Shadows and Starlight | Draco Malfoy X Reader

The Yule Ball

The weeks leading up to the Yule Ball were filled with an unusual tension at Hogwarts. As the castle bustled with preparations, Y/N found herself increasingly caught up in the excitement and nervous anticipation. The prospect of attending such a grand event was both thrilling and daunting, especially as a Ravenclaw amidst the sea of expectations and traditions.

It all began with a seemingly innocent invitation slipped into Y/N's Charms textbook one afternoon. The elegant script and Slytherin green envelope stood out against the worn pages, catching her attention as she settled down in the library for a study session.

Curious, she opened the envelope to find a carefully written note inside:

Y/N,

Would you do me the honor of accompanying me to the Yule Ball?

Draco Malfoy

Y/N blinked, surprised by the unexpected invitation. Draco Malfoy, asking her to the Yule Ball? It seemed improbable, given their tumultuous history and the ongoing tension between their houses. She glanced around the library, half-expecting to see Draco and his friends lurking nearby, waiting to laugh at her reaction.

But there was no sign of them. Curiosity mingled with caution as Y/N considered her response. Was this some sort of prank, a setup orchestrated by Draco's friends to humiliate her? Or could it be genuine, a tentative gesture from Draco himself?

Unable to resist the intrigue, Y/N carefully penned her acceptance and sent it back with the castle owl that had delivered the invitation. She couldn't shake the feeling that accepting Draco's invitation might lead to trouble, but there was a part of her that yearned for the chance to experience the Yule Ball in all its magical splendor.

---

The night of the Yule Ball arrived amidst a flurry of excitement and nervous energy. Y/N stood in front of the mirror in the Ravenclaw common room, her reflection dressed in an elegant gown of midnight blue. The dress, borrowed from a fellow Ravenclaw, shimmered in the candlelight, its intricate lace and delicate embroidery adding a touch of ethereal beauty.

Her nerves were palpable as she made her way down to the entrance hall, where students from all houses mingled in anticipation of the grand event. The Great Hall had been transformed into a winter wonderland, adorned with enchanted snowflakes that drifted lazily from the enchanted ceiling.

Spotting Draco across the room, Y/N couldn't help but feel a twinge of apprehension. He stood amidst his Slytherin friends, looking every bit the aristocratic pureblood in his formal robes of emerald green. As she approached, she noticed a fleeting look of surprise cross his face before it settled into a mask of composed indifference.

"Y/N," Draco greeted her with a nod, his silver eyes meeting hers briefly before flickering away.

"Draco," Y/N replied, trying to keep her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach.

Draco's friends, Crabbe and Goyle, exchanged knowing glances, their smirks suggesting they were privy to some secret amusement. Y/N felt a flush of unease, wondering if she had indeed fallen into a trap set by Draco's friends.

"Shall we?" Draco offered his arm, his voice polite but distant.

Y/N hesitated for a moment before placing her hand lightly on his arm. Together, they entered the Great Hall, where the music of the enchanted orchestra filled the air and the sound of laughter and conversation echoed off the enchanted walls.

As they danced, Y/N couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. She caught glimpses of Slytherin students whispering and casting furtive glances in their direction. Draco's friends, she noticed, seemed particularly amused by something, their laughter carrying over the music.