Umbras ? Harry Potter

December 10, 1994 • Hogwarts

As Ciara stepped out of her room, she noticed a cluster of students gathered around the bulletin board near the entrance. Curiosity piqued, and she made her way over to see what had drawn their attention.

The Yule Ball

The much-anticipated annual Triwizard Ball is fast approaching! It will take place at eight o'clock on Christmas Eve, December 24th in the Great Hall, and will finish at midnight.

This event will be open only to fourth years and above, although you may invite a younger student if you wish.

This enchanting evening offers a unique opportunity for cross-school mingling with students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, so let's ensure that Slytherin's finest are well-represented.

Dress robes are required for the event. If you have not brought yours, please make arrangements with your parents or guardians to have them sent in time for the ball.

We look forward to a night of elegance, magic, and memorable moments!

Professor Snape, Head of Slytherin House.

As she finished reading, Ciara couldn't help but recall Draco's words from the train. His voice echoed in her mind: "I do hope you understand that, since we're betrothed, you'll be attending the Ball with me."

She silently hoped he'd chosen some other poor girl to take, but her hopes were quickly shattered when she heard that all-too-familiar voice, drawling behind her.

"So," he drawled, stepping up beside her. "Excited for the ball?"

"Not anymore," she answered before trying to slip out of the entrance without him.

Of course, he followed, his footsteps loud, so she tried quickening her pace.

"Trying to get to Potter?" he called out, his voice carrying across the corridor.

She didn't answer and kept walking, her eyes fixed ahead, willing herself to ignore him.

"What's the matter, Ciara?" he called after her, his voice mocking. "Don't tell me you're embarrassed to be seen with me."

She felt his presence at her back, but she refused to turn around. The corridor was crowded, and she could already sense the stares of curious students. Her mind raced—she could keep walking, but he'd make a scene, and she wasn't in the mood for his games.

Then, Draco's voice rang out, sharper than before.

"I get it. You think you can escape from your betrothal just by pretending it doesn't exist, right? You'd rather play the independent Gryffindor."

People turned to look, whispers spreading through the corridor as Draco's voice echoed off the walls. Without a second thought, Ciara spun around, grabbing his arm and yanking him with surprising force. Before he could even react, she slammed him into the nearest empty classroom, the door snapping shut behind them with a sharp click.

"What the bloody hell is your problem, Draco?!" Ciara shouted, spinning around to face him, her voice cracking with frustration. "Do you really crave attention that badly?"

Draco's expression hardened, his cool demeanor never faltering. "You're the one who's been avoiding me for three months," he shot back, his voice sharp with irritation. "Don't act like I'm the problem here."