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Draco adjusted his neckbow slightly, his fingers trembling with nervous energy as he waited at the bottom of the grand staircase. His heart pounded in anticipation—how would she look tonight? It was a significant evening, not just because of the Valentine's Day Ball, but because their secret relationship would finally be revealed. Tonight, for the first time, they would appear as an official couple, and the thought sent a swirl of nerves through his stomach.
The Great Hall was already buzzing with excitement, especially for the eighth-year students savouring their final celebration within Hogwarts' ancient walls. The air was thick with the scent of enchanted roses and the distant melody of a waltz.
"Who’s your date tonight?" Theo asked curiously, adjusting the cuffs of his robes as he glanced at Draco. He was waiting for Luna Lovegood, but his mischievous tone suggested he was more interested in Draco's mystery companion. "I mean, Pansy is going with Longbottom, and Blaise is already dating Daphne..." He trailed off, a knowing smirk forming. "So, maybe... maybe you asked her younger sister, Astoria, out tonight?"
"No... I didn’t," Draco replied, his voice calm, yet his piercing grey eyes remained fixed on the top of the staircase.
Students trickled down one by one, their elegant robes swishing as they descended. Soon, Potter arrived with Ginevra Weasley on his arm, followed closely by her brother, who escorted Lavender Brown into the Great Hall. They briefly greeted the Slytherins, and after making amends at the start of the school year, they were more civil towards each other.
Nearby, Pansy rushed toward Longbottom, who caught her with surprising ease and spun her around, lifting her briefly into the air. Laughter echoed as she clung to him, her short dark curls bouncing. Draco felt a flicker of satisfaction at seeing his friends happy, but anticipation tightened in his chest.
Daphne arrived soon after, linking arms with her younger sister as they arrived from the direction of the dungeons. Astoria walked gracefully towards Adrian Pucey, while Blaise headed inside the ballroom with her sister.
"Luna is here!" Theo suddenly straightened, his face lighting up with excitement. He strode forward to greet the blonde Ravenclaw, who had just appeared in a charming silver dress, her signature radish earrings dangling brightly. He admired her unique style, offering her a warm compliment before taking her hand and escorting her into the ballroom.
Draco, however, remained frozen in place. His heart pounded as he waited, eagerness coiling in his chest.
Then, at last, she appeared.
Warm brown eyes peeked cautiously from behind a marble column. The moment they met his piercing grey ones, a soft smile curved her lips. With quiet confidence, she stepped from her hiding place, her every movement exuding grace as she descended the staircase toward him.
"You look stunning—absolutely ravishing tonight, love," Draco murmured, his voice betraying the depth of his emotions as his gaze swept over her.
"Thank you," she replied, a delicate blush dusting her cheeks. "You look quite handsome, too." She admired how his elegant black, well-tailored robes clung to his frame, his firm chest tightening against the white shirt beneath.
She rose onto her toes, pressing a featherlight kiss to his lips. Instinctively, his hands found her waist, pulling her closer against his chest.
"Are you ready to tell the world about us, darling?" he asked, his voice low and intimate.
Instead of answering, she took out her wand and flicked it toward her exquisite periwinkle-blue gown.
At once, thousands of tiny, shimmering stars appeared, twinkling like diamonds across the silk fabric and weaving their way into her elegant, wavy brown hair.
"Look closely, Draco," she smiled, a proud glint in her eyes.
He did—and then he saw it.
There, in the very centre of her gown, proudly displayed for all to see, was the image of the Draco constellation. His namesake, shining like a celestial emblem against the fabric.
Show everyone to whom she belongs.
A slow, breathless smile spread across his face.
She was wearing his name.
Tonight, there would be no more secrets.
"You amazing, beautiful witch," Draco murmured, his voice thick with emotion. Before she could respond, he pulled her into a fierce, searing kiss.
Fortunately, she had the foresight to wear anti-smudge lipstick.
When they finally parted, both breathless, Draco reached into the pocket of his robes. "I got you something too," he said, his smirk laced with nervous excitement.
Hermione’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as she accepted the small box and carefully lifted the lid.
"Oh, Draco! It's beautiful!" she gasped.
Nestled inside was a delicate occamy silver and pearl bracelet, adorned with two tiny letter charms—H and D, intertwined.
His grey eyes darkened as he took her wrist, gently fastening the clasp. "I wanted everyone to know from now on that you’re mine and mine only," he rasped, his voice deepening with raw possessiveness.
His fingers lingered against her soft, freckled skin, and the warmth of her touch sent a jolt of heat straight through him. His trousers suddenly felt unbearably tight, his body aching for her.
But not yet.
Tonight, they would enjoy the Valentine's Day Ball first. He wanted to dance with her in the centre of the floor, to show everyone that they were together—officially, unapologetically.
"Do you like it?" he asked, his voice softer now.
"I love it," she whispered, admiring the bracelet. Her skin burned where he had touched her, a fire kindling deep inside her chest.
Then, as if overcome by the weight of her emotions, she gasped, "I love you, Draco."
Before he could react, she lunged forward, wrapping her arms around his neck and crushing her lips against his.
Draco barely had time to breathe before he was lost in her, their kiss burning with an intensity that rivalled the magic around them.
And at that moment, nothing else in the world mattered.
"I love you too, sweetheart," Draco whispered into her ear, his warm breath causing a few loose strands of her hair to lift and tickle her delicate neck.
Then, ever the pureblood gentleman, he offered her his arm. "Shall we go inside?"
Hermione smiled and looped her arm through his, allowing him to lead her into the Great Hall, where their friends and schoolmates were already enjoying the music and dancing.
The Hall was breathtaking, adorned in shades of red, pink, and white. Floating above them, enchanted gnomes—transformed into tiny cherubs—fluttered their wings and nocked miniature bows, ready to strike unsuspecting lovers. Draco found them rather tacky, but Hermione’s wide-eyed wonder at the decorations made him chuckle.
He adored the way her freckled face lit up with amazement.
As they approached the dance floor, murmurs spread through the crowd. More and more students turned to stare, eyes widening as they realised who had just walked in together.
Potter and Weasley stood frozen, their mouths hanging open in sheer disbelief. Ginevra, on the other hand, simply laughed and waved at them, amusement dancing in her eyes.
Pansy arched an eyebrow, looking thoroughly surprised, while Blaise and Theo exchanged grins. The dark-haired boy with curls smirked at Draco and mouthed something that looked suspiciously like:
"You damn Casanova..."
Draco led Hermione onto the dance floor, his grip firm yet gentle as he turned to face her. With a small, knowing smile, he extended his hand in a silent request. She placed her fingers in his as he pulled her closer to him. Draco's hands found their place on her waist, then Hermione’s arms looped around his neck, and together, they swayed to the enchanted melody of the waltz.
As they moved in perfect harmony, rose petals drifted from above, settling around them. Hermione's cheeks flushed the most endearing shade of pink, and when she closed her eyes, surrendering to the moment, Draco couldn't look away.
"I’m so happy we don’t have to hide our love from everyone anymore," she whispered, her freckled brown skin glowing pink under the soft candlelight.
Draco gazed at her, memorising every detail, determined to carve this moment into his mind forever.
"I'm a damn lucky wizard that you forgave me," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "That you chose me, gave me your love despite everything. Hermione, I swear, I will make you happy every single day we spend together—until my last breath, if you'll let me."
His fingers tightened slightly on her waist as he fought the overwhelming urge to kiss her senseless right there in the middle of the ballroom.
Hermione's breath hitched, her warm brown eyes locking onto his with pure devotion. "I am yours, and only yours, Draco," she whispered, her voice carrying a promise that made his heart race.
Then a slow, lopsided smirk tugged at her lips. "And I have another Valentine’s gift for you..." she added, a teasing glint in her eyes.
Draco arched a brow. "Oh?"
Her smirk deepened. "I got a Muggle tattoo," she confessed, biting her lower lip. "Your constellation, Draco, is now permanently on me."
His eyes widened in shock, his breath catching in his throat.
"And on a place that only you would ever see…" she leaned in, her lips brushing the shell of his ear, "...and before you ask - you can search for it after the ball."
Draco's entire body tensed as the realisation sank in. His mind raced with possibilities, his blood running hot as he imagined where she could have placed it.
It took every ounce of self-control not to grab her hand and drag her straight to the dungeons to his bed and begin his search.
Merlin help him—this witch was going to be the death of him.
Draco’s chest ached with the sheer weight of his love for the incredible witch in his arms. His heart pounded, torn between savouring the moment and surrendering to the burning desire coursing through him. But with a deep, measured sigh, he forced himself to push aside his wicked thoughts—for now—and simply enjoyed the way Hermione felt against him as they swayed together in the fading magic of the ball.
The evening passed in a blissful haze. They dined on exquisite cuisine, indulged in rich desserts, and even shared a few sips of Firewhiskey with their friends. To their relief, those closest to them were genuinely happy for their newfound love, and the weight of secrecy had finally lifted.
As the clock in the Great Hall chimed past midnight, Hermione leaned in, her warm breath fanning against Draco’s ear. Her voice was soft, teasing—laced with something unmistakably sultry.
"We should go now... and you have to search for your namesake on every inch of me."
Draco froze, his grip on her tightening instinctively. A slow, wicked smirk spread across his lips. Without another word, he took her hand, guiding her toward the exit. But as soon as they stepped into the dimly lit corridor, he turned, swept her effortlessly into his arms, and began carrying her toward the dungeons.
When they finally reached his private bedroom, he closed the door with a flick of his wand and gently laid her onto his bed.
"I will cherish every inch of you, love," he murmured, his voice rough with longing. "And I’ll make sure that by morning… your tattoo won’t be the only mark on you."
A delicious shiver ran through Hermione as his lips brushed the sensitive skin of her throat. He kissed her there—slow, deliberate—before sucking lightly on the delicate spot just above her pulse. A quiet moan escaped her lips as warmth pooled low in her stomach, and within moments, a soft love bite blossomed beneath his touch.
"Oh, holy shi—" she gasped, but before she could finish, Draco's lips crashed onto hers, swallowing her words in a kiss that sent fire through her veins.