"I never realized that dinner at the great hall was so… crowded? There are too many people here. Truly, it is dreadful to be around everyone when eating your meals. Every person I try to avoid is present. The hall does not feel big enough at all. I ate the last of my meal. I couldn't be bothered to know what I was eating. All I knew was that it was good, I was satisfied, and I needed to get out of this place.

""Fin, you've barely sat down" Adeline spoke before nudging Narcissa who was sitting on her other side. They were both seated opposite from me.

"Are you all right?" Narcissa asked.

"Peachy"

I understood her worry. I have been injured a lot these past few weeks. That was one unfortunate series of events. In all honesty, I wanted to rest. Lately, I have been feeling under the weather a lot. I don't think it has anything to do with recent mishaps. My dizzy spells are becoming more frequent than I would have liked. They usually occur when I am overworking myself on final projects or exams. I certainly haven't been doing a lot lately, so what is this? It could not have been permanent damage from that hag's potion, can it? No. I have been to the hospital wing enough times to ensure myself and my parents that I am in perfectly good condition. Before I could ponder more on my depreciating health and possible poor choices in health habits, I felt someone take the empty seat beside mine.

"Hello there, Miss Rosier"

Theodore Nott greeted with the same cool voice.

I internally scoffed. Of course, he decides to bother me now of all times. Every respect and admiration I had for this boy got incinerated the moment my brother and Regulus decided to tell me of the things they heard when they had a 'meeting' at the Notts' mansion.

"Hello, Theodore. To what do I owe the pleasure?" I asked with my usual demeanor

"The annual Christmas Ball will be coming up in a few weeks. Lucius may have already informed you"

Who could forget the yearly party where our parents forced us to mingle with the high profiles of the wizarding society? It was always hosted in Malfoy Manor, as usual. Without looking at Nott, I turned to Lucius.

"Invitations to each of your households have already been sent" He stated without me having to ask him.

Nott decided to continue where he left off. "Would you allow me to escort you to the event?" He asked without a trace of emotion in his expression or his voice.

I decided to reply in that same manner. Without turning my head in his direction.

"No, but thank you"

Picking up my cup, I took a long sip from my drink. It took him a total of 7 seconds to gather himself.

"I beg your pardon?"

"You are pardoned"

Nott faltered and was at a loss for words.

Adeline and Narcissa were giving me weird looks. They knew of my past admiration for him and I have not told them of the recent updates. All they are seeing was their friend basically insulting a human being she admired.

"Fin, I think what Theo means is that you would make a fine pair at this year's ball and would like to know why you're…er-… emhesitating/em?" Narcissa calmly stated as she looked at me pointedly./p

p class="MsoNormal"I released a breath before meeting her eyes.

"I am simply not looking forward to spending the ball with Nott as my escort. Don't I have the freedom to choose who I should spend my time on?"

She knew me well enough to know that my problem did not lie with her. However, there was a hint of questioning reflected in her eyes and Adeline's. I nodded my head subtly at them both to signal that we would talk about it later.

"I do not understand, Fin. By any chance, have you decided to go with someone else?"

"Though I stared at him blankly, I knew he was looking to embarrass me. He wanted me to say that I was going alone. I understood that this was an incredibly stupid and laughable thing to be embarrassed by or even ashamed of. I should not have to be ridiculed for choosing to go while not being in the arm of a boy. I have never been more eager to drag him down.

"No one" I replied finally looking at him.

For a moment we just stared at each other as I dared him to say something else.

"I know that you've never been known to have an escort aside from your brother or father. However, I believe that I could fill their shoes this time. Both of our parents already gave me permission to ask you"

And there it was. Right into my trap.

"You asked my parents?" I asked slowly.

Lucius released a soft chuckle knowing what was coming next. Adeline raised an eyebrow while Narcissa coughed with an amused expression.

"I do not want any misunderstandings between us, Nott, but last time I checked I am still capalble of making my iwn decisions. I'll have you know that it is very insulting to a lady if she were to be pursued by a gentleman for the sole reason of following orders from his parents. Did your father put you up to this again? Like he did the past times? I hate to be rude Theodore, but where is your self-respect? Besides, did you really think I woudn't find out? I am a lot of things but stupid" I talked to him softly but not without power. I just did not want to create another situation wherein I become subject to more gossip.

Adeline and Narcissa's mouths dropped.

I paused before talking once more, "I am sorry. I understand that it is part of our duty. However, I do not want to be used in that way"

I have been through that enough.

Theodore lost his stoic expression. He released a scoff and a mocking laugh. His mask dropping immediately.

"It was worth a shot, princess. I lasted longer than most, haven't I?" He stated before moving to his seat a good distance away from mine.

"What a jerk!" Narcissa said before angrily taking a bite of an apple.

I stared at nothing.

"Serafina?" Adeline's voice broke me out of my stupor.

"Yes?" I blinked.

"Are you feeling alright?" She looked at me with a weird expression. Was it sympathy?

I did not know what to feel at the time. Or maybe… I did not understand what I felt. I am used to this happening all the time. What was so different about now? My parents would always introduce me to pureblood heirs. They would always show their true intentions eventually. I did not know how long I was zoning out again.

It must have taken me a while to answer as Adeline had to call me again.

"I'm fine" I stated blankly.

What Irony. The moment the words left my mouth I felt another dizzy spell coming. I decided to stay and eat more for the sake of my health. Adeline and Narcissa exchanged a look but they eventually let me be. It seems they took my decision to eat more as a sign that I was feeling just a tiny bit better.

I ate another spoonful of the mushroom soup. I let myself enjoy the warm aroma that wafted from my plate as it seemed to help me feel better. Before my thoughts could stray as they did moments before, the empty seat beside me was taken by another person. I was going to ignore them again when they pressed their side against mine so our legs were touching and I felt part of their chest pressed behind my left shoulder.

"I've done all the research needed for our Ancient Runes project. All that's left for you to do is to write the 3-part essay in your own words. I could also help with this part-" I tuned him out as I stared at his form.

Regulus was holding an advanced book in ancient runes and a papyrus filled with scribbles and notes in his neat handwriting. He was telling me some ideas he had on our essay that we were supposed to present in class next week. I wasn't that focused on what he was saying, but from what I understood he has finished the brunt of the work. He did all the research and the studying. I nudged him with my shoulder to get his attention. Regulus stopped his muttering and turned his face so that I could see his blue-grey eyes.

"What do you think?" He smiled softly as he noticed me looking at him.

pThis time I fought hard to keep my blank stare, I hid it by clearing my throat and looking at his notes.

"I think this good enough…" I fidget slightly. He was so close it made me hyperaware of our surroundings. I realized I could not move without him feeling it.

"Regulus," I whispered under my breath. "Don't you think you are sitting bit too close? I feel like I'll bother you every time I move…"

He thought for a moment.

"I am quite all right. Your movement doesn't do much to bother me. Is it uncomfortable for you?

"Not really" I stated as I looked away from him and put my focus back on my hands which looked very interesting all of a sudden.

"Then don't mind me at all. I promise you could never bother me"

Narcissa started coughing loudly. I have reason to believe she choked at her cousin's words.

"I'm all right! I apologize I wasn't paying attention to eating" she said when Lucius moved to get her some water and Adeline patted her back.

Regulus simply shrugged her off telling her to drink more water while I stared at him...again. As you may understand at this point, staring was my response to anything surprising. I wanted to glare at Regulus but then…he hasn't really said anything to anyone. Nevertheless, he is not exactly subtle about whatever it is that is happening between the two of us. The guy would always volunteer to be my partner and would use any excuse to stay close to me. I did not know how to address this problem, but then again, I can't seem to see it as a problem.

"Regulus, are you attending this year's Christmas ball at Malfoy Manor?" It was Adeline who asked him the question.

"I don't think I could not not go" He chuckled

"You've been all smiley lately" Narcissa raised an eyebrow at her cousin. However, the warm smile she sported diminished all suspicion and threat from her statement.

"Huh…Can't say I've noticed, Cousin" Regulus responded as he put away his notes and book in his messenger bag and started to gather his meal.

Narcissa looked at him pointedly.

"Anyway," She started. "That Nott is some serious work. I am so sorry, Fin. I do hope you are okay after that fiasco earlier"

"It's nothing" I replied as I stirred my soup, not even looking up to meet her eyes.

Regulus, however, stopped as he was about to start eating his prepared plate. I felt him tense.

"Nothing? You said so yourself that you admired the bloke. If only he did not turn out to be a big jerk" Narcissa continued to talk.

I looked at Regulus to see that he was about to ask another question.

I beat him to it.

"It's not a big deal, Cissa. I only admired one part about him and that was the way he carried himself. I barely gave him any thought. I was trying to be polite. That was a mistake on my part. Lucius and Evan proceeded to inform me that he was only asking to escort me since his father asked for it. Another ploy to get to my family I presume" I explained.

"I am just glad you don't have to deal with him anymore" The blonde girl who I liked to call my best friend was smiling like she won a game of wizard's chess.

I ignored her action till I realized what her goal with her statement was. I faced Regulus. He was wearing the same smile but, this time, it did not reach his eyes. I could sense how tense he felt at the way he was holding his cup tightly. It only took a few seconds for his demeanor to calm down. He moved me to face him. His arm was now around my waist as we sat there face to face.

I heard Lucius cough followed by a slapping sound. Probably Narcissa.

Regulus, not without hesitance, started to respond to the questioning look I gave him. It may almost look like the two of us were in a relationship with how touchy he's been.

"I would very much love it if I could accompany you to the Christmas Ball. See, I want you to meet my parents..."

Salazar

I heard gasps and murmurs fill the hall as I just stared at him. I calmed myself enough to respond.

"A little warning would've been nice" I frowned.