Chapter 15
December 31st, 1994
Malfoy Manor was buzzing with activity. Hired maids darted across the main foyer, arms full of flowers and table cloths, while a few wizards were setting up the ballroom, casting charms to hang decorations along the walls and ceilings. It felt like the whole place was alive, preparing for the upcoming ball.
After Narcissa had picked up Draco and Maria from the Hogwarts Express—prying them away from Theo and Blaise, who had been bombarding them with questions the entire ride about their current ‘relationship’—the three of them slipped away into a secluded room. A simple flick of Narcissa’s hand brought out a silver Portkey, and before Maria knew it, they were standing in front of the Manor, far from the noise of the platform.
Maria sighed, feeling the exhaustion sink into her bones. She hadn’t slept a wink the night before—another migraine had kept her awake, the kind that usually meant a vision was coming. Thankfully, the pain had faded for now, but the feeling of anxiety remained, that awful feeling that a vision could strike at any moment, tonight or tomorrow, maybe even during the ball.
She hated them. The visions were always so ambiguous, so vague. There was never any warning, and worse, she never knew if what she saw was something that had already happened or something that was yet to come. The memory of her first vision flashed through her mind, making her uneasy. It had been strange, even more confusing than usual.
She could still see the worried look on Harry’s face as he had found her in the hallway, her eyes turned white, completely lost to the vision. She had wandered through a maze in that one, its towering hedges enclosing her in, the vines creeping around her legs only to let go again. She remembered seeing a figure in the distance, someone running towards her with their wand drawn. But before she could see who it was, she had woken up in the Hospital Wing, Draco sitting beside her, looking the most worried she'd ever seen him be.
Now, as she walked the corridors towards her temporary room in the Manor, she felt the weight of everything pressing down on her. Her legs felt heavy, and she knew if she didn’t rest soon, she’d collapse.
“You’re quiet,” Draco suddenly said, his voice breaking the silence. He glanced over at Maria, his brows furrowed in concern. “What’s wrong?”
“Just tired,” Maria replied. It was the truth. She was very tired, but it wasn’t because of the lack of sleep. The feeling that a vision was just around the corner had her on edge.
Draco didn’t look convinced, but he nodded. “The ball isn’t happening until a few more hours. You should rest.”
“I will,” she said, giving him a soft nudge with her elbow. “You should be more worried about yourself. You told me you barely slept last night as well.”
He smirked, but didn’t push further. “Fine. But I’ll come find you before it begins.”
They turned another corner, and Maria slowed her pace as they neared the hallway leading to her room. She could already feel her body beginning to ready itself for sleep, her eyes droopy from the lack of rest. Her hand reached out for the doorframe, steadying herself.
“You should go ahead,” she said, turning to Draco. “I’ll meet you later.”
Draco stayed for a moment, clearly not wanting to leave her, but he eventually gave a nod. “Alright. But don’t push yourself.”
“I won’t,” Maria promised.
He stepped forward and gently kissed her forehead before turning around and making his way back to the busy halls.
Once he was out of sight, she opened the door and stepped into her room, the familiar sight of the four-poster bed almost a relief. The room itself looked the same as before she began her school life at Hogwarts. The exhaustion hit her all at once, and she barely made it to the bed before collapsing onto the soft mattress. Her eyes closed the second her head hit the pillow.
But just as she felt herself slipping into sleep, something stirred in her mind. A familiar, dreaded sensation. The vision was coming. She barely had time to brace herself before everything went dark.
Draco let out a long sigh as he descended the main staircase, the busy scene of Malfoy Manor unfolding before him. Maids rushed through the foyer, their footsteps quick and efficient as they decorated and polished the space for tonight’s ball. Wizards moved around, levitating chandeliers into place and adjusting many floral arrangements that lined the walls.
He barely noticed any of it as his mind drifted back to Maria, to the exhaustion written across her face when she had finally given in and left for her room. He wasn’t entirely convinced that she’d just been tired, but he’d let it go—for now.
“Draco,” a soft, familiar voice called.
Draco stopped mid-step, looking over towards the sound of his mother’s voice. Narcissa stood in the middle of the hall with her eyes fixed on him.
“Come here,” she said, offering a small smile. “I need to speak with you privately.”
Draco raised a brow, curious, and made his way towards her. "What is it, Mother?"
Narcissa cast a quick glance around the bustling foyer before turning towards the doors that led outside. “Not here,” she said. “Let’s go to the garden.”
Draco followed without hesitation. They slipped through the doors and into the cool afternoon air, stepping out onto the stone path that led into the garden. A few house-elves were scattered around, tending to the flowerbeds and trimming the bushes, but neither Draco nor Narcissa paid them any mind. The elves wouldn’t say a word.
For a moment, the only sound was the crunch of gravel beneath their feet. The sun had just begun to set, it was peaceful, but Draco couldn’t shake the feeling that his mother had something on her mind.
“What’s wrong?” Draco asked as they stopped by a well-kept hedge.
Narcissa turned to him, her lips slipping into a knowing smile. “Nothing’s wrong, Draco.” Her tone was soft. “I simply wanted to talk to you about you and Maria.”
Draco blinked, stunned for a moment. “Maria?” He hadn’t expected his mother to bring her up. He opened his mouth to respond, but Narcissa spoke again.
“I couldn’t help but notice how close the two of you were when I picked you up at the station,” she said, a glint of amusement in her eyes. “Has anything…happened between you two?”
Draco’s breath caught, and for a second, he wasn’t sure how to answer. His mind immediately flashed to the Yule Ball—their kiss, their nights spent sneaking into the Room of Requirement, the private talks they’d shared. Nothing bad had happened, but something had definitely changed between them.
“Nothing bad,” he finally said, his voice careful, though there was an unmistakable hint of something more.
Narcissa raised an eyebrow, clearly catching the undertone of his words. “So, something has happened, then.”
Draco hesitated, glancing away for just a second as he tried to find the right words. The truth was, he wasn’t sure what to call what they had. He and Maria had kissed, shared secret moments, but they had never put a name to it. They had never said what they were after that night at the Yule Ball. It felt real, but it also felt…undefined.
“I don’t know,” Draco admitted. “We never really talked about it. After the Yule Ball, we just sort of…happened.”
Narcissa let out a soft, knowing sigh. “Draco, labels aren’t always necessary in a relationship,” she said gently, stepping closer to him. “But that doesn’t mean clarity isn’t important as well. You’re young, both of you, and it’s natural to feel uncertain. But if you care about her—and I know you do—you should talk to her. Make sure she understands how you truly feel.”
Draco nodded, though the idea of having that conversation with Maria made his stomach twist. He knew how he felt, but what if she didn’t feel the same? What if the kiss and the time they’d spent together wasn’t what he thought it was?
Narcissa seemed to sense his hesitation and placed a hand on his arm, offering him a warm smile. “You’ve been pining over that girl since you were children, Draco. And from what I’ve seen, I think she’s been waiting for you, too. Don’t let uncertainty keep you from something that could make you both happy.”
Draco swallowed, processing his mother’s words. She was right. He had been pining after Maria for years, and now that he had her—or almost had her—he couldn’t let it slip away because of his own fear.
“Tonight might be a good time to clarify things,” Narcissa suggested softly. “Maybe when it’s nearing midnight. You’ll both be dressed up, and the mood will be perfect.”
Draco let out a breath, feeling a strange mix of nervousness and determination settle over him. “I’ll talk to her,” he said, his voice steady.
Narcissa gave him a proud smile, squeezing his arm gently before turning back towards the house. “Good. Now, let’s head inside. There’s still much to do before tonight.”
Draco nodded, watching his mother walk ahead of him before he turned his gaze towards the setting sun. Tonight, he would talk to Maria. It was time to stop dancing around the truth and figure out what they really meant to each other.
Maria woke up with heavy breaths. She clutched her comforter closer to her chest, scared that something from the dark shadows of the room would come running at her. However, her eyes spotted Mippy at the door and she let out a breath.
“Mistress Malfoy instructed Mippy to help Miss Marialynne get ready for the upcoming event,” the house-eld said timidly.
With a nod, Maria stood up from the comfort of her sheets. As she tried to recall the moments that happened in her vision, she froze. Nothing came to her mind.
She was sure that she had a vision, but why can’t she remember anything? A pounding headache surfaced and she winced, reaching out to one of the bed’s posters for stability.
“Is Miss Marialynne alright?” Maria heard Mippy. Honest, she shook her head, leaning to sit back down on the bed.
“I’m fine,” she said, though her voice betrayed her. She wasn’t fine. She was far from it, and the fact that her mind had blanked out about what happened in the vision worried her more than she wanted to admit.
Maria rubbed her temples, the pounding headache refusing to let go, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. The forgotten vision gnawed at her, making her uneasy, and she knew she couldn’t deal with it alone.
“Mippy,” she called softly. The house-elf stepped closer, her wide eyes filled with concern. “Can you get Draco for me?”
Mippy nodded quickly. “Yes, Miss Marialynne. Mippy will get Young Master Draco right away.” With a snap of her fingers, the house-elf disappeared with a soft pop, leaving Maria in the quiet of her room.
She sighed, resting her head in her hands. The headache still throbbed but it was starting to dull. After a few moments, Mippy reappeared, her expression calm.
“Master Draco is on his way, Miss,” the house-elf said.
Maria nodded in acknowledgment, and with the headache finally beginning to fade, she stood from the bed. “Thank you, Mippy. Can you please prep the bath for me?” she asked as she made her way over to her closet.
“Yes, Miss Marialynne,” Mippy said, disappearing once more to carry out her task.
Maria opened the doors to one of her wardrobes and began searching through the rows of dresses. She quickly settled on a simple but elegant black dress with delicate gold accents woven into the fabric. It wasn’t overly flashy, but it was perfect for the New Year’s party, fitting the occasion without drawing too much attention.
As she laid the dress out on her bed, the door to her room flew open with a loud bang. Startled, Maria spun around, her heart racing again. Draco stood in the doorway, almost out of breath, his usually composed expression replaced with one of urgency.
"Draco," Maria said, her surprise fading as she took him in. "You didn’t need to run."
Draco’s chest rose and fell heavily as he walked towards her. “Mippy said you weren’t feeling well. I was concerned,” he admitted, his voice laced with worry.
A small smile tugged at Maria’s lips, yet she felt guilt beginning to creep up her chest. She wasn’t ready to tell him everything that regarded her visions just yet. It wasn’t the time. “I’m alright. Just a headache. I didn’t mean to worry you.”
Draco stepped closer, his eyes scanning her face for any sign of discomfort. “Headaches can be dangerous for you, you know that,” he said softly, his tone serious but affectionate.
Maria nodded. “I know. But I feel better now.”
“Alright,” he said. He turned on his heel to leave, but Maria grabbed the edge of his sweater, prompting him to face her again.
“Can you stay, though? I’m about to head in the bath, but I want you there with me–”
Draco’s eyes widened as her words registered, catching him off guard. His pale cheeks even turned a slight shade of pink. Maria quickly realized how her request must have sounded, and she shook her head, her face growing warm as well.
“Wait—no,” she corrected herself hurriedly, waving her hands as if to erase the implication. “I didn’t mean it like that.” She let out a soft breath, trying to collect her thoughts. “I mean, I want you to be near me, but…not in the bath, obviously.”
Draco’s lips twitched with amusement, and he tilted his head, watching her with a mixture of curiosity and affection. Maria continued, feeling her blush deepen.
“I’ll have the curtains drawn around the tub, and you can sit on the stool or the ledge by the sink. It’s just…I have this bad feeling in my chest, and when you’re around, it calms down. I just—feel safer with you here.”
Her last words came out softer, almost shy, and the vulnerability in her tone seemed to melt away Draco’s amusement. His expression softened, the teasing glint in his eyes replaced with something warmer, something that made Maria’s heart skip a beat.
Without hesitation, he stepped closer, gently taking her hand in his. “Of course,” he said, his voice low and sincere. “I’ll stay as long as you need.”
Maria gave him a grateful smile, her heart settling slightly at his reassurance. She gestured towards the bathroom door. “I’ll just get in the bath then, I’ll call for you when I’m decent.”
Draco nodded, releasing her hand, though his gaze lingered on her, as if ensuring she truly was alright.
It wasn’t like Maria to be this shaken up. He’d seen her face far worse without flinching, but something about this—about her headaches and the lingering anxiety—unsettled him. He glanced towards the partially open bathroom door, listening to the running water filling up the tub, and his mind drifted to Narcissa’s words from earlier.
Draco wasn’t sure how to bring it up—how to label whatever it was they had, especially with the constant secrecy they lived under. But the idea of making it official, of actually claiming the relationship he had wanted for so long, made his pulse quicken.
As the sound of water continued, Draco’s gaze softened.
He’ll wait until tonight. Now isn’t the right time.
It was her third drink of apple cider that made Maria stop herself. The party was in full swing, the atmosphere buzzing with laughter and chatter that echoed throughout Malfoy Manor. Members from the Ministry mingled with each other, their voices mixing with the music played by an enchanted string quartet.
This year felt odd, so different without her father by her side. Usually, he would guide her through events like these. But tonight, he was nowhere to be seen, stuck away in Romania tending to her mother’s care.
She shook the feeling away. Her father is doing his best in helping her mother with her illness, she shouldn’t feel any guilt surrounding that topic.
Her gaze drifted around the ballroom, searching for familiar faces. She spotted a few classmates—Pansy Parkinson giggling with a group of girls, and Draco engaged in conversation with his mother and some Ministry official. The sight of him made her heart flutter, but she quickly reminded herself that he was busy.
Maria glanced at the clock, its hands nearing 11:00. Neither Blaise nor Theo had arrived yet, and she felt a wave of restlessness wash over her. The ballroom was starting to feel stuffy, and she longed for a breath of fresh air.
With a few polite apologies as she weaved her way through the crowd, she stepped outside into the cool night. The shift in temperature was refreshing, and she inhaled deeply, letting the cold air fill her lungs. The full moon hung high in the sky, illuminating the flowers and the winding paths.
Maria smiled as she spotted fireflies dancing among the bushes and flowers. She hummed softly, feeling lighter with every step she took away from the noise of the party. The gardens were a sanctuary, a place where she could escape the pressures of the evening and find a moment of peace.
As she walked towards a patch of black roses—Narcissa's pride and joy—she couldn’t help but admire how beautifully they thrived under her care. The dark petals glimmered in the moonlight, and Maria reached out to touch one gently, enjoying the feel of the velvety softness against her fingertips.
For a moment, she closed her eyes, letting the calmness of the night surround her. But as she stood there, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. The earlier vision lingered, and she couldn't help but want to know more as to why she couldn’t remember this specific one. "Everything alright?" a voice interrupted her thoughts.
Startled, Maria turned to see Draco standing a few paces away, his silver-blonde hair catching the moonlight. He looked concerned, his brows furrowed as he took in her expression.
“I was just…admiring the roses,” she replied, trying to shake off the heaviness that had settled in her chest. “It’s nice out here. Much better than inside.”
Draco stepped closer, the faint scent of his cologne mixing with the night air. “You shouldn’t be out here. It’s cold.”
Maria rolled her eyes playfully. “Oh please, Narcissa casted a warming charm around the area.”
Draco smirked, his usual confidence returning. “You’d be surprised. Remember three years ago when we stood in this exact area? You said you wouldn’t get sick and the next morning, you woke up with a cold.”
“Are you here to rescue me from an impending cold storm then?” Maria teased, her heart warming at the banter.
“Always,” he replied, his tone suddenly serious as he stepped even closer, closing the distance between them. “But really, I was worried. I couldn’t find you inside.”
Maria’s smile faltered for a moment, the lingering concern in his voice tugging at her heart. “I’m fine, really. Just…a bit overwhelmed, I guess.”
Draco’s gaze softened, and the teasing demeanor melted away. “You can talk to me, you know. If something’s bothering you—”
“I know,” Maria interrupted, feeling a strange warmth in her chest at his sincerity. “I just need some time, when it comes to talking about certain things.”
Draco nodded, respecting her words. He doesn’t want to push her into telling him everything that’s on her mind. He’ll wait until she’s ready. “Alright, but if you need anything, I’m here.”
“Thank you, Draco,” she said, her heart swelling with gratitude. The moonlight cast a soft glow around them, and for a moment, everything felt right again.
As they stood together in the tranquility of the garden, Maria couldn’t help but reach out and clasp her hand in his. Draco looked down at where their hands were joined.
“It’s cold,” she said quietly, looking away from him in hopes that he didn’t see her blushing cheeks.
Just as the warmth of the moment wrapped around them, laughter floated through the air, breaking the quietness. Maria turned her head just in time to see Blaise and Theo making their way into the garden, their voices booming with cheerful banter.
She let go of Draco’s hand, much to his disappointment, before grinning at her friends.
“There you are!” Blaise called, a grin lighting up his face as he spotted them. “We thought we’d lost you both to the ballroom’s clutches!”
Maria felt the gentle warmth between her and Draco wane slightly as their moment was interrupted, but she couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement at seeing her friends finally arrive at the party.
“Blaise! Theo! Took you two long enough” she exclaimed, waving them over. As they approached, Maria noticed Daphne trailing behind them, her presence brightening the already beautiful night. The two girls shared a smile before rushing to embrace each other.
“Daphne! It’s been days!” Maria exclaimed, pulling her friend into a tight hug.
“I know! I’ve missed you!” Daphne replied, stepping back to look at her. “How are you holding up?”
“Better now,” Maria replied, glancing back at Draco, who was watching the exchange with an amused expression. She could see him speaking with Theo and Blaise, but her attention was drawn back to her friend as they continued their chatter.
The boys had gravitated towards each other, their conversation shifting to the party. “I have to say, your mother really outdid herself with this one,” Theo remarked, gesturing to the stunning decorations that adorned the garden and ballroom.
“Absolutely,” Blaise agreed, leaning back against a nearby pillar. “I’m sure Draco is just glad Lucius isn’t around to ruin the fun.”
“Don’t remind me,” Draco chimed in, rolling his eyes. “It’s a relief not having to listen to him lecture me about decorum or proper behavior. I’m enjoying the night for once.”
As they chatted, Maria felt a slight twinge in her chest. The moment she had shared with Draco slipped away, but she quickly reminded herself that this was still a celebration, and she was happy to have them all together.
“So, are you and Maria okay now?” Theo asked, casting a sideways glance at Draco. “You’ve both been a bit quiet lately.” His tone was casual, but Draco could sense the underlying concern.
Draco, making sure to not reveal too much about their newfound relationship, turned to Maria with an assuring smile. “Everything’s fine, really,” he said smoothly, the weight of their earlier conversation still lingering between them. “We’re just enjoying the night, right, Maria?”
“Right,” she echoed, her gaze meeting his briefly, warmth flooding back in as they exchanged a knowing look.
Daphne caught the moment, her brows arching playfully. “You two are definitely keeping secrets from us, aren’t you?”
“No secrets,” Draco replied with a teasing smirk, shifting the focus away from any awkwardness.
“Well, let’s head back in, shall we?” Theo asked and the group of friends nodded, making their way back inside the warmth of the Manor.
The atmosphere in the Malfoy ballroom was amazing with laughter and chatter filling the air, but as the clock neared midnight, Draco felt a pull, an urge to escape the crowded room with Maria by his side. He gently took her hand, guiding her away from the bustling crowd, through the elegantly adorned halls of the manor. They moved with a quiet urgency, slipping past columns and lavish portraits, until they reached a secluded terrace, a hidden gem shielded from the eyes of the guests.
As they stepped onto the terrace, Maria let out a soft gasp, twirling around with a bright smile that illuminated her face in the moonlight. The cool night air was refreshing, and she relished the freedom it brought. “This is lovely,” she said, her voice a gentle whisper, as she leaned against the railing, gazing out at the sprawling mountains that kissed the horizon under a starlit sky.
Draco watched her, his heart swelling as she twirled in delight, her laughter mingling with the soft rustle of the wind. He took a step closer, his eyes searching hers, filled with a blend of admiration and something deeper, something he had yet to articulate.
The calmness of the moment settled over them, yet an underlying tension buzzed in the air. Draco swallowed hard, his heart pounding against his ribcage. He had wanted to speak to her about their relationship for days now, but the words always seemed to elude him. He finally took a deep breath, summoning the courage to break the silence. “Do you remember the Yule Ball?” he began, his voice steady despite the flutter in his chest.
Maria turned to him, her eyes glimmering with curiosity. “Of course. It was...unforgettable.”
Draco nodded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “Afterwards...when we kissed…” He hesitated, his brow furrowing as he searched for the right words. “I’ve been thinking about it a lot. We’ve continued doing the same thing days after,” Draco continued, “And I was curious–thinking really, do you feel the same way I do?”
Maria’s breath hitched at his question. “How do you feel?” she asked, her voice soft yet unwavering.
He stepped closer, his heart racing as he studied her expression. “I care for you, Maria,” he confessed, each word heavy with meaning. “More than just a friend. I like you. A lot.”
Her face lit up with a bright smile, relief washing over her features. “I’m so glad you said that,” she replied, her voice a breathy whisper. “I like you too. I wouldn’t have kissed you back so many times if I didn’t.”
Draco’s heart soared at her admission, the weight he had carried lifting as joy wrapped them both. They stood there, their breaths mingling in the cool night air, their hearts beating in a synchronized rhythm, an unspoken understanding settling between them.
For a moment, they simply stared at each other, lost in the depth of their connection. But then, a loud bang echoed through the air, startling them as colorful fireworks exploded in the sky above.
Startled, Draco leaned in closer, the midnight hour casting over the two. The sky crackled with magic and lights, and as the last echo of fireworks faded, he pressed his lips against hers, capturing the sweetness of their newfound understanding in a kiss that felt like a promise—a promise of what was to come.
In that moment, the world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them beneath the stars, intertwined in a dance of hope and happiness as the clock struck twelve.