Author Note:

V1.2, R3

(flow, minor fixes and word choice refinement, first AO3 revision)

astute readers will have noticed a specific and deliberate occurrence by the end of this chapter.

Harry Potter and the franchise are owned by their respective claim holders. I do this story as a hobby and not as a substitute for the books or as a means of profit.

If you enjoy the contents of this chapter please leave a review. It is so rare to get them and even just an acknowledgement that you're here for the ride is nice. Whatever medium you read this from please make sure to leave proper notice of your enjoyment.

Ch4 - Waltzing at the Center of the Universe

The dinner had been amazing. The roasts and various side dishes had filled the room with an exquisite scent. She had tried some of the new, unfamiliar dishes that appeared on the table but had mostly kept to what she was familiar with. When she had tried the pumpkin juice, though, she had thought it was a prank. She had quickly asked for a glass of cider while glaring at the offending liquid.

The lengthened table was full of vibrant conversation as the various guests talked about different memories. She was between her mother and grandmother, enjoying apple pie made from their stores.

Lyra couldn't help but be spellbound by her grandmother. A lot of her mother's mannerisms clearly came from the distinguished elder. The way she seemed to toy with her mother made her feel closer to her mother in a way she couldn't describe. The elder witch had also enjoyed heaping praise on her, promising to take her to the finest stores for the best of all things.

"You know, Lyra, she used to do the same for me." Her mother said as she leaned in to steal some of her apple pie. "But she is right, you are absolutely adorable." Lyra blushed under the continued praise.

"Of course I'm correct, Draco." Her grandmother said as smiled down at her. "The only time I'll ever admit to being wrong is when you started courting Harry." Lyra perked up at the statement. Courting was right out of some of her favorite love stories.

"Like a princess?" She asked excitedly. Her grandmother laughed joyfully.

"Exactly like a princess." Her mother choked on her drink at the statement.

"Princess? Please, mother, if you are talking about the ball we went as nothing more than friends." There was that ball reference again. Lyra really wished someone would tell her that story.

"Oh, don't 'please' me, Draco. You can't lie to your mother." The wizened witch kept her eyes closed as she openly doubted her mother with a smile. Her mother did it to her so often it was almost surreal to see where she had inherited it from.

"You know I didn't realize I really liked Harry until sixth year." Her mother said in a defensive tone.

"Nonsense. You ran away as soon as you got back home after fourth year." Lyra smiled as her grandmother laughed heartily. She really liked her. "Here, I'll show you. Harry, dear, may I please see them?" She called out to Lyra's father.

"Them?" He asked, looking up from his conversation with some other wizards, including 'Uncle Ron.'

"Some of your memories, love. Preferably of the ball. I would relish the chance to humble my daughter once more." That sounded amazing, sharing memories. Lyra wondered if she would be able to ever be able to do that.

"Mother, please." Her mother said as she buried her face in her hands. Lyra giggled. She enjoyed seeing her mum and 'Grandma' talk. She mulled the word around her head. Her friends called their grandmothers that, after all. She'd have to try it out and see if it felt right at some point.

"I think I know which ones you'd like." Her dad said with a smile.

"Harry, I swear…" Her mother muttered. Whatever protest she had was soundly ignored. Her father and grandmother's eyes met and she raised her wand into the air with a flick. The air felt alive with electricity for a moment. Her father smiled.

"Thank you, dear." Her dual haired grandparent said graciously.

"What was that, Grandma?" The witch smiled warmly at her, giving off a small hum of happiness.

"That was me learning a wonderful story for you."

"Let's get this over with" Her mother said as the table suddenly became quiet in preparation for the tale.

*The story of the ball starts with rejection, believe it or not, dear. Your father pinned for another in the early days of his and Draco's relationship. The heartache was necessary. It helped Harry understand what he was missing. They met in the halls one day. Your father came to Draco's rescue.*

Harry found himself stalking the corridors of the castle not quite sure what he was doing. He had just been turned down by Cho Chang as a potential partner for the dance. There was an empty feeling in his chest as he took the turns at random, trying to collect his own thoughts. He had been putting off finding a date for so long that he had missed his opportunity completely.

Now he had no partner, no chance with his crush and absolutely no idea what he was going to do. Ron was probably at the tower already waiting to gloat. To top it all off Malfoy had been avoiding him since she had received that disastrous howler from her father.

He really wished that things could go back to before this stupid ball, before that stupid dive and especially to before his name had shot out of that stupid goblet. He missed spending time with all three of his friends while enjoying a nice and relatively quiet school year. That summer had been enough excitement for the rest of his life.

"Absolutely not." Harry heard Malfoy's voice around the corner of the corridor. It caught him off guard, stopping him in his tracks. He strained his ear to listen. She was with someone.

"I'm not sure I heard you quite right." He recognized the other person as Theodore Nott. His menacing voice made Harry feel sick to his stomach. He slowly peered around the corner, trying his hardest to keep himself hidden. What he wouldn't give for his cloak right now.

The sight made Harry's blood boil. Nott practically had Draco pinned to the wall of the corridor, his hand planted to the side of the blonde's head as she pressed herself against the wall in an attempt to keep herself as far away from the boy as possible.

"I said no." She said again, forcefully. Her body language betrayed her though. She was afraid of the situation.

"You can't keep saying no forever, Dray." Nott moved his head down, closer to Draco's. Harry felt his anger begin to rise at the sight of the boy trying to dominate his friend.

"Don't call me Dray, Nott." Draco warned darkly.

"C'mon, just go to the ball with me. I promise it'll be the best night of your life."

"Best night of your life, maybe." He could barely hear her mutter before she raised her voice, "The answer is still no."

Nott's voice took on a more sinister tone as he continued his advances. "You heard your father. You're going to be marrying one of us anyway, 'supplying them with heirs,' I think is what he said. Eventually I will just pay your bride price if I have to. As soon as you turn seventeen."

Harry started to see red as he continued to listen. He could feel his teeth grind together and his knuckles whiten around his wand. When had he even pulled it out?

"I'm going to say this once, more slowly, so even you can understand. I'm not interested. I'm not interested in you. I'm not interested in your family. And I can tell you that I'm definitely not interested in attending a ball with you."

"Why not? Give me one good reason." Nott was no longer hiding his own anger at being refused by the girl. His voice took on a dangerous tone. Harry sprang into action, no longer able to hold his own anger at bay. He crossed the distance to the pair in just moments.

"Because she's going with me." He answered as he shoved the boy away roughly and positioned himself between the two. He reached back, taking Draco's hand into his own. The tension in the air became heavy as Harry had his wand pointed straight at Nott.

"Potter!" Nott sneered as he pulled out his own wand, pointing it at Harry's face. He looked between the two and their intertwined hands. Harry could see the muscles in the other boy's jaw clenching.

"Nott." Harry replied coolly. He kept his wand trained directly at the Slytherin's chest. He was ready to react if Nott began casting a spell.

"What is going on here, Dray? I thought you said you weren't going with anyone?" Nott began starring Harry down. Harry narrowed his own eyes in response.

"And I thought I told you not to call me Dray." He felt Draco take a step closer behind him.

*He made many rivals that day. Your mother was one of the most desired witches. All the wizards wanted her hand and would try anything to win it. Draco had been mad at your father for a stunt from a month earlier. Yes, the first task.*

"Watch your back, Potter." Nott said hotly and glared between the two once more before shoving his wand into his pocket and stalking off into the depths of the castle. Once he was out of sight Malfoy ripped her hand out of Harry's grasp. He turned around to see her standing there with her arms crossed.

"And what makes you think I want to go to such a ridiculous thing with you, Scarhead? Especially after already telling the last couple dozen idiots no?" She was glaring at him with her shoulders squared up as much as possible, no longer cowering against the wall. It made Harry realize that Malfoy didn't see him as a threat, unlike the other boy.

"I was just helping you get rid of Nott." He put his wand into his pocket and held up his hands in surrender. "I didn't mean to imply… A couple dozen?" She just kept glaring at him. It was absolutely infuriating. "Whatever. I was still busy trying to get a partner for the ball, anyhow. Unlike you I don't get a choice in this matter." Harry said morosely before he turned to leave.

*Your mother forgave Harry when she learned that he had not been trying to court her. She was very wary of men at the time. She got him to open up about his heartbreak. She really did try to cheer him up. She never liked seeing her friends upset.*

Harry only made it a couple steps before he was stopped, his robes pulling him backwards. He looked back to see Malfoy staring at him with an unreadable expression, a fistful of his garment in her grasp.

"Who was it?"

It was Harry's turn to remain silent. He swallowed down the shame that started to renew itself as the recent memory resurfaced. She didn't even blink.

"You're going to the tower, Potter. If you're still trying, that means that you already tried. Who was it?"

His cheeks turned red at the accuracy of her assumption. "What do you care for?" Harry asked, confused and a little annoyed at the girl's action. She didn't answer him. "Cho Chang." Harry finally huffed out.

Malfoy released his robes with a look of shock. Then she started to laugh. Not a giggle. Not a soft laugh. Malfoy was laughing as if someone had told her the funniest joke in the world. Harry started to fully flush in embarrassment.

"It's not that funny!" He said indignantly and turned to leave again.

He paused when he heard her clear her throat and offer an apology. "Look, I'm sorry, Potter." He eyed the girl dubiously, unsure of her motive.

"Thanks?" Harry said. "Look, I really am busy." He started getting ready to walk away again. His head was buzzing with so many emotions that he just needed rest at this point.

Malfoy continued before he could start moving, though. "No… I... I thought you were just using our friendship to take advantage of me."

"What? But I would never..!" Harry felt as if a bucket of ice water had been thrown over him. He had assumed that she had been mad at him for embarrassing her in front of the whole school, not this. Draco cut him off before he could finish his thought.

"I know… ," She said. There were a few moments of silence before Malfoy finally said, "Here, I'll walk with you for a bit." She walked past Harry before calling back, "Coming, Potter?"

Harry caught up to his friend as they started to walk towards the Gryffindor tower. He wasn't going to complain if Malfoy wanted to spend a little time together. It had been over a month since the howler.

"So, Cho…" Malfoy said as they moved slowly along the corridor.

Harry let out a sigh. "Yeah… I've fancied her a bit since last year. I should have asked her as soon as they announced the ball." He didn't like where their conversation started already. "Ron finally convinced me to give it a try."

"Who did she say yes to?"

"Diggory." Harry said the name of his current rival with a little more venom than he intended. It did not escape the girl's notice.

"Well, do you expect him to always play second fiddle to you? I mean, you did come out of nowhere to steal his thunder. Very quintessential Potter if you ask me." It felt like she was chiding him. Harry scoffed lightly.

"It's not like I wanted to compete in this stupid thing." Harry felt a depressed mood take him. "But I suppose not." He felt a small hand push his shoulder.

"Don't be so dour, Potter. You're no fun like this." He looked over to see her smirking. He personally didn't see what was so amusing about the whole thing.

"Come off it, I've been stressed and this isn't helping." Harry said defensively. "What about you, though? What was that thing with Nott all about?"

*Draco explained to Harry how she had been pursued by so many other men to attend the Yule Ball. When she realized your father would be able to help her she tricked him into asking her to the ball. Your mother never missed an opportunity to make your father jump in with both feet. I don't think she realized he had pulled her in with him this time, though.*

Malfoy scoffed in disgust. "I've been dealing with advances from all sorts of idiots shortly after that stupid howler. It hadn't escaped notice that I would be staying for Christmas, thank you, Father. Every stupid house except yours has been a nuisance. The sixth and seventh years have been particularly troublesome. Telling me about how successful they plan to be!" The Slytherin ranted as they made their way through the passage. "Pansy is still mad at me because Blaise tried asking me on day two. I've been forced to move around the castle on my own, being chased down by all sorts of undesirable attention."

"That sounds like an absolute nightmare." Harry said. "A bride price, though?"

"Heard that, did you?" Malfoy grimaced at the question.

"Unfortunately." The whole exchange was still fresh in his mind. It made his skin crawl to think that his friend could just be bought and sold when she turned seventeen.

"One of my letters from Father was intercepted by Bulstrode." Malfoy growled out. "The cow decided to read it out loud in the commons. Father was quite explicit in what was expected of me. Made it clear that I would be marrying whether I liked it or not. Every Slytherin knows now. Either court and wed or go to the highest bidder. One of the benefits of being a Malfoy girl."

"That's horrible." Harry said in disgust. "Has it been like that from the start?" He asked. "The way Nott was."

"No. It started out innocently enough, I suppose. After that ridiculous letter, though?" The girl shuddered as they walked along. "The morons have been getting more and more… insistent."

"I really wish there was some way I could help out." He said in earnest. She lightly scoffed in response.

"Please, Potter, not every problem can be solved by you ramming your thick skull into it repeatedly." Malfoy chuckled in spite of her situation.

"You know what I meant." Harry said back. She definitely still had a way of getting under his skin regardless of how far they had come in the few months they had started their friendship. It didn't make him angry like it used to. Just annoyed.

"The only thing that could possibly stop them from asking me to the ball would be to say yes to…" The blonde paused in her stride as her eyes widened as if she had made the most significant discovery of that century. "To say yes!"

"Isn't that what you're trying to avoid, though?" Harry said as he turned to look at his friend. She had Her left hand in the crook of her right arm, her right hand on her chin.

"Well, well, Potter. I think I may have a solution to my immediate problem after all." Malfoy cocked her head to the side as she studied him. Harry raised one of his eyebrows in confusion.

"Yes." She said as she closed her eyes, rolling her head slowly from side to side, testing the word. "Yes." She said as she finally opened her eyes again.

"So 'yes' is your solution?" Harry asked, the girl's actions eluding his reasoning.

"Yes." Malfoy said, giving him that patented smirk. She held up a finger. "Time for you to make good on one of those favors, Potter."

Harry eyed his friend with suspicion. "Depends, what are you asking?"

"No, no. You don't get to refuse. Not once have I refused your silly little requests, even when they ended with my utter embarrassment." She said as she waived her hand dismissively at his question. He took a deep breath before letting out a loud sigh.

"Okay, What do you need me to do?" He asked, resigned to her request.

The blonde pulled out her wand. "I just need you to do two quick things for me, Potter. It won't take long." Harry gave her an annoyed look but nodded. "First I need you to turn and face the wall." She gestured at Harry to turn when he just stood there trying to anticipate what she was doing. He finally turned after rolling his eyes and began to stare at the wall.

Harry heard sparking and sizzling sounds. It went on for quite some time, using a cadence that told him she was writing something on the opposite wall. When the sounds finally stopped she moved towards his side.

"Okay, I need you to turn around and read the words I wrote out loud." She instructed.

"What?" Harry couldn't make heads or tails of what the girl was doing.

"Just do it, Scarhead. You are repaying a favor." Malfoy said in annoyance.

"Alright, fine." He huffed out.

"And don't pause, either. Just turn around and read it aloud." She commanded.

"I get it." Harry said, giving the girl a small glare before turning to follow her instructions. "Will. You. Go. To. The. Ball. With. Me." His eyebrows creased deeper as the meaning of what he was reading out loud was dawning on him.

"Yes." Malfoy said. Harry snapped his head towards her as she said the word, his eyes wide in surprise.

"What?" Harry looked back at the message he had been asked to read out loud. It was like one of those childish pranks in the movies. Except there was no one around to laugh, save the girl standing next to him. But she never did.

"I said yes, Potter. I will go to the ball with you." Draco said as she started walking along their route once more. Harry shook his head in disbelief before catching up to her.

"What was that, Malfoy? I don't have time for rude jokes. I really do need to find a girl to take to the stupid thing." Harry accused. He really didn't need Malfoy getting a laugh at his expense.

"No, you don't." She stated as she continued without pause. Harry boggled at her. "You already told Nott I'm going with you, after all."

"I did that to make him back off." Harry tried to explain again. It was the truth after all. "I wasn't expecting..."

"And now it isn't a lie." She cut him off, trotting along as if there was nothing wrong in the world.

"You're unbelievable." Harry said, shaking his head slightly. The one eighty in events had his head spinning.

"And you're lucky to be taking the seemingly most desired bachelorette in Slytherin to the Yule Ball." She countered. "I believe these are your stairs." She said as they emerged from one of the various doorways connecting to the infamous moving staircase.

*Even though Harry had been tricked into attending the ball with your mother he couldn't have been happier. I don't think the other witch would have made him this happy. It would take Harry a long time to learn what his feelings were telling him, though. He went back to his dorm to meet with his friends. Most of them are here right now.*

Harry sighed as he looked at the stairs. He was not looking forward to the climb considering how exhausting the last half hour of his life had been. At least his friend was talking to him again. He wondered if Hermione was going to do it next. "I'm glad you're back, Draco." he called over his shoulder.

"Thank you, Harry." Malfoy said, sporting a small smile.

"Yeah, no problem." He said, and then began his ascent. As odd as it seemed, Harry felt good for the first time since McGonagall had informed him of his predicament. Tired, but good. Even the stairs seemed to be favoring him as when they moved it almost seemed to be the shortest possible route.

Arriving in front of the portrait of the fat lady, Harry uttered the password and climbed through the entryway to his dorm. He expected the tower to be empty since it was dinner time but was surprised to find Ginny and Ron near the fireplace. Ron looked sick to his stomach while his sister was saying something in a low, soothing voice.

"What's up with Ron?" Harry asked as he joined them. Ron hadn't been much help in his catatonic state but Ginny offered up an explanation in his stead. His best friend had just asked Fleur to the ball. Ron interjected to describe the scene, blaming himself for some perceived insanity. Harry assured him that it wasn't actually his fault because she really had been part veela.

"She must have been turning on the old charm and you just got caught in the blast. Jokes on her though, Diggory's going with Chang!" Harry laughed out as he explained the situation. At Ron's quizzical expression Harry turned a light shade of pink. "I tried asking her myself." Ginny stopped giggling at the context.

"What are we going to do, Harry?" Ron asked desperately, "We're the only ones left who haven't got anyone." He was finally coming out of his shocked state.

"Not exactly." Harry felt as if the room had shrunk around him as Ron and Ginny stared at him in absolute disbelief. His skin itself became uncomfortable. Try as he might, he couldn't shake it.

"What? I thought you said Chang was going with Diggory." Ron said, confused.

"Well... yes, she is." Harry replied. "But after that I ran into Malfoy. He was being harassed by Nott." The siblings shared a quick glance. "I intervened and agreed to be his partner at the ball so that the other guys would stop asking him."

*Ginny Weasley was so angry when she was able to learn about the other men trying to pursue Draco. She had become enamored with my daughter, treating her like an older sister. In the confusion Harry's friend Ronald had let slip that he would be attending the ball with your mother. There were varied reactions to the news, all positive, of course.*

They must have had very different thoughts when they looked at each other. He wasn't sure which one to respond to first. "That's cheating, Harry!" from Ron or "He did what! ?" from Ginny. Ron looked mildly upset. Ginny looked like she did when she was truly mad at one of her brothers. Her dangerous look made his decision for him.

"We both needed help with our ball situations, Ginny." Harry said in surprised defense. His arms flew up to defend himself out of pure reflex.

"Not Draco, you git." She glared at him. " Nott !" She spat the name out. "What did he do, Harry?"

Harry briefly felt the rage again when he remembered. It must have been written on his face because Ginny was already going towards the portrait tunnel. He and Ron both jumped up right away to chase the living fireball.

"Oi, Gin! What are you on about?" Ron yelled out frantically, hot on their heels.

"Ginny, I took care of it!" Harry pleaded. She spun on her feet, grabbing Harry by the collar.

"Is Nott unconscious on the ground?" She asked through her teeth.

"Well, no, but…" She shoved him and made her way towards the exit once more. "Ginny!"

"Then you didn't take care of it!" She yelled at him. She had been looking in his direction as she stomped away and missed Hermione entering the room.

"What is with all this…" Was all Hermione was able to manage as her and Ginny tumbled into a heap on the ground. "Oof!" The red head quickly jumped up when she recognized the voice.

"Oh my gosh, Hermione!" She squealed out in embarrassment.

Harry looked around. Various others had made their way to the commotion. Lavender, Parvati, Fred and George were staring at the fiasco from the entryway, the portal still wide open.

"What's going on? Why weren't any of you at dinner?" Hermione asked in bewilderment at what just happened to her, head whipping from one person to another.

"The idiots were getting turned down by girls." Ginny said as she straightened her robes.

"You don't have to say it like that, Ginny!" Ron complained. He and Harry hurried to pick Hermione up from the ground.

"Sorry, I told Ginny about what happened to Malfoy and she went mad." Harry explained.

"I didn't go mad, I was going to finish what you started." Ginny said while glaring at him.

"Malfoy? What happened to Draco?" She asked as she steadied herself.

Harry glanced at Ginny, who's expression darkened, then to the curious eyes with them all at the center. More and more students would be joining them the longer this went on. They all had an idea of what was going on anyhow. At least part of it. Harry took a seat and nodded his head to the other seats. The entryway was finally closed as the others all gathered around the fire.

"Nott had Malfoy against a wall, threatening him to go to the ball." Harry explained. "The worst part was when he implied he'd just buy Malfoy." He heard Parvati and Lavender gasp at the news. "But like I told Ginny, I took care of it."

"I'm still gonna kill him." Ginny stated, glowering at him.

"No can do, little sister. Mum would kill us if you got expelled." Fred said.

"Suppose we could use an unwilling assistant, though." George added.

"Don't worry, Ginny. Malfoy's going to the ball with Harry now, isn't she?" Ron finally said. "He'll keep an eye on her."

Harry nodded before realizing what Ron had actually said. He was met with five pairs of owlish eyes all trained on him. "Look, I can explain…" Harry tried to say, but he was drowned out by Parvati's and Lavender's squeals as they jumped up and down in excitement. They had been the most disappointed to learn that the magazine article had been faked. Hermione and the twins both had shocked looking faces.

"I'll tell you everything at breakfast." Harry said to Hermione. He really just wanted to relax.

*The next morning your mother rejoined her friends in their daily routines. She had been sorely missed. She started by eating breakfast with your aunt and father again.*

The following morning the Christmas break had officially started. The whole school was buzzing with excitement. Harry had never seen so many people decide to stay before. The Yule Ball probably had something to do with that though. He promised himself that he would enjoy the atmosphere as much as he could. It wasn't like there'd be another one while he was there. If it is anything like the previous versions, the tournament wouldn't be for another four years anyhow. He felt a little guilty leaving Ron asleep, though the youngest Weasley boy had been desperately searching for a date the rest of the previous night.

He and Hermione had made their way to breakfast first thing. As promised, he had explained the encounter in the hallway the best he could. She had admonished him for the reckless act, but praised him all the same.

It was refreshing to have a relaxed morning rather than some sort of existential crisis looming over him. When Hermione had complained about the lack of progress on his golden egg he and Ron had both pointed out that the second task was still a long time off. He was buttering some toast while Hermione was buried in a book when they heard a familiar voice.

"Why am I not surprised to see Granger in her books even on break?" Both of the Gryffindors looked up to see the one Slytherin that had become a staple of their group that year. "Where's Weasley?"

"Draco! Good morning!" Hermione called out as she clamped her book shut.

"Still asleep." Harry said as he started on his toast. "Didn't get a date to the ball until late. Parvati finally agreed to go with him."

Malfoy groaned. "I'm glad that's over with," She said. Harry looked over at the Slytherin tables to be greeted with glares from most of the boys there. He wasn't so sure that her statement was entirely accurate.

"Harry's already told me." Hermione said in a low voice. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Granger." Malfoy said as she rolled her eyes. "Besides, I'll have Harry around to watch my back for now."

"You will?" The bushy haired girl asked, raising a single brow.

"Of course I will." Malfoy with a sly grin. "He wouldn't abandon his date to those thugs, would he?" The Slytherin clearly got what she wanted when Harry shot her an annoyed glance around a forkful of egg. Still, it was better than being actual enemies with the girl.

*Your mother learned a terrible truth that morning, though. Your father was a champion of the tri wizard tournament. He and his chosen partner would be obligated to dance. Neither were very good. Your mother thought the whole thing was a joke until their potions master let her know how poorly she had miss-stepped. Luckily your aunt was more than willing to lend Draco a helping hand.*

"That reminds me, Draco," said Hermione, "You'll have to be careful with Harry, he doesn't dance very well."

Malfoy laughed at the perceived joke before she noticed Hermione's straight face. "What are you talking about, Granger? We won't be dancing ." She said as if it was the most ridiculous word that had ever been invented. Harry choked on his eggs, gasping for air as he coughed away. He had completely forgotten about that in the events of the previous day.

Hermione's eyebrows shot up as she realized that the blonde had no idea what she had gotten herself into. "Harry's a champion, though, isn't he?"

"Indeed he is."

The voice that interrupted them sent a chill down their collective spines. Severus Snape was standing over the three of them in a way Harry was sure Malfoy quite literally hadn't experienced before. He dropped his silverware with a loud clatter and shot ramrod straight.

"Miss Malfoy, a word, if you'll indulge me. Is there a reason you chose destruction of school property as a means to procure a partner for the ball? And please, don't play dumb with me. I recognize your handwriting and I have no time for nonsense."

Malfoy looked up at the man stunned. "I...I..." was all she managed to get out.

"You are quite lucky that it was me who found that little display. I won't be as lenient if it happens again, however." He stared down his nose at the girl before turning on Harry. "Potter, for your complete lack of responsibility and inability to prevent vandalism, one hundred points from Gryffindor." He sneered at Harry. "And for Merlin's sake, learn to dance. The last thing Miss Malfoy needs is another round of embarrassment." He added.

Harry wanted nothing more than to retort. How was he going to be responsible for something he didn't do? He glanced towards Malfoy to see her shaking her head while staring straight at him. The message was clear. Don't. "Yes, sir." He said slowly. Snape gave him a final glare before spinning and stalking off, dark robes flowing like a shadow behind him.

"I didn't even do anything!" Harry grumbled to his friends as the Slytherin head of house vanished behind the entrance doors.

"He did that to punish me. Can't take points from his own house, how would that look? Sorry, Potter." Malfoy said as she looked back towards him, guilt evident on her face.

"Hey, why didn't you just ask me to be your partner?" Harry asked, realizing that she had honestly made him ask her .

"It's not proper for a girl to ask a boy." She said indignantly. She snatched a sausage from Harry's plate. "Why would we have to dance anyway?"

"Hey, that's mine!" Harry said as he tried making a go for the sausage. She quickly shoved it into her mouth.

"Champions open the dance." Hermione answered as he wrestled for his food. Malfoy stopped mid reach for more of Harry's food when she processed Hermione's words.

"Why didn't you say anything, Potter!?" She whispered out harshly.

"I thought you knew. You're supposed to be the one that lived in the magical world your whole life. Why do you think I was so stressed?" Harry said as he tried to defend himself. "You monkey pawed your way into this one."

"You'd better learn to dance properly, Potter. I don't want you to prove the professor right." She was clearly annoyed at her new found predicament. Harry just hoped she wouldn't really hold it against him. She was the one that used a favor, after all.

"You'll need to learn to dance too, though, won't you?" Hermione asked.

"You'll have to explain that one to me, Granger." She said as she sat back up, placing a hand on her chest. "I happen to have years of dance lessons, I don't need to learn to dance."

"You've never taken the lady's position." Hermione replied, completely dismantling Malfoy's argument in a single statement.

Harry watched her turn pale. "Hermione! I need your help!" She said in a desperate voice, practically reaching out for the other girl.

"So you do know how to say my name." Hermione said with an air of smugness. The blonde gave her one of the most pathetic looks Harry had ever seen. "Oh, alright. I have a solution. You'll be coming to the northwest corner of the library just before lunch. It will be secluded enough and I'd rather spare us both the embarrassment."

*Regardless that neither really wanted to, your mother threw herself into practicing dancing with Harry. He was a nervous wreck. Your mother was so pretty and willing to dance with him. They had been rivals when they were younger, of course, so your mother found it quite easy to goad him into moving past that. He was never very good at letting your mother be better than him at anything. He craved her attention, whatever it took, friend or foe. He had no idea why, but it had always been that way. It infuriated your mother and gave life to your father. But she knew how to use that to her advantage. It proved too much for your father who had been trying to wall off his feelings to protect your mother.*

Harry sat in the same room he had practiced his summoning charm with Malfoy. He was waiting for the girl to show up. She was supposed to help him learn how to dance properly. He felt guilty that he would be the reason she had to step well out of her comfort zone. The least he could do is make sure it was not his fault if the night was abysmal. She had met with Hermione the day before as planned and told him to meet her there. The sound of the door opening caught his attention.

"Alright, Potter, let's get this over with. The sooner you learn the better." Malfoy said as she marched into the classroom. She had a heavy bag slung over her shoulder. "Granger was kind enough to assist me and I have no intention of spending every day in a secluded classroom with you. The last article was embarrassing enough."

Harry agreed. No reason to give the tabloids more ammo. Though he did wonder what they were going to be saying after the ball.

He helped her set up the room, quickly moving the tables and chairs to the edge of the room. Malfoy pulled out various magazines and books, laying them out across one of the tables, a metronome and what appeared to be a miniature phonograph. She took off her robe, started the tempo and called him to the center of the room. Harry took his position, taking her hand into his own.

"You've got to be kidding me." Draco grumbled at him. "Potter, how am I supposed to practice for the ball if you can't even do the basics?" She grabbed his free hand and moved it under her arm so she could rest her hand on his shoulder. Harry swallowed hard as he felt her back in his palm. How was he going to do this in front of the whole school?

He became a clammy mess, overly conscious of the feel of her in his hands. It was just like dancing with any attractive girl, he was sure. Trying to maintain some sort of eye contact was absolutely impossible. Throughout the afternoon she never did get to practice her own position.

"I guess we're getting somewhere. We managed to swap out your peg legs for two left feet." She lamented as they returned the room back in order. "I'll have to bring invigoration draughts or you'll never make much progress."

*During his school days, your father didn't quite understand his station. You might not, either. He was wealthy but dressed like a pauper. Ginny had convinced Draco to attempt to be pretty on purpose and together with Hermione managed to convince Harry to purchase the most stylish robes he could manage to find.*

It was the end of the first week of winter break. The group had all gathered for dinner in what was becoming a familiar scene in the castle. A single green flash in a sea of red. Harry would find himself on one side of the table with Ron, Fred and George while Ginny, Malfoy and Hermione sat across from them.

It took almost two full days of drilling for Harry to learn the basics of the waltz. While Hermione understood, he did make sure to spend the evenings with both her and Ron included. Ron was grumpy about the attention that Harry seemed to be giving the Slytherin, but was also trying to be supportive. Harry was sure that his long time friend would be fine in the long run, though. His little sister, though?

The girl had seemed to be adopting Malfoy as another older sister much like she had Hermione. While Hermione accepted the kinship readily, the Slytherin was much slower on the uptake. Even so, she still took pleasure in brushing up against topics that he wasn't ready to confront.

"How has practice been? You two rarely talk about it." Ginny asked as they were digging into a hearty stew. "Are you getting on well?" She elbowed Malfoy in the side causing her to jump. Harry tried to hide his discomfort through a rather large pull from his goblet.

Malfoy glared at the redhead briefly before answering. "Slow. At least Potter won't look like a complete fool out there." Harry wanted to disappear into his robes when the table started laughing at the remark. "The next tabloid shouldn't read 'Potter Left on Dance Floor.'"

Harry wanted to shrink away from the jokes and laughter that followed. He busied himself with his meal, steadfastly refusing to take part in the conversation. The others continued to make jokes for a bit before moving onto different topics. He had made it mostly through his stew when he noticed that while the brothers seemed to be talking rather openly, all three of the girls in the group were whispering amongst themselves.

He looked up to see them huddled around a magazine. Ginny had Hermione and Draco over her shoulders while pointing at various points in the text. Between the glare of the lights on the glossy material and their shadows, Harry couldn't quite make out what they were so interested in. He didn't have much time to look, however, as the magazine was snapped shut quite abruptly.

"That's bad manners, Harry." Ginny said as he looked up and caught her eye. He realized all three girls were giving him looks of disapproval. "You should be more worried about what you are going to wear."

"What? Wear?" Harry asked, perplexed at the statement.

"To the ball , Harry." Hermione said.

"But I have dress robes." Harry said. He wasn't sure why they were trying to make a big deal out of it so suddenly. He looked to Ron and the twins for support but found them more interested in their own food suddenly, purposefully avoiding his eyes.

"If Draco's going to... " Ginny started, but quickly clapped a hand over her mouth. Harry noted that Draco had started looking really interested in the table shooting small glares at the younger girl. "Don't be such a miser and just get some really nice robes." She finally said pointedly.

"Just do it, Harry, or you'll be in the same house as Nott." He heard one of the twins whisper off to his side.

"Fine" He acquiesced. Harry was saved by further pushing, though, when Ron blundered his way into shifting the topic in a way only he could.

"Hermione, what happened to your teeth?" He asked without a hint of awareness. Hermione blushed lightly while Malfoy began to chuckle.

"Well, you see, I was complaining to Draco about…" She reluctantly began her story.

*When the day of the ball came Harry spent hours in the tower. He had just had an enjoyable Christmas but now he had to dance with your mother in front of the whole school. The infamous rivals; now the infamous couple. Harry would never dream that Draco could feel anything for him. Regardless he had to go confront his fate.*

Harry stood in front of his mirror staring at himself. He was one of the first to start getting ready for the ball, but now it was just him in the dorm, Ron having gone to find Parvati with the other boys in tow.

Harry had gifted Ron his original dress robes since he had been forced into getting new ones. He had been extremely grateful, even going as far as thanking Malfoy for forcing Harry's hands. He hated the old robes so much he threw his pride aside happily. He held a 'robe burning party' with the twins as they humorously sent the robes to the torch hours before they started getting ready for the ball.

His new robes were quite nice. Malfoy helped him choose a design and, with a hard fought argument, convinced him to use acromantula silken velvet as the main material. When she assured him that he was in no more danger of being poor than she was he finally relented. He had to admit, he felt quite dapper in it. The deep red hue and golden trim displayed his house pride and the angles provided a more majestic feel. Even though Malfoy had helped him she had steadfastly refused to even give him a slight idea about what she planned to wear.

"You ready for this, Harry?" He asked his reflection.

"I'm always ready. The question is, are you?" His reflection said back to him in an infuriatingly smug tone.

"I think I'm going to have to be." He said as he finally turned. Harry had never imagined the stairs could be so long. Every step felt like an eternity as he made his way to the entrance hall. He had no worries about his dancing anymore. Draco had forced the Viennese Waltz into his skull. Slow or fast, he was pretty sure he wouldn't look like a fool himself.

It was who he was dancing with that was getting to him. The last two weeks had been torture for Harry. He became very aware of how much smaller her frame was than his. How light she was. How tiny her hands were in his. As he lost himself in thought he suddenly found himself at the entrance hall.

There were students everywhere when he got there. He felt his pulse quicken but realized no one was staring at him. Feeling the pressure relax a little bit he scanned the crowd for a familiar face. He saw Ginny Weasley and Neville Longbottom huddled near one of the pillars. He made his way to them through the throngs of students.

*Harry mingled a bit before your mother showed up. Young Longbottom and Ginny entertained your father for a bit before your mother made her appearance. They talked about others that would be in attendance.*

"Harry!" Ginny called out to him. She had Neville next to her. She waved him over excitedly.

"Hi, Harry!" Neville greeted him as he approached. The boy looked absolutely excited for the feast and dance.

"Hi Neville! Ginny!" Harry returned the greetings. Having friends to talk to would go a long way in calming his nerves. "Seen Ron or the others?" He asked. He didn't see anyone else as he made his way over to Ginny and Neville.

"Ron and Parvati went off to meet up with her sister. I think Hermione went to go get Draco, but that was hours ago, now." Ginny explained. It seemed that everyone was busy preparing somehow. Harry wondered if he would even be able to find his other friends before the ball kicked off. "Those robes really ended up suiting you." Ginny said as she reached out to feel the fabric. She let out small sounds of amazement at the feel of the finest velvet on the market.

"Thanks. I guess it's not as bad as I thought it'd be." Harry said as he lifted one arm then the other, faux examining each sleeve. "I ended up giving Ron my other set now that I really don't need them." He explained to her. "Told him to consider it part of his Christmas gift."

"That was very kind of you, Harry," She said. "Do you think you are ready?"

"I'd better be or Malfoy is gonna kill me." Harry said with a light chuckle. He was pretty sure that he was prepared. Their last day of practice had been mostly them making small talk while dancing away to various songs with a wide range of tempo. Not once did she have to correct him. The three continued to talk about what they expected of the evening while they waited for others to make appearances.

*When Draco finally showed up she took Harry's breath away. She looked like a magical princess approaching him. What's more is she wore his gift. Indeed, her necklace. It meant the world to Harry that she would wear his gift so publicly. He was too young to really understand why and Draco was too innocent to understand the effect she was having on the young Harry.*

"Harry, she's beautiful." Neville started tugging on his sleeve. He and Ginny turned to see where his clumsy friend was looking. In the ocean of students the petite blonde that became his reluctant partner emerged.

Neville hadn't been wrong. Draco obviously put quite a bit of effort into her appearance. The green dress she wore accented her figure perfectly, the material shimmering as it caught the lantern light. Her gloves ran most of the way along her arms. The silvery trim mirrored his own, but with small serpentine motifs throughout. She had a long, sheer, silvery scarf that floated just over her shoulders, dancing in the air and flowing about her like a pool of water. Along her exposed collar bones was a gold and silver necklace of two intertwined serpents. He recognized it as the cloak clasp he had sent to her that morning as the first Christmas gift he had gotten her. She seemed to have transfigured it to fit as a necklace instead. It was practically spellbinding. Harry swallowed lightly at her approach.

"Well well, Potter, you're not a complete loss after all. You no longer resemble a beggar on the streets." Draco gave him that lopsided smile as she finally joined the group.

Harry snorted lightly and grinned. "A necklace?" He asked, finding himself happier than he expected. He found himself actually looking forward to the evening.

"I really liked the design and wanted to find a way to wear it today." She said as she lifted the figure examining it briefly. "You have a good eye for gifts."

"Careful, Draco, or he might actually fall for you." Ginny mock whispered to her. Harry tried to ignore her comment.

"Oh, please, Harry wouldn't know how to talk to a girl he fancies if his life depended on it. I believe I am quite safe." She laughed lightly. He didn't know how to respond to that.

"Champions, over here!" Harry looked up to see Professor McGonagall calling him over. She caught his eye and gave him a nod that said 'yes, you.'

"That's our signal! Sorry, Gin. Talk later, yeah?" Harry said a little too desperately as he snatched Draco's hand and made a hasty retreat. They weaved their way through the various students. Harry could hear the students that happened to notice who was passing by.

"Malfoy and Potter?" - "Is that really Draco?" - "Look at those robes!" - "He really chose her ?" - "Potter gets everything."

*When it was time to start the ball, your parents had to wait to make their entrance. Harry is lucky to have had Draco for a partner. Of course I taught her all the rules to make sure to maximize your presence at an event. They just needed to wait for the right moments. They made a little bit of small talk before it was their turn to enter the ball.*

Harry felt his nervousness return a little as they finally reached McGonagall. Everyone was watching and judging the two. A lot of it was surprise and amazement. More of it still was jealousy directed at one of the pair or the other. He looked about at the other champions and their dates to try and distract him.

Of course Diggory was there with Cho, which made him a little angry but he was slowly getting over it. The sting was nowhere near as harsh as it had been. Fleur had the Ravenclaw quidditch captain with her. He wasn't sure who the girl with Krum was though. She looked so familiar.

"Oh, good. You found him." The voice was someone he was definitely familiar with.

"Hermione?" Harry asked, stunned at her appearance. Her pink-blue dress floated about her in a way similar to Draco's silvery scarf. Her hair, normally bushy and just as out of control as Harry's, was straight and pulled up into an elegant knot.

"It wasn't hard, he's the only half-way decently dressed boy here, present company excluded. I think I'm the only one that would have made him look like a commoner." Draco said. Harry gave her an amused snort and Hermione laughed before turning back to Krum.

"You've known it was Krum the whole time. You weren't surprised at all." Harry noted as they waited. "How'd you manage to get her to spill?"

"Spill? She told me when I met with her in the library. Terribly embarrassed to be seen as a hypocrite I suspect." Draco chuckled.

"She probably told you to stop you from hyperventilating." Harry countered. Her wince told him all he needed to know about how that conversation went down. He laughed lightly before he noticed Fleur shooting both Cho and Draco judgmental looks from time to time. Davies kept looking towards them. "What's with her?" Harry asked.

"Probably sore about being option two. " Was all Draco offered up on the issue. She refused to look in their direction.

Harry grinned at his partner. "One of those persistent Ravenclaw?"

"Shut up, Scarhead." She said as she pinched his hand.

"Ouch, that hurt!" Harry said. She gave him a look. "Right."

The entrance hall drained as the other students made their way in before the champions, leaving the four couples waiting outside the grand doorway. Draco pulled Harry to the back of the line.

"Anyone who is anyone always enters last." Draco leaned up to whisper to him. "Besides, Krum is the only other champion to look half interesting and no offense to Granger, but I am me." Harry barely held back his chuckle. Malfoy was going all in, it seemed.

"Don't worry, Malfoy, all the boys will be drooling over you regardless." Harry ribbed. She gave him a look before rolling her eyes.

The doors to the hall opened to reveal a winter wonderland. It was absolutely amazing. Harry could see all of the other students waiting for them. McGonagall Sent each pair in, one by one, allowing time for each couple to have their own time in the spotlight. Diggory and Cho entered to loud cheering from the crowd. Hermione also received a lot of praise as she entered. Most people couldn't believe their eyes. Harry felt his nerves seize slightly as his head of house gave the two of them an amused smile.

"I would have never guessed in a hundred years that I'd be sending you two of all people into a Yule Ball together. You look quite fetching, Potter." McGonagall praised them. "And Miss Malfoy, you are quite stunning yourself. Please enjoy yourselves." And she sent them in with essentially no warning.

*Your Father lived in the spotlight, but this was the first time that he sought it out under your mother's care. Jealousy was everywhere when they entered. No one was talking about anyone else. How could they? No one could hold a candle to them. Savior and heiress. Just their names alone were powerful, but together they were the top of the field and no one could deny that.*

Harry was shocked when they entered. The crowd had let out a loud collective gasp when they saw the pair. They burst into a cacophony of rumor and observation. It was such a typical Hogwarts reaction he should have expected it. Draco practically purred at the attention. Harry noticed she had put on a deliberately more feminine gait, leaning into her perceived role. The only hint that she was internally shaking was the pink hue that stubbornly stuck across the bridge of her nose. The murmurs from earlier were now a loud chorus of activity, mostly in awe of the two.

They followed the procession towards the champion table and Harry looked about the crowd. He saw Seamus and Dean slack jawed at them. It was the same for most of the rest of the house as well. The only house that seemed to not be fond of the two was Slytherin.

Harry and Draco took a seat at the table near Hermione and Krum. Dumbledore kicked off the feast and ordered up food that magically appeared on his plate. Draco had ordered for him, citing that he should eat like a lord if he were to look like a lord. He did end up enjoying the food, even if he wasn't completely sure what it was called. It was some sort of veil. That was the only word he recognized. Harry talked with Krum while Hermione made conversation with Draco.

Harry had been talking with Percy Weasley of all people when the lights dimmed. He felt a chill go down his spine. It was time. The Weird Sisters, who Harry had completely forgotten about wanting to hear live, had taken the stage. He immediately went to stand but Draco's hand pushed his shoulder down.

"Remember, Harry, Anyone who's anyone…" She whispered to him.

He watched the other champions make their way to the dance floor, each one taking a position. Eventually a light settled on the two of them to coax them onto the floor. Loud murmurs started as the crowd waited for them. Draco smirked at him.

"See?"

Harry had to admit, she did know how to get the most out of a circumstance. It was almost like going onto the quidditch pitch at the moment. The atmosphere she manipulated put him in the headspace he needed again.

He grinned as they stood and made their way to the dance floor. There was a loud series of squeals from the crowd when they took their position, the pair looking like proper nobility compared to the other champions. They shared a smile as they looked at each other.

*When it was time to dance, Draco turned herself over to Harry's lead. They danced together for the first time. Not practice, not an obligation. They danced together . There was no thought. It was just her in his arms and their little world between them. The rest of the room noticed it as well. Most of the other partners gave them plenty of area to explore their new feelings. Neither of them knew what they were doing, of course. In their heads, they were just having innocent fun. Harry had so much fun just being with her that he let it happen willingly. What harm could there be in going wherever you found happiness?*

The band started one of the slower songs that Draco had them practicing and the waltz started. With an ease developed from their constant dancing over the last couple of weeks he began to lead. One two three, one two three, the rhythm churned. Flowing like waves they made their way about the dance floor. He could see the other champions struggling to keep pace with their sweeping motions, either not experienced themselves or tied down by their partner.

Harry lost himself in the music, he and Draco talking away about whatever popped into their mind. The world melted back into that secluded classroom. He hadn't even really noticed when the song changed to a much faster one, their own feet picking up the tempo quickly.

He had forgotten that there were actually many others around. He began challenging her steps. Draco snorted at him.

"Come now, Potter, you really think I'll fall for any of these amateur attempts to throw me off?" She smiled.

"It was worth a try." He said. Harry continued taking advantage of the fast tempos coming their way doing whatever he could to push her. She answered every one of his moves with a flourish as if it had been planned all along. "Now I'm starting to wonder who is leading whom."

"Will you ever figure that one out?" She gave him her sly smile. He knew she was talking about the dancing, but the implication resurfaced the memory of the day on the train, seeing her staring out the window. He frowned slightly at the thought. Where had that come from?

They finished their dancing when both of them were sufficiently tired. Harry had to admit that he wouldn't mind doing it again, he genuinely had fun. He bowed to her with an amused smile and Draco curtsied back with a laugh.

Harry gave Malfoy a confused look which she returned when they noticed the eerie silence. The entire hall was staring at them in stunned silence. They were in the middle of the dance floor with a wide berth around them. No one else was dancing, just staring at them.

They both realized that they were actually at the Yule Ball again. Harry felt burning embarrassment at the realization. Had they been making fools of themselves? No one was saying anything. His worry melted away as the crowd began cheering loudly. It was like catching the snitch for the first time. They bowed for the crowd before moving off of the dance floor.

The pair made their way for refreshments before making their way to the entrance hall. The throngs of students were becoming suffocating. Along the way all of their friends emerged to give their own reactions. Hermione seemed to be smug when they talked and Ron was confused about the two. The twins and Ginny were all simply amazed by the display and his dorm mates accused him of lying at the party after the first task, though Malfoy was very quick to shut them down. They eventually escaped, though.

*They found themselves getting some air after dancing so enthusiastically. They spent the rest of their evening together under the stars in the garden. They talked about many things, but it was the small gesture of the necklace that kept catching his attention. Even if she didn't realize it, everything she did kept pulling him back to the first time he noticed her on the train, alone and afraid.*

Harry really enjoyed the ball. Their practice paid off in spades as they were on the tongues of every student that was deliberately part of the grapevine.

"What made you want to play the crowd?" Harry asked as they started their walk.

"I never miss an opportunity to flout my pedigree." She stated as if it were the only thing worth doing. He snorted, it really was part of what made her herself.

He looked at the twin serpents she had fashioned into a necklace. "You know, I was almost placed in Slytherin back in our first year." Harry said suddenly.

"You don't really expect me to believe such a fantasy, do you?" She gave him a look of disbelief.

"It's true, though." He said. He explained that it was actually her that had made him plead for anything but Slytherin. "Made your own worst enemy." He laughed.

"You're not my enemy, Harry." She said as they made their way to the gardens outside. The use of his first name brought back that troublesome memory again, in the compartment they shared what felt like an eternity ago.

Lyra looked up at her grandmother with wide eyes. The witch had misty eyes as she was allowed to experience what Harry saw in her own daughter. Magic was absolutely amazing, Lyra decided.

"Grandma, are you alright?" She asked as she noticed the precursor to tears.

"Of course I am," She said, "I just never knew how much they meant to each other that long ago." Lyra smiled. She really liked her grandma.

"Grandma, you tell the best stories." She said innocently. Grandma Malfoy smiled warmly down at her.

"That wasn't just a story, Lyra." She said as she ruffled Lyra's hair. "That was your parent's history. They loved each other before they even realized it." She heard her mother snort behind her.

"I suppose you're not completely wrong, mother." She admitted. Lyra giggled in response, earning her another pinched cheek. "But I do have a cheeky daughter."

"I warned you about the first child. Just like..." Her mother quickly cut her grandmother off.

"Yes, yes. Just like me."

Author Note: Thus concludes the revisions for the transition to a multiplatform release. If you've lent support here consider finding all versions and supporting them as well. It would really lend a hand and help the story reach even a few more people. While I have the next chapter outlined it will take some time to fabricate the chapter itself. I hope to see you around for the next chapter.