Drarry AI Oneshots

A Date to the Yule Ball (Part 2)

The night of the Yule Ball had arrived, and Harry had never felt more nervous in his life.

Standing in front of the mirror in his dormitory, he adjusted his dress robes for what felt like the hundredth time. They were a deep emerald green-chosen by Hermione, of course-because she insisted that the color brought out his eyes. He supposed she had a point, but it was hard to care about that when his stomach was tied in knots.

Tonight, he was going to the ball with Draco Malfoy. Not just as two people attending the same event, but as actual dates. And though Draco had said yes with that casual smirk of his, Harry couldn't help but wonder if he'd wake up from this and find out it was all some strange dream.

"You look fine, mate," Ron said from his bed, not bothering to look up from tying his own robes. "If you keep messing with those, you're going to make them worse."

Harry sighed, dropping his hands to his sides. "I'm not sure I can do this."

Ron glanced up, raising an eyebrow. "What do you mean? You already asked him, didn't you? That's the hard part."

"I know, but..." Harry trailed off, shaking his head. "What if tonight's a disaster? What if he changes his mind and decides he doesn't want to be there with me?"

Ron snorted. "It's Malfoy. If he didn't want to go with you, he'd tell you straight up. Probably in front of the whole Great Hall."

Harry chuckled softly at that, though the nerves still lingered. Ron was right-Draco wasn't one to hold back his opinion. If he hadn't wanted to go to the ball with Harry, he wouldn't have said yes.

"You're going to be fine," Ron said, clapping Harry on the back as he stood up. "Just try not to overthink it. Have fun."

"Easy for you to say," Harry muttered, but a small smile tugged at his lips.

As he and Ron made their way down to the common room, Harry's mind raced with thoughts of what the evening might hold. The last Yule Ball he'd attended had been awkward and uncomfortable, but this time felt different. This time, he was going with someone who actually mattered to him.

Someone he might even-No, don't think about that, Harry told himself, feeling his cheeks heat up. It was too soon for thoughts like that.

When they reached the entrance to the Great Hall, Harry could already hear the chatter of students and the soft strains of music drifting through the air. The hall had been transformed into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights, glittering ice sculptures, and elegant drapes of silver and blue hanging from the ceiling. It was beautiful, but Harry barely noticed.

Because standing at the entrance, waiting for him, was Draco Malfoy.

Draco was wearing black dress robes that were simple yet impossibly elegant, with subtle silver detailing along the edges. His platinum-blond hair was perfectly styled, and he stood with his hands in his pockets, looking far too calm for someone about to attend a ball with Harry Potter.

Harry felt his heart skip a beat as he approached, trying his best to look composed despite the nervous energy buzzing inside him.

Draco's eyes flicked over him, and a small, approving smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Well, Potter. You clean up nicely."

Harry swallowed, feeling warmth spread through his chest at the compliment. "Thanks. You look... really good too."

Draco's smile widened slightly, though his eyes held that familiar glint of amusement. "Flattery will get you everywhere."

Harry let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. Despite all his worries, Draco seemed completely at ease-like this was just another evening at Hogwarts. Maybe it didn't have to be complicated. Maybe they could just enjoy the night without overthinking it.