Author's Note: A bit out of season, I'm afraid...

45. THE CHRISTMAS BALL

The Malfoy Christmas Ball was just as grand and spectacular as Holly had envisioned and from Tom's quiet air of satisfaction she knew that he was quite happy with the guest list as well. He was still attentive to her, most of all, had swirled her over the dance floor in his safe arms for several songs and whispered sweet or funny comments to her all throughout dinner before excusing himself for a bit of necessary socialising with all the important people that had flocked into the manor for this event.

He had dropped her off at the table where Hermione, Ron and all her classmates were sitting, asking her twice if she was okay with his leaving and reminding her that he was always close by if she needed anything before finally going off. And Holly was happy to have a chance to catch up with her friends, especially as Draco seemed to be under strict instructions from his mother to be nice to her and not let anyone hound her with inappropriate questions about the attack or Dumbledore's trial. They mostly talked about what she had missed at Hogwarts, the substitute Defence teacher and the upcoming Quidditch matches, which was when things got a little heated between the assembled Gryffindors and Slytherins. Holly enjoyed the banter for a little while, especially when Ron recounted some of the highlights of the last game between Slytherin and Ravenclaw. But then of course Draco and his housemates took exception to Ron's less than flattering characterisations and Holly decided to leave the boys to sort themselves out and catch a bit of fresh air instead.

"Do you want to come with me to get some air?" Holly leaned over to whisper the question to Hermione, who had got a book from her bag when the conversation had turned to Quidditch.

Hermione hesitated, biting her lip. "Do you mind if I just finish this chapter? It's really interesting – the author is drawing parallels between Hexagonal Casting and the Arc of Artemis to highlight some of the issues with the current theory on Balancing."

Holly just shook her head with a small laugh. "I didn't understand any of that, but I think I still got my answer. Stay here and finish your chapter, Mione, I'll be fine."

"Are you sure? I don't mind…"

"I'm sure. I can ask Rabastan and Rudolphus to come with me," Holly answered easily, getting up and slipping away before Ron could offer to come with her.

Her friendship with Ron was back on firmer ground now and she believed that he had got over his infatuation, or whatever it had been, and that he actually understood why she had felt so betrayed by his actions. He treated her more carefully now, but that was true for all of them, and she knew that he was doing his best to keep his temper in check around her and just be a supportive friend. They weren't quite back yet to their easy comradery of before, but she was confident that they could get there eventually. But until then she still needed a bit of space from time to time.

She skirted along the edge of the ballroom, avoiding the groups of chattering witches and wizards as best as possible until she spotted the two Lestranges. Rabastan seemed quite at ease, casually sipping on his drink and watching his brother with open amusement while the latter was trying to fend off the group of witches all clustered around him and vying for his attention.

Holly could understand their obvious interest because both Lestrange brothers cut an impressive figure, tall and broad-shouldered and with chiselled features. But Rudolphus was so clearly uncomfortable, answering only in monosyllables and drawing himself up ever higher as if to put the greatest possible distance between him and his wooers that Holly didn't feel bad at all for interrupting.

She lightly touched Rudolphus' elbow to get his attention, ignoring the busty blond witch that was almost pressed against the Dark wizard's side. "I need some air. Do you think you could come with me? Tom didn't want me to go off on my own..."

Rudolphus turned to her immediately, relief flashing in his eyes as he offered her his arm with a gentle smile. "Of course, Holly. If you will excuse me, ladies."

He ignored the protests and offers to tag along from his entourage and instead swiftly manoeuvred them to one of the grand glass doors leading out onto a terrace overlooking the garden and decorated with floating candles, evergreens and majestic ice sculptures. Rabastan wordlessly fell into step on her other side.

"So I take it none of those charming ladies is going to be the next Mrs. Lestrange?" he commented with a smirk after the door had closed behind them, completely unfazed by Rudolphus' dirty look.

"Not unless you're interested," Rudolphus bit out, guiding Holly with a gentle hand in the small of her back. "Thank you for the rescue, Holly, I was about ready to hit myself with a Vomiting Curse just to get them to back off."

"Perhaps you could have enjoyed a quieter evening if you had refrained from dancing with quite so many of your suitors," Snape's quiet voice remarked, making them all turn towards the wind-protected alcove to their left where the Potions Master was sitting, apparently immersed in a book.

Rudolphus snorted unhappily, leading Holly over and settling her on the cushioned stone bench next to her professor before he answered, "At least then I only had to deal with one of them. And I'm not sure they would have accepted 'no' for an answer, in any case."

"You should try to enjoy it more: No-one's saying that you have to get married on the spot, but it's time you moved on from Bellatrix," Rabastan said, also wandering over.

Holly couldn't quite suppress the flinch at that name, startling further when Snape reached out to squeeze her shoulders with his long, elegant fingers before changing the subject to her, "And what was your reason for fleeing from the ballroom, Holly?"

"Ron and Draco were starting to argue." Holly replied with a shrug, allowing herself to lean ever so slightly into the Potions Master's warmth. "I didn't really feel like getting into the middle of that again."

"A wise choice," Snape commended her. "If you had shown the same foresight in the last few years of your schooling, I daresay you would not have lost quite such an astounding number of points."

Holly laughed, shaking her head. "See, I think you'd have been disappointed if I hadn't given you so many reasons to dock points, Professor."

"You're forgetting your generally poor performance in my classroom," Snape replied, but Holly noted an ever so slight quirk to his lips. "If only I could be so lucky…"

Holly chuckled, hearing the teasing undertone and feeling grateful that the stern Potions Master was willing to open up to her in this way.

"What are you reading, sir?" she asked, trying to decipher the faded letters on the old looking tome in the Potions Master's hand without much success.

"Lucius' idea of a bribe," Snape said with a satisfied smirk. "He knows how much I abhor these pointless social gatherings – and fortunately I escaped the dubitable honour of being considered prime marriage material."

"If you'd like me to introduce you to any of these witches, I'd be happy to oblige," Rudolphus gave back rather tartly.

"How generous," Snape retorted with an impressive sneer.

Holly shivered, wrapping her arms around herself protectively, feeling colder still than the wintery night air would warrant. A soft pop startled her out of her whirling thoughts, Dobby appearing right in front of her with his usual beaming smile, flapping ears and a shawl held out in offering.

"Mistress Holly! Dobby brings you something to keep you warm!" he exclaimed, bouncing slightly in his excitement.

"Oh, that's perfect, Dobby. Thank you," Holly said, crouching down so that the house-elf could wrap the shawl around her shoulders. "Are you still okay being back here? Have there been any issues?"

"Everything is very okay, Mistress Holly. Dobby likes seeing his friends again. The house-elves are even having their own Christmas party after the ball," he told her eagerly, his tennis-ball eyes glowing in the semi-darkness.

"That sounds fun. Why don't you take the rest of the night off and tomorrow too?" Holly said, resting her hand briefly on Dobby's shoulder when he started to shake his head. "You've taken such good care of me these last few months. You deserve some time to enjoy with your friends. I also left a present for you in my room – Merry Christmas, Dobby, and thank you for everything."

"Mistress Holly." Dobby sniffed loudly. "Mistress Holly is too kind! Dobby did not expect a gift! Oh, merry Christmas, Mistress Holly!"

"Merry Christmas," Holly said again, smiling softly and then getting to her feet again as Dobby popped away.

Her smile slipped as she became aware of Rudolphus and Snape still sniping at each other behind her, Rabastan adding in some comments now and then, but not managing to defuse the situation. She turned around to look at them and cleared her throat, straightening her spine and pulling in a deep breath when they focused on her.

"Can I ask… Will you please just go on a date or at least talk about whether you would like to? Because I think that's what you both want and you're miserable waiting for the other to make the first move."

"That's highly inappropriate -"

"Severus doesn't want -"

They both spoke up at the same time then cut themselves off to glance at each other.

"Please just talk to each other," Holly pleaded again. "And if you decide that you don't, that you're better off just being friends, that's okay. But this tension between you… it's a bit much, honestly."

She waited only a moment, but when neither of the two men raised another protest and instead studiously avoided each other's gaze, she turned away with a sigh, addressing Rabastan, "Could you help me find Tom please?"

"Sure thing," Rabastan agreed with a grin, offering her his arm.

He threw his brother another speaking look over his shoulder and then guided her back inside, leaning down once they had crossed the threshold back into the loud ballroom. "Thank you, Holly, that was long overdue."

Holly was about to say something in reply, but just then Tom's emotions slammed into her with full force, profound worry swept away by overwhelming relief, as he made his way towards them with quick steps. She slipped her arm free from Rabastan's and allowed Tom to pull her into his arms and into a tight embrace.

"Holly…" He exhaled deeply.

"I'm sorry I worried you. I just went outside for some air – should I have told you?" Holly murmured, weaving her fingers through Tom's for a comforting squeeze.

"No, no, I overreacted," Tom replied, rubbing his free hand over his forehead. "Narcissa just informed me that Andromeda is here as well and given the family resemblance… I didn't want you to be unprepared."

"Oh, I knew that. Narcissa asked if I was okay with it," Holly replied. "I think it's good that she reached out to her sister. They've been estranged for too long and Sirius really likes Andy."

Tom huffed out another breath, gently touching her cheek as if to reassure himself. "You are far kinder than I could ever be, kitten."

"I don't think that's true," Holly murmured, resting her cheek against Tom's chest. "You may show it differently, but I know you care. I don't know anyone else who has so many ideas on how to make our world better."

Tom laughed, the corners of his eyes crinkling in amusement. "From anyone else, I wouldn't be sure if I should take that as a compliment."

"How's your politicking going?" Holly asked.

"Well enough, I suppose, but I still much prefer your company," Tom replied with a wink and a charming smile, lifting her hand to his lips to breathe a kiss over her knuckles. "Might I interest you in another dance?"

"I'd like that, but can I get something to drink first?" Holly replied, smiling when a floating tray with drinks immediately popped up next to them. "Thank you!"

She took a glass of fruit punch from the tray, gratefully wrapping her cold hands around the warm glass before taking a sip. Tom studied her carefully, gently rubbing her arms.

"I can perform a Warming Charm if you're cold," he offered, but Holly shook her head.

"I'm fine. It's just my hands that are a bit cold, so this is perfect. And Dobby put a Warming Charm on this," she plucked at one end of the shawl before pulling it off completely.

"Here, let me hang that up for you," Rabastan offered, taking the shawl from her and easily banishing it to a close-by coat stand. "And look," he smiled and nodded towards the dance floor, towards one of the couples.

Holly smiled as well, recognizing the older Lestrange brother and her Potions professor as they started to move across the dance floor in a slow waltz. They still looked a little stiff perhaps and they seemed to be in disagreement on who should take the lead, but Rudolphus categorically refused to let go of the Potions Master, who in turn glared at any female who happened to cross their path.

"Your work, kitten?" Tom asked lightly, leaning down to murmur in her ear.

"I just made a suggestion," Holly replied with a tiny shrug, taking the opportunity to lean back into Tom's solid chest. "They've been quite obvious, haven't they? Especially for two people who value their privacy so very highly."

Tom chuckled softly. "I don't know if I would call them obvious, but then I don't have your insight, kitten."

To Holly it was and not just because of the emotional tension between the two wizards. They were always spending time together, even if it was just them quietly reading; they sat next to each other at mealtimes and when the Potions Master was around Rudolphus sometimes deviated from his usual speech patterns with his brother. So they were obvious and kind of sweet, but Holly agreed with Rabastan that it was time for them to move forward and look to the future.

She sighed softly, closing her eyes for a moment as Tom's arms settled more securely around her waist.

"Are you all right, kitten? Do you want us to retire for the night?" he asked, a soft hint of worry in his voice.

"No, I'm okay. Just… taking everything in, you know?" Holly murmured back. "The atmosphere's nice. I think everyone's having fun."

"Lucius will be glad to hear that," Tom commented, but Holly snorted and looked up with a roll of her eyes.

"Lucius will want people to be impressed, in awe of his wealth and affluence and the illustriousness of his guest list," she replied. "I don't think 'fun' ranks very highly on his list of priorities."

"Do I hear a note of judgement in your sweet voice, Lady Potter?" Lucius suddenly spoke up, having spotted them in their quiet corner and moving around Tom and into her line of vision.

"I don't know, do you?" Holly replied, flashing him a sharp grin.

"Alas, I fear I do," Lucius answered and heaved a put-upon sigh. "But I shall endeavour to forgive you since you are, after all, one of my most illustrious guests tonight."

He sketched a deep bow and then held out his hand. "Might I have this next dance, Holly? If my Lord has no objections, of course."

"Tom doesn't get to decide whether I want to dance, Lucius," Holly said with a scowl before turning to the Dark Lord, who raised his hands in mock surrender.

"I would not dare suggest otherwise, kitten. And I don't mind if you wish to fulfil Lucius' request for a dance first, though I do hope that you will save the last dance for me."

Holly grimaced. "That's so cheesy, Tom."

Tom laughed good-naturedly. "You'd better get used to it, kitten, because romance will be very much a part of our courtship."

"Then I expect a bit more originality, please," Holly shot back. "And I don't need pretty words, anyway – just honesty."

"You have that, always," Tom promised and then flashed her a smirk. "And how could pretty words ever adequately capture how beautiful and amazing you are, anyway?"

Holly huffed, even as she could feel the blush warming her cheeks.

"Very true, my Lord," Lucius said, stressing the title ever so slightly. "And I did not mean any offense by my earlier words, Holly. It was just a polite turn of phrase, or at least I intended it as such."

Holly huffed, but then turned to Tom again. §When are you going to tell Lucius that he's allowed to call you by your first name?§

§I promised Severus to wait a bit,§ Tom replied.

§He's your best friend! You talk to him every day and it clearly bothers him. And that bothers me,§ Holly gave back. §And I'm pretty sure Professor Snape has other things on his mind right now.§

§You might be right, kitten,§ Tom mused, swooping down to breathe a light kiss against her cheek before she could argue further. "Since Holly has such strong feelings on exaggerated formality, perhaps you might like to address me by my first name from now on, Lucius."

"Of course, Tom. I would not want to upset Holly," Lucius replied quickly, exuding such an air of smug satisfaction that Holly felt transported back into some very unhappy childhood memories.

"Unbelievable." She snorted softly, throwing both Dark wizards an unimpressed look before turning to Rabastan. "Will you dance with me?"

"Of course," Rabastan agreed immediately, waiting for her to thrust her glass into Tom's hand before offering her his arm.

"Have fun, kitten," Tom called after her, clearly feeling more amused than in any way chastised.

Rabastan led her to the dance floor, offering her his hand again and waiting for her to move into position before he started to sway them to the music from the ice sculpture orchestra.

"You're not upset, are you?" Holly asked, feeling herself relax at the gentle, unhurried movement. "About your brother and Professor Snape?"

"No." Rabastan smiled down at her. "Severus is a good man and they've been dancing around each other for ages – they deserve to be happy. And like you I will be glad if I no longer have to hear them griping at each other."

"You know, if you wanted to find someone for yourself, I think that witch over there in the sparkling blue dress is much more interested in you than in your brother," Holly offered, discretely nodding towards the brunette woman, who was watching them from the edge of the dance floor.

Rabastan led her through a spin so that he could see whom she was talking about. "Ah, yes, that's Christy. We went out a few times when we were both at Hogwarts. I thought she was married though..."

"You should go and talk to her," Holly said encouragingly, taking a small step back as the song ended. "You deserve to be happy too, you know?"

"Thank you, Holly," Rabastan replied with a smile. "Would you like me to escort you back before I go and try my luck?"

"That won't be necessary," Tom declared, tapping Rabastan on the shoulder. "Thank you, Rabastan."

"My Lord," Rabastan replied, sketching a bow. "My Lady, thank you for the dance."

"Don't you start," Holly groused. "If I wanted to be addressed as 'my Lady', I'd wear a bloody sign."

Rabastan grinned, bowing again. "My apologies, Holly. I'll wait for the sign then."

He turned away, directing himself vaguely towards Christy without making it seem that he was charging her head on. Holly hoped that everything would go well for him and that he would be able to reconnect to his old friend, if nothing else.

Tom gently touched her waist to gain her attention. "How about that dance, kitten? Might I have the honour?"

"Only because it's Christmas," Holly replied after a short hesitation, scowling up at him for good measure. "And because I love dancing with you."

"Then I'm a very lucky man, indeed," Tom answered with a grin, pulling her into his arms. "But then, I already knew that."