May

I've made a lot of mistakes. But whenever I was with him, it was like he could just merely kiss away my imperfections.

My detention days had started yesterday; every night in Snape's classroom for an hour. Daphne's nose had fully healed and she went back to being her pouty, arrogant self after she was let out of the Hospital Wing. If I could get back at that prat then I would, but I wouldn't want another week full of detentions. That could be five nights straight that I could spend with Draco.

Anyway, after I woke up today Millicent and I were heading down the stairs of the Girls' Dormitory and ran into Daphne. I stared at her for about 5 full seconds with a straight look on my face (which, actually, is pretty impressive since you can't bear to look at her) until Millicent shoved her to the side, allowing us to get through.

Arriving downstairs, the sight was unusual from what I've normally seen. What you would recognize as the Slytherin Common Room would be girls squealing over by the fireplace about the latest gossip, some couple snogging by the curtains, boys playing pranks on each other by the dormitories and students skimming through last-minute assignments.

Groups of girls were gathered by the bulletin board, screaming in anticipation. The boys would read whatever it was that needed to be read, somehow manage to get past the crowd, and sighed in disgust; apprehension clearly showing on ther faces. Millicent squinted her eyes to try and read what the sign read from afar, but it didn't help. As with all situations like this, she barged through all her problems to get what she wanted. I just sat down on a black chair, crossing my legs.

She came back a few moments later, wearing a look of excitement. Her mouth was wide open; I knew that face. I jolted up out of my seat and stared at her with impatience.

"Millicent, what is it!"

"Pansy...there's...there's a Spring Ball!"

My eyes grew wide. That moment, a thousand scenes rushed through my head. The words were hanging off the tip of my tongue; Where's Draco, where's Draco!

Before Millicent could say another word, I ran to the bulletin board which, by now, was completely deserted. I eyed the sign so close my nose was about an inch away from the wall.

SPRING BALL

In honor of Lucius Malfoy,

who has kindly donated money

for our Potions classes.

This is a manditory event.

All students are required to arrive with a partner.

Thank you;

-Staff

I came up to Draco the next day in Potions. He had told me how Snape needed more ingredients since the fifth years were to be brewing Polyjuice Potion and Veritaserum soon. Draco had contacted his father shortly after, and to my surprise he had kindly agreed to provide him with more money. After all, Snape was Draco's favorite teacher.

We walked out shortly after; towards the courtyard. Hoping he didn't see right through me, I asked him a question. "Draco, did you hear about the upcoming Spring Ball?"

"Yeah, I did..." he said; those three dots trailing off to the rest of his thoughts. Then he turned and looked at me, smiling. Even by now, I still couldn't control my blushing around Draco. "Daphne had asked me to go with her."

I looked down to my feet. He looked out to the distance with such a promising look on his face, and I could see the reflection of the sky in his eyes. I know he could see my shoulders trembling if he looked.

He laughed and then placed his hands on my shoulders. "Don't worry. I didn't accept. Of course you're the only one I'd want to spend a night like that with."

The butterflies in my stomach were increasing in force. I looked up so I was directly staring at him. He gave me a quick peck on the cheek. "I'll see you later," he whispered softly in my ear. Draco didn't stay, but the promise of tomorrow hung in the air. By now I was standing there, alone, watching Draco walk further and further away until he was just a speck in the crowd. I didn't care if people were staring.

No way. No. This can't be happening.

Just right now, just this moment - I can feel myself trying to hold back the tears. I never knew when the ball would be. I've already bought a new, jade green dress and a new pair of black high heels. Today was the day when I was supposed to have the time of my life. Today was the day of the ball, something I've just found out today. It started at 7, the same time my detention period would have to take place.

I begged Snape to let the detention session go, at least just this night. "I'm sorry, Miss Parkinson, but I cannot cancel your session. I am expected to follow the rules given by the Headmaster." He used such an emotionless tone, I couldn't tell if he felt repentance for me or not. He strutted off to vanish in the darkness of the dungeons, but before he did, he turned around. "I was asked by Lucius to stay in the Great Hall during the event," I felt a stab at my heart. "You will be left alone in the detention room, and the door will open by itself once you've stayed for hour. I know you will do no funny business, so you are to remain in there until."

I haven't even told Draco yet. Since I was his date, who would he spend the night with? Not with that Daphne Greengrass. No one. Even Millicent wouldn't have time in her hands to be his date, too, for she, to my surprise, was going with Theodore.

I've brought my diary to detention today. It was already 6:30, and I could hear girls giggling outside the classroom, meeting up with their dates. I shouldn't cry; I would look like a mess. And I've even worn my dress, shoes, and makeup to detention. It was better than nothing, at least I felt pretty on the outside to what horrible suffering that lurked in the inside.

Draco would probably be looking for me right now, I thought to myself. It was all my fault - because I couldn't control my temper, because I overreacted at Daphne's words - Draco and I were dateless. I ruined a night that was supposed to be perfect.

It was 7:20 now; the ball had already started. Everyone would be drinking punch, dancing to wondrous music, having the time of their lives.

As I was supposed to give in and forget about the whole Spring Ball, Draco came in the room. Of course, the Potions room was probably the last place anyone would look, but he was smart enough. The scene replayed over and over in my head, like a movie, and there was no stop button. Just how I liked it.

He was walking towards my desk. "I've been looking all over for you,"

I started at his feet; ending at his face (it was normal for me to observe people like this). He was dressed in black dressrobes, embroidered with deep green. His hair looked fragile, exactly like he wore it at the Yule Ball. He was looking at me too, I could see his eyes tracing the lining of the crimson ribbons in my hair. "Pansy, you look gorgeous."

I didn't blush this time. I stood up and gave him a kiss. Ever since he has always been the one kissing me, and all I've ever been was the "kiss-ee". Not the "kiss-er".And he has always been the one whose neck arms would wrap around. Everything was topsy-turvy.

Following my kiss I gave him a long embrace, trying my best not to cry. Parkinsons shouldn't cry. He kept me warm for about 10 minutes.

"Draco, I'm so sorry...I blew everything and this was supposed to be the perfect night-"

I was stopped. He placed his finger over my lips, shushing me.

"It will be the perfect night. You'll be allowed to leave this place in about thirty five minutes. We'll go the ball then."

A smile formed on my face. "Draco...you don't have to stay, you can go hang with your friends and-"

"Shush. I'll stay here with you."

He pulled over a chair and sat next to me, I've put away my diary by now, writing everything after. We just sat there for a while, my head on his shoulder. He stroked the ribbons in my hair slowly, and his other hand was on my shoudler. Every now and then we would start kissing, not snogging - but somewhere in between. "Promise we'll always be together, Pans," he smiled.

"Yes. I promise." I loved it. I loved the way he - only he - called me'Pans'. Everyday people and teachers would call me Parkinson, friends of mine would address me as Pansy, and Draco would call me his little 'Pans'. I wouldn't let anyone else use that name; that was his and only his. As with everything, anything like this, Draco always had something to say after a moment of silence.

"I've figured out why my father required us to have dates. This was all for us. It seems he's allies with my mother; planning our whole marriage and everything. I was guessing he hoped we'd become closer tonight."

Snape walked in on us shortly after, which gave me quite of a shock. "Miss Parkinson...I've spoken to Headmaster, it would be all right if you were to attend the ball. And Draco, your father had asked me to tell you that you are required to be there. After all, it is a manditory event.."

Draco stood up. "Of course." I could read his mind and he could read mine, just by looking into one anothers' eyes. This was going to be a wonderful night.

Inside the great hall, it was absolutely breathtaking - the bewitched ceiling was raining with pink flower petals, bronze and gold statues of angels stood by themselves at the corners, tables with yellow cloth, the floor with green rugs; even little sunflowers were growing out of the walls - and the pink curtains just finished the whole theme of "Spring." After Draco had gotten me a glass of punch, he went to get one for himself. "I'll be right back."

And, from the distance - "Hey, PARKINSON!"

A girl walked up, escorted by Miles Bletchley. I couldn't recognize her from afar, nothing about her seemed familiar. She wore a long sky blue dress, a grey sparkly boa, and midnight blue high heels. Her hair was let down, and she wore a sparking necklace. As she walked closer and closer, I didn't blame myself for not recognizing her. It was Daphne.

Her perky peru-colored pigtails that were always tied in pink ribbons were always there - and without them, she just wasn't Daphne. Her scheming smile and shifty eyes remained, however (unfortunately).

"If it isn't Miles," I started. I needed to take a jab at her. "I would never figure out why you've decided to get back with...Daphne."

Draco returned with an extra glass of punch. Why did he have to return now - now - when Daphne was here. I couldn't just shoo him off, that would be a rude act contrasting to the sweetness he had shown me earlier.

My eyes traced Daphne's as I saw her scan Draco. "My, my, Draco...you look absolutely handsome in your dressrobes." After flashing a quick smile at him, she turned her horrid face to me, chuckling evily.

I opened my mouth to talk, but Draco was quicker. He knew I was feeling uncomfortable. "Thanks for the compliment, but Daphne, let's say you stay with your dance partner, and I'll stay with mine. Understood?" She was obviously offended after this, hesitated to speak, and strutted off with Miles; who was looking confused.

Celestina Warbeck herself was there, singing on a raised platform, her song followed by an orchestra. Many of her fans were screaming.

I heard a conversation somewhere to my right; and I turned. I saw that filthy Mudblood Granger, and Weasley.

She was wearing a long sleeved purple dress that was shaped like a bell at the bottom. Her strappy violet high heel sandals could be seen and her hair was straightened. Weasley, to my surprise, wasn't wearing those ridiculous dressrobes he had worn at the Yule Ball. I hope Draco would come up with an insult to throw at her (unlike last time), but no, he didn't. He just kept staring at her in awe. I rolled my eyes in disgust and stayed there. Something I had to admit by now was that I do tend to get jealous easily.

I was then saved by a new song Celestina was singing. A slow song. Everyone was gathering with their partners. Draco, to my opinion, was an excellent dancer compared to what I was. Although, when I was about seven years old, my mother had given me dance lessons.

"Mom, I don't want to take dance lessons. They're so boring!"

"Now now, Pansy dear, dancing can help. One day, when you find a boy you truly love, you--"

"Mom, I don't like boys, they're gross! Now please, PLEASE can I stop taking dance lessons?"

"I'm sorry, Pansy, but this is necessary. Us Parkinsons were taught how to dance gracefully."

Great memories, I thought sarcastically. Although taking Draco's hand and placing my available one on his waist seemed easy, it wasn't. By the time we've got our positions right the music was already playing, and everyone was already dancing ever so switfly.

Let's just cut to the chase. It felt like we've danced for hours and hours, and was even more memorable than the Yule Ball. Because the thing is, after our fourth dance, he took me outside to look at the stars.

He said he would marry me. No matter what.