The Yule Ball.
Harry smiles at the scowling boy in front of him.
"Why did you drag me here, Harry? We could've gotten caught." Draco says, crossing his arms.
Harry smiles sheepishly.
"I wanted to ask you something." He replies.
"Well? Out with it already." Draco moves to a seat, sitting down and waiting for Harry to speak.
Harry takes a deep breath.
"WillyougototheYuleBallwithme?" He blurts out, waiting for Draco's reaction.
Draco smirks,
"Sorry? Didn't quite catch that."
Harry rolls his eyes, moving to sit in front of Draco.
"Wil- Will you go to the Yule Ball with me?" He asks, squeezing his eyes shut.
Harry doesn't hear anything. He prepares himself for disappointment when he feels an arm wrap around him. Draco is hugging him.
"Yes. I will go to the Yule Ball with you." He hears Draco whisper.
Harry smiles, hugging Draco back. Draco buries his head into the crook of Harry's neck, feeling more comfortable now than ever before. Harry chuckles, settling down against the wall so they could sit more comfortably. They stay like that, till Harry gets a wonderful idea.
"Hey, Draco?" He asks.
"Mmh?" He hears in reply.
"Do you like stargazing?"
Draco sighs happily as he leans against the wall. The sky is clear tonight, all the stars are out. It's so peaceful. Harry is lying next to him, watching shooting stars streak across the night. It's around midnight, and the moon is a silver sliver in the sky, just bright enough to see from the Astronomy Tower. Draco looks across the grounds, watching the shadows shift as the moon moves through the night. Draco feels Harry shifting next to him, his body relaxing. Draco looks down, where Harry is on his back, resting on his robes, staring at the sky. Harry looks over to Draco, smiling when he realizes the blond boy is already looking at him. Harry pats the space beside him, shuffling slightly to make room for Draco. Draco raises an eyebrow before laying down next to the Gryffindor. Harry continues smiling as they both watch the stars twinkle above them, the occasional one shooting past. Dracos beginning to feel cold; its very windy up in the Astronomy tower. Draco sits back up, rubbing his arms to try and bring some heat to them.
Suddenly, he feels fabric being laid on his back. He turns around to see Harry placing his cloak on Draco's shoulders. Harry smiles, moving back to lean against the wall. Draco follows him, lying down in his lap. Draco feels Harry still for a second before relaxing and moving a hand to Draco's arm. The boy was burning. Draco doesn't understand how he can be so hot on a cold night like this. He doesn't question it, though, as he quite likes the comforting warmth. They stay like that for almost the entire night, right until they could see the sun's rays begin to show on the horizon. Harry walks Draco down to the stairs before parting ways. Draco doesn't notice that he still has Harry's cloak draped around him till he reaches his dorm. He takes it off, folding it before placing it on his bed. He changes clothes, deciding to send it back to Gryffindor tower now before breakfast. Draco ties Harry's cloak up, writing a small note.
Here's your cloak back. Thanks for letting me borrow it. I'll see you in class.
~DM.
Draco slips up to the owlery, waking his eagle owl before sending his package to Harry. Draco then heads back to Slytherin Common room, hoping to get there before anyone else gets up. He can't wait for the Yule Ball.
Harry silently walks through the potrait hole, sneaking up the stairs to the fourth-year boys' dorm. He closes the door behind him, tiptoeing to his bed, careful not to wake the others, who are all snoring their arses off. He gets changed, hoping to get a few hours sleep before needing to wake up. Just as he gets in bed, he hears a soft tapping at the window nearest his bed. He spots a large eagle owl outside carrying a dark package. Harry opens the window, taking the package off the bird before it flies away. He sits back down on his bed, pulling the curtains around it shut. He spots the note on top first and decides to read it before opening the parcel. He reads the short note, smiling when he finishes. He knew Draco would return his cloak, he just didn't expect it so soon. He opens the parcel, finding his cloak, neatly folded, inside. He hangs it in his wardrobe, then flops back on his bed. He closes the curtains, getting comfy to get the few precious hours of sleep he can manage. As he drifts off, he thinks he can't wait for the Yule Ball.
* * *
One month later.
22nd Of December.
The Yule Ball was in three days, and Harry was nervous. Draco had been teaching him how to dance and lead since the champions would be leading their partners. Harry had gotten significantly better over the past month, but he was still nervous, nonetheless. Draco had coordinated their robes; Harry was going to wear a dusty silver, and Draco was going to wear a dark green. Draco said it was to match their eye colors, and Harry has to admit his boyfriend has good taste in clothes. Harry was definitely nervous, but not as nervous as Ron. Ron was going to wear some old shaggy robes that look like grandma clothes, but he still hasn't managed to get a date. Harry had been asked multiple times by many different girls, but he'd declined them all, knowing he was going with Draco. Poor Ron, however, hadn't had any girls ask him, but he hadn't asked any girls either. Harry encouraged Ron to ask Padma Patil, who Harry had heard complaining that she didn't have a date yet. Ron, after many days of thinking it over, finally asked Padma to go with him. She said yes, but she made it clear they were going as friends. Ron had agreed, and he was now back to normal, having the Yule Ball done with.
Harry barely notices the days pass, but now time seems insistent on slowing down as much as possible. He and Draco are still doing nightly dance classes, which is the only thing keeping Harry going through each day without dying from boredom. Their teachers have given them less homework in light of the ball, but they require more focus in class. Harry doesn't have a problem with this, but it's draining everyone else of energy. Even Hermione is sometimes caught daydreaming during a lecture. Christmas can not come slower, everyone thought. On the first, most of the younger years had gone home for the holidays, but almost everyone from fourth year up had stayed. Surprisingly, most of the Ravenclaws had decided to leave, including a few from older years. When the teachers announced on the 23rd that classes were stopped until January, the entire hall cheered. Everyone was so happy that classes were over that the entire school had thrown a giant snowball fight on the grounds the next day. Teams were made from the most unlikely people. Ravenclaws and Slytherins were the best by far, but Gryffindors and Slytherins were a close second, then Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs. But Slytherin and Hufflepuffs were the most formidable, and they teamed up with Ravenclaw and Slytherin. The other teams were powerless compared to that team, so the fight ended pretty quickly after that.
Sadly, after the fight ended, the houses were separated again, Slytherin and Gryffindors being rivals, Ravenclaws being secluded again. It was a wonder to watch all the houses unite, but it was sad to see them disperse after. Harry and Draco watched the whole fight from a large tree and from under the invisibility cloak. They laughed as their friends got pummled by snowballs, and both agreed that Ravenclaws and Slytherins were the best team. They wrapped their scarfs tightly around their necks and dodged stray snowballs that came their direction. When the fight came to a close, they sneaked back to their separate common rooms, promising to meet that night. They had a fun evening with their friends, playing games and chilling with their friends. After everyone had gone to bed, Harry headed to the unused classroom they were using for their lessons. That is tonight.
Draco looks up as the door opens. Harry walks in, gently closing the door behind him before walking over to Draco with a smile. Draco smiles back, getting to his feet. He takes out his wand and puts up silencing charms around the door.
"Ready to start? You remember the pace, right?" Draco asks, moving to the middle of the room.
"Yep," Harry replies, getting into position with Draco.
Draco places his hands on Harry's shoulders, and Harry puts his hands on Draco's hips. Draco takes out his wand and plays a quiet classical ballroom waltz. Harry begins, leading him through simple yet elegant steps. They dance around the room, Harry occasionally twirling Draco around before moving back into a waltz. They practice this for several minutes before taking a break, for both their feet are aching. Draco sits down on the floor, summoning some water and taking a sip. Harry flops down beside him, also summoning some water. They rest for a while before Draco checks the time.
"We have time for one more run-through tonight if you want. If not, we can always continue tomorrow. You were amazing just then, you didn't trip once! Of course, it will be slightly different with our dress robes, but it's just because the fabric is looser than our school robes. But it shouldn't be much different. Just be calm like tonight, and you'll do amazing." Draco says, turning to Harry.
"Alright. Thanks Dray. But I have a question." He pauses. "Can I tell Hermione about us? She won't tell a soul; you know her. I can't keep it from her, and I have a feeling she already knows." Harry asks, chewing his bottom lip.
Draco smiles, reaching out to take Harry's hand in his.
"Yes, you can tell her. I also have a feeling she knows, but as long as she doesn't tell anyone, Im fine with her knowing."
Harry looks up, grinning like an idiot. Draco rolls his eyes, standing back up.
"Well, are we going to practice again, or are you done for tonight?" Draco asks.
"Let's do it one more time. I want to try something."
Draco raises an eyebrow but doesn't question it. They get back into position, and Draco plays the music again. Their routine is normal till Harry suddenly lifts Draco, spinning him once before dropping back to the ground. Draco's eyes widen, but he continues dancing till the music stops. Draco looks into Harry's eyes, his question ready on his lips.
"I know what you're going to say. Im sure. Cmon, it's late, and we need our rest for tomorrow." Harry says before Draco can get a word out.
Draco smiles, following Harry down to the staircase. Harry gives Draco a farewell kiss before disappearing under his cloak. Draco smiles to himself as he walks to the dungeons, careful to avoid Filch. He somehow makes it without being caught and sneaks into his dorm. He changes and lies down, waiting patiently for sleep to come, thinking he can't wait for tomorrow.
Harry walks up to Gryffindor tower, slowly waking the Fat Lady and sneaking inside. He takes off his cloak, closing the door silently behind him as he enters his dorm. He puts his cloak away, changing into sleep wear before flopping down on his bed. He slips under his covers, pulling the curtains around him for darkness. He closes his eyes, nervously waiting for sleep, thinking he can't wait for tomorrow.
Harry wakes up to talking behind his curtains. He shuffles up, pulling back the curtains around his bed to see three blurry figures all moving about and chatting to one another. Harry groans, reaching for his glasses. After he puts them on, he sees that the three figures are Ron, Seamus, and Dean. Harry rubs his eyes, sitting up and stretching. Ron notices him awake and cheerfully calls out to him.
"Morning, Harry! Why you so tired? Cmon get ready. Breakfast is closing soon; we all woke up late."
Harry nods, standing up and moving to his wardrobe. He pulls on some clothes and walks to the bathroom. He washes his face and brushes his teeth, feeling more awake when he remembers what day it is. He walks back to the dorm, grabbing his wand before heading down to the Great Hall with the others. They all arrive in the hall, sitting at the Gryffindor table. Ron and Harry spot Hermione sitting at the edge, reading a book. They sit beside her, eating food and chatting about the Ball tonight. Harry glances at Hermione, wanting to tell her before they all rush off to prepare. Luckily, Ron made it easy for him. He saw Neville talking with Seamus and Dean and wanted to ask what they were wearing to the ball. Harry made sure no one was evsedropping before he turned to Hermione.
"Er, Hermione? Can I tell you something?" Harry asks, keeping his voice low.
Hermione looks up from her book, closing it when she sees Harry's worried face.
"What's up?"
"Uhh, I dunno how to say this, so Im just going to. Please dont ask me to repeat." He took a deep breath before blurting out,
"I've been dating Draco since the second task, and tonight, he will be my partner to the Yule ball." Harry gasps, still keeping his voice low.
"Okay, good for you, Harry. I hope you have fun." Hermione replies, sounding cheerful.
Harry looks up in confusion.
"That's it? You're not angry?" He asks, skepticism showing in his voice.
"No, Harry. Im not angry. If he makes you happy, that's all that matters. I've suspected for a while, mainly because you two haven't been fighting, and he hasn't been calling me names or being rude to me. So, I hope you have a wonderful time tonight, and I'll see you then." She replies, smiling as she rises from the table and walks out the hall.
Harry sits there, biting at his food, happiness filling his stomach. Hermione is okay with him and Draco! Harry smiles to himself, spotting Ron coming back from the others. The pair sit there and keep chatting till the teachers hoard everyone out so they can decorate for the ball. The Gryffindors head to their common room, playing games till about 12, when a table appears in the room and fills itself with food. They eat lunch before the girls head off to get ready for the ball. The ball begins at 7, so around 5, everyone else goes to their dorms to get ready. Harry and Ron walk to their dorms, getting their robes out on their beds. Ron goes to take a shower first, and Harry spends his time running the steps to the dance through his head. After Ron finishes, Harry goes to take a shower before the other boys can hog it. He takes a quick shower, drying himself with his wand. He pulls on his robes, which fit comfortably and are slightly looser than normal robes. Harry attempts to style his hair, but after multiple spells, it doesn't budge. Harry resigns himself to brushing it and waiting for Ron to stop fussing over how ridiculous he looks. After all the boys are ready, they walk down to the entrance hall, where the champions are waiting, some already with their dates.
Cedric and Cho are chatting; both wave when Harry approaches. Fleur and a boy called Roger Davies are also talking, perhaps less pleasantly. Viktor is waiting by himself, his date seems to be on their way. Harry joins the group, waving his friends goodbye. Suddenly, Harry feels someone tap his shoulder. He turns to see Hermione, standing in a light purple, bluish dress. She styled her hair, its up in an iraticate updo. She smiles at Harry before moving to join Viktor. Now Harry realizes why Hermione kept her date a secret. Harry watches as everyone slowly files into the hall, keeping an eye out for Draco. After everyone had gone into the Great Hall, Harry saw Draco shuffling towards him. His robes contrasted his look, but he added silver accessories. Harry was glad he had added some green accessories, and he held out his arm for Draco. Draco shyly smiled before taking Harry's arm and walking towards the other champions. Before anyone can comment, Professor McGonagall steps out of the Great Hall and orders the Champions to form a line. Cedric and Cho go first, with Viktor and Hermione behind them. Fleur and Roger go next, so at the end, Harry and Draco. If Professor McGonagall notices Draco with Harry, she doesn't show it. She leads them into the hall, with everyone else standing to the side. As soon as Harry steps in, he can already hear the whispers.
"Is that Harry Potter? With Draco Malfoy on his arm?"
"I thought they hated each other!"
"I thought they were enemies!"
"Why is Potter going with Malfoy?"
"Give me 20 galleons, I told you!"
Draco squeezes his arm in assurance as they step onto the dance floor. The champions move into position, getting ready to lead the dance. Harry swallows, waiting for the music to start. Suddenly, the light dim slightly, and the music begins.