When Orbits Collide

The anticipation of returning back to Hogwarts after summer break was always my favourite part of the year, but I wasn't the best at managing my time. I waited until the night before to begin packing, and slept in a little too late this morning.

I began my 6th year at Hogwarts today, and I was running late. I frantically made my way to the platform, gave my luggage to the attendant, and made my way through the platform to get onto the train.

In my rush to get on board, I accidentally bumped into someone's shoulder. Stunned, I spun around to immediately apologize.

"I'm sorry!" I loudly exclaimed as I felt my face get red.

I looked at the person standing before me and realized I had bumped into Draco Malfoy. Oh boy. He stood there staring back at me, at first looking quite irritated but his face softened a tad as his expression simply turned into confusion.

"Apologies." He nodded, and I took this as my permission to continue on. I got onto the train and looked through the compartments to find my friends, until finally giving up and just settling into an empty one.

Eventually, as the train began to move, I heard the compartment door open and in came my friends, Padma and Eden.

"Nicole!!!" Padma singed as she walked in and sat beside me.

"We've been looking for you!! How was your summer?" Eden asked, as she sat in front of me.

We caught up with each other, talking about our summer, our nervousness for the upcoming year, and of course, boys (this topic was wildly led by Padma, the most boy crazy out of the three of us). Padma was eager to know if Wesley Morgan and I had talked or seen each other over the summer. Wesley was a (very handsome) Ravenclaw student in the year above us, and we sort of had a "thing". It started a couple weeks before the summer break - he confessed his adoration for me at a party and we ended up kissing that night. We started spending a lot of time with each other after that, and although we didn't have a label for our relationship, it was presumably exclusive. I did manage to see him a couple times over the summer, and we wrote numerous owls to each other when our schedules were too busy for a meetup. I was as nervous as I was excited to see him, not really certain how outward and clingy I should be around him in public.

The conversation eventually died down; Padma was reading a book and Eden had fallen asleep. I leaned my head against the window, as I stared outside and zoned into my thoughts.

My mind returned to my bump in with Malfoy on the platform earlier, and how his reaction wasn't nearly as scary nor as mean as I expected. He and I haven't interacted much at all since we started school, so I wasn't sure how he would react to being bumped into. He used to be quite a bit of a bully in our younger years, but it was easy enough avoiding him as a quiet girl from Hufflepuff. We rarely had any classes together, and I wasn't sure if we've ever actually exchanged any words. I supposed that he was just growing out of his bully phase and was focusing on school.

I remember Draco and I briefly danced together at The Yule Ball two years ago, but I'm sure he didn't even remember it. Truthfully, the dance I had with him was magical, and I would never forget it. The ball was a one of my favourite Hogwarts memories so far, it truly felt like I was in a fairytale.

———————————4th year———————————

I was sitting in the library studying for my upcoming History of Magic quiz. Although I found it fascinating, I was overwhelmed with the amount of new information we were learning and was having a hard time remembering it all. I needed to study in every spare moment I could get.

I was sitting at one of the tables that faced the bookshelves near the back, so I wouldn't get distracted by the chatter of the other students in the library. I loved sitting here when I needed to focus as barely anyone came up here. I was deep in thought as I read my textbook, when I realized there was a figure standing beside me.

I raised my head from my book and saw Harry Potter standing to my left. Delighted to see my friend, I smiled and quietly said hello.

"Hey Nicole! Mind if I join you? I've got quite a bit to catch up on." he asked quietly. Harry had triumphed over his first Triwizard task a few weeks ago, and I'm sure he spent most of the semester stressing over what the task would be rather than studying for classes.

"Oh yes, please do!" I whispered back and motioned for him to sit.

Harry sat down and we began to study History of Magic together. We mostly read and wrote our notes in silence, but we would occasionally discuss the correct order of events and ask the other for clarification.

Time flew by, and it was nearly curfew before we knew it. We packed up our things and left the library, slowly walking back together since our common rooms were in the same direction. I had a good time with Harry tonight, even though we were just studying. We weren't very close, but conversation just came so naturally whenever we spoke. In fact, I got along with both Ron and Hermione as well and I could see myself being close with them, but it was generally easier to spend more time with the friends you had in your own house.

We were buried deep in the middle of a conversation when we approached the stairs down to the Hufflepuff common room, but Harry continued to lead the way down the stairs and walked me all the way to the Hufflepuff entrance.

As we stood in front of the barrel door finishing up our conversation, Harry was quiet for a moment before looking up at me.

"Nicole, I was wondering... Would you go to the Yule Ball with me?" he asked.

I smiled, and brought my hand up to my face as I blushed, feeling quite shy all of a sudden.

"I'd love to, Harry." I responded.

"Great- yeah, okay, brilliant!" I could sense his relief.

Harry had asked Cho to the dance last week and Hermione had told me how embarrassed he was. She said no, and confessed she had already said yes to Cedric. Cho was Harry's first crush as far as I knew, and the fact that she was a grade above us understandingly made the situation even more awkward for him.

Harry's Yule-prosal to me felt genuine, though. I knew he didn't have a crush on me, but I also didn't feel as if he was resorting to me as a back-up date; I think he truly did want to bring me as a partner to the dance, which felt nice.

Thinking about it, it must have been a surprise for him that I didn't already have a date to the ball, and truthfully, I was slightly worried I would be left dateless. I had grew up a little more since third year and started putting more effort into my looks this year - figuring out a perfect haircare routine for my curls, and wearing mascara on days I wasn't too exhausted. I felt like I noticed quite a few boys looking at me this year, and some boys I've never met before started saying hi to me in the hallways. Unfortunately I've been so busy with studying in either the library or sleeping in my dorm the past few weeks that I've barely talked to anyone other than Eden and Padma outside of classes.

Now, though, I finally had a date. I said goodnight to Harry and meandered up to my dorm, giddy with excitement.

"Spent the night at the Library again, Nicole?" my roommate Susan asked.

"Mhmm" I nodded, my cheeks still flushed red and I had a silly smile on my face.

"Wait... what are you smiling over there about?" Eden was suspicious of my more than good mood.

"I have a date to the Yule Ball" I confessed.

"What!? Who is it!?" Eden demanded excitedly.

"Harry!" I knew they were going to explode.

My roommates both squealed and asked for more details on how it happened. We were all so excited. Susan was going with Ernie MacMillan, and it was painfully obvious the two had secret crushes on each other. Eden was going with Anthony Goldstein, from Ravenclaw.

As our excitement died down, we decided it was time for bed and tucked ourselves in. I was caught up in my thoughts, however, thinking about this evening. I wondered whether I was developing a genuine crush on him, or whether there was just no good reason for someone to not like him. Harry was handsome, smart, and not to mention incredibly talented. We had chemistry as friends for sure, but I wasn't certain it was anything more than that. Still, I was having fun with this friend-crush, and imagining us dancing together at the Ball.

As I laid in bed I realized that I was going to the Yule Ball with Harry Potter; a Triwizard Champion, when another realization dawned on me... Harry and I would have to dance in front of the entire school.

———————————

The day of the Ball had arrived and I was in my dorm getting ready. It was 7:30pm, and I was about to head to the Great Hall. While Susan and Eden were already picked up by their dates, I told Harry I wanted to meet him there.

I was nervous about our grand entrance and the opening dance. All eyes were going to be on us, and I have never in my life had that much attention on me before (except, well, I guess, when we were sorted in first year). Harry and I had asked Professor McGonagall for a private lesson together, and after that we were only able to practice a couple times before the big night. Our friends had tagged along as well, giggling and joking at the spectacle while we learned, making our sessions not very serious (or intimate).

I left the common room and began my walk to the Great Hall. As nervous as I was, I also felt quite beautiful tonight. I had gone shopping with Eden and Padma at Galdrag's Wizardwear and found the most beautiful dress I had possibly ever seen. It was sage green, made of a stunning ivy butterfly lace with embroidered straps, a corset-style bodice that cinched my waist in the perfect spot, and it flared out into an A-line silhouette with a leg slit. It just felt like me.

I wore a pair of 3-inch heels with a pointed toe and ankle strap which brought my height to 5'6, still around 4 inches shorter than Harry. I had my curly hair in an up-do, with my bangs out and a few longer strands framing my face. I wore gold butterfly earrings, and paired it with a delicate gold necklace that had a small jade pendant.

As I appeared at the top of the stairs where the Triwizard Champions were to meet, I saw Harry with his back to me, chatting with Hermione and Krum.

Hermione was the first to notice me and she looked stunning, wearing a beautiful pink chiffon-tiered dress. I smiled and raise my hand to wave at her and she waved back. Harry noticed her waving, so he turned around and we locked eyes. I grinned, and took a shaky breath in as I started descending down the stairs.

"Nicole... you look beautiful" he emphasized as he held my hands, then pulled me into a hug. I turned and hugged Hermione, and she introduced me to Viktor. I lightly slapped her arm and grilled her about keeping her date a secret from me, and the four of us chatted until McGonagall came to tell us it was time.

We lined up in our pairs, led by Fleur and Roger Davies from Ravenclaw, followed by Krum and Hermione, then Harry and me in the back. Harry raised his arm up and I placed my hand on top of his. The entrance theme played, the doors opened, and we began walking in.

It was a marvellous sight. The Great Hall had been transformed into an absolute winter wonderland. The floor was white, beautiful icicles decorated the walls, soft snow fell from the ceiling and the biggest Christmas tree I'd ever seen was standing proud at the back of the room. Our fellow classmates lined up on either side of the Champions as we walked through the room, clapping and cheering us on.

I heard whispers and gasps as we walked by, and I could feel countless eyes on me. I quickly looked to my right to see if I could find any of my friends when my eyes locked with a pair of grey ones. It was Draco Malfoy, and he was looking directly at me. My breath hitched, and I drew my eyes back to focusing in front of me.

Harry and I took our place in the centre of the crowd with the other Champions, placings his arm around my waist. My nerves were setting in, so I focused on Harry and tuned out everything else around us. I felt calmer knowing that he was the one I was doing this with, and we grinned as we both stared in each other's eyes. The music began, and so we started our waltz.

To be honest, it was perfectly fine. By no means we were professionals, but Harry held me close and our movement made my dress flow beautifully; I felt like I was in a fairytale. Professor Dumbledore soon after took Professor McGonagall's arm and led her to the dance floor, followed by Neville and Ginny, and more couples eventually joined in.

The floor was packed and everyone was within arm's reach of each other. Harry and I were enjoying our night immensely; he would occasionally break our dancing to be dramatic and twirl or dip me, and we would laugh. With all of our friends nearby, we began switching waltz partners. I danced with Padma first, though she was in a rush to get back to her Durmstrang date, so then I danced with Susan, Ernie, Anthony, Fred and George and then Cedric. While I was dancing with Cedric, I saw that we had swapped dates at the same time and Harry was dancing with Cho. He looked nervous beyond belief and their dance looked awkward as he held her at an arm's length away. It made me feel slightly sad; it reminded me that while Harry and I had a wonderful time as dates, his heart still belonged to Cho. It also made me sad for Harry, his unrequited love. I continued dancing though - I even managed to get Ron to put aside his ego and dance with me for a minute before he sulked back to the side of the room and sat in his misery. I was giggling and dancing with Eden when we let go, ready to switch to new partners again, when I turned and saw who was in place to be the next person I danced with.

It was Draco Malfoy.

My breath hitched and tried to keep my calm as I stood there, unsure of what to do. We didn't know each other, and I was certain that he would probably rather be turned into a ferret again than dance with a half-blood Hufflepuff. I was thinking of just turning around and leaving the dance floor when he stepped forward and placed his arm around my waist, his hand on the small of my back.

He raised his arm, taking my hand in his, and we began to dance. I was initially shocked, but let my guards down and let myself enjoy our dance.

He was goodat this. He was guiding my every step; his movements so graceful yet powerful. I reckoned he must have a lot of practice with this sort of formality, coming from such a rich and prominent wizarding family. If I hadn't felt like a princess when Harry and I were dancing earlier, then I definitely felt like a princess in this moment.

As the notes in the song reached its peak, he placed his hands at my sides under my arms, lifted me in the air and once I landed on the ground again, he spun us around in a circle. We were staring into each other's eyes the entire time, and I couldn't help but smile and giggle when he lifted me. He was smiling too, as we danced, and I was swooning under his confidence in this moment, having never seen him in this light before.

We danced for only a short moment after that until I saw that Pansy already maneuvered herself in front of me to continue dancing with Draco as quickly as she could.

Slightly taken aback; both from that more than civil interaction with Malfoy and Pansy's lack of manners, I hurried off of the dance floor. Draco and Pansy had been dating for a while now, and she was much more cruel than he was. It probably filled her with rage to see her darling Draco dancing with a Hufflepuff, hence why she essentially pushed me out of the way.

I came and sat beside Harry and Ron at an otherwise empty table. Ron had been miserable the whole night, likely filled with jealousy over seeing Hermione dancing with Krum. Harry and I stayed with him, though I could see Harry was also stealing glances at Cho and Cedric. A band took the stage and everyone squished themselves to get closer, jumping and dancing. We spotted Professor Flitwick crowdsurfing, although I wasn't sure if that was by his own accord.

Ron spent the whole time throwing insults at Krum, until Hermione finally came over and sat with us, asking us if we'd like to join her and Victor for drinks.

"No, we'd not care to join you and Viktor" Ron spat.

"What's got your wand in a knot" Hermione asked, her mood had visibly been instantly ruined.

"He's a Durmstrang" Ron leaned over "He's competing against Harry! You're fraternizing with the enemy."

"The enemy!?" She said. "Who is it that wanted his autograph!?" She paused. "The whole point of the tournament is supposed to be about international magical cooperation; getting to know foreign wizards and to make friends."

"Think he's got a bit more than making friends on his mind" he retorted.

Harry and I sat awkwardly between them as they continued to argue until Hermione abruptly stood up and walked away without a word, looking hurt.

I could feel the negative energy radiating off of Ron, so I think that's why Harry got up and took my hand, leading me out of the Great Hall and outside into the gardens.

It was a little chilly given that it was winter, but the cool air felt refreshing on our skin after having danced and sweat the night away. We walked through the garden, and eventually stopped at a railing that overlooked the lake and mountains.

Harry took off his robes and draped it around my shoulders before placing his hands on the railing on either side of me, caging me in.

"Thank you, Nicole. For tonight. There is truly no other person I'd have rather done this with. You were brilliant at dancing." Harry said.

I turned around and leaned against the railing, looking up at him.

"Harry, I had a wonderful time with you." I replied.

As we looked into each other's eyes, Harry lifted his hand and tucked a strand of hair behind my ears. I felt the heat rising in my cheeks as our faces slowly moved closer together.

Both of us had frozen, our lips nearly touching, waiting for the other to close the gap first, when the door slammed open and a very drunk couple stumbled their way outside. I caught my break and leaned my forehead into his chest as we both laughed at our moment that was ruined.

I pulled back, looking up at him again, contemplating my thoughts.

"Y'know, Harry..." I started. "We don't have to... Well... I see the way you look at Cho...-"

"Oh... Nicole, I'm sorry-"

"No, no... it's okay!" I cut him off. "Truly, it's okay. I just wonder that, perhaps, maybe we're better off as just friends. I do think you're wonderful, and you're very handsome, but I'm not sure that we would work....

"Perhaps in another universe, but I don't feel like this is right for us right now, you know?" I expanded.

"Right, yeah... I think I agree. I'm sorry Nicole." He was looking down, and seemed a little sad.

"Harry, really, it's okay" I reassured him. "I'm not sad about it. I still had an amazing time with you tonight. I can't thank you enough for inviting me."

Harry smiled at me and gave me a kiss on the forehead. "You really are a lovely person Nicole." he said as he pulled me into a hug.

"Can we go back inside now, Harry? It's quite cold out here" I teased.

"Definitely" he smiled.

Harry took my hand and we walked back towards the door. As we drew closer, I noticed that Malfoy had been leaning on a column. Was he there the whole time? Did he see and hear everything that just happened between Harry and I? I was curious why he was out here alone, and not with Pansy. My eyes immediately darted to the floor, my cheeks red with embarrassment.

As we walked in, we saw Hermione and Ron rushing out of the Great Hall, fighting again. Hermione was saying that he should have just asked her to the dance instead of asking her as a last resort.

"Well, tha-that's completely besides the point" he said defensively.

"Harry, Nicole! Where have you two been!?" Hermione had noticed us.

"I- uh, we were-" Harry was terrified of saying the wrong thing.

"Nevermind! It's late now, off you two go!" Hermione ordered. Harry and I walked up the stairs and rushed past Ron.

"They get scary when they get older.." Ron said, a little too loudly.

"Ronald you've ruined everything!" Hermione shouted, before collapsing onto the steps and breaking into tears.

I wanted to go back and comfort Hermione, but I felt like she would prefer to cry by herself for a moment. Besides, Ginny was much closer with her and she was still in the Hall dancing with Neville. I figured Ginny would find Hermione shortly after we left her and console her better than I could at the moment.

Harry and I held hands as he walked me back to the Hufflepuff common room. When we arrived at the door, I took off his robes and gave them back.

"Thanks for keeping me warm, Harry" I said sweetly.

"It was my pleasure." he replied.

He hesitated for a moment, before admitting "I... I just- I want to say, I couldn't help but fall for you, Nicole. I think I really like you... I do. And, I'm sorry... Sorry, about, my feelings, I just, I'm so confused about what I'm feeling right now, you know? But... you deserve nothing short of the best. And I know that whatever guy gets to date you will be the luckiest guy in all of Hogwarts."

I smiled. It must have been hard for Harry, and I couldn't imagine how confusing it must be to have these newfound feelings for me on top of his long-time crush on Cho.

"Thank you for saying that Harry, and for being so open with me. I really do appreciate it. You're a sweet guy, and I'm still more than happy to be your friend. I don't want you to feel pressured about this at all. Just be true to your heart." I didn't know what I was supposed to say back, but I hoped that he knew that I understood.

He wrapped me up in a tight hug and we said goodnight. I turned and started walking up the few stairs to the door, but I gave in to my impulsive thoughts.

"Harry-" I called his name as I turned around on the stairs. He was at the bottom still when he turned back to me.

Harry stepped up to meet me on the stairs, as if he knew exactly what was on my mind. He held one hand at the back of my head and wrapped the other around my waist as our lips met.

The kiss was slow, deep and our lips intertwined passionately as I grabbed his shirt and pulled him close. We broke off after a few seconds and caught our breath, faces still centimeters apart.

"Sorry" I slightly shaking my head in disbelief as I looked down, "I-... I just wanted to see..." I explained.

"Yeah uh.. yeah" Harry said while nodding in agreement, both of us still catching our breath; in shock of what just happened.

I looked up again and searched his eyes, wondering what he was feeling. He slowly lowered his head towards mine and gave me one final slow and sweet kiss.

We rested our foreheads together and stood there a moment, before we heard a few Hufflepuff students around the corner, heading in our direction.

We parted, and he held my hand.

"Goodnight Nicole."

—————————————————————————————————

Harry and I began to hang out more often after the Yule Ball, although that was the last time we kissed or did anything intimate. We shared comfortable, knowing looks with each other from time to time, and it was clear he felt a sense of protection over me now. I didn't think it was romantically territorial though, moreso respectful if anything. I theorized that the romantic atmosphere of going to the Ball together largely contributed to the temporary feelings Harry and I developed for each other. We got on excellently (and he was a wonderful kisser), but I knew my lack of jealousy over his still continuing crush on Cho meant that he was a dear friend more than anything else.

Cho and Cedric ended up breaking up later that school year, and Harry then dated Cho for a few months when we were in fifth year. He ended things with her after she ratted out the location of our secret duelling club to Professor Umbridge, though it was unfortunate as she was actually given veritaserum.

"Hello there, lovely ladies" a charming voice cooed, breaking me out of my thoughts.

It was Wesley, coming to see me. I tried not to appear too eager, but I was giddy over the fact that he had come to find me on the train before we arrived at Hogwarts.

"How can we help you, Mr. Morgan?" Padma taunted him.

"Ah Miss Patil, I'm sure we all know why I'm here" he said in a sly tone, looking only at me.

"Phew" Padma breathed out, fanning herself. "Come Eden, let's change into our robes and give these two some privacy"

Padma and Eden stood and grabbed their bags, heading to the bathrooms to change. Wesley let them pass and walked up to me, leaning over near my face.

"Hello, you" he whispered, my head leaning up towards him, his lips were inches away from mine.

I couldn't help but smile as I waited for him to break the space between us. There was undeniable chemistry between us and I just couldn't get over it.

He finally planted his lips on mine and we shared a sweet kiss. He then sat beside me, and I rested my head on his shoulder as he wrapped his arm around me.

"I missed you. I'm so glad to be back at Hogwarts." Wesley admitted.

We chatted about our summers and the school year ahead. Wesley was now in his 7th year, so he was presumably stressed about what he planned to do after graduating.

Padma and Eden eventually came back after getting changed and I figured it would be an ideal time for me to change as well. I left the three of them while I headed to the bathroom.

On my way into the bathroom, Draco was exiting the one beside I was going to enter. We both stopped momentarily as we shared a glance, before he turned and headed back towards the front of the train and I headed into the bathroom.

We arrived at the station shortly after, and after a sweet goodbye, Wesley left us to join his friends as we rode the thestrals to the castle.

We sat through the sorting ceremony and had a wonderful feast as always, making sure that we made the new Hufflepuff students feel welcomed.

I couldn't help but looking over at the Slytherin table to find Malfoy, after we had run into each other twice today. I couldn't get him off my mind, and I caught him looking at me as well a few times throughout dinner.

I wonder if I was on his mind as well.

author's note: ok wait lmao I'm so sorry this is supposed to be a draco fic but I started simping for Harry while I was writing the yule part and wanted to kiss him dhjskalds UMM lmao don't mind me

also idk if I will be using gifs from this point on but I just rlly wanted to use the ones from the yule ball hehe bc that first gif....can u imagine entering the great hall and Draco looking at u as u walk past him. omg. dying brb. anyways please let me know what u think and if there's anything u want to see/I can improve on!!!