A/N:

Disclaimer: I don't own anything that you recognise. I only own the characters, items and locations that you don't recognise.

Summary: When shy and intelligent Ariella Potter and Quidditch hotshot Lucas Malfoy get paired together for a school project, Ariella knows that she shouldn't feel anything but hatred towards him. So why does she feel attracted to him? And what will Ariella do when Lucas returns her affections? Will they ever break free from their cliques and parents' rivalry so they can be together?

Chapter Fifteen – Breaking Free.

Down in the Great Hall, Lucas was sat at a table looking for Ariella. He saw Ember who was wearing a black and white full-length dress that had tiny black flowers scattered over it. He also saw Khadesia who was wearing a green, halter neck dress that was made of chiffon. Khadesia looked at him and waved flirtatiously which Lucas didn't return. Boo sat down next to Lucas and he looked at her. She was wearing a turquoise ball gown that had beads scattered over it.

"She's not here yet," Boo stated.

Lucas nodded then looked at Dessy who was stood next to Ember. She was wearing a blue gown that was showered with rhinestones. Lucas then saw Alyssa walk into the Great Hall wearing a red and black short dress that could rival the dress that Khadesia was wearing. The two of them seemed to have a contest going. In Lucas' opinion it was who was worst dressed and he didn't have a clue who won because they both looked as bad as each other. Blake sat down next to Boo and looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

"Boo, you're looking ravishing tonight," Blake stated.

"And you're not looking ravishing. Get lost Blake," Boo replied.

"But Boo I thought that you liked me?"

Boo laughed and looked towards the door where she saw Ariella and Dawn entering the hall. Boo tapped Lucas on the arm and nodded towards the door. Lucas turned around and as soon as he saw Ariella it seemed as though his breath had gotten stuck in his throat. It felt as though he couldn't breathe because to him she looked absolutely beautiful. Ariella was wearing a pink ball gown that had a bodice that was adorned with crystals and the tulle skirt had lots of tiny sequins all over it. Dawn was wearing a short purple dress that fit her figure perfectly. Lucas looked at Boo and spoke quietly.

"She wore it."

"Wore what?" Boo replied.

"The dress I got her. I asked her to wear it if she forgave me."

Boo nodded and saw that Ariella was looking at Lucas.

"Go and talk to her then."

Lucas nodded and got up very slowly so he didn't trip over the bottom of his dress robes. As he was making his way over to Ariella Khadesia stopped him.

"Do you think I look sexy Lucas?" she asked bluntly.

"No I don't."

"We can always go and have fun on our own you know."

"No we can't Khadesia. In case you haven't noticed I'm with Ariella. I already have a girlfriend and I'm not interested in having a bit on the side. That's all you'll ever be. You will never be someone's wife you'll only ever be their bit on the side. Now if you excuse me I have to dance with someone," Lucas told her sternly.

Lucas continued to walk to where Ariella was standing and once he was stood in front of her he spoke.

"May I have this dance?" he asked as he held out his hand.

Ariella nodded and followed Lucas onto the dance floor. As the danced they spoke to each other quietly.

"I'm sorry Lucas."

"I know. I knew that as soon as I saw you in that dress. I knew that you forgave me. I don't want an apology Ari I just wanted you to wear the dress," Lucas explained.

Ariella smiled and laid her head on Lucas' shoulder.

"I love you Ari," Lucas told her.

"I love you too Luke."

They then kissed each other gently and across the hall a loud scream was heard and Khadesia stomped out of the Great Hall with Alyssa following her. As Lucas and Ariella danced, Boo and Dawn looked at each other and smiled.

"Well we can't do anything to break them up. We'll have to go with the flow," Boo told her.

"Of course. They do make a nice couple don't they," Dawn replied.

Boo nodded then held out her hand.

"My name's Boo. What's yours?"

"Dawn. Maybe we should call a truce. After all we have to be there for them now. They're not going to have an easy ride," Dawn replied as she shook Boo's hand.

"Of course. What do you think Blake?" Boo asked.

"Huh? What? I wasn't listening. I was thinking about the fun we could have later Boo. That dress would look fantastic on the dormitory floor," Blake replied.

At this comment Boo got very angry and turned to face Blake.

"How dare you! I've only been flirting with you because it was fun! I don't like you one bit! I only put up with you because you're my brother's friend!" Boo exclaimed.

"Oh but I think you do fancy me!" Blake replied.

"I don't! Now leave me alone!"

However Blake didn't listen to her and put his hand onto her bum and squeezed it. Boo turned round again and slapped him very hard on his face.

"Do that again and I will make sure that you do not have any hands!" Boo hissed.

Lucas heard the commotion and stopped dancing. He slowly walked to where Blake was stood and asked what was happening. Once Boo had told him Lucas got very angry and looked at Blake.

"I don't want you near us again! Do you hear? This is the end of our friendship! NOW GO!" he told Blake.

Blake nodded slowly and walked away. Lucas then looked at Ariella and hugged her. Boo looked at Lucas and smiled.

"Looks like you broke free Luke. Ariella's the best thing that ever happened to you! Don't let go of her!"

Lucas smiled again and realized how far he had come in just over two weeks. He had changed from someone who was very arrogant to someone who had someone to care about. Breaking free from his old life really wasn't as hard as he had thought.

The End...

Don't forget to review! I hope you liked it! I'll post the first chapter of the sequel which is named We're All In This Together in a minute!