Winters Cloak | S.S

27 | Mixed Signals

"Find me something—anything to wear!"

You claw in your suitcase, frustration digging in your veins as the dresses you had were either already worn or too basic for your liking.

It didn't help that France had packed your suitcase for you in the beginning of the year. In a result of the late awakening, you couldn't choose proper outfits and drag whatever you had in the closet.

Louise walked in on you in a state of havoc. Her eyes widen as she takes in a glimpse of the mess.

"I spent an hour cleaning our dorm and you've already trashed it up." Louise sighs as she starts grabbing your clothes from the dark green carpet. Chucking it over on your bed which was also crowded.

You gasp.

"No! Don't touch my clothes, I'm checking for new pieces I haven't worn yet." You go back to grabbing pieces, scrutinising them and throwing them overhead.

Louise ducks as your bra flings at her. She shoves her hands in her skirt, clearly having enough.

"Clean all of this up and I'll let you borrow a dress of mine. Brand new." Louise offers suddenly. She tries to pull you by the arm, since you were too occupied with observing your clothes.

You slowly stand up and face her in astonishment. "You would do that for me?" There was no other choice now.

"What's the catch?"

Louise sighs. "No catch this time. Just...be careful with Draco."

You fold your arms. "I'm sneaking out tonight. Don't worry, I know what he's capable of...Snape already warned me about the Malfoy's."

Louise approached you, her eyes intense. "If anything happens, you better let me know."

—

A dash of blush, tinted lips of the shade rose and a few curls hanging by the side of your youthful face. A neat bun Louise had perfected. A black sophisticated dress and a pair of matching heels.

You were ready.

Draco paused to stare at you. He opened his mouth to say something then closes it. You watch him in confusion.

"Why did you doll yourself up?" He asks, the atmosphere tensing by the choice of his words. Your mouth slightly agape by his sudden remark.

Draco did not look bad either. Wearing a black blazer and formal pants. His hair was parted in the middle, his blonde hair shiny.

"It's my choice." You respond. Agitated that he cared so much about your appearance. "I dressed up for myself, not for you or your parents."

Draco averts eye contact. "I didn't mean it in a offensive way. My parents would appreciate your looks, but not as much as they prefer your status."

It still irked you that they accepted you so eagerly. You weren't pure blood. Maybe it was the fact that you became a death eater that it had caught their eye.

Without a word, Draco grabs your hand, guiding you up to Dumbledore's office. You held your dress up as it glides on the freshly cleaned wooden floors.

When he notices nobody watching from the portraits, he lets go of your arm.

Draco walks ahead as you catch up.

Finally, you make it to the office. The Phoenix let you in. Once you step inside the room, Dumbledore was already present, sitting at his desk. His eyes twinkling.

"Good evening, L/N and Malfoy. Such a strange pairing to witness if I may dare say." Dumbledore muses.

You smile awkwardly.