AN: For those of you who are curious, so far only five are against yaoi. So unless a whole bunch of you change your mind it'll remain that way. I haven't announced the pairing cause I feel that it's kinda obvious. Please note that this chapter contains a side pairing although I guess it could become the main pairing if you all like it. Enjoy!

Chapter 35

Snow was dusting the browned castle grounds by the time December rolled around. In spite of the distractions of the Triwizard Tournament and the upcoming holidays the teachers of Hogwarts shoved on uncaring if a few students fell behind. Education was more important than some silly competition anyway. Some, like Neville Longbottom, panicked over the fast pace as they found a few of the subjects quite challenging while others, such as Hermione Granger, seemed to welcome the challenge. Shuichi really didn't care either way. Much of the magic they were learning were small simple spells and of not much interest to him. No, what he wanted as the more complex advanced magics. And they only way it appeared that he was going to learn them was out of the books so thoughtfully provided for him in the Library. Don't get him wrong, there were times that the most simplest of spells was really all one needed given the circumstances and proved to be a great way to exercise one's rei or yoki but more often than not one needed an advanced spell or two to survive, say, a sudden attack by a psychopath that had a penchant for dabbling in the Dark Arts.

But as it appeared that Shuichi wouldn't be able to do any research any time soon.

During Transfiguration, Professor McGonagall made an announcement. On Christmas night a Yule Ball was to be held. It was a tradition that a ball be held on the year that the Triwizard Tournament was held serving to familiarize the students and foreigners to each other and hopefully form lasting friendships since the tournament itself proved to do anything but promote international magical cooperation. But the female population saw it a different way. No sooner had McGonagall turned her back, several of Shuichi's classmates gave him a predatory look. Luckily he managed to leave before they could corner him. All over the school boys and girls started to pair up with one another. Everyone was determined to not be made the odd man out. Only those in the fourth year or above were permitted to attend the ball unless a younger student went with one of the older ones. It became a mad dash to get a date before, as Fred and George so aptly put, all the good ones were gone.

By comparison, Shuichi was doing the exact opposite. As soon as he noticed a female heading his way he immediately pretended he was busy or hurried off in the other direction. He didn't mean to be so rude but he simply had no interest of going. He was doing just fine until one finally nabbed him.

Shuichi was outside, the last place he'd figured anyone would want to be considering the frosty weather. A few of the younger students were playing a game of capture the flag complete with small icy fortresses and snowballs for ammunition. The Black Lake was no more than a frozen mirror covered by snowdrifts that held the Durmstrang ship hostage. Sitting nearby like some overripe blueberry was the Beauxbatons carriage half-buried by snow. Hogwarts and the neighboring village of Hogsmeade always took on the persona of some idyllic place out of a fairy tale each winter. But with all the chaos and mayhem that happens each year Shuichi would rather be home in the boring suburbs of Tokyo. At least there he didn't have to deal with corruption, politics, or psychopaths.

"Excuse me." a rich thickly accented voice said. Shuichi just about jumped out of his skin. He didn't realize that he was staring out into space. Behind him stood none other than Fleur Delacour, Champion of Beauxbatons.

"Oh, good afternoon Miss Delacour." Shuichi greeted politely. Fleur smiled.

"You're not like the other boys." Fleur said in a way that made Shuichi nervous.

"Yes, well I suppose the same could be said of you." he replied. She stepped in closer. That's when he noticed how different she really was. Her scent was likened to a light perfume with barely a hint of humanity. And that energy surrounding her. It wasn't yoki but it wasn't human either. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end. Whether it was in a good or bad way had yet to be seen.

"You know, the Yule Ball is coming up and as a Champion I am required to be there. Would you care to accompany me?" Not really but this little development had him intrigued and his curiosity hadn't killed him…yet.

"Of course." Fleur gave him a smile full of white even teeth.

"Perfect! Meet me in the Entrance Hall an hour a head of time." She swiftly kissed him softly on the cheek before sauntering off. He stood there a minute, stunned.

'What have I gotten myself into…'

xXx

Shuichi sat silently in the Library as Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny, Luna, and the twins talked and did their homework. Nearby, Victor Krum lurked amongst the bookshelves with a band of giggling girls not far behind that was annoying both Hermione and the Librarian Madame Pince. Predictably the conversation turned to the Yule Ball.

"Man this sucks!" Ron moaned. "At this rate I'll be the only one without a date!" His blue eyes slid over to Hermione. "Wait, Hermione, you're a girl…" Hermione looked up from her Potions essay with a dark look in her eyes.

"You notice now?" she asked heatedly.

"Will you go to the ball with me?" he asked, avoiding her question.

"No. For your information I already have a date." Hermione replied tersely. Ron's face fell.

"With Shuichi?"

"No. Someone else." With that she grabbed her things and stormed off.

"Seriously, are you going with her?" he asked the green eyed one.

"No." Ron cursed.

"Then who's she going with?"

"Dunno." he replied honestly.

"Who are you going with then?" Ron demanded.

"Fleur…" Shuichi winced. Ron, Fred, and George looked at him as if seeing him for the first time.

"How the bloody hell did you nab her?"

"I didn't nab her, she nabbed me!" Shuichi protested. "I wasn't going to go to the ball but she cornered me and I'm not the type of person to callously hurt someone's feelings."

"Oh, that really makes my day!" Ron groaned. Ginny rolled her eyes.

"Honestly, why don't you just take Luna?" his sister asked.

"Luna! Well yeah, she isn't all that bad looking but-" Ginny's brown eyes narrowed dangerously.

"But what?" she asked, daring Ron to finish his sentence.

"…never mind."

xXx

Shuichi stood in front of the mirror in the Ravenclaw boy's dormitory fiddling the his sleek black dress robes his mother gave him. It was in a far eastern style that not only paid homage to where he lived but it was also much more comfortable that the other dress robes he tried. Besides, it came with pants. Though he did wear Muggle pants under his school robes it showed. He couldn't understand how the other boys did it. Sleeveless, lightweight, and trimmed in a cherry blossom pink. The only problem was that it showed off his athletic lean-muscled build. Ah well, one couldn't have everything in life.

He stopped for a minute and frowned at the mirror. Shuichi went over to his bag and pulled out the hair tie he used to keep his hair out of the way in Potions. With a simple spell the tie turned pink to match the robes before tying his hair back. Giving the mirror one last look he sighed and resigned himself to his fate.

The Entrance Hall was swarming with party goers. Robes of all colors and styles fluttered around like colorful birds. Laughter rose above the din. Perfumes and colognes thickened the air, effectively covering the worst of the smells of humanity. Shuichi stood by the double doors leading out onto the grounds doing his best to ignore the stares he was receiving. After what seemed like forever, Fleur came sweeping in wearing a feathery icy blue robe. Some stopped to gawk at her causing their partners to glare at them or others to bump into them. That long silvery blond hair of hers was neatly pinned back in a bun showing off her long neck. She looked like she was glowing. It sent chills down his spine but he wasn't sure it that was a good or bad thing.

"Good evening Miss Delacour." he greeted, gracing her with a deep bow. She returned his bow with a curtsy of her own.

"Good evening Mister Minamino. We are supposed to go into the Great Hall and welcome the others as they enter." Fleur informed him. He took her arm.

"After you."

The other Champions and their dates were already there. Cedric Diggory and a Ravenclaw named Cho Chang stood on one side greeting and occationally shaking hands. On the other side was Victor Krum and a familiar female in periwinkle blue robes with brown hair smoothed and pulled into a perfect bun. Her scent gave her away.

"Hermione?" She gave Shuichi a sheepish smile. Victor stood proudly next to her in blood red robes that accentuated his strong build, confident that he had one of the most beautiful girls at the ball. They stood next to the pair as to allow the Hogwarts students to greet their Champion. As usual the Great Hall was adorned with the traditional twelve Christmas trees. The four long house tables were replaced with many smaller round ones ringing what Shuichi guessed to be the dance floor. On the raised platform next to the long head table musicians dressed in artfully tattered robes tuned their instruments. Just about everything was done in silver. They apparently wanted that winter wonderland look.

As eight o'clock approached more and more party goers filtered into the Great Hall. When Ron came by he glared at both Hermione and Shuichi vemetly but Luna pulled him along before he could say a word. Neville appeared shy though Ginny compensated for it by greeting both of them exuberantly. Fred and George teamed up on fellow Gryffindor Quidditch teammate Angelina Johnson. Once everyone was settled the Heads of Hogwarts, Durmstrang, and Beauxbatons with their partners lead the Champions to the head table. Everyone applauded as they took their seats. After Dumbledore made a short speech and showed them how to order their food did the ball officially start.

Shuichi couldn't help but be impressed with the menu. Delicacies from across the world were offered, even a few choice Japanese entrées. Figuring that he was in for a long night of dancing he picked sushi while Fleur chose something drenched in heavy cream that was probably from her home country. The clinking of silverware and hum of conversation filled the air joining the myriad of scents warring with each other. As Hermione tried to teach Victor how to say her name properly Shuichi found out a few things about his companion. Fleur's great grandmother was a Veela, a kind of semi-human semi-magical creature that were known for their charms and volatile temperament. She explained how irritating it was when her charms were continuously gaining her unwanted attention, something that Shuichi sympathized with. Her mother was lucky enough for the Veela genes to skip her and had married a man that genuinely loved her rather than her looks. Fleur loved her family greatly and was especially close with her little sister Gabrielle.

Dumbledore interrupted their conversation and directed them to the dance floor. Shuichi groaned inwardly at all the eyes watching him as he and Fleur took their places. The band struck up a slow song that sent the Champions and their partners spinning across the floor. Students clapped politely. A few of the teachers that were marshaling the students swayed ever so slightly. Gradually others joined them on the dance floor. Shuichi spied Hagrid dancing with Madame Maxine. Neville was a surprisingly good dancer. Luna merely danced by herself, Ron nowhere in sight.

Out of breath, Fleur and Shuichi took a seat at a nearby table and were soon joined by Hermione and Victor. With cold drinks in hand they talked about their cultures while watching the others dance about to the quickening beat. Ron sulked in a far-off corner glaring at them. Victor turned out to be a kind, gentle person despite his stern looks while Fleur proved to be as smart as she was beautiful. All too soon midnight rolled around signaling the end of the ball. The four friends parted ways and headed off to bed. By the time Shuichi got to Ravenclaw tower he barely had the energy to change into his pajammas. He was surprised he had so much fun. Maybe the four of them should go to Hogsmeade together. Shuichi fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

xXx

Omake

Jaganshi Hiei looked through the tall windows of the Great Hall with narrowed ruby eyes. Snow fell down slowly from the sky evaporating as soon as it landed on his black cloak. His toes had gone numb some time ago in his boots but he refused to move. Inside Kurama was having fun with some pretty female and another couple. The yoko's face lit up as he laughed at some joke. It made his blood boil. Hiei wasn't jealous, he was just angry that Kurama hadn't come to see him in a while.

The pretty female suddenly put an arm around the yoko's shoulders and began to play with his bound red hair. Hiei growled.

'Shimatta!'

Translations:

Yoko- demon fox

Jaganshi- one with a jagan or third eye that enhances mental powers.

Yoki- demon energy

Rei- human energy

Shimatta- damn it

AN: Review!