DISCONTINUED--Letters I Can't Send (draco x reader)

47

Y/n's POV

Draco has been acting quite cold ever since the Yule Ball. Or maybe it was when we got off the train. But whatever it was, he's been avoiding me and giving me cold glares from across rooms. Even when I enter a room, he leaves. It's a bit offensive to be honest.

But Malfoy Manor is large, so it's not difficult to stay away from each other.

But tonight, I know for a fact that we will need to be near one another. It's New Years Eve and the Malfoy's are hosting a party.

I check my outfit one more time in the mirror—a black circle skirt with shear tights underneath and black sweater on top, so I settle for my black Doc Martins for choice of shoes. I'm not sure how formal this event is, so I change my sweater to simple long sleeved, fitted black top.

On my way down the hallways, I stop and hide behind the wall when I see Draco exiting his room. I don't know what happened and why he's acting this way, but it's so odd how quickly things can change between us. From good, to bad, to good, and now...I'm not even sure.

When I think he's gone, I round the corner but bump right into him. Merlin, I need to learn to be stealthier.

He catches my shoulders. "I thought I heard someone," he grumbles.

I step back, away from him.

I see that he's wearing a black tux and since I can't think of anything else to say, I fiddle with my sleeves and ask, "Is this too casual...?" I hold out my arms for him to see my outfit.

He opens his mouth then closes it. "It...It's fine."

"Um, okay," I pause. He's still looking at me. "So are there gonna be people in, like, big fancy dresses?" I ask with a weak smile, trying to make the situation less...weird.

His eyes meet mine again, with that blank, guarded expression I have gotten so used to, but still makes me want to smack the look off his face. "Yes, but you don't need to change."

I nod once, ready to be done with this odd exchange.

And just like he read my mind, he turns and gestures for me to walk with him. He takes a deep breath. "My grandfather will be at this event, and most of the guests will be wanting to say their goodbyes before he passes. Just thought I should let you know."

I do a double take when he tells me this. "Oh—um, are you okay? Like, his passing must be dific—" he cuts me off.

"I don't want your pity," he sounds like he wants to say my name, but can't quite make his lips form the word. The silence that fills the gap where my name should have been makes my face fall. He could have said my name, if he wanted to. But he didn't.

I can hear the noise from the party when we get closer to the ballroom—yes, they have a ballroom—and ready myself for the chaotic scene I am about to endure.

But when we enter the space, it seems leisurely. Posh people, greeting and kissing cheeks, giving their regards to the Malfoy's.

I break away from Draco when he goes to welcome the guests with his parents, so I go to the refreshments table to get some punch. I feel a gentle hand on my back and turn around to see Amanda smiling sweetly at me. I smile back.

"You look nice," she says and I thank her. "Zachary and I will be about, mingling, so come find us if you need anything. And, of course, if you want to leave, you can." She pats my shoulder and takes her glass of fire whiskey to Zachary.

After our small exchange, I'm bit lost at what to do, and I just wait at the edge of the room for something to happen. I take small sips of my punch, watching the guests filter in.