Harry and Ron waited at the bottom of the grand staircase. The ginger was wearing a set of expertly cut red robes with gold accents. Not only did it go well with his complexion, but it was also tastefully styled in Gryffindor colors. The other option had been green and red, which everyone thought was a bit silly considering it was for a Yule Ball.
They had originally planned to meet their dates outside of the common rooms, or inside for Parvati's case. It wasn't until both girls had their dresses that they decided they would rather have a grand entrance.
Harry watched as the other students arrived with their dates. He was shocked to see how many Slytherin that were attending had intermingled with the other houses. Without the looming threat of Death Eater spawn, they were free to acknowledge the relationships they had to hide previously.
That train of thought died once Padma and Parvati appeared at the top of the stairs. She wore a red sari with gold details. A tantalizing flash of her mid-drift was exposed as she moved. It was the same outfit she had wore last time around, but it still looked amazing. He hadn't given her the proper attention and that was a crime. Padma wore a similar sari, with blue and silver detailing. They both looked amazing.
"Wow." Ron offered Padma an arm as he spoke. "You look wonderful."
"Thank you." She gave him a shy smile.
"And what about me?" Parvati asked as she to come to a stop before Harry.
His mouth hung open. He tried to say something, anything, but the only thing that came out were odd not-quite words. Parvati giggled. She placed a hand on his chin and guided his mouth shut. Her touch trailed along his jaw as she pulled away. It sent a shiver through his body. The group split apart. Padma and Ron headed to the Great Hall while Harry and Parvati took their places with the other champions.
Victor's date was someone from his school. Harry didn't think that he'd actually seen the two together up until now. She was tall and quite striking, looking like a Viking in a gown. Judging by the muscle on her exposed arms, it didn't take much imagination. Cedric was with Cho, like last time. Fleur had settled again for Roger Davies. The guy was a step away from drooling as he followed her around.
"You should ask her next time." A familiar voice said from his left.
Harry jumped. He turned to see Death nearby. She wore an expertly cut red dress that showed off just enough of her leg to border on scandalous. Her hair was done up in elegant curls. Once Harry was able to tear his eyes away from her, he realized everyone around them had frozen.
"You look lovely." Harry said, giving her a genuine smile.
"Thank you." She replied. "As do you, good sir."
"What are you doing here?" He asked. "Sorry, that came out harsher than I intended."
Death waved it away.
"I get it. Death shows up and everybody freaks out. Go to a masquerade wearing a red mask one time…" She trailed off into a mutter.
"That's not going to happen tonight, right?" Harry asked. "I owe this girl a decent date."
"Nope." Death replied with a bright smile. "Just wanted to pop in for some dancing. Thought I'd let you know before you saw me out there."
"I appreciate that, thanks." Harry inclined his head.
Death winked at him. She strolled away and time began to move once more.
"Champions." McGonagall called. "Gather round."
She went through the same speech as last time. Dinner at the table of honor, announce the champions, and start the dancing off with some the fancy stuff. Harry nodded along.
"You do know how to dance, right?" Parvati asked as they entered the ball.
"Mostly." Harry replied. "How thick are your shoes?"
Parvati scowled at him. The small smile stole any sort of heat that it was supposed to contain. They did a slow circuit around the dance floor that ended in a bow to the main table. With that completed they settled at their seats.
"Yes." Harry answered. "I know how to dance. To the formal stuff at least. When the actual music starts, then I'm absolutely rubbish. Some flailing around like an electrocuted chipmunk and trying not to smack anyone nearby."
Parvati let out a loud laugh. She tried to cover her mouth to muffle it only to end up snorting. Harry couldn't help but join in.
"What's so funny?" Cedric asked from his seat on the other side of Harry.
"Nothing." Harry said quickly.
Parvati slapped him lightly on the shoulder. "You made me snort. Tell no one."
"I don't know what you're talking about." Harry shrugged.
"Exactly." Parvati nodded. "Do you think Padma will have a good time?"
"That's sweet of you." Harry smiled at her. "Probably. I have no idea if Ron knows how to dance, but he was excited."
"Padma will make him look good." She said. "She makes dancing a work of art."
"It occurs to me that I didn't ask if you knew how to dance." Harry eyed her suspiciously.
"Mister Potter." Parvati gasped. "I am an excellent dancer. I will have you know that only three of my last instructors have had their toes mended."
Harry chuckled. It was already a better date than last time around. Not only that, but the company was much better this time around. In Crouch's place was some Ministry worker that Harry didn't recognize. Ludo Bagman had pulled them into a conversation and was trying, very loudly, to extol his Hogwarts years. The poor soul. Crouch hadn't been seen since his sons death, which was no great loss. Professor Slughorn was in absolute heaven as he networked with the various guests.
Soon the food was cleared away and the dancing began. As with last time, the champions started the dance. Roger Davies was cognizant enough to get through, Fleur had to lead, but that was for the best. He followed her back to the table in a daze.
Ron and Padma were one of the first couples on the dance floor. Parvati had undersold her sister's skill. The girl moved with almost supernatural grace once the music started. He danced for a while with Parvati before returning to the table for a rest. Fleur looked annoyed, though she was hiding it well enough. It was an expression that brought a multitude of hazy memories to focus.
"Do you mind if I ask her to dance?" Harry whispered to Parvati.
She smiled at him and gave him a small nod. He smiled at her in return. Harry tried to tamp down the memories of stolen kisses and longing looks. Fleur's eyes snapped up to him as he approached. He held his hand to her. Without a word, she took it.
Harry didn't trust himself to speak and Fleur hadn't tried to start a conversation. His hands knew where to hold her. Her body melted against his. The crowd around them faded. They no longer danced to the music, moving to their own.
Something wet touched his cheek. Harry blinked to see that Fleur had placed a kiss on his cheek. She looked deeply into his eyes.
"Who are you?" She whispered.
Fleur fled from the Great Hall. Harry stood there for a moment, trying to get his brain to work again. Once he was able to function again, he sought out Parvati. Dread settled in his very being, he had meant to give her a wonderful night and instead had ended up practically embracing Fleur like a lover.
Parvati stood nearby. The expression on her face was not angry, or even disappointed. There was a slight tinge of sadness around her eyes. She walked over to him. Her steps were steady, precise, and planned.
"Let's call it a night." She spoke quietly but he had no problem hearing her.
Harry escorted her back to the Gryffindor Tower in silence. He was trying to wrap his head around what had happened between him and Fleur. Harry couldn't figure out how to explain it to Parvati. There had to be some way to salvage this evening for her.
"Harry." Parvati finally spoke as they reached the painting. "I had a wonderful time. Thank you. My plan for tonight was to take you up to your bed. But, after that..."
Harry wanted to say something. He opened his to speak only to find he couldn't figure out the words. She held up a hand to stop him.
"There is something between you and her." Parvati continued. "I like you, Harry. I do. You're funny, courageous, and your tongue is so fucking amazing."
Harry chuckled.
"That, you two out there, was beyond a fun roll in the sheets." She sighed. "Find her as fast as you can. You had better send her head spinning or I'm going to be very cross with you."
Harry nodded. Parvati crossed her arms and glared at him.
"Oh, you mean now?" Harry asked.
"YES!" Parvati yelled. "I get it now. There wasn't any magic involved. The curse didn't work on you because your head is too thick."
"Hey." Harry scoffed. "I'm going. I'm going."
The painting swung open, and Parvati stomped through.
"Someone is going to get shagged rotten tonight!" Her muffled voice called. "You! Finnigan! Get your pants off and get upstairs!"
"Yes ma'am." Seamus called back.
Harry chuckled. All things considered; the night was still a better date than last time. Now, all he had to do was find Fleur. The Map was in his trunk and he didn't think he'd be able to sneak in to grab it. The carriages were his best bet. Thankfully, he knew which one belonged to her.