AN: Happy New Year! I've been busy, but next chapter shouldn't take very long to release.
Chapter 45: The Celestial Ball
"Kiba, your back" Hermione said joining the boy at one if the tables in the Gryffindor Common-room "How was your little retreat?"
"revitalizing" Kiba replied quietly "getting away and forgetting about the tournament and school for a day was really what I needed. Did anyone notice?"
"a couple of people.. not many though" She replied "but I'm sure Moody noticed you're Gone, and if he knows, Dumbledore does too"
"I'll keep that in mind. Thanks"
"how'd you even get to London and back so quickly?" Hermione asked him after a moment if silence as she tried to look into his eyes. The boy was however fixed on the book her was reading
"Oh, uhm.. Hotaru" he lied quickly. Silence fell over them once again, as Hermione tapped her fingers on the table anxiously.
"Are you alright?" she asked suddenly finally pulling Kiba's eyes away from the book and towards her
"Yeah, I'm- I'm fine" he replied unsure of what she was implying.
"I thought so," Hermione said with a sigh "there's to much going through your head, isn't there?"
"what do you mean?"
"well, I think you've forgotten what day it is today"
"N-No..?" Kiba replied even more unsure then before "today's the Ball"
"it's Christmas, Kiba" Hermione said "I figured you'd forgotten with everything that's happening. The tournament, the Ball and schoolwork"
"I didn't buy you a present…" Kiba dropped his face into his hands "I'm sorry"
"it's alright, don't worry about it" Hermione replied with a smile "Merry Christmas, Kiba" she got up and walked to his side of the table to give him a kiss on the cheek and hug the boy. Kiba returned the Hug and could finally muster a smile.
"Merry Christmas" he said. Hermione practically beamed at him when Kiba noticed something subtle in Hermione's appearance.
"eh?! W- What is it? Do I have something stuck in my teeth?!" she asked frantically covering her mouth
"No no no. But your teeth are.. different" he noted still not exactly sure what it was "they're smaller"
"is different, good?" Hermione asked to which Kiba nodded with a smirk. "when Goyle hit me with his Jinx Madam Pomfrey gave me a mirror as she shrunk them back down and told me when they were back to normal.. I- I let her go on for a bit longer" she explained "no doubt my parents won't be happy with me. They're dentists, y'know. They told me to just wear my braces, they think magic and teeth shouldn't mix"
"It- it looks good" Kiba assured her
"thanks," Hermione checked her watch and jumped up "there's something I gotta do.. see you at lunch" she said before hurriedly running off. Kiba worked on a bit longer before heading up to the Fourth-Year boys dorm at the top of the spiral staircase to check for presents. And like every year since he'd come to Hogwarts, there was a pile of colorfully wrapped boxes by the foot of his Four-poster bed. Ron had given him some Dungbombs, Harry and Lupin had both gotten him some sweets, Hermione gave him a hair-styling kit and Sirius had sent him a photograph of Amelia, his mother, from their time at Hogwarts. His last package was from his grandparents and it included a box of Dragon-snaxx which were larger then he had expected and a package of Medicine.
'Dear Kiba,
We heard that you are participating in the Teen Wizard Tournament, why didn't you tell us? We would've liked to watch you, but we're cheering you on from home for now.
Your dragon should be hitting her late teens soon, this is when Dutch Wolf-Dragons begin spewing fire and getting sick. The Medicine should help with any pain she may experience during that time.
Good luck with the tournament, and Merry Christmas.
See you soon,
Newt and Tina' he closed the letter and decided to head down to the great hall for lunch. He arrived just as lunch had begun but even then some were already leaving, mostly girls, most likely heading to their common rooms to prepare for the ball later that day. "so Kiba, who are you going to the ball with?" Harry asked
"Raya" Kiba replied not thinking much of it
"You're going with one of the other Champions? It's that even a good idea?" Ron asked
"yeah, why wouldn't it be?"
"She's your opponent?!" Ron shot back
"in the trials. Outside of that, who sais we can't be friends?" Ron huffed in response watching as the hall slowly emptied.
"who are you going with then?" Kiba asked "heard you tried to ask Fleur out"
"we don't talk about that-" Ron replied angrily as his cheeks turned red.
"we're going with the Patil sisters" Harry replied "Parvati and Padma"
"say, you wouldn't know who Hermione is doing with, would you?" Ron whispered suddenly as he leaned over the table "Hermione won't tell me and Ginny won't either. I'm thinking no one asked her, she's just to embarrassed to admit it"
"oh no, she's been asked" Kiba replied
"by who?!" Ron asked
"you'll see tonight.."
"You don't know either," Ron replied sitting back down "just say so next time"
"What's it to you, who Hermione goes with anyways?" Kiba asked
"well, Ron was about to ask her.. but she sorta snapped at him. Told us she had already said yes to someone else and then stormed off"
"hmpf. Seems like you said something wrong then.." Kiba said to Ron before finishing his plate. "I'll be in the tower, gotta get ready"
"See ya, later" Harry replied as Ron mumbled through his stuffed cheeks. Kiba finished a bit more of his school work before deciding to get ready. After a quick shower he got to work on fixing his medium-length hair and making sure it wouldn't cover anything on his face. He made sure to wax the right side to the back letting it fall down behind his ear, but keeping the left side more lose, allowing the hair from the top of his head to fall down his left side, in the style of a 'Bro Flow'. He returned to his dorm and put on his white button down, followed by his red Vest and Blazer with acrylic floral design. He pulled on his pants and grabbed his belt and shoes before sitting down on his bed.
He fixed his shoes and pulled his belt tight before getting to work on his bow-tie with the help of his mirror when he heard Harry enter in his complete robes. "alright, Harry?" Kiba asked looking towards Harry through his reflection.
"Fine. Yourself?" He asked.
"a little nervous about the dancing.." he replied finishing his bow and adjusting it.
"Yeah, but you've been through some difficult tasks by now. A little dance should be nothing"
"Ha, I guess you can say that" They shared a chuckle just before Ron joined them in his dress robes. He whimpered as he stepped over to his mirror. He tugged on his sleeves as he looked at himself in the mirror.
"Bloody hell-" he muttered under his breath "bloody.."
"Ron?" Kiba asked timidly
"What are those?!" he said pointing to the two boys
"our dress robes" Harry replied
"Well, they're alright.. no lace, no dodgy little color" he stammered
"we- well I expect yours are more traditional" Kiba says carefully
"Traditional?!" Ron interrupted loudly "they're ancient! I look like my great aunt Tessie.." he said before taking a sniff of himself "I smell like my great aunt Tessie" he added disheartedly before turning back to his mirror "murder me Harry…" Harry did his best to keep Ron's mind off of his robes as the three headed down the stairs into their common room where most people were waiting for their dates. And when the time came everyone slowly left in groups.
"My sister will be waiting by the great hall.. shall we head down?" Parvati asked to which Harry and Ron, though reluctant, agreed
"I'll stay here a bit longer, you haven't seen Hermione have you?" Kiba replied to which Harry shook his head and the three left. Kiba waited on and on until he was the last person remaining in the common room. "seems like she's already downstairs.. I should ge-"
"Kiba?" he heard Hermione's voice from the spiral staircase. He looked and saw Hermione's head poking around the corner.
"yeah?" he replied "what's wrong?" Hermione came around the corner in a blue dress, her hands pressed against her chest tightly. Her hair, that was usually so bushy was Now sleek and shiny, and twisted into an elegant knot at the back of her head, only a few locks falling down to her left shoulder.
"Could you zip me up?" she asked as she dashed towards him in her heels promptly turning her exposed back to him.
"no spell to do that for you?" he asked carefully pulling the zipper up to the top.
"And where do you suppose I put my wand?" she asked turning back to him with a smile, the reduction in her teeth now more noticeable then ever. Kiba could feel his cheeks heat up as he looked down at Hermione who, despite wearing heels, was still shorter then he was. The girl took a step back and spread out her arms "what do you think?"
"well- ahem-" Kiba began clearing his throat "you look great" He said
"you're not so bad yourself" she replied with a smile. "shall we head down?"
"Yeah" Kiba replied. He offered her his hand as they left through the portrait to help her get down the steps. Kiba knew Hermione wasn't accustomed to wearing heels like Faye was and it showed in her occasionally unsteady steps. But by the time they had reached the great hall it seemed like she had warmed up and was able to walk steadily. When they entered the great hall everyone was lined up in rows from the back to the front, many were standing hand-in-hand or arm-in-arm with their dates like Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson, or on their own like Crabbe and Goyle.
"Ah, our champion arrives" Dumbledore said with a smile as they entered and found their spot by Harry and Parvati "and just on time. Hold on tight everyone!" out of nowhere vines adorned with roses spread from Dumbledore through all the rows before he stepped into an old bucket disappearing in it and pulling the vines along with all the students and teachers that were joining them. They were transported to a clearing from which a stone path lead to a small building surrounded by trees and bushes. There was already allot of movement up ahead as from an adjacent path the Durmstrang students were making their way up to the building as well.
They entered through a large arch behind which was a room larger then the building itself, most of the teachers were in this area checking and guiding the young students through large double-doors into the greater ballroom behind. McGonagall stopped Kiba and therefore Hermione as well before they could enter the ball-room. "Mister Scamander, as Champion you and Miss Granger will enter once everyone is seated-"
"Oh, um, Hermione's not my date" Kiba replied
"I'm here with Viktor" Hermione said "Krum" she added to clarify
"well, in that case you still stay here until you're called in. Where's your partner, Mr. Scamander?"
"She's around here somewhere.." Kiba replied looking around
"Well, find her soon" McGonagall said "Mister Davies-" and within the moment McGonagall was gone again.
"Hermy-own," Viktor had found his way to them he stopped in front of them, clapped his heels together and bowed slightly before holding out the back of his left hand to her, turning slightly to stand beside her. Kiba, who had been walking arm-in-arm with Hermione, released her and nodded to Viktor. Kiba figured it was about time to find his date as well, and hard to find she was not. Standing next to Alex, who was in a bright yellow suit and Adéwalé who contrasted his dark skin with a completely white suit. Her blonde hair falling from her head past her shoulders, she was wearing a black dress. It appeared to be thin and see-through in several areas, showing both her skin and her corset underneath her dress. The dress was held up by her shoulders and she was wearing a large black collar decorated with silver jewelry as well as black gloves reaching almost her shoulders.
He made his way over to her. Raya held out her hand as he approached and took hers into his and kissed the back of her hand. "you look great" he said as they distanced themselves from the others.
"I know" she replied with a smirk "you look great yourself" she added after a moment. Thanks to her high heels she was now taller then Kiba and forced him to look up at her to see her face properly. "I saw you walk in with your friend," she said "she sure transformed"
"Yeah, better excuse then any to get dolled up, am I right?" Kiba replied as they both looked towards Viktor and Hermione. It was now that Kiba realized only the champions and their dates remained, just as Percy came out from the hall.
"Champions, please line up with your dates" he said loudly. "Miss Delacour first please. Zoe Rodriguez second. Mister Itō Third. Miss Kravchenko Fourth. Mister Krum Fifth. Mister Mason Sixth. Mister Chidubem seventh and Mister Scamander Eig-"
"I'm here together with Raya," Kiba interrupted him which earned him a glare before his face relaxed
"Alright, stay where you are then" he said "you may all proceed into the Hall, and take a seat at the Top Table" he said pushing open the doors. They entered to thunderous applause and whistles from Guys and Girls alike. Everyone was sitting at long tables throughout the hall as the champions approached the top table and took a seat with the heads of schools and the dinner began. There were small conversations here and there, like Hermione teaching Viktor to pronounce her name properly, or Roger Davies swooning over Fleur. There was even some Tention between Dumbledore and Karkaroff. But the food was quickly consumed and after a good ten minutes of conversing the tables were all moved aside, and where the top table had been, now were loads of different instruments as a band known as 'the Weird Sisters' announced themselves.
"Kiba," Raya hissed quietly to get his attention "come on" she gestured for him to join her. He quickly stepped over to her and she put her hand on his shoulder. Realizing that the champions were supposed to dance first Kiba finally caught on and placed his hand on her waist before taking her free one into his. He dared a quick look around the dancefloor and saw the other Six Couples ready to dance aswell.
The band began first with a slow Walz to which the champions danced, Kiba was mostly following Raya's guide as occasionally his eyes shifted towards Hermione and Viktor or the peering eyes from the surrounding crowd. Only when the band transitioned to a slow, mournful tune did more couples join them. Lead first by Dumbledore guiding McGonagall to the dancefloor, followed suit by Neville and Ginny and slowly all the rest.
Throughout the night bands from all the different regions took to the stage and played their own music resulting in a constant shift of dances, rhythms and tone. Kiba danced joyfully with many around him. Raya, Fleur, Fay and Parvati were among the few he danced with, however never did he get the opportunity to dance with Hermione, eventually he would always find his way back to Raya before much time had passed. "who taught you to dance so well?" Raya asked
"Faye, the girl from London, she's always been into music and dancing. Used me to practice when we were younger" Kiba replied
"and she? Where'd she learn the dances of different nations?"
"books, and the occasional public TV" Kiba said. The song they were dancing to came to an end and Raya sighed heavily
"I think I need a quick break.. and a drink" she said "I'll be fine on my own for a bit" she added. Kiba nodded and watched her as she moved towards the entrance hall and approached what was most likely one of her friends, and they left together. Kiba saw Ron sitting by a table and walked over to him.
"You alright Ron?" He asked
"Fine." He replied looking towards the dancefloor. Padma was sitting beside him, her arms and legs crossed with her foot tapping to the rhythm of the song.
"well- I, uhm. I'll leave you to it" Kiba added swiftly making his way out of the ballroom himself, making space for Harry and Parvati to sit down. The latter of the two was asked to dance soon after by Krum's aide making space for Hermione to sit down beside Harry.
"It's hot, isn't it?" she said fanning herself with her hand. "Viktor's just gone to get some drinks, care to join us?"
"Hasn't he asked you to call him Vicky yet?" Ron sneered at her
"what's got your wand in a knot?" she asked
"he's a Durmstrang!" Ron spat "he's competing against Kiba, against Hogwarts! You're fraternizing with the enemy"
"the enemy?!" Hermione looked at him in surprise "who was the one who was all excited when they saw him? Who was the one wanting his autograph? Who's got a model of him up in their dormitory?" Ron slumped back into his seat and looked away "besides, the whole point of the tournament is International Magical cooperation. To make friends. Kiba's even here with another Champion!"
"I think ol' Viktor's got a bit more than friendship on his mind" Ron said
"what's that supposed to mean?" Hermione asked looking to Harry for some backing
"obvious, isn't it? He's Karkaroff's student, isn't he? He knows who you hang around with.. he's just trying to get inside information on Kiba" Hermione jumped up from her seat, it looked at though Ron had slapped her.
"for your information, he hasn't asked me one single thing about Kiba, not one –"
"He's way to old" Ron added. Hermione posture straightened and she turned to leave but after a few steps she turned around raised her hand and it looked as though she was going to say something, but didn't. She turned away again and left the ballroom.
Kiba had left the building entirely and krept away, through the bushes and into the trees. There were noises coming from left and right, one could only guess who they were coming from and why. After a moment he came to the edge of a cliff, with a steep drop-down to the sea below. He sat down in the edge and let his feet dangle from the cliff as he took a deep breath of fresh air. "Hi," a voice beside Kiba startled Him.
"Hermi- are you alright?" he asked as the Teary-eyed girl sat down beside him, allowing her feet to dangle freely as well.
"it's nothing, just- Ron said some things.." she admitted as she carefully wiped her eyes to get rid of the tears that threatened to flow.
"you know him, he can be a bit oblivious some times" Kiba said which earned him a slight smile from the girl.
"what made you get out of there?" she asked
"nothing really," Kiba replied "I guess I'm just relishing the fact that, at least for tonight, I don't have to worry about the tournament"
"But your not relaxing," Hermione noted "otherwise I'm sure it would have slipped your mind for the evening"
"Yeah, you're right. But how can I let it slip, everything depends on the tournament this year" Kiba said with a heavy sigh "I'm not even sure I can pass the finals with how behind I am on schoolwork"
"look on the bright side, you're getting allot more time to do your essays. And most of the teachers are lenient with you" Hermione joked. "remind me, when is the next trial?"
"don't know, we haven't been told" Kiba answered "it's over in South-America, Castelobruxo"
"Well, from what I know, they are well-versed in Magizoology and Herbology" Hermione said "so maybe you should read up on Herbology"
"Hehe" Kiba chuckled as he looked over his shoulder "I think your date has found you" he added with a nod. Hermione turned to look and there was Viktor, approaching them with a goblet in both hands.
"Herm-own-ninny?" he asked. Kiba stood up and helped Hermione stand up aswell
"Yes, Viktor?" she replied. Kiba quickly made his way past the Durmstrang and left the two to their own as he returned to the ballroom absently brushing past Ron and Harry who left the Ballroom. He had found Raya again soon and they danced until the evening came to a close. The ballroom was packed to the brim as everyone was called back for an announcement.
"As many of you know, Castelobruxo will be the host of the fourth trial" Enzo Damião spoke "the trial will take place on the fourteenth of January"
"I do hope all of you had a lovely evening, and wish you a good night" Percy jumped in "please find your way back to your Portkey's and wait for your Head of Schools" Raya quickly locked her arm with Kiba's and they left the hall together.
"I am glad we attended together" Raya said "I had great time"
"Me too. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself" Kiba replied as they walked down the stone path.
"it may have been brief, but I was able to forget about the stress of the tournament for a bit" She said "I have you to thank for that" they stopped walking and Raya took both Kiba's hand into hers. "now it's time to get your game-face back on. You've got a tournament to win"
"so do you" Kiba replied squeezing her hands lightly. Raya smiled and leaned forward to place a tender kiss on the boys cheek.
"spakoynoy nochi, Kiba" she says quietly
"goodnight, Raya" the young Wizard replied not letting go of her hands until she had walked out of reach. He spotted Harry and Ron walking without their dates and decided to join them at they returned to Hogwarts and all headed to bed, reminiscing on the evening.
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