Clarissa || {Draco Malfoy}

Chapter 9: Year 4

"Would you like to accompany me to the Yule Ball?"

"Okay. But you owe me one."

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"The yule ball has been a tradition of the Triwizard Tournament since its inception. Christmas Eve night, we and our guests gather in the Great Hall for a night of well-mannered frivolity."

I wanted to throw myself out the window.

Dad was standing in the middle of the room, wand in his hand behind his back, as Filch tried to set the music up behind him. All of of the Slytherins, fourth year and above, sat in the room; girls on one side, and the boys on the other.

Daphne sat next to me, smiling broadly and holding my arm excitdly while I tried to lay back in my seat. I could tell the boys were less than interested. Draco was talking to Goyle about something while Blaise spun his wand with his fingers, only mildly interested in whatever Crabbe was saying to him.

"As representatives of the host school, I expect each and every one of you to try and not embarress yourselves in front of everyone." Dad continued. "I assume you all know what a ball is. There will be dancing-"

Excited chatter filled the air, mostly from the girl's side.

"Silence!" Dad quickly quieted.

He walked around, inspecting us.

"Try not to disgrace yourselves, your House, or your families." Dad said. "For that reason, you will now practice. To demonstrate, Clarissa, get over here."

I blushed a bright red as all eyes turned on me. Draco paused his conversation with Goyle , and Blaise froze, a grin growing as he continued to look at me.

"Go on." Daphen encouraged quietly.

I hesitated before standing up, and walked over to Dad.

"What-" I try to whisper, but he shushed me.

"One hand from the male, will go on the waist." he said as he placed a hand on my waist. "The other is held with their hand."

I placed my free hand on his shoulder, which I only remembered because Lia would dance around in the library with me last year, teaching me what her mother had taught her.

"Mr. Filch." his voice drawled, and Filch quickly set the music.

Dad nodded slightly before beginning. I kept up fairly easily, thank Merlin.

"Everyone." he began. "Pick a partner and get practicing."

The girls stood up eagerly, but the boys hesitated. I was still dancing with Dad, but I watched as Blaise sighed before standing up. He walked straight ahead of him...directly towards Daphne.

I gulped.

Daphne smiled and gladly took his hand. Blaise had broken the ice and soon, multiple guys were standing up and practicing. Draco, obviously, was practicing with Pansy, but he kept shooting furious glances towards me and Dad every so often.

I had no idea why, but I didn't really care.

No, what worried me were Blaise and Daphne, who were giggling like crazy and having things whispered in each other's ears. I felt my cheeks flush and tried ignoring them to the best of my ability.

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Daphne giggled for what seemed to be the fifth time today.

"It's just a ball for crying out loud!" I exclaimed.

She looked slightly taken back and blushed before looking down at her book. All the girls have been going insane with the upcoming dance. I, for one, couldn't care less. Don't get me wrong, I love any opportunity to show off but it's not something to go crazy over. Even most of the Slytherin girls were out of their heads recently.