Author's Note: Enjoy the new scenes. ^_^
CHAPTER 4
June 28 (Saturday)
Morning,
I know you're going with Ginny, but I have to ask you to meet me somewhere. Be in the courtyard at 10:10pm.
Your Secret Admirer
The smile on Harry's face was almost too blinding. He was so happy to finally be meeting his secret admirer. He looked over at his clock. It read 11:00am. Harry looked around and saw his roommates still knocked out. Swinging his feet over the edge of his bed, Harry stretched out his arms and thought about what to do. I should at least get some food in me, and maybe one more fly around the pitch.
Morning!
I think it's time for us to meet. Be in the courtyard at 10pm.
Your Secret Admirer
Draco read the note for the fifth time that morning. He already started to get ready for the day. Now that his secret admirer wanted to meet him, he couldn't wait for the next few hours to roll by.
I wish it was Potter, but he's as straight as they come.
~Are you sure about that?
You again; why don't you leave me alone?
~How can I? I'm you…idiot. Now, answer my question.
I'm not an idiot! And - no, I'm not completely sure. There were times I thought he was looking at me, but be serious.
~I am. I'm just saying there's nothing wrong with wishing.
Malfoys don't wish. It's beneath them.
~Shut up. I know you don't believe in that rulebook.
Draco ignored the nagging voice and went back to his hair.
Evening
"Hermione! I can't get my hair to stay in place. Please fix it."
Hermione looked into her full length mirror to see Harry standing in the doorway of the girls' room. I should have never taught him that spell to use on the stairs.
"Sit on my bed and wait for me to finish mine."
Pouting just slightly, Harry walked in and sat down.
A few minutes later, "Okay, Harry. Come sit in the chair and I'll see what I can do."
Harry obeyed and sat on the chair. He was fidgeting slightly; his nerves were so rattled.
"Harry, stop fidgeting, or I'm letting you walk out of here with that bird's nest you call hair."
"…sorry."
"It's okay."
He stopped moving and just let his thoughts run wild. He wanted to make sure he looked great tonight. There was no room for error in his meeting with his secret admirer.
Hermione, on the other hand, couldn't help but wonder why Harry cared so much about his appearance. She knew he wasn't that interested in Ginny and wasn't about to dress to impress for her tonight. Wonder what's up?
"So, why am I going with you again?" Pansy asked Draco as the two of them reached the closed doors of the Great Hall; Blaise and Finnegan behind them.
"Because we didn't have dates. Well, I will in two hours, but I couldn't be seen dateless."
"Oh, shut up, you conceited git. Why couldn't you ask a guy? Wouldn't that make sense?"
"There's no one here up to my standards, except for one, but he's straight," Draco sighed morosely, jamming his hands into his pockets.
"Like that's ever stopped you before," Blaise snorted and continued, asking Draco casually with a raised eyebrow in graceful query, "And who is that by the way?"
"Am I speaking to you, Blaise?" Draco asked ignoring the question.
"No, but I wanted to add in my two cents."
The four of them laughed as they mingled with the other students waiting for the clock to strike 8.
About five minutes later, the Gryffindors plus Luna came down. Ron and Hermione were in front of the group. Dean, Parvati, Neville and Luna followed behind while Harry and Ginny lingered in the back.
Ginny had to pull Harry along; his thoughts were preoccupied about his meeting with his secret admirer. He was nervous and scared that he was going to make a fool of himself.
"I can't wait to see how they decorated the Great Hall. It's going to be wonderful. Don't you think, Harry?" asked Ginny.
She was desperately trying to act like the perfect girlfriend who respected the boundaries in a relationship, but she couldn't tolerate being ignored.
"Are you paying attention to me?" Ginny nudged him in the ribs.
"Oh, sorry Ginny. What did you say?"
"I said…" and Harry went back to his thoughts as Ginny droned on.
They stood off to the side of the hall and mingled with the surrounding students. Hermione separated from Ron to talk to Harry while Ginny left to gossip with her friends.
"So Harry, have you learned who your secret admirer is yet?"
"Not yet, but I'm not too worried." Harry smiled at Hermione.
Harry didn't want to explain that he was actually going to meet his secret admirer in case it didn't work out. Hermione worried too much about him already.
"Sweet Merlin," Luna's voice drifted around their group, "Draco is looking delicious. I'd certainly tap that."
Everyone close by turned to face her; she said it with such naturalness, and then they turned towards Malfoy. Most of the girls agreed whereas the guys pretended to gag.
Neville had to ask, "Are you feeling alright, Luna?"
"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"
"Um…nothing, sweetie. Just, uh…nothing."
Harry also turned to get a good look at Malfoy. Oh, Merlin. Luna is right.
The group spotted Seamus with Malfoy, Parkinson, and Zabini and walked over. They got along with the Slytherins, but Malfoy was still a problem at times except recently. Hermione quietly told everyone to be nice; Zabini was very important to Seamus.
There were murmurs of "Hey" and "Hello" passed around. Seamus and Blaise tried the casual conversation to rid the awkwardness.
Harry didn't feel up to talking, so he stood off to the side waiting for the doors to open. Luckily, Ginny was still talking to her friends as if they didn't see each other every day. Harry stole a few glances at Malfoy now that he was closer.
A little embarrassed about what he said to Potter yesterday, Draco kept a respectable distance, though he couldn't help but stare. Damn, he looks good in dark green. Maybe I should tell him that…just to be nice.
~You're trying to get him to like you.
I'm not even going to reply.
Draco made small talk around the group as he made his way to Potter's side. He had to admit, some of the Gryffindors were not so bad. Lovegood, on the other hand, was another story. He stood next to Pansy when Longbottom walked over.
"Evening, Pansy. You're looking exceptionally beautiful tonight," Neville complimented.
Pansy smiled wide; her face heating up as she giggled, "Thank you, Neville."
Draco looked at Pansy with a raised eyebrow. Pansy giggled even harder as she struck up a conversation with Longbottom.
Draco ignored them; he didn't want to understand what was going through Pansy's head. He was on a mission of his own.
Harry noticed Malfoy moving closer. Harry moved left; just in case Malfoy did want to talk. It had to be discretely of course. They stood next to each other, but Malfoy wasn't looking anywhere at Harry. Merlin, he looks better this close up.
"Hello, Malfoy."
"Evening, Potter."
There was a small awkward pause.
"I see you went with Parkinson tonight."
"Pansy - and yes. I see you went with your girl."
"She's not m-" Harry wanted to correct him, "…uh, yea. She's here somewhere."
There was another awkward pause before Draco finally faced Potter.
"I just wanted to say you look…uh," Draco hesitated.
"What? Hideous?" Harry looked up at Malfoy waiting for the impending insult to fly out.
Draco gave him a stern look.
"I was going to say nice, but since you thi-"
"You were going to give me a compliment?" Harry's face softened.
Draco stuttered, "Well I-I thought…maybe I should…"
"I think you look nice too…Draco," murmured Harry.
"What?" Draco froze in place as Potter walked off to find Ginny. He called me Draco.
The doors opened and the students filed inside. Harry didn't know what came over him. His heart was racing and his palms were sweaty. I just called him Draco.
The hall looked beautiful. They forewent the house colors and decorated with the basic colors of black and white. In the middle of the hall was a black marble dance floor. White shear panels of drapes were hoisted up displaying pictures of students throughout the year. There were large round tables that sat six people for the more intimate atmosphere. The floor excluding the dance space was a sparkling white contrasting lovely with the black chairs and table cloths. The center pieces were of black glass vases with white orchids blooming out. Placed on top for each occupant was a simple white mask that once on, it would change to match their outfit.
Harry took it all in as he and his friends walked in to find their tables. At his table sat Ron, Hermione, Malfoy, Parkinson, and Ginny.
Dumbledore waited for everyone to settle in before he stood up to say a few words.
"Welcome students to the Masquerade Ball. I know everyone is eager for the term to end and some of you, this will be your last…" and Dumbledore continued his speech.
Everyone started to put their mask on when Dumbledore finished speaking. Once Draco did, he looked up and saw that Potter sat directly in front of him. Taking a deep breath, he grabbed Pansy's hand and led her to the dance floor.
Harry watched Malfoy and Parkinson dance. Draco looked so happy. It kind of makes me wish Malfoy was my secret admirer. He looks so sweet.
"Harry, aren't you going to ask me to dance?"
Harry looked at Ginny then glanced over at the couples dancing, particularly Malfoy and Parkinson.
"You want to dance, M-Ginny?" Harry stumbled on her name, still staring at Malfoy.
"I would love to," she accepted and pulled Harry out of his seat and out to the dance floor.
About two hours later, Pansy and Draco were still dancing. Her eyes roamed the scene that greeted her, skimming swiftly over the numerous couples melting gently into each other's arms while they waltzed together. The girls' evening gowns were an explosion of color; the boys perfected the look of gentlemen in their dark dress robes.
The other students who weren't dancing were ensconced in their own cosy little circles of conversation, their hands lightly holding onto their drinks and sipping from it. The Great Hall was echoing with the gentle rise and fall of murmurs, slightly muffled by the music. A band played on the stage, and Pansy sighed blissfully when she heard the soft tinkling of the piano, the steady metronome of the gentle drums.
Then her eyes settled on her dance partner. Draco sure has been acting strange since that obvious conversation he had with Potter.
"So Draco, what were you talking about with Potter?"
Draco stopped dancing and stared at Pansy.
"What are you talking about?" I was sure no one saw us.
"I know you were talking to him."
"How do you know? You were preoccupied with Longbottom."
Pansy's cheek tinted a slight pink as she replied, "I know, but that doesn't mean I can't multitask."
Draco's lips were pressed firmly together; Pansy laughed at him.
"We can talk about this later. It's almost 10 o'clock and you have to go."
"I know, Pans. I've been checking the time every five minutes."
"Yes, I've noticed. Look, Draco," Pansy started as she dragged him off the dance floor, "I know you're nervous. Stop looking at me like that. I know you are. Anyway, you can't wait forever for Potter."
"What?" Draco grabbed Pansy by the shoulders and looked straight into her eyes. "Why would I be waiting for Potter?"
Pansy had her own smirk cross her face.
"Next time, hun, remember to put silencing charms up when you admit things, but I digress. You need to get going." Pansy shoved Draco away.
"You're lucky you're my best friend," hissed Draco.
"I know, dear. Don't do anything I wouldn't do."
Draco turned back and said jokingly, "Oh, so apparently I can do anything, right?"
"Shut up and go!"
Harry checked the time again; it was 10:00. He had ten minutes until he had to meet his secret admirer. He sat at their table with Ginny, Ron and Hermione; they were taking a breather from dancing.
"I'll be right back," Harry thought of a lie to leave, "I need to get some air."
"Oh, good. I'll come with-" Ginny tried to insert.
"No! That's quite alright," Harry hastily said.
"Nonsense. We should go somewhere quiet," Ginny failed incredibly at sounding seductive.
Hermione saw Harry's tight expression and went to intervene.
"Ginny, how did you get your hair so curly? I've tried many spells, but it just didn't work."
"Oh! Well, you see…" and Harry was thankful Ginny got sidetracked.
He met Hermione's gaze and mouthed "thank you" before he left the table.
Draco checked the time again; it was eight after ten. Where the hell is he? Just then, he heard faint footsteps behind him. His face flushed with nervousness, so he left his mask on for the time being.
"Hello…I'm guessing since you're the only person out here means you're waiting for me."
Why does that voice sound oddly familiar?
"Yes. And it's only fair to say that since you're out here, you were looking for me," replied Draco.
He still didn't turn around when his secret admirer arrived. There was a part of him that didn't want to be disappointed because of his high hopes for Potter.
"I loved your letters by the way. I don't think I ever got lyrics that weren't cheesy sounding."
Draco listened as his secret admirer talked. He really didn't know what he was talking about. I never sent him any letters.
"Heh…it was kind of sweet when you would tell me about your day. It was sincere. I usually don't get that in letters. My fans always talk about how much they know me instead. Your letters were such a relief."
His fans? He's either very conceited or… Slowly pivoting, Draco faced his secret admirer. Holy shit!
Harry was a little disappointed that his secret admirer still had his mask on. Well, maybe he's a little nervous. I know I am.
"That's pretty strange because I received letters from you too. And let me say, they were really…genuine. They sure did make me smile a lot more. My friends have been wondering why I've been so nice to them lately."
I sent him letters? Harry had a strange feeling wash over him; one that made him rethink this whole situation.
"You seem to have figured me out when everyone had me pegged as a clone of my father. Anyway, your words really meant a lot to me. I don't think I ever 'met' someone like you."
Harry's head was spinning. He squinted at this mysterious person, trying to figure out what was going on.
"So…" he trailed off.
"I sent you letters?" questioned Harry, "You're the one who sent me letters."
"If you think about this, Potter, I'd say we were probably set up."
I know that voice. N-no! It can't be.
"Um…could you take your mask off?"
"Why?" Draco asked haltingly. I knew I shouldn't have said Potter.
"Because I want to make sure this is not a dream."
Draco took a deep breath before he lifted his hands to his face. He let out his breath and slid the mask down.
"Hi, Potter."
A few moments passed as they stared at each other. Neither of them wanted to move; afraid the other would run off.
"This is impossible," murmured Harry.
"When it comes to you, I think anything is possible."
"Stop it! Don't act like you know me," yelled Harry as he took a step back.
"Of course, I know you. If those letters are anything to go by…"
"No! I never wrote you anything." Harry looked around as if someone was about to jump out and laugh. "This has to be some kind of joke."
Draco saw Harry take another step. He didn't want him to go, but Draco had no idea how to make him stay.
"This isn't a joke. Well, I don't think it is. But who would really benefit from our humiliation?"
"I can think of many names and on the top of that list sits you."
"Well, this time you're wrong. Last night, when we almost kis-"
"Just STOP," screamed Harry as he turned away.
In a small, hurt voice, he continued, "I don't know how you did it, but I never took you to be this cruel. I can't believe I-I,"
Draco took a step forward; he had a feeling Harry was going to bolt.
"Potter?" Draco went to grab his arm.
Harry whirled around to face him. His eyes shone, but he refused to let the tears fall.
"I have to go," whispered Harry.
Draco barely heard those words before Harry dashed back into the castle. He stood there trying to stop his heart from racing. What just happened?
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