In The Shadows² ★ Draco Malfoy

*Possibly one day

It had been nearly 2 months since the students from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons arrived at Hogwarts, and the first task was now over, luckily Harry had made it through alive and now there was the worry of the upcoming Yule Ball looming over everyone's heads

Every girl within the school was waiting anxiously for their invite, except for all the girls below fourth year since they weren't allowed to attend. That included Briar, who had huffed and puffed about it to McGonagall, but to no avail.

What had cheered her up though was her newfound freedom to go into Hogsmeade, and Theo had used it to his advantage to take her out on a few dates. 

Usually most of the students would return home as soon as the term ends, but because of the Yule Ball everyone was staying for a few more days, even those below fourth year. So Briar found herself, Henry, Ginny, and Penny tucked away in the library watching the snow fall across the frozen black lake

"Lupin!" A familiar voice called, and the young girl whipped around in excitement as Theo approached with a smile

"Hi," She replied, with an almost dazed look in her eyes

"What are you doing next Friday?" He asked her and her heart jumped with excitement

"Um, nothing, I think" She said nervously, trying to force down her smile

"Good because I wanted to ask if you want to come to the Yule Ball with me?" he asked, smirking, and that smirk made Briar's heart skip a beat

Behind her, Ginny, Penny, and Henry went silent to watch what Briar would say

"Yeah, I'd love to you" Briar answered and flashed him a dazzling smile. Theo grinned and leaned down to kiss her cheek

"See you soon" He whispered and left so Briar turned back to her friends in a daze, all of whom were smiling at her like idiots, their jaws dropping

"Yay!" Penny cheered

"Finally" Ginny smirked 

"Imagine if you two kiss" Henry added

"Guys! He just asked me," Briar laughed and shook her head "I don't know about you guys but I think we should go to Hogsmeade tomorrow to shop for dresses" 

"Count me out," Henry groaned "I don't even have a date"

"Sucks to be you then," Ginny laughed. She had been asked to the ball by Neville Longbottom, and Penny had been asked by Dean Thomas, so all three girls would be attending next week

"Do you think that you and Theo will ever be together?" Penny asked Briar

"I don't know, possibly one day" she shrugged

Truthfully she did like Theo. He was attractive, funny, and caring, so she would be happy to date him. But she knew he came with the reputation of being a Slytherin, so she was worried about how other people would see them.

As she lay in bed that night it was all she could think about

But the next morning when she met Ginny and Penny at the gate to leave school once Filch had finally decided to finish prodding them and now Briar was pretty sure she had a bruise on my hip.

The trio linked arms and headed up the snowy streets for the quaint little town ahead to go buy dresses for the Yule Ball. They headed straight to the shops rather than to grab a butterbeer before. 

The girls spent about 2 hours looking before they found a suitable one for Penny to wear.

It was pale blue, with lace around the bodice and went down to just above her ankles. She paired it with silver strappy heels and a silver sparkly clutch. It suited her dark brown hair and blue eyes very nicely.