Touched by Death – Chapter 26 (The Yuletide Spectacle)
Harry wasn't really sure on what to do at this point. It had already been a few weeks since the Headmistress had informed the Gryffindors about the Yule Ball. A ball that apparently as a Triwizard Champion, was required to attend and dance. And since then, Marcus hadn't even brought the topic about it once. There was also the issue that Harry didn't really know how to dance. And if the slight chance that he could dance, it would be beyond horrible. Harry even tried going to some of the dance lessons that McGonagall provided. Harry could tell she wasn't pleased with his progress.
But the small Gryffindor couldn't see Marcus allowing anyone but him to dance with him. Marcus could really be jealous about that sort of thing. Terence would probably be the only one that could get away with it and not get his balls cursed off. As much as Harry liked being friends with Terence and knowing the 7th year, he only wanted to dance with Marcus. Otherwise, he didn't want to dance with anyone else. And he doubted that Professor McGonagall would be too pleased if that happened. And he hoped to Merlin that Marcus knew how to dance, otherwise they're screwed.
Harry couldn't' even remember if he ever got any dress robes. He would have remembered getting fitted for robes like he did at Madam Malkin's every year. He did recall that this year's list had asked for it, unless Sirius had gotten them when he wasn't paying attention. He may have to owl Sirius about it and check his trunk. No doubt that Sirius knew exactly what the dress robes were for and sneaked them into his trunk. He wouldn't be surprised if his Godfather found it hilarious that he was freaking out about the ball and then reveal that he had the robes the entire time. Harry had no way of knowing if Marcus may have been in on that one either.
The small Gryffindor had been eternally grateful that nobody had tried approaching him about the ball. It wouldn't surprise him if that was because it was a well known fact he was dating Marcus and everyone was terrified of incurring his wrath. Plus, he didn't even want to think about having to explain that someone tried to ask him to the Yule Ball. Despite the fact that Harry would wind up turning them down regardless.
The small Gryffindor was a little curious on who his friends were bringing to Yule. Harry could already guess who Neville was going to ask. But he wasn't sure on Seamus and Dean, though he'd assume they may not ask anyone. And Harry didn't know Terence well enough if he was dating anyone. No doubt if Harry had asked Marcus, the Slytherin would know and probably tell him. Unless Terence had asked for him not to say anything. Harry could see Terence being the one to throw everyone by surprise just for the enjoyment of it.
Harry was literally at the point of not going to the Yule Ball. He was just going to sit in the Headboy's dorm and sulk. He wouldn't even bother making an appearance at the Great Hall. And just damn the consequences that he'd face from Headmistress McGonagall. He did wind up looking into his trunk a few weeks ago and found bottle green robes. Like he assumed, Sirius or Marcus must have sneaked it in without him noticing. Harry never approached Marcus about the ball, he wasn't sure if he was too nervous or scared to bring it up. And so, the conversation never happened, and Harry was starting to regret that. Because he was sitting in Marcus room, on his boyfriend's bed staring at the wall. Last Harry knew, the Slytherin was in the loo, taking a shower. And that Marcus had no intention of going anywhere tonight. Terence wasn't there at the moment, getting ready for the ball and his date.
Harry never got out of Marcus who Terence was going with to the ball. His boyfriend claimed that Terence refused to budge on the matter. And if they wanted to know, they would find out at the ball. Even that wasn't incentive enough for Harry to go through the embarrassment of having no date.
Marcus had walked out of the shower, with a towel around his waist just to see Harry almost hiding under the covers. He just lifted an eyebrow at his boyfriend, though was unimpressed to see he was still in his Gryffindor robes. Though, Harry didn't notice a thing and was completely oblivious, that was up until he saw his boyfriend was in a suit.
"You want to tell me why you aren't bloody dressed?" Marcus sharp tone made Harry's snap his eyes to him.
Harry wound up staring at Marcus for what felt like a minute before trying to reply. "For what?"
Marcus rolled his eyes and gives a look that said, 'are you an idiot?' That was before he muttered under his breathe, "this is what I get for dating a Gryffindor…" Then his voice was more audible, "the ball… what else would I be talking about…"
Harry didn't breathe a word; his eyes were wide with shock and mouth gaping. "Are you serious?"
Marcus gave Harry a blank look, "no… obviously that's your Godfather…"
Harry let out a small laugh, "I meant… I didn't think you wanted to go to some stupid ball…"
"I honestly don't give a fuck about some stupid ball. But its for you, of course I'm going. I'm not going to let some stranger put their hands on you. They'll get their balls cursed off!"
Harry felt a grin slowly spreading across your face. "Thank you."
Marcus had a soft smile on his face before dragging Harry to his feet.
The small Gryffindor stumbled slightly, not expecting the sudden movement. He may have complained but Marcus had laid a short kiss on his lips.
"McGonagall will bitch if you don't have dress robes on. And I'll hear about it," Marcus commented before turning towards Harry's trunk. He started digging through Harry's trunk before bringing out Harry's robes.
Harry snorted, he knew that Professor McGonagall would do more than just 'bitch' as Marcus put it. It would wind up being a full-blown lecture that he didn't want to sit through.
The dress robes reminded Harry a little of muggle suits. Yet, completely different as well. The white dress shirt underneath was easy enough. It was a lot easier with magic since as soon as it was on, it instantly fitted him. The dress slacks were easy enough and didn't clash with the robes. Harry couldn't tell, but the green robes instantly brought out his eyes. The bowtie instantly tied itself once it was near his neck. There was a vest that went with the robes that would cover most of the white dress shirt. He watched as the vest buttoned itself in awe. He never had to touch the vest and button it by hand. Harry could definitely tell the green robes were a lot fancier than the fabric used on his school robes. It felt like a soft and smooth material, not as smooth as silk though.
Harry tried walking around to see if the robes would be too constricting, especially since he was expected to dance in them. The robes felt slightly tight, but loose enough for fluid movement. It felt almost graceful in the robes and Harry found he actually liked it. Though he doubted he ever would be in dress robes ever again. The dress shoes seemed fancy enough, but nothing that would stand out.
Harry felt a little awkward in his dress robes as Marcus studied him. He gave a nervous smile when he saw Marcus give an affirmative nod. Not to mention the appreciative lookover that his boyfriend gave him. It helped give him a little bit more confidence that maybe tonight would go alright. Least Marcus, Terence, and his friends were there, so he wasn't completely alone at the ball. After that, Harry didn't pay much attention to the route from the Headboy's dorm to the Great Hall. And was instantly awed by the setup for the ball and that was just by the entrance.
The Great Hall's walls looked to be made of crystals. Harry knew it was probably magic that had that effect, but it was still amazing to look at. There were no candles floating, but it had the effect of endless snow falling and then disappearing. Then there were also crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Then the floor themselves seemed to have the appearance of glass. The hall literally looked like a winter wonderland.
That was when Harry noticed the presence of the other champions and Headmistress McGonagall.
Harry felt himself straighten slightly when the older woman made her way to him and Marcus.
Minerva gave them a slight nod, "Mr. Flint, punctual as always. I dare say that's why Mr. Potter is here on time."
Harry gave a sheepish smile, though he knew he had gotten better at getting to classes on time. Especially since the moment he dropped Quidditch. Plus, the fact that he didn't realize how much Ron and Hermione had been pulling him back. Not just with showing up on time, but his work ethic in his studies as well. He didn't even want to think of what McGonagall's reaction would be if he never showed up.
Marcus gave a respectful nod, "of course, Headmistress. We Slytherins have to keep Harry from being late somehow. If it's not me, it's definitely going to be Terence or some of his friends."
McGonagall gave a small smile. "Now, that all the Champions are here. We will be opening these doors and so you can begin."
"Ummm… begin… Professor?" was Harry's hesitant response.
Minerva gave Harry a dry look. "To dance… surely I told you that the champions are the ones to begin the Yule Ball."
Harry bit his lip gently, "no…"
Marcus snorted beside Harry at that. No doubt he found it amusing.
"Oh… well now you know."
"You'll be fine," Marcus wound up whispering in Harry ear. He didn't find it surprising that his boyfriend was getting worked up over the notion of dancing. He already seen what Harry's life was like, so it wasn't shocking that the 14-year-old didn't know much about dancing.
Harry slowly nodded his head, he still felt a little shaky about the whole idea.
It wasn't a moment too soon that the doors to the Great Hall swung open. Harry took a deep breath and threaded his arm with Marcus. He was second in line walking towards the dance floor. Since there were only now three champions left, Viktor was leading with Terence on the tail. Harry honestly didn't pay much attention to who was going with who. He was too at the verge of freaking out to have the attention span for that. Despite that he probably would have been able to put a face to Viktor's beloved that he'd spoken of months ago.
Harry had his feet planted firmly on the glass floor, he was surprised that he didn't slip. He imagined it was due to a non-slip charm cast on the glass. Harry's eyes darted from looking at Marcus and the crowd around them. But when the music started, he felt Marcus place a firm hand on his waist and his hand wrapped around his own. Harry was pretty sure he would have fallen from the sudden movement had Marcus not expected it.
Despite the previous freaking out he'd done earlier, Harry found it easy to follow Marcus' lead. It had seemed so hard in the lessons that Headmistress McGonagall provided. He assumed that Professor McGonagall was under the impression that he would having a leading role in dancing.
Harry actually found himself smiling during the dance and didn't notice the dance floor was suddenly full of people. And so, when Marcus decided to twirl Harry, the Gryffindor found himself laughing. He didn't even pay attention to the people around him, his attention was solely on Marcus.
So, it was no surprise by the time he and Marcus left the dance floor, Harry was out of breath and grinning ear to ear. Harry didn't see Viktor approach him until the Bulgarian was directly in front of him. Harry had to blink a few times before he realized it was real and he wasn't imagining it. That was when he unexpectedly jerked back in surprised before giving an embarrassed grin.
"Hi Viktor!"
The Bulgarian gave a gentle nod, "it is good to see you with your betrothed. I would like you to meet my beloved."
Harry found himself understanding most of what Viktor said. He was still having some issues where Viktor's accent was heavier for some words. But he still blushed when he said, 'betrothed.'
"This is Vasil."
Viktor had gestured to the young man beside him. They looked to be the same age, though Harry thought he may be wrong. But that was his assumption. Vasil had a similar athletic build and noticed that he was several inches taller than Marcus. It wasn't by much, but it was noticeable if they were standing together. And because Harry was so close, he could tell Vasil had mostly grey eyes with a tint of blue. Vasil's hair wasn't quite as dark as Viktor's, but it was a light auburn brown. Harry imagine that Viktor's beloved probably was a much better dancer than himself. But they both had matching outfits to the Ball, he assumed it to be a tradition at Durmstrang.
"It is an honor to meet all of you. Viktor has mentioned you all in his letters. It is nice to know there are some fellow friends here," Vasil's accent was almost as bad as Viktor's. But since they had gotten used to the accent, the words were easy enough to understand.
"Likewise. You will find not all students are as welcoming. But you'll find friends here," Marcus' voice was a little gruff, but not unfriendly.
There was an appreciative nod from the two Bulgarians before they left, most likely towards the dance floor.
That was when Seamus and Dean showed up with their 'respectful' dates.
Harry let out a snicker.
"Why Mister Potter, are you not happy to see us…"
"I don't think he is…"
"Must be because of our idiotic brother," Fred finished saying.
Harry's eyes widened at the last sentence from Fred. "Say what again?"
Seamus started laughing at that point. "Harry, you should have seen it! Ron had been mouthing off about Terence's date. I've never seen Ron more terrified in my life"
Harry chanced a glance at Marcus, who looked a little peeved at the mention of this. "You too?! Why am I the last to know of this?"
"Hey! You got to curse that fucking red-head last time. I think I deserved a shot!" Marcus backfired, though he was grinning now.
Harry chuckled at the memory of what happened last time. But he did concede that Marcus probably deserved a chance of cursing him, despite he still doesn't know what happened yet. "Who did Terence wind up asking, anyways?"
"Funny you mention that…"
"Oh yes… though I would never…" George said with a grin.
"Imagined that our dear brother…"
"Would say yes," George finished.
"You mean to tell me… that—" Harry started to say.
"That Terence asked Percy to Yule? Yep!" Dean cut in.
Harry's mouth dropped. "He asked Percy?!"
Fred grinned, "Yep!"
"And he said yes," George quipped.
Harry grinned at that, "I wish I could have seen that. I thought I saw a glimpse of red hair, but I assumed that was just Ron." Harry then turned to glare at Marcus.
The Slytherin raised his hands in innocence, "I didn't do anything this time."
Harry looked disbelieving, "what curses did you use?"
Fred grinned, "he definitely used Anakatus or Confundus."
Seamus snorted. The sight had been pretty amusing, Ron had acted more of an idiot than he already was.
"Well I can't be blamed for Condolesco, that was all on Terence," Marcus defended himself.
Harry laughed at that one, he could see Terence getting all pissed off and using that. "How bad was his migraines? Even I know Madam Pomfrey will probably tell him to let them ease on their own." Harry honestly wasn't really annoyed or mad about them cursing Ron. But he was worried that the spells may not have been exactly legal. But they were light or neutral enough to not warrant a look into. Even if Ron decided to complain that a bunch of Slytherins cursed him.
There were laughs about that one, least Ron would suffer a little while. Harry had a feeling that there were more curses cast, but he figured he would find out later.