-CHAPTER TWELVE-

The Celebrational Ball

Despite the ever-increasing load of homework (thanks to Snape who had decided to give them a test the morning after the ball...) as the holidays drew nearer, it seemed no one could concentrate. Even Hermoine and Skye seemed to have put their quarrels aside to enjoy the festivities.

After Harry had found a partner for the ball time seemed to pass by swiftly. Ron did ask Alexa eventually, although Fred and George teased him to no end. They even went as far as to give him a few pointers, which Harry hoped for Alexa's sake Ron did not use.

All of the girls seem to become very chatty with each other, gossiping about who was going who. Even Parvati, who everyone knew was not very fond of Hermoine stopped to chat with her one day while passing through the Common Room with Lavender. Apparently Pansy Parkinson was crying in one of the girls' lavatories because Malfoy had told her he would not go to the Ball with her. ("She should be committed to St. Mungo that one. For wanting to go with that spoiled prat," Ron had said.)

It was at that time, as Parvati and Lavender left that Harry's attention was brought to the fact that, while he and Ron had dates for the Ball, Hermoine had not spoken two words about whom she was attending it with.

"Hermoine," Harry asked once Parvati and Lavender were out of earshot.

"Yes Harry?"

"Who are you going to the Ball with?"

Hermoine blushed, suddenly becoming very interested with a piece of lint on her skirt. "Viktor," She replied indistinctly.

"Viktor Krum?" Said Ron surprised. He had made jokes about Hermoine's relationship with Viktor, but he seemed generally surprised by this comment. "The Viktor Krum, Bulgarian Seeker is coming all the way from Bulgaria, just to go to a dance with you?" He stared at her in a disbelieving shock.

"As a matter of a fact," Said Hermoine, her eyes flashing dangerously. "Yes,"

"Why?"

"Because Viktor-He-Well-Ohh! Forget it!" She slammed her book closed angrily. "I'm going to bed," She said and then stormed up the stairwell to the girls Dormitories.

"What?" Asked Ron bewildered. "Was it something I said?"

*

The day of the ball was intended to be like any other, but of course it was not. "Good thing this only comes once a year," Harry had heard Professor Flitwick say to McGonagall. "I don't think I'd be able to take much more of this,"

Hermoine had gone down to the Hogwarts Express train station to greet Viktor once their last class had ended, and the last time Harry had seen them they were talking to each other excitedly in the Library.

Harry, Ron, Neville, Seamus and Dean all changed into their robes, each of them looking very self-conscious. That is to say, except for Ron who kept examining himself in the mirror, admiring his new sleek dress robes. Harry had given Fred and George his winnings from the TriWizard Tournament the year before, and at Harry's request they had used some of the money to buy Ron new dress robes.

"Come on Ron, any more time in front of that mirror and you might turn into a girl," Said Seamus exasperated.

In the Gryffindor Common Room everyone spoke excitedly, commenting on each other's clothing. Finally Harry spotted Hermoine, standing next to the Fireplace speaking with Krum. She wore a dazzling, ashen purple gown. The bottom half looked as if someone had performed as Sparkling Charm on it, as if little jewels reflected the fire light off of them. Her bushy hard was sleekly straightened and pulled back into a sort of ponytail, where there were more sparkles. She waved to them as they came down the stairs.

Alexa stood next to Hermoine; her hair was pulled back into a very high ponytail, wisps of her hair falling to the sides of her face. She wore an elaborate clasp around her ponytail, which matched the shade of her rose coloured dress. After seeing them, she nervously fixed a pleat in her robes.

Amy stood beside her, looking very nervous and uncomfortable as well. Her hair hung down in it's usually style, cascading past her shoulders to her satin, red gown. It was two pieces; the top had thin straps and appeared to tie up in the front and the bottom seemed to project itself vaguely. The scarlet colour of the robes seemed to bring out the burgundy in her eyes, and he stood in front her for a moment staring at her.

"Hi," Harry greeted them apprehensively. He nodded to Krum, "Good to see you Krum,"

"You asvell Harry," Krum replied gruffly.

While Ron spoke to Krum, Harry turned to Amy. "You look really-really-er-good," He said awkwardly.

"Thanks. You too," She smiled calmly.

The Entrance Hall was packed with students who were all talking to each other, or in some cases trying to find their partners. As Harry passed by the garland that hung on the wall furthest from the doors he suddenly felt very aware of the fact that everyone was looking at something he had made using his skills.

"You really did do a great job Harry," Hermoine commended. Even Krum nodded in agreement, although he said nothing.

Fred passed by them with the red head from Divination, Gem or something her name was. Fred winked to Harry with a pleased grin on his face and then disappeared into the mass of students. George followed shortly after with Ruby Starlest who stopped quickly to say hello, apparently they had lost Fred and the girl who's name was in fact Jade. After being pointed in the right direction, they continued on their way.

A group of Slytherins emerged from their common room in the dungeons. Much to Harry's surprise and delight Malfoy was not there.

"Maybe he couldn't pay whoever he turned Pansy down for enough money," Commented Ron also quite pleased.

The oak doors soon opened and everyone, trying to appear as casual as possible rushed inside. Harry looked around noticing the large house dining tables had been removed and now in one of the far corners were small round tables with candles in the center. The walls were covered in frost, which sparkled in the same fashion as Hermoine's robes. Mistletoe, ivy and more pine garlands hung on the enchanted ceiling, where small snowflakes fell from the starry night sky.

They took their seats at one of the tables, as many people were now doing. It seamed easier to calm yourself if you were sitting down. Harry was just thankful sitting meant he did not have to dance.

Professor Dumbledore smiled cordially as he walked to the centre of what had been transformed into a stage. Where the teacher's table had once been, a set of drums, several guitars, a lute, a cello and some bagpipes now occupied the space behind Dumbledore.

"I am pleased to welcome you to the Celebrational Ball," Students clapped politely, while others cheered. Fred and George who were at the next table was by far one of the loudest. Ruby and Jade only laughed, enjoying their company.

"Yes, Yes. I am aware that the two of you are pleased to be here as well, Mr. Weasleys," The room burst out into laughter.

Dumbledore waited until the noise quieted down, and then he continued. "I wish you all the best of times. But, I am forced to remind you that while curfew has been extended, there are classes to attend tomorrow,"

Several boos were emitted from the crowd.

Dumbledore chuckled, "But without any more a due, may I present The Weird Sisters,"

The crowd clapped, cheered, hooted, hollered and made almost ever sound imaginable as the Weird Sisters, clad in their signature torn black robes trudged out on to the stage. They played a hasty tune, first to which barely anyone danced. A few songs past, and slowly more people glided around the dance floor. Ron opened his bottle of Butterbear taking a very large sip and watched with a look of resentment as Hermoine and Krum danced. Cho Chang stood a few feet away, dancing closely with Ritchie Smith, a seventh year from Ravenclaw. Seeing Harry over Ritchie's shoulder she smiled affably for a moment then returned her attention to Ritchie.

"Do you wanna dance?" Asked Amy.

"I err-" Harry was about to go into his spiel about how he hated dancing and would rather have of potions all day than dance but he stopped. A fuzzy feeling warmed him and he shrugged. "I guess so,"

He rose, nearly tripping over Amy's empty chair. Harry took a deep breath, and then hold one of her hands; he wrapped the other around her waist. They moved slowly on the spot to the rhythm on the sombre melody. Amy was a much better dancer than Parvati had been the year before, but unfortunately neither of them was quite sure what to do. They took turns, awkwardly leading each other through the song.

Harry looked over, it seemed Ron was having a few problems of his own. Harry considered the thought for a moment that maybe instead of dress robes Fred and George should have gotten him dancing lessons.

Not very far away Hermoine was dancing with stiffly with Krum. She glanced over to Harry momentarily, and then began speaking to Krum softly as they danced. He watched them with an odd fascination Harry had never felt before. A surprised gasp from Amy tore him from his thoughts he looked back to her. Her tanned face seemed lined with shock, her eyes glittered in pride but it quickly faded.

"What is it?" Harry frowned.

"I don't believe it," Amy murmured still looking over his shoulder. It seemed several other people around them had seen it as well. Ron stood absolutely flabbergasted, his jaw looked as if it had unhinged itself. Harry turned and what he saw next was nothing short of nightmare.

Malfoy stood at the entrance wearing black velvet dress robes, and an overly confident smile on his lips. His pale hair seemed exceptionally slick, as if he had used a tub of muggle Knox gel. His arm was bent in the cordially fashion when escorting someone, but Malfoy was not simply escorting anyone. He was escorting Skye.

Her long blond curls had been pulled up in a sort of bun, tied with a long blue silk ribbon. Her gown was a sparkling shade of pallid cerulean, with long draping sleeves. She wore a silver chain with a pendant of interloping circles with a small green jewel in the centre. But her stunning dress robes and necklace were not what Harry saw; it was the way her chin was raised almost in a ceremonial manner. She was not smiling, nor was she frowning; the regal manner in which her face took was one Harry had seen only one other person. Narcissa Malfoy, Malfoy's mother.

Harry watched as they made their way to the dance floor, a mere few feet away from Harry. The two smiled to each other, as if they were five year olds sharing a secret. If it were not for the music being played by The Weird Sisters, Harry was positive he would have been able to hear a pin drop. A new song began, and with considerable ease Malfoy wrapped his arm around Skye's waist.

There was a numb feeling at first, spawning in Harry's hand. And then slowly, a tingly feeling pricking its way up. As he stood watching the two dance he felt his cheeks flush his colour and a sentiment he had never felt before. Even when facing Voldemort, he had never experienced a feeling like the one that had spread over his entire body.

Hate.

Not a simple, trivial hate. Such a fury was beyond that, beyond all rational thought. It was an indescribable feeling of pain, anger and hate fused together. It was a freezing cold feeling, as if his body was shutting down. His vision blurred, although he knew for a fact he was not crying he wiped his eyes the same. Some one grabbed a hold of his hand, the warmth pulling him away from the dark feeling. "Harry,"

It was Amy, who's burgundy eyes examined him carefully. "Harry, are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Harry replied, never taking his eyes off of Malfoy.

"Really? Because you sure don't look it,"

"I'm fine Amy," He growled.

"Maybe it would be best if we just sat down for now," Amy offered, with a soft tug of his hand. Harry nodded, and let her guide him back to their table. The ice-cold tingling sensation soon receded, but Harry remained at the table where they had all sat.

"I don't believe it," Said Ron. "I bet its doppelganger, like Moody was telling us about,"

"Honestly, why would a doppelganger do anything for Malfoy?" Said Alexa. She looked over to where Malfoy and Skye stood, speaking to a few other Slytherins. Pansy Parkinson sat at the empty table next to them, glaring at Skye. "No, its got to be something else. Maybe he's using the Imperius Curse to-"

Alexa stopped mid-sentence as Harry pushed his chair out and rose. Malfoy was now making his way to the long table where the rows and rows of Butterbeer were, leaving Skye who was talking with a seventh year Slytherin. "Harry," Amy warned.

He pushed past her, as the freezing sensation returned. He made he was across the dance floor, feeling as if he was watching himself. He grabbed Skye's arm, half pulling, half leading her into the Entrance Hall. "Harry! Let go of me!" He simply tightened his grip around her wrist.

"Libarar!"

Harry's hand shot open like a spring. She pulled her hand away from him quickly, staring at him in anger. "Have you gone mad?"

"That's the exact question I was going to ask you,"

"I'm fine thanks," She replied, her face appearing as if she was in great thought. "You on the other hand, I think you're in serious need of a trip to St. Mungo's,"

"Malfoy?" Said Harry with great disgust.

"What about Draco?"

"You call him Draco?"

"That's his name,"

"You lied,"

"Excuse me?"

"You lied. I asked you to the ball, remember? You said you weren't going. You lied straight to my face,"

"I never said I wasn't going!"

"You never said you were going with Malfoy either! Funny, did you forget to mention it?"

"What was I supposed to say? Hi Harry, excellent catch of the Snitch last match. By the way, I hope you don't mind but I'm going to the ball with the person you hate most in the world,"

"He's not the person I hate the most. You are,"

"Oh boo bloody who! Stop acting so surprised, you knew it was happening!"

"I did not!"

"Oh that's right, because you never took the time to notice, did you Harry?"

"What?" Asked Harry confused.

"Really! Think about it for a moment! Just one moment. All those times you sat right across from me at the Gryffindor table and I received a package? Or letter? How I always seemed to never actually get into your fights with the Slytherins? At Hogsmeade, when you thought you rescued me from him? Even the time when you caught me sneaking back into the Common Room! You must've seen it coming, you can't have been that thick headed,"

Harry got dressed and then was heading down the stairs when he saw Skye entering the common room through the portrait hole of the Fat Lady.

Her cheeks were bright pink from being out in the cold fall air. And her red and gold scarf was wrapped tightly around her neck, and it looked as if she had already been up for a few hours. Looking up she saw him, and then smiled. "Mornin' Harry,"

"Mornin'," He replied walking down the rest of the stairs curiously. "Where've you been?"

"Oh. I went out for my morning walk, I do it every morning. Helps to clear my head, so I can think of new Quidditch plays,"

Several more memories Harry had never thought much of flashed in his mind, but there was one that stuck out in particular. The night Skye had snuck into the Hospital Wing after the Quidditch match to see him. Or had she come to see Malfoy instead? What had once seemed as clear as day was now indistinguishable. After a moment of silence he looked over to her. She was leaning up against the railing of the stairwell, her head titled to one side watching him. Her dark eyes watching him intently. He had trusted those eyes. He had even-

"What about Cedric?" He blurted, interrupting his own train of thought. The content look in her eyes wavered for a moment, but then in a emotionless tone she replied,

"Cedric's dead,"

"By the same wizard that killed your parents!" Said Harry outraged. "And my parents! The same man that he wouldn't even have to ask and Malfoy would hand you over to him!"

"Maybe he would," Said Skye thoughtfully, her dark eyes never meeting his. "Would that really be so bad?"

Harry could not believe his ears, was this the same Skye that helped Neville with his Charms work? The same Skye whose cobalt coloured eyes sparkled and who's smile was infectious? The same Skye who had nearly come to tears telling him the story about her accident? The same Skye Harry had-

"What's this then?" Came the drawling sneer of Malfoy from the doorway. "You finally figured it all out Potter?" Malfoy slowly made his way to Skye, stepping behind and bringing her close to him. Harry felt the surging anger stronger than ever, his fingers clenching and unclenching themselves. Never braking his arrogant stare at Harry, Malfoy continued,

"It has taken you a dreadfully long time, hasn't it? But like I've always said; you aren't one for intelligence,"

"Harry! We just saw Malfoy-" Hermoine began, but she along with Krum, Rom, Alexa and Amy all stopped in their track. "Oh..." She paused momentarily, then turned to Harry, "Come back inside, they're not worth your time,"

"Nice of you to join the party Hermoine," Said Skye callously. "Although, I don't recall there being any invitations for insufferable-know-it-all-mudbloods,"

Alexa and Hermoine gasped, Ron gapped at her and Krum stepped forward. "Nov see here,"

"While we'd love to stay here and insult you lot until you all turn purple," Said Malfoy drawling with a grin to Skye. "We do have things to do,"

And with that Malfoy glaringly led her past Harry, and back into the Great Hall. Amy raised one eyebrow in suspicion, and voicing everyone's thoughts declared aloud,

"What just happened here?"

Chapter 13:  Pectoris Laniatus Verum