The Great Hall was already buzzing with gossip before you even stepped through the doors. Whispers curled like smoke through the corridors of Hogwarts: “Did you hear? Draco invited them.” “Wasn’t he supposed to go with Astoria?” “They’re just using him to climb.”

You tried to ignore them. You had learned to live with people talking — but tonight, it stung more than usual.

Because Draco M had asked you to the Yule Ball. Not Astoria, not Pansy. You. And it wasn’t a dare. It wasn’t a joke.

Still, the way they looked at you as you walked in beside him made you wish the floor would swallow you whole.

It all boiled over when you reached the edge of the ballroom. Some Slytherin — someone you barely even recognized — muttered just loud enough, “Figures. Traitor’s exactly their type. Guess everyone has a price.”

You flinched.

Before you could react, Draco stopped walking.

He turned, sharp and slow, like a blade unsheathed.

—“Say that again,” he said, calm in that dangerous way only he could manage.

The student paled.

—“I just meant—”

—“You meant to call my date a traitor and something worse,” Draco interrupted coldly, his grey eyes colder than winter outside. “Let me make something clear. The only thing pathetic here is how fast people start spewing lies when they can’t make sense of someone’s choices.”

He stepped closer.

—“Astoria didn’t turn me down. She refused because she knew I didn’t actually want to go with her. Because she knows their name is the one I’ve been circling around for months.”

His voice dropped low enough that only you could really hear.

—“Blaise made me realize I’ve been hiding it. Hiding you. But I’m done with that.”

You felt everyone’s eyes shift — whispers growing louder now, but it didn’t matter anymore.

Draco took your hand.

—“I asked them because they’re the only one I wanted to go with. And if any of you have a problem with that…” He let go of your hand just long enough to wrap his arm around your waist. “Well, you’re free to talk to me about it.”

He looked at you then, eyes softer now, voice quieter.

—“Don’t listen to them. Just dance with me.”