"Again!" said Fleur.

For the one hundredth time, Harry had stepped on her toes. He had improved greatly, but if he danced long enough, he would eventually make a mistake. Fleur was a patient teacher, never becoming angry or even complaining from the pain she was probably feeling as he stepped on her over and over again.

They had practiced for the entirety of the previous day and for the better part of the current one. Harry was thankful to his workout regime, otherwise he would not be able to handle the physical demands of dancing for almost two complete days.

He once again took a deep breath and placed one is his hands on her waist while the other joined hers. They had been practicing classical dancing, as that was what would be required for the opening of the Ball, when the attention would be mainly focused on them. And with the two going together, they knew they would be the center of it. Two champions going together wasn't unprecedented, but it was extremely rare, as the rivalry prevented a deeper relationship between the contestants. Adding to that that Harry was an international celebrity and that Fleur was considered one of the most beautiful girls, if not the most beautiful, in Hogwarts, and they were obviously the main attraction of the night.

That was why it was so important for Harry to learn how to dance well, not just in a passable manner, as making a good impression was very important.

A small wave of Fleur's wand, before sticking it in her hair, started the music once again, and they continued dancing.

They continued for a couple more hours, only stopping when dinner time approached.

Both Fleur and he were panting when they pulled apart, tired from the day of training and the intensity of being so close with someone for so long.

Dancing was an intimate affair, and the tension between the two could be felt by both. Harry in particular having a slightly more trouble, the effect of her allure at such close proximity being increased. He ended up lowering his guard a bit and having to request for a break to deal with the consequences of the enticement.

He was surprised when Fleur changed the room into providing two bathroom and made her way to the bathroom on the right, a small female symbol identifying it. He was used to shower and get changed in the room, but he didn't imagined Fleur would the same. He entered his bathroom but found it incredibly hard to ignore the fact that there was a naked girl, one like Fleur nonetheless, just a few feet away, with only a wall separating them both. He really tried, but he wasn't able to shake those thoughts from his mind.

His body followed his thoughts and he ended up having to take care of that problem in the shower.

When they were clean and presentable to the public, they made their way to dinner. The next day would be an important and intense one, and both teens were nervous about it.

Fleur was looking herself in the mirror, re-touching the little make up she had on. She knew she didn't need it, her Veela genes making her skin perfect, but she couldn't resist in covering a few things she didn't enjoy much.

Luna sat on her bed, carefully watching her. She loved to watch Fleur doing her routine of getting ready, and Fleur had insisted on Luna to stay by her side for the days following the Flitwick debacle. She knew people could be vengeful and feared some retribution from what she'd done. Luna didn't mind at all, enjoying spending time with Fleur. As she was in her winter vacation, she didn't have classes, so the two girls spent all their time together.

Luna had been invited to the Ball by Blaise Zambini. She had gladly accepted the invitation, and Fleur knew the boy didn't have with romantic intentions. Harry had asked Blaise if he could take Luna and keep an eye on the girl, as with the boy not having a date yet, he had gladly accepted the task. That arrangement solved two problems, and allowed Fleur and consequentially Harry, to enjoy the night more freely and with less concerns.

Contrary to most girls, Fleur wasn't insecure with her looks and knew she would look stunning in her grey dress. It matched her hair, and she had instructed Harry to dress accordingly. Her concern was mostly what usually happened when she dressed up and let herself go. If the attention of the male population was already high in her normal attire, I doubled or tripled when she was dressed up. That could be a problem that would turn the night unpleasant. She prayed for that no to happen but couldn't prevent her mind from thinking about it.

When she finished with her arrangements, it was Luna's turn. She carefully arranged her hair in a typical French manner, a long braid resting on one of her shoulders.

She applied some make up as well but restrained herself as she wanted to give Luna a natural and innocent look. As the time for the Ball to begin came close, they made their way to the Hall where they were supposed to meet their dates, with Fleur making the calculations for them to arrive just a quarter of an hour late, as it was female tradition, but she didn't wanted to keep waiting for long. Her plans were ruined the moment they exited the carriages, finding both boys waiting for them at the door.

Harry convinced Blaise to surprise the girls by waiting for them at the carriages instead of the entrance Hall. He wanted the night to be perfect and thought that would be the best way to start it, with a surprise.

The boys waited for the girls at the door and were stunned when the girls showed up. Blaise was pleasantly surprised by Luna's looks. She was beautiful when she dropped the careless look and Fleur had done a wonderful job with the younger girl. Harry was without words. He was barely able to speak, and words couldn't make justice to how Fleur look. Her gray dress with some flower's arrangements enhanced all her best features, embracing her body like a second skin. It revealed a great deal of cleavage, getting his brain into disarray. He stuttered a complement.

"Yo- You girls looks incredible. Wow."

Both Fleur and Luna beamed them smiles.

"Thank you, Harry"

"Absolutely stunning. We must be the luckiest blokes in the school!" Added Blaise.

Luna smiled at the Slytherin and took his arm. Fleur did the same with Harry's and the four made their way to the party.

They separated at the door of the Great Hall, Blaise and Luna getting in and Harry and Fleur proceeding to the trophy room, as all the champions and their dates had been informed to do.

They found Professor McGonagall there, with the heads of the three schools and Ludo Bagman. Victor Krum was already there too with is date. Harry recognized the girl as Hermione Granger, the Gryffindor book worm of his year. The girl's demeanor changed immediately on their arrival, going from friendly chatting with Victor to defensively staring at Fleur, her eyes filled with hate. Harry wondered why that had happened, making a mental note to ask Fleur later. The teachers present frowned slightly upon seeing them both together, but none made any comments. Victor nodded in Harry's direction, and the Slytherin student gave the same courtesy back. Ludo was the exception, enthusiastically greeting Harry.

"Harry! How are you doing such a fine evening? I assume great, with such a beautiful date." His eyes glanced over to Fleur, and for a second, they were filled with the same lustful look that was usual in the majority of male students, but he was able to shake it off.

"I'm doing great, Mister Bagman. My date absolutely helps, you're right." He politely greeted back.

"Thank you, Mister Bagman" added Fleur, so the complement wasn't unnoticed. She was trained in formal conversation and knew exactly how to act.

"That's great. A word, Harry?"

"Sure" he followed Bagman to a corner of the room, where they would have some privacy to speak.

"I just want to tell you, as a good friend that I am, that a lot of important people are here tonight to be present at this event. All of them will have their eyes on you, and most will want to have a word. Be careful with what you say, as you can make both friends and enemies tonight."

Harry wondered why Bagman was trying to help him, calling himself his friend. Maybe he just wanted to be associated with the Boy-Who-Lived, thinking it would be a powerful ally. Well, he wouldn't dismiss any help, even if it had some ulterior motives.

"Thank you for the heads up, Mister Bagman. Now, if you don't mind, I will return to my date. She doesn't like it when I leave for a long time."

"Of course! Enjoy the rest of the evening."

"You too."

Harry made his way back to Fleur, who promptly grabbed his arm and got closer.

While he had been speaking with Bagman, Cedric had arrived with his date. Harry had heard the rumor that he was going with Cho Chang, so he was slightly confused when he saw him with Katie Bell, a Gryffindor Quidditch chaser. He assumed his breakup with Cho had happened after the confrontation in the Great Hall from Flitwick, so he didn't give it too much importance.

"Now that we are all here, I will give you the instructions on what will happen and your roll in the event." Said professor McGonagall. "You will enter the Hall, in order of standing in the tournament, making your way to the main table in the center of the room, your seats have your names on them. After dinner the champions and their dates will stand where it's usually the teachers table for a round of applause and some photographs for the press before opening the Ball. The first dance is reserved for the champions, so you will be dancing alone. After that, anyone will be able to join. Your duties will end there. Please behave and remember each of you is representing a school. Make us proud of you."

When she finished her speech, Professor McGonagall made her way to the Hall, leaving the champions and the headmasters arranging themselves in formation. Ludo would enter first, followed by Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of the host school. Karkaroff and Maxime would follow, with Harry and Fleur behind. Krum and Granger would go after them and Cedric was last with Katie.

They made their way to the Great Hall, and Harry enjoyed the changes that had been done. Gone were the house tables, replaced with sets of circular tables, all beautifully decorated. Harry was surprised to find some people he knew there, like Fudge, the Minister of Magic, Amelia Bones and Lucius Malfoy. But the biggest surprise of all was Sirius, who was seated at the main table as well. He noticed Blaise and Luna together with Tracey and Theo. They sat in the same table as Draco, Pansy and Draco's bodyguards, Crabble and Goyle. The latter two didn't seem to have been able to find dates, something that left Harry with a bittersweet taste in his mouth. On one hand, they were loyal to Draco, always by his side and he didn't like that, on the other hand he knew they were not bad people, just simple and a little dumb. The fact that they probably had orders from their parents to stay around Malfoy only helped their case.

The table had some other students, mostly Slytherins, but he rested when he noticed that both Blaise and Tracey were enrolled in a conversation with Luna. She was integrated, and that was good. He shook those thoughts from his mind and found his sit at the table. He was surprised when he found he was sitting right besides Sirius, with Fleur on the other side followed by Cedric and Katie. He was wondering who had done such arrangements when he noticed Amelia Bones smiling at him. Figuring it was her action, he gave her a nod and a smile, which she replied with a have.

"Harry, so good to see you here. And let me congratulate you, you do know how to pick them. Miss Delacour, right?"

"Yes, and you are?" she asked, curious at the familiarity, but extending her hand forward, like tradition told her to.

Sirius lowered his head and kissed her knuckles, answering. "I happen to be the Lord Black, of deranged murderer, known ladies' man and the Godfather of this unfortunate guy over here" He gave a small nudge in Harry's arm with his elbow.

"Oh, you were the one the papers made such a fuss about a few weeks ago. Pleasure to meet you, Lord Black." She greeted with a smile.

"The pleasure is all mine, and please, call me Sirius." Harry noticed how his godfather's eyes didn't glaze like most of the other men in the room. He appreciated that and avoid being pleased with Sirius apparent recover. He looked way healthier, the like of a free man suiting him. His eyes still had a haunted look, deep shadows behind his grey eyes. Harry assume it would take some time to make a full recovery, but he was happy the man didn't look like a malnourished zombie.

"how did you end up here?" He asked.

"You are unaware of how doors open with the power and money from the Black Family. It was easy to be here, just needed to say the right words to Cornelius. Amelia was the one kind enough to provide me with the seat beside you, so we must thank her for it."

Harry have him a wary look. "I don't know if I should thank her or murder her, having dinner next to a dog doesn't look like the most pleasant way to spend the evening." He gave a small chuckle, being unable to contain his laughter at his own joke.

Sirius busted out laughing, and Fleur gave Harry a questioning look. She understood that the dog part was a private joke between the two and wanted to fill included.

Harry shrugged and winked at her, not wanting to give Sirius' secret away without his permission.

The seated down and in a few minutes, menus appeared in front of them. Being used to the food just appearing in the table, he wondered what the goal was. Dumbledore was quick to explain, informing them to just say the name of the food they wanted, and it would appear. He gave the example, asking for a weird Scandinavian dish and the plate of streaming food magically appearing in front of him. Harry found it an interesting concept and began scanning through the list. It was a mix of British, French and Scandinavian food along with some common's international dishes. Fleur gave him a few tips on what to choose from the French part of the options, but refused his help when he tried to give her the same advice but with the British dishes, claiming she wasn't a fan of the heavy food the Englishmen usually cooked.

Dinner went without any major incidents, filled with polite conversation from the people around their table interrupted by some of Sirius jokes. Harry enjoyed the evening, mostly switching between Fleur and Sirius. Fleur made sure he tried most of the French cuisine available, giving him small bites of her own food. He enjoyed her actions, noticing how sweet Fleur was acting towards him.

A few guys gazed at her during dinner, but nothing worth paying attention.

Dinner slowly ended, and the champions made their way to the podium that stood where the teachers table usually was, followed by their dates.

They stood there for a couple of minutes as people clapped and cheered them, while the photographers took numerous pictures of the three couples.

As they stood there, the tables slowly disappeared, leaving the hall almost deserted of objects, only a small drinks table and a stage remained. The crowd formed a circle in the middle, and the six made their way to the center. Harry took a deep breath and when the first chords of the song were heard, he started moving around just like Fleur had taught him. For a few minutes that felt like hours and seconds at the same time, they dance together, lost in the eyes and embrace of each other. Harry danced better than ever, which was expected, as he tended to perform well under pressure. But he knew none of that would have been possible without Fleur, as the Veela was a natural and trained for these kinds of occasions since she was a child. Her grace and agility were unmatched, and Harry simply enjoyed dancing with a beautiful girl, forgetting all his problem for a little while. A few songs later they were interrupted by Sirius and Amelia and exchanged partners. Sirius took Fleur and Harry ended up with Amelia.

"Madame Bones, I was told I have to thank you for the presence of my Godfather by my side this evening."

"I was nothing, Harry. I can call you Harry, right?" After the short affirmative nod from the boy, she continued. "You helped me and the Minister to write an unforgivable wrong, so I think it was more than owed to you the small kindness."

They both smiled, and peacefully continued their dance, with Harry noticing the difference from Fleur's ballerina stance to the soldier positioning of Amelia Bones. She was a good dancer but is nowhere near the same.

Harry was surprised to find Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy waiting for them at the end of the song.

"Mister Potter. My wife." Coldly said Lucius.

"Lord Malfoy." Answered Harry in an equally cold matter, taking Narcissa in his arms. Amelia went away with Lucius, leaving Harry alone dancing with Narcissa Malfoy. The dance was awkward in the beginning, with harry being wary of the women's intentions. She focused on dancing for a while, showing to be an excellent dancer, the lack of youth agility compensated by years of experience. Harry was able to enjoy the dance part, while still being reticent around the women.

"Harry, you don't need to be afraid. I'm still part of the Black Family. With Sirius taking the lordship and you being his godson, I think we should be made acquaintances. I wish you no harm personally, believe me."

Harry was still not convinced but opted to not take such a strong negative stance against the women.

Narcisa made no further attempts to speak with him until the end of the song, something he was grateful for.

"Thank you for this dance, Mister Potter" She said, with a small bow "I hope we'll meet again."

"Only the future will tell, Lady Malfoy." He returned the courtesy, as etiquette told him to. 'If I don't take care of your husband first' he thought.

They parted ways and harry found no one wanting to dance with him for the moment, something he was grateful for, as he needed a break and probably something to drink.

He looked for Fleur, not being hard to find her, he just followed the male gaze.

She was near the drinks table, speaking with Luna and Blaise. He went in their direction, but was interrupted by the minister himself, Cornelius Fudge.

"Harry, my boy! How are you this fine evening?"

Harry looked at the bloated man. He didn't like the eagerness in the minister's expression, but he went for it as he had no intention of making an enemy out of the Minister of Magic.

"I'm doing great, Minister. How about you, sir?"

"An excellent event, no doubt about it. And call me Cornelius, please. We are friends after all!"

Harry couldn't prevent himself from raising an eyebrow.

"Are we?"

"Of course we are, why shouldn't we be?"

"Maybe the fact that you tried to keep my godfather, an innocent man, in Azkaban?" Harry knew he was being dumb, and shouldn't accuse Fudge, but he couldn't stop himself, the thought of Sirius locked in Azkaban filling his mind.

"That was a mistake, and I admit to it. I apologize, but you have to understand! I, along with most of the Wizarding World, mistakenly thought he was guilty! And you can't blame me for trying to keep a killer in prison."

Harry took a deep breath and opted for the diplomatic way.

"You're right, and I will forgive this one time. But please don't do it again."

"I won't, I promise."

"Good. Now, if you excuse me, I have to make my way to my date, I've left her alone for long enough." He used the same excuse he'd used with Bagman, thinking that if it worked once, it could work twice.

"Of course, of course."

Before Fudge could add anything else, Harry quickly left, walking in Fleur's direction.

"There you are!" Commented Blaise "The minister keeping you busy, mister big shot?" he joked.

"He's a pain in the ass, don't tell me about it." He answered.

Fleur passed him a bottle of butterbeer and clung to his arm.

They chatted for a while with Tracey and Theo joining in later, and eventually made their way back to the dance floor. Harry danced with Luna and Tracey while Blaise and Theo had their shot at dancing with Fleur. Harry noticed Theo's gaze, but decided not to say anything after he received an assertive look from Fleur.

He was back at dancing with his date when their night was suddenly interrupted.

A red-headed boy made their way to them and pushed Harry.

Taking a few steps back, he grabbed his wand and asked the boy.

"What the fuck are you doing?"

"YOU! It's all your fault! You were the one to figured how to enter the tournament and didn't shared the secret, not giving the rest of us a chance of competing as well! And then you steal her!" He pointed at Fleur. Most of the Hall was now looking at them. "And you" He turned to Fleur "You are the reason I lost 'mione." The boy, Ronald Weasley, made a move for his want. But before he could cast anything, Harry's voice was heard.

"Expelliarmus"

The boy went flying in one direction and his wand in another.

Harry didn't mean for the spell to came out so overpowered, but his anger at seeing him accusing Fleur and trying to curse her made him lose control. He approached the boy, now with the entirety of the people in the Hall watching him.

"Are you out of your mind? I don't owe you anything. And I think everyone already knows I didn't enter the tournament. Are you that thick headed?"

He didn't even bother to listen to the boy's response, he turned around, picked up Weasley's wand, and snapped it in half.

"Don't you ever, ever, think of threatening me or Fleur again. I will not be so merciful."

He grabbed Fleur and said in a loud voice.

"Let's get out of here, this night is ruined."

She didn't even spare a look at the boy on the floor, taking Harry out of the Hall.

As they made their way out, Harry was able to catch Sirius' eye.

His Godfather winked at him and gave him a respectful nod. Harry smiled back and exited the Great Hall with Fleur.

They found themselves back in the Come and go room. Harry allowed Fleur to program the room, and saw it turn into a very well decorated bedroom, pictures of Fleur and a younger Fleur all around it. Harry assumed the younger Fleur was her sister, noticing how incredible the similarities were.

"Why are we here?" he asked.

"You saved me back there. I don't know what that boy would do, but I wasn't going to reach my wand in time. I wanted to thank you, and sharing this place, my most sacred place in the world, is my way to do so."

Harry only now realized he was in her room. A copy of her room, true, but her room. This was his first time being in a girl's room. He didn't know what to do.

Fleur help him, siting on her bed and taping the sheets besides her, indicating him to sit by her side. He did, and at that moment she collapsed on her back in the bed. A dew seconds later Harry did the same, and both teens stayed there for a while, none daring to speak, just enjoying the moment and each other's company.

Slowly, Fleur came closer to him and leaned her head against his shoulder.

"Thank you for being my friend, even though we are adversaries in the tournament."

Harry turned his head to face her, his eyes meeting hers. And once again, the entire world stopped existing. Green met blue and blue met green. They stayed like that for minutes, just staring into each other's eyes. This time was Harry making the first move. He closed in the space between them and their lips touched, hesitantly at first, but becoming more vigorously later.

Hours later, Harry was laying on his bed at the chamber of secrets.

Maybe Wesley's interruption was not as bad as it seemed, he thought to himself.

With a grin on his face and remembering the moments he had spent with the Veela in the Come and go room, he drifted to sleep.

AN: And there you have it, the Yule Ball. I hope you guys enjoyed it. This one was an easy chapter, the idea of what was going to happen was already very clear on my mind since the day that I started writing this story. The next chapter will be filled with action and duels, no cheesy romance.

I want to thank my Beta Arthur for his review and input on this chapter.

Thank you for the follows and reviews. I really appreciate every single of them. Keep them coming.