Present Mixed in the Past

Chapter 49| Yule Ball

The next morning, people could only whisper. They had heard about it, hard not when the scream practically echoed throughout the whole castle! Rumors were flying about, but one thing stayed constant, Harry had gotten through his Creature Inheritance, and it was bloody.

They all looked to him, seeing his scrunched and guilty looking face, him wringing his hands together with those grandfatherly eyes glimmering with unshed tears. They couldn't be afraid of him, nor could they hate him. He looked so close to breaking as it was, and many of the Hogwarts students liked him well enough. Ron was always a problem child, so they were positive that he had done something bad.

Then Draco burst through the Great Hall doors, hair disheveled and clothes wrinkled with his tie hanging limply around his neck and shirt partially unbuttoned. He bee-lined right toward Potter, who had stood the second he saw him.

Within an instant, the two were hugging, Malfoy having a tight hold on his shorter partner. The Hall was silent, even the guest students were curious as to what happened. Practically everyone knew that Heir Malfoy and Heir Potter were close, and considering what lost precious things were found, it was strange that it was the youngest Weasley boy that was Potter's precious thing.

"Where were you yesterday?" Was the first question, the smaller wizard's lip unwillingly began to tremble.

Everyone watched the prime and proper Slytherin Prince softly coo and cup the other's face, caressing it so tenderly and lovingly.

"I don't know what happened. A few hours before the trial, I was tired, so I took a nap only to wake up in the Medical Room. Madame Pomfrey thinks I was poisoned."

No more words were shared as Harry buried his head into Draco's chest, completely trusting him. He did nothing but pick him up and sit by the twins. He had been hearing the buzzing about something happening after the trial. He didn't know what was going on, but he knew that Harry needed him. It didn't hurt that on his rushed way out, he saw a very injured Ronald Weasley. Injured enough he felt a bit sorry for the boy.

Of course, this pity vanished when he was told by his crying boyfriend exactly what had transpired. He believed his dear when he said he didn't know why Ron was chosen or why Ron was so bold in doing such a disgusting act.

Draco knew though. It was the same person that had poisoned him hoping that he would never wake up. Damn was he lucky that his own inheritance kept him alive.

As angry and vengeful as the Slytherin wanted to get, comforting his dear Life was by far more important. As pretty as Harry was when crying, Malfoy only wanted those tears to come from happiness not this kind of stress and fear.

"Ma vie d'émeraude, what can I do to make you stop crying? I won't ever allow that vile thing near you again. I won't disappear like I did, I'll-"

"I can feel his hands and lips on me still." Those bright eyes gleamed with disgust and self-hatred. "I want to stop feeling it. Por favor ayúdame, mi muerte plateada." (Spainish-Please help me, my silver death.)

The blond paused, sweetly holding his opposite, looking into those desperate eyes. He was sure to get his revenge later.

"Bien sûr, mon amour." (French-Of course, my love.)

Draco and Harry weren't seen for the rest of the day, not that anyone wanted to find them at that moment. Not when the blond Pureblood looked nearly ready to kill someone for making his boyfriend cry.

After that day, no one saw the two apart or without at least one other person from their friend group with them at all times. It was clear someone was trying to hurt them, and it was equally clear that they weren't having it.

Soon, though, the incident was far from anyone's minds as the Yule ball took full force. McGonagall, like before, had taken to it happily. The others enjoyed her enthusiasm on such a day. It brought smiles to their faces. If only a little.

However, one thing hadn't changed about the times. The need for proper dress wear. The Twin Weasleys had been making well enough money to not worry about looking like a fool, Luna had her and Hermione's dresses matching for their animals, and Neville's clothes didn't need much altering. Draco had his picked-out months prior, and only told Harry the colors as they were obviously going together.

"But how should I dress?" He whined to the Council. "Feminine or masculine? Dress or suit?" He looked to his boyfriend, hoping he would have answers.

It had been lately that the old soul had been embracing a rather feminine side of himself, which the Council, especially Hare and Raven, found adorable. So, the question stood firm, a need for the right answer on how to present himself as a respectable Lord that wouldn't make a fool of himself and his date. Draco, of course, was of no help, bearing an amused smile on his face. Potter pouted to him, narrowing his eyes in a less than friendly way. It held no bite to his opposite.

To placate his annoyed lover, he kissed his cheek. This worked instantly, changing that pout into a warm smile causing a few plants to grow. Still, he was annoyed with having to quickly figure out what to wear once again on such an important occasion.

~~~

Malfoy wore a deep green-almost black- suit with silver embordering with his tie being a blood red. It gave off the appearance as if he had been stabbed in the heart. In some ways that was true, especially as he looked toward the stairs as he had seen Krum and Cedric look there too, their faces flushed with wide eyes.

Draco allowed his eyes to rake over Harry's body as his breath was stolen away. Last time, he was too much of a coward to look at him, but now he sees all of his Life. His Life's clothes were unique, being half feminine and half masculine, made sense that he would be far too indecisive about it till the week of! But it fitted the new God well, making him look like what he will become.

"Now time for the Champion's Dance!"

Eagerly, Malfoy took his date's hand, placing a somewhat firm hand on his waist. He watched as those enchanting green eyes looked only to him. His own silvery eyes looked to his wild hair, seeing how the red ornament made the mess look presentable. His eyes drifted back down, pulling his boyfriend even closer.

"Must we wait?" He whispered as he guided the smaller in the dance. Even after all these years, he was still a terrible dancer.

"We're still young." Came a flustered response.

The Pureblood pouted a little, catching Harry's free hand as the two parted and circled before pulling close once more.

"We are older than the fool."

"By spirit, not body." Harry offered a sweet smile that did nothing for the growing desire within him.

The two continued dancing in silence afterward, both just basking in the other's presence. It was like Second year, only without swords and magic being thrown about. It was far more peaceful and held a new place within their new world.

Then, just as their dance was coming to a close, Harry leaned into his partner's ear.

"Sixth year." He then pressed a kiss to his cheek, pulling away one final time.

A mischievous smirk was on his face, his eyes shining with their own lustful light that egged Draco's on. He doubted he could wait that long, but he would do anything for his beautiful phoenix. Absolutely anything.

Okay, so the dress that Harry's wearing is similar to Garnet's wedding dress from Steven Universe. I tried to draw it, but I couldn't get it to look nice lol. Also, I can't remember if the Yule Ball came before or after the Second trial, so for this story, Yule came after it. I hope you enjoy the chapter though!

                                 ~SR