Year Four: The Goblet of Fire

The three magical schools of Europe compete for eternal glory in the form of the Triwizard Tournament. Death Eaters are rising, gathering followers to join Voldemort. Dark times are approaching, threatening everything Marie loves. It's time for bravery. To be the light in terrible darkness...

Chapter Twelve-Dance Lessons

The Slytherin common room was resounding with noise once again, erupting with cheers when Marie entered, shoved forward by her friends. There were mounds of food on every available surface, pitchers of pumpkin juice and butterbeer. Miles had even gotten a hold of Filibuster's Fireworks and the ceiling was thick with stars and sparks as a result. Again, Marie realized how light she must be as she was lifted from the ground in back breaking hugs, nearly toppled over from hearty pats on the back. The noise was pleasantly loud as everyone talked at once, retelling the story of how she taunted a dragon and lived. Hearing it from other people made it sound as if it was her plan all along and Marie could only grin and laugh. She had been allowed to keep the small model Swedish Short-Snout which was perched comfortably on her shoulder, watching everything with blazing blue eyes.

"Oy! Marie!" called Bole, picking up the large golden egg. "What's inside? It's heavy!"

Marie set her butterbeer down and made her way over, standing in the center of the room. "No idea, I haven't opened it yet."

"Well, go on!" He cleared a small space on the table and helped her up so she would be standing where everyone could see her. All eyes turned to her and she grinned again. She held the egg up for them all to see.

"Should I open it?" she asked, rhetorically. She was met with a resounding "YES!" and brought the egg back down into her arms. Finding the gold hinge that sat on top of it, she turned it with a fair amount of effort and the egg split into four sections, blooming like a strange metal flower. There was nothing inside except for the vague shimmer of a magic core.

The moment it was completely open, they were met with the most horrible noise, a loud, high pitched kind of wailing sound that resonated within the dungeon.

"SHUT IT!" bellowed Marcus, his hands over his ears. Marie didn't need to be told, she was already trying to force it back together, barely getting the latch back in place. Common room still ringing, it took a moment for everyone to get rid of the buzzing sound in their ears. Hopping down from the table, Marie set the egg down to give it a strange look. How on earth was that a clue? That she would need a stupendous Muffling Charm?

"What the hell was that?" asked Marcus, still keeping his hands over his ears.

"The clue for the next task," answered Bole, noticing Marie's lack of speech. "Hey, maybe you've got to face a banshee, Rogue!"

"I don't know, sort of sounded like you trying to sing in the shower," guessed Marcus, smirking at his fellow Quidditch player. Bole puffed his chest out defensively.

"I have an excellent voice!" There was a break out of laughter from the other boys as the celebration noise rose back to its former volume while Bole defended his god-given talent, face turning pink.

Marie giggled at their action, leaning against the table as the focus was lifted away from her for the moment. Her laughing quieted when a fresh butterbeer was held out to her. Following the hand, she found herself looking up at Marcus, who had finally uncovered his ears. Carefully, she reached out and accepted the drink. She was still unsure how to act around the older student since they hadn't properly spoken since Hallowe'en, when her name was called from the goblet.

"Thanks," she managed. He didn't answer right away, taking his time as he took a drink, leaning against the table with her.

"You did good today," he stated, not quite looking at her. "Were you hurt?"

She brought her hand to gingerly touch her ribs and there was no pain. "I'm fine now. Madame Pomfrey straightened me out," she said with a soft breathless laugh.

There was a small smirk as dark grey eyes caught green and she smiled brightly in return. The smirk shifted to a smile.

"Good."

December brought winter to Hogwarts without any hesitation. Blankets of snow covered the grounds while ice touched every available surface, icicles dripping from the ledges and windowsills. Chilly drafts made Marie very grateful for the constant fireplaces throughout the castle, especially for the large one that dominated the Slytherin common room as they were in the dungeons and below ground. Their windows that looked out into the black lake even frosted over.

Unfortunately, they still had Care of Magical Creatures outside where Marie was currently shuddering with the cold, nose bright pink. The Blast-Ended Skrewts had turned on each other and the numbers had whittled down to about ten left and that was reassuring as the ones remaining were nearing six feet in length. They now had thick grey armor, powerful legs that scuttled them from place to place with impressive speed, and along with their stings and blood suckers, they still had fire blasting ends that caught the students more often than not. Madame Pomfrey was not thrilled with the new creatures.

"We'll jus' lead 'em in here," said Hagrid. He had set out enormous boxes that were lined with blankets and fluffy blankets, ironically cute for the fire blasting creatures. "An' then we'll put the lids on 'em and we'll see if they fancy a kip..."

As it turned out, the Blast-Ended Skrewts did not hibernate, nor did they care for being forced into the large crates and nailed shut inside. Some had broken free from the leashes and were scuttling through the pumpkin patch. To say that the situation was alarming would be putting it mildly.

"Don' panic, now, don' panic!" Soon smoldering wreckage was scattered across the grounds as the Skrewts had enough. Most of the class had retreated into Hagrid's cabin and locked themselves in. Marie, as well as Harry, Ron, and Hermione were among the few that stayed to try and help. With their combined effort, they were able to wrangle most of them back into the salvageable containers.

"Don' frighten him, now!" Hagrid shouted as Harry and Ron used their wands to shoot jets of red sparks at the last remaining Skrewt. Marie held the leash, doing her very best to approach it quietly from behind as it was a male with a very formidable stinger. "Jus' slip th' rope 'round his sting, so he won' hurt any o' the others!"

"Yeah, we wouldn't want that!" Ron shouted back angrily as the Skrewt backed them up to the wall of Hagrid's cabin. Taking a deep breath, Marie dared the throw the loop over the stinger and pull it tight. It's eye-less face turned to glare at her as it took off again, scuttling with startling strength. It's end blasted again, singeing her cloak as it pulled her through the snow, despite her digging her heels into the ground as hard as she could. Thankfully Hagrid came up from behind her and brought a large arm up to stop her from moving, his other hand taking the leash and yanking the protesting Skrewt back to the other containers. Catching her breath, Marie returned to the other students, thinking how a dragon wasn't as nearly bad as the Blast-Ended Skrewts.

The other students had dared to step out of the cabin as the bell rang out across the grounds. Pansy had hurried up to the wild haired (more so after being dragged) girl, linking their arms as they headed back up to the castle.

"Come on, we've got a House meeting!" chirped Pansy.

That morning Professor Snape had posted a House-wide announcement on the bulletin board for everyone fourth year and up to be made aware of the upcoming meeting that would take place in the Great Hall. It wasn't only Slytherin, but every House had a scheduled time, they just so happened to be first. The subject to be discussed was unknown but it had to be pretty important to call the students from their 10 o'clock class.

The warmth was especially welcomed when they stepped inside the castle, thawing their frozen extremities. The fourth years headed into the Great Hall where the four House tables were separated, two tables on each side which left the middle wide open. Professor Snape was waiting, arms behind his back and posture stiff as the students trickled in and took a seat on the provided benches. Marie noticed that Mr. Filch was setting up a large gramophone, the oversized horn covered in dust.

"What's going on?" she asked quietly. Pansy was shaking some of the snow out of her hair before removing her winter cloak.

"I have no idea."

It didn't take too long for the rest of the House to be accounted for and Professor Snape gave a wave of his wand and the large doors to the hall closed without verbal incantations. Looking around, it was strange to see everyone in her House called into a single area without the relaxing enviornment of the common room. Older students mingled with the younger ones and the chatter quickly died as Snape stepped forward, serious gaze studying them.

"I'm certain you are wondering as to why you are gathered here today," he began. "As your Head of House, it is my responsibility to make you aware of upcoming events. That being said, the Yule Ball is approaching. It is a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament and an opportunity for us to socialize with our foreign guests. The Ball is only opened to fourth years and above which is why only part of the House was called to this meeting, but you are allowed to invite a younger student-"

Pansy was doing her best to muffle her excited giggling, hand clapped tightly over her mouth while she squeezed Marie's hand.

"Dress robes and formal attire will be worn and the ball will start at eight o'clock on Christmas Day, finishing at midnight in the Great Hall." Their House leader looked as if it was physically paining him to have this conversation with his students. "The Yule Ball is, of course, a chance to socialize and enjoy a moment of festivities, but it does not mean that the standard of behavior will be lessened in any regard. The Slytherin House will not embarrass this school in any way and points will be severely docked if anyone from this House makes a mockery of our name."

Snape took a deep breath to keep his full dislike from showing, as if the worse had yet to come.

"It is also my responsibility to teach you the proper...dancing etiquette that will be expected of you," he gritted through clenched teeth. Whispering and giggling broke out at the statement and Snape looked skyward for a moment, as if some higher power would grant him tolerance. Glancing over to Mr. Filch, he saw that he was ready with the music. His dark gaze scanned the crowd before coming to rest on Marie. He gave a single nod.

"Miss Rogue, if you please," he selected. Shrugging off her heavy cloak, she hurried up to meet her professor in the center of the room. She looked up with excited green eyes, ready to learn the dance.

"Now, it is imperative that you pay attention as I can assure you that I will only be showing you this once," he instructed.

He gave Filch a nod and the needle dropped to the record, scratching before it found the music. It softly filled the Great Hall, not too loud so to drown out conversations. Snape gave a slight bow of the head and Marie smiled, giving a little curtsy in return. He offered his hand and she placed her hand in his, small in comparison.

"The gentleman will take their partner by the waist," he instructed, his hand coming to rest respectably at her waist, the contact light but firm. There was some smothered laughter and Snape only had to barely glance to find the culprit. "Bletchley if you do not desist your snickering I will have you stand in for Miss Rogue and learn the woman's part." Miles quieted.

"Now, the woman would place her hand on the opposite shoulder, which is flexible depending you and your partner's height difference." Marie did as she was told, fingers slipping over the top of her teacher's shoulder.

"This placement of hands allows the man to take the lead in the dance as is traditional. For those of you not paying attention, the leading role is up for debate." Some of the girls giggled. "Watch carefully, as I will not show you again."

Marie felt him take the first steps, using the hand on her waist to direct her to avoid having her feet stepped on. He was easy to follow, the steps clear and the music was in time to their movements. She looked up and couldn't help but smile, amused by her teacher's dislike for dancing although he was quite good. She wondered vaguely if it was so simple for them because of their connection. Did genetics recognize genetics? Was it a subconscious understanding?

"Then the lift," he spoke up. She didn't need to think as both of her hands slipped to his shoulders and her professor lifted her easily and placed her back on her feet just as smoothly, keeping their pace. "The hands switch." His opposite hand rested on her waist while the other took her hand.

The song end shortly after and he gave another short bow, so she curtsied again. There was polite clapping from the students and the girls looked eager while the boys looked a bit grim.

"Now, on your feet."

The Yule Ball was all anyone could talk about for the days to come. Never before had so many students put their name down to stay at school for the holidays. It was actually the first time Marie was going to stay for Christmas as well. Rumors were running wild about what was going to take place, such as Dumbledore ordering eight hundred barrels of mulled mead for Madame Maxime (false), but the only true thing was that he had booked the Weird Sisters, a very popular musical group that had taken over the WWN (Wizarding Wireless Network). On top of all the excitement, Marie was presented with another challenge as a Triwizard champion.

She needed to find a date.

Professor Snape had informed her after the House meeting that she was required to bring someone as the champions and their partners opened the Ball, as per Triwizard Tournament tradition.

"What am I supposed to do?" Marie had asked Pansy and Millie after learning her new obstacle. Pansy gave a shrug.

"I don't see what the problem is, you just need a date." The concept was so simple but Marie couldn't wrap her mind around it.

"So what-what do I do? Do I ask someone? Or-or do I wait for someone to ask me?" she stammered. "Isn't there some sort of protocol I should be following?"

The other two girls couldn't help but laugh at their flustered friend. Millie gave her a reassuring pat on the back. "I wouldn't worry about it, Marie. You're school champion, I'm sure boys will be throwing themselves at you."

Millie had a point. Once the Yule Ball was announced, Marie was suddenly aware of how many boys were in the school. Eyes lingered on her longer than necessary and random boys walked up to her and struck up impromptu conversations. A Ravenclaw that Marie had never spoken two words to had offered to carry her books. Next, an older Gryffindor she had never seen before had flat out asked her and she was so startled, she panicked and turned him down. He didn't seem too upset as he simply shrugged his shoulders.

"Worth a shot," he had grumbled.

It didn't help that Pansy was going with Draco and Millie had been asked by Theodore Nott. There was a bit of a height difference between the two but Millie was tickled pink with her date and didn't seem to mind. Christmas was soon approaching and Marie could feel the pressure settling on her shoulders and stirring up her insides, which was why she was picking at her breakfast one morning. Pansy noticed and gave a huff, folding her copy of the Daily Prophet sharply.

"Just go ask him already!" she sighed, rolling her eyes. Marie looked up, confused.

"What?"

Pansy threw a pointed look to the far side of the table where Marcus was sitting with the other Quidditch boys. Heat crept up the back of her neck as she looked back down at her now interesting toast.

"What's the big deal? Just go march over there and ask him!" Pansy advised. The heat continued from her neck to her face.

"I-I couldn't, I just..." she stammered, trailing off.

"You've faced a dragon! How's a boy any different?" asked Pansy, exasperated. Marie covered her face, trying to will the blush to fade.

"I'll take the dragon, please..."

"So, Yule Ball's coming up," stated Miles Bletchley. The Quidditch boys were eating at the far end of their House table, where they usually sat. Montague gave the red head a strange look.

"So?"

Miles shrugged. "Just wanted to know who all had dates already." There was a grumble of confirmed grunts, no one sounding especially thrilled. The Keeper noticed their captain's silence and he smirked.

"Anyone got your eye, Flint?" he asked not-so-innocently. Before he could answer, Montague gave an unbecoming snort to which Flint sent a glare his way.

"Are you serious? Of course he does," said Montague as he grabbed another piece of toast.

"I know, I just wanted to hear him say it," sighed Miles. Clearly Montague had taken the fun out of the taunting. Bole then arrived and noticed the strange energy with Flint glaring at Montague as Bletchley smirked. He took the empty spot beside the seventh year repeat.

"What's going on?" he asked, curious.

"Nothing-" started Marcus but Miles was faster.

"-Asking Flint who he wants to ask to the Ball."

"Oh that's easy," shrugged Bole, filling his plate with food. "Rogue."

Marcus looked around quickly to make sure they weren't over heard as he became hot under the collar. "Merlin's pants, I don't think you said that loud enough. Not sure if the Hufflepuff table heard you!" he hissed. Bole raised an interested brow.

"Wait-you mean you haven't-"

"-I'm not-"

"-I mean, I can ask for you," he offered, raising up from his seat. He looked toward the other end of the table where the dark haired girl was sitting. Just as he took a deep breath, Marcus yanked his robes and brought him sharply back into his chair.

"Keep your mouth shut if you know what's good for you," Marcus growled.

"What's the big deal?" asked Bole, straightening his robes. "I thought you asked her already?"

Marcus scoffed as he turned his focus back to his food. "And just what gave you that idea?"

"Well, she turned down some Gryffindor, so I figured she was taken," he answered simply. The captain fell silent, his fork stilling against the plate. The food suddenly tasted like lead.

"Someone asked her?" Marcus distantly heard himself ask. This time Miles gave a short laugh.

"Flint, she's a champion. Everyone has their eye on her. We all just assumed you would ask her," he explained. The Flint looked at his teammates cautiously.

"Wait, when you say "we all" do you mean-"

"The Quidditch team," finished Miles. "You're not as complex as you think, Flint. Anyone who has played Quidditch with the two of you would know it."

"He's right," chimed Bole. "It's why Derrick and I went and got Marie to bring you to Snape last year, remember?"

Derrick nodded, now brought into the conversation. "He's right. You're a bit transparent, mate."

Marcus tried not to groan as he ran his hands over his face. Great, because he wasn't already divided enough about asking the girl to the Ball, his teammates and friends were well aware of the favor he paid her. He wanted to ask her and he had plenty of opportunities as they were both in the library frequently and obviously apart of the same House. Then he would change his mind because he didn't want guilt her into going with him and, hell, he wasn't sure if he was going. An evening feeling like a freak as he lumbered about the dance floor with his oversized feet and lack of dancing potential. It didn't exactly sound like a great time to him. Then if he didn't ask her, he sure as hell didn't want to see her with someone else. The image of Marie dancing with some other student was enough to his blood boil, and that should be enough to make him ask her. Then fear would weave its way into his thoughts: What if he hurt her? Gripped her too tightly? He was still getting used to his strength and size, it wouldn't be out of the question.

Miles' bright chirp brought him out of his thoughts.

"Hello Marie, fancy seeing you here!"

Turning around quickly, Marcus was stunned to see Marie standing behind him, tugging the edge of her sleeve. She gave a smile, pink coloring her cheeks.

"Hello," she greeted. "H-how are you?"

"Oh, just great," smirked Miles, looking as pleased as can be. Bole then spoke up, to Flint's horror.

"Hey Marie, you're awfully pretty. Do you have a date to the Ball yet?"

Marie seemed just as thrown off as the seventh year, her face steadily darkening in blush. After a shocked moment, she found her words again.

"Th-thank you, but no, I don't. Have a date, that is," she managed. Bole then looked over to Flint, who was wishing that looks could kill as he glared at his teammate.

"What a shame. Say Flint, do you have a date to the Ball?" he asked innocently.

Through clenched teeth, he gave his answer. "No..."

"Wow, would you look at that!" exclaimed Bole, grabbing his belongings. The rest of the team quickly collected their things as well. Marcus seriously considered reaching out and strangling the Beater, who was within arm's reach.

"We have got to be somewhere else, so sorry," he excused. He clapped Flint on the shoulder before darting away.

That left the two Slytherins by themselves at the far end of the House table. Completely alone.

"How strange of them to run off like that," commented Marie, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Yeah, they're plenty strange." Marcus gave an uncomfortable cough, his own flush rising up to his cheeks. A few seconds ticked by, neither one saying anything. Marcus coughed again and tried to break the silence at the same moment as Marie.

"Since you haven't-"

"-I was wondering if-"

"-if you wouldn't mind-"

"-you'd like to go to the Ball-"

"-with me..."

Stunned, they stared at each other for a moment of surprise before they started to laugh aloud at their double request. The laughter shattered the previous awkward and embarrassing air as they gathered their wits and their volume died down. It was Marie who confirmed the date, her answer making him smile again.

"I'd love to."

REVIEW! Yay! Yule dates! It's a bit of a fluffy piece, but yay! Your thoughts would be lovely, any inputs as to what you would like to see at the Ball and all that jazz.

So excited!

Next time: The Yule Ball!

I hope you enjoyed!