TW: Mild Abuse
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I hardly saw Draco much after that, just from passing him in the halls or catching a glimpse of him leaving the manor.
I knew why, the Dark Lord was gaining power quickly, and I was quite sure the Malfoy’s had a part to play in the grand scheme of things.
It wasn’t surprising, Lucius wanted security for his family, he had to prove he was still loyal even after the Dark Lord had gone.
That left me alone most days, reading in the library and strolling the halls with Dice.
Speaking of, Dice and I were currently meandering down the main hall when I heard music coming from the ballroom.
“A party without us? How inconsiderate.” I mused to the owl who undoubtedly agreed.
I leaned my head in and saw both Lucius and Narcissa standing there, musing about the room and pointing in various directions.
”Hello Mr and Mrs Malfoy, I was just out for a stroll and found myself here. It’s quite a lovely room.” I announced myself, not wanted to seem like a sneak.
“Ah Alyce dear! Come in, we were just discussing tomorrow night’s ball.” Narcissa extended a hand towards me and I happily joined them, grateful for an excuse from my boredom.
”Now, I was thinking a gold color scheme, but Lucius says silver. What do you think darling?”
“Why not both? A silver and gold theme, one for the ages.” I smiled looking around the vaulted ceilings and ornate architecture.
“Excellent! I’ll have the house elves prepare dinner, and I’ll have to go out and get a gown for the occasion. I’m assuming you didn’t bring too many ball gowns did you Alyce? No worries, you’ll come with me tomorrow and I’ll find you a nice one.” She rambled on about the details as we exited the room.
I was excited for the ball, and even more so to get my own ball gown.
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Later that evening, I had my head down in some dusty book I found in the library when Draco rushed around the corner and crashed into my distracted self.
”Goodness Draco watch where you’re- are you ok?!” Out of reflex I reached up to his cheek which had a nasty red mark across it.
“I’m fine Alyce,” he mumbled shakily removing my hands from his face.
”No you are not. Go to my room, I’ll be right back.” I ran down the stairs to where I knew the house elves kept supplies.
I passed Lucius, and for a split second we locked eyes. I knew in an instant he was the reason for this.
It’s not my battle to fight in. I knew that. That’s why I nodded tightly and rushed forward.
I reached the store room, grabbed an ice pack, then waited until he was gone.
I couldn’t leave Draco alone any longer, so I practically ran back up to my room, keeping watch for Lucius.
”I’m back.. out of breath, but back.” I plopped down next to him on my window seat and pressed the ice to his already swelling cheek.
He swallowed. “Thank you.”
He knew that I figured it was his father. I guessed it was a sensitive topic, so I didn’t elaborate.
“Of course.” We sat in silence for a moment when he said, “I was defending you.”
My hand dropped a little. “What do…what do you mean?”
”My father said you weren’t worthy for me and the only reason he’s letting this happen is because of your family status. I told him that he was stupid for thinking that.”
”Oh.” I had no words. This was single-handedly this nicest thing a person has done for me. I pulled him into a friendly hug, and whispered thank you.
We found comfort in each other. We both cared for each other, and somewhat filled the gaps of what our parents left behind.
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The next day, Narcissa and I had gone out and gotten our outfits for the night. 146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6wwbexwOE
The dress I selected was a silver silk piece that shimmered nicely in the candle light.
”Alyce? Are you ready dear, come out and let me see.” Narcissa called from the hallway outside my room.
“Coming!” I said with a quick smile in the mirror while I finished putting my earrings in.
”Well? What do you… think.” I paused when I saw Draco turn the corner.
As much as we’d grown closer over the past weeks, I still got nervous seeing him.
“Oh it’s lovely! It fits you in all the right places.” She said tugging at it here and there.
“Looks great Alyce. You’re gonna make everyone jealous.” Draco smiled. He actually smiled. Then winked. At me.
Great Godric he’s flirting.
Lucius called Narcissa away and it was just me and Draco gazing at each other from across the hall.
I squinted, then took a few steps closer. Then a few more, until we were both a couple feet apart, sheltered by the same dark grey wall.
”Draco Malfoy, were you flirting?” I whispered.
“Was I? I may very well have been. By the color of your cheeks I’d say you enjoyed it.”
A look of embarrassed shock crossed my face when I smacked his chest. ”You little..”
He leaned closer, putting one hand on the wall by my head.
Then, just when my stupid mind thought we were going to kiss, he said, “See you at the ball,” and pushed off the wall to leave.
“Where are you going?” I said.
I had to seize this moment. It was the perfect time, all our emotions had finally caught up.
”I don’t ask for what I want Draco. I take it.”
I grabbed his hand and pulled him back closer to me, and in the heat of the moment when my confidence was going downhill, I reached up and placed my lips on his.
Then I stepped back. I thought I was mistaken, that he was just teasing and never wanted to kiss.
I was going to leave, when he wrapped his hands around my waist, pulled me into him and restarted what I’d ended.
It wasn’t heated, but there was passion.
We broke apart a little breathless. I wanted to say something but my voice had been lost in the kiss.
”Well. You do know how to take initiative.” He smirked again at my absolutely shocked expression at what just happened. “I really do have to go, you look great, see you tonight.”
He waved very casually as he went down the stairs and left.
I smiled. “See you tonight.”
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