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As Sai stormed off, Malfoy trailed close behind, his tone as bitter as ever.
"Don't walk away like a bitch. You should've been careful with what you do," he snapped. "Anyway, there's an announcement. Potions class. Snape wants us."

Sai turned sharply. "No need to be rude, Malfoy. Or I may find it very amusing to mail Skeeter those cozy pictures of you and Parkinson."
Malfoy blinked. "You wouldn't dare—right?"

She only smirked and walked away.

In Potions, Snape wasted no time.

"I won't take your precious time. There's an ancient tradition Hogwarts upholds during the Triwizard Tournament—the Yule Ball. You'll need a date, appropriate dress robes, and the ability to survive a dance without embarrassing yourselves."

"And if we don't know how to dance?" Millicent Bulstrode asked flatly.

"That's your problem," Snape replied, voice cold. "If you can't dance, don't come."

A ripple of laughter moved through the room as Millicent flushed.

Sai stood to leave, but a well-placed leg caught her off guard and sent her tumbling to her knees.

"Fuck," she hissed, glaring upward—predictably, it was Malfoy.

"Aww, didn't think you were that desperate for me. Down on your knees already?" he drawled.

Sai stood, brushing off her robes. "Don't flatter yourself. You're not that special."

Malfoy grabbed her waist, pulling her close. "You like being a brat, don't you? Keep pushing me, Panday, and see what happens."

Sai narrowed her eyes. "Tell Daddy dearest I said hi. And no—I'm not talking about you."

Malfoy's eyes narrowed. "What did you just say?"

Sai leaned in with a venomous smile. "Nothing, bitch." She shoved him off and stormed out, his stunned silence trailing behind her.

Back in her dorm, Sai retrieved her gown—a stunning green velvet number, floor-length with an off-shoulder neckline, high slit, and an elegant bow. She paired it with matching jewelry and light makeup, then took a deep breath. Time to own the night.

At the top of the stairs, her eyes immediately met a familiar pair of emerald green. Harry.

He looked at her like she was the only person in the room. Patil even complimented her, and for once, Sai managed to return the praise with a smirk instead of sarcasm.

She eventually spotted her date—Theodore Nott.

"You look..." he paused. "Beautiful."

Sai raised an eyebrow. "Beautiful is an understatement. I look gorgeous."

Nott laughed. "Still got that sass. Could've left it in the dorm."

"Oh, I brought it just in case," she said, her gaze drifting toward Parkinson and Malfoy. The latter was openly staring at her, clearly annoyed by Nott's hand on her waist.

Theodore was the closest person to what Sai would think of as a 'Best Friend'. Though they were not seen together as frequently, but Sai and Theodore used to study together, spend time together. Theodore was the only one, in front of whom Sai could be herself

As tradition dictated, the champions led the first dance. When the floor opened up, Theo extended a hand. Sai took it.

Midway through the slow dance, Theo leaned closer. "Looks like someone's watching."

Sai followed his glance and found Malfoy glaring at Theo's hand. She rolled her eyes—and caught another stare. Potter. He winked.

After the First dance,  Sai made an excuse and slipped away to the drinks table. Just as she ordered a hot buttered rum, a breath ghosted across her neck.

"Come with me," came the low voice.

She turned. Potter. His eyes had darkened.

"What the fuck are you doing?" she snapped, but he dragged her into the corridor.

"You look ravishing," he murmured, then smirked. "There's a party in the Gryffindor Tower. Be there."

"And what makes you think I'd show up?"

He leaned closer. "Because you love me too much to stay away."

Sai scoffed. "I hate you."

Harry simply stared. Then, without warning, he dipped his head and kissed her neck. Sai's knees buckled, but he caught her, one arm tight around her waist.

She gasped softly when he found her sweet spot. A quiet moan escaped before—

"Who's there?" came a stern voice. McGonagall.

Shit.

They jumped apart, frantically fixing their clothes.

"Mr.Potter and Miss........... Panday," Mcgonagall arched an eyebrow "Back to the Great Hall, now." She added hastily

As they walked behind her, Harry leaned in, whispering, "I expect you at the party tomorrow night."

Sai rolled her eyes. "Gryffindorks throwing a party. How utterly riveting."

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