Papillon

06 - la neige

C H A P T E R 0 6

Draco

December didn't only mark the start of winter to most students, it also marked the twenty-five days there were left until the Yule Ball. There was not one student from any of the three school that hadn't mentioned it before. Rumors had been spread of a Yule Ball ever since the Triwizard Tournament had been announced, but nobody had known there actually would be one until Headmaster Dumbledore made his announcement.

The second of December it was and Draco was seated at the Ravenclaw table as usual. Surrounded by the girls from his school and a few Ravenclaw girls as well, he listened to the words the old Wizard had to say. He cleared his throat, Draco noticed like he usually did, and spread his arms out wide. 'Dear students of Hogwarts and those of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. Today, I am honored to announce a tradition to the Triwizard Tournament that once again will be revived; the Yule Ball.'

Whispers broke loose and smiles appeared all throughout the Great Hall. Draco himself even smiled, as he had always loved dressing up; especially for something as grand as a ball. Dumbledore explained a bit more about it and when it would take place. Hogwarts students from fourth year and up would be allowed to attend; younger students could go as well when asked by an older student. Only fair, Draco thought. At least then there won't be any mischievous children running around the ballroom. A professor named McGonagall rose from her seat after Dumbledore's short speech to inform the students that there would be dance lessons provided by herself that they would have to attend, wether they liked it or not. Judging by the many pouts and grumbles, Draco knew the students of Hogwarts didn't like it.

'Did you know,' Fleur suddenly said to Draco. 'That the Champions have to open the Ball with a dance?' She looked into his eyes and put on a smile that could hold many different meanings.

'Well, then you better find someone who doesn't have two left feet,' Draco replied as he turned his head away from her.

Fleur didn't seem satisfied with his answer and took ahold of his arm. 'You're a good dancer, oui? I've seen you dance; l'élégance, not even a girl could dance more gracefully than you, Draco.' Her eyes shined, almost sparkled as she said those words.

But Draco didn't feel moved by them at all. If she had asked him to the Yule Ball months ago, before she had declined all of his help, perhaps then he would have asked if she wanted to go together. Now things had changed and Draco already had someone else he wanted to go with. 'I guess that's more the reason to choose someone else, as I would draw all the attention from you,' he said to her.

The sparkle in Fleur's eyes faded away and so did her smile. Draco pushed her hand off his arm and turned his head away once again. He hadn't forgotten how she had talked about Harry or acted towards him. Besides, she could ask any boy from Hogwarts or Durmstrang that she wanted and he would most likely say yes. She simply didn't need Draco and Draco simply didn't need her.

☾ *:･ﾟ✧

And so another task was added to Draco's list; providing all of the girls with dates. Every girl from Beauxbatons seemed to want his opinion on their date, dress and hairstyle. The blond got dragged from one corner of Hogwarts to another, taking a look at possible candidates. The girls somehow even planned a day for Durmstrang students to take a chance at asking one of them to the Yule Ball. It was quite the sight seeing those Northern beasts lined up outside in the cold wind, chins held up high and faces expressionless as Draco strode past them. He inspected the boy's face, body, haircut and even fingernails to see if they were fit candidates for the girls. The ones he didn't like, he just sent away by shaking his head at them.