Through The Fire

Year Four: Part Three

Draco was growing more agitated with every day that passed. He'd endured the flirting of several girls and had to stand by and watch girls make cow eyes at Harry. Luckily, Cho Chang had agreed to go to the ball with Cedric, so she was no longer a concern. But, that still left Ginny Weasley, Daphne, Parvati Patil... Draco wanted to hex them all. The fact that Harry was hesitating in deciding who to ask did little to soothe Draco.

He grumbled and sulked, though he vehemently denied it. Draco remained at Harry's side as much as ever, but it was a torment to watch so many people trying to get his attention.

It was Professor Snape that finally intervened. He asked Harry to stay behind after class, dismissing the other students with a pointed glare.

For a moment, Snape remained silent, still debating on the wisdom of taking this step. He had plenty to do without needing to involve himself in the personal lives of his students. However, Harry and Draco were both unhappy, Draco being rather more obvious about it. It was probably for the best to remedy the situation. Couldn't have Draco hexing everyone in a fit of pique.

"Have you selected a... partner for the ball?" Snape asked finally, sneering a bit.

"I- Well, no," Harry replied, surprised. This wasn't a discussion that he'd ever expected to have with the surly potions master.

"And why have you not asked Malfoy?" Snape asked bluntly.

Harry's mouth dropped open in shock. "Sir?" he blurted out, his voice coming out higher than usual.

"I believe my question was perfectly clear," Snape drawled impatiently. "The two of you have been inseparable for years. And now he's pouting," Snape added with a roll of his eyes.

"But his father- I don't want to get him into trouble," Harry said, looking away. "I sort of assumed that it wasn't an option."

"This can be manipulated to your benefit," Snape replied, folding his arms over his chest. "Lucius can appreciate a beneficial alliance. And this isn't a marriage contract. As far as anyone else will know, you are going to the ball with your friend. A lot of people do that. It's perfectly reasonable."

"Even if it's a bloke?" Harry asked quietly, dropping his eyes to the floor.

"Even so." Snape pursed his lips. "You should speak with Minerva and think on what I've said."

Harry nodded, turning to leave. He paused and glanced back at Snape. "Why would you help me with this?"

Snape smirked. "You've seen what Draco's like when he gets in a strop. Nobody wants that."

Somehow the answer didn't seem entirely honest to Harry. But, he accepted it without complaint. He made his way through the castle to Minerva's office, his stomach churning.

Minerva was pleased to see Harry at her office door, but also concerned. She welcomed him inside and promptly served him tea and biscuits. "What's the matter?" she asked him calmly.

Harry sighed. "It's about the ball," he began hesitantly.

"Alright," she nodded.

"I- Well, I just talked to Professor Snape," Harry babbled. "And he said... I mean... It's a little complicated... I-" Harry raked his hands though his hair, feeling ridiculously nervous. "I want to ask Draco to go with me."

Minerva merely looked back at him.

"As my date," Harry clarified.

"And?"

"And-" Harry paused, meeting her gaze. "That's it?"

Minerva smiled. "I'm surprised that you've held out this long," she admitted. "Just ask him Harry."