A/N; I am so sorry for not updating earlier. My excuse? Our power was out for a long while.
Chapter 21: The Yule Ball.
Mystery POV
She'd figured it out. She'd known the boy had been Imperiursed… she was a threat to me. Just like Severus Snape was. I'd hex the whole lot of them if I wasn't afraid of blowing my cover. I've been under this cover for years – and it's safe.
123
Skye's POV
Draco and I went from shop to shop to find the perfect dress. Or I went from shop to shop – Draco wasn't allowed to look at me as I tried on dresses. Finally I got the right dress… I just hoped that the castle would be magically heated; otherwise I'd nick Sev… dad's cape. I also found Draco a matching tie – after he gave up on the deed.
I shrunk my parcels and put them in my pocket, and Draco and I went to The Three Broomsticks. I was glad that Crabbe and Goyle weren't with him – they freaked me out. To me they looked like sadists and wannabe Death Eaters – and piglets, but let's not say that aloud. We were sitting there, enjoying our Butterbeer and eachothers' company. After a while Lycan joined us. Draco welcomed him with a sneer – I rolled my eyes.
"Hey." Lycan greeted us.
"Hi." I returned his greeting. Draco just ignored him.
"Hello, Draco." Lycan spoke directly to him, but, still, Draco ignored him. What was with him?
"That's it." My voice was soft, but it drew the attention of the two boys. I took out Draco's tie, enlarged it and stood up.
"Draco Malfoy, stop being such a bitter child." I rose and threw the tie at him. He looked shocked at me. "Until you learn to grow up – you can be your own bloody date." With that I walked purposefully to the door. My steps echoed through the already loud pub, I felt his eyes burn into my back – but I really didn't care!
As I exited I bumped into someone. Upon further investigation I realized that it was Harry. He'd also been exiting the pub. He looked just as pissed as I felt.
"Hi, Skye, sorry." He laughed nervously.
"Nah, it's okay." I managed to smile.
"Where're you going?"
"As far from Draco Malfoy as I possibly can." I said, trudging down the street. Harry trailed along.
"That sounds like a wonderful place to go to, doesn't it?" He joked. "Mind if I tag along?"
"Not at all, but you have to bring the tent."
"What? I thought we'd be staying in five-star hotels!"
"Yes, we might, but I'm afraid I don't have the finances to cover that."
"Really? You can always borrow some of mine."
I laughed at his joke.
"I saw you throw something in Malfoy's face… what happened?" The genuine concern in his voice caught me off guard.
"He was just being a complete arse."
"And you've only noticed that now?"
"Listen, I might not like Draco much right now – but he's still my best friend. And you insulting him will not bring you into my good graces." Why was I standing up for the idiot?
"I don't know how you can stand him, honestly, Skye."
"Well, how do you stand Ron and Hermione?"
"I don't know… sometimes I don't. But I guess what holds us up is friendship."
"Now you know how I can stand Draco."
"Hm… I just thought he was friends with Crabbe and Goyle."
"No… Crabbe and Goyle aren't exactly all that bright, Harry, they share one brain." Harry and I were walking back to Hogwarts, shuffling through the snow.
"That's not very nice, you know."
"So? I don't like them, and vice versa." I shrugged.
"Hey, are you going to the ball with someone?" He asked suddenly.
"Not anymore." I replied, pulling my hat lower over my ears.
"Please go with me? I'd ask Hermione, but she said that she's already got someone. And I asked Cho, but she's going with Cedric…"
"Okay." I shrugged.
"Really?" He was flabbergasted.
"Yeah. I figure that my favorite champion can't full well go alone."
"Thanks, Skye!" He was so enthusiastic that he gave me a big bear-hug.
"Just don't mention it." I laughed, pushing him away.
123
The ball was a half hour away, and I was ready. I put on a last piece of jewelry and went down to the Slytherin Common Room – where chaos was at bay.
Every eye turned to me as I entered… soon followed by silence. As I walked to the portrait hole they made a path for me, and then someone opened the portrait hole for me. His hand held out to help me.
I turned to the person to thank him – it was Draco. I smiled at him before climbing out.
I set off to dad's quarters. He opened the door as I lifted my hand to knock. He was dressed in his usual black robes, but he had frozen at the sight of me.
"How do I look?"
He smiled at me – that smile that made him beautiful…
"You look striking, sweetheart." He held out his hand to me. I took it, he twirled me around. "Potter is one very lucky champion."
I blushed.
"Can I quickly come in? I want to check myself in a full mirror."
He stepped aside for me to enter. I quickly went to my room and found the mirror.
What I saw astounded me.
I was wearing an emerald dress that came down to my ankles, were sparkling silver shoes drew the attention. The bodice was a plain green and at the skirt of the dress fine, silver lines sparkled. It was a sleek dress… a dress that went straight down…but it was perfect…
My hair was done up in an elegant bun and wisps of hair fell into my face…
"You look beautiful, sweetheart." Dad's voice traveled to me from my doorway. I flashed him a smile in the mirror.
"Thanks, dad."
"Your date will be waiting."
"I'll go, then."
I felt eyes follow me as I made my way to the Great Hall. Dad walked a little behind me, glaring and sneering at everyone that dared to even look at me – but, of course, they presumed that it was just Snape acting like Snape… sneering at random people and hating the lot of them.
I was late – I knew it. I didn't hear the excited chatter of Hogwarts' students. I glanced shyly around the entrance. I saw the four champions waiting. With a deep breath I stepped on to top step. Again, I drew every eye. Well, the seven pairs of eyes left. Dad walked past me and glared at Harry (I didn't like the thought of what would happen if I actually started to DATE Harry).
Harry came up to me as I reached the bottom step.
"You look great." He said with a smile. I blushed a deep scarlet and took the arm he was holding out for me. I saw that Cedric and Cho were holding hands, and Fleur was giggling with her date… and Viktor Krum stood happily with his date at his side… wait, was that Hermione? She beamed at me, her eyes sparkling. She looked very pretty, her usually bushy hair was now sleek and shiny and she had donned a pink dress – not my favorite color, but still, she looked very pretty.
"You look awesome, Hermione." I smiled.
"You look stunning, Skye!"
I smiled shyly.
"Do you know how to dance?" Harry whispered to me.
"Yes, why?"
"We're going to be the first to dance. The four of us."
What? !
At that moment McGonagall appeared out of nowhere. How did she do that?
"Line up, please." She said in her usual voice. Cedric and Cho stood in front, after them it was Krum and Hermione, Fleur and her date, and, lastly, me and Harry. He offered me his arm again.
I noticed Fleur glare at me before turning back around.
What was THAT about?
The doors opened – slightly dramatically – and we entered. We made our way to the head table, where the judges were already sitting. Dumbledore caught my eye and winked at me. I laughed at his silliness (or was it kookiness?).
After we had finished eating, we were to dance. The other couples were already on the dance floor.
The music started to play and we moved to the orchestra. I was leading. Harry was a very clumsy dancer, but I don't think anyone noticed. I winced every time he stepped on my toes – I think he might have broken at the least two. Soon Dumbledore and McGonagall joined us, followed by the rest of the students and teaching staff – with only a few exceptions, like dad, Draco and Ron.
When the song ended. Harry thanked me for the dance and suggested we return to the table. I grabbed at the chance – I preferred all of my toes.
"Sorry, I'm not much of a dancer…" Harry mumbled. I laughed and threw my one arm around his shoulders.
"I've noticed as much." I said, nodding my head in what I hoped was a wise manner.
I saw Draco approach us carefully.
"Um… Potter, might I have a dance with my best friend?" He asked Harry (very politely, to my surprise). Harry winked at me before replying.
"Sure, Malfoy, she's yours for the night. I'll be going back to Gryffindor Tower now." Harry stood up to prove this point. "Thanks, Skye." He placed a clumsy kiss on my cheek before speeding off.
Draco held his hand out to me.
"May I?"
He was wearing the tie I'd chosen. It warmed my heart. I slipped my hand in his. He led me out onto the dancefloor. A careful hand was placed on my waist as the other gripped my hand firmly. With another grin he started moving – never missing a single beat of the song. When he twirled me, I felt like a princess.
All in all, Draco was a much better dancer than Harry. He was a far better companion too. He even let Lycan dance with me. (Who was also a hopeless dancer.)
At midnight we returned to the dungeons, the older students had shoved us out – I had not been impressed.
"Listen Skye, I'm sorry, I've realized that I've been acting like a big prat and…"
"It's fine, Draco. You should know by now that I can't stay mad at you."
He smiled and took my hand. We were some of the only students in the Common Rooms – the others were still at the ball.
Draco and I sat in the loveseat in front of the fire.
"You know, you do look nice in that dress."
"Thanks. Speaking off, I'll be getting rid of it, now."
I ran to my dorm room, well, more like tripped, and changed. My pajamas were much more comfortable and warm.
"You look better with your hair down." Draco said nonchalantly as I fell onto the couch next to him.
"Thanks, Draco." That came out of nowhere.
He smiled at me.
I put my head to rest on his shoulder.
"Tonight was perfect." I heard him say.
"Yeah, just promise me something?"
"What, Skye?"
"Don't be so jealous. YOU are my best friend, YOU will always come first with dad. No one else knows as much about me as you do."
"The feeling is mutual."
123
I think I'm falling for Draco.
I snorted at this and got up into a sitting position.
That was an understatement.
I knew I was falling for Draco.
Why do I need to lie to myself?
The thing is that I don't.
I reached for the book that Laud had given me. I hadn't really looked at it yet.
It was old and dilapidated, but it commanded respect all the same. It had no title. It was handwritten, I suspect Laud himself had written it. The first page was open, where a short note was.
'My Empress,
I give this to you in hope.
Laud.'
Hope for what? I turned the page.
'The Empress' mate.' It read.
'The Empress has a mate chosen for her, they will find one another soon after they both change. This means that the Empress' mate can't be a mortal, such as a muggle or a wizard, but has to be a shape-shifter. The Empress cannot mate with any other male, for this might cause his/her death…'
The book fell from my hands and clattered to the floor.
This means my mate isn't Draco,
The sound of a shattering heart was almost audible… I could almost see the thousand pieces of glass on the floor… glinting in the small shard of moonlight entering the Common Room through a half-open window. I reached out to touch it, but I felt just the carpet.
123
Draco's POV
My eyes flew open. Something was very wrong. I don't know what… just… something… I stood up soundlessly and went to the window. The moon was full tonight. I'm glad I'm not in the Dark Forest right now.
The moon entranced me. It seemed to wink at me from its reflection in the Black Lake… I tore my gaze away from the moon and trooped downstairs. There was no way I was going to be able to sleep now.
I don't understand why my heart is threatening to jump out of my throat or why my palms were moist or why I felt a fever rising…
There she was.
Skye.
Sitting at the fire.
A book, open on her lap. I knew that I'd fallen for her. Quite hard, too.
"Hey." I said. She sniffed before giving me a shaky 'hi'.
"What's wrong?" I asked, sitting on the arm of the couch.
"Um… nothing, I just had another nightmare…" She was lying.
"You really need to learn to lie if you're going to keep at it."
"Sod off." She sniffed again. I put my hand under her chin, dragging her face up for our eyes to meet.
Her usually striking eyes were sparkling with tears.
"Tell me." My voice was soft, and not forced, for once.
"I found out that I can't date the guy I REALLY like."
"And you're crying over it?"
"Yes, because this particular guy is someone I really care about. I see him every day and he means the world to me…"
"It's me, isn't it?" I don't know what made me say it. She nodded unevenly.
"The feeling is mutual." I whispered, I pressed my forehead against hers. "Why can't you date me?"
"Because if I mate with another male that's not my mate… he'll die…"
"Skye, I'm not planning to jump in bed with you the first chance I get! Okay, maybe just sleep next to you, but if I do so, I intend to do it fully clothed…"
She laughed.
"Will you go out with me?" I asked, still not knowing what had happened to the guard that always kept my mouth shut at these times.
"Draco…"
"Please?"
I saw the flames dance in her eyes.
"Just as long as you understand that once I find my mate we'll have to break up."
"That might not be for years." I said, almost pleadingly. I don't normally plead.
"Fine, you win." She said with a smile, the tears from only seconds before now only streaks.
"Yay!" I hugged her happily.
123
The next morning the whole of Slytherin house found us sleeping in the same couch. Skye and I had read her book further – veela lore is extremely interesting, and along the way we'd fallen asleep. Someone had gone to get Sev, who was, right now, not pleased. He had sent us to his office, which was where we now were – waiting.
"Skye… can we…"
"Keep it quiet?" She guessed. I nodded.
"Sure, I don't want dad to kill you." She whispered.
"So, our excuse…"
"We were reading and fell asleep. I don't know why Pansy assumed we were a couple instantly…""
"Perhaps because we were holding hands?"
"Anyone who knows us could say that is a regular occurrence." Skye said matter-of-factly.
At that moment the door opened and Sev entered.
"Hi, dad." Skye said happily.
"Morning, Sev."
"Good day to you." Sev said wryly. "Would either of you care to explain what happened?"
"What do you mean?" Skye asked innocently – I had to admire her for this.
"I mean the two of you, sleeping in the Common Room, on the same couch, holding hands!"
"Oh, Draco and I had been reading the veela lore book, and we just fell asleep."
"And your hands connected by accident, did they?" Sev looked fuming, to say the least.
"No, I held her hand."
"Why? !"
"Well, she's my best friend, she read something that frightened her; I consoled her." I said it as if it was the most common thing to do.
"Well, I don't like it!"
"You didn't mind when Blaise and Pansy did it." Skye said. I admired her nerve for being so arrogant, but, then again, he was her dad, and he wouldn't punish her – really… I think…
"They got detention for it, mind you!"
"Then give us detention." I countered. I glanced sideways at Skye, who was playing with her thumbs.
"Fine. Tonight. With Hagrid. Both of you."
We left his office together, two very big smiles plastered onto our faces. Sev had just made my day…
123
Hagrid was beaming at Skye when we showed up in front of his hut. He didn't glare at me for the first time; something I thought was a good sign.
"Evenin' Skye, Malfoy."
"Hey, Hagrid."
"Hi."
"Well, walk with me." He ordered, sounding oddly professor-like.
The three of us entered the Dark Forest; he brought us to a stop in a nearby clearing. He turned around and considered us.
"I heard summat intrestin' 'bout you two." He said.
"Oh?" Skye feigned surprise.
"Yeah, and I know it's true, too."
"What did you hear?" I asked.
"Yeh two are together, aren't yeh?"
Skye and I looked at each other, she nodded.
"Yeah, we are. But please don't tell D – Professor Snape." She said, "He won't take it well."
"I won't, but I'm gonna leave yeh two here for a while, so yeh can battle to out – 'kay?"
"Thanks, Hagrid."
"Sure, I'm gonne meet Olympe soon." He walked away from the clearing happily.
"Who's Olympe?" I asked, stumped.
"It's Madame Maxine. Hagrid's got a huge crush on her."
"That's… not disturbing." I said, trying to cover up my almost-fault. She laughed.
I reached for her hands and pulled her close to me.
"You know… I haven't kissed you yet…"
"Isn't that a shame?" She teased. I bent down a bit, not really knowing what I was doing. She must've sensed my hesitation, for the next moment she was even closer to me – her toes suffering again. Luckily Potter hadn't broken any of them as we'd expected. I pressed my lips to hers softly; my eyes fluttered closed a second after hers. We just stayed that way. Doing nothing more. Our lips seemed to fit perfectly together. There were fireworks going off in my mind…
My first real kiss… and with Skye…
It was great. No, it was perfect.