The Siren's Call (A Draco Malfoy Fanfiction)

90. The Rise of Blaise Zabini

As the four approached, Dioleh couldn't help but stare with wide-eyed admiration as they approached the Zabini house. Dioleh finally understood why Zabini's mother was considered the most prolific serial gold-digger and potential murderer, not that she would say a word of that to him. When they reached the door, Dioleh spotted Draco talking and laughing with Blaise and a group of students Dioleh recognized from the Durmstrang lot from the previous year.

Coming up by his side, Dioleh greeted, "Hey, Dray." Glancing over, he smiled.

"You look gorgeous, love," he replied. Dioleh smiled, her cheeks flushed.

Raising an eyebrow at him, she said, "So do I have to beg or are you going to ask me to dance?"

Grinning wider, he held his arm out to her and replied, "Dance with me?"

Looping her arm with his, Dioleh tried to ignore the way her heart fluttered as she replied, "Of course." Once they found an empty spot on the dance floor, Draco faced her, placed a hand on her waist and took her hand in his own. As they began to move along the dance floor, Dioleh felt her heart come alive. She had managed to bury her feelings when she had something to distract her but now that there was no Ministry to break into, she couldn't ignore them any longer.

After about an hour of dancing, Dioleh and Draco went outside where it was quieter. Draco saw her shiver and quickly peeled off his jacket to place around her shoulders. "Thank you," Dioleh said meekly, blushing again.

"Dioleh, I was wondering if we could talk," Draco admitted.

"About what?" she asked naively.

"About us." Her heart skipped a beat. "I know you said you needed time. I just was wondering if anything's changed." Dioleh thought a moment.

"Yes, something has changed," she admitted, coming to a stop. Draco paused as well, turning to face her. "I didn't want to be with you before because I was afraid the others would judge me if they knew and they still might, but...you were willing to break the law to help me protect my family so yes, everything has changed."

"Meaning?" Draco asked, studying her expression carefully.

"Meaning..." Dioleh began before cupping his cheek. "I'm ready." Before she had a moment to think, she felt his lips press against hers. Smiling into the kiss, Dioleh pressed her palms against his chest as his arms circled her waist. Draco pulled away, pressing his forehead against hers. Dioleh smiled, keeping her eyes closed.

"So, can I call you my girlfriend now?" Draco asked, slightly breathlessly. Dioleh nodded. Pressing his lips back against hers, Draco cupped her cheeks. When they pulled away, Dioleh let out a small laugh. Snow was falling all around them, dusting their hair and clothes in white power. Rubbing his thumb against her cheek, Draco said, "You are so beautiful."

"Stop," Dioleh said, blushing madly and looking down.

Raising her chin gently, he countered, "I thought you liked me being truthful." Dioleh laughed.

"Not when you keep making me blush," she countered meekly.

"And what if I like seeing you blush," Draco murmured, his eyes scanning every inch of her face as he caressed her cheek.

"Weirdo," Dioleh muttered just as he pressed his lips to hers again. Wrapping her arms around his shoulders, Dioleh felt the jacket slip from her shoulders and to the ground but as he moved his hand up to tangle in her hair, she couldn't find that she much cared. Leaning closer to her, Draco deepened the kiss, bringing his other hand to rest at her waist. A deep blush spread across her cheeks as his tongue slipped into her mouth. Wrapping both arms around her waist, Draco spun her around, prompting Dioleh to let out a surprised squeal followed by a happy laugh as she wrapped her arms around his tightly. As he set her down, Dioleh tangled her hands in his hair and pulled his lips down to hers. Draco quickly took control of the kiss, pressing her back against the garden wall as their lips moved passionately against each other. Gently biting her lip, Draco slipped his tongue in her mouth, causing Dioleh to draw in a soft gasp.

⥖✦✧⦽✧✦⥗

"Where did Dioleh go?" Imani wondered aloud, looking around the ballroom as Andre handed her a drink.

"I'm sure she's off with Draco sucking faces or something," he replied casually. Imani choked on her drink, shooting him a shocked look.

"Andre!" she whisper-screamed. He smirked.

"Oh come now, Mani," he said with a laugh. "They're going to get together eventually."

"Yes, probably," she said with a laugh. Hitting his arm, she scolded, "But that doesn't mean they're sucking faces and snogging." Andre shook his head. "What?"

"That word is weird," he said with a grimace. "No offence to the British or anything, but it just sounds gross."

"Whatever," Imani said, rolling her eyes. Having grown up closer to England, Imani had learned British English while Andre, being closer to the United States, had learned American English, like Dioleh.

"Still gross," Andre said.

Sassily, Imani replied, "Kissing or the word we choose to describe it with?"

With a growing smirk, Andre replied, "I can certainly say I'd prefer one over the other."

"Oh yeah?" Imani replied cockily, coming to face him. Andre tensed, his heart beginning to pound in his chest.

"Yeah," he said, his voice about an octave too high. Clearing his throat, he repeated in a deeper voice, "Yeah." Imani hummed in reply before turning back to face the room. Andre shot her a quick look, clearing his throat again and turning his gaze back to his butterbeer.