Hatred

                                    

                                          
Disclaimer: I don't own HP. JK Rowling owns Harry Potter.

                          
Malfoy Manor [Christmas Day 8pm] 
                          
Hermione Granger nervously adjusted her shimmering floor length gown and ungracefully bunched the silky scarlet fabric in her small hands as she climbed the luxurious marble steps of Malfoy Manor. Thousands of brilliant lights illuminated the usually darkened manor and a ostentatious fountain danced in front of the massive main doors. She tilted her head upwards as she tried to take in the lavishness of it all, but ended up almost tripping over the long dress.
                          
"Her-Marie, do hurry, the ball has already begun! We wouldn't want to miss out on the festivities, now would we?" Astoria called out as she and her family waited at the top of the steps.
                          
Hermione blushed, her cheeks turning almost as red as her dress. She raced up the rest of the steps, wincing as her heels clicked forcefully against the white marble.
                          
Daphne discreetly leaned into her and whispered, "Remember, you are Marie Brodeur, visiting our family from your school in France." She paused and added, "Please try to act the part. Pureblood ladies simply smile and nod, so no sarcasm tonight, understand?"
                          
Daphne waited for her to respond, but Hermione was still staring at her surroundings in awe. Daphne snapped her fingers in Hermione's face and the girl jumped. "Oh, sorry." She apologized sheepishly.
                          
Daphne smiled tightly and turned back around to face the doors. "This will definitely go well." She muttered under her breath, although she didn't sound very sure. She smoothed down her own dress as her father knocked on the elegantly carved black doors.
                          
Hermione blinked several times to get used to the bright flood of light that assaulted her eyes as soon as the doors magically opened. Her eyes swept across the beautifully decorated room with its opulent chandeliers and expensive silver drapery. It was something she'd only seen in films and shows. She simply wasn't used to the extravagance of it all.
                          
"Lord Greengrass, Lady Greengrass. We are pleased at your attendance of this year's Christmas Ball." A rich voice drawled from the side.
                          
Hermione snapped out of her discreet (or so she thought) ogling, and wrinkled her nose delicately at the sound of the voice. Her eyes landed on the impeccably dressed platinum blond standing beside the door with a courteous smile upon his features. They locked eyes briefly and Hermione quickly turned away. Although Daphne had made up her face and tamed her hair, Hermione feared the younger Malfoy would discover her true identity if she looked at him for too long.
                          
"Good Evening, Draco." Daphne greeted. She turned to Hadrian, who was leaning coolly against the door. "Hadrian." She smiled.
                          
"Good Evening, Miss Greengrass." Hadrian said as he kissed her hand smoothly. His gaze fell upon Hermione, and he raised an eyebrow. "I was not aware you were brining a guest."
                          
"Blaise is escorting her. Her mother set them up, you see." Astoria cut in, smiling innocently at Draco.
                          
Lord Greengrass took his wife's hand and led her towards the people scattered throughout the ballroom. "Well, have fun, children. We're off to speak to the Minister and his wife." He called out as they strolled away.
                          
"Miss Greengrass, would you care to dance?" Hadrian asked, a smirk playing at his lips. He took her smile as acceptance and he offered her his hand. Daphne's sapphire eyes sparkled as she placed her dainty hand in his, and they walked together to the dance floor.
                          
As the classical music began, Hadrian slid a hand around her waist, gently bringing her closer. She raised her hand to rest on his shoulder and raised her chin to smile shyly up at his face. They moved gracefully together, letting the traditional music dictate their steps.