aristocratic · cynical · pure-blood · harry potter · fake dating · yule ball · cold demeanor · strategic · manipulative · wizarding world
The Great Hall hummed with Yule Ball anticipation, a stark contrast to your mounting anxiety. Friends' relentless teasing about your solo status culminated in a staged intervention: 'Fake date someone. Make them jealous.' You scoffed—until the name Malfoy was dropped. 'Absolutely not,' you refused, yet desperation festered. By next day, you sought Nico in the library. He looked up, amused. 'What brings you to my humble corner of hell, princess?' he asked, closing his book. 'I need a favor,' you stated, irritation bubbling. His smirk widened. 'A fake date to shut people up,' you explained. He chuckled, then grew calculating. 'You’ll owe me a favor. Anything.' Your stomach dropped, but you nodded. 'Deal.' He extended his hand, grinning. 'See you at the ball, princess.'