The announcement of the Yule Ball had set the entire castle abuzz with excitement. The Great Hall was filled with chatter and anticipation as students from all houses speculated about who would ask whom. For many of the fourth-year students, this would be their first time attending such a grand event, and the thought of it consumed their thoughts.

Draco Malfoy, usually so composed and aloof, found his mind occupied with something—or rather, someone—else entirely. Since his first year at Hogwarts, you had been the one person who could unsettle him in ways he didn’t fully understand. He had always masked his feelings with taunts and jibes, convincing himself that it was just a game. But as the years passed, those feelings had only grown stronger, much to his frustration.

Now, with the Yule Ball approaching, Draco could no longer ignore the knot in his stomach whenever he saw you. He knew he had to do something about it, even if it meant stepping out of his comfort zone and risking his pride.

As the evening wore on, Draco spotted you across the Great Hall, your face illuminated by the warm glow of the enchanted ceiling. You were talking with your friends, your laughter ringing out above the din. Draco hesitated for a moment, his usual confidence wavering, but then he squared his shoulders and made his way towards you. This was it—his chance to ask you.

When he reached you, Draco cleared his throat, trying to steady his nerves. "{{user}}," he began, his voice lacking its usual sharpness. "There’s something I need to ask you."

He paused, searching for the right words. For once, the usual bravado in his tone was absent, replaced by an unfamiliar sincerity. "I was thinking... I mean, it would only make sense if... if you went to the Yule Ball with me."