𝕄𝕪 𝔻𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕠𝕟 ℍ𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕥

CHAPTER 9

Y/N Pov

   I opened the door and there he was. He was wearing a black suit, with his shirt slightly unbuttoned at the top, revealing his defined collarbone. His skin was so white, so smooth. All I wanted to do was dive into it and bruise it with my lips, but I restrained. He was leaning on the doorframe, straightening his cufflinks as he traced me with his eyes. He looked over every inch of me, examining me. His eyes paused for a moment on my lips. He clearly liked the red. I stepped out of my room, closing the door behind me.

   He stood up straight and I was almost surprised at his height. I'd never stood this close to him and he did kind of tower over me, I liked it. 

"Wow, I'm a good stylist, you look amazing." He was now looking down at me, eyes still fixed on my mouth. I laughed and rolled my eyes at his ego.

"Hm, I don't know, I think you got lucky with your model." 

He laughed and nodded in agreement. He looked down at his watch then he slid his arm around my waist and pulled me closer, glancing around us.

"Come on, we're gonna be late."

I barely had a moment to process what he just did before he muttered a spell and we appeared in a completely different place. 

   I looked around in awe. We were stood in huge ballroom. There were candles and lanterns everywhere. People stood in small groups, gathered around tables and chattering; all dressed in amazing gowns and tailored suits.  Smartly dressed elves rushes about with trays of drinks and canapés, carefully dodging the guests.

   Draco grabbed my hand and pulled me along with him as he walked towards the long table at the head of the room. I was not at all experienced with walking in heels so I stumbled a bit before gathering my footing and trying my best to keep up with Draco's rushed pace. 

   As we got up to the front of the room, there was a small staircase. Draco dropped my hand and hopped up the steps. When he got to the top, he reached his hand down to me. I paused for a moment and looked up at him cautiously. He was grinning back at me as he gestured for me to take his hand. I did as I was told and took his hand. He clasped his grip around mine and I felt the cold steel of his rings on my skin. I hitched my dress up and carefully made my way up the steps. I got to the top and tripped slightly. Draco instantly grabbed my other arm and helped me steady myself as I moved my dress that was caught on my shoe. He looked at me with reassurance.

"You good?"

"I think so," I laughed and looked around at the room. "Who are all these people?"

"Oh, family friends, business partners, all the most boring kinds of people. We don't have to stay for long, don't worry." 

My reply was interrupted by a tug at my skirt. I looked down and saw a little house elf at my feet. He was on the floor, cursing at himself. His tray was upside down at the bottom of the stairs, surrounded by dropped canapés. Draco bent down to help him, one hand still firmly around mine and the other supporting the struggling elf. As the elf stood up and regained balance, he carried on cursing to himself and brushing his suit down.

"Sorry Mr Malfoy, thank you Mr Malfoy."

"How many times are we going to have this conversation? Draco. You can call me Draco." The elf looked up at Draco, slightly embarrassed. 

"Sorry Mr Malfoy, I mean Draco! Sorry Draco."

Draco laughed and reached for his wand. The elf flinched but quickly relaxed when his tray floated up to him and the canapés followed. The elf stuck his arms out and got hold of the tray.