yule ball

starry night

When they reached the castle, the song was just dying down, and the band was pausing, the guitarist fiddling with his instrument.

As they took their places on the dance floor, trying to squeeze between the crowd of people, the band roared to life again. The crowd cheered and Harry and Draco were jostled around as people began to dance wildly, thrashing around the dance floor.

It had reached the point of the night where everyone had too much punch, and they were all so energetic that Draco was nervous at first, simply shuffling his feet and dodging people to avoid being stepped on.

Then he saw Harry. He was laughing, and he had somehow found Hermione among the sea of students.

His dancing was carefree, as if he wasn't the chosen one, as if soon he wouldn't be competing in a deadly task.

Draco watched him until the point that it was creepy. He shuffled around a little, trying to blend in with the mass of students moving around him, all while staring at Potter.

As the song ended, Harry stumbled over to him, pulling Hermione behind him. His hair was disheveled, and his eyes were bright. He couldn't stop looking at him.

Hermione was eyeing Draco warily as they walked out of the crowd of dancers and into the slightly smaller crowd of people grabbing refreshments and chatting.

Before Draco could say anything, Harry turned to Hermione. "You might want to go check on Ron," He pointed towards the Weasley, who's chin was propped up with one hand, and who's eyes were narrowed at the happy couples. "He's not doing so great."

"I suppose." Hermione gathered up her dress in her hands and walked over to Ron.

"Let's not watch that trainwreck," Draco said before Hermione reached the table. He grabbed Harry's arm and pulled him towards the door. "I have to admit, I enjoy the garden. Want to go outside again?"

Harry took one last look over his shoulder before nodding and following Draco into the gardens once more.

When they got outside, Draco breathed in the cool night air, then glanced at Harry. Harry was already looking at him, but when they locked eyes, he quickly looked away.

"Look," Draco said. "I know I've said this before, but I'm surprised at how much I like spending time with you."

While he was talking, they walked over to the bench they had been sitting at before.

When they sat down, Draco continued. "What I'm trying to say is that I'm glad we went to the ball together. As friends. Well, that's actually what I'm attempting to say right now, and failing at quite miserably. Not about us being friends, but about-"

"Don't worry, I think I know what you're talking about." Harry was smiling gently.

"You do?" From Draco's experience, Harry was dense when it came to recognizing feelings.

"Yes." Harry nodded, now staring deep into Draco's eyes. His emerald ones were piercing, and Draco's heart fluttered. Shyly, he said, "You do know that Ron's my best friend, right? As much as I like you, I can't abandon Ron. He's always going to be my best friend."

"What?" Draco paused.

There was a beat of silence.

"Well, I can't just let you replace Ron, y'know?" Harry chuckled. "Even if you want to be my best friend."

He can't possibly be this stupid. Draco thought in shock. He came to an unpleasant conclusion a few seconds later, which was that Draco was going to have to make a move if he wanted Harry to realize his feelings.

Go big or go home. He thought as he raised his hand, pushed it through Harry's wind-tangled hair, and leaned in.