Hidden Feelings - A Draco Malfoy Love Story

Chapter Twenty-Six

"As most of you know, the Yule Ball is approaching!"

Both groans and murmurs of excitement break out in the room. McGonagall chooses to ignore everyone, continuing on.

"Now, finding a partner is optional, unless of course you are a champion. In that case it is mandatory that you come with a date."

Harry and I catch eyes across the room almost immediately. Our eyes widen at the thought. Who on earth will I ask?

"You must learn how to dance, especially the champions."

Why do we have to do everything?

"Mr. Weasley!" McGonagall calls out. I see Ron's head snap toward her from Harry, who he was whispering to before. "Come over and demonstrate for us, will you?"

"Me?" he squeaks. She nods, raising her eyebrows impatiently. I catch Harry's eyes again, biting my lip to stop myself from laughing. He isn't hiding his amusement, a huge smile on his face. I see the twins lean down to whisper something to Harry as Ron walks hesitantly out onto the floor.

"Put your hand on my waist," the professor orders.

"Your what?" He gapes at her as she grabs his hands and positions them accordingly. I cover my mouth when I hear Harry start to laugh, unable to look away from Ron awkwardly waltzing with McGonagall.

A minute of instructions later, she tells us to grab a partner and practice. My eyes search the room, but I quickly find that people have already rushed to their friends to practice; Hermione is already with Harry, the twins with some of the chasers on the quidditch team; Neville and Ginny were already slowly moving along to the music.

As Ron rushes past the seats, I rush at him, grabbing his wrist.

"Where are you going?"

"I've excused myself from this awful experience," he says, his face red as he glances back at McGonagall. "I told her I don't feel good."

"You idiot! I don't know who to dance with!" I groan.

"Then you should be sick too! We can sneak down to the kitchens or something, go to the common room, whatever!" he suggests. I honestly consider it for a moment, but sigh.

"I need to stay. If I don't learn now I never will," I tell him before walking into the crowd of couples.

"Miss Medlor! Do you have a partner?" McGonagall asks me. I shake my head, and she steps to the side to reveal someone.

Oh no.

"You don't mind being Mister Malfoy's partner, do you?" she questions. I paste a smile on my face and nod.

"No, I don't mind," I say, and she returns a smile before walking away. My mouth falls into a frown the moment she leaves, mirroring his own expression.

"This is stupid," he says.

"I couldn't agree more." I glance down at his hands, biting my lip. "Well...shall we?"

He avoids my eyes as he takes a small step forward, placing one hand on my waist as I put mine on his shoulder. The touch is gentle, as if he's scared to touch me; although my hand is more resting on his shoulder than holding it. We take each other's hand and start the movement McGonagall taught us, a simple waltz that I'm hoping I'm doing right.

"Did she not say you have to look at your partner?" Malfoy asks, referring to how I watch my feet as I dance. I blush, looking back up.

"I'm not that used to dancing," I comment apologetically.

"I'm not either, but I know my feet aren't going anywhere," he says, smirking a little. He then steps on my foot, quickly backing away as far as he can without letting go, his grin falling.