Shadows of Slytherin Book 1

Draco

Dani leaned in towards me, her voice filled with excitement. "Hermione will be joining us in just a moment," she whispered, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "And let me tell you, she looks absolutely gorgeous!" Her words were accompanied by a playful wink, leaving me intrigued. 

With a nod and a smile, I watched as Dani and Mattheo walked away, their laughter mingling with the lively ambiance of the gathering. Enzo, standing beside me, couldn't contain his amazement and blurted out in a loud whisper, "Wow... she wasn't wrong."

Curiosity sparked within me, and I turned my attention towards the grand staircase, where Hermione was about to make her entrance. As she descended the steps, my mouth reflexively dropped open in awe, but I quickly caught myself and closed it, not wanting to appear too obvious. Dani's description had not been an exaggeration—Hermione truly looked breathtaking.

A faint blush graced Hermione's cheeks, undoubtedly aware of the attention she was receiving from everyone around her. Yet, she seemed unaffected by the stares, maintaining her composure with grace. Her smile radiated confidence and contentment. Our eyes met, and I couldn't help but be captivated by her presence. Stepping forward, I positioned myself at the bottom of the stairs, eager to greet her.

"Well, Granger," I began, attempting to sound nonchalant, "you really know how to get dressed up." The words escaped my lips, carrying a hint of admiration and playfulness.

Hermione's smile widened, and she responded, her voice tinged with warmth, "Thank you. You don't look so bad yourself."

The corners of my lips curled into a slight smile, a subtle acknowledgement of her compliment. In a gesture of invitation, I extended my arm toward her. "Ready?" I asked, my voice gentle and inviting.

Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she nodded, gracefully looping her arm through mine. "Ready," she affirmed, her voice filled with a blend of excitement and assurance. 

As we walked towards the grand entrance of the Great Hall, anticipation hung in the air, thick with excitement and a touch of nervousness. The champions gracefully took place in the center of the room, their elegant movements commanding attention and setting the tone for the evening. The enchanting melodies of the orchestra floated through the room, casting a spell of enchantment upon the gathering.

I turned my gaze towards Hermione, a glimmer of admiration shining in my eyes. With a gentle yet bold gesture, I extended my hand towards her, extending an invitation to join me in the dance. A smile played at the corners of her lips as she nodded, her eyes sparkling with a mix of anticipation.

As her delicate hand interlaced with mine, I couldn't help but notice the stark contrast in size, emphasizing her delicate nature against my larger frame. The touch of her hand ignited a subtle electricity, sending a tingling sensation up my arm. With a tender touch, she placed her other hand on my shoulder, while I reciprocated by securing my hand around her waist, drawing her closer to me.

I could sense the waves of nervousness illuminating from Hermione, heightened by the awareness of Ron Weasley's unwavering eyes on us. It seemed his eyes were fixated on our every move since the moment we stepped foot into the Great Hall.

In an attempt to reassure her, I leaned in and whispered softly, "Hey." The sound of my voice seemed to draw her attention, and she raised her eyes to meet mine. Time seemed to stand still as we studied each other. With an unspoken understanding, I reassured her, "It's okay."

She nodded and encouraged by her response, I gently pulled her closer, the warmth of our bodies uniting as we slowly moved in perfect harmony with the music. In that moment, the world faded away, and it was just Hermione and me.