A/N I would love to say thank you so much to my guests' reviewers. I did enjoy writing the Drastoria chapter and think that the story will have more of them in it later. I just don't want to get so caught up on them, and forget about Theo and Daphne, what are they called...NottGrass I think? Happy reading all!
Chapter 13: Attitude is Fashion
Theo hung his jacket on the back of the desk chair. He pulled his cuff links out of his pocket, so he could start to put them on. About a week ago, while Daphne had been creating the beautiful gown, she was wearing tonight for her fashion show, he had snagged a small piece of the material. She had created material which was black when you first looked at it, but when she moved or light shined on her, it shimmered a royal blue. Theo had taken the material to Madam Malkin, asking her to create a suit for him to wear tonight. Malkin had come up with black trousers with a line of a similar shimmer material down the side, instead of satin. The jacket was black, as was his dress shirt, but the vest, handkerchief and tie were made from the same similar material Malkin had created from what Theo had gotten from Daphne's dress. Tonight, Theo had decided to wear cufflinks bearing the Nott family crest on them. He hoped one day to change the image of the Nott family, to one he would be proud to pass on to a son.
Flint was supposed to be back the day prior, but had owled Daphne, telling her there was a delay keeping him gone until this morning. Theo told her, to concentrate on her fashion show, not about breaking up with Marcus. She had worked far too hard for this to be worried about Flint. He had waited this long for her, he could wait a few more days if need be.
"Damn, Theo you look good!" Astoria said from the doorway of the study, as she and Draco arrived.
Theo smiled, turning around, proud of his suit. "Madam Malkin did a good job, didn't she?"
Astoria walked over and touched his vest, "Is this the same material as Daphne's dress?"
"As close as possible. I took a small piece the other day when she wasn't looking. I may not get to have Daphne on my arm tonight, but I will make sure everyone in that place knows whose arm she should be on." Theo brushed invisible dust off his arm. "Plus, Madam Malkin liked the material so much, she said she is going to find Daphne tonight at the show, so they can discuss her creating some outfits for her shop."
Astoria's eyes lit up, "Theo, Daphne will be so excited to have her work in a wizarding shop."
Theo nodded to the blond man leaning on the door frame, "Draco, looking dapper as always."
"You could have at least combed your hair, Theo." Draco adjusted his tie. He wore his signature solid black, a look, somehow only Draco could pull off.
Theo reached up, messing his hair even more in, response.
Astoria started bouncing up and down and biting her lip while looking at Draco. Astoria's dress was also solid black, with lace covering the sweetheart neckline, and going down the sleeves. It was tight across the bodice, flaring out past her waist. The silky black material went to the top of her knees and swayed while she bounced up and down.
Draco smiled at her, "Go ahead, tell him."
Astoria clapped her hands together, turning to Theo, "We are getting married!"
Theo's eyes got wide; you could see his excitement to this news. He pulled Astoria into a tight hug. "Yes, that is amazing news!" He spun Astoria around, then reached out his hand to shake Draco's. Draco grabbed his hand smiling proudly. Theo got a sly look on his face, "No, a handshake is not enough." He pulled Draco into a manly hug and slapped him on the back. "I am so happy for you mate." Theo ran his hand through his hair, straightening it out slightly, although his hair was never tame. "So, Lord Greengrass really gave you his blessing, this is so awesome. Of course, we have to wait till tomorrow to tell Daph, but man, things just got easier." Theo could hardly hide how this news had him making plans already.
"Theo, I uh, I haven't actually asked Lord Greengrass for permission, yet." Draco stammered while sheepishly looking at the floor, tugging on his left sleeve. "It was more of a spontaneous proposal."
Astoria got on her tip toes, giving Draco a loving kiss on the cheek, "It was perfect. I wouldn't have it any other way." Draco smile at her, putting his arm around her waist.
Theo stopped smiling, but only for half a second, then smiled brightly at his friend. "No worries, Tori loves you, you got this." He walked over to the chair picking up his suit jacket to put it on. "So, let's see the ring!"
Draco gave Theo a pleading look, "I still need to get one. The one I want is in the safe at Malfoy manor. I was hoping, if my mother as a good time tonight, she might still be in a good mood tomorrow, making her willing to help me out."
"I think your father, could get her in a better mood then I can." Theo teased, then noticed his friend wasn't laughing. "Leave it to me." Theo gave Draco a squeeze on the shoulder. "Speaking of my date, she is most likely ready, we should go."
The three of them apparated to Malfoy Manor, finding Draco's mother and father in Lucius's study. Lady Malfoy was sitting on the couch, looking at her husband, who was busy with papers, ignoring her.
"Mother, we're here." Draco announced as they walked in.
Narcissa stood, walking past Draco giving Astoria a warm hug. "Astoria, you look darling." She then turned to Draco, putting a hand on his cheek, as he leaned down to give her a kiss.
"Hello, Mother. You look wonderful. I am glad you're coming with us."
"Draco, you look handsome as always. I miss getting to see you all dressed up." Narcissa gave her son a warm smile.
"It would be nice if you would come around more often son." Lucius stood from behind his desk, tossing down the papers he was reading. "Better still, stop playing healer, and move back into the Manor, where you belong."
Astoria took a step back sliding in behind Draco. She normally didn't let anyone get to her, but Lucius Malfoy was the one exception. Something, about how he carried himself, the way he always looked down on her, scared her. The day Draco had told his parents about her illness, Astoria had wanted to crawl under the table. Lord Malfoy had the ability to be crueler, than anyone she had ever known. He also, didn't think anything he said or did was cruel. He simply said things like he saw them or felt them.
True, Lucius Malfoy was attempting to put aside the 'old ideas' of blood-purity but saying and doing were two different things. He made it clear to Draco, he had only originally accepted Astoria, because she was at least Pure-Blood and of the sacred twenty-eight. Now that she was 'sickly', as Lucius had put it, he had a harder time approving of her. Draco had stood his ground with his father, telling him this was the woman he wanted to date, and he didn't need, nor was he asking for his approval. Astoria thought it very brave.
Draco reached behind him and held Astoria's hand. He tried as best he could to show strength. Before, he may not have needed his father's approval to date her, but now he wasn't just dating her. Times may have changed enough to make it, so he didn't need his father's approval to marry her either, but he wanted it. "It is very nice to see you, Sir. I was hoping I could come over tomorrow, or the next night for dinner. I have been neglecting Mother, I'm afraid. Getting through my classes and beginning my internship has kept me far too busy."
"Of course, you're always welcome." Lucius raised an eyebrow at Draco, "Is there something we need to discuss?"
"Perhaps." Draco felt Astoria give his hand a squeeze.
Lucius glared at Draco hard, trying to read his son's thoughts. Draco felt himself tense as the man tried to burn a hole through him. Neither, Malfoy man moved or blinked, they were both stubborn and determined.
"Well, if the pleasantries are over, I want to take this stunning woman out on the town!" Theo exclaimed, stepping in front of Draco, breaking Lucius's eye contact with his son. He took Narcissa's hand in his and kissed the back of it. "Lady Malfoy, you are defiantly going to be the most beautiful women there tonight." Theo winked as he stood back up.
Narcissa actually blushed like a teenager. "Theodore, look how tall you are. Your father was always quite the looker, but I must say, you have grown into even a better-looking man than he was."
Theodore offered his hand to Lucius. "Lord Malfoy, it has been far too long."
Lucius looked at Theo's hand but went back to his papers. "Nott. Why didn't I hear anything about services for your father?"
"There were not any. I am afraid I felt he was," Theo paused a moment, "undeserving." Theo finished with a sneer, putting his hand in his pocket. Lucius intimidated many people, but Theo was not among those.
"Lord Nott, undeserving of a proper funeral?" Lucius, looked from Theo to Draco. "I thought your friends were brought up better."
Theo laughed, "Draco and I had childhoods that almost mirrored each other, Lord Malfoy. I am afraid the lack of a mother's delicate touch, in my household, however, might have left me a bit," he took a deep breath, "unrefined." Theo took a step closer to him. "However, since I am now, Lord Nott, I stand by my decision. I apologize, if it offended you in any way. It was based solely on the actions of my father, not the actions of his friends or associates."
Malfoy considered Theo for a moment. "You certainly do seem to have your father's way of taking command of a situation. Not something I expected, since your father always described you as quite a disappointment."
Theo gave Malfoy a crooked smile, "He was as much a disappointment as a father, let me assure you."
Lucius tried to read Theo's thoughts but relented after seeing the upset look on his wife's face. Instead of continuing the debate with Theo, he offered his hand to him, which Theo happily accepted. "Please, take care of my wife this evening. I trust she is in good hands."
Theo nodded politely to Malfoy, then turned to Narcissa, offering her his arm. When he looked at Draco, Draco only shook his head at Theo, then told his father goodnight.
Theo held Narcissa's hand on his arm, "We will be apparating to a location about four miles from the actual show, then we must take a muggle vehicle the rest of the way."
Narcissa looked at Theo smiling warmly, "I am looking forward to it."
The four apparated to the agreed location, taking a limousine from there. Narcissa was so excited to see so many people: many she recognized, many she did not. She found it hard to sit still, wanting to see everything. Draco smiled, thinking his mother looked like a schoolgirl on her way to her first ball.
Astoria looked around at all the people, "Theo, when do Daphne and Marcus get here?"
Narcissa looked questionably at Theo, "Daphne is not still dating that brute, is she?"
"Not for much longer, Lady Malfoy." Theo smiled brightly.
"Oh good. I would really much rather, you be my son's brother one day." She continued to look out the windows. Draco didn't miss the comment and beamed beside Astoria.
Theo pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket, "Daph is supposed to arrive right after Lady Zabini, but before Miss McCartney."
Narcissa clapped, "Oh, Cleo Zabini will be here. I have not seen her in so long. I must find her tonight, Theodore, and say hello. Unfortunately, I do not recognize the name of the other lady you mentioned."
"Bella McCartney is a famous Muggle designer, she is also being featured tonight by the Muggle company, Saks Fifth Avenue. So Daph arrives, then Miss McCartney, and then the owners of the store. We arrive just before Lady Zabini. I paid extra for that. I want to still be close enough to the red carpet when Daph gets here, so Marcus has to see me." Theo put the paper away, then made sure his tie was straight.
"You are the little schemer, aren't you?" Narcissa looked at Astoria, the two of them giggled like they were close friends. Again, Draco beamed, he looked at Theo and smiled.
Their limo pulled up to a stop. Theo got out first. Cameras went off, a few people from the wizarding world exclaimed, 'Oooo, it's Theodore Nott. Wonder who he came with?' Theo didn't expect any of the Muggle reporters to know who he was, and he was fine with that. He held his hand out for Lady Malfoy. When she got out of the limo, the wizarding reporters went crazy, whispering and bustling about. No one had expected to see Narcissa Malfoy in public let alone at an event which was mostly Muggle. The Muggle reporters, although they really had no idea who she was, assumed by the way their (unbeknownst to them) wizarding counterparts were acting, this was someone they should know, and took as many pictures as they could.
Narcissa whispered to Theo, "I feel like royalty." Theo smiled brightly, walking her to end of the carpet to wait for the others.
The door to the limo reopened with Draco getting out next. He loved how only the magical people knew who he was, they were excited to see him, but not nearly as excited as they had been to see his mother. He was getting used to being around Muggles, although they took his picture as if they should know who he was, they didn't harass him. Astoria loved going to their movies and plays, book shops and cafes. He was still slightly uncomfortable around Muggles, but liked how to them, he was just another guy. When at a Muggle restaurant, people didn't hex him from across the room, or spill drinks on him accidently. The cameras went nuts again as Astoria stepped out, and the reporters realized she was the younger sister of one of the designers. Draco was happy to let Astoria field the questions, and shine in the spotlight, instead of him.
Joining Theo and Narcissa, they waited for the next limo, which held Blaise, Tracey, Lady Zabini, and her husband Ethan.
Even the Muggles knew Lady Zabini and her son. She was the queen of the beauty product world, Wizarding and Muggle. Blaise exited their limo first, the cameras and reporters went into a frenzy, which made the flashing lights Narcissa, or Astoria encountered, look tame. He held his hand out for Tracey, giving her an affectionate kiss on the cheek once she was out of the limo. He answered questions for ten minutes about his lovely date, and whether it could be expected to see her in the future.
Blaise's stepfather Ethan, got out of the limo, once he and Tracey were walking away. The moment Lady Zabini stepped out the noise level grew and more lights than they had seen yet, flashed.
Theo leaned over to Draco, "Ethan sure has lasted a long time. Do you think she actually likes this one?"
Draco snorted, as Blaise and Tracey joined them, to watch his mother and stepfather number eight, get their pictures taken. Blaise happily shook hands with Theo and Draco, "Lady Malfoy, so good to see you. This is my girlfriend Tracey Davis, Tracey, Lady Narcissa Malfoy." Blaise gallantly introduced the two to each other, unsure if over the years they ever had the opportunity to meet. Narcissa graciously said hello, but was noticeably more interested in Lady Zabini, still in the spotlight.
Lady Zabini exclaimed, as she finally made her way over to them. "Cissy, is that you? I had no idea you were coming tonight."
"Theodore invited me, wasn't that sweet of him." The two women kissed the air beside each other's cheeks. "I was just telling him how excited I was to get to see you again."
"It has been too long, Cissy. Life is too short to let so much get in the way of our happiness, I think." Cleo took Narcissa's hands in hers, "You must come sit with me and Ethan. We have so much to catch up on, and so many people for you to meet." Cloe looked back at her husband. "Ethan, please go in and make sure there will be an extra seat beside us for Narcissa." Her husband smiled and walked off quickly ahead of the group.
Narcissa looked to Theo, who was distracted. Daphne had emerged from her limo, but she was alone. "Theodore." Theo didn't seem to hear Narcissa say his name. She said it again, a little louder. "Theodore." When he still didn't respond, she took his arm.
Theo looked down at Lady Malfoy, "Sorry, guess I was distracted by something." Theo smiled.
"Why don't you go over to her, Theodore." Narcissa motioned to Daphne.
Theo looked at her confused. "I can't abandon you. You're my date." He offered her his arm.
Narcissa took it politely. "I will be fine Theodore. Daphne, however, looks far too gorgeous in that gown, to be all alone. Go."
"Are you sure?" Theo looked from her to Draco. He didn't want his best mate to think he was abandoning his mum, since it was Theo's idea to invite her in the first place.
Narcissa smile patting his arm. "I am sure. Cleo and I have a lot to catch up on, and my handsome son is here, if I need anything."
Theo continued to look at Draco. He raised his eyebrows as if asking him for permission. Draco smiled at him, "Go Theo. We will all see you at the party after."
Theo kissed Lady Malfoy on the cheek then almost ran back over to the red carpet, while the rest of the group went inside to find their seats. Daphne was just getting done as the next limo pulled up. She turned around, looking to where the man giving her directions was pointing. Theo caught his breath as he took her in. He had seen her dress before tonight but seeing it on her was different. The material was the same as his tie and vest, the black that shimmered royal blue when she moved. The dress had small straps and a neckline, Daphne had described to Theo as something, called a cowl. He didn't care what it was called, but she wore it well. He smiled from ear to ear, noticing the silver locket he had given her, when they first started dating, around her neck. The dress fit well through her bodice, while slim along her hips. It flowed to the floor sweeping along as she moved. Her golden hair was in a high ponytail on top of her head, with soft curls cascading down her back. She had a few strands curled, framing her face. Daphne wore black heels, making her a few inches taller. They had straps around her ankles with small black bows on the back.
Once Daphne got to the end of the red carpet, the blinding lights finally behind her, she noticed Theo standing there waiting for her. He was smiling proudly, holding out his right hand to her. She gave him her left hand, making sure her palm was down, hoping he would notice the ring he had given her back in their fourth year, was back where it belonged. Theo saw the ring, bringing her hand up to his lips, kissing it softly.
He bent down so he could whisper, "I told you, you would want to put it back." Theo kissed her lightly on the cheek before he stood up. After offering her, his arm and turning to the door, he had to ask, "Not that I really care, but where is Flint? Don't get me wrong, the git is doing me a favor by not showing."
Daphne looked up at Theo, his brown eyes were somehow brighter tonight than they had been before. Daphne had always loved the way his eyes sparkled when the light hit them. She smiled, remembering Pansy always telling her brown eyes were boring. Daphne never thought Theo's eyes were boring. The brown always sparkled with other colors that seemed to show his emotions, even before he knew what they were. His eyes had a way of melting her, like the sun melts snow, making it sparkle as it does.
"He sent a message a few hours ago, the team booked two more games. He won't be back for another week." Daphne gave Theo's arm a squeeze then indicated the ring on her finger. "I decided I didn't want to wait, and I have asked you to wait long enough."
Theo stopped walking, staring down at her he felt his heart was trying to race fast enough to get to the seats before he did. He brushed her cheek with his left hand. "Damn, I want to kiss you right now." They locked eyes for a minute, then Theo noticed the cameras going off again around them. He removed his hand from her cheek, "But tonight is about you. There is plenty of time to give the prophet juicy gossip about us another day."
Daphne took Theo's tie in her hand rubbing, her thumb along the silky fabric. "You match my dress. How did you pull that off?"
"I am a Slytherin, after all." Theo winked, "I used all my cunning and found a way."
Daphne couldn't help but laugh out loud, taking Theo's arm so he could escort her to her seat beside Bella McCartney.
"Would you stay with me, or do you need to get back to Draco's mum?" Daphne indicated the empty seat on her other side, which was intended for Marcus.
Theo unbuttoned the button on his coat, sitting down. "No, she is with Lady Zabini. She told me to stay with you. So, I am yours all night." Theo leaned by Daphne's ear, "I'm yours forever Daph, always have been." He sat up, taking a deep breath, so he could enjoy her perfume.
Daphne blushed, while she tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear. She placed her right hand on Theo's thigh, he reached instantly to hold it. Daphne knew the cameras might catch her doing this, and questions would get asked later on about Marcus's absence, and her seemingly intimate relationship with Theo, but she didn't care. He is the man who she wanted by her side tonight anyway, so let them find out, let them ask. She knew this might overshadow her work once again with Witch Weekly, but at least it would because of her actions.
The lights lowered all around them, with a loud base line music playing, as the announcer for the evening took her place by the podium. She introduced first, the new upcoming fall line Saks would be showcasing. Suddenly the tall, lean models walked up and down the catwalk in that ridged, almost robotic way, which makes them, and the clothes look good.
After the fall line, the announcer introduced Daphne. "Ladies and Gentleman, we at Saks Fifth Avenue, are proud to welcome a new, up and coming designer to the world of fashion. Tonight, she has selected twelve items she would like to show you, which will be added to our spring line. Please welcome, Miss Daphne Greengrass." Daphne stood only briefly, so those in attendance could see who she was, then sat quickly as the models once again took the catwalk by storm. Camera lights went crazy. Theo noticed many people talking and taking notes. Lots of approving nods being shared amongst those in attendance. He hoped these were all good signs of Daphne's designs being well received.
Once the models were done, the announcer then introduced Miss McCartney, and her addition to the winter line. What seemed to Theo, like a never-ending stream of models rushed the catwalk. Flipping hair and scarves, clicking heals and doing turns. He found them all fun to watch, but a little difficult to really see what they were wearing. He also, wasn't sure he liked much of what they had on, but Theo also preferred jeans and a T-shirt most of time. He considered himself a simple man. Tonight, the fancy suit was for Daphne, he would do anything for her. Even wearing a suit, when he honestly loathed the things.
When the models were done, the lights came back up, and everyone started to bustle around the room. Theo escorted Daphne around to meet and greet with all the designers, buyers, and people of the fashion world. Madam Malkin stopped Daphne at one point. The two women talked about designs and cloth. By the time they said good night, Daphne had been hired to make no less than five new dress styles for next year's wedding season. While Daphne spoke to people, Theo always made sure he stood a couple steps behind, to give her room to shine, but close enough, so she didn't feel he had been abandoned her. When she moved around the room, he would walk with his right hand in the small of her back, so she knew he was right there, but not dominating over her. If someone asked for a picture, Theo would offer to take it, so he wasn't in the picture. They wanted a picture of Daphne, not him. That was the way he saw it. If the picture taker was a photographer, he would step away, unless Daphne asked him to stand with her. Tonight, was all about her in his eyes, and he would do everything he could to make sure, she was the center of attention.
"Daphne!" Astoria screamed her sister's name, when they finally found each other in the crowd.
Daphne gave her a hug as the two of them giggled. "I am so glad you could be here; Astoria I couldn't have done this without your help all these years." She kissed her sister on the cheek.
"You look amazing, Daphy." Draco leaned down to give her a hug.
Daphne smacked his arm, she hated it when he called her that, but figured it was what a brother would do. "Thank you, Draco. I know crowds are not your thing, but I really do appreciate you bringing Tori." Daphne saw Lady Malfoy standing beside her son. "Lady Malfoy, you look wonderful. I hope you enjoyed the show."
"I did dear, this has been so much fun so far. I really am glad your young man offered to bring me." Narcissa gave Daphne a hug, which left Daphne speechless. She had not been expecting it. Astoria and Draco had been together for over a year now, but Daphne had not really had the chance to get to know Draco's parents.
"Daphne, your designs were simply gorgeous. I am truly looking forward to what you will have in Malkins one day, until than I am happy to shop at Saks. After all they sell my products." Lady Zabini offered Daphne her hand.
Daphne took her hand, kissing the air beside Lady Zabini's cheeks, the way Narcissa had earlier. "I cannot tell you how flattered I am you came, Lady Zabini. Thank you so much."
"I do love a good fashion show. However, I think it is time the older generation retires." Cleo turned to Narcissa, "Cissy, would you like to come over for some tea and gossip, so the young people can go to their party?"
"I would love to." Narcissa clapped her hands together, and said goodbye to Theo, Daphne and Astoria. She turned to her son, "Draco, please come by in the morning. I think I have something for you, you were wanting to get at dinner. No need to wait until then or involve your father."
Draco kissed his mother on the cheek. "I will be there bright and early, Mother."
"Now, where is my son?" Cleo looked around the room, trying to find Blaise. Finally finding him, she waved him over to let him know she was leaving for the evening.
Daphne and Tracey squealed, when they saw each other. Theo leaned away, pretending it was hurting his ears. "Tracey, I can't believe you're here. How long has it been?" Daphne was still holding onto Tracey's hands.
"Far too long. But thankfully, Blaise and I found our way back to each other." Blaise smiled proudly, but Theo and Draco started laughing.
Tracey turned to Blaise, "You told them about the bet, didn't you?"
"It might have come up at the club last week." Blaise gave Theo and Draco dirty looks.
"Well, you're not getting out of it. You're stuck for the next 179 days mister." Tracey hit Blaise's arm.
He gave her a bashful smile, "Perhaps longer." Blaise said as he leaned down and stole a kiss.
Daphne turned to her friends, "There is a party on the eighteenth floor, in one hour. Between now and then, I am headed to room 912. The Prophet magically enhanced it, so all the reporters from the wizarding world can fit in. So, I guess I will see you all in one hour." Daphne gave Tori and Tracey hugs, and giggled about how well things were going so far, then turned to Theo. "Would you please go with me to the interview room?"
"Of course, I will." Theo offered his arm, leading her to the lift in the main lobby. Once alone inside the lift, Theo had nine floors to kiss Daphne in private, which was not long enough, but would have to do.
They entered a room crowded with people. Theo thought the fourteen reporters for whom he had answered questions about the lost shipment was a lot; in this room there were people from wizarding magazines he had never even heard of. If he had to guess, he would say seventy people easy, maybe more. The camera lights started going off as soon as they entered the room. They had a small stage set up with a podium where Daphne could stand, but mostly so there was some where to place a glass of water. Daphne walked up, took a drink, then looked back at Theo. He had stayed back, off the little stage. Theo wanted to make sure the focus stayed on her, not on him. If he was up there hovering over her, it wouldn't take long before the topic of conversation went from fashion to romance.
The reporters started the barrage of questions. Theo was surprised they respectfully stayed on topic. He could tell from the look on Daphne's face, so was she. She had always told him interviews turned into a 'tell us about Marcus' session and were not really about her. But tonight, the questions, for at least forty minutes, were all about her. What are you designing next? Why a muggle store? Will you try to put something in a wizarding store soon? What made you go into fashion? Can we expect to see your label in the States? The questions went on and on, until finally Pansy Parkinson, did what she does best.
"You have told us about your designs for tonight, but what you have not told us, is where is Flint?" Pansy tapped her foot, giving Daphne a disapproving look.
A hush fell over the crowd while they waited for her answer. "He is not here." That was Daphne's answer.
Pansy wasn't excepting that, "Not here. Yes, we can see that. Have you rekindled your childhood relationship with Nott? Is that why Flint is not here?"
Theo walked up to Daphne, placing his hand on the small of her back, he leaned over to whisper in her ear. "You don't have to answer that Daph. This does not need to be the place where you make a statement about us, if you're not ready." She nodded her agreement to him taking his arm, once he offered it.
"Thank you everyone." Daphne and Theo turned to leave.
Pansy wanted the last word. "If you don't give us a statement, we can always make one up. Along with our own headline. How about, 'Bad boy chases off the chaser', or how does, 'Once a Death Eater's whore, always a Death Eater's whore' sound?"
There were gasps through-out the room. Theo stopped dead in his tracks.
Daphne felt him tense, "Theo?"
Theo looked at the floor and whispered, "She called you a whore."
"Don't mind Pansy." Daphne tried to move on, but Theo's feet were glued to the floor.
He looked at Daphne, his hands forming tight fists, "She called my Baby a whore, because of me."
Daphne looked at Theo's eyes. They were full of rage, but also pain. Daphne let go of Theo's arm, turning back toward the reporters. He caught her arm, "Daph?"
Daphne smiled at Theo, reaching up so she could run her hand quickly through his hair. Theo closed his eyes, letting go of her arm. Daphne went back up to the podium and smiled warmly to the crowd. "I don't normally let people bait me into making comments I am not prepared to make. See, I was raised to be a lady, proper and polite."
Daphne looked back at Theo, he hadn't turned around yet, but had shoved his hands in his pockets. He was visibly shaking. Daphne knew he was trying to calm himself down. She looked back at the reporters and found Pansy and looked straight at her. "Tonight, was set aside so I could answer your questions, specifically for the wizarding world about my designs. I do understand your interest in Marcus's absence, since he has been with me, or I should I say I have been with him, on so many other occasions. My statement to you about his whereabouts is simple, Marcus Flint chooses to put his Quidditch team before me. That is where he is tonight, with the Canons."
Daphne notice Theo had turned back around and was watching her. She gave him a smile. "As for the gentleman who did escort me, everyone in this room knows Theodore Nott Jr. was never truly a Death Eater. Shame on you Miss Parkinson, for even making such a rude comment."
The cameras all turned to Theo and started flashing, he tried to look away and ran his hands through his already unkept hair again.
"Yes, yes. Shame on me. Are you ditching the Quidditch player, or not?" Pansy smirked at Daphne to let her know she wasn't amused or letting her off the hook.
Daphne smiled sweetly back at Pansy. "I think today is a new day for Daphne Greengrass, what do you all think? Is today a good day, for me to stop being so polite and proper all the time?"
The applause and cheers from the crowd gave Daphne courage. "Fine, if a statement about Theodore Nott and me is what you want, this is what you will have to settle for." Daphne stepped off the little stage, walked up to Theo, grabbed his tie and pulled his lips down to hers in a passionate kiss. Theo was a little surprised at first, but it didn't take long for him to kiss her back with one hand on her cheek, wrapping the other arm around her waist, holding her close to him.
They kissed deeply for several minutes, until Daphne let go of Theo's tie and he slowly stood back up, smiling at her. "That was a hell of a statement." Theo chuckled and put his forehead against hers. "You know they were taking pictures of that, right? Still are."
"I hope they are. Now, take me to the party." Daphne slipped her arm back around Theo's and gave the reporters a little wave goodbye.
A/N Please let me know what you think so far. I know I am really enjoying writing this; I just hope you are enjoying reading it.
