Entrance
As Juliet, Pansy, and Daphne descended the steps from the girls' dormitory, the three of them looked nothing short of breathtaking. Their gowns shimmered in the dim light of the Slytherin common room, each one a reflection of their distinct personalities and styles.
Juliet wore a gown of deep, forest green, its satin fabric flowing effortlessly with every step she took. The bodice was structured, cinching at her waist before cascading down in soft folds. The sleeves were off-shoulder, giving her an air of elegance and sophistication, while the slit that ran high up her right leg added an edge of daring rebellion. The green dress hugged her figure in all the right places, its subtle sparkle catching the light with each movement. It was a bold choice, and she knew it matched Draco's "request" perfectly. Around her neck, she wore a delicate silver necklace with a single emerald pendant, an heirloom that subtly tied into the color theme.
Pansy, always meticulous in her style, wore a sleek black gown, timeless in its simplicity but striking in its detail. The dress had a high neckline adorned with intricate lace, but the back was open, a daring contrast to its otherwise conservative front. The black fabric was fitted, hugging her slim frame, and flared out slightly at the bottom, creating a graceful silhouette. A small cluster of diamonds glittered in her hair, pinned up in an elegant twist, while her bold red lips added a pop of color to the monochrome look.
Daphne, ever the one for drama, had chosen a gown in midnight blue, with a plunging neckline that was as daring as her personality. The fabric of the dress glittered like stars against the night sky, creating an ethereal effect as she moved. Her gown was more voluminous than the others, with layers of tulle and chiffon flowing around her like waves. The sleeves were sheer, embellished with tiny crystals that caught the light as she twirled, adding an almost magical quality to her appearance. She had chosen silver accessories—a pair of chandelier earrings that nearly brushed her shoulders and a delicate bracelet on her wrist.
As they descended into the common room, the three girls made a grand entrance, their dresses flowing behind them like they owned the room. Downstairs, waiting near the fireplace, stood Blaise, Draco, and Theodore, each dressed impeccably, though in distinctly different ways.
Blaise had opted for a classic black tuxedo, but in true Zabini fashion, it was tailored to perfection. His jacket had a subtle sheen to it, the fabric catching the light in a way that only someone with his level of style could pull off. The lapels were a deep velvet, and his bowtie—small but sharp—added a touch of old-world elegance. He looked every bit the aristocrat, his confidence making the simple suit stand out even more.
Draco, unsurprisingly, had gone for something more regal and traditional. His suit was a deep charcoal, nearly black, but with emerald accents — a nod to the Slytherin colors. The vest underneath his jacket was a rich green, embroidered with silver detailing, subtle but striking. His black tie was fastened with a silver pin, and his sleek, blonde hair was perfectly styled. He looked every bit the heir to the Malfoy name, cold and controlled, as though this entire evening was just another performance he had perfected.
Theodore Nott, standing slightly off to the side, had gone for a more relaxed look. His suit was navy, contrasting sharply with the dark greens and blacks of the others, and his tie was a lighter shade of blue, a casual choice that still somehow worked in his favor. His jacket was left slightly unbuttoned, giving him a more laid-back, effortless vibe compared to the polished looks of Draco and Blaise. His messy brown hair fell into his eyes, adding to his slightly disheveled appearance, but it was clear he had put thought into looking effortlessly cool.
As the boys caught sight of the girls, Blaise was the first to break into a smile, giving Pansy an appreciative nod as she walked toward him. Theodore's eyes lingered on Daphne, clearly impressed by the dramatic entrance she had made.
But it was Draco's reaction that was most intriguing. His silver eyes locked on Juliet as she stepped off the last stair, his expression as unreadable as ever, though there was a look of something — something that might have been approval, or perhaps surprise. He didn't speak, merely extended his arm to her as he had promised to "escort" her, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Juliet, for her part, met his gaze with a raised brow but slipped her arm into his. "Right on time," she said lightly, though her heart was pounding.
Draco glanced down at her dress, his lips twitching slightly. "Good. You followed instructions."
Juliet smirked but didn't reply. Whatever it was that happened last night, she'd just hoped he would sweep it under the rug and forget about it.
As the group of Slytherins left the common room together, there was a palpable excitement in the air. The Yule Ball awaited, and while the night promised music, dancing, and festivity, there was also the lingering tension between Juliet and Draco, unspoken but impossible to ignore.