Writer's Note: I am the worst person ever, and for that, I'm so sorry! Summertime came with a lot of stuff going on that I wasn't prepared for. Mostly work, but I also spent time with friends and family more than ever so I was unable to find time to get to writing. And not only that, but my laptop acted up sometime in the past two months and now I can't access any of my old documents. That was a set back that postponed this chapter immensely. So, as an apology, I hope you enjoy this extra long chapter that I have been anticipating since I started Ira's fourth year. A lot goes on in this chapter, but it all has a purpose.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, but my OC's are mine.
Enjoy!
Chapter Twenty-One
"Ira! You made it!"
The Weasley twins wrapped an arm around the Slytherin and dragged her deeper into the common room towards a table made up with different snacks and drinks. Ira took an innocent looking glass of pumpkin juice and glanced around at the Gryffindors.
Spotting Harry sitting in between Ron and Hermione, Ira grinned suddenly, and the twins gave each other a cheeky look.
Ira noticed and rolled her eyes. "Yes, boys?"
"Nothing," they said in unison. But the look on their faces told her otherwise.
Instead of questioning their knowing faces, Ira took off for the couch where her friends sat. They greeted her with smiles and Harry opened his mouth up to say something when Lee Jordan's voice carried over them all.
"Blimey, this is heavy." He held the large golden egg that Harry won in the First Task. "Open it, Harry, go on! Let's just see what's inside it!"
Harry moved his eyes from Ira and grabbed the egg that Lee had outstretched towards him.
"He's supposed to work out the clue on his own," Hermione said. "It's in the tournament rules…"
"I was supposed to work out how to get past the dragon on my own too," Harry muttered, so only his friends could hear.
"Yeah, go on, Harry, open it!" several people echoed.
Harry glanced up at Ira as if for confirmation. She simply shrugged and sipped her pumpkin juice.
He felt around the egg's groves until it clicked open. Although it was hollow inside, a frightening noise came from the emptiness within it. It was so bad Ira's cup slipped from her hand, so she could cup her ears in pain. The screeching seemed to go on forever until Harry finally snapped it shut.
"What was that?" Seamus Finnigan asked. "Sounded like a banshee…maybe you've got to get past one of those next, Harry!"
"It was someone being tortured!" Neville said, going white in the face. "You're going to have to fight the Cruciatus Curse!"
"Don't be a prat, Neville, that's illegal," George said. "They wouldn't use the Cruciatus Curse on the champions. I thought it sounded a bit like Percy singing…maybe you've got to attack him while he's in the shower, Harry."
Ira managed to giggle while waving her wand in the air to clean up her mess. She picked up the empty goblet and placed it back onto the table, feeling someone ease up beside her.
"I was almost afraid you wouldn't have come," Harry said.
Ira turned. "You are my friend, Harry. I wouldn't have missed it." She looked over her shoulder at Fred and George. "Although you might want to thank the twins for inviting me. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have known this was even a thing."
Harry smiled. "I didn't even know it was a thing."
"Surprises make for the best occasions."
"I don't think I like surprises too much."
Ira laughed. "Oh, I do. It leaves so much to be unexpected."
Harry led them to a secluded corner in the common room. He sat down and waved for her to join him. She tucked a stray curl behind her ear and smiled nervously, plopping down beside him.
"So, what was it like?" Ira asked.
Harry pushed his glasses up more. "Hmm?"
"The dragon, Harry," she reminded with a laugh. "What was it like going toe-to-toe with a Hungarian Horntail?"
"Terrifying."
They both laughed.
"Well, of course, but did you get an adrenaline rush? No excitement at all?"
He shrugged. "I guess so. The real excitement came when I finally got the egg."
Ira took a drink and leaned back. "It was very brave of you, you know. Most boys would cower away if they were to do such a thing."
He looked at her for a long moment, taking in her long brown curls and the freckles dotting her face. She stared right back, watching as his eyes roamed her face, finally landing on her lips. The area grew quiet around them, the air feeling a bit too stuffy with what was about to happen. Ira gulped as a blush crept onto her cheeks.
"What are you staring at?" Ira asked quietly.
Harry licked his lips. "Ira, you're—"
"Oi! Harry! Check out these Canary Creams!"
The spell broke and Ira tore her eyes away from Harry's. She focused on Fred and George as they laughed at a molting Neville, who undoubtably had tried one of the forsaken Canary Creams they went on about.
Harry stood up and rubbed his sweaty palms against his pants. "I should, uh, get back to the party."
Ira smiled thinly. "Go ahead. I think I'm going to head out anyway."
He frowned. "Really?"
"Yeah, it's about my bedtime and I don't want Snape to chop my head off for being out past curfew."
"I'm sure that's never stopped you before."
Ira yawned for emphasis, although she knew he was right.
"Never mind, you're probably right. I'll see you in class tomorrow?" he asked.
In return, she nodded and forced a smile, feeling a wave of disappointment take place in her heart.
December came with a bitter cold that blanketed the grounds in thick white snow, keeping a majority of the student body inside for most of the month. While they curled up in front of fireplaces and cinched their robes tighter against themselves while walking the school's drafty hallways, the cold didn't stop word from spreading like wildfire about the incoming Yule Ball taking place Christmas day.
Students spoke adamantly about the ball; mainly who they'd ask, what their dresses would look like, how'd they do their makeup or hair, etcetera, etcetera. Most girls shared the same reaction—excitement, thrill, joy—yet Ira couldn't follow their furor.
Lily gave a group of girls a sideways glance, eyeing them as they watched Draco's group of goonies across the hall.
"You'd think girls would have more respect for themselves," she sighed.
The two took time to stop for a break between classes. Ira sat on a window's ledge, staring into space as she thought about Harry, and if she'd ask him to the ball.
Lily snapped her fingers in front of Ira's face, knocking her from the trance.
"Ira!"
Ira shook her head. "Huh?"
"I was just bashing Malfoy's group and you didn't even chime in."
"Oh, sorry. I was thinking about something."
"Something or someone?"
Ira rolled her eyes and jumped down from the ledge. "If you must know, I'm thinking about asking Harry to the ball."
The said person walked past with Ron as a few girls followed them. Ira deflated with a pout.
"Although, I think he may already be taken," she said.
Lily scoffed. "Pish posh, he's rejected every girl so far that's asked him to the ball."
"Where'd you hear that?"
"Tracey told me about it during Transfiguration. A third-year Hufflepuff asked him as well as some second-year Ravenclaw. Oh! And a fifth year also asked him as well, apparently. All rejected, however."
Ira couldn't help but wonder why he'd rejected so many offers. Surely, he could have anyone of his choosing. He was the Chosen One, after all, and a Triwizard Champion.
The last week of term progressed into new rumors surrounding the ball. From Dumbledore buying eight hundred barrels of mulled mead from Madam Rosmerta to booking the Weird Sisters to play at the ball—which was the only rumor that ended up being true—there was a lot to be speculated for Christmas day.
For the first time in a while, most of the Hogwarts students fourth year and above were staying for the holiday. Ira usually did and had thought about going back home to visit Freya but figured she couldn't miss out on the opportunity to get dolled up and have fun for a night. The only problem she ran into was finding a date.
"Just go stag," Lily said. "That's what I'm doing."
"I would, but I really want to ask Harry." Her eyes moved over Lily's shoulder to the Gryffindor table, where she could see Ron and Harry talking close together.
"Then just ask him already. Stop being a sodding Hufflepuff and do it."
"But what if he says no?" Ira could picture the embarrassment in her head, the feeling of more disappointment pooling in her stomach and her face splotching deep red until she ran off.
"Then he says no, and you find someone else to take you. I heard Neils wanted to ask you all week but hasn't found the guts to do it."
"I don't know how you get all this information," Ira said.
"Tracey is wonderful, isn't she?" Lily said boldly, looking in the direction the girl sat in.
Ira watched her and snickered. "Jeez, maybe you should take Tracey to the ball."
Lily faltered and went red.
Ira's fork paused before making it to her mouth. "What?"
"Nothing," she said quickly. "So, are you going to ask Harry or what?"
Ira looked back over at Harry and made her decision.
Although, getting him alone was quite hard after leaving the Great Hall and following him up Gryffindor Tower. Ron seemed to be going on about something and Harry looked hardly interested, as his eyes remained glued in front of him while walking upstairs.
"Ahem," Ira coughed.
The two boys paused and turned while the rest of their house continued their trot. Ron gave Harry a tense smile before nudging him in the arm.
Harry gulped. "H-Hey, Ira."
Ira met them at the top of the staircase. "I haven't spoken to you two in forever."
Ron agreed. "We've gotten so much bloody homework before break we didn't think we'd see the light of day again."
The three started walking.
"I know how you feel," Ira said.
When they got closer to the portrait of the Fat Lady, Ira knew it was time to put aside her fears. She was a Slytherin who shouldn't've been afraid of a simple rejection. It was Harry, and many people told her before that he had eyes for her. If only that hadn't changed in the past week or so, then Ira was in the clear.
"Hey, Ron?"
"Hmm?"
"Could I speak with Harry alone, please?"
"Err, sure thing."
Ron disappeared behind the portrait and Ira and Harry were finally alone. Last time they were, they had a little moment together in the Gryffindor common room. If Ira read the signs correctly, they had almost kissed. It saddened her that they didn't, because she was yearning for confirmation that he did indeed like her back. For years it felt like she'd been holding on hope that there were more than just friendly emotions between them. Perhaps this would push her in the right direction.
Harry, slightly confused, walked them over to a window overlooking the snowy outdoors. "What's up?"
Ira leaned forward and watched a snowflake plaster itself to the window, trying to find the right words to get out.
"So, the Yule Ball is soon," she said lamely.
"Yeah, I know," he nodded. "Ron and I have been trying to find dates all week."
Ira laughed lightly. "I heard you've kept a few girls interested."
"A few…but they weren't the person I really wanted to ask."
Ira sucked in a breath. "That's why you rejected them?"
"Each and every one until…" Harry ran a hand through his hair nervously. "Look, Ira…"
That's when she bit the bullet and ran with it.
"Would you like to go to the ball with me?" Ira asked, watching as different emotions flashed across Harry's face.
His mouth fell. "Ira, I wanted to go to the ball with you this whole time, but I…"
Ira's heart dropped.
"Trust me, I really wanted to ask you, but Ron and I agreed that right now just isn't the right time to be taking a Death Eater's daughter to a dance."
"What?" Ira felt as though she'd been slapped. This whole time she thought that that piece of information didn't matter. She was still one of Harry's best friends, and she just hoped for a little more than that despite her family's roots.
He stepped toward her. "Ira, I'm sorry. I think your father may have it out for me, and I know you feel the same. It's safer this way."
Ira felt her eyes brim with tears. "What happened to bravery, Harry? You can go up against a dragon but not my bloody father? That's cowardly!"
"He's a Death Eater, Ira, Voldemort's right-hand-man."
"Was a Death Eater, was Voldemort's right-hand-man. That evil being is gone, Harry. Gone. My father is useless without him."
"But just in case, I have to look out for us. It doesn't explain why my scar still hurts, Ira. Sirius and I are still trying to figure it out, and in the meantime, I need to keep you at arms distance."
"Is that what you've been doing? 'Keeping me at arms distance'?"
Harry took in the tears starting to pool in her eyes. He instantly regretted saying anything, but she had to know.
"Ira, I like you. A lot. More than just a friend and going to the Yule Ball was something I wanted to experience with you. But I can't risk having a bigger target on my back."
She understood, yet the hurtfulness of his words got to her before the rational part of her could wrap her mind around it.
Harry moved in for a hug, but she stepped back.
"Who are you going with then? To the ball?" she asked.
"Parvati."
Ira shook her head and wiped away her tears quickly, feeling the anger rise. "Well, I'm sure you two will have a lovely time together."
The bitterness of her words came out harsher than she intended. Not caring, she spun on her heel and started to run. She didn't even stop when she heard Harry call out for her, not once turning around until she was in the dungeons.
In the days leading up to Christmas, Ira worked on the massive amount of homework the fourth years had gotten assigned. While others took this time preparing for the Yule ball, she figured it'd be best to complete all of her schoolwork before the day arrived. Giant wars and goblin rebellions were lackluster compared to the fun the other students were experiencing.
She sat in the library alone with Lady laying leisurely over the wooden table next to her. The only other person there was Madam Pince. She had invited Lily to join her, but she and Tracy went to Hogsmeade to pick up dresses.
Ira looked over at Lady. "Maybe you should be my date, Lady."
She reached a hand over behind Lady's ear and scratched, earning a happy mewl in response. Ira smiled.
A pair of footsteps approached Ira's table. Lady growled when Neils came from behind an isle of books with a friendly smile and a single rose in his hand.
Ira leaned back from the table as Lady hopped of the table and guarded her.
"Can I help you?" Ira questioned, eyeing the rose oddly.
Neils scratched at the stubble on his chin. "I was thinking you could help me." He handed her the rose. "I was wondering if you'd like to go to the Yule ball with me?"
Ira looked at the rose in her hand and couldn't find the words to respond.
Neils slid into the seat next to her. He was handsome, probably one of the most handsome Durmstrang boys that had come to Hogwarts, and here Ira was speculating going with him to the ball or not. Any other girl would've jumped at the chance with an automatic yes falling from their lips. Why was it so hard for Ira?
Because the person she wanted to go with rejected her. But it wasn't sadness that she felt, it was anger.
Ira gripped the rose. "Are you sure you want to go with me?"
Neils guffawed. "Why wouldn't I? You're beautiful, smart, funny—"
"You hardly know me, Neils."
"Then let me get to know you. Tomorrow night. At the ball."
As Lady pawed at Ira's feet in discouragement, Ira ignored her and smiled brightly. "Yes. I'd love to go with you."
He grinned. "Great! I'll see you tomorrow night in the entrance hall?"
Ira nodded. "See you there."
And then he was gone.
Lady jumped back up onto the table and glared at Ira.
"What?"
The feline just laid back down with her back to Ira, clearly angry with Ira's decision.
It dawned on Ira when she woke on Christmas day that she hadn't gotten a dress for the ball. She face palmed at the pile of gifts at the end of her bed, knowing nothing in the wrapped boxes would help her later in the night.
Daphne, Pansy, and Millicent were already awake unwrapping their gifts. They squealed in delight with each thing they got.
Ira rolled her eyes and began picking apart her pile. From her father, she'd gotten a beautiful diamond bracelet that looked too expensive to even wear. Although she currently felt indifferent about him, she clasped the beautiful stones around her wrist anyway. Rhys got her a highly advanced books on the Dark Arts and a silk scarf that felt like water rippling beneath her fingertips. From Freya, a small leather journal with a hand-written letter tucked away inside. Ira would read it later after she was done opening her gifts.
And from her friends—Harry got her a new set of Quidditch gloves that were lined with velvet, Ron sent her a different array of sweets from Honeydukes, Hermione gave her a new edition of Death Omens: What to Do When You Know the Worst is Coming, and Lily bought her a beautiful gray purse that had an Undetectable Extension Charm. And, of course, Ira also received a sweater from Molly Weasley and a package of cauldron cakes she'd made herself.
The final gift was the biggest, with navy blue wrapping and a white bow, Ira saw it was from Narcissa. Ira peeled away the paper and opened the large box. What was inside took her aback.
It was a gown for the ball.
Ira's eyes widened at the fabric. It wasn't her style at all; it was a black strappy gown that had soft white dots throughout the tulle, making it appear as the night sky. Inside was also a pair of black pumps with a heel that Ira knew she'd break an ankle in. She wanted to faint. It would be the most skin she'd ever shown off if she were to wear it.
She packaged the box back up and put on her robe, darting out of her dorm and hurrying to Lily's.
"Lily! Look what I—"
She stopped when she saw Lily jump back from Tracey's embrace, the two sharing the same raw lips, as though they'd been kissing moments before Ira barged in.
"Oh, uh, sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt."
Lily blushed harder. She couldn't piece together words to explain herself.
Ira, embarrassed, slowly moved from the room. "I'll just see you at breakfast, yeah?"
She didn't wait for them to say anything.
Walking back to her room, Ira neatly put away her presents while thinking about Lily and Tracy. Surely, there was nothing wrong with the two liking each other. It was just a shock that Ira hadn't pieced it together sooner. For years, Sally had been trying to get Lily a date—always something involving a boy. But never did she suspect that maybe Lily wasn't interested in them. It spoke in volumes how little both Sally and Ira knew of their best friend before. Even if Sally wasn't their friend now.
For breakfast, Ira and Lily ate in silence. They didn't know what to say to each other.
Lunch was the exact same. The students indulged in several turkeys, Christmas puddings, and Cribbage's Wizarding Crackers. By the end, most students couldn't move.
"Ugh, all this food and I won't be able to fit into my dress," Ira heard Pansy say from a few seats down.
"Nobody's telling you to eat it," Blaise said with a roll of his eyes.
Ira snickered and leaned over to talk to Lily for the first time since this morning. "I don't think she'll be able to fit into her dress period. Did you see that thing?"
Lily shook her head. "No but knowing Parkinson I'm expecting it to be short and two sizes too small."
The two laughed.
"Hey, I'm sorry about this morning," Ira offered. "I didn't mean to barge in and make things awkward."
"It's fine. I was going to tell you about, uh, everything, but I was waiting until I was ready."
Ira winced. "I'm sorry."
Lily smiled. "Stop it. It's kind of a relief that someone knows. I'm happy it's you."
"So, are you taking her to the ball?"
Lily's face dropped. "No. She's going with Blaise. I'm going alone."
"Oh."
"Don't worry about me," Lily said. "I'll have a good enough time third wheeling you and Neils."
"I don't want you to feel like a third wheel."
"I'll eat food and drink nonalcoholic cocktails while you dance the night away with some hunk of muscle that wants to 'get to know you'. I'll be fine," Lily giggled. "Seriously, he must really like you if he wants to get to know you."
"I don't think he'll like the real me," Ira said sadly. "I won't tell him everything but just enough for him to form an honest opinion of me."
"Maybe it'll work out and eight years from now you'll be married with children."
Ira cringed.
"I know, I know. Maybe you'll be Mrs. Potter to the Harry Potter instead."
Ira pelted Lily with a bread roll.
That night, Ira got ready with Lily in the dorm she shared with Sally and Tracey. Sally was nowhere to be seen, giving the three girls space to get ready without any drama.
Ira picked up the dress from the box and held it up to her frame. Lily and Tracey shared awed looks when they saw it.
"That dress is gorgeous," Tracey complimented. "Neils won't be able to keep his hands or eyes off of you."
Lily nodded. "I think the whole male population in the building tonight are going to wish they had you as their date."
"Guys," Ira blushed. "I haven't even tried it on yet. I'll probably end up looking like a giant Hidebehind."
Tracey frowned. "A what?"
"It's a creature across the pond. They prey on humans and are a cross between a ghoul and Demiguise."
"Sounds creepy."
"Quite."
Ira removed her clothes and carefully slipped into the gown. Tracey and Lily watched with anticipation.
The fabric hugged Ira's curves on the top half and then billowed out slightly at the waist. The long slit up the side of the dress showed off the creaminess of Ira's leg, making her appear taller when she toed into her heels. It was a beautiful dress held together by thin straps that crisscrossed behind her back, showing off more skin that Ira bargained for.
"Is this even appropriate for the ball?" Ira asked anxiously while staring into a full-length mirror.
"Tons of girls have dresses that show off some skin," Tracey said while moving Ira's hair to the side. "Now, lets do hair and makeup."
Ira didn't know if she trusted Tracey with her hair. The most she'd ever done with it was throw it into a bun on top of her head. She never tried straightening it or managing it. It kind of had a mind of its own.
Tracey dipped two fingers into a jar of something called Sleekeazy's Hair Potion and Scalp Treatment. She glided her fingers throughout Ira's hair and the person in the mirror no longer looked like Ira.
Instead of having unruly curls, Ira's hair morphed into sleeked back hair that made her look more put together.
"I think you should show off your long hair. Or did you want it put up in some kind of updo?" Tracey asked.
Ira shrugged.
"We'll keep it down."
Tracey continued to work her magic until the makeup was complete and Ira could finally get a peek at the final reveal.
"Merlin, I look…different," Ira remarked, standing up to get a full look in the mirror.
"Not by much. I just added some dark eyeshadow and mascara for a sultry effect and pink gloss to balance out your paleness. I thought about red lipstick, then thought against it. And look, your freckles are even more prominent."
Lily moved to get a better look and whistled. "Wow. Malfoy and his gang are going to regret ever picking on you."
Malfoy. Ira almost forgot that ferret existed. How would he react to seeing this unbuttoned version of herself? Not that she cared, but it would be satisfactory if it riled him up to know the girl he'd taunted for years could look so beautiful.
Ira spun and wobbled in her shoes. "Let's not let a ferret get me down tonight. He's hardly on my conscience anymore."
Lily and Tracey shared a look with mutual grins.
"Well, after tonight, I'm thinking you're going to be all his conscience can think about," Lily said.
The three of them dressed to the nines—Tracey wearing a soft blue dress with a high-low skirt and strapless sleeves and Lily wearing a purple off-the-shoulder dress that hugged her body—they started walking together to the common room.
Ira halted when her hand came up to her neck. "Wait! I forgot something. I'll meet you guys up there, okay?"
She didn't wait and ran back upstairs as quickly as she could in her heels. Her mother's necklace was no longer around her neck and laid across Lily's bed. Ira sighed in relief at finding it.
A buzzing sound like static sounded from the bed. It was gentle, muffled almost.
Ira pursed her glossed lips and grabbed the crystal, holding it up to her ear for the sound. But it disappeared as hastily as it came.
That's odd, Ira thought. She'd never heard such a thing come from the crystal before, and it'd been around her neck for four years now.
Ira didn't have the time to ponder it. She clasped the white crystal around her neck and barreled down the stairs and out of the dungeons.
Nearly tripping on her dress and breaking an ankle, Ira entered the entrance hall. Regaining balance and moving swiftly over the stone floors, Ira held her head high as she watched students mill around outside the Great Hall.
Everyone looked amazing—all dressed in frilly numbers or sleek, silky gowns, the men in the hall didn't even have to try in their suits and robes. They didn't look like ordinary students that wore the same uniform for days on end. The looked fancy and polished. It was a new, different environment for the night.
Ira was so caught up in the dress code that she didn't have time to realize the envious looks she got from some of her female peers. Pansy and Daphne had to do a double take before gossiping wildly about Ira's distinctive look. They looked bland in comparison.
"I told you they'd be staring."
Ira jumped out of her skin when she saw Lily had found her in the crowd.
"Honestly, I'm kind of jealous myself," Lily said.
Ira's cheeks turned red. "Stop it."
Lily paused. "And look, Malfoy is nearly drooling."
Ira stared back at Draco, who now turned his head to see what Pansy and Daphne were so inflamed about. When she caught him staring, his look of appraisal turned to disdain, and he turned back to the boys to finish talking to them.
Sally even looked Ira up and down as if seeing her in a new light.
"Sally looks pretty," Ira said, watching as she moved along in an emerald green dress encrusted with gold.
Lily grabbed Ira's hand and moved forward as the crowd parted for the Durmstrang lot to move inside.
"She always looks pretty. She doesn't have to try."
Viktor Krum lead the party of Durmstrang boys behind their professor. On his arm was a beautiful girl whose periwinkle dress flowed with each step. Her hair was done up in a knot behind her head, with some curled strands to frame her face. Its when Ira's eyes landed on the girls face that she realized who it was.
"That's Hermione," Ira said.
"I think everyone sees that."
Like Ira when she walked in, girls were green with envy. Even Draco had no words to say to her when she walked by.
"Ooh, here comes Prince Charming," Lily pointed out.
Neils did indeed look like Prince Charming. With his hair neatly in place and wearing an impeccable suit with a robe waving off his shoulders, he looked every part of a prince.
"Hey, you look amazing," he greeted.
Ira curtsied. "Thank you."
He grabbed her hand a placed a kiss across her knuckles. What a gentleman. Then he led her inside behind the champions that took seats at the front of the Great Hall.
Hogwarts really outdid itself for decorations. The walls glittered in what looked like frost and mistletoe and garland strung from the starry black ceiling. Large frosted Christmas trees also took up the space, bringing some of the forest indoors for the occasion.
Instead of the usual house tables, several smaller ones were laid out for people to dine at before the ball began. Ira and Neils sat with some of the Durmstrang lot and their dates.
Their place settings came with menus that they looked over. If they spoke out loud what they wanted to feast on, it would appear automatically without haste. Ira picked up on this as some of the Durmstrang boys asked for different stews or goulash.
"What are you thinking about eating tonight?" Neils asked as he fingered the menu over in his hands.
Ira shrugged. "No idea. I'm quite picky."
They ordered their food after a few moments of deciding—beef stews and bread rolls—and set off on getting to know each other.
"Do you have any siblings?" he asked, turning so Ira knew she had his full attention.
"Two. An older brother and a younger sister."
"Both Slytherin?"
"Well, my sister isn't in school yet. She's still quite young. I don't think she'll be a Slytherin though. But my brother was before he graduated."
Neils seemed genuinely interested, and it shocked Ira that he was willing to listen.
"What does he do now?"
"He's an intern—helping my father at the Ministry."
"Your father is that scary guy, right? The one up there with Ludo Bagman?"
Ira nodded. "That'd be him."
"I'd sure hate to get on his wrong side," Neils remarked while staring up at the High Table. "Is it true he's a Death Eater?"
Ira's good mood soured at the question. "Was a Death Eater."
"Right, sorry. I didn't mean—"
"It's fine," Ira said.
"Students, if you could all rise for me, seeing as we now have full bellies for the night," Dumbledore rang out.
Thankful for the interruption, Dumbledore waved his wand in the air and the tables moved to the walls and a platform rose from the floor of the right wall. Several different instruments were placed upon it, and the Weird Sisters trotted up to the stage with applause.
Ira didn't want to talk anymore. "Let's dance?"
After the champions began their ceremonial dance, the rest of the students walked out to the dance floor and began swaying with the soft music. Ira felt her cheeks burn when Neils placed his hands on her waist. She wrapped her arms around his neck, all the while asking herself if she was doing any of these actions correctly.
"You're doing fine," Neils assured her, bringing his mouth close to her ear. "Just follow my lead."
And just like that, they flowed with the tune of the music like water across marble.
Over Neils shoulder, Ira saw Harry dancing with Parvati. It stung to see him in some other girl's arms, but she knew that it was for the best, no matter how hurt she had been. He did like her, and for that she felt happy. She just wished things were different for them both. Maybe then they could be happy together.
"Why didn't you ask Harry Potter to be your date?" Neils asked, seeing that her attention was elsewhere.
"He…didn't want to go with me."
"Why's that?"
Ira moved closer to Neils as they almost danced into another couple having a heated moment. "It doesn't matter. I came to the dance with you and that's what matters."
Neils grinned. "Right."
The last note of a bagpipe circled through the Great Hall. Ira released her arms from Neils and stepped around him.
"Thirsty? I can get us refreshments," Ira offered.
"Sure."
The refreshments table was done up with different treats and drinks. Ira grabbed two goblets and began filling them when she felt a tap on her shoulder.
Turning, Ira found herself face-to-face with Sally.
"Um, hi?"
Sally bit her lip and turned to speak to the guy she'd dragged over with her. Was that Fredrik? Why wasn't she with Draco?
When he left, Sally turned back to address Ira.
"Hi. Look, I know this is really strange after everything that's happened, but I need to tell you something." Her worried eyes flashed over to Neils, then to three people exiting out of the Great Hall.
Ira sat her drinks down to hear whatever Sally had to say. "Okay. I'm listening."
Sally grabbed Ira by the hand and pulled her to a more secluded area. "Neils didn't ask you to the dance because he wanted to. He and Draco have a bet going on that he could get you to come with him to the ball and kiss you before the night was over and he'd get a sizable chunk of change from Draco for it."
Ira, dumbfounded, felt herself go rigid. "What?"
"I'm sorry, Ira. I would've told you sooner…I should've told you sooner. I'm so sorry."
"Why didn't you tell me sooner, then?"
"Because I thought I was in some lovey-dovey relationship with Draco Malfoy—and I was, because I'm a complete ditz—but tonight I couldn't handle knowing he was doing this to you and we got into a fight. I'm pretty sure him and I are over, so I thought I'd tell you now before it was too late."
Ira crossed her arms, trying to figure out what to do.
"Ira, of all things, you don't deserve to have your emotions played with like that. I know you might like Neils just a teeny, tiny bit, but you needed to know that he hasn't felt anything for you. It's all some scripted lie made up by Draco. You're just a cash prize to Neils."
"I-I can't believe he'd do this…to stoop this low…" Ira felt the waterworks before she could stop them.
It was all a blur then.
Ira found Neils in the crowd talking to a Durmstrang loser like himself. She marched up to him and got his full attention from the tears streaking down her face.
"Is there something you want to tell me?" Ira asked.
Neils stuttered. "W-What?"
"Is this all some big game to you? Messing with my emotions?"
"Ira—"
"You know what, you're not worth it. I want to know where he is," Ira glared. "Where is Malfoy?"
Neils pointed to the Great Hall's doors. The three figures Ira saw leaving earlier had to have been Blaise, Draco, and Theo. Who else could it have been? They were probably out in the courtyard getting a kick out of seeing Ira in the arms of someone that didn't really like her.
The air stung her face and nearly froze her tears when she walked outside. Her heels clicked along the ground in loud stomps, making her appearance known.
The boys were grouped along the side of a carriage outside. The passed a flask back and forth of what Ira could only assume was alcohol. They were laughing and in high spirits. How could they be so cruel?
"You bloody arse, Draco Malfoy!" Ira screamed, coming up to him and slapping the flask from his hand.
Blaise and Theo's eyes widened at the new ferocity blazing within Ira's gray eyes. She no longer looked like the beautiful princess she'd been when she entered the ball. Her makeup streaked down her face, and her straightened hair was beginning to curl up. She looked hellbent and ready to cause some serious pain.
"Soares—" Blaise started.
"No! I want you two out of here!" She pointed at both Theo and Blaise and watched them back away with caution.
Draco swallowed thickly. "Soares—"
"It's my turn to talk, Malfoy. I don't know why you think it's fair to play with my emotions like that! You have no right!" By now, Ira's seething with anger, ready to rip his blonde hair from his scalp. "When will it be enough for you, Malfoy?"
She pushed him firmly in the chest, her anger getting the better of her.
"I've already told you to leave me alone! For good! And this is what you do? Bet on me? As if I'm some cheap pawn? You are despicable, Malfoy! A good for nothing piece of dragon dung!"
Students passing by jumped at the sound of Ira's voice.
"If this is the way you treat a lady, I feel sorry for whoever gets to spend the rest of their life with you. You're just as bad as your bloody father!"
Ira didn't have terrible things to say about Lucius—at least not on a personal level. He had always been decent to her, but she knew that statement would get under Draco's skin.
Draco stepped up to her, closing the distance with his face inches from hers. "I'm not my father."
"Really? Because it sure seems like it. Wasn't he a bully as well when he was in school? I heard the stories about him and my father. They were completely foul. Hell, you're nearly worse than them! I bet they never pinned a guy on a girl for good laughs."
"Don't test me, Soares. You're lucky that's the only thing I was up to." He grinned mischievously. "How do you think the school would react to a Seer walking the halls? Hmm? They'd probably compare you to that fruitcake Trelawney."
Ira's fists clenched.
"I know a lot about you, Soares. So much to use against you," he taunted.
"You don't know anything about me."
Draco smirked. "I know more than even you do. Starting with your whore mother—"
A loud crack sounded across the courtyard. A shaky fist moved to Ira's side, pain reverberating across her knuckles. A drop of blood came from Draco's nose.
Ira Soares just punched Draco Malfoy.
"You have no right to meddle in my life, Draco Malfoy. You are an evil, disgusting being for everything you've done!" The tears continued to flow.
Draco noticed the true pain that came to the surface; the broken girl who didn't know anything about herself or her family, the girl who lost her mother, the girl whose father is but a mere splotch in the background—tied to something only to be left speculated. He felt the pain in her punch, could see it in the way she cried this time that there was no going back—not after what he'd just said. A pang of regret flared up in his stomach, something in his heart shifted. But he kept his face clear of any emotion.
"If it's a war you're wanting, Draco Malfoy, then a war you'll get," she said sinisterly through her tears. "I just hope you realize what you bargained for."
Tears continued to fall while she ran back inside. She couldn't control her sobs as she made it to the staircase leading to the dungeons. But she didn't want to go to bed or sulk all night. There was something she had to do beforehand. It wouldn't completely piece herself together again, but it sure would help her night end on a better note.
Ira's tear-stained face stood outside the Gryffindor common room, waiting for the students to get back. The clock had struck midnight already which meant everyone would be going back to their dorms to tuck in after the night's festivities. She just had to wait up for a certain Gryffindor with a lightning bolt scar.
Footsteps came and went, but none of them were Harry. He didn't come up with the rest of them like she hoped.
She stared out the window and sniffled.
About to give up on waiting, Harry's voice chimed in through the darkness.
"Ira? What are you doing here?" he asked, hurrying towards her. He saw her puffy eyes and the mascara tears that dried to her face. "What happened?"
Ira shook her head. "It doesn't matter. I wanted to see you."
"You've been crying."
"I know." Ira bit her lip. She wanted so badly to appear strong. Just once.
Harry grabbed her hand. "Talk to me."
Ira choked on a sob, and the crying began again. "Why does he hate me so much?"
Harry's hand moved to Ira's hair that was now its usual mess of curls. "Who? Malfoy?"
Ira leaned into Harry's chest and sobbed. "He hates me so much, Harry. I don't understand."
"He's a natural prat, Ira, and a Malfoy. Being evil is part of their nature."
"But I didn't do anything," she cried, removing herself from his dress shirt. "He's hated me for so long, bullied me for so long—for nothing. I thought it would end eventually but I don't see an end in sight."
"Ira, you're perfect. Malfoy's clearly blinded by something and that's his loss." He grabbed Ira's chin and made her look at him. "If I were him, I'd feel really stupid right now for whatever he did tonight. He probably saw how beautiful you looked tonight and knew he'd never have a chance. Honestly, a lot of guys tonight couldn't keep their eyes off you…me included."
Ira sucked in a breath and tried to compose herself. "Really?"
Harry nodded. "Really."
They stared at each other as the moonlight through the window blanketed them. They didn't know what to say anymore. Ira knew that it wasn't talking that she wanted. She leaned forward as if for permission to go further, waiting for a response in Harry's eyes.
Their lips met. It was gentle and sweet, and it warmed Ira to her very core to feel such a passion in the middle of her pain.
They didn't know what they were doing—since it was both their first kiss—but for what it was, it was everything Ira imagined.
Even if something in the back of her mind itched for something more than just gentle and sweet.