Chapter Twenty:: The Yule Ball pt. 3: The Entrance
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After a few steps, he realized that his Lady was no longer with him. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw her in what appeared to be a heated argument with Ginny, Potter standing uneasily off to one side.
Finally, Kit turned and ran up to him.
"I've fixed it." She said breathlessly.
"Fixed what?"
"Our partnering problem. We'll just change off with Harry and Ginny."
Draco's face froze. "You expect me to hold *that* on my arm?!" He whispered furiously.
Kit's eyes flashed in anger, but she struggled to remain composed. "Draco," She said softly, "I swear, if you say anything like that in my presence again, I will slap you. I know all about your rivalries, and frankly, most sound pretty dumb. And no, I did not get all my information from Gryffindors; I asked around all houses, including Slytherin. I know you might've been raised to look down on others, and I know that old habits die hard. But Ginny Weasely is a friend. If you don't want to go in with them, you could just say so. But I will not stand to hear others speak bad about friends in my presence. I don't let Ginny, Harry or Hermione do it about you, so don't expect me to let you do it about them. Now. Do we go in with them – or alone?"
Throughout her speech, Draco had had an odd sensation growing in the pit of his stomach, something he couldn't put a name to. He knew it had nothing to do with Potter or the Weaslette; but he almost wanted to flinch when she said their names.
(Maybe it's shame?)
a tiny voice, from the realms of his mind spoke.
- But for what? –
(For making Kit feel... whatever she's feeling, maybe? For disappointing her, perhaps?)
- Nonsense – Draco argued back – How could I have disappointed her? She knows me – she knows what to expect! –
(Maybe not)
the little voice persisted.
(You haven't known her that long; she's already admitted to getting her information from outside sources)
- But then – what can I do about it? –
(How about explain things to her from where you stand?)
- How can I do that if even *I'm* not sure where I stand? –
(Try telling her that.)
Draco looked down; Kit's hand was resting on his arm. She looked sad.
"With them"
Was that him? Ugh, he sounded so stupid.
Suddenly, he felt a surge of anger at the little voice that had badgered him into agreeing. He was, after all, a Malfoy! He shouldn't care what this girl thought – it wasn't as if she wouldn't ever forgive him.
But the soft smile that was given him at his answer silenced all inward protests.
In response, the corners of his mouth turned up ever so slightly.
"Be civil, if not nice." His Lady's light voice broke through his trance, and he wanted to laugh. Instead, he leaned over and pecked her on the cheek before crossing the Hall to Ginny.
~
Just the lightest pressure against her cheek, like a butterfly touching down for a second before flitting away, but from then on, the night was assured perfection.
Why?
Kit kissed people in greetings and goodbyes all the time; but, ever since her mother died, no one had ever responded in any likeness. She'd forgotten how much she missed it.
As she floated over to where Harry stood, she could hear Draco as he coldly introduced himself, "Miss Virginia, I am to be your escort."
Harry held his arm out to her.
"Kit," He began tersely, "Promise me you won't fall for him."
She looked up at him in surprise. "That's a funny Christmas request." She responded lightly as they began walking. "We're just friends."
He glanced over towards Ginny and smiled slightly. "So were we." He answered softly. He took a breath. "Look, if you won't promise me that, just promise you'll be careful?"
Kit looked at him, feigning shock. "Do you have so little faith in me, Harry Potter?" She smiled as he made a face at her. "Besides," She added softly, "I know how to protect my heart."
Before he could ask after her meaning, the four had swept into the Great Hall, where everyone, students and teachers alike stood and applauded, as if they were only the last arrivals and not the twenty some minute late arrivals.
"It must be a Chronos Charm," She heard Harry mutter. "Dumbledore must've set it up in case anyone... got stagefright."
Kit made a face. At least this one had a *real* purpose, unlike the semi- dangerous Crypt charm.
She could feel the twinge of magic as they crossed the threshold, heads held high, radiant.
Harry followed Kit's furious instructions spilling from the side of her mouth on when to stop, face Draco, bow and trade ladies.
As the two young women passed each other, both seemed to blaze for a moment; one, a firey young redhead, the other, a darkly lit beauty.
The two fifteen year olds grinned briefly at each other before crossing to their respective Lords.
Turning once more, they bowed/curtsied before retiring to their seats.
Everyone, it turned out, was not grouped by their houses this time, but by their order of appearance. Instead of the great long wooden tables, small round ones, made for four, dotted the Great Hall.
The center was cleared as a dance floor and a stage had been conjured beyond it.
Blaise and Angea had been a pair ahead of them, so they were seated at the same table.
Blaise's eyes gleamed as he leaned across the table.
"So I see you got stuck with them?" He said, jerking his head to indicate Harry and Ginny.
"No thanks to you." Draco growled.
He only smirked in response. "Wasn't as bad as it could've been, though. Aren't you happy Pansy was one of the first to go?"
A spark lit Draco's eyes. "You –" He started.
"Blaise," Angea cut in, "You can see these two," She glanced curiously at Kit, "any time. Tonight, could you please pay attention to me?"
Instantly, Blaise switched modes from everyday to smooth. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and tugged her closer. She snuggled up against him, blinking slowly.
"Of course, baby," He murmured, "Like I'd let anything interrupt our night?"
Kit rolled her eyes and shifted away from the two. Her gaze traveled the room, stopping occasionally to wave, until they reached the head table.
Professor Dumbledore had stood up and began to quiet the students.
"Couples of Hogwarts!" He called out jovially, eyes twinkling with glee. "It is an honor to see you all here in another fine Yule Ball and an even finer Christmas Eve. A few announcements before we begin; first, I want to congratulate you all on your fine taste in muggle formal clothes; you look marvelous! Second, if you are planning on staying the holiday, please remember to sign in at your dormitories. And last but not least," He added with a chuckle, "The Professors shall be on the look out for the most original couple. If you're it, you'll know. In the meantime, talk, be happy, dance and eat!"
He clapped and gold plates appeared on the tables. People had begun to speak to them and the food materialized, as if they were ordering from an invisible fast food window. Kit copied them and began to munch happily on her Cajun shrimp angel hair pasta.
Blaise snitched some and nearly choked. He drained two and a half glasses of pumpkin juice before he was able to glare waterily at Kit, complaining about how she could've warned him.
Kit only smiled sweetly and continued to eat. "Hot is how it's done in New Orleans."
Someone tapped her shoulder and she turned to face Ginny.
"Hey," She said warmly. "How's it going so far?"
Kit grinned. "Not too bad. I can hardly wait to get on the floor, though. How bout you?"
Ginny returned the grin. "Pretty good. Harry's finally relaxing –" She lowered her voice – "– which means he's able to talk to me again." She rolled her eyes. "He's acting like this is everything, and everything's got to be perfect and I'll throw a fit or something if it's not... I think he's been hanging around Cho too long."
Something stirred in Kit's memory, rousing her curiosity. "Ginny – I've been wondering. How did you two get together? I mean, when I first got here, Harry was with a Ravenclaw, wasn't he? And – you two are both Gryffindors; how'd you manage to squeeze around Dumbledore's rule?"
Ginny's face turned scarlet. "Uh, yeah. Well – to answer your first question, Harry and Cho have – had – this fair-weather, on-off relationship for the past year and a half. She's really pretty and nice and all, but she's also very... emotional. After – after you came and that – incident occurred, he dumped her. At first she was in her hysterical mode - you know, all the extra tears and screaming and sobbing, moreso than usual – but then, Hermione explained it as a time out for her and Harry. When something is explained in the right way, Cho gets it. So she 'agreed' and now the two are happier for it. They're close-ish friends and they talk about – departed loved ones; they both understand that and it's – it's brought them closer.
But then Harry and I began spending more time together – through Quidditch, and now that Ron and Hermione are both busy with Prefect duties and with each other, we were kinda pushed together. As- as for tonight and, us," Her cheeks darkened a shade, "H-Harry went to be matched and – his wand called to mine, I guess. It was really – weird. Professor Snape said that it had been happening a lot, because so many people wanted to go with their girlfriends or boyfriends, but when mine wouldn't go back when he tried it again.
I mean, Harry and I weren't even planning on going together; I was actually about to ask this one Hufflepuff, Jason Wright, but Harry was at a loss, seeing as Cho was going with Justin Finch-Fletchley. Ron and Hermione kept on complaining about how much *they* had wanted to go together, but it didn't happen to either of their wands."
She shrugged. "It just didn't – doesn't – make any sense. But here we are tonight."
Kit was frowning. "Actually, it does, a bit. Kind of."
Ginny waited for her to continue.
"Well – Draco and I – we weren't even on each other's list of possibilities (not that I even had one). But then – I went to Professor Snape, and it just – happened. I wonder if that type of magic thrives on the unexpected?"
The redhead laughed at her friend's musings. "Sounds like Peeves' kind of magic to me."
Kit grinned. "Except the overall outcome is at least a bit better."
"Hey –" a voice interrupted "- are you staying the holidays?" The speaker was Harry, leaning across the table to address Kit.
"Uh – I don't know." She replied, caught off guard.
Harry flashed her a grin. "Well, you better figure out soon. Those leaving have to be at the station by midnight, and we – the Gryffindor refugees – are planning a holiday party." He added in an undertone, so only the girls could hear.
Kit grinned back. "Sounds... tempting. Um - d'you know where Professor Dumbledore is? If you're right, I'd better go ask if he has any plans. I'll be able to get back to you then!"
Harry nodded towards the stage. "He's over there, explaining something or other to the group that's about to perform; I hear they're from America." He added with a grin.
Kit excused herself with a laugh and began making her way over to the Headmaster.
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"Um - excuse me? Professor? I - I don't mean to interrupt, but..."
Professor Dumbledore gave a quick word to the group before turning to her. "So, what seems to be the matter, Kit?"
She hesitated. "Well - I heard you say earlier that students staying over the holidays should make sure they sign on tonight."
"Ah." Professor Dumbledore peered over his half moon spectacles at the girl. "And do you wish to stay the holidays?"
Kit shrugged. "I don't really have anywhere to go, anyway - but as you've planned out so much for me already, I thought I should check with you to see if you had any... alternate plans for me, before I signed on."
"And I'm glad you did," Professor Dumbledore said approvingly. "Otherwise, I'd have to inform the Lady Malfoy of the need to cancel her preparations for a Christmas guest."
"I- what?" Kit blurted, confusion plainly battling with shock on her emotional battle ground - her face. "What do you mean? Draco hasn't said - I mean, he never asked or - told me - he - "
"Ah, but I said *Lady* Malfoy." Dumbledore corrected gently. "At the beginning of the year - more precisely, since I learned of your existence - I asked parents of many of the children here if any were willing to board an extra child. I have had several offers - one of them being the mother of your new found friend."
During this short explanation, Kit's eyes had grown rounder by the word; at the moment, they were nearly the size of saucers, causing the Headmaster to wish desperately that he had the art of reading minds. Legilimancy was out of the question; it would reveal too much. But what on earth could the fifteen year old girl be thinking to shock her this much?
"So - I'm staying with Draco for the next week?"
"Unless he plans to room at the school over the holidays, yes, that's what it looks like."
Kit's eyes snapped down to size. "Oh. Cool. Um - may I leave now?"
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled at her quick change of expression. He nodded. "You're dismissed. Don't worry about your possessions; they'll be at the station by the end of the ball - that is, if you do not mind traveling in that." He nodded to indicate her outfit.
Kit's cheeks flushed. "N-no, I don't mind. I've got a cloak to go with this. Um - thank you, Professor, Sir."
He nodded, periwinkle eyes laughing silently. "You'd better get back so young Harry will have more time to get over his disappointment."
Laughing, she obeyed, inching her way back to her table.
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"Um, Harry?"
His face lit up as she approached. "Well, what'd he say? Are you staying?"
Kit winced at his eagerness. "Um- no, actually. Professor Dumbledore has already set up a family to board me over the holiday. Sorry, Harry."
He looked so downcast, it was pure impulse to lean over and kiss him on the forehead, missing the fact that a camera holder was directly behind them.
CLICK! FLASH!
"Hey, Harry! I've got a new camera; instant development!"
The boy, short with a shock of white-blonde hair, held out the picture.
Peering at it over Harry's shoulder, Ginny grinned. "It's a good picture, Collin. Cute."
Craning her neck to see it, too, Kit gasped.
She'd seen the portraits moving and talking and walking though each other's paintings; but this was a mini her, apparently talking with a mini Harry and laughing, giving him a hug around the shoulders and shoving him occasionally at one comment or other.
It was... shocking, to say the least.
"Hey Ginny," Collin's voice broke through her trance, "I heard you got to come with Harry by some bizarre twist. Is it true?"
She nodded with a grin.
"Cool! I'm taking pictures of all the couples. Do you want one?"
"Uh – Harry?"
He grinned in response. "Sure. I mean, this will be a night to remember either way, but it'd be nice to have a memento. Shoot away, Collin."
He obeyed enthusiastically before turning to Kit. "What about you? Who are you here with?"
"Oh – I'm with Draco."
"*Really?* Well. That's... something. D'you think you could get your boyfriend to stand in at least one photo with you?"
"Oh, he's –"
"Please?" He interrupted. "You're so photogenic! It'd be a shame to miss any opportunity to get as many shots of you as possible." He grinned at her imploringly.
Kit laughed. "You make me sound like a drink. Okay, um, just a sec. Draco," She walked over to interrupt his dull-looking conversation with some Slytherin 3rd year girl.
"Hey Draco – Collin wants to photo us; he's doing all the couples."
Sighing, he stood.
"Okay, don't act so excited." She muttered.
Draco frowned. "I heard that."
"You were meant to." She retorted cheekily.
"Wow, what a... happy couple." Collin observed.
Kit smirked. "You have no idea."
Laughing, he told them to move closer together.
"Look, Malfoy, you can't be standing there like a limp noodle – well, actually, technically you could," He added hurridly when the silver eyed glare was aimed his way, "It's just, you're not supposed to. Just – do something you two usually do. Besides bicker."
Almost automatically, Kit backed up into him and glanced up. His arm was draped across her shoulders, and he was watching her oddly. With her repaired heels, their faces weren't as far apart as usual; in fact, they were only inches away...
CLICK! FLASH!
"Nice picture, m'lord, m'lady." He whistled. "You two look completely meant for each other." Glancing down at the photo, he grinned. "It looks like your photo images are less conscientious than their originals."
Tearing her eyes away from Draco, Kit could feel her face heat up as she took in his meaning.
Their mini selves were currently sharing a deep, everlasting-seeming kiss. It looked perfectly innocent; no tongue, no wandering hands, no extreme displays of passion. They simply seemed... in love.
"Happy Christmas." Collin said cheerfully before strolling off to find another willing, photogenic couple.
Draco's cheeks were tinged with color. Looking up from their mini images – who had finally separated and were currently whispering to each other – their eyes met and held for a fraction of a second; closing his eyes briefly, he looked away, cheeks darkening.
Kit cleared her throat. "Um – cute picture." She echoed with a laugh. "Very – sweet." Glancing down at the photo, she gave a sudden grin. "Makes sense, too," She added, "as we were standing under mistletoe."
Draco started and looked hard at the picture. "You can't be serious –"
Sure enough, there it was – a familiar hand, holding out a bough of mistletoe."
"Blaise!" They turned.
"What?" He asked, all innocence. "Can I see your picture? It must be... interesting to say the least."
Kit sighed. "You know, if you weren't you, you'd be incredibly easy to hate. Where's Angea?" She added after a cursory glance.
"Angea? Uh," His face took on a sheepish look. "She – went to, um, cool down a bit."
"'Cool down'?"
"About this." Draco elaborated with a smirk. He held out another photo, this one of Blaise and, Kit assumed, Angea.
But after a closer look, she noticed three extra... accessories, hanging around his neck, arm, and one on his lap, with Angea standing behind him, arms crossed, ready to spit fire.
Kit stared at it for a moment before bursting into laughter. "Smooth, Blaise," She giggled once she could speak, wiping a tear from her eye, "Very smooth. Make your date jealous of your picture."
"Hey," he protested, "I would not do that in real life! And it's not like I can control that mini of me in there! He's just doing whatever he wants!"
"Kind of like our in the flesh Zabini, huh?" Kit teased.
He glared at her in response. "You're no help." He grumbled.
She shrugged. "Hey, what can I say? It's the truth."
"Veritas. Who knows truth?"
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"Hey! Kit, over here!" Four girls had abandoned their dates to seat themselves at an empty table and now took the time to flag her down.
"C'mon, pull up a chair!"
The table's occupants consisted of Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil, two girls she was just getting to know, Hermione, who she'd been talking to more, and Ginny and Hannah.
Sitting between the two latter, she felt completely comfortable.
"Hey – What's up – It's been a while – Love that dress! – Hello!"
Greetings flew toward her.
"So," She began once she'd gone around the circle, "What's up?"
"Well," Parvati and Lavender exchanged glances, "We were wondering – "
"– what you did to make Draco Malfoy – "
"– already a dreamboat – "
"– into such a princely looking – guy!" One of the two finished.
Ginny sighed. "I already told them what you said, but the want to hear it themselves or something."
Kit rolled her eyes and proceeded to repeat all that she had said to Ginny earlier in the corridor.
Parvati sighed. "Sounds normal enough."
"Yeah," Hannah cut in, "but still abnormal enough to do *that*."
Lavender giggled. "He's definitely about to move up in the ranks of Hogwarts Hotties. If he continues to stick around girls like Kit, in any case."
"By the way, that dress is gorgeous!"
"Yea," Kits agreed as she shifted, "but nothing short of horrendous to wear. I have a corset with it." She confided.
There was a collective hiss of sympathy from the girls at the table.
"But you know," Parvati began critically, "it may be the reason you're turning so many more heads tonight."
"So true," Lavender added, "I mean, you're showing so much... more, than usual."
"What?!" Kit yelped. She had all but forgotten the dangerous neckline of her dress. "Please tell me it's not as bad as all that." She pleaded with a moan.
"It's not," Hannah reassured hurridly, "It's just that, no offense, but your weekend wardrobe makes most forget you have anything. I mean, just look at all the male eyes at this table because of your shining presence!" She added with a wicked grin. "Yours and Ginny's, anyway. And Hermione's. Us three," She waved to include Parvati and Lavender, "have already bemoaned our wretched state."
Obligingly, the girls gave the room a cursory glance.
"Ohmigosh." Hermione started softly. "Ohmigosh. Oh – my. You guys!" She hissed, "You guys, that's Quentin Ridge staring over at us!"
The whole table shook as the other three jumped to attention.
"Oh please let his eyes land on me..." Parvati moaned.
"Oh – no way! You're right! Kit, that's QUENTIN RIDGE checking you out!!! No – Way!!!" Lavender let out a squeal. "I can't believe this! He is *so* breathtaking, he never looks at ANYone below his year!"
Kit winced as Parvati let out another squeal.
"Um, that's great – but who's Quentin Ridge?"
The occupants of the table gaped at her.
"I forgot how new you are." Hannah said faintly.
"Not to know Quentin Ridge..." Parvati breathed with a shudder.
"Quentin Ridge has made all-star level for Chaser, is Head boy, is Top of his class –" – this coming from Hermione –
"– was secretly voted Hottest at Hogwarts –" Parvati butted in only to be interrupted by Lavender –
"- *is* Hottest at Hogwarts, followed by Draco Malfoy, Neville Longbottom, amazingly enough, Blaise Zabini and the Twins, who left prematurely, earned twelve O.W.L. 's two years back, is the most sought after heartthrob in Hogwarts – "
"- was best dueller in the dueling club, which started and ended second year, is, obviously, the most gorgeous guy ever to enter Hogwarts, and is now boring holes into *you*." Hermione finished.
"He is not." Kit replied automatically.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "How would you know, you haven't even looked!"
"Okay, he's watching you with bugging baby blue eyes..." Lavender sighed.
"No!"
"Staring at you starry eyed?"
"What?!"
"Admiring the scenery?"
"Staring?"
"Gazing?"
Kit groaned. "It was probably just a cursory glance; what you all just said describes what you guys are doing!"
"Oh, oh he's looking back!" The four girls squealed again.
Kit stared at them. "Are – are you girls feeling all right?"
Hermione flushed. "Oh come on," She said impatiently, "Just because you've found the man of your dreams already doesn't mean that you're exempt from the – the laws of emotions! Especially on cute guys," She added, ignoring Kit's protests, "And trust me, Quentin Ridge far exceeds the limits of 'cute'." She finished with a mischievous grin.
"He's *so* handsome." Parvati sighed.
"Beautiful." Seconded Lavender.
"Gorgeous." Ginny added.
The other three nodded.
"Yeah, that word about sums him up." Hannah said with a sigh. "There are too few gorgeous guys in the world and the only one in our region is making eyes at Kit."
Kit nudged with an indignant cry. "Shove it!"
Ginny chuckled. "It's true, you know. This is probably the first time he's laid eyes on you – a sixth year undecided – and you've shocked him."
"Oh come on!" Kit groaned. "Look at me! I'm completely normal! I mean, all of you have said that I am completely... completely unremarkable on everyday days! I've probably run into him before and he, like everyone I've met so far, is just shocked at the extent of Blaise Zabini's extraordinary makeover talent."
"Uh huh. Yeah, sure." Ginny replied evasively. "Whatever you say."
Kit groaned. "At least point out this object of debate."
Grinning, Ginny cocked her head left, indicating a boy about 5 tables over.
Reluctantly, Kit looked over. Sure enough, the boy's slate blue eyes flicked over to her table to look her over – and so thoroughly, Kit could feel her cheeks warm. They stopped at her eyes and locked.
For a moment, his smile wavered; it seemed he had stopped talking midsentence, for a friend leaned over and shook him, breaking their eye contact.
Kit turned stiffly back to her table, smile gone.
"He's cute." She said shortly.
Lavender gaped at her. "Cute? That's all you can say? Kit, we are talking about the HOTTEST guy in our vicinity, a – a god on earth! And all you can say is he's CUTE?!" She spluttered wildly.
Kit shrugged. "Okay, he looks great, amazing, a perfect image. Is that okay?"
"Jeez, you don't have to sound so enthusiastic." Parvati said sarcastically.
"Look, I just think he's a bit of a jerk." She shrugged. "That's all."
Lavender rolled her eyes. "Well, yeah, if somebody's already that fine, he's got to have some flaw or other, or else he'd scare everybody away. Being that great, he deserves a bit of jerkiness." Suddenly her eyes narrowed. "Wait a sec. How would YOU know what he's like, anyway? Miss- who's-Quentin-Ridge-the-god-boy?"
Kit shifted. "I – had a run in with him a couple weeks ago. Listen, I've got to go find Draco, we're missing all the music."
The girls started. She was right; the band had started up and couples were just now gathering the courage to approach the dance floor.
"She's right you guys," Ginny stood with her, "I'd better go find Harry before he hides somewhere."
The other girls departed as well, not bothering to glance back as the object of their debate reached their former table.
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Hello! I know it's been a bit of a while, so I apologize; I've been in D.C. and I don't have a laptop!!!!!! ( :(
Anyway, that's why this is so late. As an additional apology, I've made this chapter, I think, a bit longer than usual. It's twelve pages in Microsoft Word, in any case.
Oh, by the way, does anyone know how to make italics show up? I'd be forever grateful if someone showed me how; email me!!!
Okay, that's about all, and I hope you liked it! If you did, review, if you didn't, review (or flame, I really don't care).
Thanx to:
~Glass Dragon~ Yep. That's how it will – hopefully – work out. I, unfortunately, haven't seen ANY trailers for the third movie with him in it, so hot or not *sniff* *sniff* I don't know... I'll take your word for it! ^_^
~Escaped~ Thank you for reading! I'm so glad you like my story; I'm sorry I've fallen behind in reading yours! I hope I can keep his character true – that will probably be the hardest part – not making him into a teddy bear! Okay, to those who actually stick around to read my thanx to reviewers, I've got to tell you, Escaped has an amazing story – well, two - if you're into the Malfoys, Severus Snape, and the whole darker side of the wizarding world. Even if you're not, you will be once you start!
~MutalatedTurtle~ Yea! Thank you for giving him the chance. An acquaintance is better than nothing, and I hope he won't become... mediocre while I inch up to his starring role... heheh... a bit of foreshadowing there...
~Greek Witch~ Fun just about sums it up, once I get down to it. ^_^ The Harry-Ginny thing is explained here once I realized I had that no-same- house rule in play... not too weird, I hope. ^_^
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After a few steps, he realized that his Lady was no longer with him. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw her in what appeared to be a heated argument with Ginny, Potter standing uneasily off to one side.
Finally, Kit turned and ran up to him.
"I've fixed it." She said breathlessly.
"Fixed what?"
"Our partnering problem. We'll just change off with Harry and Ginny."
Draco's face froze. "You expect me to hold *that* on my arm?!" He whispered furiously.
Kit's eyes flashed in anger, but she struggled to remain composed. "Draco," She said softly, "I swear, if you say anything like that in my presence again, I will slap you. I know all about your rivalries, and frankly, most sound pretty dumb. And no, I did not get all my information from Gryffindors; I asked around all houses, including Slytherin. I know you might've been raised to look down on others, and I know that old habits die hard. But Ginny Weasely is a friend. If you don't want to go in with them, you could just say so. But I will not stand to hear others speak bad about friends in my presence. I don't let Ginny, Harry or Hermione do it about you, so don't expect me to let you do it about them. Now. Do we go in with them – or alone?"
Throughout her speech, Draco had had an odd sensation growing in the pit of his stomach, something he couldn't put a name to. He knew it had nothing to do with Potter or the Weaslette; but he almost wanted to flinch when she said their names.
(Maybe it's shame?)
a tiny voice, from the realms of his mind spoke.
- But for what? –
(For making Kit feel... whatever she's feeling, maybe? For disappointing her, perhaps?)
- Nonsense – Draco argued back – How could I have disappointed her? She knows me – she knows what to expect! –
(Maybe not)
the little voice persisted.
(You haven't known her that long; she's already admitted to getting her information from outside sources)
- But then – what can I do about it? –
(How about explain things to her from where you stand?)
- How can I do that if even *I'm* not sure where I stand? –
(Try telling her that.)
Draco looked down; Kit's hand was resting on his arm. She looked sad.
"With them"
Was that him? Ugh, he sounded so stupid.
Suddenly, he felt a surge of anger at the little voice that had badgered him into agreeing. He was, after all, a Malfoy! He shouldn't care what this girl thought – it wasn't as if she wouldn't ever forgive him.
But the soft smile that was given him at his answer silenced all inward protests.
In response, the corners of his mouth turned up ever so slightly.
"Be civil, if not nice." His Lady's light voice broke through his trance, and he wanted to laugh. Instead, he leaned over and pecked her on the cheek before crossing the Hall to Ginny.
~
Just the lightest pressure against her cheek, like a butterfly touching down for a second before flitting away, but from then on, the night was assured perfection.
Why?
Kit kissed people in greetings and goodbyes all the time; but, ever since her mother died, no one had ever responded in any likeness. She'd forgotten how much she missed it.
As she floated over to where Harry stood, she could hear Draco as he coldly introduced himself, "Miss Virginia, I am to be your escort."
Harry held his arm out to her.
"Kit," He began tersely, "Promise me you won't fall for him."
She looked up at him in surprise. "That's a funny Christmas request." She responded lightly as they began walking. "We're just friends."
He glanced over towards Ginny and smiled slightly. "So were we." He answered softly. He took a breath. "Look, if you won't promise me that, just promise you'll be careful?"
Kit looked at him, feigning shock. "Do you have so little faith in me, Harry Potter?" She smiled as he made a face at her. "Besides," She added softly, "I know how to protect my heart."
Before he could ask after her meaning, the four had swept into the Great Hall, where everyone, students and teachers alike stood and applauded, as if they were only the last arrivals and not the twenty some minute late arrivals.
"It must be a Chronos Charm," She heard Harry mutter. "Dumbledore must've set it up in case anyone... got stagefright."
Kit made a face. At least this one had a *real* purpose, unlike the semi- dangerous Crypt charm.
She could feel the twinge of magic as they crossed the threshold, heads held high, radiant.
Harry followed Kit's furious instructions spilling from the side of her mouth on when to stop, face Draco, bow and trade ladies.
As the two young women passed each other, both seemed to blaze for a moment; one, a firey young redhead, the other, a darkly lit beauty.
The two fifteen year olds grinned briefly at each other before crossing to their respective Lords.
Turning once more, they bowed/curtsied before retiring to their seats.
Everyone, it turned out, was not grouped by their houses this time, but by their order of appearance. Instead of the great long wooden tables, small round ones, made for four, dotted the Great Hall.
The center was cleared as a dance floor and a stage had been conjured beyond it.
Blaise and Angea had been a pair ahead of them, so they were seated at the same table.
Blaise's eyes gleamed as he leaned across the table.
"So I see you got stuck with them?" He said, jerking his head to indicate Harry and Ginny.
"No thanks to you." Draco growled.
He only smirked in response. "Wasn't as bad as it could've been, though. Aren't you happy Pansy was one of the first to go?"
A spark lit Draco's eyes. "You –" He started.
"Blaise," Angea cut in, "You can see these two," She glanced curiously at Kit, "any time. Tonight, could you please pay attention to me?"
Instantly, Blaise switched modes from everyday to smooth. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and tugged her closer. She snuggled up against him, blinking slowly.
"Of course, baby," He murmured, "Like I'd let anything interrupt our night?"
Kit rolled her eyes and shifted away from the two. Her gaze traveled the room, stopping occasionally to wave, until they reached the head table.
Professor Dumbledore had stood up and began to quiet the students.
"Couples of Hogwarts!" He called out jovially, eyes twinkling with glee. "It is an honor to see you all here in another fine Yule Ball and an even finer Christmas Eve. A few announcements before we begin; first, I want to congratulate you all on your fine taste in muggle formal clothes; you look marvelous! Second, if you are planning on staying the holiday, please remember to sign in at your dormitories. And last but not least," He added with a chuckle, "The Professors shall be on the look out for the most original couple. If you're it, you'll know. In the meantime, talk, be happy, dance and eat!"
He clapped and gold plates appeared on the tables. People had begun to speak to them and the food materialized, as if they were ordering from an invisible fast food window. Kit copied them and began to munch happily on her Cajun shrimp angel hair pasta.
Blaise snitched some and nearly choked. He drained two and a half glasses of pumpkin juice before he was able to glare waterily at Kit, complaining about how she could've warned him.
Kit only smiled sweetly and continued to eat. "Hot is how it's done in New Orleans."
Someone tapped her shoulder and she turned to face Ginny.
"Hey," She said warmly. "How's it going so far?"
Kit grinned. "Not too bad. I can hardly wait to get on the floor, though. How bout you?"
Ginny returned the grin. "Pretty good. Harry's finally relaxing –" She lowered her voice – "– which means he's able to talk to me again." She rolled her eyes. "He's acting like this is everything, and everything's got to be perfect and I'll throw a fit or something if it's not... I think he's been hanging around Cho too long."
Something stirred in Kit's memory, rousing her curiosity. "Ginny – I've been wondering. How did you two get together? I mean, when I first got here, Harry was with a Ravenclaw, wasn't he? And – you two are both Gryffindors; how'd you manage to squeeze around Dumbledore's rule?"
Ginny's face turned scarlet. "Uh, yeah. Well – to answer your first question, Harry and Cho have – had – this fair-weather, on-off relationship for the past year and a half. She's really pretty and nice and all, but she's also very... emotional. After – after you came and that – incident occurred, he dumped her. At first she was in her hysterical mode - you know, all the extra tears and screaming and sobbing, moreso than usual – but then, Hermione explained it as a time out for her and Harry. When something is explained in the right way, Cho gets it. So she 'agreed' and now the two are happier for it. They're close-ish friends and they talk about – departed loved ones; they both understand that and it's – it's brought them closer.
But then Harry and I began spending more time together – through Quidditch, and now that Ron and Hermione are both busy with Prefect duties and with each other, we were kinda pushed together. As- as for tonight and, us," Her cheeks darkened a shade, "H-Harry went to be matched and – his wand called to mine, I guess. It was really – weird. Professor Snape said that it had been happening a lot, because so many people wanted to go with their girlfriends or boyfriends, but when mine wouldn't go back when he tried it again.
I mean, Harry and I weren't even planning on going together; I was actually about to ask this one Hufflepuff, Jason Wright, but Harry was at a loss, seeing as Cho was going with Justin Finch-Fletchley. Ron and Hermione kept on complaining about how much *they* had wanted to go together, but it didn't happen to either of their wands."
She shrugged. "It just didn't – doesn't – make any sense. But here we are tonight."
Kit was frowning. "Actually, it does, a bit. Kind of."
Ginny waited for her to continue.
"Well – Draco and I – we weren't even on each other's list of possibilities (not that I even had one). But then – I went to Professor Snape, and it just – happened. I wonder if that type of magic thrives on the unexpected?"
The redhead laughed at her friend's musings. "Sounds like Peeves' kind of magic to me."
Kit grinned. "Except the overall outcome is at least a bit better."
"Hey –" a voice interrupted "- are you staying the holidays?" The speaker was Harry, leaning across the table to address Kit.
"Uh – I don't know." She replied, caught off guard.
Harry flashed her a grin. "Well, you better figure out soon. Those leaving have to be at the station by midnight, and we – the Gryffindor refugees – are planning a holiday party." He added in an undertone, so only the girls could hear.
Kit grinned back. "Sounds... tempting. Um - d'you know where Professor Dumbledore is? If you're right, I'd better go ask if he has any plans. I'll be able to get back to you then!"
Harry nodded towards the stage. "He's over there, explaining something or other to the group that's about to perform; I hear they're from America." He added with a grin.
Kit excused herself with a laugh and began making her way over to the Headmaster.
__________________________~__________________________
"Um - excuse me? Professor? I - I don't mean to interrupt, but..."
Professor Dumbledore gave a quick word to the group before turning to her. "So, what seems to be the matter, Kit?"
She hesitated. "Well - I heard you say earlier that students staying over the holidays should make sure they sign on tonight."
"Ah." Professor Dumbledore peered over his half moon spectacles at the girl. "And do you wish to stay the holidays?"
Kit shrugged. "I don't really have anywhere to go, anyway - but as you've planned out so much for me already, I thought I should check with you to see if you had any... alternate plans for me, before I signed on."
"And I'm glad you did," Professor Dumbledore said approvingly. "Otherwise, I'd have to inform the Lady Malfoy of the need to cancel her preparations for a Christmas guest."
"I- what?" Kit blurted, confusion plainly battling with shock on her emotional battle ground - her face. "What do you mean? Draco hasn't said - I mean, he never asked or - told me - he - "
"Ah, but I said *Lady* Malfoy." Dumbledore corrected gently. "At the beginning of the year - more precisely, since I learned of your existence - I asked parents of many of the children here if any were willing to board an extra child. I have had several offers - one of them being the mother of your new found friend."
During this short explanation, Kit's eyes had grown rounder by the word; at the moment, they were nearly the size of saucers, causing the Headmaster to wish desperately that he had the art of reading minds. Legilimancy was out of the question; it would reveal too much. But what on earth could the fifteen year old girl be thinking to shock her this much?
"So - I'm staying with Draco for the next week?"
"Unless he plans to room at the school over the holidays, yes, that's what it looks like."
Kit's eyes snapped down to size. "Oh. Cool. Um - may I leave now?"
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled at her quick change of expression. He nodded. "You're dismissed. Don't worry about your possessions; they'll be at the station by the end of the ball - that is, if you do not mind traveling in that." He nodded to indicate her outfit.
Kit's cheeks flushed. "N-no, I don't mind. I've got a cloak to go with this. Um - thank you, Professor, Sir."
He nodded, periwinkle eyes laughing silently. "You'd better get back so young Harry will have more time to get over his disappointment."
Laughing, she obeyed, inching her way back to her table.
________________________~_______________________________
"Um, Harry?"
His face lit up as she approached. "Well, what'd he say? Are you staying?"
Kit winced at his eagerness. "Um- no, actually. Professor Dumbledore has already set up a family to board me over the holiday. Sorry, Harry."
He looked so downcast, it was pure impulse to lean over and kiss him on the forehead, missing the fact that a camera holder was directly behind them.
CLICK! FLASH!
"Hey, Harry! I've got a new camera; instant development!"
The boy, short with a shock of white-blonde hair, held out the picture.
Peering at it over Harry's shoulder, Ginny grinned. "It's a good picture, Collin. Cute."
Craning her neck to see it, too, Kit gasped.
She'd seen the portraits moving and talking and walking though each other's paintings; but this was a mini her, apparently talking with a mini Harry and laughing, giving him a hug around the shoulders and shoving him occasionally at one comment or other.
It was... shocking, to say the least.
"Hey Ginny," Collin's voice broke through her trance, "I heard you got to come with Harry by some bizarre twist. Is it true?"
She nodded with a grin.
"Cool! I'm taking pictures of all the couples. Do you want one?"
"Uh – Harry?"
He grinned in response. "Sure. I mean, this will be a night to remember either way, but it'd be nice to have a memento. Shoot away, Collin."
He obeyed enthusiastically before turning to Kit. "What about you? Who are you here with?"
"Oh – I'm with Draco."
"*Really?* Well. That's... something. D'you think you could get your boyfriend to stand in at least one photo with you?"
"Oh, he's –"
"Please?" He interrupted. "You're so photogenic! It'd be a shame to miss any opportunity to get as many shots of you as possible." He grinned at her imploringly.
Kit laughed. "You make me sound like a drink. Okay, um, just a sec. Draco," She walked over to interrupt his dull-looking conversation with some Slytherin 3rd year girl.
"Hey Draco – Collin wants to photo us; he's doing all the couples."
Sighing, he stood.
"Okay, don't act so excited." She muttered.
Draco frowned. "I heard that."
"You were meant to." She retorted cheekily.
"Wow, what a... happy couple." Collin observed.
Kit smirked. "You have no idea."
Laughing, he told them to move closer together.
"Look, Malfoy, you can't be standing there like a limp noodle – well, actually, technically you could," He added hurridly when the silver eyed glare was aimed his way, "It's just, you're not supposed to. Just – do something you two usually do. Besides bicker."
Almost automatically, Kit backed up into him and glanced up. His arm was draped across her shoulders, and he was watching her oddly. With her repaired heels, their faces weren't as far apart as usual; in fact, they were only inches away...
CLICK! FLASH!
"Nice picture, m'lord, m'lady." He whistled. "You two look completely meant for each other." Glancing down at the photo, he grinned. "It looks like your photo images are less conscientious than their originals."
Tearing her eyes away from Draco, Kit could feel her face heat up as she took in his meaning.
Their mini selves were currently sharing a deep, everlasting-seeming kiss. It looked perfectly innocent; no tongue, no wandering hands, no extreme displays of passion. They simply seemed... in love.
"Happy Christmas." Collin said cheerfully before strolling off to find another willing, photogenic couple.
Draco's cheeks were tinged with color. Looking up from their mini images – who had finally separated and were currently whispering to each other – their eyes met and held for a fraction of a second; closing his eyes briefly, he looked away, cheeks darkening.
Kit cleared her throat. "Um – cute picture." She echoed with a laugh. "Very – sweet." Glancing down at the photo, she gave a sudden grin. "Makes sense, too," She added, "as we were standing under mistletoe."
Draco started and looked hard at the picture. "You can't be serious –"
Sure enough, there it was – a familiar hand, holding out a bough of mistletoe."
"Blaise!" They turned.
"What?" He asked, all innocence. "Can I see your picture? It must be... interesting to say the least."
Kit sighed. "You know, if you weren't you, you'd be incredibly easy to hate. Where's Angea?" She added after a cursory glance.
"Angea? Uh," His face took on a sheepish look. "She – went to, um, cool down a bit."
"'Cool down'?"
"About this." Draco elaborated with a smirk. He held out another photo, this one of Blaise and, Kit assumed, Angea.
But after a closer look, she noticed three extra... accessories, hanging around his neck, arm, and one on his lap, with Angea standing behind him, arms crossed, ready to spit fire.
Kit stared at it for a moment before bursting into laughter. "Smooth, Blaise," She giggled once she could speak, wiping a tear from her eye, "Very smooth. Make your date jealous of your picture."
"Hey," he protested, "I would not do that in real life! And it's not like I can control that mini of me in there! He's just doing whatever he wants!"
"Kind of like our in the flesh Zabini, huh?" Kit teased.
He glared at her in response. "You're no help." He grumbled.
She shrugged. "Hey, what can I say? It's the truth."
"Veritas. Who knows truth?"
_________________________~__________________________
"Hey! Kit, over here!" Four girls had abandoned their dates to seat themselves at an empty table and now took the time to flag her down.
"C'mon, pull up a chair!"
The table's occupants consisted of Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil, two girls she was just getting to know, Hermione, who she'd been talking to more, and Ginny and Hannah.
Sitting between the two latter, she felt completely comfortable.
"Hey – What's up – It's been a while – Love that dress! – Hello!"
Greetings flew toward her.
"So," She began once she'd gone around the circle, "What's up?"
"Well," Parvati and Lavender exchanged glances, "We were wondering – "
"– what you did to make Draco Malfoy – "
"– already a dreamboat – "
"– into such a princely looking – guy!" One of the two finished.
Ginny sighed. "I already told them what you said, but the want to hear it themselves or something."
Kit rolled her eyes and proceeded to repeat all that she had said to Ginny earlier in the corridor.
Parvati sighed. "Sounds normal enough."
"Yeah," Hannah cut in, "but still abnormal enough to do *that*."
Lavender giggled. "He's definitely about to move up in the ranks of Hogwarts Hotties. If he continues to stick around girls like Kit, in any case."
"By the way, that dress is gorgeous!"
"Yea," Kits agreed as she shifted, "but nothing short of horrendous to wear. I have a corset with it." She confided.
There was a collective hiss of sympathy from the girls at the table.
"But you know," Parvati began critically, "it may be the reason you're turning so many more heads tonight."
"So true," Lavender added, "I mean, you're showing so much... more, than usual."
"What?!" Kit yelped. She had all but forgotten the dangerous neckline of her dress. "Please tell me it's not as bad as all that." She pleaded with a moan.
"It's not," Hannah reassured hurridly, "It's just that, no offense, but your weekend wardrobe makes most forget you have anything. I mean, just look at all the male eyes at this table because of your shining presence!" She added with a wicked grin. "Yours and Ginny's, anyway. And Hermione's. Us three," She waved to include Parvati and Lavender, "have already bemoaned our wretched state."
Obligingly, the girls gave the room a cursory glance.
"Ohmigosh." Hermione started softly. "Ohmigosh. Oh – my. You guys!" She hissed, "You guys, that's Quentin Ridge staring over at us!"
The whole table shook as the other three jumped to attention.
"Oh please let his eyes land on me..." Parvati moaned.
"Oh – no way! You're right! Kit, that's QUENTIN RIDGE checking you out!!! No – Way!!!" Lavender let out a squeal. "I can't believe this! He is *so* breathtaking, he never looks at ANYone below his year!"
Kit winced as Parvati let out another squeal.
"Um, that's great – but who's Quentin Ridge?"
The occupants of the table gaped at her.
"I forgot how new you are." Hannah said faintly.
"Not to know Quentin Ridge..." Parvati breathed with a shudder.
"Quentin Ridge has made all-star level for Chaser, is Head boy, is Top of his class –" – this coming from Hermione –
"– was secretly voted Hottest at Hogwarts –" Parvati butted in only to be interrupted by Lavender –
"- *is* Hottest at Hogwarts, followed by Draco Malfoy, Neville Longbottom, amazingly enough, Blaise Zabini and the Twins, who left prematurely, earned twelve O.W.L. 's two years back, is the most sought after heartthrob in Hogwarts – "
"- was best dueller in the dueling club, which started and ended second year, is, obviously, the most gorgeous guy ever to enter Hogwarts, and is now boring holes into *you*." Hermione finished.
"He is not." Kit replied automatically.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "How would you know, you haven't even looked!"
"Okay, he's watching you with bugging baby blue eyes..." Lavender sighed.
"No!"
"Staring at you starry eyed?"
"What?!"
"Admiring the scenery?"
"Staring?"
"Gazing?"
Kit groaned. "It was probably just a cursory glance; what you all just said describes what you guys are doing!"
"Oh, oh he's looking back!" The four girls squealed again.
Kit stared at them. "Are – are you girls feeling all right?"
Hermione flushed. "Oh come on," She said impatiently, "Just because you've found the man of your dreams already doesn't mean that you're exempt from the – the laws of emotions! Especially on cute guys," She added, ignoring Kit's protests, "And trust me, Quentin Ridge far exceeds the limits of 'cute'." She finished with a mischievous grin.
"He's *so* handsome." Parvati sighed.
"Beautiful." Seconded Lavender.
"Gorgeous." Ginny added.
The other three nodded.
"Yeah, that word about sums him up." Hannah said with a sigh. "There are too few gorgeous guys in the world and the only one in our region is making eyes at Kit."
Kit nudged with an indignant cry. "Shove it!"
Ginny chuckled. "It's true, you know. This is probably the first time he's laid eyes on you – a sixth year undecided – and you've shocked him."
"Oh come on!" Kit groaned. "Look at me! I'm completely normal! I mean, all of you have said that I am completely... completely unremarkable on everyday days! I've probably run into him before and he, like everyone I've met so far, is just shocked at the extent of Blaise Zabini's extraordinary makeover talent."
"Uh huh. Yeah, sure." Ginny replied evasively. "Whatever you say."
Kit groaned. "At least point out this object of debate."
Grinning, Ginny cocked her head left, indicating a boy about 5 tables over.
Reluctantly, Kit looked over. Sure enough, the boy's slate blue eyes flicked over to her table to look her over – and so thoroughly, Kit could feel her cheeks warm. They stopped at her eyes and locked.
For a moment, his smile wavered; it seemed he had stopped talking midsentence, for a friend leaned over and shook him, breaking their eye contact.
Kit turned stiffly back to her table, smile gone.
"He's cute." She said shortly.
Lavender gaped at her. "Cute? That's all you can say? Kit, we are talking about the HOTTEST guy in our vicinity, a – a god on earth! And all you can say is he's CUTE?!" She spluttered wildly.
Kit shrugged. "Okay, he looks great, amazing, a perfect image. Is that okay?"
"Jeez, you don't have to sound so enthusiastic." Parvati said sarcastically.
"Look, I just think he's a bit of a jerk." She shrugged. "That's all."
Lavender rolled her eyes. "Well, yeah, if somebody's already that fine, he's got to have some flaw or other, or else he'd scare everybody away. Being that great, he deserves a bit of jerkiness." Suddenly her eyes narrowed. "Wait a sec. How would YOU know what he's like, anyway? Miss- who's-Quentin-Ridge-the-god-boy?"
Kit shifted. "I – had a run in with him a couple weeks ago. Listen, I've got to go find Draco, we're missing all the music."
The girls started. She was right; the band had started up and couples were just now gathering the courage to approach the dance floor.
"She's right you guys," Ginny stood with her, "I'd better go find Harry before he hides somewhere."
The other girls departed as well, not bothering to glance back as the object of their debate reached their former table.
___________________~_______________________
Hello! I know it's been a bit of a while, so I apologize; I've been in D.C. and I don't have a laptop!!!!!! ( :(
Anyway, that's why this is so late. As an additional apology, I've made this chapter, I think, a bit longer than usual. It's twelve pages in Microsoft Word, in any case.
Oh, by the way, does anyone know how to make italics show up? I'd be forever grateful if someone showed me how; email me!!!
Okay, that's about all, and I hope you liked it! If you did, review, if you didn't, review (or flame, I really don't care).
Thanx to:
~Glass Dragon~ Yep. That's how it will – hopefully – work out. I, unfortunately, haven't seen ANY trailers for the third movie with him in it, so hot or not *sniff* *sniff* I don't know... I'll take your word for it! ^_^
~Escaped~ Thank you for reading! I'm so glad you like my story; I'm sorry I've fallen behind in reading yours! I hope I can keep his character true – that will probably be the hardest part – not making him into a teddy bear! Okay, to those who actually stick around to read my thanx to reviewers, I've got to tell you, Escaped has an amazing story – well, two - if you're into the Malfoys, Severus Snape, and the whole darker side of the wizarding world. Even if you're not, you will be once you start!
~MutalatedTurtle~ Yea! Thank you for giving him the chance. An acquaintance is better than nothing, and I hope he won't become... mediocre while I inch up to his starring role... heheh... a bit of foreshadowing there...
~Greek Witch~ Fun just about sums it up, once I get down to it. ^_^ The Harry-Ginny thing is explained here once I realized I had that no-same- house rule in play... not too weird, I hope. ^_^