Serpent's Veil || Draco Malfoy.

The Ball That Never Was

I find myself at Hogsmeade with Theo, seated at a table as he gets up to buy some butterbeers for us. 

The warm autumn air drifts in from outside, carrying the faint scent of pumpkin and woodsmoke. I take a moment to observe the small, cosy pub as I wait for him to return. 

It's a school day, so the place is relatively empty—just a few old men playing cards in a corner and a group of middle-aged witches gossiping about what seems to be the biggest scandal of the century. 

Pop star Celestina Warbeck has cheated on her boyfriend of eight years, Ludo Bagman, with her assistant, Archibald Crumb.

And the three witches next to me seem to be in a heated discussion about it.

"Honestly, Bagman was never the right match for her. Archibald is so much more charming," one of them says, her tone laced with disdain.

A second witch rolls her eyes.

"Oh, come on! How could she do this after eight years? It's a scandal!"

"I mean, it's not just about the cheating; it's the principle! Ludo's been nothing but loyal," the first witch responds.

"Loyal? That's a laugh. Neither of them have been. What about all the times she's been caught with Archibald before? This isn't a new scandal; it's just the latest chapter."

Meanwhile, a third witch, seemingly absorbed in her world, shovels another piece of cake into her mouth, crumbs falling onto her lap. She looks around at the commotion but remains focused on her dessert.

Hah, I would say the same thing, but I'd never do that. 

As I listen to their conversation, I take the opportunity to check my reflection in the windowpane. I subtly adjust my hair and makeup, making sure I look my best for the conversation ahead.

A few moments later, Theo returns with two foaming butterbeers in hand. He sets them down on the table and takes his seat beside me.

"Thank you," I say, taking a sip of my butterbeer before looking directly into his eyes. "So, you wanted to talk?"

"Yes, I believe we have a conversation due," he replies, his tone serious.

I take a deep breath, bracing myself for the awkward conversation ahead. I start speaking rapidly, trying to get everything out in one breath.

"Theo, I understand if this is a bit awkward, but I think we should talk about what happened between us the other night. When we were... you know, when we were... well, when we were together..." I stumble over my words, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I accidentally mentioned Mal—"

My voice falters as I bring up the incident. Theo stiffens, a flash of hurt crossing his face. I swallow nervously, feeling the discomfort of the situation, and continue, trying to find the right words.

"I need to clarify that what happened was a complete mistake. I wasn't thinking of Malfoy that way at all. It just... slipped out by accident." I say, composing myself.

Theo's expression softens slightly as he listens. 

To my surprise, he nods slowly, a look of understanding dawning on his face.

"You know... I get it. Everyone makes mistakes in the heat of the moment. I forgive you."

"Talk about the heat of the moment," I laugh awkwardly, trying to lighten the mood.

Really? That was the best joke you could come up with. Why am I joking right now? This is serious."

But it was kind of funny, wasn't it?