adored by him | *under editing*

fourth year × 55

Nadia made her way over to the Black Lake, knowing Draco meant the tree. After all, it was her favorite place.

When she arrived, Draco was talking to himself and pacing. Nadia leant against the tree with a grin. "You okay there?"

He wheeled, his eyes wide. "Nadia! Uh, hi." He awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck.

She giggled as she approached him. "What's up?"

"Um...well, you know...the ball is coming up." He stuttered, looking anywhere but at her. This made Nadia's grin grow.

"Is the Draco Malfoy stuttering?" She gasped, feigning shock.

His famous smirk immediately took over his features. "Please. The Draco Malfoy never stutters."

Nadia raised her eyebrows with a challenging look. "Mmhmm...well, by all means, carry on."

His face fell. "Yeah...Um...Just say it Draco!" He hissed under his breath.

With a wave of courage, he took her hands in his and looked dead into her eyes. "Nadia Konstantinova. Will you be my date to the Yule Ball?"

Her grin grew as wide as the Cheshire Cat's. "I would love to!" She squealed, throwing her arms around him.

He chuckled into her hair. "Brilliant."

Upon realising something, she pulled away, gasping for real this time. "Oh! I need a dress!" She pecked him on the cheek before untangling herself from his arms, grabbing her bag and dashing to the owlery.

Breathless and worn, she finally arrived, almost barreling into Cho and Harry. Muttering a quick 'sorry', she squeezed past them and continued up the stairs, pulling her scarf tighter.

Before she entered, Cho turned. "Nadia!"

Nadia looked back. "Watch yourself on the stairs. It's a bit icy at the top." Cho's eyes held concern.

Nadia furrowed her eyebrows slightly before slowly nodding and making her way inside.

Olivia immediately flew to her shoulder, nibbling Nadia's ears affectionately. "Hey Liv." She said, stroking her cheek.

Nadia pulled out a piece of parchment, a quill and ink and started writing to her mother.

Dear Mum,

Sorry for not writing sooner. A lot has happened this year with the tri-wizard tournament and relationships. I'll expand on that soon...

Anyway, there's going to be a ball and I need a dress, please.

You know my style better than I know it myself so I trust you to pick out something I'll love.

I can't wait to see you.

Much love,
Nadia xxx

Approving the letter, she folded the parchment and tied it to Olivia's ankle. "Take this home, please." She then watched as the owl became a small, brown dot amongst the darkening sky.

•••

Christmas Eve arrived quicker than anyone had thought.