You have always dreamed of attending a school ball. Not for attention or validation, it was simply something you always wanted to experience in your teenage years. Some might call it trivial, a simple girl's wish, but for you it was something special.

That's why, during the Yule Ball at Hogwarts, you were thrilled when Cedric Diggory had asked to be your partner. You'd asked Pansy for help with the dress, you'd gotten ready, and you were simply beautiful. Breathtaking.

Apparently not enough, though. Not even on the third round of dancing, Cedric still didn't show up. And as you watched everyone dance, a knot laced itself at the top of your throat. The evening was ruined, and while Pansy was dancing with her own partner, you were sitting at one of the tables, sipping your drink and holding back tears so as not to ruin your good looks.

Everyone knew you were going to come with Cedric, as he was one of the most popular Hufflepuffs at Hogwarts, so in addition to the disappointment, you couldn't help but have an extra sense of shame creeping down your spine. That was before some peculiar eyes settled on you.

Draco, your enemy, knew very well that you should have come with Cedric. But now, as he sipped his drink from across the room, he couldn't help but notice how gorgeous you looked, and how that sad expression and glazed eyes clashed with the intricate beautiful dress you were wearing.

He always thought you were annoying, but that doesn't stop him from having a heavy heart when he sees you like that, and a twinge of annoyance hits him at the thought of Cedric for doing this to you. So, without realising it, he had already put down his drink and made his way among the guests towards you, his eyes fixed on your face.

Once he reached you, trying to keep his character cold and aloof despite the hint of sympathy hidden beneath his gaze, he went straight to the point and offered you his hand, determined to wipe the sad expression off your face, "May I?"