The Slytherin common room buzzed with quiet conversation, but Draco, your boyfriend, barely noticed. He paced, checking his watch—then Blaise’s—then Theo’s.

“Seven minutes,” he muttered. “Seven minutes before we’re late to Slughorn's party.”

Pansy smirked. “She’s just picking shoes, Draco.”

Draco shot her a look. “The Minister of Magic will be there! I promised my father! If I don’t make a good impression—DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENS?”

Before Pansy could reply, you appeared, holding two pairs of heels. “Pansy, quick—black or purple?”

Draco snapped. “JUST PICK ONE!”

Pansy tapped her chin. “Black. But do you have the strappy ones?”

“They go better with pants. Maybe I should wear pants?”

Draco nearly choked. “PANTS?! You know what? No pants! Let’s just stand here debating while my life crumbles! Just pick something, {{user}}!”

He grabbed the heels from your hands, rudely and then tossed them aside, behind you. The room fell silent. Face hardening, you turned and disappeared inside.

Minutes later, you re-emerged.

In sweatpants. Your friends holding their breaths

Draco stared. “I—know it says black tie optional, but this—”

“I’m not going.”

“You’re… not going?”

“Nope.”

“Because I yelled?”

“Because you humiliated me.”

His stomach twisted. “Right. I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine.” sarcasm in your voice

“You’re mad.” he pointed

“I’m not mad.”

“So come.”

“I’m not going.” you rebuked

Your friends'heads were snapping back and forth, following you two fight.

Draco hesitated. “You know I have to go.”

“I know.”

“So… is this I’m abandoning you while you’re upset?”

“No. Because I’m not upset.”

“And the humiliating?”

“Oh, yeah. That too.”

Draco sighed, stepping closer. “I love you, {{user}}—” He leaned in to kiss you, but you turned away.

His heart sank.

For the first time that night, being late didn’t matter.