adiaphoron | d.m

FIFTEEN

➸ YULE BALL DATE

THE GREAT HALL WAS UNRECOGNIZABLE TODAY, its usual grandeur tempered by the absence of its usual functions. The long benches that lined the room were arranged in a peculiar way, with the Slytherin students seated on one side and their counterparts from other houses on the opposite side. At the far corner of the room, Professor Filch struggled to restore an old record player to working order, brushing off cobwebs and dust that had accumulated on its surface. The sound of scratching and creaking filled the air as he worked to get it running.

As the Slytherin students took their seats, Tracy leaned over to whisper to her friends, "What's going on? What's with this sudden announcement?"

Daphne shrugged beside her, her eyes fixed on Professor Snape, who was making his way down the aisle. "I have no idea," she whispered back. "But it can't be good."

The room fell silent as Snape's piercing gaze swept over the students, his eyes lingering on each face with an air of disapproval. No one dared to speak as he halted in front of them, his head cocked to one side.

"I told you all about the Yule Ball," he began, his voice dripping with disdain. "But before we get to that, the Headmaster has deemed it necessary for us to practice proper ballroom etiquette. And I assure you, I have no patience for foolishness. You will all be quiet, listen, and do exactly as I say."

Snape's gaze seemed to bore into the souls of the students as he continued. "To achieve this, each of you will find a partner to practice with. We will be learning a simple waltz."

The Slytherin girls' faces lit up with excitement, their eyes sparkling with anticipation. But the boys looked less than thrilled, their faces contorting in disgust and dread. The prospect of dancing was clearly not something they relished.

Cecilia's gaze drifted across the room, coming to rest on the boys' table. She spotted Theo, Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, and Blaise huddled together, their faces set in various degrees of disinterest. Malfoy's eyes flicked up to meet hers, his expression stern as he returned his attention to the others. It was clear that he was issuing orders.

As Snape's voice rang out, "Everyone stand, find a partner," the hall fell silent for a moment before erupting into a flurry of activity. The students scrambled to find someone to dance with, their footsteps echoing off the stone floor. The girls around Cecilia chattered excitedly as they searched for a partner, their eyes scanning the room for a likely candidate.

Daphne was one of the first to find a partner, making a beeline for Theo and greeting him with a bright smile. Tracy, on the other hand, opted for Pierce Madden, a fifth-year Beater, who looked less than thrilled to be partnered with her. Blaise, meanwhile, found a girl almost instantly, while Crabbe and Goyle struggled to catch anyone's eye.

Cecilia's gaze swept the room, her eyes lingering on the clusters of students as they chatted and laughed. But one pair of eyes caught her attention. Across the room, Malfoy was watching her, his piercing blue gaze fixed intently on hers. His platinum blond hair was immaculately styled, every strand perfectly in place as it fell across his forehead. His smug, self-assured expression was a familiar sight, and Cecilia felt a flutter of annoyance at the condescending look that always seemed to be directed her way.

As Cecilia and Malfoy converged, an unspoken understanding seemed to pass between them, as if they were two pawns on the same strategic board. Malfoy's tall, imposing figure drew near, his eyes fixed intently on Cecilia's. But just as he reached her side, a commotion erupted behind him. Pansy and Peyton, their faces red with anger, were engaged in a heated argument, their voices rising.

It was clear that they were vying for Malfoy's attention, but it seemed they were oblivious to the fact that he was not interested in them. His gaze remained fixed on Cecilia, his eyes burning with a calculating intensity that made her skin prickle. Meanwhile, the two girls failed to notice that Malfoy had already tuned them out, his focus solely on the girl standing before him.