The Half-Blood Princess- d.m

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double digits!!
debating on how long i should make this book, anyways enjoy xoxo

Serena's pov:

I saw Draco glaring at me while I talked to Theo. It's not like I'm his property. Little did he know, Theo was just telling me jokes and trying to connect with me more. He's been kind of underrated in the group lately, you know? Theo doesn't talk much unless it's around the guys, so it's nice to hear him open up.

 Sure, Draco makes me weak in my knees. He's gorgeous and someone I enjoy talking to, but it's not like I belong to him. We have a connection, sure, but it's complicated. He never notices the little things I do, like playing with strands of my hair during tests or my collection of muggle band albums at Dad's summer home. Theo didn't know those details either, but he didn't get jealous over me talking to someone else like Draco does.

 After my chat with Theo, I headed to the library to do some studying. I pulled out my advanced potions book that belonged to my father from his school days—he let me have it, of course. Lost in reading about poison antidotes, I was deep in thought and completely unaware that Draco Malfoy had quietly approached and was now standing in front of me.

"Draco, since when do you study?" I remarked, not bothering to look up as I casually flipped the page to the poison antidote chapter.

"Oh, piss off, Serena! Do you even know why I'm here?" he exclaimed, smacking his hand on the table in frustration.

"Draco, of course I don't. Now, can you piss off? I'm studying for my upcoming advanced potions quiz," I said, rolling my eyes as I picked up another potion book.

"Serena, I'm in that class, no need to worry," he said, giving me a wink.

"Ugh, gross, Draco. I've literally got an O on my OWL exam in Potions this semester. Plus, I'm ecstatic to get away from your sorry ass during break. Now, if you'll excuse me," I said, all fed up, picking up my books and hoping to provoke some reaction from him.

I picked up my pace, hoping to get to the common room in peace. Soon enough, Draco caught up with me again. He tried to match my speed, but I was faster. Racing into my dorm, I heard him stop abruptly at the door, pounding on it in frustration.

"Serena, are you crazy?! Just let me in!" he shouted, pounding his fists on my door.

"Draco, I told you, I have no idea what the hell has got you bent out of shape!" I yelled back.

Soon, the pounding on my door stopped. I heard footsteps walking away. Opening my door cautiously, I peeked outside to check for any sign of him, but there was none.

I was about to close the door when suddenly a pair of lips crashed onto mine. Instinctively, I pushed him away, exclaiming, "What the hell!" As he held my cheeks, but I quickly broke away from his grasp.

"Now, Serena, if I can finally get to the point, would you let me ask you formally to be my date to the ball? Just as friends, if you prefer," he said tersely, his irritation evident.

"I-I need time to think," I stammered, pushing him away as I shut the door.

Yes, it felt rude, but it was the same day we found out about the ball, for Merlin's sake. I was torn between waiting for more options, but who would want to go with Serena Snape? Eventually, I made up my mind to confide in Pansy.
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After what felt like hours, the midday meal had ended, and students were dispersing to their dorms, classes, or the library. Pansy climbed the stairs to our dorm, and I quickly shut the door behind her.