Chapter 56:
Suddenly, while everyone was having fun, dancing, drinking, eating, contemplating the Malfoy heir or speculating on the cause of death of Daphne Greengrass -who was still alive by the way-, all the lights in the Great Hall shut down. Where there had been thousands upon thousands of tiny flying sparkles that illuminated the whole room, there was now barely enough moonlight to see in front of ones nose. It was like someone somehow turned off the fairies, and only some candles flames remained to make the ice carvings shine.
In this eerie atmosphere, the performing band initiated a mystical slow dance, as was agreed beforehand with the Headmaster Dumbledore. They genuinely thought that the softer lighting was an expected part of the show.
Emboldened by the romantic music, Hagrid finally took his courage by the hands and invited the Beauxbâtons Headmistress to a dance. Which she gracefully accepted. And inspired by his success, many a teenager did the same with their own heart-friends. Maybe the subdued glow of the moon mellowed them, maybe the magic of the music took effect, but most of the aforementioned agreed to share this sweet time of the night with their petitioners. Few were the ones who, like the younger Weasley boy or Gryffindor Quidditch Captain Oliver Wood, stayed alone apart from the crowd.
And then, Midnight rang.
Dumbledore didn't understand where the ambiant darkness came from. Where were the fairies?
He first thought of a prank from the Weasley Twins, but the boys were obviously innocent like cherubs since they were currently occupied discreetly putting plates of space cakes on the buffet.
He then suspected an attack of the Dark Lord. He knew perfectly that Voldemort wasn't dead and had nefarious plans in mind: who else would have entered young Harry in the Tournament? But no, it didn't fit with his modus operandi. Tom would never do anything before the end of the school year. He would definitely want to spoil the Tournament at its apotheosis.
Severus, perhaps? Now that the poor boy had become a party pooper, it would be right in character for him to try to ruin Christmas for everyone. Dumbledore chuckled, imagining his coworker as a Grinch. Green body hair would suit him so well... But no, the Headmaster knew for sure that he had magically confined the Potion Master to his quarters. And the later was so depressive lately that he probably hadn't even noticed anyway.
Ah. Who cared. Ended up shrugging the old man.
He just had to light up the usual candelabrums and everything would be forgotten.
Midnight of the Hogwart Triwizard Yule Ball of 1994 -a pivotal point of Wizarding History that would later be known as the Great Cinderella Breakdown-, just as the light came back by the will of Dumbledore, numerous cries of stupor, shame and horror reverberated through the Great Hall.
Just like in the famous fairytale, Midnight rang the end of the magic holding together most of the merrymakers' gorgeous appearances.
Because of the way too late notice given by Hogwart's Headmaster, many were those who didn't have the possibility to procure ball gowns, robes or suits in time for the ball. Where muggles would have given up on attending at all, Magic proved its convenience once again: all those who lacked the desired clothing solicited the most Fashion-aware of their classmates to transfigure something for them.
Conjuration wouldn't have lasted long enough and asked way too much power to be reliable in this time of need where the clientele was bountiful. Transfiguration was simpler, especially when the original material visually helped reach the final product.
With how many presented themselves to the ball with laces, ribbons and intricate works of seductive shapes and alluring colours, you could understand that the foundations may have been a little more risqué than was proper. If you added to that that the rest of the now disgraced student body was absolutely positive that the comfort of their chosen base would survive the transfiguration... Well. You ended up with hundreds of teenagers in their knickers, briefs, babydolls, nightdress, pajamas and other lingerie and camisoles.
It was a downright disaster.
Deep in the Forbidden Forest, where untold creatures made their nest, Luna danced with her sparkler stick under the moonlight. Following her in her twirls and turns, thousands of fairies and dozens of whimsical Thestrals unveiled the very essence of Beauty between the trees covered in snow.
Watching the sight with a fond smile and an amused grin, Harry and Theodore simply sat on the ground nearby.
"And with this comes the end of Christmas..." Sighed softly the Gryffindor.
"Yep..." Nodded his friend, letting his head fall on his shoulder. "Thank you for saving me earlier, Harry. I would have spent quite a bad night if not for your timely intervention..."
"Was your date that insufferable?"
"Worse." He sneered. "She tricked me into coming to the ball with her. Even though I already had somebody else in mind..."
Harry hissed in sympathy, combing his messy hair with his fingers.
"Oh right!" He suddenly remembered. "I actually had a present for you!"
Theo raised a brow in askance, watching the smaller boy search into his pockets:
"You didn't have to..."
"I know, but it reminded me of you." Refuted the other. "Ah! There it is!"
Harry then victoriously brandished the small figurine of the Hungarian Horntail and gave it to the curious Slyhterin.
"This is Pumpkin. I got it in the First Task. It really looks like you, no?"
"How so?" Asked the young Nott, booping the nose of the toy dragon and making it purr.
"It's cute and grumpy!" Proudly answered the last Potter with a bright smile.
Theodore couldn't help but laugh out loud at this. «Cute and grumpy». Harry -his Harry- thought he was cute and grumpy... What a wonderful night! Taken in by the magical atmosphere of the fairy-illuminated forest, he could only yield to the temptation of being bolder with his feelings:
"I didn't arrange any present for you this time." He said. "But I have a good idea of how to end this ball in wonder."
"Oh? What's your idea?"
Theo looked over toward Luna and her otherworldly playmates and then, following her example, he bowed to his friend and asked with a soft smile:
"May I have this dance?"
"I might step on your toes..." Answered Harry with a raised brow and a contrite grin. "Merlin knows how much Luna's feet suffered under my clumsiness."
"I don't mind." Warmly whispered the mischievous Nott. "I have a spell for that."
spoiler : he doesn't have a spell for that. His toes will hurt for days LMAO
AN : as promised, a sweet moment between Harry and Theo! Hope you'll like it ^^
