Chapter XVII

Yule

Harry couldn't hold back his gasp as they entered the dancing hall. It was a long room with a high ceiling. The walls were all decorated with crystal snowflakes connected to long lines of ivy that had wreaths and mistletoe hanging from them. Magical snow fell from the ceiling, never quite reaching the floor, and on a raised section, surrounding a very large and ornately decorated Christmas Tree, was the orchestra that Harry heard from outside. There were more twinkling lights caught in clear crystal babbles that floated in the air, and when one came close enough Harry saw that they were fairies lounging lazily inside. There were already pairs dancing in the center of the room while others milled around on the sidelines where there were small round tables with light blue tops. House elves dressed in blue were walking around with trays of small foods and drinks.

The two walked hand in hand down the hall, Harry craning his neck for any sign of his friends. "It's beautifully decorated," Harry commented.

"Just watch out for the mistletoe, mother has them enchanted to trap any couple dancing under them. You cannot escape until you've kissed," Draco said, his cheeks tinting red. Harry chuckled and winked at him, "Then we should have no problem with that, eh?" he joked, already planning on trapping Draco underneath a few as the blonde's blush grew.

"Look, there's Blaise!" Draco said quickly, pointing to a table that seems overfilled. He pulled Harry, who was laughing at his response, towards them. The couple reached their friends, who all greeted them. Harry smiled brilliantly when he saw Neville wearing a suit and looking around awkwardly with a small smile whenever Blaise touched him.

"Hello Neville," Harry said, sitting next to his friend, "Fancy seeing you here."

"Blaise invited me," Neville said. "I uh never been in a house this big before!"

"Me neither," Harry admitted, looking around. "It's a bit overwhelming."

"It is what you deserve," Draco said, moving to sit next to Harry. Blaise did the same with Neville, kissing his cheek.

"Do you know when your father is doing his thing?" Harry asked.

"In about an hour," Draco hummed. "It leaves us an hour to enjoy ourselves and then after Father's speech we will dine."

Harry hummed and looked around, watching the dancers for a moment before turning to Draco, a playful smirk on his face as he said, "Think you can last an hour with me, Dragon?"

"Oh treasure, I can last much longer," Draco said with a smirk. "Give me a reason and I can last all night."

"What a lofty promise," Harry chuckled.

"What a lofty word you used," Draco said, pulling Harry to his side as he stood up. Harry allowed himself to be manhandled, his hands going to Draco's developing chest.

"A lofty word for a lofty man," Harry purred.

"Oh how lofty," Draco chuckled.

A groan was heard and the two turned to see Pansy, glaring daggers at the two of them. She was wearing a very cute light pink dress. "We get it! You two are adorable. Go dance or just go find a wall to fuck behind just stop with that lofty business!"

The two just stared at her for a moment, Harry's cheeks turning a vivid pink as he buried his head in Draco's shoulder. Draco just laughed and held Harry as his treasure groaned. Theo and Daphnis just chuckled at their antics. Theo stood up and offered his hand to Daphnis, who accepted it with a gloved hand graciously.

"While you three are… whatever it is this is, Daphnis and I will be dancing instead of talking about such… lofty activities," Theo said, snickering with Daphnis as the two walked away. Pansy just huffed and sat down, crossing her arms as she glared at Draco.

"What?" Draco asked, pulling Harry into his lap as hey sat back down.

"All my friends are gay and dating, and it is entirely your fault," Pansy declared.

Draco laughed, "How is it my fault, Pans?"

"It just is. Harry! Tell Draco that my unfortunate singleness is Draco's fault," Pansy demanded.

"Uh, I don't see it either, Pansy," Harry said awkwardly.

"You're hopeless," Pansy sighed dramatically. "Go then! Go dance or whatever couples do. Leave me here all alone and by myself."

"If you say so, Pansy," Blaise chuckled, "Come on Doll, I have a few moves I can teach you," he smirked at Neville, who blushed as he accepted Blaise's hand. The two went off to the dance floor, Harry watching them for a moment before turning back to Draco and Pansy.

"Neville loves to dance," he commented. "During the Yule Ball last year he danced the entire night."

"I think I remember; he was with the female weasel yes?" Draco asked.

"Yes, he was with Ginny," Harry said a little shortly. "You went with Pansy, right?"

"Yes, and he spent the entire night complaining about you," Pansy drawled. "It was awful Harry—one second," she paused just as a house elf walked by and took what looked like a small martini glass filled with what was hopefully butterbeer. She took a sip and said, "you wouldn't believe it. He only lasted four dances before deciding to just stare at you and say comments like 'Look at Potter so smug up there.' And 'I bet he doesn't even know how to dance. Left-Feet Potter, I should call him!'"

Harry gave a chuckle as Draco blushed. "Pansy!" he hissed, "Don't tell him that!"

"It's cute, you were jealous," Harry smiled. "I only have bad memories of that night. My date spent the night with another boy, and Cedric and I could barely sneak away for a dance. At least he had fun with Cho, though."

"Oh, I'm sorry," Pansy said.

"Don't worry about it," Harry said, waving his hand. "Ced wouldn't want us moping."

"Then would you join me for a dance, my treasure?" Draco asked, holding his hand out. "I am sure Diggory would want you to have fun during one Yule Ball at least."

Pansy just rolled her eyes while Harry stood up, smiling softly. "Thank you," he said to Draco, who just smiled in return. "I have to treat our boy right," he said, "I don't want Cedric haunting me telling me I'm doing a bad job." Harry just smiled at that and allowed Draco to sweep him onto the dance floor.

"It's true, you know, I have two left feet with dancing," Harry admitted.

"Just follow my lead," Draco whispered. He moved Harry's hand to his shoulder and held his free hand as he held Harry's waist. "We start with the right foot," Draco instructed and hummed along with the music as he taught Harry a simple box step. "That's it, look at our feet if you need to but keep looking at me, trust me to lead, Harry," Draco said when he saw Harry glancing down.

Harry blushed and he looked up at Draco, his blush growing as he stared at his handsome features. "That's it treasure, look only at me," Draco growled lowly, sending a shiver down Harry's spine. He moved with Draco, allowing the blonde to lead. It felt awkward at first but slowly turned into a nice, pleasurable sensation as he gotten into a lull, letting Draco complete control. "There you are, treasure, that's a good boy," Draco praised, earning him a smile.

The two danced slowly in a simple pattern. Harry rested his head on Draco's shoulder and hummed along with the music as they swayed. Harry's arms moved to wrap around Draco as Draco's arms wrapped around him. "This is nice," Draco whispered.

"Very," Harry agreed softly. "So much better than dealing with the two Weasels and Granger."

"What are they doing in my cousin's home?" Draco asked curiously.

"Making a mess of the place," Harry hummed. "It's a very disgusting house and yet their presence seems to make it even uglier. Except for Fred and George, they're good. And Charlie too."

"And why are these three Weasleys the exceptions?" Draco asked.

"They're like us," Harry said simply, "and they're smart. Attractive, funny—you should see Charlie's arms!"

"Sounds like competition," Draco said jealously. He quickly spun Harry until he was off balance, and caught him when he fell, so that Draco was leaning over him. "Malfoys always win when it comes to jealousy, my kitten," he said, grinning toothily.

Harry laughed and allowed Draco to pull him back up, "Is that all you do when you're jealous?" he teased. "Smile like that?"

Draco growled and kissed Harry roughly, "You don't want me jealous, Harry," he warned.

Harry just smirked and rolled his eyes. He glanced up as the music changed once more to a faster song and hid a smirk when he saw a mistletoe in the air near them. "Then dance with me, Dragon," he said and spun Draco. He did his best to take the lead, making it not obvious as he and Draco danced their way to his destination. Draco allowed him, his toothy smile turning into a more casual grin as they glided their way through the dance floor. They heard a laugh and saw another couple away from them getting caught in a mistletoe before kissing shortly and continuing their dance. Harry just hummed with the music as he allowed Draco to spin him out. He pulled Draco towards him and as soon as their chests hit each other, their feet felt locked to the floor.

Draco gasped and Harry grinned as they both looked up to see the mistletoe hanging innocently on top of them. Skinny vines began to grow out of it, spiraling around the couple and twinkling with silver. "You planned this," Draco said accusingly.

Harry just smiled innocently and asked, "Aren't you going to kiss your treasure, my Dragon?"

"I'm going to own my treasure like a proper Dragon," Draco said and kissed Harry's neck. Harry moved his head submissively to allow Draco to kiss him, leaving small bites as the vines continued to grow around them. "I think it only counts on the lips, Dragon," Harry said, blushing when he realized that his dick was growing hard—and pressing against something equally as hard. Draco gave his neck one last bite before kissing his lips, pressing their bodies hard against each other. The vines disappeared in twinkling lights and the two kept kissing until they were breathless.

"What a pretty treasure you are," Draco breathed.

"And you're a greedy dragon," Harry replied. The two continued to dance. Harry smiled and waved when he saw Blaise and Neville, the couple doing much more complicated moves than Harry and Draco. Neville looked to be in his element as he smiled openly and laughed joyously with Blaise.

With another turn, Harry saw Daphnis and Theo who were dancing much more subtly but they were smiling widely as they stood flat chest to flat chest. Harry smiled at the scene and leaned against Draco again. "I'm happy," he said.

"Of course you are, you're in my arms," Draco smirked. "Are you having fun?"

"Loads," Harry said.

"Good, I'm happy you are," Draco said. He twirled Harry as they danced past an older couple and Draco gasped. "Is that Pansy!?"

Harry spun around until he saw what Draco was looking at. Pansy was on the dancefloor with none other than Tracey Davis, the third and final Slytherin girl in their year! The two were dancing merrily without a care in the world and when they inevitably got caught by a mistletoe, which their dance seemed to repeatedly move into, they kissed and laughed before dancing again.

"I guess she got over you," Harry said with a smirk.

"How did she ever do such an impossible task," Draco said, turning to Harry. He pushed Harry into a mistletoe and wrapped his arms around him, smirking, "I guess now you have my undivided attention."

"When didn't I, Dragon? Or am I not your only treasure?" Harry asked innocently.

"Harry! You are my only treasure, the brightest treasure in the world! What else do I need of another?" Draco asked seriously and earned himself a kiss from Harry. The two continued to dance as the music played on. Harry had never had as much fun dancing as he did that night. He did not even care when his feet started to hurt, and it was only due to his bladder that he gently pulled Draco to the side. "I have to go use the bathroom, I'll be right back," Harry said.

"Down that hallway," Draco said, pointing to a door. "It will be the fourth door on your left."

"Thank you, Dragon," Harry said and he made his way. As he made his way, Harry was too aware of the people staring at him, but he did his best to ignore them. He walked down the hallway and easily found the bathroom.

Once he was done, Harry stood in front of the sink and stared at his reflection. He almost didn't recognize himself. His face was flushed with beads of sweat from dancing, but he was smiling. He just couldn't stop smiling even as his hair stood on its end and made him look rather untidy. Harry turned the faucet on and wetted his hands, intending to do something about his hair.

He combed his fingers through his raven locks, frowning when they refused to move as he wanted them to. They did not smooth down but instead continued to stick out like a rat's nest that rebelled against being tamed. He tried for five minutes before frowning, at the end he only made his hair look even wetter than it was before. He used his wand to dry his hair the best he could and pocketed it before smiling at his reflection.

"You got this, Potter!" he said to his reflection. "Just a party, really. Filled with potential Death Eaters but who cares? Just go out there and enjoy the night with your boyfriend. Damn what his father thinks! But it might be good if he has a good impression—oh no I am not going to turn into that type of person who talks to himself in mirrors." He shook his head and stood straight. He had one more feeble attempt at controlling his hair before exiting the bathroom and almost immediately running into someone.

It was a man who looked to be in his mid-forties. He was very beautiful with long straight hair that almost reached his shoulders and was so lightly blonde they could be mistaken for white. He had bright green eyes that reminded Harry of his own and a small nose. The man stared at Harry for a moment, as if in total shock.

"I'm sorry," Harry muttered, "I didn't see you there."

The man continued to stare at Harry for another second before he said in a broken voice as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing, "Alexander?"

Both stood still, staring at each other in the empty corridor.

"Alexander!" the man said again. Harry just stared at him, confused, and before he knew it, he was pulled into a bone-crushing hug. "Oh, my sweet baby I never thought I would see you again! My boy! You've come home—and look at you! You look so young! How did this happen? It's me! Your Papa, do you remember?" Harry felt extremely awkward as the older man hugged him. He kept his hands to the side and looked at the man awkwardly. The man's smile slowly became crestfallen and Harry's heart broke. He felt as though he has risen the man's hopes high into the air before smashing them toward the cold, dead ground.

The man took a step back and wrung his hands nervously. "You're not Alexander… are you?" the man asked.

"No, I'm not, sorry," Harry said. "I'm uh Harry."

Both men stood there awkwardly, their cheeks pink. "Adrian," the man said. "I'm uh Adrian Balk. I'm sorry for that. I thought that you looked like my son, but it would be impossible." He reached for his pocket and pulled out an old photograph. "You looked so like him that I went a little mental, even though there is no way you would be old enough." He gave Harry the photograph and smiled sadly. "That's my boy, my sweet Alexander."

The photo was of a baby, around one year old, with black hair like Harry's and brown eyes. He was stuffing his fist in his mouth and staring at the camera, waving with his free hand. Harry had to admit that they really did look quite similar. He felt Adrian shift nearer to him as he held the picture's edge gently. "I haven't seen him since he was almost two years old," he said sadly. "He would be in his thirties by now I reckon."

"I'm sorry," Harry said. "Was he stolen?"

"He was, yeah," Adrian sighed. "I've been looking for him all these years. Everybody here helped but nothing."

Harry just nodded before frowning a little, "I'm sorry but I actually never heard of the Balk family…"

"That's because I'm our community's best little secret," Adrian said with a rueful smile, taking the picture back and pocketing it. "Everyone look at me as their grandfather of sorts. Be it for advice, an ear, or just company."

"Grandfather!?" Harry gasped, staring at the man. He couldn't be more than his late forties at least with how youthful he looked! Adrian giggled and winked at him.

"Yup, grandfather. I look not bad for being Sixty-Nine years old," Adrian smirked.

"I—yeah," Harry said, feeling at a loss for words.

Adrian smiled and said, "Think nothing of it. They helped and being in this role takes some of the pain away. I still miss my Alexander, and I always will until I find him, but seeing everyone here grow up and accomplish everything they set out fills some of the void as well as make me feel warm inside."

"Is there any way I can help?" Harry asked. "How old is he supposed to be?"

"My Alexander? He would be much older now, twice your age I feel. Thirty-five. He was born on March 27th, 1960, you know? Thirty-five with his thirty-sixth coming up in three months," Adrian said. "So unless you know an unusual amount of adults, it'll be hard for you to search for my boy, Harry Potter." Harry stared at him, feeling strange at being called his full name. Adrian just smiled and said, "As I said, I am like a grandfather to everyone out there. Your name was never far from the lips of these younger ones, especially young Draco. You two danced beautifully, by the way, makes me wish my husband was here." He sighed.

"Oh, is he…"

"Hmm? Oh no, he's not dead," Adrian said, waving his hand, "He just hates the press. Lucius made sure that there was plenty of press for his little show, and my dear husband is quite camera shy."

A house elf suddenly appeared in front of them and bowed deeply, "Master Lucius wants every guest to come to the ballroom immediately," the house elf said before disappearing.

Adrian chuckled and said, "Speaking of… shall you do me the honor of being my company for Lucius's speech? I somehow always get the best seat in the house." He offered his arm and Harry took it. He instantly liked Adrian; he really had a grandfatherly quality about him that reminded Harry of Dumbledore during his first two years at Hogwarts. However, unlike Dumbledore, Adrian felt completely sincere.

The two set out together for the ballroom. Adrian was right, Harry could see multiple reporters lined up taking pictures of everything they could. Harry blushed and looked away when a cameraman turned his way, causing Adrian to chuckle. "Are you camera shy too, Harry?" he asked.

"My picture usually comes with bad articles," Harry muttered.

"Funny, so does my husband's," Adrian hummed. The crowd of guests seemed to part for the duo, many of the older witches and wizards greeting Adrian warmly while staring at Harry. Adrian greeted each one by name, stopping every now and again to ask a question before they reached the very front of the crowd where two seats were waiting vacantly for them. "My husband and I," Adrian said. "Even though he will not be here, they still place a chair just for him. I really should talk to him about his behavior." Harry just chuckled and helped Adrian to sit down before sitting himself.

There was a vast space in front of them with a raised platform beyond that. Mr. Malfoy stood on the platform with his wife and son standing perfectly behind him. Draco's eyes seemed to be scanning the crowd, looking for Harry. Harry gave a little wave and Draco's eyes locked on him. They both smiled and Draco winked at him and nodded his head towards his father. Harry looked toward Mr. Malfoy, who stared at both Harry and Adrian with a strange expression before shaking it off and staring out at the crowd.

When the last of the guests arrived, Mr. Malfoy raised his hand and the music stopped playing. The soft murmurs over the crowd slowly silenced and Mr. Malfoy pressed his wand to his throat. "I am so happy to see all of you here on this Christmas Eve," Mr. Malfoy said, his voice echoing throughout the room. "It is a bit too early for a Yule Speech, there certainly isn't a Christmas Ham in front of me, but I wanted you all gathered today to talk about something near and dear to my heart." He paused as a few people chuckled. "I love our community. I love Magical Britain, but most of all I love my family. Every day I think about how I am blessed to have such a wonderful woman on my side, and how proud I am of my son's accomplishments. Top of his class in Potions and Charms, Prefect, and a member of the Slytherin Quidditch Team!" He paused once more as the crowd clapped, Harry joining in and smiling when Draco looked directly at him. When the clapping died down, Mr. Malfoy continued.

"All great accomplishments, however, I must admit that I have a fear. A small fear, but still this fear haunts my nights at times. I am fearful of the future, and not because of the changes that it will bring, but that it will not bring enough! As the muggles' cultures grow and become more diverse, their values and the face of their society change with the times. However, as I look at our own luxurious past, I cannot help but notice that we lack that particular change. Our culture has become larger and more diverse, yes, but with it, we do not change. We've changed holidays, yes, Yule becomes Christmas just as Samhain became Halloween, but I am afraid that we are still lagging behind our muggle brethren.

"I am not saying that traditions must be disallowed, but I truly believe that it is high time that we look at ourselves, look at how we have lived, how our ancestors have lived, and ask ourselves this question. 'Is this the world I want our children to inherit?' Is this a world that I can be proud to leave behind? My friends, I ask myself this question every night and every night, I come to the same response. 'No.'

"I am not proud of the world we live in. We live in a glorious community, we are all born with a fantastic gift, and yet we hold ourselves back with archaic traditions and ideals. Ideals that I wish to undo this very night. But in order to do so, I require some assistance." Mr. Malfoy tapped his cane to the floor. There was one singular loud cracking sound and ninety-nine house elves appeared in the clear space between the raised stage and the seats. They all stood in neat rows.

"House elves," Mr. Malfoy said. "Creatures who are used as a sign of wealth and power. My family was once proud to own the most house elves than any other family, a tradition that I have held up to this day. No other family in the world has as many house elves as I have, and no other family in the world will. For those who did not know, house-elves are powerful, intelligent creatures with their own brand of magic. Little is known about their own culture and traditions because we wizards have stomped it out. Generations ago we saw house-elves as nothing more than servants. Slaves to do as their masters told. It is a tragedy that a culture is lost due to servitude, and it is an even greater tragedy that we hold onto these outdated traditions. In Britain, human slavery has been outlawed since 1833. Years before the Americans, I might add, and we did not need to have a war about it! But for us wizards? For our community One hundred and sixty-two years later? Slavery is still going strong, but just slavery of another sort. Elves should be treated with the same respect and dignity that they give to us and that we give to each other. For it is only together, as one strong community, can we truly move forward and rejoin our muggle brethren in the twentieth century just in time to welcome the twenty-first. With all of that said…"

He tapped his cane against the floor twice and the crowd gasped as ninety-nine presents all appeared in front of the house-elves. "As a show of commitment to our ideals of a better future, as well as to lead by example by being the pioneers of this new age, I wish for my house elves to all open their presents and show the crowd what you have received."

Loud clicks of photographs being taken along with murmurs filled the room as the elves all opened their wrapped presents slowly, as if uncertain about the task. Then one by one, they pulled out smart-looking uniforms of suits and dresses, all embellished with an ornate M. "No longer will you elves wear sacks or pillow cases. Instead, I give to you an offer," Mr. Malfoy said, addressing the elves. "You are all free, all of you, and in its place, I would like to hire each and every one of you."

The crowd gave loud gasps. "You will all be properly housed, with proper rooms and beds as well as a monthly salary. Five hundred galleons a month plus room and board. As you all might have seen as you entered my lovely home, you did not arrive immediately on my front doorstep but in a separate building. That building is the elves' new home for as long as they wish to stay on my property. Later on, when they get more used to their new freedoms and saved money, I will assist any and all who wish to live off the property. But for the here and now, elves, know that you are all free. I offer that you all can continue to work here but it must be your choice. Simply put on your new uniforms, and I will take that as your acceptance."

The room waited with bated breath. Then, one by one, the house elves all changed, using their magic to instantly put their new uniforms. The crowd all clapped, and Mr. Malfoy took it all in, standing like a proud peacock as the room applauded his family. "If my family can do this amazing task! I can see no reason why others cannot follow my example!" he said over the applause. "Let us usher in a new era, together!"

Thunderous applause roared through the room. Harry found himself clapping along as he stared at Draco. They really did it. Harry thought that Draco must have been joking but they really freed their elves. Harry was never prouder to be proven wrong. He and Adrian stood up with the rest of the crowd as reporters flocked to Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy. From the crowd, Draco wormed himself free and instantly went to Harry, wrapping his arms around the boy and kissing him fully. "So, what do you think?" he asked Harry, giving him a smug look.

"I cannot believe it," Harry said. "I'm actually happy for being wrong!"

"As if I would ever lie to you, treasure," Draco chuckled, kissing him again.

"It was a fine show, Draco," Adrian said, getting their attention. "I will have to make sure to congratulate Lucius personally, as well as thank him for fitting my little muggle facts in there." The press started to leave, following Mr. Malfoy as he talked with a reporter, and a large shadow fell upon them. "Oh, darling you missed it!" Adrian said, turning towards the shadow, "Lucius has just said a wonderful speech and hired all of his house elves!"

An aristocratic voice chuckled and Harry's head started to hurt as the man behind them said, "I will have to remember to get all of the details later. But right now I want to know more about your company, my love. Potter, turn around."

Harry did so slowly, the pain in his head increasing until, at least, his emerald eyes met red. There was a surge of pain behind his scar and everything went dark.

A/N: OMG I AM SO EMBARRASSED! I KEEP UPDATING ON AO3 BUT FORGOT ABOUT THIS SITE I AM SO SORRY! AO3 HAS UP TO CHAPTER 25 UPLOADED, SO PLEASE GO TO THERE IF YOU CANNOT WAIT HERE!