The Dragon in The Ice Fortress- Draco Malfoy

13

The grand ballroom of Malfoy Manor sparkled with opulent elegance, transformed into a world of glimmering light and refined festivity. The ceiling was draped with cascades of golden streamers and delicate fairy lights, casting a shimmering glow across the polished marble floor, which mirrored the dazzling decorations above. At the heart of it all hung a massive crystal chandelier, casting an enchanting light that danced in soft shadows, filling the room with a warmth that felt otherworldly.

Draco and I stood together at the top of the grand staircase, taking in the breathtaking scene below. He looked every bit the dashing host in a perfectly tailored black suit with subtle silver accents. My own gown, a deep emerald with intricate beading and a flowing skirt, felt as if it belonged in this dreamlike setting. I couldn't help but feel both exhilarated and anxious, caught between the thrill of the evening and the weight of expectations."Not bad, huh?" Draco's voice broke through my reverie, and I glanced at him. His eyes were scanning the room with a mix of pride and amusement.

"It's like stepping into a fairy tale," I replied, my eyes twinkling with a touch of mischief. "Though, I don't recall any fairy tales involving a Malfoy manor."

"Maybe that's because they're usually not invited to such stories," Draco retorted with a smirk. "Or perhaps they're too busy orchestrating their own."

We descended the grand staircase together, making our entrance as we did. The moment we reached the floor, we drew the attention of many guests. The murmurs and admiring glances were almost palpable, and I felt the weight of their scrutiny, but Draco's hand on my back was reassuringly warm.

The ballroom was abuzz with animated conversations, laughter, and the soft strains of classical music played by an orchestra set up in one corner. The space was filled with elegantly dressed guests, their gowns and suits reflecting the grandeur of the event. Narcissa, resplendent in a gown of sapphire blue, was effortlessly mingling with the crowd, her demeanor warm and inviting. Lucius stood nearby, his usually stern expression softened slightly by the festive atmosphere. His gaze followed Narcissa with a mixture of pride and admiration.

As we entered the heart of the celebration, we spotted Pansy, Daphne, and Blaise already at the center of the action. Pansy, in a striking red gown that clung to her frame, was engaged in conversation with a group of students, her face a mask of practiced charm. Daphne, in a regal purple dress that complemented her blonde curls, was laughing at something Blaise had said. Blaise, dressed in a sharp black suit with a deep burgundy tie, looked unusually relaxed, his eyes filled with warmth as he watched Daphne.

Pansy's gaze hardened slightly as she saw us approaching, but she quickly masked her irritation with a forced smile. "Thalia, Draco, you both look absolutely stunning," she said, her voice a bit too sweet to be genuine.

"Thank you, Pansy," Draco replied with a hint of indifference. "You look—" He paused, clearly searching for a compliment. "—very festive."

"Festive? Is that what we're calling it now?" Pansy's eyes flashed with annoyance, but she quickly moved on, redirecting her attention to Daphne and Blaise.

Daphne greeted us with genuine warmth. "Thalia, you look absolutely gorgeous tonight. And Draco, you're looking rather dashing yourself."

"Thanks, Daphne," I said, returning the hug she offered. "You look radiant. And Blaise, I must admit, you clean up well."

Blaise chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm flattered. I thought you'd be too busy judging everyone else's outfits to notice mine."

"Please, I'd never let my fashion critique skills go to waste," I retorted with a smirk. "Besides, judging is more of Pansy's thing, isn't it?"