by my side¹ - d. malfoy

Fifteen

"HI," SHE said.

"Wow, you look incredible," Draco breathed, looking her up and down. "I knew this dress would look amazing on you, but you look gorgeous, Laura."

"Thank you," Laura grinned. She got excited, showing him the pockets. "Look! Pockets!"

Draco chuckled a bit. He watched as she showed him how big the pockets were. Then, watching as she spun in a circle for him. A big smile was plastered on Draco's face.

"It looks amazing, Laura," he said, then noticed the star clips. "I see you got my second gift."

"I did, they're so cute," Laura grinned. "Thank you so much, Draco."

"Of course," Draco smiled, then putting his arm out, to which Laura linked arms with him.

"Champions, over here, please!" called out Professor McGonagall's voice.

Laura and Draco walked over, seeing Pansy and Blaise for a bit. They waved, and Laura and Draco grinned, waving back. They made it over to where Professor McGonagall was. Laura glanced around to see who everyone went to the dance with. Fleur was attending with Roger Davies; he couldn't keep his eyes off her. Cho and Cedric stood near Laura and Draco. That left only one more couple.

Viktor and Hermione.

"Hermione!" Laura exclaimed, seeing her.

Draco looked over, a surprised look forming on his face. Laura could tell Hermione was nervous, but she still smiled. Her dress was stunning as it was a periwinkle-blue, complementing her well.

"Oh, Laura!" Hermione said, sending her a small wave. "I love your dress."

"Thank you so much," Laura grinned. "You look fabulous. Periwinkle compliments you well!"

"Thank you, Laura," Hermione said, smiling.

The doors opened, and all the students, besides the champions and their partners, walked in. When everyone was seated, McGonagall told them to line up with their partner. The four pairs of them walked into the Great Hall, and everyone applauded them as they entered.

The Great Hall was dazzling, looking like something in a movie. It was covered in a sparkling silver frost, with hundreds of garlands, mistletoe, and ivy strung up everywhere. Instead of their usual four large tables, hundreds of lantern-lit ones took their place.

Despite how beautiful the hall was, hundreds of eyes stared at Laura. She felt uneasy.

"Are you alright?" Draco whispered, feeling Laura tense up.

"I feel like I'm back in my first year," Laura breathed.

"What do you mean by that?" Draco asked, furrowing his eyebrows as they walked down the stairs.

"You know that I used to be pretty shy," Laura said, masking her discomfort with a smile. "It was the worst in my first year; I hated any attention I got. I'm feeling that again."

"Hey, I'm here with you," Draco said, giving her a reassuring smile. "Remember, you're Laura Pickering. You can do anything."

"Thanks," Laura said, squeezing his arm slightly.

They made it to the large table that was usually the faculty table. However, for the ball, it was extended to fit faculty, judges, champions, their dates, and The Ministry members.

Laura sat next to someone who looked to be a Weasley. Thankfully, Draco didn't insult him, going for more of a look of disgust.

"Percy Weasley," he said immediately, not even giving Laura a chance to say anything. "I'm assuming you're Laura Potter."