Christmastide

"So, erm… what are your plans for Christmastide?"

"The plan was to spend the holiday break at Zabini Villa again. Now that plan is shot because the barmy Yule Ball is on Christmastide eve and I have to be there because of my bloody champion status." Harry huffed. The boy sat crossed legged on his bed and picked at the hem of his pant leg while he ranted about the injustice of the mandatory attendance to the formal ball. "This year they said that they're releasing us on Christmas day, providing we have a mode of transportation. Mrs. Z has arranged for a portkey for Blaise, Al and me. This tournament is messing everything up. Our classes are interrupted, but I have to study more because of the stupid tasks. People are still acting like I cheated to enter the bloody thing and now this whole mess with Alia and Hermione… and a harem! Like I'd know what to do with a harem."

There was an uncomfortable, pregnant pause as a range of emotions danced across Black's face. Harry bit back a petulant sigh. He had never just been himself with the two Gryffindors and without Blaise around, Harry had let his guard down. Harry took a calming breath and prompted, "Sorry. Why do you ask?"

"No reason." Black's response was blurted out quickly as he shook his head. Harry heard a snort from somewhere behind his godfather. The voice in the background mumbled something incoherent and suddenly Black - along with the mirror the man held - swayed. The motion caused Harry to furrow his brow while Black looked over his left shoulder and huffed, "It's not that easy, Moony!"

Harry repositioned himself on his bed and sat back against his headboard, stretching his legs out in front of him and crossing his ankles. He quietly waited for the two Gryffindor men to remember they were supposed to be speaking with him, not each other. Blaise entered the dorm room shortly after Harry got comfortable and made his way to the bed to sit beside his friend. Harry held the mirror further away in order to allow Blaise to see easily and lessen the need for them to crowd each other. The Italian Slytherin peered into the mirror, noting the two on the other end were still muttering back and forth to each other and smirked, "Black… Lupin… are you two fussing like an old married couple again?"

The two young friends laughed when Black sputtered. "What? I'm… he's… no!" The man responded petulantly and allowed his bottom lip to protrude, showing his displeasure. Blaise and Harry simply laughed harder and in the background they could hear Lupin laughing along with them.

The mirror shuffled and soon Lupin appeared in its frame. "Hello, boys," the werewolf grinned when the two teens scoffed at the 'boys' moniker. "Sirius was hoping you'd spend some time with him over the holidays. It sounds like the timing is a bit tight, but if it can be managed it would be wonderful to see you. Blaise, you're more than welcome to join Harry if Maddalena allows it… and if you'd like to, of course."

"Ask about the egg!" Black's voice came through the mirror even though the man was unseen.

Harry's eyes flicked across the room to fall upon the golden egg in question as Blaise responded to the unasked question. "The screeching is still bound to make one's ears bleed, but we were told the oddest thing in passing by an acquaintance."

"Oh?" Lupin prompted.

Reluctantly, Harry repeated what he had been told. "Luna said I should soothe it with warm water."

"She wants you to give it a bath?" Black pressed his face against Lupin's in order to see and be seen within the mirror's frame. Lupin's eyes flashed with impatience before the man held the mirror further away from the pair of Marauders, trying to free his personal space from his best friend. Black appeared to not have noticed as he continued speaking, "What kind of person suggests giving an egg a bath?"

"Luna Lovegood. She-"

"Lovegood?!" Black interrupted and when both boys nodded he laughed and shook his head. "We went to school with a Xeno Lovegood. He was a nutter-"

"Sirius…" Lupin scowled at his friend before turning his attention back to the boys, "Xenophilius Lovegood is… eccentric. I remember Luna, she's a clever girl and often times she hides her words of wisdom behind a field of obscurity."

"Well, there are no baths here… only showers." Harry gave a single shoulder shrug.

"Actually-"

"Padfoot!" Lupin seemed to be on a roller coaster of emotions; from annoyed, to disappointed and ending with exasperation.

"What? It's not like Harry doesn't have the map and invisibility cloak. He'll be careful and he won't get caught." Black grinned at Harry, "Right?"

"I can't believe you're encouraging Harry to break rules."

"Wait, how do you know I have an invisibility cloak?" Harry interrupted their bickering.

Black grinned widely, "We used it all the time to prank Snivel-"

"Sirius!" Lupin growled and apparently knocked the man over since Black was suddenly and violently missing from the mirror's frame with an accompanying thud and barking laughter. It would seem Lupin was back to annoyed bordering on angry.

"What are you two bickering about now?" Harry interrupted as Blaise softly chuckled beside him.

The Slytherin nudged Harry, "With these two around, there's no lack of entertainment."

Ignoring Blaise's comment, Black continued with the explanation as his head popped back into the mirror's view. "The prefect's bathroom has a huge bathtub," Black's hands expand the width of his arms, not that Harry and Blaise could see that, but from the stretch he made it was assumed, "it's the size of a small pool with soap and water dispensers. It's really something to see."

"Wait… you were a prefect?" Blaise asked incredulously.

Lupin scoffed and pursed his lips while Black grinned mischievously, "Of course not, but Remus was. We knew where it was and, more importantly, how to get in!"

"I think I've seen it on the map once. Haven't had to look at that map in a long while." Harry looked around his room as if searching for something.

With a soft sigh of defeat, Lupin added, "The prefect bathroom is on the fifth floor behind the fourth door to the left of a statue of Boris the Bewildered, which only opens when given the correct password. Fortunately the Marauder's map will provide the current password for you. While it won't give you common room passwords, the map will provide others."

"Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff don't use passwords." Harry blurted out the information before realizing he spoke if the wide eyed deer caught in the headlight expression on his face was anything to go by.

Black barked out a laugh, "And how do you know that?"

While Harry shoved the mirror at the other Slytherin and scampered off his bed, Blaise came to his friend's rescue by providing a partial response. "Ravenclaw is given a riddle to answer and the Hufflepuff common room is guarded by barrels that requires a rhythmic pattern. Only Gryffindor and Slytherin require passwords. Any first year worth their salt should know that."

Harry shot Blaise a grateful half grin before looking into his trunk, but Black wasn't letting go of his question so easily. "Oh, this is common knowledge now? Back in our day, no one even knew where the other common rooms were!"

Blaise scoffed, "Child's play. Having… friends in Ravenclaw gave us the knowledge of their common room rather quickly and exploration along with perseverance pointed us in the direction of both Hufflepuff common room along with the kitchen our first year."

Black grinned widely, "Impressive. We found the kitchen our third year."

"It was third year before we found the Gryffindor common room." Blaise conceded, though he didn't say it was thanks to the Marauder's map that they found the Fat Lady's portrait which sat on guard duty.

Harry pulled a well folded parchment from the bottom of his trunk and waved it towards Blaise who gave a small nod of understanding. Harry got comfortable on the bed beside Blaise and set the map on the side table. "Okay so back to Christmastide; no promises. I'll get back to you on that."

Lupin grinned and nodded while Black gave a lopsided grin of his own. "Sounds like a plan. So, do you two have dates for the Yule Ball?"

Harry huffed at his reflection and tugged once more on the stupid, black silken strip of fabric. A few choice expletives had already escaped Harry a time or three as he expressed his frustrations. Blaise entered their dorm room just as another, colorful abuse of the English language was muttered. Blaise chuckled at his frustrated friend. "Do you want a hand?"

"YES!"

Blaise grabbed his wand and pointed at Harry's bowtie. With a muttered, 'colligo' from the Italian pure blood in conjunction with a smooth circular movement of his wand, Harry's tie quickly and neatly worked itself into a perfectly even bow.

Harry stared at his reflection as said mirror image verbosely admired their appearance and commented positively about their attire yet in the same breath lamented their lack of better hair products to tame their ebony locks. Harry disagreed with the magical image's view and sighed heavily with a put upon air, "I look ridiculous."

The reflection took offense and scoffed, "That's not my fault. I only look as good as you do. Maybe if you tried styling our luxurious tresses we wouldn't resemble a mop!"

Blaise chuckled at the irate mirror image. Scowling at his reflection, Harry ignored it in order to turn to Blaise. "Stuff it, Zabini."

His indignant retort had the opposite effect. Blaise simply laughed harder. Harry sulked and sat on his bed. Blaise wiped a tear of mirth and sat beside his friend, "Don't fret, Potter. Granger is accustomed to your mop head and the ball will be enough of a distraction. Are you ready to go?"

"I guess." Harry grabbed the black velvet box off his side table and followed Blaise out of the door.

The two friends made their way through the common room and up to the Entrance Hall where they had agreed to meet their dates. Harry did his best not to fidget, but it took Blaise clearing his throat for him to finally stand still.

"Ah, Mr. Potter, you're here… where's your date?" McGonagall looked around frantically and quirked an eyebrow when her gaze rested on Blaise.

"While I'm most certainly handsome enough to be considered date material, Professor..." Blaise smirked at the woman when she pursed her lips at him, "I'm simply awaiting my betrothed, who should be arriving shortly with Potter's date."

As the words were spoken a response came from the stairway. The lilting voice, hinted with humor, broke into the conversation, "Are we late?"

Three lovely Ravenclaw girls stood staggered along the staircase. Sara stood on the third step in a black gown, Hermione stood on the second step wearing a soft blue and Padma stood on the first step adorned in a rich purple. Padma laughed softly at Harry as he blatantly stared at Hermione. "You'd think he'd never seen you before, Hermione."

Harry recovered quickly and grinned slyly, "That's not the case at all. Hermione simply astounds me with her beauty every time I see her."

Blaise lowered his voice as he passed Harry, "Nice recovery." The Italian Slytherin offered his arm to his betrothed. Padma gave a small tilt of her head and slipped her hand into the crook of Blaise's arm in order to join the others within the Great Hall.

As Harry smiled up at Hermione, Poliakoff appeared beside him. He gave Harry a polite nod, gave another to Hermione, but it was Sara he had come for. The couple walked to the Great Hall, leaving Harry and Hermione alone… or as alone as two people can be in an Entrance Hall full of people.

Harry held his hand out to Hermione who slipped hers into his. "You really are beautiful."

Hermione blushed and gave him a radiant smile, "You look rather handsome too, Harry."

"Thank you," Harry slipped the black velvet box into her palm and it was her turn to stare. "Just a little something… Blaise said it is customary to have a gift for your date and since flowers would be too difficult…"

Biting her lip, Hermione eased the box open and gasped in delight at the sight. "It's lovely!"

Harry sighed in relief and pulled the three tier choker from the box. Hermione immediately turned around so he could fasten it around her neck. The teardrop crystal rested on her flawless skin, the pearls gently hugged her neck and Hermione smiled when Harry kissed her shoulder. Harry whispered to her, "I'm glad you like it."

McGonagall interrupted them as she waved them over. "Mr. Potter, Miss Granger, if you would join the other champions, please."

"Of course, Professor." Harry stuffed the velvet box in his coat pocket and guided Hermione along, taking the last spot in line behind the three school champions.

Fleur stood gracefully beside a grinning Roger Davies. Cedric was politely nodding at whatever it was that Cho Chang was saying to him. Viktor Krum was watching Harry as the younger boy finally took note of the Durmstrang champion's date. Harry grinned at his little sister and Viktor. Hermione gushed, "You look beautiful, Alia!"

Alia had returned the compliment before turning to Harry with a nervous smile, "Hi."

"She's right. You look lovely." Harry smiled back, but the smile slipped when he turned his attention to Viktor. "You're dating my little sister?"

Viktor scowled, "She is friend. I need date. She said yes. She is young... I know. I am honorable."

Harry peered at Viktor, "Just make sure you remember that."

Alia rolled her eyes at the two champions in exasperation, "Harry..."

Before the Durmstrang or Slytherin could respond, the doors to the Great Hall were swung open. The festively decorated room glistened and sparkled with icicles, snow, trees and fairy lights. It was a Christmastide scene brought to life.

Roger presented his arm to Fleur and he escorted her forward. Once they were a few feet ahead, Cedric mimicked the motion to Cho. Cho smiled up at Cedric and slipped her hand in the crook of his arm. Viktor watched the couple before him before turning sharply to Alia. He clicked his heels together and bowed at the waist before presenting his arm to her. Alia's face lit up in a smile. She curtsied gracefully before accepting his arm and the two walked regally into the hall.

"I can't top that." Harry deadpanned.

Hermione giggled, "I don't expect you to."

"Fair enough," Harry offered Hermione his hand. She slipped hers into his palm and blushed when he bowed over it, brushing his lips across her knuckles. "Shall we?"

Hermione didn't respond verbally, she curtsied instead. Soon Hermione was giggling nervously as all eyes were upon them unable to meet anyone's gaze directly, "How do you do this?"

"Do what?"

"How do you handle everyone looking at you?"

"I ignore them. Besides they aren't looking at me. They're looking in awe at the beautiful young lady on my arm, wondering how someone like me tricked you into being my girlfriend."

Harry escorted Hermione to the head table. He pulled her chair out for her and waited until she was settled before joining her. He shot a cursory glance at the… man sitting beside him, but chose to ignore the condescending sneer Percy Weasley gave in return. "Do be careful, Weasley. Didn't your mother teach you not to make faces?"

Scowling, Percy snapped at Harry, "Don't talk about my mother."

"I happen to believe that your mother is a lovely person." Harry kept his temper in check, but did nothing to dampen Percy's growing annoyance. "She's always been very kind to me. As a matter of fact, her homemade fudge is some of the best I've ever had."

Percy huffed, but Dumbledore stood before he could retort. As was his tradition, the headmaster spoke about enjoying their time, the food, the dance and company. With a single clap of Dumbledore's hands, food appeared on all of the tables and the conversation between Percy and Harry came to an end.

Dinner couldn't end fast enough for Harry. Percy kept sending disapproving looks his way, but Harry dutifully ignored him in order to remain pleasant company for Hermione. As dessert disappeared from the tables, the lights dimmed in the surrounding areas and focused on the dance floor.

The Slytherin champion pushed his chair back and stood before he helped Hermione from hers. One by one, the champions and their dates made their way from the head table. Harry led Hermione to the dance floor where the other three couples were waiting for them. As the last couple reached their position, the music began with a traditional waltz.

Harry and Hermione had practiced dancing many times together at Zabini Villa and were comfortable as partners. While the couple was taught both the traditional and the contemporary waltz, they chose to do a contemporary in order to blend in with the other couples. Harry led Hermione flawlessly around the dance floor. The couple glided effortlessly and they turned with ease. Soon he was spinning her gently as her long flowing gown flared around her.

At some point during the song a few of the staff joined the quartet of couples as they were gliding around the dance floor. Hagrid and Maxime stayed towards the middle as Dumbledore danced rather impressively for a man of his age with Sprout. Bagman danced with McGonagall and Harry did a double take when he saw the woman smiling.

As the dance came to an end, Harry and Hermione made their way to the table where Blaise and Padma were sitting. They sat for a while and spoke amiably. Harry relaxed for the first time that evening.

The evening was enchanting as the students danced and drank, visiting and laughing, making new friends and reconfirming old ones. Flitwick introduced a wizarding band, the Weird Sisters, which Harry had never heard of before and found it odd that they were all men; not a single woman was in the band. "Sisters? But they're all blokes."

Hermione giggled, "Like that Canadian band, Barenaked Ladies. They're all boys, too."

"Barenaked…" Blaise blinked and shook his head, "Ladies would not perform naked."

"Muggle band, five men, no idea why the name is about ladies, but I'd imagine it's similar to the Weird Sisters being all male." Hermione gave Blaise a shrug, but their conversation was interrupted by Harry who tugged her hand, guiding Hermione out to the dance floor.

Three songs later, Hermione and Harry collapsed in their chairs. Viktor came with drinks for the four of them. Harry glanced at Alia, "Where's Zabini?"

"Padma wanted some air…" Alia blushed and left that sentiment unspoken, but quickly smiled up at Viktor when he handed her a cup of punch. "Thank you."

The Weird Sisters were starting another song when Hermione squealed, "I love this song."

Viktor chuckled and raised an eyebrow at Harry who simply nodded in return. Viktor offered a hand to Hermione, "Care to dance?"

Hermione blinked and looked at Harry who simply smiled. She then turned to Alia who nodded at her. "Love to!"

The two went to the dance floor. Alia sipped her drink and set the cup down as Harry asked, "Enjoying yourself?"

"Yes," Alia giggled, "But it would be much more fun if my brother would remember to ask me to dance, too."

"Shame on him!" Harry pulled himself out of his chair and grabbed Alia's hand, dragging his sister onto the dance floor.

Harry wasn't a great dancer, but he had fun and from the looks of the others with their odd gyrations on the dance floor, none of the other students cared what he looked like. Alia was gasping for breath by the end of the second song and the two went back towards the table with Viktor and Hermione.

It was then that the wayward couple finally made their reappearance. Blaise's nostrils were flared and his temper was barely in check. Padma glanced around nervously, but didn't wait as she made a quick exit towards the Entrance Hall with Blaise hot on her trail.

"That doesn't look good."

Hermione bit her lip and shook her head in agreement. She grabbed Harry's hand and the two left quickly after their friends. Over the noise of the band and laughter, the couple hadn't realized they were being followed until the four made it to the Entrance Hall.

"There!" Viktor pointed to the hallway that led down to the dungeons.

The quartet moved to follow. Harry led the way and they moved swiftly to the Slytherin common room entrance. The fourth year muttered the password and upon entry to the common room, saw Blaise standing at the bottom of the stairs to the dorms, as if waiting for them to arrive.

Blaise motioned with his head for them to follow and naturally, they did. Padma was sitting on Blaise's bed while her betrothed paced. The other four entered and Viktor closed the door. Harry instantly pulled his wand and cast a muffliato at the door and locked it. He noted that Blaise stopped moving, but still Harry had to ask. "What's wrong?"

The irate Slytherin stopped in his tracks and gave Padma a small nod. The Ravenclaw girl gracefully stood and presented Harry with a jar. Padma backed away so quickly Harry wasn't sure what to make of her actions, but common sense overruled any doubts, reasoning that Blaise wouldn't endanger them. Hermione canted her head, as did Alia while the two girls peered inside the jar, but it was Viktor that finally asked the question they all were wondering, "Vhat kind of bug is zat?"

Spell(s) created for the story:

Gallus: Transfiguration, rocks into roosters (first used in year 2 in the Chamber of Secrets)

Effingo Praestigium: Charms, duplicate shadows/images (first used in year 4 during First Task)

Speculo: Charms, mirror image to animate the duplicates (first used in year 4 during First Task)

Colligo: Transfiguration, bind or tie a bowtie

Edited 10/19/2016