Chapter 26: ball dates

Draco had been sure that Viktor would come to his senses and ask Harry out, but it seemed he was either too nervous or stubborn. Harry would not admit he liked Viktor but Draco could see Harry was disappointed, and as he watched every one else with dates it was worse. Harry would be stuck with a young kid or a girl if he did not accept eventually, and Draco knew Harry would soon. Harry wanted to attend the ball even if with someone then other Viktor, and they needed to act fast. They had done all but lock him in a room together which they were starting to consider, but what ever they had to do they had to act fast.

They decided to try jealousy at first and hoped to convince Viktor to act through it, not sure how it would work out. Harry had a lot of friends who cared about him and who had no intention of stopping till he had the perfect date to the ball, no matter what they had to do.

Draco saw Viktor coming and motioned to Fred and the French kid they commandeered. "You're on."

Paul looked at Fred. "And you're sure he doesn't have a date?"

Though he was attempting not to look obvious about it, Viktor had slowed down to listen. They had not said Harry's name but it was Harry's brother and friend, and there was not a large amount of homosexual male students here. Viktor could not seem to help himself, and it was what they had been counting on.

Fred shook his head."He has not accepted an invite, but I know he is looking for one. I think he is just interested in someone new.'

Paul was beaming."I will definitely have to ask him after dinner."

Draco looked at Viktor from the corner of his eye, and he could see Viktor had stopped dead in his tracks. He knew they were talking about Harry for sure, and he could not even pretend he was not listening to them any more. Paul was actually straight and was taking Katie to the ball, but Katie was best friends with the twin's girlfriends and was happy to help. Paul thought it sounded like a bit of fun, and had been happy enough to lend a helping hand to them with it.

Viktor took off down the hall and told himself Harry could attend the ball with who ever, they were only friends. He kept picturing Harry though and with Paul at the ball, and by dinner time he was not able to focus on anything else. He didn't know what had gotten into him, but he needed to act.

He intercepted Harry before Paul could. "Harry, I was kind of wondering, well I mean if you want you would attend the ball with me?"

If Harry was not so nervous as well he may have laughed at how tongue tied he was. He barely managed. "I'd like that."

They were both blushing but now smiling ear to ear since they had done it, Viktor no longer looking like he would be sick. Most of the students were watching as the dates for the champions was gossip, and Viktor's date was highly speculated by all. Harry's brother and friends were relieved their scheming had finally worked out and the two were going to the ball, now to get them to actually date. By the end of the year they would be an official couple, if not much sooner.

After dinner Harry noticed a confused look on Viktor when they were walking out of the hall, and worried. He saw Viktor looking at the French kid that the twin's team mate Katie had been dating for a few weeks. He was wondering if Viktor liked the kid, and asked Harry as the boy was straight.

Viktor shot a look at Fred.."I heard you and that kid talking about..."

Fred snorted. "You were dragging your feet and you needed a push. We just knew both you and Harry would be happier to attend together."

Harry was totally confused when he saw Draco and the twins were laughing, and Viktor looked ready to hex them. Harry felt bad when he found out Viktor had been tricked into asking him to the ball, and he suddenly felt like he was some pity date. He should have known Viktor would have asked him sooner if he really wanted to,and Harry tried to let Viktor out of the date. He didn't want to attend the ball because of a trick.

Viktor stopped him. "I have wanted to ask you all along but I have been too nervous. I promise your brother and friends simply kicked sense into me."

Sirius and Lucius brought Adrian and Ella to school for the night, and all the Malfoys stayedwith the Snapes on Christmas and the twins had come early to open gifts with them, even though every one else remained. Lucius and Sirius were delighted to hear Harry and Viktor were attending the ball, like Draco they could see the attraction between the two of them. Harry was nervous though as he had to dance the first dance in front of every one, but for Viktor he would. Draco was nervous, but because some how he had been convinced to take Pansy to the ball.

Harry and Draco had their dads and Uncles to help them dress, Harry happy he had finally grown his hair out to his shoulders a few years back. Harry wore green robes which brought out his eyes and Draco was in dark blue. They picked up Pansy who looked beautiful in pale blue and met the others, in the dorms.

Viktor appeared and he took Harry's breath away in a dark red. "You look amazing Harry."

Harry smiled and took his arm."I could say the same to you."

The others all smiled as they watched, but Draco did not envy his brother as the champions and their dates waited in the hall. Harry looked like he would be sick, as much as he wanted to attend with Viktor he was scared of this dance. Harry was worried about making a fool of himself and Viktor, but he found dancing with Viktor was not too hard. He looked into Viktor's eyes and he forgot all those watching, and he lost track of how many dances they shared.

A few hours in Ginny who was invited by Neville' friend after all, tried to cut in."I would love to dance."

Viktor looked to where her date was. "I am sure he would be happy to. Harry and I are about to take a walk."

If looks could kill Viktor would have been dead on the floor, but neither Harry nor Viktor noticed. Fred did and put a hand on Ginny as she was about to stop them from leaving, knowing his sister would try and ruin it. Harry and Viktor had taken too long to make it here, and Viktor would now allow her to ruin it.

Fred pointed at her date. "Head back to your date or back to the dorms. Harry has made it clear he is not into girls.'

Ginny glared at her brother. "You are just jealous, don't think I don't see the way you look at him. Neither you or that Bulgarian will keep us apart"

Ginny did return to her date but her brother was worried about her, if nothing more than her hair had grown more than usual. He knew Poppy said she was on her potions but Fred was worried not every day, and he was scared for Harry. Tonight though Harry was left in peace, and enjoying a walk in the gardens with Viktor.

Viktor surprised Harry by tilting his head up, for a short brush of a kiss."Merry Christmas Harry."

Harry was surprised and blushing but he returned the kiss. "Merry Christmas Vik."

The two spent a time out walking hand in hand, and both thinking the would have to thank his brother and the twins for meddling. Harry had been scared Viktor would never ask but couldn't, and he was relieved he had not had to attend with someone else. They returned to the ball and even if worried to dance before, danced into the night.

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