Enchanted Hearts IV: The Yule Ball
[ A/N: I know it has been Forever since I wrote a chapter for this fic, and to anyone who was following it, I apologize. Anyway, Tom and Nikki get to go to the Yule ball, and something happens that sets Tom & Hagrid as enemies forever... Please r/r!! Thanks!! ]
" I can't believe it's tonight! " Myrtle said, doing the final button on her new dress robes, " How do I look? "
" Great! " Nicole said, grinning, " This is going to be so fun! "
" I know! " Myrtle replied, " But why aren't you getting ready yet? It's only an hour away... "
" I dunno. I just feel like something is missing. " Nicole said, letting out a sigh. She was glad Tom could not hear that one. She was sure that her best friend would not be able to understand how anything could be missing from the life of a millionaire-turned-witch. Especially when he himself was an orphan, and had nothing until he had met Nicole this year. Suddenly, it struck her, " Oh, man! I forgot to buy Tom a present! "
" Huh? " Myrtle said, looking slightly confused, " That's it? "
" Yeah... " Nicole said, slapping a hand against her forehead, " I had him get the gifts I am giving you and Hagrid when he went away on the last Hogsmeade weekend, but I really couldn't let him get his own. It would have spoiled the surprise! "
" Well, lets run and see Professor Verynn once we're ready. I'm sure she can help you. " Myrtle suggested.
" Good idea! " Nicole said, her holiday spirit starting to return, " That was close! "
******
" I would be glad to help! " Professor Verynn said, a smile crossing her peitit trianglurar face, " Did you have something specific in mind? "
" I saw these charm rings that come in pairs when I was in Diagan Alley. They are supose to represent friendship -- "
" -- And allow you to see into someone else's head. Hmmm... " Professor Verynn said, " Are you sure that you and Tom are both ready for that kind of committment to eachother? You'll be giving eachother access to your deepest secrets... "
" Yes. " Nicole said, clasping her hands together, " It's mainly for over the summer... You know what I'm talking about... "
" Yes, I understand. " Professor Verynn said, placing a sympathetic hand on Nicole's shoulder, " I'll send for it right now. It will be here tomorrow. "
" Great! Thanks Professor! " Nicole said, rushing out the door. Only thirty minutes remained until the ball and she had not even put on her robes yet.
******
The light of twelve glowing christmas trees made nicole's scarlet robes shimmer gently as she gracefully made her way down the winding steps that led from Gryffindor tower to the main hall. Her jet hair fell losely, cascading over her shoulders and hitting the middle of her back. Her attention was then dawn to the young man standing in front of her, taking her hand.
" Hiya, Nikki! C'mon, let's dance! " Hagrid exclaimed, not waiting for a responce. His face looked so joyace at not being rejected that Nicole could not find the heart to tell him that she was waiting for Tom, and this error of good entention soon made itself very clear. " Eh... Nikki... There's somethin' I've been wantin' teh ask yeh for a while... "
" Yes? " Nicole asked, wondering what was making Hagrid act so nervous. It certainly wasn't his usual cheery way of talking.
" W...would yeh... err... like teh by my... girlfriend? " Hagrid asked, his face turning a shade of deep pink and his eyes falling toward the floor. Nicole could tell it had taken all of his courage to ask her and had not expected this question. Immediately the good manners of her upbringing kicked in.
" Gee, Hagrid... I don't know what to say... " Nicole sighed. Of course she knew what to say. She liked Tom, not Hagrid, and she knew she could not pretend. But before she could think of a way to explain this, the unthinkable occurred.
" Of course you know what to say! " Tom said, sliding his arm around Nicole and skillfully guiding her out of Hagrid's arms, " She's not interested, Hagrid. Sorry. Try someone else. "
" Tom! That's not nice just cutting in! " Nicole said, spinning out of his grasp and rejoining Hagrid. " Wait until this dance is over at least. "
" Whatever. " Tom muttered, walking over to the Slytherin table and sitting down.
" That Riddle makes me so mad! Who's he think he is cuttin' in like that? " Hagrid said, as they began to dance again. As Nicole looked at the joy that was shinning in his face her blunder became clear. As the dance ended, he shyly leaned forward and kissed her. It took all of her control not to curse at that moment. No good would come of this, and that she knew.
" I've got to go. I did promise Tom I'd go with him, remember? " Nicole said, breaking free of his embrace with an unavoidable hint of relief.
As she approached the table where Tom was sitting, Nicole noticed that his eyes held an eerie tint of red. Shivering, she wondered if she wanted to go over, but at that moment their eyes met and she knew there was no turning back now. Quickening her pace, Nicole tried to fake being calm as she sat down beside him. " It wasn't my fault. "
" Yes it was. I gave you an oppertunity to avoid it. " Tom said, not bothering to look at her, " You know, you may have just ruined the whole ball for me. "
" I'm sorry. I didn't know he was gonna do that, Tom. I didn't want to hurt his feeling... " Nicole said, the pace of her words increasing with every sentance. Gently, she reached out and put her hand on his shoulder, " Tom, I never meant to -- "
" How dare you touch me! " Tom said, turning and pushing her hand away. As she stared into his eyes her mouth dropped open in surprise -- they were scarlet. " What are you staring at? "
" Sorry. I... uh... lost my train of thought. Calm down, Tom. This is nothing to get upset about. "
" Yes it is! " Tom snapped, " You were dancing with a half-giant! When you said you would go with me! "
" I just didn't want to hurt his feelings. " Nicole repeated.
" That's still no excuse! " Tom snapped, " I thought you liked me. "
" I do. " Nicole said, " But I -- "
" Like Hagrid more? " Tom asked, smirking.
" No! " Nicole said, " If you'd let me finish a sentance -- "
" No. You humiliated me, Nicole! " Tom said.
" I think you've got that backwards! " Nicole said, standing up. " This isn't getting us anywhere! "
" Admit that I'm right and we'll drop it. "
" Admit that you're right about what? "
" That you had no business dancing with him. "
" It's not that big a deal, Tom! Get over it! " Nicole said, starting to walk toward the Gryffindor table. Instantly, the air in the room seemed to vanish and Nicole's hands went to her throat, figuring that she was choking. " Wh... at... "
" Nikki? " Tom asked, jumping out of his chair and coming up beside her, " You okay? "
" Uh... yeah. That was scary! I couldn't breathe! " Nicole said, her heart beating faster as Tom put his arms around her.
" It was an accident. " Tom said, his hazel eyes still gazing at her with concern.
" Huh? " Nicole said, looking at him, " What're you talking about? "
" That was my fault. " Tom said, " My eyes... glowed... didn't they? "
" Yeah... "
" Well, when that happens I lose it. I do weird stuff that people our age normally can't do. " Tom said, looking away for a moment.
" Oh... " Nicole said, realizing that he was tracing his fingers over her back and that she was still shaking. " So... "
" Let's go and get some punch and then let's dance, okay? " Tom asked, his eyes having returned to there normal hue of dazzling hazel, " I want to have some fun! "
" All right, then. " Nicole said, her voice steady again. Smiling, she took his hand and they walked over to the punch bowl.
The night went by without any more problems and the two of them had a lot of fun dancing and having punch. Once they got tired of dancing, they decided to go and look at the stars from the astronomy tower.
" You know, " Tom said, placing his hand around Nicole's shoulders, " One of these days a whole bunch of guys are gonna want to date you. "
" Yeah, right! " Nicole said, laughing, " My dad would have a fit! "
" You're going to need to pick someone who will not take advantage of you. Of yourself or of your money. " Tom continued, moving toward her. Nicole realized that her back was to the wall and that her friend was looking at her with a mixture of concern and amusement.
" I guess I'm going to have to start doing some looking... " Nicole said, for the hundredth time stopping to think of how handsome Tom was. " What would you do? "
" Hmmm... " Tom said, stroking her cheek gently, " I'd find someone who cares about you already. "
" Like... you? " Nicole asked, her face flushing pink as the word left her mouth.
" You tell me, Nicole. " He said, his mouth brushing against hers as the moon shimmered though the window. " Well? "
" I liked that. " Nicole said, smiling as Tom slid his arms around her.
" That's not what I asked. " Tom said, laughing. " Maybe I should put it in a little simpler terms, Nikki. Would you like to be my girlriend? "
" Yes...! " Nicole said, trying to keep some of the excitement out of her voice.
" Great. " Tom said, still looking at her, " Let's try that kiss again, hmm? "
" Yeah. " Nicole said, her mouth tingling as it once again merged with his. Finally, everything looked like it was falling into place. But Nicole would soon learn that it had only just begun...
[ End Note: What do ya think of that?? I know how weird all my Voldie romance stuff must seem, but I love writing it. Anyway, r/r!! Thanks! -- Kat ]
[ A/N: I know it has been Forever since I wrote a chapter for this fic, and to anyone who was following it, I apologize. Anyway, Tom and Nikki get to go to the Yule ball, and something happens that sets Tom & Hagrid as enemies forever... Please r/r!! Thanks!! ]
" I can't believe it's tonight! " Myrtle said, doing the final button on her new dress robes, " How do I look? "
" Great! " Nicole said, grinning, " This is going to be so fun! "
" I know! " Myrtle replied, " But why aren't you getting ready yet? It's only an hour away... "
" I dunno. I just feel like something is missing. " Nicole said, letting out a sigh. She was glad Tom could not hear that one. She was sure that her best friend would not be able to understand how anything could be missing from the life of a millionaire-turned-witch. Especially when he himself was an orphan, and had nothing until he had met Nicole this year. Suddenly, it struck her, " Oh, man! I forgot to buy Tom a present! "
" Huh? " Myrtle said, looking slightly confused, " That's it? "
" Yeah... " Nicole said, slapping a hand against her forehead, " I had him get the gifts I am giving you and Hagrid when he went away on the last Hogsmeade weekend, but I really couldn't let him get his own. It would have spoiled the surprise! "
" Well, lets run and see Professor Verynn once we're ready. I'm sure she can help you. " Myrtle suggested.
" Good idea! " Nicole said, her holiday spirit starting to return, " That was close! "
******
" I would be glad to help! " Professor Verynn said, a smile crossing her peitit trianglurar face, " Did you have something specific in mind? "
" I saw these charm rings that come in pairs when I was in Diagan Alley. They are supose to represent friendship -- "
" -- And allow you to see into someone else's head. Hmmm... " Professor Verynn said, " Are you sure that you and Tom are both ready for that kind of committment to eachother? You'll be giving eachother access to your deepest secrets... "
" Yes. " Nicole said, clasping her hands together, " It's mainly for over the summer... You know what I'm talking about... "
" Yes, I understand. " Professor Verynn said, placing a sympathetic hand on Nicole's shoulder, " I'll send for it right now. It will be here tomorrow. "
" Great! Thanks Professor! " Nicole said, rushing out the door. Only thirty minutes remained until the ball and she had not even put on her robes yet.
******
The light of twelve glowing christmas trees made nicole's scarlet robes shimmer gently as she gracefully made her way down the winding steps that led from Gryffindor tower to the main hall. Her jet hair fell losely, cascading over her shoulders and hitting the middle of her back. Her attention was then dawn to the young man standing in front of her, taking her hand.
" Hiya, Nikki! C'mon, let's dance! " Hagrid exclaimed, not waiting for a responce. His face looked so joyace at not being rejected that Nicole could not find the heart to tell him that she was waiting for Tom, and this error of good entention soon made itself very clear. " Eh... Nikki... There's somethin' I've been wantin' teh ask yeh for a while... "
" Yes? " Nicole asked, wondering what was making Hagrid act so nervous. It certainly wasn't his usual cheery way of talking.
" W...would yeh... err... like teh by my... girlfriend? " Hagrid asked, his face turning a shade of deep pink and his eyes falling toward the floor. Nicole could tell it had taken all of his courage to ask her and had not expected this question. Immediately the good manners of her upbringing kicked in.
" Gee, Hagrid... I don't know what to say... " Nicole sighed. Of course she knew what to say. She liked Tom, not Hagrid, and she knew she could not pretend. But before she could think of a way to explain this, the unthinkable occurred.
" Of course you know what to say! " Tom said, sliding his arm around Nicole and skillfully guiding her out of Hagrid's arms, " She's not interested, Hagrid. Sorry. Try someone else. "
" Tom! That's not nice just cutting in! " Nicole said, spinning out of his grasp and rejoining Hagrid. " Wait until this dance is over at least. "
" Whatever. " Tom muttered, walking over to the Slytherin table and sitting down.
" That Riddle makes me so mad! Who's he think he is cuttin' in like that? " Hagrid said, as they began to dance again. As Nicole looked at the joy that was shinning in his face her blunder became clear. As the dance ended, he shyly leaned forward and kissed her. It took all of her control not to curse at that moment. No good would come of this, and that she knew.
" I've got to go. I did promise Tom I'd go with him, remember? " Nicole said, breaking free of his embrace with an unavoidable hint of relief.
As she approached the table where Tom was sitting, Nicole noticed that his eyes held an eerie tint of red. Shivering, she wondered if she wanted to go over, but at that moment their eyes met and she knew there was no turning back now. Quickening her pace, Nicole tried to fake being calm as she sat down beside him. " It wasn't my fault. "
" Yes it was. I gave you an oppertunity to avoid it. " Tom said, not bothering to look at her, " You know, you may have just ruined the whole ball for me. "
" I'm sorry. I didn't know he was gonna do that, Tom. I didn't want to hurt his feeling... " Nicole said, the pace of her words increasing with every sentance. Gently, she reached out and put her hand on his shoulder, " Tom, I never meant to -- "
" How dare you touch me! " Tom said, turning and pushing her hand away. As she stared into his eyes her mouth dropped open in surprise -- they were scarlet. " What are you staring at? "
" Sorry. I... uh... lost my train of thought. Calm down, Tom. This is nothing to get upset about. "
" Yes it is! " Tom snapped, " You were dancing with a half-giant! When you said you would go with me! "
" I just didn't want to hurt his feelings. " Nicole repeated.
" That's still no excuse! " Tom snapped, " I thought you liked me. "
" I do. " Nicole said, " But I -- "
" Like Hagrid more? " Tom asked, smirking.
" No! " Nicole said, " If you'd let me finish a sentance -- "
" No. You humiliated me, Nicole! " Tom said.
" I think you've got that backwards! " Nicole said, standing up. " This isn't getting us anywhere! "
" Admit that I'm right and we'll drop it. "
" Admit that you're right about what? "
" That you had no business dancing with him. "
" It's not that big a deal, Tom! Get over it! " Nicole said, starting to walk toward the Gryffindor table. Instantly, the air in the room seemed to vanish and Nicole's hands went to her throat, figuring that she was choking. " Wh... at... "
" Nikki? " Tom asked, jumping out of his chair and coming up beside her, " You okay? "
" Uh... yeah. That was scary! I couldn't breathe! " Nicole said, her heart beating faster as Tom put his arms around her.
" It was an accident. " Tom said, his hazel eyes still gazing at her with concern.
" Huh? " Nicole said, looking at him, " What're you talking about? "
" That was my fault. " Tom said, " My eyes... glowed... didn't they? "
" Yeah... "
" Well, when that happens I lose it. I do weird stuff that people our age normally can't do. " Tom said, looking away for a moment.
" Oh... " Nicole said, realizing that he was tracing his fingers over her back and that she was still shaking. " So... "
" Let's go and get some punch and then let's dance, okay? " Tom asked, his eyes having returned to there normal hue of dazzling hazel, " I want to have some fun! "
" All right, then. " Nicole said, her voice steady again. Smiling, she took his hand and they walked over to the punch bowl.
The night went by without any more problems and the two of them had a lot of fun dancing and having punch. Once they got tired of dancing, they decided to go and look at the stars from the astronomy tower.
" You know, " Tom said, placing his hand around Nicole's shoulders, " One of these days a whole bunch of guys are gonna want to date you. "
" Yeah, right! " Nicole said, laughing, " My dad would have a fit! "
" You're going to need to pick someone who will not take advantage of you. Of yourself or of your money. " Tom continued, moving toward her. Nicole realized that her back was to the wall and that her friend was looking at her with a mixture of concern and amusement.
" I guess I'm going to have to start doing some looking... " Nicole said, for the hundredth time stopping to think of how handsome Tom was. " What would you do? "
" Hmmm... " Tom said, stroking her cheek gently, " I'd find someone who cares about you already. "
" Like... you? " Nicole asked, her face flushing pink as the word left her mouth.
" You tell me, Nicole. " He said, his mouth brushing against hers as the moon shimmered though the window. " Well? "
" I liked that. " Nicole said, smiling as Tom slid his arms around her.
" That's not what I asked. " Tom said, laughing. " Maybe I should put it in a little simpler terms, Nikki. Would you like to be my girlriend? "
" Yes...! " Nicole said, trying to keep some of the excitement out of her voice.
" Great. " Tom said, still looking at her, " Let's try that kiss again, hmm? "
" Yeah. " Nicole said, her mouth tingling as it once again merged with his. Finally, everything looked like it was falling into place. But Nicole would soon learn that it had only just begun...
[ End Note: What do ya think of that?? I know how weird all my Voldie romance stuff must seem, but I love writing it. Anyway, r/r!! Thanks! -- Kat ]
