Ch 1

"The Yule Ball has been a tradition of the Triwizard Tournament since its inception. On Christmas Eve night, we and our guests gather in the Great Hall for a night of well-mannered frivolity. As representatives of the host school l expect each and every one of you to put your best foot forward. And l mean this literally, because the Yule Ball is, first and foremost a dance." Minerva said, watching as the students talked and laughed amongst each other.

"Silence! The house of Godric Gryffindor has commanded the respect of the wizard world for nearly 10 centuries. l will not have you, in the course of a single evening, besmirching that name by behaving like a babbling, bumbling band of baboons." she firmly said.

"Try saying that five times fast." Fred said to his twin. George took him up on the small challenge.

"Now, to dance is to let the body breathe. lnside every girl, a secret swan slumbers longing to burst forth and take flight. lnside every boy, a lordly lion prepared to prance." she said, before she looked at the young boys.

Knowing she was going to call someone, Harry decided to take one for the team and quickly stood up.

"Mr Potter. Come hither." she said.

Harry walked close to his head of house, grabbing her open hand.

"Now, place your right hand on my waist and extend your arm." she instructed, feeling Harry's strong grip on her waist. Fred whistled at the pair as she led him in dancing.

"Jealous, Fred?" Harry asked.

"Not in the slightest, Harry." the Weasley twin replied.

Harry focused his attention on his head of house. While he never thought Minerva was attractive, being this close to her with raging hormones was causing him to have second thoughts.

'She's quite beautiful for her age. I'd love to dance with her.'

"Professor, quick question." Harry said, as he twirled her around.

"Sure thing." she answered.

"Would you like to be my partner for the Yule dance?"

Minerva was stunned for a second. One of her students was asking her out. She didn't know whether to be surprised or flattered, or even both. But why not take a chance? She was the head of Gryffindor house.

"I'd love to, Harry." she smiled.

Harry had the biggest smile on his face as he finished the lesson with Minerva. For most of the school year, it had been rough. The triwizard tournament and the fact that many students in Hogwarts had considered him to be a cheat. This small moment of being with Minerva seemed to make it all go away.

Several days had gone by, and the dance was upcoming. With help from Harry and Neville, Ron had somehow managed to ask one of the girls from the Beauxbatons academy and secured a partner for the dance.

Harry was seen up in front of the lit fire in the Gryffindor common room, almost glaring into it.

"Harry, if you're trying to do something to the fire by glaring at it, it's not gonna work mate." Ron said, sitting next to him.

"I know. I'm just nervous. But she does look nice." Harry said.

"Who?" Ron asked.

"Minerva. I know that's strange, but dancing with her even just for practice… it's been the happiest i've been since the year started." Harry said.

Ron could only look at his friend with his mouth open.

"Sounds like you're confessing your love to her." Ron teased. Harry laughed for a few minutes. It was good to banter like the friends they are.

…

Harry gulped as he looked at the door to the great hall, now converted for the Yule ball.

"It's okay, Harry. Just remember what we practiced." Minerva said, her arm wrapped with his. The door opened, and Harry led the procession into the hall.

The music started, and Harry led Minerva thru the dance they had practiced for days on end. Minerva looked at her student, seeing him the happiest he'd been since the year started. Minerva laughed as Harry twirled her around and dipped her left to right.

"Where'd you learn to do that?" she asked.

"I studied some muggle books on dancing. It comes handy." Harry said, as he lifted her bridal style and twirled on his feet for a few seconds.

As they separated to dance with others, Harry ran into his friends.

"So, enjoying the dance?" he asked, downing some juice.

"It's actually enjoyable. Krum's a decent fellow." Hermione said.

"And those ladies from the other school are beautiful. Thanks for helping me, Harry." Ron said.

"To a good night and dance." Harry said, lifting his glass.

"Here, here." Hermione said.

Minerva headed back to Harry, pulling him away from his friends. Minerva led him thru some salsa dancing, taking turns as he led her thru some choreography.

"So, how are you feeling?" Minerva asked, holding him close.

"Like i could take on that dragon with my bare hands and win." Harry smiled.

"I wouldn't try that if i were you. Not unless i had the fastest broomstick on hand." Minerva smirked.

Midnight came, and everyone was busy heading to their respective dorms. Minerva entered her office, seeing a note that wasn't there before.

'I enjoyed our dance tonight. I'd love to have more dances with you.'

Minerva instantly recognized her pupil's handwriting. Turning the paper over, she wrote her response.

'You can count on it, my brave lion.'