40. Dreaming
As the teenage Harry stood at the entrance of Ys' domain, he could only wrestle with his emotions. As he stood there peering, he did nothing but fearing, doubting, the reality he found himself in. This was the day he would have an outing with the woman who held the strings to heart for so long.
Today he would begin his courting of the Pale Lady. Sweaty palms itched without rest as he removed his black gloves. Looking at his watch, he was aware that he was ten minutes early, a period of time that seemed to be both too soon and too far off.
The Yule Festival was an exquisite event, where magical beings of all kinds attended. Atypical to its state, the underwater kingdom was surrounded by a large bubble like dome. Entering and exiting was simple and one could easily breathe. Amazingly, the mermaids and mermen could swim inside the bubble as though it was filled with water.
If it wasn't for the outing, Harry would have been very interested in checking the bubble. Chewing the insides of his cheeks, he found himself unable to stay in one spot. Harry twisted the cuff of his pinstripe suit. It felt stuffy and formal, but Harry felt that it was necessary for the first stage of their courting.
"Lost in your thoughts, once again?" The decadent voice of the Pale Lady echoed as she walked through the entrance. "I hope I'm not too late."
Harry found himself speechless. The Pale Lady was dressed in an attire quite divergent from the norm. Her dress was a dark crimson with ruffled material that acted as a short sleeved top, it gradually changed to an intricate pattern that covered the chest and flowed down into a corset like middle that went to the waist. At the waist, it split into two folds of red draping over the black skirt that reached to her feet.
As inexperienced as he was, Harry knew that she needed to be complimented. Digging through the chambers of his mind for a compliment, he said, "You… look nice." The teenager berated himself for his lackluster praise. There were so many words he could've used such as stunning, beautiful, marvelous, or manifestation of allure in a singular lovely form from which his eyes were privileged to feast on.
"Thank you", she said with a laugh that hinted at knowledge of his slip up. With an ease of grace, she bended over and straightened his tie. When she finished, she patted his chest and backed away. "You look as charming as ever."
Relieved that he hadn't blundered too poorly, he continued, "May I?" He rose his elbow towards her.
"You may", she said silkily as she took hold of his arm.
As he expected, her touch was comforting but odd. It was an attribute he hadn't picked up when he was younger, having had little physical contact with others. Her body couldn't be called warm or cold. The touch of her skin was an abstract notion in regards to heat, a spark of almost warmth in the coldest winter and nearly soothing breeze on the hottest summers. Most of all, the feeling brought a sense of comfort to him and he was able to steady his walking.
Along the walkway, he saw all manner of magical creatures passing by from centaurs to giant owls. A festival for all manner of creatures was compelling. Certain parts of him just wanted to people watch. Ys had a more welcoming attitude to nonhumans then the Ministry of Magic did, not that was saying much.
Getting to the main path of the kingdom, the pair looked through the decorative windows of the lavish shops. There were restaurants, clothing, and trinket shops all around, with guests going in and out. All of it was so mesmerizing.
"I see you've taken well to your symbol", the Pale Lady said as she ran a finger down his headdress. There was a chime as pieces of it struck the others. Having such an intimate action happen, his face grew hot. "You are an interesting one."
Oddly enough, he took pride in that. For one who seen so much that could only be a compliment. "It that your symbol?" The wizard pointed to the strange cross that was nestled comfortably over her bosom.
She graced him with another smile, "Yes, it's called an ankh. Symbols hold a great deal of power for a number of reasons. It can help one better understand himself, though it's prudent to not be too caught up in it", she advised.
Harry opened his mouth to further question her, but a strong hand took his shoulders. Looking behind him, he saw that it was Andre.
"Sorry ma'am, but may I borrow your date for a moment? I have come to give him his order", he said smoothly. Harry wasn't aware of any such order.
"Of course, don't let me hold you up. I'll be right here", she said just as smoothly as she took a seat on a nearby bench, her legs crossed. Once again, Harry wished he had brought a camera to record this magnificent image.
Without further permission, Andre pulled Harry into his shop. Ever since being introduced to the magical world, the man had made it his goal to get with a 'bewitching' lady and proceeded to open shop in magical locations. No explanations were given as the man took out expensive looking cologne and sprayed Harry with it. Next, he sprayed liquid mint in his mouth, causing the teen to cough. Satisfied, Andre raced to the back of the shop and wistfully pulled out a dozen centifolia roses. "I was going to use these for later, but I think you need them more", he explained. "Now shoo and show your lady a good time." He pushed Harry out the door before he could get a word in.
Stumbling out the door, he paced towards his date for the day. "For you. I hope you like them", he said unsurely.
"They're a beautiful. Thank you, Harry. Shall we take our leave?"
Before they could even begin, a chariot stopped beside them. Pulling the cart were a group of large seahorses that appeared bred for strength. The door swung open and a tittering Alana swam out. "I hope I'm not too late. I have brought the carriage ride that accompanies your tickets to the castle."
With much effort, he prevented himself from gaping. No such arrangement had been made. Seeing the helpful look on Alana's face, he couldn't refuse. Gently, he guided the Pale Lady into the chariot and only slightly flushed as he heard girlish giggling from the normally restrained mermaid.
The chariot idly drove towards the castle. In light of the Yule festival, a popular play called Faust was being shown. Having heard a lot of good things about it, he believed that his date would enjoy the motif. A not too small part of him was ecstatic to see an actual magical play.
Both sat in comfortable silence as they watched the scenery out of the window.
"I'm happy for you", the Pale Lady began. "You've become far more social. I can scarcely believe that you were the child that stood so alone. Now, you have such dependable and caring friends. It's adorable."
Her compliments brought forth another wave of embarrassment. Internally, he was grateful to Andre and Alana because he was fully aware how out of depth he was. But, he didn't regret asking for her company for a moment. Finally relaxing, he leaned back and enjoyed the sight of his companion eyeing the landscape. Who would have thought a change in clothing could be so enticing.
A stupid smile was fixed on his face as the chariot reached its destination. Climbing down out of the seat, he reached out his hand to gently guide her down the steps of the chariot.
"The show will start soon", he noted as they walked down an archway. The last Potter soon found his partner stopping.
Just above them were fresh mistletoes, "Far be it for me to be remiss with such traditions." She slightly bent down and kissed his cheek ever so softly.
Harry was left lightheaded, but attempted to act nonchalant. With nerves fraying, he returned the gesture and felt even more lightheaded, especially when she gave a coy smile.
As Harry continued escorting her for the rest of the date, he could hardly fathom this being reality. Regardless, he wouldn't want to spend Christmas with anyone else.
