Hold On (A Dramione Fanfiction)

8. That Sounds A Lot Like A Date

"Welcome," McGonagall told Draco and Blaise as they passed the doors of the Great Hall. Draco was about to nod in response, when he felt something being poured on him, like cold water. "A spell has been cast in this room for the night so that everyone can remain anonymous. You cannot recognize anyone, except if they tell you their identity," the Professor added as he turned around with a questioning look in his eyes.

"Oh," was what he replied before walking away from the doors. He didn't tell McGonagall that, but he thought it was an excellent idea. He wouldn't be recognized as a Death-Eater for once and finally, be somewhat normal to others.

"Well, Draco, it was very nice being your date, but I have to try and go find Luna." Blaise cracked his knuckles. "So enjoy your night and I'll see you tomorrow morning!" He walked away from him before Draco even had the chance to say a word.

Draco decided to be as invisible as he could be tonight. He marched past the punch table and went over to the food one. Grabbing a small plate, he began putting small portions of dishes in it.

He hadn't had a proper meal in days because he had avoided being in public since the beginning of the year as much as he could. He would generally skip the breakfast and lunch, only going down for dinner because Granger was being suspicious, eyeing him with a frown. He really didn't want her to meddle in his affairs. And he didn't want her to feel sorry for him, because he felt as though he didn't deserve it.

Draco turned around and cursed. The spell was really effective: as people passed in front of him, it was as if their faces were blurry and he couldn't recognize any of them.

The Great Hall was decorated for the occasion, the theme being Masquerade, he supposed. Candles and masks floated above their heads, small tables were placed around the food and drink tables. The four House tables had disappeared, leaving enough place for the students to dance. Music was coming from an unknown source, and it could be heard from anywhere in the Great Hall.

Walking through the crowd to find a place at one of the small tables, he was often asked to dance. He kept refusing with a smirk. None of these girls knew who he was, and if they did, they would've certainly disappeared. He was also very hungry and preferred eating over dancing with someone, a first for him.

"Draco?" a girl asked, tapping on his shoulder. He turned around and raised his eyebrows. How did she know it was him? "Sorry, but I saw you pass the doors and recognized you there." She blushed, playing with the sleeves of her green dress.

"You are...?" he said to her, waiting.

"Oh! Ariane!" she told him. Suddenly, it seemed the charm was taken off and Draco could finally see the person to whom he was talking to. "Would you like to dance? I lost the girls a while ago and I'm alone, so..." she started, but he cut her off.

"Try finding Weasley, Ariane." And he left her. Rolling his eyes, he continued walking towards an open seat. He didn't want to be later murdered by Potter for stealing Weasley's soon-to-be-bride. He also didn't really appreciate her.

*****

"Oh, come on! I said the password, didn't I?" Hermione said to the portrait and the old woman nodded. "So what is the problem? Why can't I enter?" An hour had already passed and she hadn't been able to find Ginny, so she had decided to go back to her room.

But the portrait wouldn't let her enter. "I'm sorry, Miss Granger, but Miss Weasley told us it was necessary not to let you in without her," the man told her.

"Since when does she have the power to do that?" Hermione snapped, pushing some strands of her brown hair away from her eyes. "Please, I just want to go back in my bed and read, is that a crime?" she pleaded them, but they just shook their heads.