Dress Robes and Disasters

14 December--

Everything has been going perfectly, as always. Well, almost.

In all my life, the first rule had been quite simple: never, under any circumstances, would I ask for anything. Threaten? Yes. Demand? Of course. I can get what I want without begging. But ask? How could anything like that ever be suggested?

Yet, here I am, fourth year, on the Quidditch team, widely admired, and I will have to face a difficult decision. The Yule Ball is, after all, quickly approaching. How to get a date? I can't ask; that would go against everything a Malfoy stands for. But would it be proper to threaten or to demand that a girl go out with me?

Hmm... very tricky. Will have to think about it.

17 December--

Troubles have only increased. Apparently, father does not know everything.

I was walking in the hallway after class, thinking about the problem with finding a date, when I heard the Weasel twins talking about costumes for the Yule Ball.

"What? Costumes?" I said without thinking. A Malfoy should know better than to speak with anyone in the same social class that a Weasley is.

"Yes, didn't you know?" one of them said, laughing. Then they walked away.

It's an absolute disgrace that the Weasels would hear this before me. Must remember to inform father that his connections in the Ministry have to be improved. Can only assume I am the last to know, but will not ask. A Malfoy never asks.

But what to wear?

20 December--

Have made no progress on the date front. Must simply get the courage to tell someone they are coming with me. Considered Pansy, but must go with someone who will make a statement that Malfoys are truly in charge. Unfortunately, have waited so long, all the good ones are taken. The problem is, obviously, with the girls. They should have asked me months ago and saved me this trouble.

On the plus side, my last minute costume looks wonderful. Won't everyone be surprised to see me as a vicar?

23 December--

Have had to adopt "A Malfoy never asks" as my mantra to keep me from asking anyone to go with me. Saw a rather pretty Slytherin fifth year this morning, decided to tell her she was going with me, but she simply looked at me then laughed. She thought it was a joke.

"Good one, Malfoy," she said. "I'm sure you already have a date."

Yes, right. Of course I should. Life is just unfair to pretty people.

A Malfoy never asks. A Malfoy never asks. For anything.

Oh Merlin, help me!

24 December--

Panic has set in. Will have to go to the Yule Ball, date or no date. Perhaps I can simply stand next to a girl and pretend like she is with me. Or perhaps all of the girls who have dates will simply abandon them once they see how irresistible I am, so I will have all of the dates, and every other boy will have none. I like that plan. It is very Malfoy-esque.

25 December--

Apparently was worried for nothing.

Went into the common room, my costume finely pressed, hair perfect, and Pansy came over to me. She smiled obligingly.

"Shall we go?" she asked, taking my arm.

"But... your date..." I began.

"We're going together, right?" she said impatiently. "After all, I know a Malfoy never asks for anything, and I just assumed...."

"You assumed right," I said, my usual swagger back, leading her out of the common room.

"I know you too well." She paused and frowned. "But what are you wearing?"

I looked around properly for the first time, since my worry about having a date was over. No one else was in costume. The Weasels will pay.

Have nothing else to wear that seems proper. Have changed dress robes into vicar costume and cannot sew out the alterations.

Will report back after Yule Ball. Am sure revenge will be great. That is, after all, what a Malfoy is best at.