Chapter 5
'Hey Julian, having any luck with the egg? Wait…are you playing chess with a Dragon?!'
Julian glanced up with a scowl.
'Playing chess? Playing chess?! I'm getting thrashed at chess!'
He gave a dark look to the mini Dragon, who purred happily and knocked another piece over.
Julian sighed and stuck his tongue out at the critter, before giving the pair a grin.
'I'm doing fine with the egg Mr Potter, Miss Granger'.
'You know you can just call us by our first names. After all you're letting us do that with you' Hermione said with a bemused smile.
Julian smiled back.
'Harry, Hermione. I've already figured out the egg's clue. You just had to listen to it underwater. I'm guessing by now the others have as well'.
'Why do I get the feeling you helped them?' Harry asked with a grin.
Julian gave him an innocent look.
'Help them, me? Now you know that's not allowed. All I did was accidentally push Mr Diggory into the lake with his opened egg'.
He received twin grins back.
'So what's the plan for the second task?' Hermione then asked.
'Something about recovering something dear to you from the black lake. Though I have a feeling they may use someone' Julian replied.
'That's barbaric!' Hermione exclaimed.
Julian shrugged.
'That's the Triwizard Tournament for you. I mean first task was a Dragon after all'.
He then stood and stretched.
'The lake's not so bad though. I've been in it before, the Merfolk are quite friendly. Grindylows are a bit vicious though'.
'There are Mermaids in the lake?' Harry asked curiously.
'Yep. Not really what you'd expect Merfolk to look like though. Don't want to call them ugly, but they kinda are' Julian replied.
'They're in Hogwarts: A History. Along with the giant squid. Merpeople have been living in the lake for hundreds of years' Hermione explained.
'So I'm guessing they have something to do with the second task. Maybe guarding whatever you're supposed to rescue. Do you have a plan of action?' Harry mused.
'I reckon you're right Harry. And I've got an idea how to navigate the lake' Julian replied with a wink.
The Dragon roared in triumph. Julian turned and scowled at it.
'What do mean checkmate?! That's eight times in a row!'
He sighed and slumped back down.
'Best of seventeen?'
OOO
'Settle down please'.
Professor McGonagall waited for her students to turn their attention to her.
'In light of the tournament, Hogwarts will be hosting a Yule ball'.
She waited for the excited whispers, mainly from the girls, and the groans from the guys to die down.
'I expect all of you to behave for this event. The house of Godric Gryffindor has commanded the respect of the wizarding world for over ten centuries. I will not have you, in one night, besmirching that name by behaving like a babbling, bumbling band of baboons!'
Harry sniggered as the twins tried to repeat that five times fast. Ron huffed at him.
'Now then I've been tasked to ensure my house is up to speed with the more traditional dances. This is a time to…'
She wrinkled her nose.
'…let our hair down'.
She dutifully ignored the giggles and sniggers.
'Nevertheless I expect you to compose yourself in a respectful manner. You are representing the noble house of Gryffindor'.
She signaled to Mr Filch who started up the music.
'Now, you gentlemen will be thankful to know, I have a helper to show you how to properly dance the waltz. Mr Heartright if you will'.
All of the girl's and even some of the guy's jaws dropped when Julian emerged. The young man was dressed in very flattering deep blue dress robes with a silver trim over a crisp white shirt with a tiny touch of lace down the front. His black velvet bowtie complemented the formal black trousers and dress shoes, his hair tied back with a silk blue ribbon. Simply put he was gorgeous. He walked over and bowed to Professor McGonagall. She smiled softly and offered her hand.
'My Lady' he spoke, kissing the back of it softly.
He then straightened.
'May I have this dance?'
Fighting an eye roll she stepped towards him.
'You gentleman will see that Mr Heartright has placed his hand round my waist, and the ladies will see my hand on his shoulder. Now notice the step movements'.
They started dancing slowly to the music, Professor McGonagall laying out the rhythm step by step.
'One two three and one two three. Are you all paying attention?'
Most of the girls were by now giving her looks of envy, while the boys were unsure whether or not to laugh or look impressed.
'Alright students. I want everyone to find a partner and practice the waltz' Professor McGonagall said, finishing her dance with Julian.
The two watched as the boys awkwardly shuffled around, while the girls waited impatiently for them to come over. Finally Neville summoned all his nerves and stood, heading over and bowing to Ginny.
'May I have this dance?' he asked quietly.
She gave him a pretty blush and stood, accepting his hand. The twins, not wanting to be outdone, grabbed Lee Jordan and strode over to the three Gryffindor chasers, not quite as formal but the girls accepted anyway. Harry quickly followed them, heading over to Hermione who smiled and accepted. Eventually all the boys had found their partner. Minerva watched them as they shuffled around under the pretense of dancing, while the girls made a better effort.
'It would appear that you will be the talk of the female population for some time Mr Heartright. Have you any idea who you will be bringing to the ball?' she asked quietly.
'I do have someone in mind. I just hope she'll be available. I'll send her an owl tomorrow' he replied, smiling as Harry and Hermione waltzed around.
'I only know of one female you were good friends with during your school years. Are you sure it's a wise idea?' Minerva asked with a slight smirk.
Julian grinned.
'Professor McGonagall, are you suggesting I am asking her simply so we can have fun? I assure you I am very serious about portraying a good image and wouldn't dream of messing around' he replied, turning his nose up mockingly.
She hid a snort and they turned back to the students.
'I confess I feel better knowing you are competing in the place of Mr Potter. I was worried for his safety'.
Julian placed a hand on her shoulder.
'I was worried too, which was why I did some research into the rules. It seems every year that Harry is targeted. As long as I'm here I'm determined not to let this year be the same'.
She smiled at him and nodded.
'Thank you Julian'.