my last as well. He wants me to let him know if I split with Draco, once school has finished. I want to be with him, more than anything. I love him.'
'What are you going to do once you've finished?'
'Well, you know all the lessons I'm taking are so I can go on to Auror training but if that doesn't work out, Lucius said he'll get on to his contacts from several Quidditch teams. I don't know which career would be longer, Quidditch or being an Auror!'
'I see your point. But it's a good time to be an Auror.'
'I know, but if I stay with Draco and I become an Auror, I'll have to completely ignore whatever happens at the Malfoy's mansion. Some of the things I could tell the ministry, well.'
'Would you ignore it if you split up?'
'I don't know because they've been so good to me. I've finally got a home that isn't too bad. Lucius Malfoy is ok; Narcissa treats me like her daughter. I just wish I could live with Sirius.'
'So does Harry.'
'Hmm. So, how are things between you and Ron?'
'They're good. I'm glad you gave him that kick up the backside though.'
'Me? I don't know what you're talking about.' I smiled innocently when I said this.
'Yeah well, thanks to you he's finally realised what we've known all along.'
'Which is?'
'We kept arguing because we liked each other.'
'Well, you did keep going on at each other like a married couple.'
'We still do!'
At 7:30pm, Hermione and I put the finishing touches to our outfits.
'You look amazing Hermione.'
'Not as amazing as you do! Where did you get those robes, they're gorgeous.'
'They were a present from the Malfoy's for my birthday.'
'As well as the broom?'
'I know, I did try to argue but you try arguing with Lucius Malfoy.'
'Not something I would want to do. But you look fantastic in those robes. Whichever one of them chose them, they know you really well.'
'Well, I should hope they do. Does my hair look alright?'
'Yes, you'll blow everyone away.'
'Like you did last Christmas then.'
'No, you still looked better than I did.'
'Even with George Weasley?'
'There was nothing wrong with going with George, just the fact that you ditched him half way through and went off with Draco.'
'Well, I did apologise. Come on, let's go.' We left my room and headed to the top of the stairs where Ron, Draco, Harry and Cho were waiting. I approached Draco and watched as his, Harry's and Ron's mouth dropped.
'Wow, Destiny, blimey…' Ron said, stammering slightly.
'You like it Draco?'
'You look fantastic. I'm going to be the most envied person in there tonight. Mind you, you scrub up well too Granger.'
'Cheers Draco!' Hermione just smiled broadly and I was shocked at Draco being so nice. He led me downstairs where we bumped into Professor Umbridge.
'I do think that dress is totally inappropriate?'
'Why?'
'It shows off far to much flesh.'
'What are you on about? It's not that bad! Her dress is worse!' I pointed at Pansy Parkinson as she walked passed.
'Do not answer back! Detention all next week and you will go up and change!'
'Now, Now Delores, I think Miss Black looks completely stunning.' I smiled when I saw Lucius.
'Yes Mr Malfoy, I was just saying!'
'Well leave her be, it is not often we see anything so beautiful and on the arm of my son. And did I hear you give her detention?'
'Yes! You cannot stop me giving her that.'
'No, I cannot Delores but she shall serve it with me! She hangs around with Potter, let's see if Dumbledore is up to anything shall we.'
'Good idea Mr Malfoy. Now run along!'
'But?' I started but Lucius gave me a wink and placed a finger to his lips. I smiled and followed Draco inside.
To start the ball, the head boy and head girl were to start the dancing along with their partners. Draco seemed quite willing to fulfil this, bearing in mind that most of the lads were looking at us, envying Draco, which made me blush. As soon as the first song had finished though, Draco sat down.
'What are you doing?'
'I don't want to dance.'
'But I do!'
'Well go dance with Wood then!'
'Fine!' I marched over to Oliver who was standing on his own in a corner.
'I know you are a teacher but surely we can dance.'
'I'm sure that is allowed. Professor Dumbledore?'
'Yes Oliver?'
'Is it ok if…'
'Go right ahead!' Dumbledore smiled and Oliver took my hand, leading me to the dance floor. He put one hand on my waist, the other in my hand.
'You look absolutely stunning. The most gorgeous girl in the world at this very moment.'
'Thank you. You're looking quite handsome yourself.'
'Well, even though I knew you were coming with him, I thought I should make an effort at least. I miss you.'
'Oh Oliver, I know. I miss you too. If only you weren't teaching here.'
'Would you leave Draco?'
'Yes, but you can't leave now!'
'I know! But I was just wondering. I love you.'
'I love you too.' I kissed him on the cheek and we hugged tightly. I saw Oliver pull away, Draco standing next to us.
'Can I have my girlfriend back please?'
'Sure. See you later.'
'Bye Oliver! There was no need to be so rude!'
'He was getting cosy.'
'Oh for heaven's sake! You don't even want to dance.'
'So?'
'You're just being jealous and possessive, I'm not going to run off with him.'
'Well, I don't know if I believe that.'
'I hope you aren't ruining a girl's every dream Draco?'
'No father.'
'We all know that girls like such occasions. Is he dancing?'
'No!'
'Well, if I may Draco.'
'Whatever! I'll be outside, see you in a bit!'
'What was that about?'
'Oliver Wood and Draco's jealousy.'
'It is hard to contend with someone who has the love of your girl.'
'You know I don't love Oliver!'
'No, I know you love me as well as Oliver. What is quite clear is that whilst fond of Draco, you do not love him.'
'I won't hurt him though.'
'I know. But just to let you know, Narcissa has left me.'
'What? When did that happen?'
'Two weeks ago. That house elf, she told Narcissa. She is living with my sister now but has sworn to keep it quiet from Draco for she doesn't want to break his poor heart.'
'What about the house elf?'
'She is now looking for work elsewhere.'
'Lucius, I have something to tell you.'
'Carry on.'
'I'm six weeks late.'
'Late for what?'
'You know what? Anyway, I did a test this morning, I'm pregnant.'
'And who is the father?'
'There can only be one! The date coincides with my birthday and the only person I slept with was you. Plus, Draco has been using protection. The baby can't be his.'
'And Oliver?'
'It is not his either.'
'Well, at least you haven't lied to me. Well, we're having a baby are we? I take it you will keep it?'
'Yes!'
'And when is it due?'
'June.'
'And you have my full support. Once this year is over with, you shall move into the mansion, we shall be together. Draco will have to be told.'
'Oh that'll be fun.'
'I'll handle Draco. In the mean time, you had better take care and I will make arrangements.'
'Arrangements for what?'
'It is only right that we marry, so we do not lose honour.'
'What? Hold on? You're telling me to marry you?'
'No, I am asking you.'
'Well, ok then!' Deep down, I was dreading it. Everything seemed to be pushing me further from Oliver.
'Good. Now I shall leave. I will be back on Monday for your detention. Stay in your room, I will find you.'
'Ok.'
'Now, you had better look after yourself and maybe you should think about giving up your place on the Quidditch team.'
'Oh no! I am not doing that! The last game will be in March and I won't be showing that much, plus I'm fast so it's not like a bludger'll hit me is it?'
'Well, if you lose our baby!'
'You'll do what? Dump me! Wow!' I stormed away and out of the front doors, realising that I had had my first real argument with Lucius. I sat on a bench and sighed deeply.
'There is no need to be stroppy with me!'
'I'm sorry it's just I hate being told what to do, especially by a man!'
'I'm glad you are so independent but I only say it because I care and I am happy that we are expecting a baby.'
'Draco won't be.'
'Like I said, I'll deal with him. I'll see you on Monday.' Lucius walked down the path towards the two winged boars that stood either side of the gates. I sat back and saw Harry coming towards me.
'What did Lucius want? Apart from a very intimate dance.'
'He just wanted to dance and to tell me that Narcissa has left him. Oh, and he asked me to marry him.'
'What? What did you say?'
'I said yes. He only asked because of what I had to tell him.'
'And that is?'
'I'm six weeks pregnant and it's Lucius'. I can't believe this is happening, in my last year as well. Draco will be so mad when he finds out. I'm never going to be with Oliver again, am I?'
'You never know, anything could happen yet. As for Draco I'll be there for you when he blows his top. It's not that bad, at least Lucius loves you and that can't be bad. Also, if you need any help, especially when it comes nearer the time, I'll help. Have you told Sirius?'
'Yes, I sent him a letter as soon as I found out. He hasn't replied yet though. Thank you.'
'Hey, don't worry about it.'
'So, where's Cho?'
'Stormed off!'
'Why?'
'We had an argument because I wanted to sit down with Ron and Hermione. She seems to think I've got the hots for Hermione. Where's Draco?'
'We had a row about his jealousy. He'll be proved right soon enough. Sorry about Cho.'
'Whatever! Have you heard about the defence classes they've got me doing?'
'Yes, I was thinking about coming along to the first one. I've always wondered what my Patronus looks like.'
'Well, we'll see how well it goes.'
'When is the first one?'
'I'll let you know. Looks like my cue to leave, Draco's coming. Are you going to tell him?'
'Nope, Lucius said he'll do that so I'll leave it to him. Yes, I know I'm being cowardly but I can't deal with the shouting. Thanks for being a great friend! See you later.'
'Bye.' Harry hurried off and Draco sat next to me.
'I'm sorry for being funny earlier.'
'That's ok. Look, I Think I'm going to bed, I'm tired.'
'Do you want any company?'
'Not tonight Draco. Is that ok?'
'Sure! See you tomorrow.'
'Night.' I walked quickly to my bedroom and took my clothes off before getting a long, hot bath. As soon as I had finished, I got into bed and fell fast asleep.
