The next few days before Christmas holidays, she and Draco went around the forest and the lake. Once, he took her flying in the middle of the night and came back to an unhappy Hermione who whispered a lecture about the dangers of flying in the dark. A couple times they had came across Hagrid, trouble making first years and to Brooke's horror, Harry and Ron, but every time, they avoided them. Depending on which route they took, they took turns going back into the castle grounds, around five minutes after the other.

Brooke woke up suddenly on Christmas morning to Hermione, who was bouncing on her bed and telling her to wake up. Although wishing she was back to sleep, Brooke loved her child like excitement on Christmas day. It had set a good mood for the rest of the holiday. They opened their presents in their dormitory room with Parvati and Lavender.

Her favorite gifts included an expensive set of sketching pencils that brought drawings to life on the page from Ron and Harry, a Muggle stereo Hermione had charmed to change songs according to the mood of whoever touched it, and an ornate golden locket with no signed giver, but Brooke knew it must have been from Draco.

Wearing the locket, she and Hermione went down to the common room to meet up with Harry and Ron and went to breakfast together. They spent most of the morning in Gryffindor Tower, where everyone was enjoying their presents, then returned to the Great Hall for a magnificent lunch, which included at least a hundred turkeys and Christmas puddings, and large piles of Cribbage's Wizarding Crackers.

Brooke helped out on Ron and Harry's side in a snowball fight against Fred, George and Ginny. Hermione was more than grateful to sit out of the fight and preferred just to watch. After a while, Brooke had to leave to meet Draco in one of the less popular areas of the courtyard.

He insisted she borrow his scarf, since she forgot she had given it to Hermione to hold.

"I love the necklace," she smiled. All day, she'd found herself playing with it mindlessly. "I feel bad about my gift, now."

He chuckled, "Right? I got this amazing necklace and all I get is a bag."

Brooke shoved him on the shoulder.

"I'd like anything you gave me," he pecked her on the cheek and patted the leather messenger bag next to him. "And I do like it. I started using it already, didn't I?"

They couldn't stay with each other for long without their friends being suspicious. Brooke didn't mind, though, since the next time they would meet up would be for the Yule Ball.

When she came back, she had time for a few quick throws and dodging snowballs before she realized how long it would take to help Hermione get ready and get ready herself. It was only five o' clock when they went upstairs and Ron called out, "You need three hours?! Who're you going with?"

Brooke and Hermione rushed up to their dormitory. Three hours would be just enough time. Brooke had a whole makeover plan for Hermione and brought out all the beauty supplies and makeup from their last trip to Hogsmeade. After an hour and a half, she finished up the last bit of powdering on Hermione's face and all Hermione had to do was put on her periwinkle blue gown.

After getting ready herself, it was already six forty five and she slipped into her red dress just in time to walk down and meet Draco. "How do you expect to tell people you two are going with each other?" said Hermione, pulling up the zipper.

"Well, first of all," said Brooke, "it is a masquerade ball, so."

"But I'm sure someone will recognize you or Draco. His hair isn't exactly hard to find in a crowd."

"If anyone asks, he's from Durmstrang. We've even came up with fake names. To the Gryffindors, I'm going with Alexandre. To the Slytherins, Draco found a Beauxbatons girl named Celeste."

"What if someone recognizes you both together?"

"We didn't really figure out that part, but we'll just keep moving as fast as possible," Brooke shrugged. "And you know Crabbe, Goyle and their little group, Draco can just say anything and they'll believe it, no questions asked. Although, he said Pansy was being very sour after he didn't ask her."

"I can imagine," laughed Hermione, "I have to go meet Viktor, so I'll see you down there."

Brooke waved goodbye as she left downstairs. She followed soon, after putting on her gold mask and giving a little twirl in front of the mirror to make sure everything was in place.

Scattered in front of the Slytherin dungeon awaited Crabbe, Goyle, Blaise, Pansy and Draco. His black dress robes were fitted well to his body. Brooke stifled a laugh when she saw that his silver mask had just as long and thin a nose as the man behind it.

Harry was surprised Pansy Parkinson wasn't draped all over Malfoy's arm, but pouting with some other Slytherin boy. Instead, it looked like he found a pretty dark haired Beauxbatons girl in red dress robes to go with him. She whispered something to Malfoy, who said something to the others. The Slytherins made their way into the Great Hall, leaving only the two. The masked couple began moving toward him, but Harry only thought she was headed to the group of Beauxbatons girls nearby him.

"Harry!" she called to him in a familiar voice.

"Brooke?!" said Harry loudly, making Brooke shush him, looking around to see if anyone had heard him.

"Harry, please don't say anything, okay?" Brooke said urgently.

Ron came up to Harry, pausing for a second to shake her hand.

"Ron Weasley, how are you?" he introduced himself and turned to Harry. "I haven't seen Hermione yet. Reckon she's in her room crying her eyes out since she didn't have a date."

"Ron," Brooke couldn't help but laugh. "Glad to know these masks work."

He peered at her face for a closer look. "Brooke?"

She nodded.

"Where's your date?" he asked before seeing Draco behind her.

"Not very observant, are you Weasley?" Draco sneered.

Ron's face turned to disgust and then looked to Brooke. "No," he said in disbelief.

All she could do was shrug and smile sheepishly.

"Nice dress robes, Weasely," said Draco, smirking.

"You son of a," Ron made for his throat. Harry and Brooke stepped in between them.

"Stop," she warned.

"So what does he have on you?"

"What? No, we're actually going to the dance together."

"Willingly?" he frowned.

"Of course," Draco put his arm around her waist. "After all, we are together now."

"No," Ron looked like he was about to gag.

Harry looked straight to her, waiting for her to confirm what Draco had just said and she smiled, apologetically for not telling them sooner.

"If you do anything to hurt her, we'll have you running back to your bloody father," Harry hissed and his eyes were burning with hatred behind his mask.

"Are you threatening me, Potter?" Draco leered.

"I think it's time we all head into the Great Hall," said Brooke stepped between them as Harry reached for his wand, "I can take care of myself. Trust me, and you think I can't handle him if he does something stupid?" Brooke said so that only Harry could hear her.

"I'm guessing you told them," someone interjected.

To her surprise, Draco didn't make any comment about Brooke telling Hermione about them. All three boys stared at her. Her hair was no longer bushy, but sleek and shiny, and twisted up into an elegant knot at the back of her head that took about seven tries and four sticking charms to get it right.

"Hermione?" said Harry, taking his mask off to make sure his eyes were seeing correctly. Hermione blushed and couldn't stop smiling from all the compliments she had gotten, especially from Viktor. Brooke turned to see Ron's expression, since she wanted to make Hermione look absolutely perfect just to spite him, but he had simply walked away towards Padma.

Once everyone was settled in the Great Hall, the grand doors opened to reveal the champions and their dates. They walked up toward a large round table at the top of the Hall, where the judges were sitting. Hermione was beaming with her arm around Viktor and Harry seemed nervous, however, Parvati took most of the attention, waving at her sister and Lavender.

"Hermione looks great doesn't she?" said Brooke, but Ron only grumbled, still watching them with narrow eyes.

"Why Malfoy?" he said, changing the subject, "The guy's a git."

"I know, I know, but he's only like that around his friends. Likes to show off a bit and keep up a reputation, but he's really sweet when you get to know him."

"Sweet? You find him sweet? You sure he's not spiking your drinks with some kind of love potion?"
"I'm sure, Ron. Just give him a try, please? This should be a good thing right? He won't be throwing insults at you. And you ears won't get all red as much anymore," Brooke smiled.

"Oh, shut up will you?" Ron laughed, "But if he starts anything, I can't promise I'll sit there and take it."

Brooke took Draco's hand, smiling that they didn't have to pretend they hated each other, as long as they had their masks on.

Ron groaned. "I still think you're out of your bloody mind."

They took their seats at a table, which was on the other side of where most of the Gryffindors were congregated. Unfortunately, Brooke had to sit with Slytherins. The two had come up with a background story. So when Pansy asked how they met, they were ready.

"I was on my way in from the quidditch pitch," Draco started, "practicing a few techniques for when the games start back up next year, of course. It was freezing outside and- I have no idea what was going on in my head, but I was already half way to the castle when I realized I forgot my broom. I know," he said in response to Crabbe and Goyle's gaping mouths.

"But luckily, while I was rushing back, someone else was coming towards me with my broom," he smiled at Brooke.

She smiled back as charmingly as she could. When he ran the fake story to Brooke, she thought it was a little too overdone. They could have simply bumped into each other in the hallway or something. Draco, however, wanted a story worth telling.

"And, as my thanks," Draco continued. "I invited her to the ball with me."

"Oh, you brought her to the ball as a favor," smiled Pansy who was sitting on Draco's other side. Even though she was wearing a mask, her eyes were sending daggers straight at her.

"Celeste," Brooke clarified in her French accent. "My name ees Celeste."

She frowned at her for a second and looked back at Draco, placing hand on his shoulder. "That was very sweet of you for welcoming the foreign visitors. After all, that's what all this is about."

"Ah, yes, magical international integration," said Blake smoothly.

"Too bad you're only here for the year," said Pansy feigning sadness.

"I agree," Brooke sighed. "Zere are so many zeengs zat I will miss dearly."

"Like what?" asked Draco, teetering the prongs of his fork on his teeth.

Brooke tried hard not to smirk and blush at the first thing that came to her mind. As a result, she chuckled nervously and looked down to hide the ever obvious red glow she was giving off.

"So, are you two dating?" Pansy snapped, trying to keep her composure as much as possible.

"No!" they both answered, a little too loudly. Even Crabbe and Goyle, the two least observant, had raised their eyebrows.

Brooke and Draco glanced at each other, mirroring one another's blush and alarm. They looked back at the Slytherin table.

"No, we're not togezer," Brooke clarified. "Simply a favor to be given."

Draco nodded.

"And speaking of favors, I believe anozer eez to be given to me for returning your broom," Brooke stood up and turned to Draco. "I suppose you can dance wiz me."

"My pleasure," he smiled toothily and took her hand. She was sure Pansy let out a growl as they walked away.

There weren't very many people on the dance floor, but there was just enough to steer attention away from Brooke and Draco. After sitting through dinner with Draco's friends, Brooke was incredibly relieved to get away. She must have seemed quiet throughout, since she had to run everything through her head before speaking. To her advantage, Hermione placed a charm for the night that allowed Brooke to talk with a French accent. Brooke was never good at impressions and this had to be very convincing.

As for Draco, he watched enough of Viktor Krum's quidditch games to let him ease through the night in front of the Gryffindors.

"I don't remember if I've told you tonight, but you're gorgeous," he said softly against her ear. The song was slow enough to just sway, to which Brooke was thankful. Along with fake accents, dancing was also on her list of inexistent talents.

She ignored the running chills down her back just like she was trying to ignore her stomach doing flips at having his hand gently on her hip. Brooke leaned up to his ear.

"Zat's very sweet of you to say to a foreign visitor such as myself," Brooke said in the most flirtatious and ridiculous voice she could.

Draco laughed. "Pansy can be a little…"

"Obnoxious?" Brooke said before she could stop herself.

"I guess you can say that," he shrugged.

"I zought she was going to tear my eyes out before we had gotten dessert."

"Pansy? No, she's all talk," he reassured. It was difficult to believe since Pansy was staring at them like hawks from the table.

"Some girls, zough, zey will do whatever it takes to get what zey want."

"Well, for now, just forget about her," Draco pulled her closer so that her head rested on his chest, "and dance with me."

Brooke excused herself to the bathroom. The air outside of the Great Hall felt so refreshing against her slightly damp skin. Once the Weird Sisters came onstage, the dance floor had nearly everyone pushed up together and jumping to the beat.

Once she exited the bathroom, she ran into the frowning face of Pansy Parkinson.

"Celeste," she greeted, dripping animosity. "How are you liking the dance?"

"Eet 'as been so lovely," Brooke said. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to go back to it."

"No," Pansy shook her head and didn't move.

Brooke tried very hard not to roll her eyes and made to move around her. Pansy stepped in front of her.

"I'm terribly sorry, but ees zere somezing wrong?" her voice was surprisingly even for how much Brooke wished to punch her in the face.

"There is something very wrong," she glared and stepped closer, lowering her voice. "I know you're not from here, but Draco's mine."

Brooke simply raised her eyebrow. "Oh? I 'ad not realized zat you were togezer."

Pansy's jaw twitched and she seemed to waver a bit. "We're not exactly, but we'll end up together."

"I zeenk zat also includes 'is decision, no?"

"And you think that his decision is going to be you?" she smirked.

Brooke shook her head. "I 'ave no interests in your pursuits."

"Oh, please," she laughed. "Did you see yourself dancing with him tonight?"

"No, I don't believe zat's entirely possible," Brooke said in a serious voice.

"Stay away from him!" Pansy pointed a finger in her face and Brooke was close to transfiguring to bite it off her hand. While she was persuading herself with how bad of an idea it would be, Pansy had left into the bathroom.

Shaking her head, Brooke walked back into the loud and stuffy Great Hall where she found Hermione.

"Hey," she called her over. Her face was slightly pink, but it seemed like she hadn't stop smiling all night. "I feel like I haven't seen you for the whole dance."

"As it should be," Brooke winked. "You should be with Krum."

Hermione smiled wider and twirled her punch in her fingers. "He's asked me to hang out with him tomorrow."

"Ooh la la, Hermione," Brooke teased. "You know what 'anging out means."

"Brooke," she rolled her eyes, blushing fiercely. "I have go to, I told him I'd get him some punch too." Hermione held up the second cup in her hands and hurried over to where Krum was sitting.

Coming through the crowd, off the dance floor, Draco reeled her back in.

At the end of the ball, she said goodnight to Draco and thanked him again for the necklace. He leaned in to kiss her. Footsteps approached them from outside of the Great Hall and Draco stopped an inch from her face.

"Oh, sorry," said Harry, realizing what he interrupted, but Draco said goodnight and left downstairs into the Slytherin common room. Brooke sighed and walked over to Harry.

"Sorry if I was…interrupting anything."

"It's okay. We just wanted to make sure we weren't blowing our cover," said Brooke.

"Are you okay?" asked Harry tentatively. He could always find the slightest hint of something wrong when it came to Brooke.

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm just tired," she gave a small smile.

"If I'm being honest, I'm glad I didn't have to see you and Malfoy snogging," Harry smiled back, "It's still hard to believe you're doing this at your own will."

"That, we have in common," said Brooke, putting a hand on Harry's shoulder to balance herself as she took off her heels.

"So, you and Malfoy, huh?"

"Malfoy," Brooke said slowly. "I haven't called him by his last name in quite a while."

"How did this happen anyhow? Just a month ago, you were at each other's throats and now…well, I guess you're still at each other's throats now aren't you," Harry laughed.

"Shut it, Harry," Brooke smiled, "Out of the blue, he just asked me to the ball, then I saw him again by the lake and…I don't know. Eventually, three years of deep loathing went down the drain. It's strange, but it wasn't much of a surprise as it should've been. Almost as if it was creeping on us already."

"You really like him," Harry said.

"Yeah," Brooke said softly. "But you can't tell anyone, alright? Not only will his father disown him and kill me, but everyone around here will start to talk and," she waved her hand. "It would just be messy."

"What would be messy?" Cedric Diggory ran up the stairs toward them with Cho waiting for him in the entrance hall below.

"Erm…me. If I keep walking in these heels," Brooke's voice shot up five pitches and she walked to a corner to conjure off the heels, "I'll be over here, Harry."

She walked up a flight of stairs and leaned on the wall. Cedric seemed urgent about something, so it had to have been something about the tournament. Brooke was growing more and more worried about the second task. They weren't at all close to figuring out that egg. She knew Harry was worried too, but his way of dealing with it was to not deal with it.

"What was that all about?" Brooke walked over just as soon as Cedric left.

"He told me to…take a bath."

"I'm sorry?" Brooke laughed as they continued walking up the stairs to the common room. "He told you…to take a bath?"

"And to take the egg and he even gave me the password to the prefects' bathroom to use," said Harry trying to find any connection it had to do with the second task.

"Ooh, the prefects' bathroom. They have such wonderful smelling soaps and perfumes there."

"You were in the prefects' bathroom?"

"Well…I really wanted to see it last year and Fred and George managed to get the password from someone. It only cost me to try one of their Lobe Lozenges when they first invented it."

Brooke and Harry decided tonight wasn't the best night to take a bath. The dance, although not the most enjoyable, had made them want to crawl into bed and sleep. Once he and Brooke reached the Fat Lady's portrait, they could hear yelling from inside. They climbed into the common room and found Ron and Hermione having a blazing row. Standing ten feet apart, they were bellowing at each other, scarlet in the face.

"Well, if you don't like it, you know what the solution is, don't you?" yelled Hermione; her hair was coming down out of its elegant bun, and her face was screwed up in anger.

"Oh yeah?" Ron yelled back. "What's that?"

"Next time there's a ball, ask me before someone else does, and not as a last resort!"

Ron mouthed soundlessly like a goldfish out of water as Hermione turned on her heel and stormed up the girls' staircase to bed.

"Well…That's completely beside the point!" Ron finally yelled after her.

Brooke and Harry looked at each other, too tired to say anything. As if there were anything they could say.


A/N: So currently, I have this story and another separate one that I'm working on. This story shouldn't take long to update, though. So hopefully I'll see you soon!