Chapter 52:
The next few days were spent in a flurry of agitation for most as the Yule Ball was nigh, but Draco actually used every single second of it to meditate his new circumstances in the hope of owning that swag when the time came for him to appear before other judgemental teenagers. He liked to think that nothing they could say would be worse than what he actually thought but... His heart was terribly weak ever since losing his Pride.
He had to stay in front of his mirror for ages before feeling even remotely able to fake his usual swank. Luckily Pansy, who was always a dear, hadn't changed her mind and still agreed to be his partner to this painful mockery. Playing pretend in front of the very next generations of diplomats, Ministry officers, Heads of their Houses and other important people of the Wizarding World would be hard -a blight on the Malfoy name for centuries to come!-, but at least he wasn't alone. He may had no Pride left, but he would still walk this path with an aplomb forged in the Fires of Hells.
Way too soon, the long-awaited night of festivities was upon them and the students of the three schools gathered at the door of the Great Hall. Everyone had been able to somehow procure a ball gown, a robe or a suit to attend. It was quite the miracle on such short notice. Some had to make do with what was available of course, but it was hard to distinguish the fake from the real as everything was masterfully done.
The Deputy-Headmistress McGonagall tried to keep things in order by organizing everyone into two perfect rows, but with the horde of teenagers threatening to capsize the wall to get in, she had no choice but to open the doors at once. The pack of hungry beasts high on serotonine was thus released on the unprepared Professors inside.
Flitwick the Charms Master, as well as the other professors, were indeed still perched on Hagrid's hands and shoulders, trying to convince the small flying fairies that this was not the moment to go on a strike. Luckily, the little critters were so surprised by the arrival of the students that their light exploded out of them like thousands upon thousands of mini fireworks, brightening the Great Hall into an enchanting iced ballroom.
Colored sculptures, spires and carvings of magical ice were shining all around. The walls looked like stained glass and the ceiling showed that it was softly snowing outside. It was spectacular, beautiful, and way above everyone's expectations given how little time the professorial body had to prepare. On one side of the room were numerous round tables with comfy velvet chairs to sit on, as well as a vast array of delicious foods on a buffet. On the other side stood a stage with a famous performing band, in front of a gigantic dance floor.
The students slowed down, dazed by the splendor of everything. They ooh'ed and aah'ed, pointing at this or that to their friends. The Transfiguration Professor used this moment of respite to finally bring back order. She ushered everyone toward the sitting area, while enjoining the Triwizard Champions to take their date to the dance floor.
"As initially agreed," she said. "the four Champions will now open the ball with a dance."
When everyone was in position, she ordered:
"Musicians? Music, if you please!"
And the music started.
Harry was wearing a pristine white suit with a grey shirt and a purple tie, showing an elegance far from his usual perfunctory bearing. Though his greatest pride were the rainbow socks that Dobby had given him: they made him look, in his humble opinion, positively dashing. Not to be outdone, Luna was wearing a light black and grey shawl on her sleeveless white and purple dress, showing off her fairy-like look with nimble steps and turns.
The young Potter let his partner lead him into a very traditional and very proper Viennese Waltz, the other three couples following in their footsteps. He had always sucked at things that asked him to be dexterous on ground, but with Luna guiding him through the steps, he had never seemed as majestic and graceful as he did now.
Despite it all, he couldn't help but stealing glances at Hermione every now and then, pretty that she was in her periwinkle dress with deeper accents. She was dancing with Viktor and he had to admit that this shade of dark blue suited them well. Hearing Luna chuckle, Harry turned back to her a bit sheepishly.
"Don't you think that Hermione is beautiful today?" She asked with a teasing smile.
"She is." He agreed easily. "But I'm honestly more surprised that her Hair is behaving so well. It's weird to see It so tame. Given how excited she was for the ball, I expected It to be way wilder..."
The moonbeam girl let out a laugh before explaining:
"Her Hair knows that this is important for her, that's why It's behaving Itself. Plus, It's kinda shy. It told me once that Hermione always being so frustrated with It made It insecure..."
"Wait... You talked to It!?" Exclaimed Harry in a loud voice that made everyone stare at him.
"Of course I did, Harry!" Gently chided Luna. "Hermione's Hair is a pretty good conversationalist, you know? It has access to her head so It is very knowledgeable!"
"Sorry, I didn't mean..." He stammered, hiding from the stares in Luna's shoulder -this move only possible because she was slightly taller than him-. "I just- I didn't know Hair could talk human language..."
"Oh, It can't." She corrected with a grin. "I just speak Eldritch-Tentacles. It's a very old form of Fey Tongue that is notably spoken by Under-Bed Monsters. I learned it from my pet's great-grand-father -they are octopuses-."
While the two were having fun, Cedric, in his dark green robes, and Cho, in her dress of confident pinks and pale colours, were «fighting» on the dance floor.
It wasn't well known but the young Diggory, like most Seekers, had two left feet. He couldn't dance even if he sold his soul to a devil. Cho, who was different from your usual Seeker and had innate coordination even on the ground, was frankly making him regret coming to the ball with her.
She had noticed Oliver's sad look in the audience earlier and kept using complicated maneuvers to subtly but savagely step on Cedric's toes as a revenge in his name. As if he wasn't already feeling guilty! The worst was that he couldn't escape since this whole farce was about making an appearance to show the dignity of their school and Cho was making them look good. He could only suffer in silence as his feet were abused by reinforced high heels and his heart was assailed by his self-doubt and the guilt of being a jerk.
AN : Sorry I have made myself scarce these last few months. Had to negociate with my depression for a little bit of respite but she drives a hard bargain. I'm a little better now but still in no state to write. I'll still try for a bit. Or at least try not to disappear for so long this time.
Anyway, finally time for the Yule Ball, which will be way more common than everybody expect. ^^' Still hope you'll have fun with it...