For TGS, One Year Anniversary Event (Theodore Nott)
Beauxbatons, Barbegazi
Theo watches the way Draco dances with Pansy, and it makes his blood boil. Draco doesn't care about her, and he's only asked her to the Yule Ball because it's expected of him. It shows in the bored expression on his pale face, the way he seems to keep his distance even during a slow, intimate song.
Pansy deserves better. She should have a partner who treats her like she's as beautiful as sunshine and as lovely as the first blossoms of spring. It isn't fair that she looks at Draco with so much adoration in her eyes, and he returns it with only cold apathy.
They break apart, and Theo sees his chance. Draco disappears into the crowd, and Theo rushes forward, a broad smile on his lips. "You look beautiful," he says.
Pansy glances up at him, a rosy blush creeping into her cheeks. She offers him a soft smile. "You really think so?" she asks, smoothing her hands over her dress robes.
His heart seems to wrench in his chest. Of course she would have doubt. Draco wouldn't have told her how lovely she looks. If anything, he might have found something to complain about.
Again, his blood runs hot. Pansy deserves so much more. He wants to call Draco Malfoy every bad name he can think of, but he knows better. The Malfoy family are powerful allies. He has to bite back his anger and force a smile.
"Very beautiful," he assures her, offering her his hand. "Dance with me."
Pansy studies him for a moment. Her eyes flicker to where Draco had been, but he still hasn't returned. Theo wants to point out that it won't matter. Draco will probably be happy to be rid of her.
After a moment, she accepts his hand. "One dance," she agrees.
It's just a small flicker of hope, but it's enough. Feeling as though he's just won the lottery, Theo leads her out onto the floor as the music begins to play. A slow song. His heart seems to skip a beat as he pulls her closer.
"I'm in luck," he murmurs.
"Why?"
He guides her along, smiling at how graceful she is. How could Draco not see how lucky he had been to have her?
Theo shakes his head. "Because I get to dance with you like this," he answers.
"Just one dance," she reminds him.
But one dance turns to two, and they never let go of one another. He feels as though he might melt into her arms.
As their third song plays, Theo catches Draco's gaze. He looks relieved and mouths thanks, mate.
…
"You're an amazing partner," Pansy says as they walk back to the dormitory together. "I haven't had that much fun in ages."
"Really? You should always have fun. You're so… You deserve only the best things." He wraps an arm around her, his heart fluttering as she nuzzles against him.
That one action makes him feel braver. When they near the dungeons, he stops, gently catching her wrists. He pulls her in, pressing a quick kiss to her lips.
Pansy pulls away, her eyes wide, a small smile on her lips. "You fancy me," she says.
"Yes."
She bites her lip. He expects her to mention Draco, to tell him that he shouldn't fancy her. Instead, she takes his hand, chuckling softly as she leads him along. "Good," she decides with an air of finality.