The start of December brought wind and sleet to Hogwarts. Drafty though the castle always was in winter, Violet was glad of its fire and thick walls every time she passed the Durmstrang ship on the lake, which was pitching in the high winds, its black sails billowing against the dark skies. She thought the Beauxbatons caravan was likely to be chilly too.

A little after supper, the Fourth Year Slytherins and up had been told to gather in the Common Room because Professor Snape had an important announcement. So, right after seven, Professor Snape walked into the Common Room. His hands were tucked into the pockets of his robes and his sharp eyes looked out over the students.

Professor Snape walked a circle about the Common Room, making sure everyone was there. Finally, he made his way back towards the entrance way and removed his hands from his pockets, withdrawing a scroll and his wand. He attached the scroll to the message board behind his left shoulder with a flick of his wand.

"The Headmaster has asked me to announce the upcoming events. On Christmas Eve, as the host school for the Triwizard Tournament, we will be having the Yule Ball. Beginning in two days' time you will report to the disused classroom at the end of the hall. It has been cleared of obstruction and will serve purpose to instruct you on dance. I will not have you defiling the great name of Slytherin by dancing about like a bunch of trolls. You are to bring appropriate footwear – this means dress shoes or boots for wizards and high heeled or flat soled dress shoes for witches. You are also to wear your uniforms with full robes and cloaks to give you the feel of how you will move in proper attire. Witches may wear their uniform in full or they may wear a dress of appropriate covering. Further information can be gathered from the advertisement. That is all."

With that Professor Snape turned and swept from the room, the walls closing up behind him with a strangely loud crash. There was a long minute of silence before everyone started talking. Violet slid down next to Draco. She looked up at him and fluttered her eyelashes. Then she bent close to his ear, "You had better ask me, or I will hex you something vicious." She took a nibble of his ear and then bent back a smile before laying her head on his shoulder.

Violet felt that with the prospect of opening the ball life was genuinely improving. Now, that she was through the first task – and it was dangerous not as many were as unpleasant in the corridors anymore. There were also fewer Support Cedric Diggory badges going around.

Violet finally got her dream come true during a late walk right before supper with Draco around the Black Lake. They were holding hands and she had her head resting on his shoulder. Suddenly, Draco gently pushed away and knelt on the ground before her. His blue grey eyes looked up into hers and with a smile he said.

"Miss Violet Potter, would you do the honor of accompanying me to the Yule Ball?"

Violet feigned surprise – she was feeling shock because he didn't seem to have her thinking he would do this right now. "I would be honored, kind sir," she replied. Then, he got up off the ground and took her into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and they kissed.

Violet and Draco were nearly late for dinner that night.

The last week of term became increasingly boisterous as it progressed. Rumors about the Yule Ball were flying everywhere, though Violet didn't believe half of them – for instance, that Dumbledore had bought eight hundred barrels of mulled mead from Madam Rosmerta. It seemed to be fact, however, that he had booked the Weird Sisters. Exactly who or what the Weird Sisters were Violet didn't know, never having had access to wizard's wireless, but she deduced from the wild excitement of those who had grown up listening to the WWN (Wizarding Wireless Network) that they were a very famous musical group.

Some of the teachers, like little Professor Flitwick, gave up trying to teach them much when their minds were so clearly elsewhere; he allowed them to play games in his lesson on Wednesday. Other teachers were not so generous. Nothing would ever deflect Professor Binns, for example, from plowing on through his notes on goblin rebellions – as Binns hadn't let his own death stand in the way of continuing to teach, they supposed a small thing like Christmas wasn't going to put him off. It was amazing how he could make even bloody and vicious goblin riots sound boring. Professors McGonagall and Moody kept them working until the very last second of their classes too, and Professor Snape reminded them that he would be testing them on poison antidotes during the last lesson of the term.

The last class of the year finally came with Snape's Potions test. Violet did excellent on it. Her notes had been prepared and she focused, making sure she got the bezoar in. She smirked at Granger in the Gryffindor side of the room when Professor Snape declared that she got the highest marks.

That night, there was dancing lessons in the Potions classroom. The sides now had a number of chairs for the upperclassmen to sit in, but the rest was open space. When they arrived, Professor Snape was already standing there, looking like a severe statue rather than someone who was about to start dancing.

It took several minutes for the students to get themselves seated, and the whole time the Potions professor half glared at the boys, clearly impatient to get what he saw as a chore out of the way.

Once the talking had died down, he cleared his throat pointedly, and raked his gaze over them. "I am aware that many of you are already aware of how to do the traditional dance that is required for the first part of the ball." Violet nodded, because she had learned while she had stayed at the Malfoys. "However, an equal number of you are either completely unaware of it, or have never found it necessary to master the steps. Therefore, I will demonstrate, and then you will each perform it until you have it perfected. I will not have members of my House looking like idiots and affecting our reputation. Am I understood?" Nods went around the gathered students, and Snape eyed them all before relenting.

Professor Snape was actually graceful. It shouldn't have been a surprise. Violet thought to herself that he sure knew how to make his robes billow – it had to take excellent control. After showing the basic steps, he asked for a volunteer.

Draco and Violet put their hands in the air.

Professor Snape motioned at them, "Since you both will be representing Hogwarts along with my House, I think that would be very fitting –" he said.

Professor Snape looked for another hand from Millicent Bullstrode whose hand had been in the air as well. He nodded to her and she came next to him. He motioned for Violet and Draco to stand on the other side and then the two couples led them through the dance. Draco put his hands on Violet's shoulder and her waist.

Professor Snape waved his wand and a phonograph in the corner started to play something classical. The two pairs glided across the dance floor. There were several appreciative murmurs from the assembled crowd over the moves. Professor Snape would comment on the tricky parts and various tips and facts throughout the dance. Throughout the whole dance, Violet felt very comfortable.

When the dance was over, Professor Snape asked them to split into pairs for practice. He broke up Violet and Draco saying, "You two can help some of the less able among you."

Blaise and Pansy had clearly partnered so Violet was with an older sixth year Slytherin by the name of Justin Steppens. Draco partnered with an older girl named Morgana Flint. Justin was clearly nervous as Violet coached him smoothly through the turns and dips. She was sure footed and confident. "Who is your partner at the Yule Tide ball?" she asked him.

"A Ravenclaw by the name of Marrietta Edgecomb." He replied.

"I've seen her before, " Violet smiled. "She is a good dancer. When you are in doubt, let her lead." Violet corrected a few more times of his footing until the dance.

When Professor Snape felt that Justin was acceptable, he allowed Violet and Draco to practice together.

People were chattering as they talked about potential dance partners on their way to dinner. Violet held on to Draco's arm, clearly not needing to worry about it. She also enjoyed fish and chips for dinner.

Despite the very heavy load of homework that the fourth years had been given for the holidays, Violet was in a great mood as term ended. But Violet and Daphne were in the library almost immediately trying to get a start on their homework, along with a few Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws. Apparently, the Gryffindors were going to wait.

Snow was fading thickly upon the castle and its grounds now. The pale blue Beauxbatons carriage looked like a large, chilly, frosted pumpkin next to the iced gingerbread house that was Hagrid's cabin. The Durmstrang ship's portholes were glazed with ice, and the rigging was white with frost. The house-elves down in the kitchen kept outdoing themselves with a series of rich, warming stews and savory puddings.

Violet awoke on Christmas Day early, feeling an excitement she hadn't felt much in her life. Christmas wasn't the same since she had made friends at Hogwarts. She had presents right at the foot of her bed. She had a book Daphne had given her on "Advanced Potions for the Advanced Student." Crabbe and Goyle had bought her Chocolate Frogs – again, but she smiled at their simplicity. Pansy had bought her a brand new green cashmere sweater. She smiled as she felt its soft material on her skin.

As she climbed out of bed, she put on a camisole under her new emerald green sweater, some black jeans and simple heels. When she had put her hair in a ponytail and had simple accessories she went downstairs in the Common room where all the Slytherins were having breakfast rolls, tea, and pumpkin juice. Violet enjoyed tea as she sat down next to Draco.

"Merry Christmas," she said to him with a smile as she gave him a kiss. She handed him his present, a book called Quidditch Teams of Britain and Ireland. He beamed because she knew he had a passion for Quidditch even though she did not. He gave her some earrings to match the necklace that his family had given her that very first Christmas. She beamed brightly as she put them into her ears. "Thank you," she told him this time with a kiss on the lips.

Crabbe and Goyle seemed to grunt in disgust at the open display of affection but she did not care. Violet sat curled up next to Draco almost the whole morning, reading the book Daphne had given her or visiting with Daphne or Pansy. Then, she held his hand and followed him out to the Great Hall for a magnificent lunch, which included a hundred turkeys and Christmas puddings, and large piles of Cribbage's Wizarding Crackers.

She went outside and watched Draco, Crabbe and Goyle initiate a snowball fight with the Gryffindors, Fred and George Weasley, even Weasel himself. For once, it seemed to lack its nastiest moments the group just pretending to be real kids. She chose to watch along with the other ladies, and with all the other ladies, got up exactly at 5 o'clock to get ready for the ball.

Violet, Daphne, and Pansy each took turns in front of the mirror or behind each other or in front as the secured pins and rollers and extensions to their hair. Each of the three had a specialty. Violet was the hair expert – no thanks to her Aunt Petunia, but practice in the Cupboard at Privet Drive. She had learned to use almost anything to hold down her unruly hair. Daphne was the cosmetic expert. She was the one who made sure to get the layers on in the right times. This was something Violet often struggled with, because she had no access to cosmetics at Privet Drive. Pansy was the clothing and shoes expert. She had helped them pick out their dresses. But it was her job to poke and prod as they squeezed into their corsets, get the dresses tied down firmly and that everyone had the proper accessory.

The majority of the time was spent on Violet's look. She was not only representing Hogwarts, but the true leaders of Hogwarts, Slytherin. She had on a gorgeous mermaid style green dress with a heart top. It was strapless. She wore emerald heels that went with the dress that flowed to the floor. She wore the necklace Draco had given her as the only thing around her neck. She had the bracelet he had bought her just last year along with the earrings. On her left hand, she wore a brilliant emerald on a ring that sat on her ring finger, showing herself as taken.

When everything was ready, she made her way to the top of the staircase then slowly walked down. At the bottom of the stairs was Draco looking up at her in wonder. She kept her eyes focused on him a Slytherin expression on her face – not sharing her feelings, but her mouth twitched into a smile as she put her arm into his.

He turned his head to her ear. "Everyone is going to be so jealous." He smirked. "I have the most gorgeous woman at the ball at my side."

Violet looked over at her dashing young prince, the Malfoy. She whispered into his ear. "I think the women will swoon as much when they look at how regal and composed my date is."

Draco calmly led her out of the Slytherin Common room and out to the doors of the Great Hall where the Champions would make a grand entrance.

Then, the oak front doors opened, and everyone turned to look as the Durmstrang students entered with Professor Karkaroff. Krum was at the front of the party, accompanied by none other than Hermione Granger. Draco whispered into her ear, "What kind of git is this guy? I thought he was so much better!" Violet smirked as she looked at the pair.

Over the heads of the Durmstrang students Violet saw an area of lawn that had been transformed into a sort of grotto full of fairy lights – meaning hundreds of actual living fairies were sitting in the rosebushes that had been conjured there, and fluttering over the statues of what seemed to be Father Christmas and his reindeer.

Then Professor McGonagall's voice called, "Champions over here, please!"

Draco squeezed her hand and let go of her waist as he said, "See you in a minute," and he walked forward. Everyone getting out of his way. Professor McGonagall, who was wearing dress robes of red tartan and had arranged a rather ugly wreath of thistles around the brim of her hat, told them to wait on one side of the doors while everyone else went inside; they were to enter the Great Hall in procession when the rest of the students had sat down.

Fleur Delacour and her date, Roger Davies stationed themselves nearest the doors; Davies looked so stunned by his good fortune in having Fleur for a partner that he could hardly take his eyes off her. Cedric Diggory was with Cho Chang.

Once everyone was settled in the Hall, Professor McGonagall told the champions to get in line in pairs and to follow her. Draco smoothly was with her again, and as they entered the Great Hall, and started walking up toward a large round table at the top of the Hall, where the judges were seating, people applauded.

The walls of the Hall had been covered in sparkling silver frost, with hundreds of garlands of mistletoe and ivy crossing the starry black ceiling. The House tables had vanished; instead there were about a hundred smaller, lantern-lit ones, each seating about a dozen people.

Professor Dumbledore smiled happily as the champions approached the top table, but Karkaroff wore an expression extremely dark. He seemed to have Draco and Violet's feelings about Viktor Krum's choice for a partner as well, a Mudblood. Ludo Bagman, tonight in robes of bright purple with large yellow stars, was clapping as enthusiastically as any of the students; and Madame Maxine, who had changed her usual uniform of black stain for a flowing gown of lavender silk, was applauding them politely. Mr. Crouch was not there. The seat was occupied by Percy Weasley.

When the champions and their partners reached the table, Percy drew out the empty chair beside him. Violet smoothly sat down at the empty chair beside him. Percy said something to her, but she just ignored the twit.

There was no food as yet on the glittering golden plates, but small menus were lying in front of each of them. Violet picked hers up. Violet said, "Spaghetti!"

And spaghetti, salad, and all the food appeared in front of her. Violet tried to pay attention somewhat to the polite discussion around her. If she was addressed, she needed to be able to enter into the discussion. She did not want to hear about Percy Weasley moving up in the Ministry. But she did catch snippets that things were not well between him and his family. She curiously discovered that Know-it-all had wrangled quite a few details about Durmstrang from Viktor Krum. This greatly displeased Professor Karkaroff.

When all the food had been consumed, Dumbledore stood up and asked the students to do the same. Then, with a wave of his wand, all the tables zoomed back along the walls leaving the floor clear, and then he conjured a raised platform into existence along the right wall. A set of drums, several guitars, a lute, a cello, and some bagpipes were set upon it.

The Weird Sisters now trooped up onto the stage to wildly enthusiastic applause; they were all extremely hairy and dressed in black robes that had been artfully ripped and torn. They picked up their instruments, and the music started to go.

Draco smoothly stepped up and walked over to Violet to help her from her seat. Violet walked onto the brightly lit dance floor. Soon, all four pairs began to dance. Violet had learned grace, while Draco seemed to have it naturally. But clearly, Draco and Violet stole the show. The smooth elegance of the two Slytherins who had practiced for a month and had danced together previous Yule balls before showed up Viktor with his Mudblood, Fleur with her drooling Davies, and even Cedric with Cho.

Violet focused on the private moment she had with Draco, smoothly fitting into Draco's slightly taller body. The two tuned out the world around them and waltzed through their own world. Eventually the song came to a close, and a faster song picked up. Pansy and Blaise joined them as did Ginevra and Vincent. Daphne and Greg were soon behind them. The group of them danced away. Violet at one point pointed at Weasel who seemed to have his eyes on the Mudblood and not the date he had procured Parvati Patil.

Eventually, Violet and Draco decided to take a break and grabbed a couple of drinks before finding a table to settle down at. Pansy and Blaise were still dancing, and Millicent Bulstrode who had not brought a date was jumping from partner to partner. You could see her eyes darting between a few people she wanted to drag away from their dates.

Violet and Draco sipped their Butterbeers commenting on the strange couples that were all around them. After a break Pansy pulled them back. "This one is my favorite! Let's go!"

The girls all jumped up at once. Violet turned to Draco, "Are you coming?"

He shook his head. "No! Business!"

Violet rolled her eyes and joined the girls on the dance floor. The four girls were soon joined by Millicent who was dancing all over the floor with the others. They all jumped and twirled and screamed to the beat of the music. The next few songs kept them moving, because they were fast and jumpy. Soon, a ballad came on. It seemed as if Draco had sensed it and was again by Violet's side.

Violet unconsciously tucked herself against Draco and fit right in with him. She tucked her head into his shoulder as they spun across the dance floor. Violet stopped when she noticed Draco had stopped too and was looking down at her. He reached down and hooked his finger on her chin then trailed it down to the chain around her neck, holding the locket. Violet looked down at it and bit her lip. Draco smiled softly and slid both arms casually around her shoulders and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. Violet sifted her fingers through Draco's hair as she tucked against his neck and closed her eyes. The two remained together, swaying almost motionlessly to the music. Then, Draco drew Violet out as another one of the faster songs came one.

Violet and Draco went back to their chairs, fingers entwined. They got their heavy robes and went outside on the terrace to brave the cold.

Once they were nice and bundled up, they went out into the courtyard filled with roses and fairy lights amidst the flowers. Paths, decorated with benches and statues, wound around the bushes, creating a romantic walk.

Still linked by their hands, Violet and Draco ambled along the path, occasionally trying to catch the lights or brush against the roses. They didn't speak. Eventually, the found an unoccupied bench and sat down, leaning against each other. They still remained silent, just observing the view, their clasped hands, and each other.

Draco led Violet to a bench where he placed a warming charm on. Then he slipped Violet up on his lap. Violet wiggled until she was comfortable and then turned to smile at her boyfriend. Then, gently she reached over and kissed him. He pulled his strong arms around her and held her close to himself as well.

They would have continued, when they heard the voice of Professor Snape nearby. Deciding it was not a good idea to risk the wrath of their head of house Violet jumped up, pulled Draco up with her and led him back inside.

Violet and her friends danced late into the night. Around midnight the band finished up, and the nine of them broke up to get a final drink before heading down. Draco led Violet to the Slytherin Common Room. Right outside the split in the dormitory, they kissed one last time then they went off to bed. It was a long time for Violet, Daphne, and Pansy to change out of their fancy robes, take off the make-up and undo their hair. When they were done an hour later, their heads hit the pillow and they were soon asleep.