"I hate you, too." - Draco Malfoy Fanfic

Chapter 20

Your skin

smells

like light, 

I think you are

the moon

-Nw

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Green embroidered silk draped over Eden's skin--the fabric cinched at her waist. Half of her dark hair was pulled up into a clip, the rest of it spilt down her back and along her forearms. Her mother stood beside her at the vanity. She had been trying to assist Eden in applying her cosmetics, though she didn't need the help.

"My beautiful summer rose." Vivian clasped her daughter's face affectionately, her warm golden eyes danced in the candlelight. "You act as though I'm getting married." Eden laughed, standing up off the seat. Her mother always fussed over her before balls or special events where she'd be dressed up.

A mask to match her gown was set on the desk, and Eden lifted it to her eyes--concealing part of her face. Vivian was wearing a loose-fitting navy blue gown, and had forgotten to purchase a mask. "Can we go now? I'm starving." Eden sighed and her mother pinched her cheek one last time before they departed from the apartment.

----

Eden set a shawl over her arms as she climbed out of the car and hurried towards the venue. The ceiling was excessively high--with beautiful renaissance paintings covering every inch of it. Vibrant gold was gilded into every wall, trimming, and pillar in the large entryway. Crystal chandeliers drooped from above and a large grand piano sat in one corner.

--But this was nothing compared to the actual ballroom. Vivian hurried after her daughter as they entered through the doorways and arrived at the top of the double staircase. "Wow." Eden sighed, sticking close to her mother as they descended the stairs. A few heads looked up to watch them walk--but most were too engrossed in dancing or talking.

The ballroom was old. Very, very old. It reminded Eden a little of the interior of a cathedral. Much like the entryway, there were beautiful paintings adorning the ceilings and gold was painted into everything. The room glowed orange and Eden suddenly felt out of place with her forest-green dress, until she noticed the rest of the crowd. Reds, greens, blues, whites, pinks and even black. It was like something out of a dream.

Eden had been here only once before. In her second year, the Oakley family had hired this particular venue for the night, but Eden had left after less than thirty minutes--feeling far too overwhelmed by the loud noises and crowds. Eden was older now.

"You look exquisite, darling." A gentle hand clasped her shoulder, and she spun to face Draco Malfoy. Eden set a quick glance behind her to see Vivian speaking with one of the wizarding mothers--thank god. "Oh?" She turned back to him as his eyes danced along the dress that clung to her body. The air was sucked from the room, the dress Eden wore was suddenly too tight, her posture too casual--no, too stiff.

"Dance with me?" He reached up to run a finger along her mask--and Eden tried not to look away, despite her face, which was now flushed pink. "If I must." She raised her chin, and Draco took her hand in his. She was tempted to pull herself away, to pull him closer--she didn't know.

He led her to a spot near the edge of the dancers and Eden allowed herself to think it was because he knew her. Because he knew she didn't want to feel trapped in the centre of the commotion. He placed a hand on her waist and a shiver spiralled down the length of her spine as her stomach plummeted to her toes. What is wrong with you? she scolded herself. You've been touched plenty of times on the waist before.