Chapter 6
Chapter 6
The Yule Ball
The next week and a half was just Hadrian turning down boys and girls around every corner. They'd all gotten it into their heads that he was for some reason either interested, or bisexual. He was neither.
"Um, would you take me to the ball?" Yet another girl was asking. "I'm a good dancer, and we'd look good together." He sighed, praying for patience as Malfoy snickered nearby.
"Sorry, I'm not interested." She looked horrified and embarrassed, and rushed off, blonde curls bouncing. He sighed again.
The ball was soon a mere few days away and nobody interesting had caught his eye. He was severely disappointed, and he wondered what McGonagall would do if he showed up without a partner. That is, until a certain redhead popped up.
"Fred Weasley, at your service." He bowed with a wink. Hadrian laughed, delighted. "I saw you from afar and couldn't help but swoon. I'd be honored if you'd be so kind as to take me to the Yule Ball. I'd be blessed by your presence at my side."
"Hello, handsome." Hadrian laughed again, he then took the boy's hand and kissed it lightly. "You seem like a worthy partner." He said with mock drama, "I would be honored if someone such as yourself would accompany me to the most esteemed Yule Ball."
"How gentlemanly!" Fred Weasley beamed. "I can't believe that worked!"
"A beautiful boy such as yourself? How could I resist?" Hadrian teased with a laugh.
"Look who's talking, gorgeous." Weasley breathed, face pink.
"I expect to see you in the entrance hall the day of." Hadrian smirked, eyeing the boy's red tie. "Unless you're not Gryffindor enough to follow through?"
"Oh it's so on!" The boy cackled, red, and then hurried away still cackling. Hadrian laughed after him, knowing that one would be someone to remember.
Hadrian woke up on Christmas and decided he'd rather go back to bed than face the day. Unfortunately, he braved the day and headed to where presents were stacked on his trunk. Apparently, in addition to the gifts from his friends from both schools, random Hogwarts students had sent him gifts as well. Hadrian shrugged and set aside anything sent with a name he didn't recognize. He'd need to check them for love potions and compulsion spells before opening them.
It had taken Hadrian years to really understand that magic just took his present to him. He'd been awfully surprised at first, and actually considered people had broken into his dorms to deliver them his second year.
Throughout the day Hadrian was actually looking forward to 8 o'clock, and dodged many snowballs. He was never hit, but he did throw one, just the one. It smacked Fred Weasley dead in the back of the head, and they'd grinned at each other before Hadrian had disappeared into the castle.
Hadrian checked himself in the mirror as Fleur came to collect him at 7:40. He was wearing black with green accents to match his eyes. Black pants cinched at the waist made him look slightly feminine, and he was wearing a black shirt with decorative green stitching on his wrists and collar. He'd tucked it into his pants and then thrown on a suit vest. It was a deep emerald with curling black and silver designs climbing up it delicately.
"You look nice." Fleur leaned against the doorway, silver dress shimmering as she stood. Her slim yet strong arms and shoulders were exposed, diamond-like rhinestones decorating her neckline. She looked every inch the strong queen she was.
"So do you." He brushed a hand through his black hair, making sure it was soft and neat as he tucked a strand behind his ear. "Let's go." He held out an arm, and she took it with a smile.
He escorted her to the Great Hall, Beauxbaton being one of the first to arrive. She wandered off in search of her date as Hogwarts students came down sporadically; Hadrian grinned when Cedric showed up. The boy was wearing a black and white tux, with a black robe open in the front over it. He waved as Cedric spotted him and headed over, his Hufflepuff friends stopping close by.
"Lovely to see you, Cedric." He eyed the boy's robes with a smirk, and he was amused to see Cedric's flushed red face.
"Good to see you too Hadrian." He swallowed. Hadrian laughed.
"Loosen up Cedric, I promise I don't bite." He smirked and leaned a bit closer. "Unless you ask nicely." A boy from behind Cedric choked and turned away, face red.
Hadrian pulled back and eyed the boy. "Ah, if only I'd befriended you, my dear. A fellow fluent, are we?" He winked. Cedric turned to his friend.
"Macolm?" Cedric looked confused as his friend got steadily redder and redder.
"Malcolm." Hadrian purred. He eyed the boy and was delighted the boy's pretty blue eyes offset his brown hair nicely.
"Yes, I- I speak French." The boy stuttered. "Do you flirt with everyone like this?" He said, face red.
"Lovely accent my dear." Hadrian smiled. "And no, I only flirt with the attractive ones." His eyes flicked to Cedric. "That includes you, pretty boy." He smirked at Cedric who grew redder. Malcolm cleared his throat.
"Well met. I'm Malcolm Preece, I'm on the Hufflepuff Quidditch team." He shook Hadrian's hand lightly.
"Hadrian Evans-Black, well met." He smiled prettily. "And you are, miss witch?" He asked, looking at the girl in a white and yellow dress with Malcolm. Her blonde hair was styled into tight princess curls, framing her green eyes. He couldn't tell if the curl patterns were natural or not.
"I am Heidi Macavoy, also on the Quidditch team." She nodded to him. "Well met."
"Well met." He nodded politely.
"Why not flirt with Heidi?" Malcolm asked conversationally.
"I'm uninterested in woman." Hadrian admitted. "Flirting with them would be rude, considering a relationship wouldn't be possible." Malcolm was looking at him with veiled respect, while their companions watched nervously.
"Sorry Ced, I was asking him about his waltz. He's confident." Malcolm smiled at his friend.
"But of course." Hadrian flicked his free hand. "You'll see my dancing prowess soon enough. Now, I must go find my date, excuse me." He looked through the crowd for red hair and caught sight of Ronald. He was wearing an awful old fashion robe that looked like he'd cut lace off of it. He was with a pretty brown girl wearing a sour expression, and Hadrian kept looking. Finally, he spotted Fred's profile and headed over.
"My dearest Weasley, you do look lovely." He said, sliding into Fred's view. Fred was wearing a pretty black jacket with a red shirt, and black pants. Plain, but nice. He remembered Ron's robes and realized they must be fairly poor.
"Heya handsome." Fred grinned at him. Hadrian took his hand and bowed to kiss it lightly.
"Shall we, date mine?" He winked. Fred turned pink, but he was grinning. Hadrian decided he liked this boy.
"Champions, over here please!" McGonagall was calling nearby.
He grinned at Fred, holding out his arm to escort the boy over. Fleur approached with someone she'd told him was called Roger Davies, who looked absolutely smitten with her.
"5 Sickles Fleur and her boytoy turn in early to make out in the courtyard." Hadrian whispered to Fred as they joined the group.
"You're on. She seems too put together for that." Weasley grinned, and Hadrian matched the expression. He didn't know Fleur like Hadrian did.
Hadrian noticed Cedric had come over and was chatting with Malcolm, who seemed to be his partner. Interesting choice. Hadrian then studied the girl in blue beside Krum carefully. After a moment, he nearly whistled in appreciation, realizing suddenly it was Granger.
Her buck teeth were gone, smaller and perfectly straight, while her bushy and wild hair had been straightened and tucked into a sleek knot. The dress was a periwinkle color and she seemed more confident, as though she had found herself.
Granger smiled nervously at him, and he nodded to her, one eyebrow raised as he looked her up and down in approval. She blushed and turned back to Krum.
The doors to the Great Hall were open, and students meandered through. They walked right by the Champions. Hadrian didn't react as people giggled and waved as they went by, and he noticed some people staring and glaring. He probably rejected them at some point, then. Hadrian did wave to Theo and Malfoy, and their dates, though. Pretty girls, but both a little plain.
Once everyone else was inside, McGonagall told the Champions to line up with their partners and follow her inside. She shoved the doors open and Hadrian let out a gasp of delight.
People applauded heavily as McGonagall led them through the crowd to the judges panel. The Hall was transformed, mistletoe and ivy crossing everywhere with lantern lit tables and chairs littered around, replacing the long tables. But what caught his eye was above him.
The ceiling-sky was fully lit for once, the whole thing glowing silver as if a million stars were concentrated above them. They sparkled off the gems on girls' dresses, twinkling and dancing slightly in the sky. In that moment he thanked the person who entered him into the Goblet, just so he could witness such a thing in his lifetime. It was breathtaking, and he clung to the redhead at his side as he stared upwards.
Forcing his eyes down, he studied the farthest table. Dumbledore was smiling, Karkaroff looked sulkily at Krum and his date, Madam Maxime had changed into a new lavender gown, Bagman seemed to be glowing in his awful purple and yellow robes, and Crouch seemed to have been replaced by a tall redhead with glasses who looked snobbish. Probably another Weasley.
They took seats at the table, Cedric nodding easily across the way to Hadrian as everyone started to eat. Hadrian heard Krum speaking with excitement for the first time ever and turned in surprise.
"Well, we have a castle also. Not as big as this, nor as comfortable, I am thinking." His eyes were lit as Hermione listened with rapt attention. "We have four floors, and the fires are lit with magical purposes. But we have grounds larger even than these, though in winter, we have very little daylight, so we are not enjoying them. But in summer we are flying every day, over the lakes and the mountains-"
"Now, now, Viktor!" Karkaroff cut him off with a nervous laugh and cold eyes, "don't go giving away anything else, now, or your charming friend will know exactly where to find us!" He sounded vaguely panicked.
"Igor, all the secrecy... One would almost think you didn't want visitors." Dumbledore's eyes were sparkling.
"Well Dumbledore, we are protective of our private domains, are we not?" The man grinned too wide, yellow teeth showed too harshly, "Do we jealously guard the halls of learning that have been entrusted to us? Are we not right to be proud that we alone know our schools' secrets and right to protect them?" The man ranted, bad smile never reaching his eyes.
"Oh I would never dream of assuming I know all of Hogwarts' secrets, Igor." Dumbledore replied lightly. "Only this morning-" Hadrian tuned out Dumbledore, not wanting to listen to his voice.
"This room is stunning." He whispered to Fred, looking at the decorations.
"I know, it's not usually like this at Hogwarts for Christmas. I do like it though." He admitted with a grin.
"What does it usually-" Hadrian was cut off by an angry Fleur, and he glanced at her in surprise.
"That is nothing!" She said to Dumbledore, examining the room critically. "At the Palace of Beauxbaton, we have ice sculptures all around the dining chamber at Christmas. They do not melt, of course... They are like huge statues of diamond, glittering around the place." Hadrian grinned. "And the food is simply superb. And we have choirs of wood nymphs, who serenade us as we eat. We have none of this ugly armor in the halls, and if a poltergeist ever entered Beauxbaton, we would be expelling it." She slapped the table in anger.
"Absolutely right." Her date said, missing his mouth with his fork. "Like that. Yeah." He slapped the table as well, dazed.
"Is it really like that?" Fred asked as everyone went back to their own conversations.
"Better." Hadrian leaned on a hand and smiled softly. "The grounds are large, perfect for horseback riding and flying. We have a lake, too, but it's man made. There's a swan that lives in it. Beautiful animal." He said, wistfully.
"You miss it, then?" Fred asked softly.
"Of course. I don't have a family, so school was my favorite place to be. Being at the Manor by myself gets really.... quiet." He admitted. Fred frowned.
"You've been living alone?"
"Since I was 11." He nodded, taking another bite. "I have three house elves, but they aren't much company. They take care of me though." He smiled, and Fred smiled back. "So tell me about yourself, what do you thrive off of?" He leaned towards his partner and was proud to say the boy turned a bright pink.
"Well, my twin George and I are working on opening a shop in Diagon Alley. The Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. We already have several products out!" He grinned happily before deflating a little. "Mum's been setting them on fire and throwing them out, so we've had to be really careful about inventing at home." Hadrian frowned.
"Is that normal? Parents torching their kids' stuff?" Hadrian was surprised, he'd never imagined such a thing. Fred smiled sadly.
"Doesn't approve. She says we'll go nowhere in life because we didn't get enough OWLs."
"Why?"
"She compares all of us to our older siblings. Bill was Prefect and Head Boy, while Charlie was Prefect and Quidditch Captain. Percy was a Prefect too." Fred sighed. "Me and George would never wanted that."
"Exams and titles don't dictate how likely you are to start a business, or how successful your future is." Hadrian said firmly. "You're not your brothers, and you don't have to be. If your mother doesn't see that, then she's missing out and it's her own fault." He smiled at Fred, taking his hand. "I think you'll do amazing. You should show me your Joke Shop products sometime." Fred beamed.
As they finished their food, Dumbledore stood and gestured for the students to do the same. With Dumbledore's dismissive wave, Hadrian gasped as all the tables zoomed away to leave the floor clear for dancing. Dumbledore conjured a sort of dais on the right-hand wall filled with beautiful instruments all across it. A strange looking group walked on stage and a few people yelled "Weird Sisters!" with gusto. Hadrian assumed that's what the group was called.
The Champions stood and walked over with their partners to the open dance floor, students surrounding them excitedly. Hadrian took Fred's hand delicately, pulling him in with a hand on the other boy's waist. Fred flushed prettily.
The music started, a slow and mournful sound, and Hadrian started to lead immediately. He stepped forward with confidence, Fred's grin not leaving his face as they moved in a circle with serene steps. Hadrian's eyes sparkled as the music swelled and he lifted Fred up with practiced ease, hands on his waist before setting him down gently. Fred was significantly taller than Hadrian, and he seemed delighted he was so easily lifted.
Dumbledore and Madam Maxime joined the floor with polite clapping, soon followed by other adults as well as students. He noticed an adorable redhead wearing a pink and teal dress and briefly wondered if she was a Weasley too. How many were there??
Soon the dance floor was full of red swishing Durmstrang capes as well as twirling gowns and flaring formal robes. Fred was grinning as Hadrian led expertly. The song ended, and they bowed to each other as a new song started. It was a little faster.
"Wanna switch?" He suggested. Fred grinned and grabbed Hadrian's waist easily and stepped closer, looking down at Hadrian.
"I love being tall." He smirked and Hadrian laughed. Fred twirled him a little clumsily, but he made up for it with laughter and dramatic faces. When he was lifted by Fred he shot into the air and could see over everyone's heads, he was so high. He was let down and he laughed as he was spun again.
"You're a ton of fun." He beamed at the redhead.
"You're much more than a pretty face yourself there." Fred winked as the song ended and a new one started.
"Aw, you calling me pretty?" Hadrian grinned.
"I am. I think you're beautiful." Fred's eyes were so earnest and warm, Hadrian nearly missed a step in his leading as his cheeks flushed a rosy color. "You're blushing." Fred blinked.
"And you're stating the obvious." Hadrian teased. The music ended once more and Hadrian stepped back with a grin.
He spotted Theo and leaned towards Fred a little. "I'd like a dance with Theo before we continue, if that's alright." He admitted. "You can mingle with other dancers too, I'll find you."
"Sure." Fred smirked, and slunk away. Hadrian smiled and headed for the bookworm. Theo was sitting alone, boredly reading a book with a girl he'd pointed out as Astoria Greengrass sat nearby yet clearly separate, arms crossed. She was Theo's date, Hadrian remembered.
"Hey Theo." The boy's eyes whipped up at the familiar accented voice. "Care to dance?" Theo beamed as he took Hadrian's hand, and outright laughed as he was swiftly pulled to the dance floor. Hadrian noticed the small Greengrass girl looked outraged.
"I'd love to dance, my good sir." Theo breathed, bringing Hadrian's attention back to him. They swiftly joined the music, Hadrian winking at Cedric as he caught the boy's eye from where he was sitting with a group of Hufflepuffs.
The music swelled and Hadrian lifted Theo easily with a grin. Nott was lighter than Fred, who had muscle from years on a broom. He was on the Gryffindor team, a beater. Theo went higher than Fred had in the lift, and laughed at the feeling as he shut his eyes and spun. He dutifully continued following Hadrian's unfaltering steps.
Cedric watched Hadrian and the Slytherin closely. He wondered if Hadrian beamed at him like that. Cedric wondered if he looked at Hadrian with sparkles in his eyes and his own lips turned up in a smile that bright. Cedric didn't know, and so he watched, and he waited his turn to be the one dancing with the French boy with the curling smirk and bright eyes.
When the song ended he released Theo's waist politely. "I promised Cedric a dance, but stay close. Alright?" He winked. Theo lit up.
"You want to dance again? With me?" He asked, panting but smiling.
"Of course, if you can keep up, bookworm." Hadrian smirked and slipped away.
Theo sat down breathlessly, and glanced up to see Cedric and Hadrian moving to the dance floor. He recognized the look Cedric had when he looked at Hadrian. The Hufflepuff liked Hadrian. Who wouldn't? The boy was beautiful, and intelligent, and dangerous, and everything Theo wished he could be. So Theo sat, and waited his turn, cheeks flushed. He told himself he wasn't sure if it was from the dancing or from Hadrian… he knew the answer.
Hadrian led Cedric perfectly, maneuvering him with ease and the slightest guidance. He spun the boy and lifted him easily, gliding around the room as Cedric's face got redder and redder.
"Okay, you're amazing at this." Cedric breathed as he was led to the end of the song.
"I'll come back for you later, maybe I'll even let you lead." He winked and released him to go looking for his date.
Hadrian danced with Fred again before people started cutting in politely. He danced with Fleur, he danced with a pretty Asian Ravenclaw, and several flirtatious boys from Durmstrang. He danced effortlessly over and over, breathing in the feeling of living.
"Date mine." A redhead popped up as a Hufflepuff wobbled away from him. "Shall we have another dance?" The boy bowed extravagantly, smirk in place.
Hadrian grinned. This boy looked like Fred, but his hair was styled a little differently. His voice had a different cadence, and his eyes a touch lighter. Hadrian realized this was the twin.
"My my, how charming." Hadrian laughed easily, taking the boy's waist. "However, you are most definitely not Fred Weasley." The song started.
"I most certainly am." The boy grinned. Hadrian twirled him with a laugh.
"You can't trick me, George Wealsey." He winked. "You seen Fred anywhere?"
"Not a wink outta him." The boy grinned.
"So what's this about?" Hadrian asked conversationally as he lifted the taller boy effortlessly.
"I'm Fred's twin, as you know, we love switching." George admitted easily as the song ended. "Also, sorry about my idiot baby brother." The redhead said cheerfully as the music started again, dancing with him a second song. "Ronald was always a little whacked in the head." Hadrian laughed, spinning the redhead.
"So many Weasleys. Is the little pretty one yours as well? In the pink?" His eyes gestured to the girl.
"Yeah, Ginny. She's the youngest." George grinned as he was lifted again, still easily. "She's a year too young for the Ball, but Neville brought her. She was ever so excited."
"And the snobbish redhead in the blue?" He raised a brow as George laughed.
"That would be Percy, he works as Crouch's assistant." He leaned closer conspiratorially, "Crouch probably doesn't even know his name. Calls him Weatherby." Hadrian burst out laughing and George looked immensely pleased.
"Oh goodness, that's what he'll be in my head from now on." Hadrian wheezed as he twirled George around a pair of dancers drifting too close.
"You're excellent at this." George grinned.
"As I should be." Hadrian winked. "I'd love to chat but could you excuse me, I have my Weasley to track down." The song had ended and George gestured to Hadrian's left.
"Fred's over there." He grinned and disappeared into the crowd. Hadrian sighed happily. Maybe the Weasley's were all cool besides Ron. The girl looked happy enough, even with her feet being trampled by that Gryffindor. Weatherby was probably okay if he worked for the Ministry.
"Fred?" Hadrian called. The boy whipped around with faux confusion.
"Sorry, I'm George. You're looking for my brother?" Hadrian grinned at him.
"C'mon Fred, I promised you proper date attention and dancing didn't I?" He winked and dragged the redhead onto the dance floor.
"Who's to say I'm the right one?" Fred asked playfully as Hadrian pulled him in by the waist.
"Because Fred Weasley just gave me a dance." Hadrian laughed. "It wasn't you, obviously, I told him so. George seems nice though." Fred looked impressed.
"Gentlemanly and told off the twin?" Fred swooned teasingly as he was lifted easily. "My my, it seems you're a man after my heart." Hadrian giggled. They twirled around the floor.
"Imagine my surprise to meet not one, but two competent redheads. Careful though, or you might become my favorite Weasley." He leaned in, smirking. Fred went pink, smirk never falling.
"Oohhh, I'd love to hold such a title."
"Maybe by the end of tonight, you will." Hadrian grinned.
"What must I do to earn it?" Fred let go of Hadrian's hand as the song ended to lift Hadrian's chin up. Hadrian flushed, finding himself nose to nose with the taller boy as Fred leaned down to him. "How do I earn your favor, gorgeous?" Fred murmured. Hadrian's eyes were wide as he felt his cheeks flame. Was this what people felt like when Hadrian flirted with them?
"Uh, I... Uh." Hadrian swallowed, oh so elegantly.
"May I have this next dance?" Fred released Hadrian and stepped back as Draco appeared.
"Of course Malfoy." Fred smirked. "See ya later, handsome." He winked at Hadrian who was staring after him with a pink face.
"Weasley get the better of you, cousin?" Malfoy raised an eyebrow, clearly holding in a laugh.
"Oh, shut up. You want to lead, Malfoy?" Hadrian diverted, scoffing as his face held its color. Malfoy laughed, and they were off as the music started again.
If Hadrian led with confidence, Malfoy led with force. His hand on Hadrian wasn't delicate, it was gripping his hips with a possessiveness that made Hadrian grin and clutched his hand with purpose. Malfoy led him in a circle and they spun around the dance floor barely avoiding nearby dancers.
Hadrian gripped Malfoy's shoulders as he was lifted. Malfoy's hands came to his waist and he was powerfully thrust into the air, and held there a moment too long. He tilted his head back and laughed happily as he was high enough he could've sat on Malfoy's shoulders. He was brought down slowly, Malfoy's eyes on his, a smirk on his face.
He squeezed Malfoy's hand challengingly as the song ended. "Scared to let me lead, cousin?" His eyes glittered.
"You wish, Black." His hand went to Hadrian's shoulder, and Hadrian pulled him in by the waist. The next dance started and they danced closely, nose to nose, and were thrilled by it. They spun, happy faces orbiting each other as Hadrian led confidently and gently, hand sliding on Malfoy's muscular waist and back. It was different than dancing with Fred, a different feeling to it, but it made Hadrian just as warm inside.
As the music rose again, Hadrian grinned as he lifted the blond, strong hands pushing into his shoulders. Draco chuckled in the air before being brought down carefully and they beamed as the song ended. Hadrian bowed, grinning at the blond.
"I forgive you for stealing my Lordship." Malfoy gasped, breathing hard.
"I forgive you for stealing my Heirship." Hadrian winked, barely winded. "Excuse me, I have a Hufflepuff to track down." He bowed and moved to find Cedric.
Eyes searching the crowd he spotted Cedric dancing with the Ravenclaw he'd briefly danced with. He sat and waited patiently for the music to end. Theo slid in next to him.
"I saw you with Malfoy, I can't believe he let you lead." Theo laughed.
"I had to impress him after that lift, I admit he's the best dancer I've encountered tonight." Hadrian grinned.
"But was it the best dance you've had all night?" Theo's voice dropped to a whisper, and he leaned towards Hadrian. Hadrian's eyes widened.
"You know, if I didn't know better I'd say you're flirting with me." He laughed nervously.
"Maybe I am." Theo's eyes flicked to his lips. Hadrian swallowed. The song ended, and he leaned back with a rushed smile.
"Sorry Theo, I promised Cedric a dance." Theo smiled sadly as he drew back.
"Of course." Hadrian stood and made his way over to where Cedric was bowing and the Ravenclaw was curtsying in her pretty silver dress.
"Can I cut in?" He asked. Cedric's eyes widened. "Cedric, I promised I'd let you lead." The boy nodded immediately and the girl frowned before leaving. She seemed annoyed, but Hadrian couldn't think of why.
Cedric looked nervous as his hand went to Hadrian's waist. Hadrian placed a gentle hand on the boy's shoulder, and the music started.
Cedric led like water. His feet flowed as he walked them in a circle, steps graceful as he pulled Hadrian along. When the lift came he half turned, and lifted Hadrian up and around. Hadrian pushed off the boy's shoulders and smiled as he landed lightly. Cedric beamed.
The dance continued, but Hadrian danced with Theo one more time before he sat down heavily and sighed. He ran a hand through his hair and briefly wished he'd tied it back. His bangs would cover the scar anyway so it wasn't much of a risk…
"Some dance, huh?" Hadrian asked as Theo plopped down next to him, who looked happier than Hadrian had ever seen him.
"Some ball, I think you mean." Theo corrected, once again thoroughly winded. Hadrian laughed.
"I think someone spiked the punch." Cedric said as he approached and plopped down on the other side of Hadrian. "Also, loving the music, but, the Weird Sisters? Like really?" Hadrian huffed.
"I've never heard of them till now. Anyway, I'm thinking of turning in." Both boys looked sad at that, but nodded. "I'm gonna do another dance with Fred though. Oh, where did my redhead go?" He stood and didn't notice the sad and longing expressions following him.
He spotted Fred and George whispering conspiratorially in a corner and grinned. "Planning my murder already, my sweet?" He said to Fred as he approached. Fred laughed and George smirked.
"I'd never do such a wicked thing." Fred announced.
"However, I might." George winked. Hadrian laughed and moved to stand in front of them. He reached out a hand and touch George's cheek slowly, the boy grinning at him easily.
"Careful," Hadrian said, eyes bright. "I already have a Weasley tonight." He turned to Fred and grabbed his hand. "Let's go!" George's surprised laugh trailed after them as he pulled Fred away.
"D'you know what time it is?" Hadrian asked, taking their spot on the dance floor and holding Fred's waist.
"About 20 minutes to midnight, when the Ball officially ends." Fred responded easily, following as the music started.
"I'm thinking of turning in after this dance. You don't mind, do you?" He checked.
"Not at all, I think this is the most fun I've had since the Creams I handed out to my fellow Gryffindors." Fred grinned.
"Ooohh, did they have one of your joke prank things in them?" Hadrian asked, grinning.
"Of course!" He beamed. "Canary Creams! They turn you into canaries and then pop! You shed your features and revert back in about a minute."
"That sounds super fun, actually." Hadrian laughed as they spun.
"Right?" Fred snickered. The song ended and Fred came closer, bending his face down as Hadrian looked up at him. "Goodnight, date mine." Fred said softly. He leaned down and kissed Hadrian's forehead softly. "This really was fun." Hadrian tilted his head back in surprise, color rising in his cheeks.
"What was that for?" Hadrian whispered. Fred's eyes flicked to Hadrian's lips as he sighed.
"A gift of parting, that's all." He then disappeared.
Hadrian pressed his fingers to his forehead as more red bloomed across his face. He smiled fondly and found himself just standing in the middle of the dance floor, alone. He walked off it, not paying attention to his surroundings. His thoughts were full of Fred Weasley and his soft words.
He found himself in the courtyard, Theo and Cedric having followed him.
"Night Cedric, Theo." He said absently, still touching his forehead. He then turned to them, and he knew his face was still flushed. They looked a little surprised, and a little sad.
He pulled Cedric into a tight hug, before stepping up to Theo and doing the same. Both boys were red but Hadrian turned away as he caught sight of Malfoy.
"No hug for me, Black?" Malfoy was leaning on the wall nearby. Hadrian grinned.
"Goodnight to you too, Malfoy." He walked up to him and shyly gave him a hug. Draco seemed surprised, but hugged him back. It mimicked the hug in the hallway that month ago. Hadrian's head on Draco's shoulder, arms around his waist, with warm arms on his back.
"Goodnight, my cousin." Draco whispered.
"Actually, could I talk to you for a moment?" He glanced at the other two boys and smiled. "It's private, you see." Malfoy nodded while the other two boys retreated inside with soft waves.
"Is something the matter?" Malfoy tilted his head.
"No, I just wanted to ask you something." Hadrian felt his confidence failing and Malfoy straightened, he could probably tell. "I was abused, until I started at Beauxbaton. By my mother's relatives." He admitted, fidgeting. "I moved to the Black Manor to get away from them after claiming the Lordship. I've been alone since then." Malfoy intertwined their fingers and squeezed. "I just wanted to ask, if I could meet your family when this was over? I've never had a family before, and now that I know I have a cousin..." He trailed off and looked up at Malfoy carefully.
"I'd love to be a proper family, Hadrian." Malfoy smiled at him. "I insist you call me Draco." Hadrian beamed and pulled him into a tight hug. Draco lifted him briefly off his feet with a laugh.
"Okay Draco, it's a deal. Call me Hadrian." He grinned happily.
"Goodnight then, cousin Hadrian." Draco winked and released him.
"Night, cousin Draco." He waved and withdrew, not looking back as he climbed into his carriage to sleep.
He dreamed of dancing. Faces blurred, not knowing if it was Fred, Draco, Cedric, or Theo as he danced and colors flashed in his peripherals. He did know he felt as if he was dancing on stars, the Hogwarts ceiling all around him, eventually enveloping him completely.