𝐀 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 [Draco×OC]

37: You're crazy, Malfoy (SlugClub Christmas Party)

Ángeles' POV

As I watched myself in the mirror of my room, I could feel the nerves taking over. I had chosen a somewhat daring outfit, I must admit: a fitted black dress with long sleeves and a high collar. I couldn't deny it; I wanted to look attractive. However, people in Europe seemed to dress more modestly, and while I didn't mind how others dressed, I sometimes feared that people would judge me for my appearance. I remember that time at Castelobruxo when, at 13, I decided to cut my hair "short like a boy" (that's what I asked my mother), and the teasing I received when they saw me...

But in this moment, I had the look I wanted: a powerful young woman who could deliver a good punch if she wanted to. I had to exude confidence. What was at stake was no small matter: our lives were on the line, and all the information we could gather tonight could be helpful. I already had some information: objects could be cursed, and dark magic goes beyond the boundaries of life and death. Maybe some of that could help us figure out what to do about Dumbledore. Honestly, the idea of him having to die terrified me; I don't know, Dumbledore was very controversial, it's true, but he wasn't a bad person at all. He had been very kind to me at one point, but I understood that if we didn't do this, it would be us who would die. My life no longer held as much value for me as Draco's did. I had done horrible things, but he hadn't; he could still save himself. He wasn't the monster he thought he was...

"What do you think, Theo?" I said, striking different poses so he could see every angle of my dress.

Theo got up from my bed, lifting his gaze from his book, and stood in front of me, hand on his chin, in a thoughtful gesture before starting to look me up and down.

"You look amazing, Angie," he replied with a smile, a bit flushed. "You don't need to worry so much; you're pretty no matter what."

"I don't know," I responded, noticing how he blushed even more. "I want everyone to know who I am just by looking at me; after all, there will be a lot of important people, right? Plus, I want to measure up to Draco. I don't know; it's important that he sees me differently, with new eyes, if you know what I mean..."

"Angie, please," he said, adjusting the hair that fell over my forehead. "You are you, just for you, not for Malfoy's opinion or anyone else's, not even mine right now." He smiled. "You shouldn't be seeking his approval all the time based on your appearance."

"I know," I replied, forcing a smile and looking down. "I'm just a little nervous... It's the first time I won't look like a monster in front of others, you know? Carrying the Rasmussen legacy isn't exactly easy to bear..."

"You shouldn't be nervous, Angie. You're a Rasmussen, and he's just a boy," he said as if scolding me, but taking my hands in his. "Wait, are you wearing Malfoy's ring? That's new. Since when? You don't tell me anything anymore," he said, laughing.

"Long story, Theo," I laughed. "And I know Draco is just a boy, but he's the boy, you understand?" I said, freeing my hands to check (for the millionth time) my eyeliner. "I want to look presentable... Theo, are you okay?" I asked, noticing he was looking down through the mirror.

"Yeah, just a little annoyed that you think what matters most is how Malfoy sees you and not how you feel," he said, putting on a small smile. "You look good, don't be silly. I'm sure everyone will be dazzled, don't you think? How do you feel?"

"Well, I feel beautiful, powerful, interesting," I said, laughing. "I don't know, Theo. It's a daring outfit, but I don't dislike how I feel in it. I just dislike myself for other reasons..." I said almost in a whisper, though I knew Theo understood perfectly what I was talking about.

"Angie, you're not going to think about that now, are you?" he said, taking my shoulders, standing behind me in front of the mirror. "Nothing you did under threat defines you."