till death do us part | draco malfoy

15.

she looked like she was written by the poets.

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She had pressed her gown three times in total as of an hour ago, insistent that she refused to wear it she saw not a single crinkle on the silk material. Juliet stood before her bedroom mirror, her reflection revealing a vision of utter beauty and elegance.

Of course, Juliet believed she was somewhat pretty most of her life, but the summer had changed her, and many had noticed. Sweet Juliet was growing up. She was no longer a seedling with puffy pigtails, but a beautiful magnolia in blooming. Her sun-kissed skin glowed warmly against the ivory silk of her gown, which was exquisitely adorned with delicate golden vine patterns that traced gracefully along the torso, enhancing her ethereal beauty. Her plush lips were caressed with a hint of a rosy shade, enchanting her radiance.

As she fastened a gold chain around her neck—a gift from her mother's side—Juliet couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. Tonight she and Severus were invited to attend a very important and grand event at Malfoy Manor; Draco Malfoy's 13th birthday gala.

When she received the invitation, she merely assumed it was going to be like any other 13-year-old birthday party — one with games, a fun cake, and colorful banners. Her father, as well as Elizabeth, who had also been invited, proved her thoughts wrong.

"For heaven's sake, take a look at the invitation, Juliet," Elizabeth told her one day at the cabin, the two girls sitting in the garden. The blonde picked up the envelope and handed it to Juliet. It was a marvelous shade of deep forest green, embroidered with silver. "Even the envelope looks expensive. This is not a regular birthday bash, any 'party' by the Malfoys is a classy event that people who are not rich and with high status would kill to go to."

"I suppose," said Juliet in her soft honey-like voice. "Though I am not exactly rich or have high status. Why did they invite Father and me?"

Elizabeth laid her head back on the garden chair, soaking in the gorgeous June sunlight. "It is simple. You are the only friend Draco has made without wanting a benefit. Not to mention, Professor Snape is a well-respected man and acquaintances with Lucius Malfoy, even if he isn't rich or Pure-blood."

Juliet recalled the first time she and her Father truly ever interacted with Draco's father in Diagon Alley. It did not seem like Severus wanted to be anywhere near Lucius, let alone attend a gala at his manor. Despite this, when Juliet informed him of the invitation, Severus surprisingly accepted.

She did not bother to pester him about his spontaneous choice, as she was simply excited at the odd opportunity to wear a pretty dress.

"Juliet, are you ready?" Severus's voice, calm yet authoritative, came from the doorway.

She turned to see her father standing there, his usual black robes replaced by formal attire that, while still dark and imposing, had an air of refinement. His eyes softened slightly as he took in her appearance, almost mistaking the girl for her mother for the hundredth time this summer. It seemed like their similitude was oddly pristine.

"You look...radiant, Juliet," he said, his tone almost awkward in its attempt at praise.

"Thank you, Father," Juliet replied, going up to him calmly and placing a soft kiss on his cheek, allowing for a warm feeling to spread through Severus' face.