As they made their way through the Great Hall, Victor's eyes wandered across the room, taking in the students laughing with their dates.
Luna really missed this, he thought. She had gone home with her father for Christmas and wouldn't be back until the holidays were over.
A small smile crossed his face. Good thing she did.
He already had one impossible situation on his hands — promised to attend the Ball with Hermione, and thanks to Fleur's misunderstanding, had ended up promising her the same. That alone required the Time-Turner to pull off. If Luna had been at Hogwarts as well...
Victor quietly shook his head. I'd have needed three turns instead of two. Even thinking about it gave him a headache. For once, fate decided to give me a break.
After all four champions and their partners entered the Great Hall, applause echoed through the room as they made their way onto the dance floor. The four couples stood together before the High Table while the rest of the students watched from their seats.
Dumbledore rose, his blue eyes twinkling over the hall. "Welcome, one and all, to the Yule Ball. May tonight remind us that friendship can flourish even in times of competition." He smiled. "Let the dancing begin."
The Weird Sisters began a slow waltz.
Victor offered Hermione his hand. "May I?"
She smiled as she placed hers in his. "I was beginning to wonder if you'd ask."
Victor chuckled, resting his other hand lightly at her waist as they joined the dance.
For the first minute they remained in the middle of the dance floor with the others, moving slowly while dozens of eyes followed them. Then, as more students began leaving their tables to join the dance, Victor gradually guided Hermione toward the outer edge of the floor.
Hermione noticed immediately. "We're drifting."
"Mm."
"Was that intentional?"
"It's quieter over here."
She glanced around. The edge of the floor was already filling with students, making it easier to blend in than to remain in the open center. "You don't like everyone watching?"
"Not particularly."
"I didn't think you were the shy type."
"I'm not."
"Then what is it?"
Victor met her eyes briefly. "I'd rather pay attention to my partner than to the audience."
Hermione laughed softly, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. "I suppose I can accept that answer."
Across the dance floor, Harry frowned in confusion.
He was certain Victor had agreed to attend the Yule Ball with Hermione. Then why was Victor dancing with Fleur?
Harry instinctively glanced toward where Victor and Hermione had been only moments earlier, but the growing crowd had blocked his view. At that moment, Victor caught Harry staring. Without missing a step, he met Harry's eyes and gave the slightest wink.
Don't say anything.
Harry's mouth opened slightly before he thought better of it. Whatever Victor was doing, it was clearly deliberate.
The music carried them slowly around the floor.
"You dance very well," Fleur remarked with a smile.
"My mother insisted I learn. She always said a gentleman should know how to dance."
Fleur gave a small laugh. "Zen I owe your muzzer my compliments."
"I'll be sure to tell her."
"I must admit," Fleur continued, "I expected to spend zis dance trying not to 'ave my toes stepped on."
Victor smiled. "That bad?"
"You would be surprised." She shook her head. "At Beauxbatons we 'ave balls as well, but not everyone enjoys dancing. Some boys spend ze entire evening staring at ze floor."
"And the girls?"
"We pretend not to notice."
Victor chuckled. "I imagine that takes practice."
"It does."
They completed another slow turn. Fleur looked up at the enchanted ceiling, watching the stars drift overhead. "'Ogwarts is very different from Beauxbatons. It feels... older. More alive."
Victor glanced around the hall. "That's one way to describe a castle that's been standing for a thousand years."
"It is not as elegant as Beauxbatons," Fleur admitted, "but I like it. It 'as personality."
"It also has moving staircases that try to make students late for class."
Fleur laughed. "I noticed."
As they continued dancing, Fleur's attention drifted toward Harry, who had once again looked in Victor's direction before quickly pretending he hadn't. She smiled knowingly. "Your friend keeps looking over 'ere."
Victor didn't bother turning around. "'Harry is curious by nature."
"He seems very surprised."
"I imagine he is."
Fleur studied him for a moment. "'Ave I missed something?"
"You could say that."
"And you will not tell me?"
Victor smiled apologetically. "I'm afraid not."
She narrowed her eyes playfully. "You enjoy keeping secrets."
"Only the harmless ones."
"Hm." A smile tugged at her lips. "I suppose if I knew ze secret already, it would not be nearly as interesting."
"I'm glad you think so."
"I did not say I approved," she replied, eyes sparkling. "Only zat I understand."
Victor laughed quietly. "Fair enough."
They fell into a comfortable silence as the waltz carried them around the floor, blending into the growing crowd as more students joined the dancing.
*****
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