Beta: JG Nelson (not part of the beta program)
Original release date: 7/31/2018
Disclaimer: I do not own anything in the canon Harry Potter universe or any other universe, in addition to any references to things in the real world that currently exist. AU.
Chapter Sixty Five – A Ballin' Good Time
"I don't see why it would be a problem. Wear what YOU want to wear, not what others want to see you in" offers Harry trying to be helpful.
"You're right. Who cares what the others say, I will do what I want and those who disapprove of my still valid actions can just bugger off" responds Daphne, flipping the hair over her left shoulder.
/*the next day*/
Ignoring the whispers of students, Daphne continues forward to the Great Hall. "The amount of inane chatter is beginning to grate on my nerves. How do you deal with it?" asks Daphne turning to Harry, Ron, and Neville.
"By accepting that it is people's opinion and that it means nothing to me, or at least shouldn't" answers Neville helpfully.
Turning to Harry, Daphne asks, "Don't you have headphones that block out sound?"
"Yes, however—" begins Harry before being interrupted.
"Then please let me borrow them" requests Daphne, the faintest trace of desperation in her voice.
"You can, but you'd honestly not be hear anyone around you, even if they were right beside of you. Unfortunately there is no way to simply reduce sound, it's either all or nothing" answers Harry sympathetically.
"Fine. I'll simply tune it out as you all have done. I would like to say that the dancing lessons have been helpful, especially with the Yule Ball coming up" remarks Daphne.
"Considering that the Yule Ball is in two weeks or so, I couldn't agree more. But will the ball be nothing but the music we've heard off of records?" adds Harry somewhat curious.
"Doubt it. Figure Dumbledore's got something up his sleeve he isn't telling us" says Ron offhandedly.
"I figure Ron's right, surely a gathering of students would warrant some more modern of music" remarks Neville.
Entering into the Transfiguration classroom, the Gryffindors take their seat before Professor McGonagall sweeps in a few minutes later beginning her instruction as she arrives at her podium. An hour and a half later as the Double Transfiguration period ends, Professor McGonagall calls out, "Miss Greengrass, Mr. Potter, please remain."
As the last of the students file out minus Daphne and Harry, Professor McGonagall walks over and faces the two students. "As you both know, the Yule Ball is just about a fortnight away. However, by tradition, the Champions will lead the procession into the Great Hall with their date. Many eyes will be on you two for various reasons which includes that the champions and their dates will perform the first dance by themselves with the rest of the students and staff joining in on the second dance forward. Are you two prepared for the Yule Ball?"
"I am, are you Daphne?" answers Harry turning to Daphne.
Nodding her head, Daphne responds, "Other than checking the fit on my dress, yes."
"Wonderful! If you need anything, feel free to ask. You're free to go to dinner" states Professor McGonagall with a smile on her face.
Exiting the classroom and heading towards the Great Hall, Harry turns to Daphne and asks, "What color(s) are your dress so we can match?"
Looking at Harry as if he is crazy, Daphne answers, "I'll provide the tie for you to wear, you just wear your standard black tuxedo."
Smirking, Harry inquiries, "What color cummerbund should I have then?"
Narrowing her eyes, Daphne answers, "I'll provide that as well."
Chuckling, Harry comments, "Ok then. You want to keep this to yourself, that's fine. You'll look ravishing whatever you wear." Minutes later, the couple join their friends and eat dinner before retiring to the common room.
"Daphne, do you mind coming with me?" inquiries Hermione as they arrive in the common room.
"Um, sure?" answers Daphne before following Hermione to the dormitory. Arriving in the dormitory, Daphne speaks up, "What do you want to talk about that isn't available to the boys?"
"About dresses and what we're doing for the Yule Ball. This coming weekend will be the last Hogsmeade weekend before Christmas and more importantly the Yule Ball. I want to make certain that everything is perfect for your and Harry's opening dance" answers Hermione with a smile.
"How did you know about that?" inquiries Daphne putting her hands on her hips.
"The twins have made a glorious item called the 'Eavesdropper'. But the information is also available in historical texts regarding the Triwizard Tournament" answers Hermione.
"You'd do well in Slytherin with that kind of cunning, but considering what has occurred there, I doubt you'd survive their onslaught for long. Anyways, that is true. Are you wanting me to get changed to check the fit and see how it goes?" responds Daphne.
"And what to do with your hair and everything. Sure we've got a little under a fortnight to prepare but at the same time, we've got a little under a fortnight to prepare!" remarks Hermione uncharacteristically bubbly.
In the common room, Harry spreads some homework out on the table and stares at the Divination homework. Sighing, Harry looks at the top of the parchment and mutters, "I need something to randomly create monthly predictions for this instead of racking my brain. But make it so only myself and a few others can use it. Divination is a waste of a class for me."
Continuing to peer at the parchment, Harry writes on a sheet of paper with a pen several ideas before circling one and transposing it to the parchment with a quill. "I'm going to fight a fight and have an overwhelming victory but get punished. Then I'll be absolute rubbish in another fight but no consequences…"
/*the Saturday before the Yule Ball*/
"I'm taking Daphne to do preparations for the Yule Ball" states Hermione confronting Harry.
Blinking somewhat owlishly, Harry answers, "That's fine. She can whatever she wants, so if that's what you two have agreed on, go for it. I won't stop you two."
"O-oh. Good, we need to get ready for the Yule Ball" states Hermione still staring at Harry.
"Have fun then" answers Harry offhandedly.
"You should get a haircut before the ball" remarks Hermione.
Running a hand through his hair, Harry comments, "Perhaps just a little bit too long."
Staying quiet for several seconds, Hermione finally moves as Daphne arrives in the common room, before exiting through the portrait hole. "Shopping all done?" inquiries Neville as he and Ron come alongside Harry sitting on the floor, a low table in front of him with his work spread out in front of him.
Shrugging his shoulders, Harry answers, "Might as well be."
"Including any Christmas gifts that you want to give?" asks Neville, leaning up against a nearby wall.
Leaning back from the table, Harry pauses before saying, "There are a few gifts I wouldn't mind purchasing. Especially since this IS the last Hogsmeade weekend before the Yule Ball and Christmas. Alright, let me clean this up and we can go to Hogsmeade."
"Without any girls for once" remarks Ron with a sly grin.
"True. I know Hermione and Daphne just left and I think Ginny was invited too" adds Neville as Harry finishes packing his homework into his bag and heading towards the dormitory stairs.
A few minutes later the trio head towards the Entrance Hall, cloaks wrapped around them to keep warm with in the snowy environment. Making their way through the still falling snow with a light accumulation, the three boys are quiet before Neville asks, "Where do we want to go once we get into town?"
"There is that one store that has some jewelry, I forget what it's called. Past that, Honeydukes and some food?" answers Harry.
"Ron?" asks Neville turning to Ron.
"Food, don't mind past that though" answers Ron nonchalantly.
"Shall we retrieve your jewelry first and decide from there?" offers Neville turning back to Harry.
"Sounds good to me" answers Harry with a smile.
An hour and a half later the trio sit down at table in a corner at the Three Broomsticks, three Butterbeers arriving at their table. "I think today has been fairly successful. The gifts I wasn't planning on purchasing have been purchased. Now the game is to wait to see what happens at the Yule Ball" remarks Harry before taking a draught of his Butterbeer.
"What about the second task? Do you think we've been enough help with different spell combinations and tactics?" inquiries Ron curiously.
"I think so. Especially with the task the first week of January. At least there was ample time for preparation instead of three days worth. Still a very jam packed schedule, at least it's Ravenclaw vs Hufflepuff next in Quidditch instead of Gryffindor versus either team. I'm almost always in a state of exhaustion recently" answers Harry.
Eating their respective meal, the trio sit in quiet, not wanting to strain themselves to be heard over the din of the other patrons. Finished, the three pay and leave, making their way back to the castle, no sign of the girls that normally accompany them anywhere. Grabbing his homework, Harry spreads out on the table he occupied a few hours before, withdraws his Omni Play and headphones out of his bag and begins to listen to music while getting to work.
Nearing dinner time the trio pack up their homework, Harry having been joined by Ron and Neville, eager to head down to eat. Not seeing any hide nor hair of the girls, the trio of guys head down to the Great Hall and take a seat. Looking at the still empty serving plates, Ron comments sadly, "We're here too early."
"Harry, I have a gift for you" remarks a female voice from behind.
Turning around to face the source of the voice, Harry smiles and welcomes, "Luna, what a surprise. Take a seat and join us if you'd like."
Taking a seat beside of Harry, Luna withdraws a rolled up set of parchment and offers it to Harry. "You should read this" remarks Luna before looking at the potato salad that had appeared on the table and placing some on her plate.
"What is it?" inquiries Harry unrolling the parchment gingerly.
"The interview we had, this is the early copy before it releases tomorrow" replies Luna helpfully.
Ignoring the food that had popped up, Harry reads the headline, 'Potter Last in Line, But First in Morals', before reading down the parchment. "I like it, very clear that I'm a favorite due to the headline and me retrieving two students from underwater instead of the expected one. Otherwise, it doesn't make me out to be a favorite as you do much as you explain the circumstances around everything" remarks Harry with a smile, handing the rolled up parchment back to Luna.
"Oh no, you can keep it. There will be a print version and the digital version, so we're expecting some serious amounts of copies to be sold" remarks Luna friendly.
"O-ok" answers Harry somewhat uncertain how to respond.
"Are you ready for the Yule Ball?" inquiries Luna peering at Harry.
"About as much I will be. Say, you haven't seen Daphne, Hermione, or Ginny today?" answers Harry adding some food to his plate.
"I have" answers Luna simply.
"And do you know where they are?" continues Harry curiously.
"We are right here if you'd pay more attention" comes a sarcastic voice from Harry's right side.
Turning and facing the source of the quip, Harry smiles as Daphne just stares at him with an icy look. "And how was your shopping?" inquiries Harry happily.
"Quite acceptable. You shall see the fruits of our labor at the Yule Ball" answers Daphne calmly.
Nodding his head in acceptance, Harry changes the subject before digging into the food. As the days countdown to the Yule Ball, the whispers increase threefold per day. "So Ron, who, if anyone, are you going to the ball with?" inquiries Neville as he, Ron, and Harry take a seat at a table in the common room to work on their studies.
"If I wanted to disappoint two people, then I'd go to dinner with my parents. While I've been progressing with McGonagall's dancing meetings, I don't feel comfortable enough yet" admits Ron honestly.
Opening his mouth to speak, Harry closes it as Ron continues with sadness in his voice, "And I just don't know who to ask or what to say."
"Why not ask Luna to go as friends?" suggests Neville.
Facial features changing quickly through a motley assortment of expressions, Ron opens his mouth to speak before Harry remarks quietly, "Luna would be a better date than say Romilda Vane who is lovestruck with me" before smirking.
As if hearing her name, a head pops up from a corner of the room, head on the swivel. Pausing, Ron nods his head before remarking, "True. I think that might be what I do. I won't be dateless but also not have to dance."
Gently shaking his head, Harry rebuts, "I wouldn't ask Luna to the ball just to show that you're not dateless. That would be using her friendship for simple personal gain, and that I am against. Ask her to the ball but say that you're not terribly interested in dancing because you don't feel confident enough and see where it goes from there."
"Hmm, ok. I'll ask tomorrow, so at least she'll have a day to prepare" says Ron smiling.
Rolling their eyes, Neville and Harry return to their work, finishing the remnants for the term. Two days later, Harry and Neville stand in the common room with several other neatly dressed men, waiting for their respective dates to descend the stairwell into the common room. The sound of heels clicking on the stone surface attracts the attention of the ball goers. A pair of two inch black heels followed by a solid dark green sleeveless dress with black trim around the neck and knees, followed by flowing shoulder blade length blonde hair, and matching pearl stud earrings. Silence falls as Daphne makes her way to Harry.
Doing a double take, Harry swallows as Daphne arrives at his side. "I, uh, got you an early Christmas gift for the Yule Ball" before withdrawing a black velvet box from the inside of his jacket and holding it out to Daphne.
Opening the box in silence as everyone watches, Daphne pulls out a golden necklace with a heart hollow in the middle and looks at it for several seconds before handing it back to Harry and saying, "Thank you, but do you mind helping me put it on? It's hard to clasp these by yourself."
Blinking, Harry remarks, "So you don't just leave it clasped and pull it over your head at night?"
Staring at Harry for several seconds before bursting into laughter, Daphne replies, "That's…that's not how it works. Just please help me and follow my instructions."
Following the instructions, Harry secures the clasp on the necklace around Daphne's neck before holding his hand out and asking, "Will you accompany me to the Yule Ball this evening, my fair lady?"
Curtseying, Daphne places her hand in Harry's and answers, "I will handsome sir. But first, here is your cummerbund and bowtie to match my dress" holding out the aforementioned items. Taking the dark green cummerbund and placing it around his stomach region, Harry then takes the bowtie and affixes it around the collar of his spotlessly white shirt with gentle ruffles.
"Let us depart" remarks Harry with a smile, butterflies in his stomach as he and Daphne walk side by side to the portrait hole. Making their way down to the Entrance Hall, the two encounter no one else until the professors stand as the champions take their position in front of the Great Hall doors. The chatter dies down as the Gryffindor couple make their way to the line.
"Potter, Greengrass, impeccable timing. Just a few more minutes and it would start without you two" chides Professor McGonagall with a smile tugging at her lips.
"I'm glad we made it, but George and I still would have made a glorious opening dance" quips Harry giving Professor McGonagall a quick smirk.
Turning around, Draco narrows his eyes before remarking, "And finally Potter and Greengrass arrive. Did you two need to figure out who was wearing the dress and who was wearing the…Potter, what are you wearing? Never mind that, you still won't outclass my date and I. Greengrass, Potter, meet Chastity, from Beauxbaton" before holding a hand out towards Chastity, a blonde haired girl with green eyes.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Chastity. I am Harry Potter, and this is my darling girlfriend, Daphne" says Harry, introducing he and Daphne.
"Eet es a pleasure to make acquaintance" remarks Chastity, flushing.
"Champions, line up please! Champions on the left, dates on the right. You will go to the top table to eat with the judges, and once the feast is over, then you will head directly to the dance floor and wait for the music where you will open the Yule Ball. Now, enter!" announces Professor McGonagall right before the doors to the Great Hall swing inwards and the eight students enter and head to the table where the judges, minus one sit.
Taking a seat by an empty, far away from Draco and Chastity, Harry and Daphne look at the empty and golden plates with a simple black and white menu sits atop the golden plate. Looking around through the corners of his eyes, Harry notices movement from Dumbledore and turns his head slightly to get a better view.
"Pork chops" states Dumbledore brightly and perfectly cooked pork chops appear with nary a sign of a waitress or waiter to deliver the proclaimed meal.
Perusing the menu featuring a decently sized portion of steak including several side options, Harry states with the barest hint of uncertainty in his voice, "Steak medium well with side of green beans and a baked potato."
Blinking, the food appears without delay on his plate, Harry smiles and looks at the silverware that also had an addition in the form of a steak knife. Turning to Daphne, Harry notices a perfectly fileted and de-boned salmon with a Cesar salad in an ornate bowl with a golden trim. "That looks delicious."
Looking at Harry's plate, Daphne remarks, "So does yours, but I think it would be a bit heavy on the stomach."
"Eh, future me can worry about that, I'll live in the present" answers Harry before carefully cutting into his steak, juices running onto the plate.
Narrowing her eyes slightly, Daphne says nothing before returning to her meal. "Oh, hello Harry" comes a voice from his right.
Looking at the newcomer, Harry does a double take as Percy Weasley takes the last seat. "Percy, what are you doing here?"
"Filling in for Mr. Crouch, having a quiet Christmas at home. He deserves the rest after all that has happened this year, including you" answers Percy matter of factly.
"Including me? What kind of debacle have I caused?" inquiries Harry politely.
"Being a Triwizard Tournament Champion, although Malfoy hasn't been any help in the matter. TWO underage wizards in the tournament despite the protections that are in place is a lot of stress for the ministry. Especially for Mr. Crouch since he had a large hand in almost all of the preparations, this is somewhat of a disaster" answers Percy taking bites of the salmon that had appeared on his place during the conversation.
"While it isn't optimal, the Personal Reusable Transport is quite the tool for use during the tasks if we are unable to complete the task safely. In addition, during the tasks we have the option to use provided safety equipment, more specifically the chest plate from stray spells, being maimed, or worse death. Previous tournaments have not had the sort of safety equipment while allowing the champions a lot of reign over what they do to accomplish the task to their desire" remarks Harry firmly.
"Knowing about the task in advance, how prepared are you for it?" inquiries Percy finishing the salmon.
"I feel very prepared, your bother Ron is quite the duelist" states Harry.
"I'll pass that along to mum, since she wants to hear news about you and of course family" remarks Percy with a hint of disinterest in his voice.
Finishing his meal, Harry turns to Daphne and says, "Sorry for not making more conversation with you, despite it being the Yule Ball."
Mirthful laughter quietly erupts from Daphne before wiping her eyes and replying, "I wasn't going to get into your conversation and interrupt. It was interesting to hear his thoughts on the matter, but I would have intervened if an argument broke out and it started to get physical."
Standing up, Dumbledore waves his wand and the tables move to the wall closest to them, and then two platforms, one very large and square move from the center of the hall to be slightly raised, and then one much smaller and rectangular but raised a few more inches than the dance floor. Trooping onto the stage and setting their instruments up, the Weird Sisters prepare for the ball.
"Let us watch as the champions not only dazzle us in the tasks but also their ability to dance" announces Dumbledore and the four couples make their way to the dance floor and take their positions, awaiting the downbeat of the music. A slow melody tune, and the champions begin performing the waltz as if all in sync, the four couples dance and twirl about perfectly, eliciting oohs and aahs from the watching students.
As the first song comes to an end, the Great Hall erupts into raucous applause briefly before a voice announces, "Hogwarts, we are The Weird Sisters and we're here to rock your Yule Ball!", the music changing to more modern and students and staff alike surge onto the dance floor. Dancing a few more songs, Harry stops Daphne and remarks, "I need a drink, would you like to accompany me to the circular tables for a break or would you like to continue dancing without me?"
Fanning herself, Daphne replies, "I'll join you, a drink sounds refreshing right now" before following Harry to a table in the corner. Taking a seat, Daphne gives Harry her drink request while Harry goes and fetches it. Looking out over the congregation of students and staff mingling on the dance floor, Daphne puts a hand around the necklace and studies it for several seconds before smiling and resuming her gaze upon the floor. 'I never thought I'd be where I am today and it is due to Harry.'
Taking a seat beside Daphne, Harry offers the drink in his left hand towards Daphne. "Thanks" murmurs Daphne before taking a sip of Pumpkin Juice out of crystal goblet retrieved by Harry. A few quiet minutes later Neville and Hermione arrive and take a seat. "Look there, Luna and Ron are actually dancing, and they look pretty proficient at it too, somewhat surprisingly" remarks Neville pointing to the clashing red and blonde haired individuals dancing.
"I think I know a good picture when I see it" remarks Harry smirking, pulling his Omni Play out of his jacket pocket and taking a two or three pictures.
"What are you going to do with that?" asks Daphne looking at the taken pictures.
"I've got a MageSCP in the dormitory, I'll print a copy off if they like it. Pictures are great ways to not forget events that you enjoy" answers Harry.
"Unable to dance more than four or five dances without getting tired, Potter?" remarks a familiar and drawling voice.
"I pay a bit more attention to my partner and make certain that she's not exhausted" remarks Harry offhandedly, looking over at Chastity hunched over at a chair, panting heavily.
"Are you saying that I'm being rude Potter?!" exclaims Draco getting angry.
"I'm not saying that you're being a gentleman" answers Harry getting to his feet.
The sudden impact of a fist connecting with his face causes Harry to stumble back, glasses falling to the ground. Putting up his fists in a defensive position, Harry squints and moves in a circle as Draco rotates in the same direction. Throwing a punch, Harry smiles as it connects with Draco's face, followed by a strong push in the chest.
"Sectumsempra!" shouts Draco recovering and pointing his wand at Harry.
"Expelliarmus!" shouts Harry disarming Draco as Draco's spell rips Harry's tuxedo apart, revealing the a silvery chestplate.
Standing and glaring at each other, the two remain oblivious to the stoppage in the Yule Ball until professors run and a familiar female voice chides the two, "Really now, Potter and Malfoy. Acting like mere children, and as distinguished students from Hogwarts, you two are in the limelight for everything! Two months detention with me Mr. Potter, and one hundred points from Gryffindor for such unseemly conduct. I'm disgusted with your actions that have been up to now quite honorable."
Exhaling, Harry looks at Professor McGonagall and nods before handing her Draco's wand and answering, "Yes professor, that was very unbecoming of myself and for that I apologize."
"Mr. Malfoy, the same punishment applies to you, which makes Slytherin at negative six hundred and fifty one points, considering your fellow classmates desire to return to a positive point total. I expect much more from you, and I will be writing to your father about this debacle that has transpired" states Snape with barely concealed wrath, handing the disheveled student his wand back.
"Would it be acceptable for me as a champion to retire early from the ball?" inquiries Harry turning to Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore.
"And why would such an action be required outside of repairing your clothes?" inquiries Professor McGonagall repairing the tarnished clothes of Harry's.
"To reflect on my behavior and what I should have done instead" answers Harry quietly.
"Professors, Draco is the one who threw the first punch, Harry just defended himself" remarks Neville somewhat loudly.
"Mr. Longbottom, aware of it we are, but that does not change the fact that Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy had an altercation here" remarks Dumbledore with a twinkle in his eye, turning to Neville.
"Mr. Potter, while it is ultimately your decision on whether or not to retire for the evening, one might suggest not jumping to such hasty actions and to keep calm" continues Dumbledore returning his gaze back to Harry.
Nodding his head, Harry answers, "Understood sir. I'll enjoy the rest of the Yule Ball quietly."
"I hear that there is some fantastic Treacle Tart if you ask politely" remarks Dumbledore to no one in particular striding away.
Taking a seat, Harry takes the goblet of Pumpkin juice and takes a drink, looking out onto the dance floor. A few minutes later, Daphne asks quietly, "Would you like to continue to sit here or dance?"
Pausing, Harry finishes his drink and puts it down on the table, "Why not dance since we're already here? No need to waste a once in a life time opportunity moping about what could have been."
Putting down her drink, Daphne gets up from her chair and takes Harry's hand and follows out onto the dance floor. Hours later, the music winds down and the students start filter out of the Great Hall cheeks flushed.
/*the next morning*/
Sitting up from his bed, Harry looks at the stack of wrapped gifts at the foot of his bed and smiles. Grabbing an envelope at the top of the pile, Harry opens and carefully unfolds the folded paper.
'Dear Harry,
Merry Christmas to you, and I hope all is well. As you may or may not know, Amelia is pregnant with twins. I hope your Yule Ball was enjoyable, especially with Daphne now in Gryffindor. Moony is doing well, and he'll probably write you as well. But I'm concerned, I think he is missing someone to spend time with such as a partner. Don't forget to send Amelia a picture of yourself at the ball if you have any.
Love Sirius and Amelia'
"Pregnant? I can believe that, but twins? This should be...interesting." remarks Harry to himself, gently massaging his black eye before opening the rest of the gifts.
Author note: Thanks to all who've been reading, reviewing, favoriting, and following. And thanks to my real life female friends who answered my questions at 2am regarding dresses for Daphne and the others (and not sending me a link to Google to look at dresses that I ended up doing as well to get some ideas on how to explain them). Ha! And obviously chapters are becoming longer because if not, this will take a decade to finish the series (which would be fairly cool, but very time consuming obviously, especially considering I put about ten hours or more just to write a single chapter). And yes, I know that the Christmas portion is out of line considering the book, but I got back to the book too late. Also, happy birthday to our favorite fictional character, Harry!