Chapter 12

"All I'm saying is that if I play my cards right, I could end up in bed with one of the girls from Beauxbatons who didn't get chosen to be champion" Blaise said as he, Draco and Theo headed towards their common room.

"Are we really still talking about this?" Theo asked as he rolled his eyes. "I believe all of us have mentioned this to you at least five times each by now, but go sleep with whomever you want to. Just don't tell us about it."

Draco nodded in agreement before muttering the password. They were sitting on one of the couches in the common room discussing what to do in their free time before the ball when Draco saw Daphne and Pansy walking towards them.

"Draco, we need to talk," Daphne said.

"If this is about what happened while Astoria and I were practicing, there's nothing to talk about" Draco said. "I had much better things to do that afternoon than endure your sister's criticisms."

"While I do believe you can never be too prepared, I agree that practicing was overkill since you both know how to dance well" Daphne said. "But that's not what I wanted to talk about. Astoria has become ill and she won't be able to attend the Yule Ball with you anymore."

"Really?" Draco asked, trying to keep his expression as neutral as possible.

Daphne nodded in response. "Madame Pomfrey even suggested sending her home until she was better, but let her stay granted that she would spend the rest of the holidays in the Hospital Wing."

"That's a shame, but it can't be helped" Draco said. "Thank you for telling me."

"We're not just here to tell you that Astoria's sick, Draco" Pansy said, making the blond raise an eyebrow in confusion. "Malcolm has also fallen ill, but his parents made him return home. So, I propose we go to the Yule Ball together."

"If you think I'm going to agree to that, then you've gone mad."

"Look, I hate this idea as much as you do. But you know our parents will never let us hear the end of it if we attend the Yule Ball without a partner. This way, we'll have a partner and won't have to worry on our feet being stepped on unless it's on purpose."

Draco sighed and agreed. Though she may annoy the blond every chance she gets, Pansy was a good friend, and at least now he won't have to look for a date. After agreeing on some details, he rejoined his friends and they all headed for their dorm. When they got there, they found Crabbe and Goyle sitting on the former's bed with a pile of sweets in between them, and Joseph reading a book on his own bed.

"Joseph, you're coming to the ball, right?" Blaise asked and Joseph nodded. "Who are you taking?"

"It's perfectly fine to attend an event without a date" Joseph said as he shut his book. "But Daphne and I are going together."

The news surprised all three of his friends.

"Why?" Theo asked.

"I was originally not bringing a date and planned on spending the night ruining Blaise's attempts to get in to another student's dress robes" Joseph replied, smirking in response to Blaise's glare. "But Daphne's original date was injured while flying. She asked me to accompany her as a friend, and I agreed."

"Astoria and Malcolm have fallen ill, and won't be able to attend the Yule Ball too" Blaise said. "Draco and Pansy are going as friends as well."

"Really, you agreed to be Pansy's date?" Joseph asked Draco.

Draco nodded as he leaned against one of the bed posts. "One night of her yapping my ear off is better than dealing with my father complaining about how I didn't have a date to the Yule Ball for the rest of time."

The four friends then went about their own business. As Draco went through his dress robes, trying to find one that didn't clash with Pansy's dress, he couldn't help but think that this would be like their dance lessons, with him being partnered with Pansy and Joseph being partnered with Daphne. The only difference, and what made Draco's heart hurt, was that he wouldn't be able to dance with the taller Slytherin.


Harry woke to the sound of his friends excitedly shuffling. When he sat up and put on his glasses, he saw Dean and Seamus sitting on the taller Gryffindor's bed, Neville writing thank you notes on his desk, and Ron sorting the gifts on his bed.

"Merry Christmas, Harry" Ron greeted.

"MerryChristmas, Ron" Harry greeted back. "Merry Christmas guys."

The other boys greeted Harry back before handing him their gifts. Harry thanked them before going to wash up. After getting dressed, Harry handed his gifts to his friends; some sweets from Honeydukes for Neville, a couple of Nose-Biting Cups for Seamus, a set of colouring materials for Dean, and a Chudley Cannons hat for Ron.

"Thanks Harry" Ron said before handing his friend two presents. "One's for you. Mum said the other one is for Cedric."

Harry nodded and smiled. He bade his friends goodbye before heading to the common room to meet up with Hermione. They greeted each other with a hug before heading to the library. Once there, Harry led them to the wall where a huge portrait of Merlin hung.

"What is the one good?" The portrait asked.

"Knowledge" Harry replied.

"And the one evil?"

"Ignorance."

A portion of the wall next to the portrait turned into a door. Harry opened it, and led Hermione down the spiral staircase. When they got to the bottom, Hermione admired the large, private study room while Harry was surprised that it was decorated just as much as the rest of the school.

"I can't believe I hadn't heard about this place until now" Hermione said as she and Harry sat on one of the couches.

"I assumed McGonagall told you about it last year when you tried to take every class" Harry said.

They then heard footsteps, and it wasn't long before Cedric, Damien, Cho and Joseph arrived. They all greeted each other before Cedric moved towards Harry and gave his boyfriend a short kiss.

"Merry Christmas Harry" Cedric said with a smile when he pulled away slightly.

"Merry Christmas Ced" Harry returned with a smile of his own and a blush.

"We get it, you two are in love" Cho said sarcastically as she sat down.

"You're just jealous" Cedric said, sitting with Harry.

"I'd rather have detention with Snape instead of watch you two be sickeningly sweet" Joseph stated, sitting on one end of the couches.

"Seconded" Cho agreed, making Hermione and Damien chuckle.

Once everyone had settled, the house-elves brought hot cocoa for Harry, Hermione, Cho and Damien, and apple cider for Cedric and Joseph, as well as some sandwiches. After having a bite to eat, everyone then began exchanging gifts.

Cho started, handing everyone a small, simply wrapped box. Inside was a simple charm bracelet, composed of a silver chain, and all had one charm attached on each; a metal disc with the rune for friendship.

"And here I thought Harry and Cedric were being the cheesy ones" Joseph said with a smirk, but thanked Cho.

Cho also gave Cedric, Damien and Harry some Montrose Magpies pins. "I've got a really good feeling about them this year."

"I see we're continuing the yearly tradition of Cho losing money in our National Cup betting pool" Damien said with a chuckle.

"If you're so confident, why not go all in on the Kestrels?" Cho shot back.

Suddenly, beautifully wrapped gifts floated in front of everyone except Joseph, who had his wand out. "I thought I'd move things along before the arguing evolves into an actual debate match."

He received a thankful smile from Cedric, and Cho and Damien muttered soft apologies before everyone unwrapped their presents. Hermione received some books on the history of magical society, and Cho and Cedric got a pair of dragonhide Quidditch gloves each.

"These are wonderful. Thank you Joseph" Hermione said, and Cho and Cedric thanked him as well.

"You're all welcome" Joseph returned before turning to Harry. "I hope you like your gift too."

"I'm sure I'll love it, but I hope it isn't something from Mr. Trent's shop" Harry said with a small, apologetic smile. "While I loved and appreciate the pocket watch you gave me last year, I don't have much need for really fancy things. I only started using it when I found a perfect picture of Ced to put in it."

Joseph nodded. "I understand, and you need not worry. This year's gift is not overly extravagant."

Harry nodded and opened his gift. It was a cookbook. It wasn't one written by a wizard or witch, and didn't use any magical ingredients or spells. It was just a regular muggle cookbook. Harry was a little confused and looked at the Slytherin.

"You mentioned that Cedric started learning how to cook and bake the muggle way during the summer break, and you know the basics of cooking" Joseph explained. "I thought you two might like to start cooking together."

Harry and Cedric smiled at each other before thanking their friend. As Hermione handed out her gifts, Joseph moved closer to Damien, who was on the opposite end of the couch he was sitting on.

"Why haven't you opened my gift?" Joseph asked.

"To be honest, I'm surprised you even got me a gift" Damien admitted. "We only met a couple months ago."

"Well, it would've been rather rude if I gave a gift to everyone but you" Joseph explained. "And I gave Harry a Christmas gift last year after knowing him for a month or two." He then picked up his mug of cider before taking a sip. "Besides, I think we're well past being acquaintances."

Damien smiled and nodded, choosing not to comment on seeing the shorter male blush slightly before taking a sip from his drink. "You got me a gift and you're admitting we're friends? It's a Christmas miracle."

"Stuff it," Joseph said as he lightly shoved the Hufflepuff's arm. "Open your present."

Damien chuckled before unwrapping his gift. Taking the lid off the box, he was surprised to find several comic books.

"Since you have siblings who are muggles and they will eventually have muggle friends over, I didn't want to risk you getting in trouble by gifting you something that was obviously magical" Joseph explained. "I asked Cedric what kind of things you liked, and he said comics."

"Thank you, Joseph" Damien said, setting the box to the side and pulling the shorter male into a hug. Joseph was a bit surprised and stiffened, but slightly relaxed and patted Damien on the back in return after a few seconds.

The group continued exchanging gifts. Hermione got everyone a book each depending on their tastes; fantasy novels for Harry and Joseph, a spy thriller for Cedric, a book about courtly intrigue for Cho, and a science fiction novel for Damien. Damien apologised since his present wasn't ready yet, which earned confused looks from Harry, Hermione and Joseph, and nods of understanding from Cedric and Cho. The brunette then promised they'd all get their gifts by the end of the day. Harry and Cedric decided to save their gifts for each other until later. Harry got Hermione a set of peacock quills, Cho a pair of pearl earrings, Damien a rugby ball, and Joseph a book on humane ways to gather ingredients from magical creatures. Cedric then gave his gifts; a history of magical laws concerning magical creatures for Hermione, a couple bits of Magpies merch for Cho, a book on ingredients from Asia for Joseph, and a couple of CDs for Damien that the other brunette could listen to using his portable CD player.

The friends talked for half an hour before Joseph excused himself to return to the Slytherin dorms, Hermione headed to the hospital wing for her final appointment with Madam Pomfrey about her teeth, Cho meeting up with some friends in the Great Hall, and Damien leaving to finish his presents.

"We're finally alone," Cedric said with a smile.

"Yup" Harry said, handing Cedric a gift. "This is from Mrs. Weasley."

Cedric unwrapped the present, bringing out a bright, yellow sweater with a black letter "C" emblazoned on the torso. "This is lovely."

Harry opened his own gift from Molly, revealing the green sweater with a dragon. The couple put on their sweaters, and exchanged gifts.

Cedric opened his gifts first. Like Joseph, Harry had gotten Cedric a cookbook, but one written by a witch. Harry also got him more quidditch supplies and a sky-blue scarf, but the gift that surprised Cedric the most was an autographed photo of Puddlemere United's current seeker.

"How'd you get this?" Cedric asked.

"Asked Joseph for help," Harry answered. "His dad called in some favours."

"Thank you, I love it," Cedric said, giving his boyfriend a kiss on the cheek.

He then handed Harry his gifts. The Gryffindor opened them to find a grey cardigan, a framed photo of the two of them from the time they went camping, and a yellow scarf.

"Trying to convert me?" Harry asked with a smile.

"Hufflepuff is the best house" Cedric said with a smile of his own. "Our common room is the closest to the kitchens."

"That's a pretty tempting offer, but I need something better."

"What could be better than being able to grab a snack from the kitchens whenever you want and be able to get back to your common room before a teacher finds you?"

Rather than answering, Harry moved onto Cedric's lap, wrapped his arms around the brunet's neck and pressed their lips together. Cedric groaned and wrapped his arms around Harry, pulling the shorter male closer. They spent the next few minutes snogging until Harry pulled away for air.

"So was that better?" Harry asked as he pressed his forehead against Cedric's.

"Not sure yet. I think some more testing needs to be done" Cedric replied.

"Fine, but can we move somewhere else?" Harry asked. "I don't want to be caught by Madam Pince."

Cedric agreed. They cast a spell that sent their gifts to their dorms before leaving and heading to one of the old, abandoned classrooms, staying there until it was time for them to get ready for the Yule Ball.


Harry stared at himself in the mirror in his dorm, not paying attention to his friends as they speculated about the night. He was a little worried since this would be his and Cedric's first appearance together as an official couple. While their relationship being revealed to the world after the first task had died down after a month or so, the papers could talk about this for the next year. Harry wouldn't even be surprised if people keep referencing it decades later.

Harry didn't mind the press. To him, they were basically like his schoolmates; they talked and gossiped about him, but they don't really know him. The only difference is that schoolmates can make gossip spread faster. Despite this, Harry was still worried about the press because of Cedric. Regardless of whether he decides to join a quidditch team, work in the ministry, or not work at all, Cedric will be in the public eye. Not to mention that it might strain the Hufflepuff's relationship with his father even more. Harry had no doubt Skeeter has already attempted to get Amos to make a statement about his son's relationship.

"Whatever your worrying about, that mirror's not going to solve it for you" Ron said as he moved to stand next to Harry. "I thought you'd be a little happy you were attending the Yule Ball with Cedric."

"I am, but I just can't help but worry" Harry said with a sigh. "But that's not really surprising. Ever since I learned I was a wizard, all I've done is worry."

Harry then told his best friend what he'd been worrying about. Ron listened attentively, and after taking a minute to collect his thoughts, he offered Harry some advice. "I know that you're worried about what the fallout might be, but we can't really know what's going to happen after tonight. But there isn't anything you can do about it right now."

"No, but-"

"The way I see it, you've got two choices mate. You can either spend the entire night worrying about something that may or may not happen, or you can just focus on enjoying your night with your friends and boyfriend. I'm pretty sure I know which option Cedric would want you to pick."

Harry took a deep breath in, and nodded with a smile. "Thanks Ron."

"Anytime mate. I have my moments of brilliance every now and again" Ron said with a smile.

"You're right. It's just hard to take anything you say seriously when you're wearing that" Harry said with a smirk.

"The comments about my dress robes don't bother me as much anymore" Ron said. "Honestly, I'm just relieved I found a date."

The boys spent the next few minutes making sure everything was perfect before heading out the door. When they got to the common room, Ron approached Lavender Brown while Neville approached Ginny. Neville had talked to Ron, Fred and George about it, clarifying that he was only taking Ginny to the Yule Ball as his date as a thank you for scaring off some bullies for him. While the twins were fine with it, Ron was a little unsure, but Ginny was very "persuasive." Even if Ron still had reservations, he couldn't do much since he now had to focus his attention on Lavender. The Gryffindors headed to the Entrance Hall and saw everyone else heading into the Great Hall while the champions stayed outside. It wasn't long before Harry was approached by his date.

"Harry, you look great" Cedric said with a wide smile.

"You look great too, but we already knew that" Harry returned.

"Get a room" Seamus said, making Dean lightly shove him. "But seriously, you guys look great."

"Thanks," Cedric said. "McGonagall is telling everyone but the champions and their dates to head inside already."

"We'll see you guys inside then" Ron said before he and Lavender led the group into the Great Hall.

Harry sighed with relief as his friends left. While he was glad that his friends quickly accepted his relationship with Cedric, it was currently their favourite thing to tease the champion about. The Hufflepuff had excused himself to talk to some friends, so Harry decided to look around. He spotted Victor standing close to the wall, waiting for his date. He was dressed in what looked like a military uniform with a fur cape draped over his right arm. On the other side of the hall, Fleur was with Roger Davies, the Ravenclaw quidditch team captain. Other than in the matches where they were opponents, Harry had never met Roger, but Cedric said he was a nice guy who only focused on Quidditch and his studies.

Just as Cedric returned to Harry's side, the two noticed a group of students come up from the dungeons. In front was Draco and Pansy, who were flanked by Crabbe and Goyle. They were followed by Blaise and Theo, and the rear was being brought up by Joseph and Daphne. They turned to look at the champions, immediately turning away after spotting Harry and Cedric. Joseph gave a quick nod to his friends before following the rest of his friends inside.

"Did you know Joseph was attending with Daphne Greengrass?" Harry asked.

"No, but I did overhear some of the girls say that Astoria got sick and was complaining about not being able to attend the Yule Ball" Cedric replied. "What's wrong?"

"I just find it surprising that Joseph would take Daphne as a date when her sister is in the way of him and Draco being together" Harry said.

"You should know by now that Joseph rarely lets his emotions guide his actions" Cedric reminded his boyfriend. "He and Daphne grew up in the same circle of friends. I probably would have too if my dad had been on the same side of certain issues as their parents were."

Harry looked up at the taller teen with a confused look. "Certain issues?"

"Ministry policies," Cedric clarified, before sighing. "But yes, blood purity and superiority too."

"I thought Joseph's parents weren't blood purists."

"From what I saw when our families had dinner together, they aren't. But they were on the other side of the war last time."

Harry took a slow breath in. From what he knows about Joseph, his family couldn't be blood purists. Joseph knew about muggle pop culture, walked around muggle London from time to time and could probably teach the Muggle Studies class right now.

"I'll talk to him about it," Harry said, taking Cedric's hand. "For tonight, I just want to focus on us."

Cedric nodded, kissing Harry on the cheek. After a few minutes, Hermione arrived as Viktor's date. The champions and their dates were asked to line up before the doors of the Great Hall opened and the night began.


"Who knew Potter could dance so well?" Daphne asked as she and Joseph joined the other people dancing.

"Diggory probably taught him," Joseph stated as he led Daphne so they wouldn't bump into other couples.

"And he is doing most of the work" Daphne agreed. "Thank you for agreeing to accompany me. I was actually surprised you accepted."

"It was no trouble. But why did you think I wouldn't accompany you?"

"Because my sister is dating the love of your life."

Joseph didn't reply immediately, he didn't even miss a beat as the music got faster.

"And how is that relevant? You're not the reason Draco and Astoria are together. The only person responsible for that situation is dancing with Pansy."

"I know, but feelings and emotions tend to make things...complicated."

"I'm aware, but when have I ever let my emotions get the better of me? I understand the current situation is making everyone tense. But all you, and the rest of our friends need to know is what happens between Draco and I stays between Draco and I. None of our drama will have any impact on any of my other relationships."

"Alright. I'm glad. I think I'm finished for the night."

"Would you like me to walk you back to our common room?"

"It's alright. I'm fine. I think it'd be better if you stayed here to make sure Blaise doesn't do anything that'll cost us all our house points."

Joseph smirked and walked Daphne to the Great Hall doors before the two parted ways for the night. It may have surprised his friends that he had agreed to bring Daphne tonight as a date, but they were rather close. She wasn't as close to Joseph as Theo or Blaise, but they could talk freely about most things with each other. They could even go a month without talking and just pick up where they left off the next time they did.

As Joseph walked around he noticed that about half the students and all the teachers had retired for the night. He brought out his pocket watch to see that it was half past eight. He looked up to see Harry and Cedric still dancing, smiling at each other. He looked towards the other side of the dance floor, and saw Draco and Pansy dancing.

For the most part, what Joseph said to Daphne about not letting his feelings for Draco affect his relationship with his other friends was mostly true. If he was being honest, he had treated Pansy with a bit of hostility in the past when she was obsessed with the blond. One of the rare occasions Joseph had let his emotions get the better of him was when he told Pansy that Draco wasn't interested in her and that she should find someone else, which worked out for the best. But even if Draco was and still is uninterested in Pansy, Joseph was jealous of her because her ending up with Draco in the end was a possibility.

The raven-haired Slytherin tried to shift his train of thought and decided to get some fresh air. He saw some other couples walking around. Joseph moved towards the part of the gardens that looked over the Black Lake. The moon illuminated the entire lake, and the silence was helping Joseph calm down. He was about to head back in when he heard the flapping of wings, and turned to see an owl carrying a package. Joseph held out his hand, and the owl placed the package on it before flying away. Joseph looked at the box skeptically. He took out his wand and after checking if there were any curses or hexes on it, he picked up the note.

Hey Joseph,

Merry Christmas again. Sorry if my gift arrived a little bit late, but I wanted it to be perfect. Ced mentioned you didn't like things that were too sweet. Anyway, I hope you like your gift. Even if you don't, tell me so I can make my next gift better.

Damian

Intrigued by the note, Joseph carefully unwrapped the package. When he took off the lid, he found a batch of lemon squares. He picked one up, bit off one of the corners, and found that they were really good.

'So Damian spent all day baking these, as well as his gifts to the others' Joseph thought to himself with a small smile. The sound of footsteps brought him out of his thoughts and he turned to see Draco approaching him.

"You've been out here a while" Draco said when he stopped a few steps away. "We were all worried that Beauxbatons' pegasi had gotten loose and run you over."

"I'm fine," Joseph said with a nod, before turning to look at the lake. "I just needed some air."

Draco nodded too, even though Joseph couldn't see him anymore, and moved to stand next to him. "I know, events with too many people are really draining for you." He then began chuckling, making the other Slytherin give him a questioning look. "I'm sorry. I just recalled the time you tried to convince your parents not to throw you a big birthday party."

"But to no avail. I had to suffer while dozens of people I didn't know talked to me and gave me gifts" Joseph said with a smirk "Also having a five-tier cake and watching that magizoologist who brought a baby salamander was absolute torture."

The two teens laughed for a minute before looking out at the lake in a comfortable silence. Draco missed this, he wanted this but he ruined his chances. All he could really do now was hope that Joseph would be alright being friends with him again.

"How was dancing with Pansy?" Joseph asked. "You're here, so either things went well or someone will find her body soon."

"The dancing was fine," Draco replied. "We just talked about everyone else while we danced to pass the time."

Joseph nodded, and the two of them began walking around the garden. "So who made the worst dressed list other than Weasley?"

"I think he deserved to be on the list all on his own" Draco said with a chuckle. "But Pansy made a good case for some others. I can't believe she didn't think Potter deserved to be on the list."

"I know you hate him and all, but to be fair, he didn't look as bad as the others" Joseph said. "If he had had his hair cut, he might've even looked good."

"A lot of people need their hair cut" Draco said. "Scissors have been invented, right?"

Joseph chuckled. "Do you really want to talk about hair? You used so much gel in our first year I thought Snape was going to kick you out because he'd be worried of some of it spilling into the potions."

"Must you really bring that up?" Draco asked with a blush. "It was our first time being around other kids, I was trying to make an impression. And if it was that bad, why didn't any of you say anything?"

"Crabbe and Goyle agreed to everything you said and did," Joseph replied. "Pansy was still obsessed with you, Daphne, Millicent and Blaise didn't say anything so they could keep making fun of you, and Theo and I did say something, but you didn't listen to us."

"You're all prats."

"Takes one to know one."

"Whatever. Come to think of it, Pansy did complain that I wasn't as good as I used to be at dancing, which she just did to distract me."

"Really?"

"Don't tell me you believe her. If you're skeptical, dance with me right now."

Save for a couple of floating lights and the moon, there wasn't much light in the gardens, and Draco was hoping it was dark enough that Joseph didn't see his face blushing. Joseph stared at him for a few seconds before laughing.

"Couldn't you have just asked me to dance like a normal person?" Joseph asked when he calmed down.

"I didn't think it would've been appropriate...given the state of our relationship" Draco said.

"Whatever happens, we're still going to be friends Draco" Joseph said, and hearing him say that made the blond so relieved, but sad too. "We can dance if you want to."

Draco nodded before Joseph changed his mind. "Do you want to go inside?"

"The band is inside" Joseph said. "But I like it out here."

Draco then brought out a small box, placed it on a nearby bench and cast a spell on it. It started playing a slow song, and the two teens got into position.

"Did you plan this?" Joseph asked, and Draco shook his head. "Am I really supposed to believe you didn't plan this when you had the music box and spell ready?"

"Yes, because I didn't plan this," Draco said. "Pansy did."

"And why did she plan this?" Joseph asked as he started leading Draco.

"All of our friends have noticed how...strained our relationship has been recently" Draco replied. "She thought that if she got us to do something that we both enjoyed together, then maybe it'll help things."

"And the activity she immediately thought of was dancing," Joseph said as he rolled his eyes. "I guess I'll have to get her another gift as thanks for her help in easing tension between us."

'Me too' Draco thought to himself while nodding.

"While Pansy's plan worked, she was wrong about one thing."

"What's that?"

"You haven't gotten worse at dancing. You've gotten better."

Draco gave a smile, his cheeks blushing softly, and Joseph returned with a small smile of his own. They spent the rest of the night dancing in the garden without a care in the world. No tests to study for, no peers to impress and no parental expectation to fulfill. All that mattered was the music and the feeling of having the other in their arms.