𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒯𝓌𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓎-𝐹𝑜𝓊𝓇

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"OW! That fucking hurt!"

"Oh, stop being dramatic, and let me see."

Iris scowled as Tracey got up in her face again, doing the absolute bare minimum and finally releasing the clamp from her nose. A small bit of relief that meant nothing when Tracey started pulling at the needle sticking through her septum.

Iris was about to start another round of whining when the door opened... four pairs of eyes went wide at their intruder... Jane Yaxley, having caught them red-handed.

Perhaps they could have had time to jump and hide; Jane had to have spent an eternity just frozen in time as she took in just what her friends were doing. Eyes darting between Valeria quietly doing her hair just to the side of Sally-Ann, Sally-Ann hovering over Tracey's shoulder, Tracey hovering in Iris' face... and Iris with a needle in her nose.

Looking every bit like a tired mother... Jane sighed, "What is happening?"

"They are mutilating me."

Tracey's face scrunched as she sent Iris perhaps the harshest look she could manage, puffing her cheeks before shooting out the real answer, "Sally-Ann just wants a piercing, and we are using Iris for practice."

Iris nodded along, "So she is admitting to mutilation, self-incrimination."

Tracey sent Iris a blasphemous look, "You volunteered!"

Iris shrugged, "I am a minor. I can't consent to poking holes in my body."

Valeria narrowed her eyes as she fact-checked, "No legal age for piercing on this side of the pond."

And Sally-Ann was quick to show just why this had all started, "No, went to Pomfrey, and apparently Scotland needs a guardians consent until 16."

"And I don't have a real legal guardian, so fuck you all."

Valeria had already moved on from Iris' whining again, looking to Sally-Ann as she posed a question, "Does Hogwarts have to fall under those laws?"

On the other hand, Tracey was not yet done with Iris, "You can't just start shouting mutilation because you suffered a little pinch."

Sally-Ann answered to Valeria, "Who do you think you are talking to right now?"

Iris was still very much so gonna shout about mutilation some more, by the way. "How about I shove a needle through you, and we can see if it is a little pinch?"

A headache... Jane was getting a headache. So she grabbed the nearest pillows she could before turning on her friends, who had so easily been distracted by their little squabbles and questions. And with all the love in her heart... sent them flying.

Relishing in the four quick successions of perfect thumps.

And shaking her head with a bright smile as her four headaches all turned on her. She ignored the complaints, nothing but love for these morons to be found in her eyes as she joined them on the ground with a nod towards Iris, "So is this a safe practice in the muggle world?"

Sally-Ann and Tracey cringed, Valerie giggling as Tracey tried to answer, "Well, Sally-Ann's cousin sent her notes and proper supplies, so it is—"

"Septum piercings are incredibly dumb to do without any prior practice."

Sally-Ann sneered at Iris, "So Tracey is practicing on you."

They started bickering again, the three of them. Tracey grabbed the needle in Iris' nose again, noticing it had already started being pushed out.

Jane rolled her pale eyes up to the ceiling, asking for any help. Then she snapped them right to Valeria as she heard those distinctive giggles, "And you are just letting them do this?"

Valeria shrugged casually, smiling in a sorta smug way that made Jane bite at her cheek, "My father says that lessons are best learned through experience."

And yes... Jane folded. Biting away whatever arguments she may have had as she quieted and turned her attention back to her morons that didn't make her heart race.... Sadly she looked just in time to see Iris wiggle her eyebrows. Jane tried not to glare back, refocusing the girls, "You need to finish this up soon. Breakfast just opened up."

By some stroke of luck... or perhaps by just mentioning breakfast, Sally-Ann, Tracey, and Iris finally settled down. Tracey back in Iris' face as she inspected the needle, "I think we got the right spot."

Iris still didn't let up on her whining, "Can you please just get to the nose ring part? My body will start burning me alive if the wound can't close."

Tracey finally seemed to gain an ounce of sympathy, already feeling the heat of her friend's skin, so she reached for one of the many nose rings and, with a bit of fumbling, eventually managed to lead the ring through with the needle. And as she pulled it all the way through, she beamed with an over-the-top, "Voilà!"

Valeria clapped lazily as Sally-Ann shoved in closer to look, "It looks so cool!" Sally-Ann sat back and started whipping down the clamp furiously while staring down her ring options, rambling as she directed Tracey to do hers immediately.

Iris sidelined as she was left to walk over to the mirror and look at the atrocity that had been done to her... septum piercings definitely weren't for everyone, "I look like a bull."

Jane couldn't stop her snort, going bright red as Valeria turned teasing onto her. The two started some weird shoving match that Iris just had to deadpan... and looking to see Sally-Ann and Tracey already focused on giving Sally her septum... Iris would have to go elsewhere to complain.

Spinning the ring out of her nose, she touched the tender bit of skin, pulling her hand away to see the most minuscule amount of blood as she grabbed her bag and headed for the common room.

Spotting Theodore Nott immediately, she shoved her finger in his face, disrupting his reading, "They stabbed me."

Theodore just blinked a few times, staring at her finger as his early morning brain took this in... and in the end, he would tilt his head back to meet her eyes and...

"Can we go to breakfast now?"

Iris' jaw dropped as she feigned betrayal, pulling her finger back as Theodore just casually collected his school bag, "I was mutilated, and you only care about breakfast?"

Theodore's eyes rolled as he made away for the exit, "It's too early for this."

Iris bit away her smile as she hurried after him, never letting this go, "So there is a too early to care about me?"

Theodore could just let out a deep sigh... but as she started ranting to him... he would listen to every word that came out of her mouth.

~~~~~~

History of Magic was a... struggle. For everyone. It was the one class that had even the most studious students lolling off to sleep. Eyes fighting to stay open, quills falling to the tables, heads threatening to drop.

And, of course, Professor Binns was none the wiser. He had been living on repeat since the day he died far too long ago. The same dull lessons, the same dull expressions, the same dull voice as he read out of the book every day. Always the same assignments, the same homework, the same exams. He had to be a good century dead, was utterly out of date on current events, and it was well-debated whether he would even notice if the whole class just walked out.

Many students took the opportunity for a nice nap, some wrote notes between themselves, and others stared into space as they awaited their call to leave. No one listened... well, Hermione Granger probably listened. But even the over-excited muggle-borns couldn't hold any excitement in history lessons with Binns.

A bit of a shame... kinda sad, really, that so many generations would have no love of history... but when has any government actually wanted educated citizens?

Theodore was a bit enthralled by history. Read plenty of books he could probably teach the class better... so he always made an attempt. At least wrote his own notes and started ahead on the assignment Binns would, without a doubt, assign. But sometimes... and especially recently... he found time better spent watching Iris draw.

Since he had realized she was actually quite good, it drew his eyes in every class. It was just interesting. Almost therapeutic to watch her pen glide across the paper as it added line after line that somehow created a full picture. It was... interesting to learn about her little hobbies, and could only be captivated by watching her excel in it.

He had a few questions... he seemed to be forming more of those these days... and one must have slipped into mind. Iris raised an eyebrow as she briefly looked at him, moving to the bottom of her page to scribble an answer. Theodore found himself being far too curious as he leaned over—

Iris' head shot up, her eyes towards the door as she straightened up. Theodore had jumped in reaction to her shock, his turn to raise an eyebrow, but he would get his answer quickly when the door creaked open an instant later.

The noise had startled the room. Everyone so used to the quiet that even those in the deepest sleeps had spurred awake. Even Binns looking up with his translucent eyes, landing straight on his colleague... Professor McGonagall.

Everyone straightened up at the sight, tried eyes going wide as everyone pretended to smarten up, no one quite willing to reveal their lack of attention to the Deputy Headmistress herself.

Still, McGonagall wasn't ignorant, her stern gaze landing here and there, making nervous students fix up their hair and robes as everyone followed with their eyes as she walked to the front of the class... whispering to Binns before giving him a firm nod and turning on the class.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

Standing tall, her gaze landed on the class of fourth-year Slytherins and Hufflepuffs as a whole. And clearing her throat, she wasted no time in what had to be a practiced speech, "For those unaware, The Yule Ball is approaching," Sally-Ann perked up from the opposite side of the room. "The Yule Ball is a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament, which provides the best opportunity to socialize with our guests. The ball is only open to fourth years and above, although you may invite a younger student—"

A few students started shifting in their seats as the anticipation grew. Tracey, Valeria, and Sally-Ann kept looking at one another and smiling like maniacs. Jane shot Iris a shared smile as the two watched their friends finally learn about what they had been loosely looking forward to since summer.

"Formal attire is required, dinner will start at seven o'clock Christmas Day, and the ball will commence with the Champion's Dance at eight o'clock and remain open until midnight." McGonagall cleared her throat... shifting her weight a bit, "The ball is naturally a chance to, er... let our hair down,"

A few giggles broke through the room. Iris bit away the giant smile on her face with little success as who knows what thoughts were jumping into heads. Theodore took it more literally, serious, as he looked at Iris' pulled-back hair....

Taking control as she raised her voice a bit, McGonagall continued through the giggling, "Standards of behavior will still be upheld. We want to make a respectable presentation to our guests. Most importantly, during the opening waltz. Individual houses will be making arrangements for dance lessons."

There was a slight pause as McGonagall searched the disappointing faces of her students, none of them to be trusted... stopping on Iris, who let out the smallest bubble of a laugh that she tried to cover with her hand, and that seemed encouragement enough for Mcgonagall to go forth on a plan, "Perhaps to those who uphold themselves well, we can come to an agreement on skipping on an assignment of your choosing next term. Only fair there is a reward for remaining the perfect example to the other schools."

For some, the motivation would be unnecessary; the high society few in the school would hold to higher standards naturally. For most, the motivation would need to come from elsewhere... and McGonagall just provided it in two forms... a competition to be the best among their foreign guests and... in a cheat sort of way... a reward any student would love.

Deputy Headmistress McGonagall was an intelligent woman, more than capable of getting her students to do well. And she was a competitive woman, more than willing to play a bit dirty.

And being as even the most uninterested of boys sat a bit straighter... she worked the game well.

The bell rang through the castle a second later, and students shot out of their seats and started off on their rambles about the exciting news. McGonagall shouted over the bell, "Sign-up sheets for staying through the Holiday will go around starting Monday. Spend the weekend writing to your guardians!"

Iris and Theodore stood at the door, awaiting the rest of their friends. Iris rocked on her feet with a big smile as she watched them fighting their way over, already looking ready to bounce off the walls themselves.

Theodore eyed Iris' bag in her hand... watching it rest just against the ground as she held it limply, too excited to bother throwing it over her shoulder. And... just subconsciously, as Sally-Ann looped her arm with Iris' and the girls started walking off, Theodore took the bag in his hand. Their hands brushing...

Theodore was calm about it; surprisingly, there was no rush of heat to his face, no shock, there was still a feeling in him... a feeling that lingered in his heart every time he looked at her. It was a feeling he had finally named, and... he was becoming used to it.

Iris wasn't as lucky. She had blinked at the touch, eyes darting back to him wide. Briefly becoming deaf to her friends, feeling that new flutter in her heart that had made its appearance so suddenly. Watching him so casually swing her bag over his shoulder as he took up the back of the group, letting the girls have their moment... but leaving her unoccupied side feeling so unnaturally empty—

Iris cleared her throat as she leaned into Sally-Ann, focusing on the excited babble of the dance and hair and makeup. Way easier to understand than what her heart thought it was doing.

~~~~~~

Winter had begun to finally settle into Hogwarts over the next few days. The grounds would start every morning with thin layers of white, leaving a sense of anticipation for the season's first real snowstorm. A need for a reward for the red noses and aching hands as the air became too bitter to much handle.

And Christmas had started its takeover of the castle. Ornate decor being put up left and right on the Saturday following the announcement of the ball. Pine garland lining stair rails, wreaths of the highest elegance adorning every door and wall, mistletoe and ribbons adding extra touches to the many torches. Tall pine trees were placed in abundance all throughout the castle, adorned in gold and red, pinecones preserved in their frosted needles. The holidays were the most magical time of year.

And with the ball, the upcoming snow days, the holiday season... the warmth inside of Hogwarts was unmatched. The excitement and chatter, and laughs shared had Hogwarts feeling the least like a school it had all year, the most intense feeling of home seeping into even the French.

Owls had been working overtime. Students hurrying to write home to explain the events happening on Christmas night, begging for the need to spend the holiday at Hogwarts. There was also an ongoing need for money and a Hogsmeade trip. Professors stepped up to escort groups on days with no classes leading up to the ball so everyone could acquire their gowns and dress shirts.

The talks around the halls had been madness. Boys stood awkwardly in groups as they created plans to ask out the girls they wanted. Friends hyping one another up. Girls of all ages giggled between themselves as they imagined their perfect night. Plans being created. A brave few already having approached those they wanted to ask. No stress in the excitement of those first few days.

Everyone still perfectly content with life on that first Saturday as the Slytherins were forced to gather in their common room. Furniture pushed back to make room for an open space with dozens of chairs on either side. An old-fashioned phonograph to the side.

The house prefects had slowly been directing everyone as they came in, girls on one side, boys on the other. A few first, second, and third years watched on the sidelines as they presented to decorate the tree that had just joined the wreaths and ribbons and mistletoe to match the rest of the castle... more of a personal touch to the common room as students took control to make it to their liking. An elegant touch in the decor, going with a green and silver look to stay to theme.

Theodore sat surrounded by Malfoy and his posse, doing his best to maintain politeness with the boy who was his equal socially. And sometimes, when he wasn't being a total ass, he was at least tolerable to carry a conversation with.

The girls sat together, talking with some of the older years as they all rambled about dates. Cedric Diggory, naturally, had the most attention on him. A few said they would test their luck the next time they saw him. Then there were a few other popular choices, some seventh-year Ravenclaw named Anthony, a fifth-year Hufflepuff named Malcolm, some French boys, Viktor Krum, and... disgustingly enough, Dante.

Valeria and Jane were a bit out of touch with the larger conversation. Valeria, having spent the last few days scouring signs for anyone who wasn't so straight they could have been used in place of a ruler. And Jane... just detached, her problems with a date ranging from parental expectations to an interest in girls she couldn't bring herself to share.

But they remained cheerful. Helping cheer on the others in their search for a date.

"I'm trying my luck with Viktor Krum just once. He seems a bit shy, though."

Iris nodded along as Sally-Ann talked, thinking about how he had practically taken up residence with his many fangirls in the library. It annoyed Theodore to no end. But it was clear Viktor Krum did just want to bury his head in books; the only interest in anyone he found was Hermione Granger, with whom he shared a table from time to time.

"He's also kinda old. Been 18 for a few months now." Valeria gave her 14-year-old friend the needed reality check.

Something that had Sally-Ann puffing her cheeks, "My birthday is in January... it's not that... okay, no, it is quite bad." Leaning back in her chair, she pouted, "Why'd my parents have to wait to have kids? Not like they had the war excuse like you wizards and witches."

"Hell, the war didn't even do much to stop anyone. Look at the Weasleys." Iris didn't know who that was, but they had everyone laughing along.

Another older student butted in, "Yeah, think they actually had a new one for every year the war went on."

And really, to hit it home came one more, "Hey, can't blame them. Live every day like your last."

The girl's side was a mess with giggles and laughs, the boys eyeing them like they were three-headed dogs. Their conversation way less fun as they spoke of class and awkwardly shared their small talk. Theodore had been staring down Iris as the giggles settled, standing out just a bit as the boys around him all turned back to themselves...

Something someone noticed just behind Iris, "Does anyone else think Theodore Nott has been growing to be quite nice to look at?"

Iris shot up in her seat, her own giggling coming to an immediate stop as she first looked at Theodore and then at the voice behind her. Some fifth-year girl she didn't care to know the name of. And that she wouldn't care to learn; attention pulled away as a few other girls started nodding along and voicing their agreement.

Someone, somewhere, unfortunately, even had the guts to say, "Yeah... you and him aren't actually dating or anything, right? Blackwell?"

Sally-Ann and Jane eyed each other, Valeria and Tracey both keeping an eye on Iris as she turned slowly to the girl who had asked... all four of them picking up on the underlying chill in her demeanor....

Iris would answer... truthfully, with a chill she wasn't expecting, "No, he is a free man."

If anyone else heard it, they ignored it, a murmur of whispers following as a few voiced their new chances with Theodore Nott, of all people. Iris looked forward again as she felt her jaw go tight.

The perfects clapped, gaining the attention of every set of eyes as they stood tall. The girl perfect went first, "Professor Snape handed off the duty of dance practice to the two of us. I'm very certain we can all agree that is for the better."

A very chuckles filled the given pause, minds imagining Snape of all people waltzing around the room. And when they settled, the boy started with a smile, "Now many of you are practiced in dancing. The Champions Waltz is quite simple. Just a three-step and a lift. Nothing fancy, no showing off. Just everyone in unison together. So we can expect many of you to roll your eyes at this practice."

The girl took back over, eyeing Draco Malfoy specifically, "But we need those practiced already to help the others learn. We want our house to stand out as the best as a collective. We all need to be held to the highest standard. And we need to support one another to do that."

They let the words sit for a moment before briefly nodding and starting their demonstration. Iris was deaf to it all, staring down Theodore Nott as he casually leaned back in his chair, still and unbothered as could be. Arms crossed over his chest, legs just slightly spread. So tall he had to rest his feet in front of him a bit to not have his knees stick awkwardly in the air. His hair was not as neat as usual, having been dragged to the Owlry to watch Iris deliver a letter to Remus. And he looked so serious. His always watchful eyes caught everything; a calm about him that was just... attractive.

She hated that he was. Girls weren't supposed to be whispering about Theodore Nott in relation to a damn ball.

Iris was the first to jump from her seat when it was called for everyone to find a partner. Beelining straight for her friend, trying to reel back in the unexpected anger that had been building in her. Replacing it was a teasing smile as he turned his eyes on her. Raising an eyebrow as he watched her approach.... Attractive... he really needed to stop doing that.

Still, Iris gave the most mocking of bows as she stopped just before Theodore, holding out a hand palm up as she looked into his brown eyes, "May I have this dance?"

There was a brief pause as Theodore held her gaze, Iris' teasing smile never letting up as a smile of his own fought to sit on his lips. And he tried to roll his eyes as he lifted a hand, trying to act exasperated with her little mockery. Just about to touch, just about to have his hand in hers... her hand in his—

"Nott, Blackwell. You both are well-practiced in a waltz, I would imagine. We are here to learn. Split up."

The glare the perfect had been sent from Iris was deadly, and the blank stare from Theodore was not much better. Both of them pulled away their hands quickly at the scolding.

Iris couldn't even manage to let out a huff before a figure was in the corner of her eye, a girl. One of the ones who had irritated her just a moment ago. Shyly smiling at Theodore as she asked a dreaded question, "Want to partner, Theodore?"

He looked at Iris, catching her blank stare at the girl... but then he was nodding. Absolutely nothing in his eyes as he simply did the gentlemanly thing to not deny a girl a dance. Standing tall, he held out his hand for her to take before whisking them off.

Iris remained still, tapping her fingers against her leg as she watched Theodore start helping this no-name with the basics. Watching as his hand, the hand she bandaged... went to her waist. Watching as she was so clumsy, she stepped on his foot the first go. The boy so good at remaining calm as he bit away the wince.

It must have taken a few callings of her name before she turned her eyes to the new face of a boy in front of her. Some blond seventh-year who had entered his name in the tournament. She didn't really know. Didn't really care. But as he held out his hand to dance, she had nothing better to do than take it.

Distracting herself with easy conversation as she helped teach him how to lead. Trying to keep Theodore Nott and the blushing girl in his arms out of sight.

The cheerful atmosphere of winter... the holiday... the ball... had so quickly been soured.