coconuts and strawberries | draco malfoy

4.

Harry approaches you on your way to your common room and taps your shoulder from behind you. you turn towards him and smile when you recognise him. "hey harry" "hey, so have you heard about... the dance?" "dance?" you ask in a confused tone. "yeah, hogwarts has a... it's like a social thing. they have these events for everyone to come closer."

"oh that sounds... that sounds really fun." "yeah, so there's a dance coming up and you're supposed to take someone, it's on Friday." "three days from now... why didn't i hear about this?" "i think they're talking about it today. anyway um... there's someone i want to ask to go with me but, i don't think they're interested."

"oh, well you'll never know until you try." you say with a smile, you can see how nervous he is. "Harry i'm sure she'll say yes, you are Harry Potter after all. it's a name with a pretty impressive past behind it." "really?" he asks with a nervous laugh. "yeah. i say go for it... who is it?" "oh well i don't want to tell you that." "what? i'm kind of offended... why not?" you ask with a laugh.

"i don't know if it's gonna work out so it'll be embarrassing to tell you now." "oh come on. i bet you've told Ron." "well... yeah... but-" "and Hermione?" "no, not Hermione, she would tell you." "i see. well whoever it is, she's lucky Harry. just remember that, and just do something nice for her. give her some flowers when you ask, nice gestures go a long way."

"okay... thanks for your help y/n" "that's okay" you nudge his shoulder gently and smile while walking away. you haven't been to a dance since you were at your normal muggle public school. it was hell there, you always felt like you didn't fit in and now you know why.

you have now been at hogwarts for a week, you'd like to believe everyone likes you, and they do.

Dumbledore has called you to come speak with him privately. you have no idea why but it can't be bad since you haven't done anything wrong. "Professor Dumbledore, you wanted to speak with me?" you ask while entering the room. "ah y/n, yes i did, take a seat." "am i in trouble sir?" "no, not at all."

you look around the room with your hands on your lap, fidgeting. "y/n i haven't seen a student quite like you in a long time at hogwarts." "like me...?" "someone who puts her classmates before her always, someone who stands up for those in need. you've got a lot of people on your side here."

"i just like helping people sir" "and i admire that. have you heard of the dance coming up?" "yes sir, i have." "are you going?" "yeah... i think i will." "i have a favour to ask of you y/n and i know it may not be something you'd enjoy doing." "what is it sir?" "i want you to go to the dance... with Draco Malfoy."

you choke on air and cover your mouth to cough.

"i'm sorry... Draco Malfoy? can i ask why?" "well he's one of the more... challenged, kids. Not in the sense that he's beloved average in IQ or anything, he's just... troubled. i believe you're a bright student who could lead him on the right path. it's just for this one night, and you don't have to do it."

you sit there thinking about it for a moment, you don't want to let dumbledore down but going to a dance... with Draco? of all people...

"does he know about this?" "he does. he had his objections but in the end he was accepting." "okay... i'll do it sir, as much as i would prefer not to." "thank you y/n. now. get yourself something nice for the dance" "okay sir, thank you for your time" you smile and leave the room.

a dance... with draco? you dread the idea of it, how could you possibly have a good night with him by your side? you think of what to wear to this dance but you don't have any nice clothes to wear... unless you showed up in jeans and a graphic tee of a band people here probably haven't heard about, you will need to go shopping for a dress.

the colour scheme you normally wear in clothing is black, white and grey... so you're thinking of getting a nice black dress. you don't wanna look too fancy since it's just a school dance, and you're not even going with anyone you'd want to go with. Malfoy will probably just make fun of you and how you look the entire night anyway...

you go shopping for a dress, and find one that speaks to you. After trying it on, you purchase it and head back to your room. Before you manage to get there, you see Draco walking towards you alone.

"y/n!" "yes malfoy?" "so, have you spoken to Dumbledore?" he asks while stopping in front of you. "yes, are you here to tease me about it?" "kind of, what have you got there?" he asks while nodding his head toward the bag in your hand. "my outfit." "ooh, can i see?" "no." "oh come on! i'm going to be spending a miserable night with you, at least let me see what i'm in for"

although you pretty much said the same thing to yourself, hearing him say a night with you would be miserable, kinda hurts. not because it's him who said it, but because people have called you boring all your life.

"no, i'm going to go put it away and then find my friends, so could you please move?" "sure." he moves out of the way suddenly, and you become confused. you expected a fight or some snarky, ridiculous commentary. "thank you..." "wait so what's the plan?" "just... meet me there and don't be late."