PRETENDING TO LIVE~ {The Lestrange Daughter #2}

𝟏𝟎. Rejection

The morning the Yule Ball was announced held excitement for many. Valentine didn't include herself in that. It wasn't that she abhorred the formality or the dancing or even the socialising, she could take all of those things in reasonable dosages. It wasn't exactly her idea of a night well spent but she had long since decided that nights like these weren't for her. In any case. 

She could already picture the chaos a character like hers could reign at such an event and if she did so, she could very well ruin it for everyone else there. Especially her friends of whom were actually suitably excited for it. She wasn't sure if she would or even should, attend. She knew the chances that the night could transpire without the dark cloud that followed her everywhere weren't overly likely if she was indeed to intend. Things would just be easier for everyone if she stayed away. She thought maybe she could give them all an untainted night without her. 

"I know I said either blue or purple the other night but now I'm thinking green? Like a pretty light green. Oh, and with ruffles! Mama said green and ruffles should always go together." Leah hadn't shut up about her Yule Ball gown since Valentine had received Narcissa's letter the night before. 

Draco and Liam were actually paying attention and giving her feedback, while Blaze seemed content to sit back and stare at her like a weirdo.

Valentine watched from across the table as he missed his mouth with his spoon and dribbled milk and cereal onto his tie.

"Awe, crap." She heard him curse quietly as he tried to clean it up before anyone noticed. 

"I still think blue." Said Draco, unaware of Blaze's fumble. "Not yellow. God, please not yellow."

"But yellow is so cute!"

"Hmm, the green isn't a bad idea though." Said Liam. "Certain shades of blue and green go together so maybe you could do both." 

"Yeah, but blue and yellow can go together can't they?" Asked Leah.

"Well, yes-"

"No, yellow." Draco cut in firmly.

"What is your problem with yellow?" Liam frowned.

"It's too...bright. It'll just make her look like some kind of freaky, humanoid banana."

"I was thinking of a pretty pastel yellow of your information!" Leah humphed. "Besides, you're just jealous because yellow would look dreadful on you."

"I am not jealous." Draco gritted his teeth.

"Alright, alright, you two." Liam interjected. "It's just a colour. It isn't going to hurt anybody." 

"So you say." Draco grumbled.

"No one is going to force you to wear yellow, Draco."

"Good. Because they wouldn't survive the attempt." 

Their conversation faded into the background as Valentine felt the odd sensation of eyes on her.

She looked over at the Gryffindor table where she found the Weasley twins and Jordan Lee staring at her and whispering to one another.

She narrowed her glowing eyes in her signature glare and they all quickly turned away. Valentine wished such stares were rarer for her but they simply weren't. 

"What?" Draco's confusion bought back Valentine's attention. "But what about Philips?"

"What about her?" Said Liam.

"Look, I know you like Krum a disturbing amount, but the chances he'll go to the ball with you are slim."

"Um, rude?"