Opening his closet he pulled out his costume and smirked. The student body wouldn't know what hit them.
*~*~*~*~*
Four Fifth and Sixth Year prefects stood at each entrance into the Haunted House and consequently the Great Hall. Two were at the doors leading in and the other two patrolled the lines of students waiting to get in.
Haunted screams were heard from behind the cloth-covered door. The rattling of chains, growls from monsters better left unseen and the sound of whips ripping into flesh added to the overall atmosphere. The sound of Peeves' evil laughter as he reigned over his mini kingdom scared many a younger student into trembling. Little light could be seen when the curtains parted to allow a group of students in.
6 more prefects patrolled the various hallways of the house/maze, a map of the sections available in hand. They were disillusioned so younger students couldn't see them, and each map was attuned to a specific spell; should a group of students get into a spot of trouble, they were told to shoot of a warning spell, which would flare a bright red on the prefects' maps and the closest pair would go help the students.
Draco was already inside waiting, disillusioned, until the majority of the students had arrived. The first group of student had made it through the maze-like house. Sadly, it was a group of Hufflepuffs. Now that was depressing… He sighed.
Almost an hour later students in multi-coloured and multi-themed costumes crowded the tables and food areas. Every color under the sun, and then even a few more, were visible in a plethora of fabrics and designs.
Dumbledore stood up to make an announcement and everyone winced at his outfit. It was bright neon orange with similarly neon green and yellow in wild wacky designs. And an electric blue boa wound itself around his shoulders and neck, like a snake, and his hair had been coloured purple. His beard was pink.
"Good evening students!! Welcome to our first event of the year, the Hallowe'en Dance!" Raucous cheering thundered throughout the hall and rebounded from the walls back onto the students, making the clamour twice as loud.
"We are able to have such a dance because of our Head Boy and Girl, Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger. Unfortunately, due to sickness Ms. Granger will not be joining us this evening. So Mr. Malfoy will have to choose a dance partner as it is customary that the Head Boy and Girl have the first dance. But prior to that, Mr. Malfoy has an announcement of his own."
Draco nodded at the headmaster. "Some of you may have noticed the food and snacks are different from what you are used to. It was an idea of Hermione Granger's. The food and drink, as someone of you have undoubtedly figured out, is that of muggles, they same candies and treats muggle children received when they go out, trick or treating, I believe it's called. Since Hallowe'en is a time to be something you're not, we decided it was a time when we could try something we never have before.
As such, I hope you enjoy the night and try a little of something you may not have previously."
The muggleborn students all cheered, especially the younger ones. Pumpkin juice was just weird. Now they could have soda; and from the looks of it, there was plenty to go around!
Draco had been wondering what he was going to do about the first dance since his partner had so graciously gotten sick. He looked around the room. He saw Pansy trying to get his attention and made sure that he avoided her at all costs tonight. He parents had probably reamed her out for cheating on him and gave her instructions to try and get back into his graces. He snorted. Like that would ever happen. One does not scorn a Malfoy and then try to become allies.
He was about to choose a random girl from the crowd when a dark haired vixen strode up to him and caught his hand. He turned to face her and sucked in his breath. Her dark black hair was twisted into a mass of curls that flowed over her shoulders and down to the small of her back.
A black, fitted top, so tightly fitted it could have passed for a corset, complimented her tiny waist and smoothed into a brilliant red broom skirt that draped over slim hips and fell gracefully to just below her ankles. A ruffle of fabric, the same colour as the skirt, went along the bust of the black top and snaked around her upper arms. Small gold beads dance and dangled, giving the young woman in his arms the look of a gypsy. A very enchanting gypsy, he amended.
She was barefoot but he could hear small bells jingle as they walked to the dance floor. She was wearing a gold anklet with small magical bells on each foot. Gracefully she spun to face him and her skirt flared out. Her red lips gave a small smile, almost a smirk; a challenge. Dark brown eyes looked up at him and flashed in amusement. She had the smallest amount of eye make-up; just enough to enhance her eyes and give them a tiny lilt at the corners.
Her light, olive skin gleamed under the lights dimmed lights. He placed an arm on her waist and took her free hand with his. The dance was a traditional Viennese waltz. The gypsy in his arms knew every step and never once moved her eyes from his. He could hear the whispers mounting amongst the students, everyone wanted to know who she was.
Together they moved gracefully around the floor in wide sweeping circles, never faltering in their steps; rising and falling in time with the music, they made a beautiful couple.
The Malfoy heir in a crisp, white poet shirt; fitted gold vest; and tapered black pants, made of the highest quality linen, made for a long, trim figure that intertwined with the gypsy-witch in red. His silver blonde hair was not gelled in a helmet against his skull like it used to be. Instead it was pulled back into a low horse-tail, a few pieces falling into his mercury eyes.
A small graced his face as he looked down at the witch in his arms. Enchantress, he thought. 'It would be fun to find her in real life.' They moved slowly as the music changed from a classic waltz into a rumba. The dark haired woman glanced up at him, smiled, and moved out of his arms and into the crowd. Draco moved to go after her, but despite her obvious looks and outfit, he could not find a glimpse of her anywhere.
Seeing Pansy in the corner of his eye, he quickly ducked into a shadow and released his glamourie charm that made him look like his normal self.
Pansy darted into the shadow of a dark, twisted tree that was hung with what looked like moss, but upon closer inspection was actually a parasitic creature that covered the tree and devoured it. She wrinkled her nose and took several quick steps to get away from the tree.
She looked around at the people milling about but could not find the tall, blonde man. A small brown haired student walked up to her with a bright smile and asked her to dance. Pansy looked at the thing before her and turned up her nose.
"Purebloods don't associate with those of lesser breeding." She sneered at the young man and turned on her heel to walk away.
When she was safely out of sight, Malfoy lowered the quick illusion charm he'd used to make himself look like some snot-nosed Fifth Year. He smirked at her retreating back. He'd be sure to put that memory in a vial for future reference.
Neither finding hide nor hair of the beautiful gypsy he had danced with, Draco made his way over to the punch bowls to help himself to a drink of the carbonated beverage called root beer. He wasn't entirely sure why muggles would want to drink something made of roots, but the younger years seemed to enjoy it. Including the Slytherins. And it would be suspicious if the Head Boy didn't eat some of the snacks he presented.
It was several hours later, after the younger students had gone home, that someone bumped into his shoulder and he whipped around to curse the unfortunate soul out. He came face to face with a smirking mouth painted red, a challenge in the dark, mysterious eyes. Taking the drink from his hand and setting it on the table, she led him to the dance floor where a fast paced Latin song had just begun.
Many couples came out to try their luck with the Spanish music, but eventually moved away to make room for the beautiful couple. The gypsy was once again dancing with the Head Boy, though no one knew that as he wore a glamour charm, and many people were jealous of one or both of them. Long, leather clad legs intermingled with those of the gypsy-witch. Black leather boots covered his shins and many worried he would step on the bare feet of his partner.
They needn't have worried, as the gypsy was a delicate, but sultry, whisp who danced in and around her partner with amazing fire and grace. Their bodies were entangled with each other and their eyes filled with passion as they moved with and against each other.
It was a dance of contrasts; they were together, she wandered away, he pulled her back; they were passionate, she was disinterested. It ended on a thunderous climax of music, the young man half lifting the gypsy up, but keeping her close to his body; one of her legs wrapped around his, her arms in his hair; she, a head above him looking down into his eyes; he, looking up into hers.
Both were panting hard from exertion as the claps and whistles rose up around them. She slithered down his body, but his hold on her never faltered. Arm in arm they walked over to the beverage table, "What can I get for you Carmen?" Her lips quirked from the name; she understood where it came from. A delicate shoulder shrugged. He raised an eyebrow.
"Don't want anything you've never had before?" She shook her head, not what she meant. He misunderstood and smirked, wanting to tease her. "Please, I'm a pureblood and even I had some. Root beer I think it was called. Surprisingly good, though I think some of them are acquired tastes."
Her eyes widened. He had tasted the soda!? She was in shock. While she was trying to regain balance from the little tidbit she'd just heard, the man in question had left and returned with a sparkling cider in his hand.
"I figured if you were so adverse to it, you'd prefer something else." She nodded her thanks and took the glass.
"So who are you?" She snickered. Go figure that was the first question he asked. A raised eyebrow was his answer.
"Seriously. I've never seen you before, I don't recognize anything about you, and I don't know anyone that can dance quite like you." Her mouth only quirked in an unreadable smile.
"You're going to make me play the guessing game aren't you?" She nodded. "Little minx." She chuckled at his playfulness.
"I'm pretty sure you're not in Slytherin, but considering we're in a magical school and I don't recognize you, I'm assuming you are wearing a glamour." A brilliant smile told him he was correct.
"Okay, so, not in Slytherin. I doubt you're in Hufflepuff since they seem like shy, quiet people." An indignant huff sounded and words made of fire danced through the air.
Haven't you ever heard the saying: 'It's always the quiet ones.'? And if it helps, you do know my name.
"I have indeed heard that saying, however, I do believe that was meant for private happenings. Or after someone has snapped and goes bat-shit crazy in public and nothing can stop them. You on the other hand, seem to be in perfect control of your wits."
And my wiles.
He laughed at that and fought to get a hold of himself when people turned to look.
"Indeed you do Minx." She mock-frowned.
I think I prefer Carmen.
"Carmen it is then, and if that's the name you were referring to, it doesn't count since I gave it to you."
Fair enough.
"And what do you plan to call me, my dear Carmen?"
Probably your name, seeing as that makes the most sense.
A smirk accompanied the words. He lifted an aristocratic eyebrow.
"I am wearing a glamour as well. You think you know who I am?"
No.He smirked.I know I know who you are. He frowned.
"Alright then. What's my name, Carmen?" The fiery words were small enough to not be seen by passers-by. A flick of the wand moved them up to eye level and he looked at his name.
Draconis L. Malfoy
The words disappeared. He nodded his head. His voice was somber now. "Indeed. That is my name. Do you not care that you just performed a very sultry dance with the Ice Prince of Slytherin? The son of Death Eater Lucius Malfoy?"
His voice became bitter at the end. Beautiful dark eyes looked up into mercury ones.
A soft whispered voice drifted up to his ears. "I want to know who you are. Not who everything thinks you are."
And then she grabbed his head and pulled him down for a kiss. Surprised, Draco was still for moment before he regained his wits and pulled the girl closer. Their kiss was interrupted by Dumbledore calling for the attention of the students.
"Students!" He raised his wand and a loud bang issued forth. "We are going to be attacked in a few short moments. If I could please ask the Fourth and Fifth Years to follow Professors McGonagall and Snape out of the Great Hall; anyone in their final two years, if you would like to stay, you are welcome to.
"Please be aware that these are seasoned Death Eaters you will be fighting against. I wish you the best of luck in your duels and pray that you all live through this night."
McGonagall and Snape had just made it through the hidden exit with the students when the doors burst open. Draco quick sent a barrage of pure magic at the Haunted House and all the dementors, boggarts and illusions were released from the areas in which they'd been placed.
Professor Flitwick knew a surprising amount of battle magic and switched between that and using effective charms against the enemy. Draco saw a group of Death Eaters surrounding several Seventh Year girls who were struggling to fight back.
Lavender, Pavarti and Padma had little knowledge of defensive or even offensive magic and their group was quickly being cut down. The red clothed gypsy girl slid into their circle and began casting curses at the men in black cloaks.
"Use anything you know, like a powerful cheering charm. You know beauty spells, and other such things right? Use those! It'll throw them off balance!"
The three girls looked at each other and nodded. They began to fire off Breast enhancement charms, transfiguring the cloaks into less movable, female clothing, and gave them ridiculously long hair before animating it to wrap around the attackers' heads and bodies, effectively hindering their movement.
Draco, seeing that the girls had changed the tide, moved on to help other beleaguered students and teachers. A group of Sixth Year Ravenclaw prefects had conjured vats of acid and boiling water before dumping them on the heads of unsuspecting Death Eaters.
He saw Pothead and Longbottom fighting off a large group that seemed to include the three Lestranges and Dolohov. An impossibly loud bang sounded behind him and he saw a large anvil on top of some poor soul.
'Well, not really a poor soul. He's probably killed countless people and was just involved in an attack against school children.' Feeling much better after he rationalized his vindictive emotions he hexed someone the Death Eaters in front of him. He was about to reach Pothead and Longbottom when a sizzling blue spell shot towards him.
*~*~*~*~*
Carmen had begun healing the downed twin while the other three fought off the cloaked men. After finishing that, and tying up the morons (who were now stupified), Carmen looked around to find Draco. Seeing him fighting his way to Potter she raced after him, ducking and dodging spells, giving as good as she got in return.
After stunning a particularly large man, she turned around just in time to see an electric blue spell move towards Draco at high speed.
"DRACO!"
He looked into her eyes just before the spell hit. She raced to his fallen form.
"Draco! Draco! Wake up, you can't die on me!" Tears pooled in her eyes. "You haven't even figured out who I am yet." There was a weak chuckle. Molten silver looked up at her.
In a weak voice that never should come from the mouth of Draco Lucien Malfoy, he spoke. "I…know…spell is…" Small gasps of pain broke up his words. "I need…you…. take me to…manor...'Mione."
She gasped out loud. "You knew?! You knew all this time and you didn't tell me? You played dumb that entire conversation?"
His skin paled even more and his sounds of pain grew louder in the coming silence. It seemed that Hogwarts had won the battle.
"Talk…later...maybe?" He could barely get the words out through the pain, his teeth clenched in an attempt to control the fire in his body.
"Oh, right! Mobilcorpus." His levitated form trailed behind her as she ran to the hospital wing fireplace. Madame Pomfrey rushed out of her office at the noise.
"Young lady! What on earth is happening?"
Hermione was gasping for breath by this point. "Death Eaters…attack…Great Hall… students…help! Taking…to….family…manor…!"
Pomfrey nodded and handed her the bowl of floo powder. Shooting a stream of fire into the fireplace, she wished the young woman good luck before grabbing her medical bag and ran to the Great Hall.
Hermione threw the powder into the fire and watched it turn a brilliant green. Gathering Draco into her arms she cried out, "Malfoy Manor!" And stepped into the fire.
--
A/N: Sorry for his costume everyone. I know some of you were really excited about it, and I know that I completely failed int hat regard. When it came to actually writing it, I couldn't find anything that really stood out for me. If anyone has a suggestion, I'll look over it and if I like it , I may re-write this chapter with the new outfit and give credit where credit is due.
Thanks for reading!
August