Unexpected | Ron Weasley

Christmas at the Malfoys

Bryony tried to ignore Ron's apologetic gaze for the next couple days, and always made sure to be one of the first ones to leave the classroom, hoping to avoid the trio all together. And this was not because she didn't believe he was sorry about what happened, she didn't want him to be further scrutinized by his friends, or to see how hurt she really was.

Its better just to let it go... pretend it never happened... it never would have worked out anyway...

After a couple of days, Daphne grew concerned about Bryony's behavior, and no matter how many times Bryony asked her what was wrong, Bryony insisted she was fine. To her great relief, Christmas break was less than a week away, not that she particularly enjoyed going back home, but she did need a break, from everything, even if it meant attending the annual Malfoy Manor Christmas party.

~~~~~

Before she knew it, she and Daphne were sitting on the Hogwarts Express traveling through the countryside, headed for London where Bryony and Pansy would soon meet greet their parents at the train platform. She said her goodbye to her best friend, then followed her parents and sister back home.

"Now Pansy dear, how is being a prefect?" their father asked.

"Oh, father its wonderful" Pansy said beaming.

Bryony, who was walking a few steps behind her family rolled her eyes. At least she's keeping her mouth shut she thought to herself. No matter how annoying it was to do half of Pansy's homework, it seemed worth it.

By the time the Parkinson family arrived back home, it was nearly dinner time. The girls brought their trunks up to their rooms, then joined their parent's downstairs for dinner.

"Now girls, I assume you're aware that we've been invited to the Malfoys this Christmas" her father said with a proud grin. "And I'm sure I don't need to remind you how much of an honor this is" he said glaring at Bryony. "I expect you both to look your best and be gracious guests" he continued.

Bryony slowly ate her dinner, attempting to distract herself from her father rambling on for the umpteenth time about keeping the bloodline pure and his hopes that one day, one of his daughters would marry into the Malfoy family, an idea which Pansy was very fond of.

Once dinner was over, Bryony cleared her dishes, and politely asked to be excused from the dinner table. Her mother replied with a silent but firm nod, and Bryony dashed upstairs, still able to hear Pansy complaining about her to her parents at the dinner table. Once she got to her room, she locked the door and threw herself on her bed. This was going to be a long break.

~~~~~

"Girls!!" their father yelled, "downstairs!!! Now!!!".

Bryony brushed her hair once more, then looked at herself in the mirror. She was wearing a long sleeve wine red cocktail dress with lace detailing. She let her long hair down, and her waves perfectly framed her face. For once, she thought she actually looked pretty.

She grabbed her bag and coat, then made her way downstairs only to wait another 5 minutes for Pansy to finish getting ready.

"Oh, Pansy darling, you look wonderful" their mother cooed. "Ahh yes, Bryony you look nice too" she added.

"Yes yes, very well" their father scoffed, "now we cannot be late" he said as he hurried everyone out the door.

No matter how many times Bryony had visited the Malfoy Manor, she was always in awe as to how big it was, far bigger than her own house. She continued looking around, admiring the garden and peacocks when Narcissa Malfoy had opened the door to greet them.

"Welcome welcome" she said calmly, "and Happy Christmas" she said with a smile. "Please, come in!"

"My my Narcissa, your house just becomes more beautiful every time we visit!" Bryony's father said.

"You're too kind, please, make yourselves comfortable. Draco will take your coats for you" Narcissa replied, stepping aside to reveal a quite dapper looking Draco Malfoy.

"That's quite alright Narcissa" her father replied, "let Draco enjoy the party, Bryony can take our coats" he said, dropping his heavy down jacked into Bryony's arms, then left hoping to catch a word with Lucius.

"Thank you dear" her mother said, also dropping her jacket into her youngest daughter's arms, then further entering the house to meet up with her husband.

"Hi Draco" Pansy said, batting her eyelashes at the blonde teen. "Aren't you looking handsome as always" she cooed.

"Yeah, thanks... uh... you look nice" Draco muttered. "Bryony let me help you with the coats" he suggested. "Uh, Pansy, why don't you go grab a drink and I'll meet up with you in a bit" he said, clearly trying to distance himself from Pansy.

"Of course, Draco, I can't wait" she said with a smirk. Pansy took off her jacket and dropped it into her sister's hands. She blew a kiss at Draco, then turned and made her way towards the center of the party.

"Oh, thank god she's gone" Draco muttered. "Here, let me help you" he said, taking the pile of jackets out of Bryony's small hands.

"Thanks Draco" she replied.

"Anytime" he said with a smile, "and by the way, you look absolutely beautiful".

"Oh.. uh thank you" Bryony replied blushing, "you look nice yourself".

Draco replied with a smile, then began leading her to the coat room. They wandered down the various hallways and corridors. After a couple of minutes, the two had made it to the large closet where guests were storing their winter coats. Bryony helped Draco hang up the coats on hangers, and when they were done, the two just stood in silence.

"So... we should probably get back to the party" Bryony said, hoping to lessen the awkward.

"Bryony listen..." Draco said sincerely, "I think we should date" he said, taking her hand in his. "We are clearly the best-looking people in the entire school, not just in Slytherin, and we are both Purebloods, and I know our parents have been talking about a courtship between our two families for a while now. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is, Bryony will you go out with me?".

Bryony stood dumbstruck, staring at Draco for what seemed like hours. Courtship? First of all, Pansy would MURDER me and, and I'm not ready to get married.... I mean Draco isn't bad looking, and who else would want to date me anyway... but I'm barely 16... I haven't even had a first kiss yet... marriage? Her mind kept racing, but somehow it she began thinking about Ron, and that feeling she had when the two of them were sitting on the Quidditch pitch that one morning... she had never ever felt like that with Draco...

"Listen Draco," she started, "I'm really flattered... I... I'm just not ready to date right now... I guess..." she stuttered. "I mean... I need to focus on my OWLS... and..." she said, trying to provide an excuse.

"I'll wait" Draco said with a smile. He took a step closer towards Bryony and kissed her on the cheek. "We should get back to the party" he said with a smile as he took Bryony's hand and led her back towards the party room.