SCREAM | DRACO MALFOY

chapter eighteen

My marks were bad.

I would be lying if I said I was surprised. It was to be expected. Two weeks without a tutor can really do a number on your grades apparently. Snape didn't say a word as he handed my essay back. His face was devoid of all emotion as always. That I was thankful for.

Class had been dismissed and I still couldn't bring myself to look away from all the marks on my paper. Words crossed out, critiques and some even downright insults scribbled in the margins. I was a fool to think I could get by without him. I desperately wish that I could.

"Why the long face, Gray?" Draco asked, making me jump. I didn't even realize he was still there. "From your marks?" I didn't respond. "No? Hmm...no date to the ball?" That question made my face scrunch up in confusion. "You know, I would grace you with the honor of being my date, but sadly my hands are already tied with Parkinson's."

I couldn't help but let out a small scoff. That prick. How dare he assume I don't have a date? I'm not that unapproachable am I? "Neither." I said half lying.

He laughed slightly. "You know you could just admit that you need my help." I forcefully shoved my essay into my bag, hoping and praying that if I stay silent he will leave me alone. "No shame...although I know you Ravenclaws love acting like you have everything handled."

I stood from my seat, swinging my bag onto my shoulder. I attempted to move towards the door but he blocked my way. "Excuse me..." I muttered.

"Going to a ball alone isn't that big of a deal..." I rolled my eyes. "I mean...I figured you would be the person to sit in your room rather than dance."

I sighed. "Believe it or not I actually have a date." I managed to bring my eyes up to look at his.

His smirk faltered, I could've swore I saw a muscle in his jaw twitch. Then he was back to normal. "Lucky bloke."

"I'm nervous..."

"It's just one dance."

"Yeah in front of basically the entire school!"

"Yes and it will be over before you know it! Now stop moving or your hair is gonna look like a rats nest!"

I managed to stop my wiggling for the next five minutes while Penny stuck numerous pins and elastics in my hair.

I had never been this dressed up before. At the orphanage the only time we were told to wear a dress and brush our hair was whenever potential parents came by to take their pick of the litter. The dress never seemed to make me a good candidate.

"Alright..." Penny sighed, picking up her wand from the sink. She muttered a spell under her breath and tapped my hair with the wand.

"What was that?"

"Just some sparkles...make you stand out."

"Did you not just hear what I said?!"

"And didn't I tell you to trust me?" She yelled back. The other two Ravenclaws in our dorm shot us nasty looks at our behavior. Yes it was childish, and no I didn't care.

I sighed. "I'm sorry. I know you are just trying to help." I smoothed my hands down on my skirt.

I saw her smile back at me in the mirror and lean down to wrap her arms around my shoulders. "Love you, Bel."

"I love you too."

"I'll meet you outside the common room in twenty minutes."