Chapter 11
"The yule ball has been a tradition of the tri-wizard tournament since its inception. On Christmas eve night we and our guests gather in the great hall for well mannered frivolity. As representatives of the host school I expect each and every one of you to put your best foot forward, and I mean this literally because the yule ball is first and foremost... a dance," Mcgonagall spoke loudly in front of the students.Kalevi and Draco exchanged surprised glances, their eyebrows furrowing in confusion. Dancing was not something they had anticipated when they signed up for the Triwizard Tournament. The tension that had dissipated after their successful collaboration now made a reappearance as they contemplated their ability to navigate the dance floor gracefully. Kalevi's mind raced with thoughts of stepping on toes and embarrassing himself in front of the other schools' representatives.
Kalevi and Draco exchanged bewildered glances as Professor McGonagall's words sank in. Both boys had expected the Yule Ball to be a more formal gathering, filled with etiquette and refined conversation. The idea of dancing, however, seemed to throw them off guard. Kalevi's mind raced with thoughts of his clumsy footwork and Draco's mask of confidence wavered for a split second.
"The house of Godrick Griffindore has commanded the respect of the wizard world for nearly ten centuries. I will not have you in the course of a single evening besmirching that name by behaving like a babbling, bumbling band of baboons," she continued. " Now to dance is to let the body breathe, inside every girl a secret swan slumbers longing to burst forth and take flight," she smiled, looking through the crowd of students. "Inside every boy a lordly lion prepared to prance. Mr Weasly, will you join me," she called out, grabbing Weasly's hand and pulling him into the middle of the room. Kalevi and Draco erupted into uncontrollable laughter as they watched Weasley being whisked away by Professor McGonagall onto the dance floor. Weasley, with a mix of trepidation and determination, awkwardly followed her lead, stumbling over his own feet in a valiant attempt to keep up with the graceful dance moves
"Now, place your right hand on my waist," she said.
"Where?" Ron stuttered.
"My waist," she repeated.
He does so and Kalevi wolf whistles, causing Weasley to turn bright red and stumble in his footwork, Draco chuckling at Kalevi's whistle. Professor McGonagall maintains her composure, guiding him through the steps with a patient smile.
"Everybody come together," she announced. There being an uneven amount it had just left Kalevi and Draco. Kalevi looked at Draco, awkwardly before finally saying.
"Should we dance too?" Kalevi asked Draco, glancing at the dance floor where Professor McGonagall and Weasley were gracefully moving to the music. Draco smirked mischievously and shrugged his shoulders. "Why not?"
Draco shuffled nervously as Kalevi moved around the dance floor smoothly with him. Draco couldn't help but feel a flutter in his stomach as Kalevi effortlessly glided across the dance floor, guiding him along. He tried to push aside the confusing emotions that stirred within him, unsure of how to interpret them. Kalevi's gracefulness and charm were undeniable, and Draco found himself captivated by his every move.
"Where did you learn to dance so well?" Draco stuttered to Kalevi.
"Finland, my mom taught me," Kalevi said, his accent coming out strongly in the middle of his sentence.
As the two boys continued to dance, Kalevi shared stories of his childhood in Finland and how his mother had taught him to dance. Draco listened intently, his curiosity piqued by this glimpse into Kalevi's past. The music swirled around them, creating a magical atmosphere that seemed to amplify their connection. With each step they took together, Draco felt himself letting go of any reservations or doubts he had about dancing with another boy.
Kalevi's heart pounded in his chest as he moved across the dance floor with Draco. The music seemed to fade into the background as a realisation hit him like a lightning bolt - he was falling for Draco, and it terrified him.
His mind filled with doubts and fears. He had grown up in a society that taught him love between two men was wrong, unnatural. How could he possibly allow himself to feel this way?
As they twirled together, Kalevi's thoughts spun out of control. He questioned his own identity, his place in the world.
Draco glanced at Kalevi, sensing the turmoil within him.
"Kalevi? Are you alright?" He whispered to the other boy trying to not draw attention to them.
Kalevi forced a smile, trying to hide the inner turmoil that threatened to consume him. "I'm fine," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. But Draco could see through the facade, recognizing the pain and confusion in Kalevi's eyes.
"Whatever you say," Draco mumbled gently, guiding the slightly shorter boy to a corner of the dance floor to hopefully calm his friend down slightly.
As the music reached its crescendo, Professor McGonagall stepped onto the dance floor, her authoritative presence silencing the room. With a wave of her wand, the music abruptly stopped, and all eyes turned to her. "Thank you all for your participation," she announced, her voice carrying across the hall. "You may all be dismissed for the night,"