This is such a turning chapter to be honest, so full of new emotions.
Also, we have a new ship name!
Dralec!
My lovely beta come up with it for Draco and Alec, to be honest, it have never even crossed my mind but after she said it, it just stick with me. ;D
Anyway, hope that you can enjoy this chapter. Ahhh! I was so excited to post it and i so want to talk about this chapter so go on and rant as much as you want in the comments because damn, i so want to discuss ever little detail in this chapter!
Yule Ball.
After that day, things changed.
Draco started to spend less time with Harry and it seemed that Harry didn't even notice , too caught up with Cedric.
So Draco spent more time with Krum, getting to know him better.
When the Hogsmeade weekend finally came, Draco was one of the first out the door and he wasn't disappointed, Alec was already standing by the gates, waiting for him.
One hand was pushed into a pocket of his leather jacket while the other held a lit cigarette; his hair was also longer, sporting a small man bun, deep shades highlighting his piercing eyes.
- Finally. - Alec grumbled when Draco stepped out of the gates, dropping the cigarette's remains to the ground and pulling Draco into a tight hug, making Draco gasp and grab his shoulders to remain upright.
Alec hid his face in Draco's hair and breathed in his scent, holding him close before starting to run a hand through Draco's hair.
Draco slowly relaxed into the touch, melting against Alec's body, hiding his own face in the crook of Alec's neck and breathing in his so familiar scent.
- I missed you. I was so damn worried. - Alec murmured, softly pushing Draco back and running his hands over Draco's arms, taking in his appearance as if to check if Draco was okay.
- I missed you so much. - Draco curled a strand of hair around his finger. - Your hair has gotten so long, and that little bun. I like it. -
- Thought that you would. - Alec pushed Draco's own hair back a bit.
- Maybe we can start moving? I didn't manage to get any breakfast yet. - Draco looked back up into Alec's eyes.
- Sure. - Alec pulled Draco back close, keeping an arm around his waist, interlocked their fingers, and pushed their linked hands into Draco's coat pocket, placing a small peck on top of his head before starting to walk down the road.
Draco felt calmer right away, leaning against Alec, listening to Alec tell him about what he had been upto since they'd last met.
They stopped to eat a light breakfast, or rather, for Draco to eat; all Alec got for himself was simple coffee.
- Aren't you eating anything? - Draco eyed Alec sipping his coffee.
- I already did before coming here. Mum cooked a wonderful breakfast and didn't let me out of the house before I ate at least a bit. Also, she would love to meet you. Father too, actually. They are both probably tired of listening to me ranting about you. - Alec chuckled into his mug.
- Your parents want to meet me? - Draco looked up in disbelief.
- Yeah, why not? Maybe this holiday we could do that? Are you coming to stay with me for a bit? Of course, only if Narcissa doesn't mind. - Alec shrugged like it was nothing. - Now close your mouth and continue eating. -
- It's just that no one has ever asked me such a thing… - Draco murmured before taking another bite of his breakfast.
- Well, then I am the first. - Alec gave Draco such a bright smile that he fully forgot all his worries.
- So, don't you have to meet up with Harry sometime today too? - Alec asked, looking out the window.
- No, he's probably too busy shoving his tongue down Cedric's throat. - Draco didn't really mean to put such venom into his voice, getting startled by his own tone, it simply happened, earning a weird look from Alec.
- So that's why your last letter was so cold. At least we're clear about that. - Alec leaned back in his chair.
- Don't look so smug about it. It doesn't mean anything. -
- Sure thing, sweety, you can keep on telling yourself such things if it helps you to sleep better. - Something dark passed Alec's eyes as he leaned closer. - But you care about that dick, and he hurt you. Admit it and move on. -
- He can kiss whoever he wants, I'm just his friend. And yes, I was hurt because he chose to take Cedric to our spot! He could have had him in any other place, but no, he dragged him up to our place and ruined it! - Draco felt the sudden flare of magic a bit too late, Alec's mug of coffee already shattering, cutting Alec's palm, but even that didn't make Alec look away and lose eye contact.
Draco felt himself start to breathe faster, more shallow breaths, worry starting to seep into his flesh and bones, but then Alec's cool hand was cupping his cheek and his eyes were looking deep into Draco's, his thumb softly rubbing over Draco's cheekbone.
- Breathe. - Alec murmured, making Draco's eyes shift down to his lips, watching how Alec breathed in and out, in and out, slowly starting to breathe at the same time as him, calming down.
- Everything okay? -
Draco just nodded, looking back up into Alec's eyes.
Alec simply smiled before taking his hand away from Draco, taking a napkin and tying it around his palm.
- I didn't mean to… I… It… It really hasn't happened in so long… I.. - Draco couldn't find the right words to say.
- It's all okay. Don't worry. At least you let your anger out. That's good. Even when I would have advised more pleasant ways to do it. - Alec let out a laugh, smiling at Draco. - Oh, wanna help me find a present for my mum? I have no idea what to get her! -
With that, they spent most of the day going from shop to shop, simply enjoying each other's company, Alec made sure to brighten Draco's mood and helped him enjoy himself a lot more.
They ran into Krum on their way to get new quills for Draco.
- Victor! Didn't know that you were coming here too! - Alec let go of Draco's hand and pulled Victor into a hug.
It would be okay because Draco knew that Alec was just that kind of person who liked extra touches but the satisfied smirk that spread over Krum's face made Draco's insides boil, so right when he finally let go of Alec, Draco pulled Alec back close, keeping hold of his hand, probably a bit too tight but he just needed that right now.
- We wanted to get me some quills. - Draco reminded Alec, stepping closer to the shop.
- Oh, I came to get some too. - Krum stepped into the shop after them.
- Cool, we can shop all together then. - Alec sounded way too enthusiastic about that, making Draco squeeze his fingers a bit tighter.
- Yea, I wanted to meet you again. Letters are just not the same, ya know. - Krum walked with them around the shop.
- Yeah, but they are at least something. Also, you will need to tell me more about that quidditch match you wrote about in your last letter. I simply need to know more! - Alec laughed.
- Wait, you two owl each other? - Draco span around, furrowing his brows, a scowl painting his face.
- Yeah, since the world cup. Don't give me such a sour face, I write to you too. - Alec pulled Draco closer, squeezing his shoulder, but Draco shook his hand off of himself, walking a bit further to examine some fancy feathers.
He could hear Alec chatting with Krum in a way too friendly tone, a lot of laughter mixed in that started to play on Draco's nerves.
- I'm done, don't want any of these quills. Let's go. - Draco couldn't help himself sounding annoyed, crossing his arms over his chest.
- C'mon. You need some. - Alec turned his attention to Draco; with one hand on Draco's hip, he pulled Draco back to the majestic quill stand. - I saw you admiring this one. Do you want it? - Alec breathed against Draco's ear, letting his lips brush the soft skin there, earning a soft shiver from Draco.
Draco closed his eyes, taking a deep breath before nodding.
- Then I'll buy it for you so every time you write with it, I come to your mind. - Alec pressed a soft kiss against Draco's temple before picking up the quill and going over to the counter to pay.
When Draco turned around he saw Krum following Alec with his gaze before picking up a couple quills from the stand near him and walking to the counter, standing way closer to Alec than Draco would like.
But all of Alec's attention was on Draco, a big smile spreading over his lips, handing Draco a small bag with the quill and something else inside it that made the bag a bit heavier.
- Everything alright, grumpy? - Alec pushed Draco's hair back from his forehead, running his fingers through wind-tangled strands.
- Yeah. Maybe we could grab a cup of hot chocolate? - Draco breathed out, leaning closer to Alec.
- Sure. - Alec smiled down at him before turning around to face Krum. - Coming for a cup of hot chocolate? -
- Why not? - Krum shrugged, following them out of the shop.
- Oh, will you go to that yule ball? - Alec asked Krum, keeping his arm around Draco's waist.
- Yeah, I need to. We champions need to start the dance. -
- Oh, already got a partner? - Alec smirked at Krum.
- Well, sadly I can't take you since you don't study at Hogwarts. - Krum smirked back, bumping his hip against Alec's, making him laugh and making Draco feel even more annoyed at the same time.
- Oh, you would love such a thing! - Alec laughed.
- That's it. I'm going back to the castle. - Draco pushed Alec's arm off of himself, starting to stroll back to the castle, way too annoyed to care that he shouldn't be walking so fast if he wants to actually make it to the castle still breathing.
- Draco! Wait! - Alec ran up to him, grabbing his hand and spinning him around.
- Let me go. - Draco tried to pull his hand out of Alec's grip but Alec just pulled him closer, locking his arms around Draco's waist, keeping him close and looking him deep in the eyes, all playfulness gone.
- Please calm down. - Alec breathed out, worry and sadness drowning out the blue of his eyes.
- You clearly want to spend time with Him, not me. So go on! - Draco could tell his voice sounded weird, it was cutting cold with a tone of breaking that made him suddenly afraid he might start to cry.
- I am with you, am I not? I left him and ran to you, didn't I? He is just a friend but you are special. - Something into Alec's tone made Draco still and sigh.
- I'm just tired. - He murmured, pushing his face down against Alec's neck.
- I know, baby, I know. - Alec just pulled him closer, running one hand through his hair. - Let's go get that cup of hot chocolate before I walk you back to the castle. -
- Mhm… - Draco just nuzzled closer to Alec's neck, not wanting to move away at all.
Draco was late for breakfast. He didn't know how that happened but he just overslept.
He was bathed in Alec's scent, his mind telling him in a dream that he could sleep a bit more, sleep next to Alec and be safe.
So when he finally got up, he was already late for breakfast, but maybe he could still get some tea.
He wasn't really running, he was just walking really fast when he almost bumped into Harry, who was coming out of the great hall.
Harry nodded to Hermione and Ron to keep on going, stopping by Draco.
- I wanted to talk to you. -
- Yeah, well, not the right moment. I want to get a cup of tea but breakfast is almost over so if you could move aside. - Draco really didn't mean to be sassy, it just came out.
- Cedric asked me to the ball. - Harry blurted out, not looking up at Draco.
- Good. I'm going with Pansy. - Draco was looking into the great hall, trying to spot if the tea kettle was still on the table.
- Oh… Oh.. well… Good… - Harry was searching Draco's eyes, something desperate and sad flickering in his own.
- Yeah, now if that's all, bye. - Draco stepped around Harry and rushed to the slytherin table, but right when he reached out for the tea kettle, it disappeared.
Draco cursed under his breath, standing up and storming out of the great hall, throwing a glare at Harry.
He needed his fucking cup of tea.
So he ended up in the kitchen, devouring his fresh cup of hot tea, ranting to Dobby about Harry and how insensitive he was.
After two cups of tea, he finally felt better enough to walk back to the common room to find Pansy.
- Pansy! What kind of dress are you wearing to the Yule Ball? - Draco plopped down on the armchair closer to the fire, facing Pansy.
- I was thinking of emerald green or something bluish. Why? - She leaned closer to Draco.
- Because I want us to have matching colors in our outfits. Better wear icy blue. I will have my dress robes that color. But you know, that deep ice blue, not the pale one. The pale one won't suit you. Or me. Kay, that's done. - Draco flicked his wand and a piece of parchment flew to his hand.
He was about to start writing a letter to his mother but Pansy was still gaping at him, joined by Blaise.
- What? - Draco huffed out.
- Did you just ask Pans to go with you to the ball? - Blaise was holding back laughter.
- Yeah, wasn't that clear? Why else would I coordinate our dress robes? - Draco just shrugged, turning back to his letter.
- Well, boys usually actually ask first. - Pansy leaned back on the sofa.
- Well, do you have a problem with it? Want to go with Blaise? - Draco looked back up, bored.
- No, of course I will go with you. -
- Then stop being a whiny bitch and go order your dress. - Draco huffed in annoyance.
- Just because Harry has found a new pet doesn't mean that you can be mean to me! - Pansy jumped up and stormed away.
- What the hell? - Draco looked as she went.
Blaise couldn't hold on anymore and started laughing, getting a glare from Draco.
- Shut up. -
- Okay, okay. But really, she has a point. Don't pour out your annoyance about Harry on us. -
- I know. - Draco breathed out, looking back down and starting to write a letter to Narcissa.
Thinking back, Draco realised that it was the first time he had stayed in school during holidays, but almost everyone was staying because of the ball.
He looked in the mirror, seeing someone he didn't really know staring back.
Eyes like ice, dress robes a deep icy blue bringing out his pale blond hair and his sharp cheekbones.
He looked even paler than usual, his lips standing out fully pink.
He no longer was the soft Draco his mother tried so hard to keep. Right now, dressed in posh robes of the best quality, he looked just like someone his father had tried to shape, cold hearted pureblood.
- Mate, how did you get your robes to look so tight? I literally feel like they are painted on my skin but they still don't look as good as yours. Damn. - Blaise's voice pulled Draco back out of his thoughts.
- I don't know. This is the first time I have put them on. Mother ordered these for me and sent them to me this morning. So you will need to ask her. - Draco turned around, letting his eyes run over Blaise in his emerald green robes.
- I will need to ask. Because I could use some of these dress robes. - Blaise looked back at the mirror, fussing around his hair.
- Here, let me. - Draco softly pushed his hand away, stepping in front of Blaise.
He ran his hands through Blaise's hair, styling them in the way that would suit him. After that he let his hands drop to his neck, correcting the collar and elegant bow there before letting his hands drop to his own sides, looking back up into Blaise's eyes.
- Thanks… - Blase breathed out with a toothy smile.
Draco just nodded, stepping away just in the moment when Pansy opened their dorm room door.
- Did I disturb you guys? - She smirked. - So, how do I look? Fantastic, I know. We need to go, the ball is about to start. -
- We know. Let's go, snake. - Draco extended his elbow for Pansy to take.
They walked up to the great Hall together, Pansy was blabbing about how much time it took to style hair, but when they stopped, his eyes landed on Harry in quite simple but still elegant black and white dress robes, standing next to Diggory, chatting nervously, his hair still a mess.
- Draco, stop staring at Potter, we need to go into Great Hall. - Pansy pulled at his arm, only then did Draco realise that he had clenched his teeth and squeezed Pansy's hand a bit too hard.
He pulled his chin up and led her into the great hall, fully ignoring Harry who was waving to him from where he was standing.
The hall was mind blowing and buzzing with life, when music started playing it felt like they were all transported to another reality, in their own safe bubble where all they were supposed to do was just listen to music and dance and dance and dance, simply be teenagers who were having fun.
Soon enough Draco let himself loose, actually enjoying dancing with Pansy, thanking all the tiring lessons he had needed to go through as a child for manor balls.
When they finally sat down, Pansy leaned close to him, her cheeks flushed and eyes shining.
- Thank you, Draco, really. I had so much fun. I never thought that these balls could be so fun. You know how all pureblood balls always are so boring but this one, you made me see how much I can enjoy it. Thank you. - Pansy placed a light peck on his cheek.
- I… Em… Your welcome? - Draco was a bit confused. - Thank you, Pans. For putting up with me. -
- Save it, blondy. - Pansy laughed, getting up. - I'm gonna get a drink. -
Draco watched her go, leaning back on the bench and letting his body relax a bit.
Soon he started to look around, seeing how much fun everyone was having.
His eyes landed on a messy-haired head and something inside him clenched.
Harry had his arms around Cedric's neck, Cedric's arms around his waist, their chest flushed together, eyes locked before they leaned in a kiss.
Draco didn't realise that he had jumped up, his fists clenched, eyes locked on the lovebirds in the middle of the dance floor.
A hand landing on his shoulder made him finally look away, he turned to see Sirius standing next to him.
Sirius simply nodded and led Draco out of the hall, holding a firm arm around his shoulders.
Draco's magic was buzzing, he felt it rise in his blood and it probably was stinging Sirius hand but Sirius didn't let go, he simply kept on walking, leading Draco outside into the snowy garden and even further down the torch light up path, stopping only when they had almost gotten to the very middle of the beautiful garden, turning Draco to look him in the eyes.
- No one should be sad during such a beautiful ball. I'm sorry that Harry is hurting you, I know how that feels but I also happen to know how to make you feel at least a bit better. So I have a small surprise for you, only you can't tell anyone about it because it happens to be a bit rule-breaking. Go have some fun. - Sirius patted Draco on the cheek, softly pushing him further down the path.
Draco looked back with his brows furrowed, not really understanding about what Sirius was talking about, but Sirius only smiled at him before turning around and walking up the path to the waiting Remus, sneaking an arm around his waist and pecking him on the lips, both walking back up to the castle.
Draco walked a bit further and stopped dead in his tracks.
Right there in the middle of the beautiful snowy garden, lit up by flickering torches, stood a man in stylish grey dress robes, a smile painting his lips, his arms held out wide.
- Alec! - Draco breathed out, his magic forgotten. He ran straight into Alec's open arms, letting their bodies crash together, making Alec stumble a bit, laughter rumbling in Alec's chest.
- Missed me? - Alec's hands were already running over Draco's back, pulling him even closer if that was possible, his face pressed against Draco's hair while Draco pressed his face against Alec's neck, his hands gripping Alec's sides.
After a long moment of simply breathing each other in, they finally pulled back a bit to look each other in the eyes, getting lost for another moment.
- What are you doing here? How did you even get here? - Draco finally breathed out, worries running through his mind.
- Sirius brought me here, he wanted to give you something that would make you happy for Christmas. So, I guess, I am your Christmas gift. - Alec laughed, earning a soft shove from Draco.
- Idiot. - Draco murmured, never letting go of Alec's hand.
- Nah, your idiot sounds better. - Alec held Draco at arms length, his eyes running over all Draco's body. - Fuck, you look so fantastic. Like some kind of Ice Prince but even better. So hot. - Alec ran a hand over Draco's side. - How did you get it to hug your waist so tightly? Can you even breathe properly? - Alec turned Draco around, sliding his hand from Draco's waist to his smaller back and over to his other hip. - And your bum, Draco! It should be illegal to have such a round bum! -
- Oh, stop, you fool! - Draco turned back around, resting his palms against Alec's chest. - Have you looked at yourself? You look like a snack or whatever that phrase Pansy was using was. -
Alec just kept on laughing, running soft fingers over Draco's cheekbone and sliding his thumb over his bottom lip before sliding his hand back down to rest on Draco's hip.
- Will you dance with me? - Alec breathed out, all the laughing gone, his eyes shining, bearing into Draco's.
- Of course… - Draco breathed out, wrapping his arms around Alec's neck, feeling Alec's hands rest on his hips, starting to move slowly.
Out of nowhere music started to play, making it feel even more magical.
Alec didn't look away from his eyes, soon taking hold of his hands and spinning Draco around, both of them getting fully lost in the dance, letting their bodies stay almost flush together in some moments, spinning in dance.
Alec took hold of Draco's hips, pulling him up and spinning around, Draco closed his eyes and let his arms spread wide, loving the sensation of flying while dancing.
When Alec finally let Draco's body slide back down against his, he held Draco in a strong hold, pushing back his hair with one hand, both out of breath, locking their eyes.
With a sudden urge, Draco hugged Alec tightly, feeling Alec's grip tighten around his waist, before Draco pushed his face against Alec's neck, closing his eyes and breathing in the intoxicating smell of Alec, brushing his lips against his fluttering pulse, earning a choked sigh from Alec before he felt a soft kiss being placed on top of his head.
In that moment, Draco couldn't wish for a better Christmas and a better person to spend it with.
In that exact moment, he felt at peace.
For just that night, Draco could say that he was happy.
For now.