And another chapter arrives. Expect this chapter to be the longest yet, because there's quite a lot to fit in this one. But still, should be good. At least, that's if I can still be bothered to write towards the end.
Also, as school has started, I've decided that this will now be updating once a week, on Fridays. Homework and such commands this, apparently.
Disclaimer: Don't own them.
--
"Ladies and Gentleman, this Christmas we shall be celebrating with a Masquerade Ball for everyone that is fourth year and above."
Those were the words that boomed through the whole castle, and spelled absolute hell for Harry. Blaise had been calming down with his advances, and he hadn't even seen the Veela in the last few days, and yet with this new revelation … came a lot more forced company with the boy. Of course, he hadn't even bothered to argue when he had been asked to the Ball by the taller male. He knew he would end up giving in, so why argue? No, that wasn't the problem.
It was the clothes he was supposed to wear that were the problem.
"What the hell is he thinking?!"
Harry had no idea who he was yelling to, since he was currently alone in the dorms, but dammit, he was too angry to care! Why the hell did Blaise think he was going to wear this?! He had only agreed to let Blaise choose his outfit because it was a heck load easier then doing it himself, but this was pushing it!
The mask was … well, exquisite, actually. It wasn't the problem. It was a rich, deep green colour, with small, black gems surrounding the eyes and laid on the bottom edge, slowly growing smaller as they went upwards before disappearing. There was beautiful green and black lace to tie it at the back, but what really finished it off were the large, strong, dark green and black feathers that erupted from the left side. They curved ever so slightly, partly under their own weight, and while it looked well-made and beautiful, it wasn't in a showing-off kind of way. It was … beautiful.
The rest of the costume … yeah, there was a problem there.
Of course everyone would be wearing dress robes, but Harry didn't mind too much. Dress robes weren't that bad … right? Of course, he had never had Blaise choose out his dress robes for him before.
They closed together towards the right, just next to his neck, but when the split hit his thigh, it began to widen out slightly and display his leg. The collar wrapped around his neck tightly, reaching all the way up to his chin. The sleeves, which were made of some strange material that was no doubt enchanted, became more translucent near the bottom of the sleeves, still with a slight green tinge. A ring of material would wrap round his middle finger to keep the sleeve down and in place. And to top it all off, black ankle boots that had just a hint of a heel. Though he did have to praise Blaise on the dark green, almost black of the robes.
But to top it all off … he had received in instructions to shave his legs and arms, considering they would be on show. He was also warned that if Harry didn't do it, Blaise would, and that prospect was not a happy one.
--
"No."
"Yes."
"No."
"Yes."
"No!"
"You act like you have a choice."
"Of course I do!"
"No, you really don't. You'll do it in the end, or I'll just pin you down and do it myself. Though lucky for you, I have a spell to for that."
"You can't cast on me anyway!"
"I can't cast harmful spells on you. Removing you of body hair is hardly harmful."
"Dammit …"
Blaise was sitting idly at a desk in the library, answering Harry calmly while continuing to do his homework, which was only pissing Harry off more. He wanted a proper argument over this!
"I won't do it."
"Yes you will. Perhaps not totally willingly, but you will."
"Do you really want every guy in the school ogling me because I look like a girl?"
"Harry, you won't look like a girl. You don't have a waist, for one, and there is a distinct lack of breasts on your chest."
"Bu-"
Harry didn't even get to finish the word. Blaise turned towards him, and before Harry could really get the chance to move; Seeker reflexes only went so far; he was on his back on the floor, his hands pinned to the floor by the elder's knees as he straddled his hips. Harry turned bright red, opening his mouth to yell … before he was once again interrupted by the other boy.
"Do you really want anybody to find us like this? Think of what position you're in."
Harry shut his mouth pretty damn quickly. Blaise reached into his pocket, pulling out his wand and with an idle flick of his wrist, and Harry felt a very strange feeling all over his body from the neck down. His eyes widened slightly, and Blaise smirked at him.
"There."
"Y- You just … You bastard!"
"I'd be quiet otherwise I'll make it permanent."
"Why the hell did you have to pin me down for that?!"
"Because it's fun."
He smirked slightly, reaching down and kissing Harry quickly, earning a growl in return before he got off him and returned to his homework.
--
Harry stood in the hall, looking around to make sure that Blaise wasn't anywhere near him. He was rather easy to spot, despite the fact that everyone was wearing masks. He was taller then most, not to mention his mask was something else. It was a deep red, and showed up easily against the sea of black. It seemed that black was the colour of a Masquerade ball. Of course, Harry showed up rather easily as well.
Along with someone wearing blue that he couldn't place.
"Harry, dance with me."
An arm wrapped around his waist and the raven-haired boy jumped slightly as he was pulled backwards against Blaise. He sighed slightly, looking behind him to glare at the elder boy. Damn bastard … Why the hell should he dance with him?! He had forced him into this horrible clothing, which he still believed despite Hermione's insistence that he looked stunning. He wasn't letting anyone else know who he was.
"No."
"Yes."
"No."
"Yes."
"Is this your new tactic for getting me to do things that I don't want to do?"
"Yes."
Harry sighed slightly, rolling his eyes before nodding his head. It wasn't like he had much of a choice. Blaise took his hand and led him to where there were couples dancing together to a slow song by some band that Harry didn't really care about. He found Blaise's hands on his waist, and while he expected Blaise to dance with him properly, it seemed like they were going to be one of those sappy, swaying couples.
Harry had never experienced that before.
He placed his hands, rather reluctantly it should be said, around Blaise's waist. The taller boy rolled his eyes, moving his hands to move Harry's up and around his neck before placing his hands back on the raven-haired boy's waist and pulling him closer. Harry blinked slightly as he found himself with his head on Blaise's shoulder, and soft breath playing over his cheek and ear.
"Relax, Harry."
Easier said then done. God, this was so beyond unfair. He let Blaise lead, though it could hardly be called that, keeping his head on his shoulder. He guessed it was … nice. In a strange, rather twisted sort of way.
--
"Dance with me, Harry."
The boy looked up, blinking at a rather unwelcome voice. But … that couldn't be who it actually belonged to. The ferret would never do such a thing as ask him to dance. Of course this wasn't Malfoy. Not to mention he never got called Harry by the blonde, it was always Potter. So of course this wasn't Malfoy.
Oh, who was he kidding?
"No."
The hair did give it away; bright blonde wasn't common.
"Why not?"
"Because I don't like you."
"Yes you do, you just won't admit it. It's not like anyone will know it's us."
"Blaise will."
"He won't see. In case you haven't noticed, there are quite a few people out there."
"Just leave me alone, Malfoy. I can't be bothered with your shit."
"How crude. I was simply asking you to dance."
"Shut up. I don't want to."
"Touch luck for you then."
And suddenly there was a hand grabbing his and dragging him out into the hall. What was this, force Harry to dance when he didn't want to day? Draco took Harry's hand in his, the other resting on his waist and waited for Harry to do the same.
"Don't worry, I'll lead. You're a terrible dancer, and I don't want you stepping on my feet."
"Bastard. Explain why I should."
"Because if you don't I'm telling the whole school that I caught you and Blaise making out in a broom cupboard."
And then Draco was dancing with him, and … well, Harry just wanted to punch him.
"Why the hell you dancing with me anyway?"
"Because I like screwing with you. You'll be obsessing over why for the next week."
Draco smirked, and Harry glared at him. He didn't pay any attention to the very angry, red-clad, rather tall boy watching them from the corner.
--
LONG! That's all I've really got to say. I'm gonna go take a break from typing now, before my fingers fall off.
And yes, I realize the clothing part was written rather terribly. I blame that on magical … dress robe … destroyer … fairies. But to be honest, the idea amused me of Harry dressed in something like that, which is why I stuck it in.