Chapter 73 - Date

***** Bonus Chapter ***** A/N: So this chapter turned out longer than I expected. Tbh in my outline, I have major events jotted down, and lots of arrows and lines linking things, but the chapters get written organically, based on how I see characters reacting to the situation I've placed them in. So sometimes they turn out like this and get longer than expected.

But ya, on a larger note, Now that the beginning is properly set, with canon events running and a unique mystery involving Khan and his best friends, it's Time to progress the story. We got lots to get to, and that's before all the mysteries start ahaha

*****

'I hope this works, and I don't make a fool of myself.' Khan muttered to himself under his breath.

It was now the weekend, and the news of the Yule Ball had spread all over the school. Numerous students had put their names down to stay at Hogwarts over the Christmas break, with even some of the third years staying, in hopes of getting invited by an older friend.

Khan of course, as Jr. Prof. and Hogwarts champion, was even more popular than usual, constantly being hounded by his fangirls who were all eagerly hoping to be his Yule Ball date.

Unfortunately for all of them, Jordan had his sights set on another champion; Fleur Delacour.

Jordan had plans to finally ask out Fleur in a Romantic fashion, now that his timeline had been accelerated due to this Yule Ball. And while he had originally intended to eventually ask out Fleur, he still had not quite built up the courage.

As a result, In his anxiety, Khan had read numerous books on romance and dating in general the past few days, in preparation to ask out Fleur on their first official date.

'Twelve Fail-Safe Ways to Charm Witches' and 'How to Woo Witches' were among the books Khan had perused, and were of particular interest to Jordan, especially now that he had decided to make his move.

It was Sunday evening and Khan was currently waiting to pick up Fleur from the Beauxbatons carriage to escort her for dinner, as was now customary for them.

This time however, Khan had formulated a unique plan, in order to properly display his affection for Fleur and ask her out to the Yule Ball.

Jordan was dressed in his white and red overcoat, with a matching suit underneath, the same 'drip-inducing' outfit that had won him so much approval that first day of his Summoners Cup tournament, holding a bouquet of flowers, as instructed by his various books.

Khan was growing more nervous, the longer he waited outside the carriage. Numerous fans and gawkers watched him, as he paced back and forth, waiting for Fleur to finally show up.

He went over his various dating rules in his head, to distract him and make sure he wasn't forgetting anything.

'Rule 1: Dress to Impress. Witches love beauty.

Rule 2: Gifts are an easy way to display affection. Witches love romantic gestures.

Rule 3: Give Compliments, not solely based on looks. Witches like to be appreciated for more than their beauty.'

Rule 4: Be a Gentlem-'

The door to the carriage opened, interrupting Jordan's review of his rules, with Fleur finally showing up and stepping out of the carriage a few moments later.

Khan watched as Fleur immediately took notice of him, appearing quite happy with a small smile on her face. She was dressed in her typical Beauxbaton robes, complete with a matching heavy cloak that Khan had conjured that very first day she arrived.

As she approached however, her face turned from one smiling, to one that appeared shocked, to one that appeared quite embarrassed, finally ending in one that looked quite panicked?

Jordan watched Fleur's face go through a myriad of emotions, before she turned tail, and immediately went back inside the carriage.

'What just happened?' he began to panic himself thinking that something was wrong with his current actions.

'Stupid books! I knew it couldn't have been that simple!'

Fleur meanwhile was indeed feeling rather embarrassed. Previously, As she got closer, and took in his appearance, She of course, could tell from context, with Khan's fancy outfit, complete with him holding flowers, that he intended to ask her to the newly announced Yule ball.

And Looking down at her outfit, and thinking about her appearance, she began to grow panicked.

This was the first Romantic Gesture she was going to receive from her husband!

She had dreamed about this moment since her magic had begun changing her, and now that it was here, she was looking like some kind of simpleton?!

She could not be seen next to Jordan, looking like this!

Fleur immediately turned around without saying a word, to return to her room, and change into her matching outfit.

Unfortunately, Poor Khan was left outside the carriage, his anxiety rising every second, with his misunderstanding the entire situation.

'She still coming right? Did I really scare her off?'

After a few long excruciating minutes the door finally reopened, with Fleur stepping out moments later.

"Fleur! Look I'm sorry, for whatever hap-" He cut himself off, once Fleur stepped out of the carriage.

She was of course wearing her matching outfit, complete with her own white and red overcoat, however, her hair appeared completely different than just a few moments ago.

Previously, it was very straight, as she typically wore her hair in a tight ponytail, giving her a very professional appearance.

Now however, it appeared quite wavy and full, as if almost styled, framing her face in such a way that it highlighted her gorgeous features. And combined with the rather sultry look she was giving him, and well… Jordan was feeling tighter in the trousers, so to speak.

"My apologies dear. I needed a few more minutes to prepare." Fleur walked straight up to him, giving him a kiss on the cheek, before accepting the flowers, from the still stunned Khan. "These are quite beautiful, you really shouldn't have."

"I um… only wanted to show my appreciation to- I mean for, your beauty." Khan stumbled around his words, trying in vain to follow his dating rules, but failing miserably. He had even rehearsed that particular compliment previously, and still fucked it up!

Fleur giggled at him and his awkwardness. While she had grown used to the rather brash acting Jordan, who was kind to his friends and students, and ruthless with his enemies, she had to admit that she found this new awkward side of him to be quite cute.

Grabbing his arm, she asked. "Shall we go for supper?"

"Right! Dinner plans! Let's go!" Khan spoke with a raised voice, in his awkwardness, and began walking rather robotically, leading Fleur away from the carriage.

*****

They walked for a few minutes, before Fleur realized that they were not heading towards the Hogwarts Castle, but away from it.

"Where are we going for dinner dear?"

She watched as Jordan stopped, took a deep breath, and turned to face her directly before responding.

"I… was hoping that we could have dinner privately tonight. Somewhere it's just the two of us." He took out his wand casting a 'Lumos!' causing a few enchanted candles to appear floating in front of him and his illuminated wand.

Grabbing her hand with his free one, Fleur followed Jordan, as he led her over a small bridge and into the forbidden forest, candles and illuminated wand by their side, keeping their path lit.

While holding hands, Fleur could feel his sweaty palms, clearly indicating how nervous he was.

If Fleur didn't know any better, she would assume it was from their walk through the 'Forbidden Forest', but she could sense that it was due to their impromptu date, that her husband was clearly feeling nervous.

Eventually they came to a clearing on a small hill, overlooking a small stream below, where a table with 2 chairs were set up.

Walking up to it, Khan proceeded to pull out the chair for her, as a proper gentleman should, before stating. "So I set this up for just the two of us. I hope that's alright…"

"It's absolutely perfect my dear!" Fleur responded lovingly, while being seated.

Aside from the location, it being inside the forbidden forest, all in all Fleur thought this was quite the romantic gesture, and was feeling overjoyed with Jordan's newly found forwardness with regards to their relationship.

Thus far, it has been Fleur being responsible for making a move, and essentially declaring herself his wife. She had to admit, it felt nice that he was finally clearly reciprocating for a change.

She watched as Khan then took the bouquet from her hands, conjuring a crystal vase for them, before placing it as the table centerpiece, and taking a seat himself, calling out for his house elf Teek.

Obviously pre-rehearsed, Teek appeared in a pop, bringing their first main course with him.

Fleur recognized it immediately! It was one of her favorites!

"Is that bouillabaisse?" She had to ask, just to make sure.

"Yes! This was the dish that allowed me the opportunity to introduce myself, and kicked off our friendship. I have asked Teek to make it for you in remembrance of that event." Jordan stated with a small smile on his face.

He had specifically designed that date, with Fleur in mind, taking reference from that old ship captain, who took his own date there, so many years ago.

And the look on her face, it seemed as though she was currently enjoying his planned date so far. Hopefully she would enjoy the rest of the date that he had planned.

*****

As the date grew on, Jordan grew increasingly more comfortable, as his plans were finally working in his favor.

Fleur appeared to be enjoying this unique dating idea of his, and his prepared French dishes appeared to be more than just satisfying for her, from speed at which she ate everything.

Evidently, Fleur was missing her home country's cuisine.

Even better, Khan had been able to keep to his plan, his practiced compliments starting to come more naturally, the more comfortable he grew.

Eventually, however, it came time for the date to end, with how late it had gotten, the moon now high up in the sky, and the chilly December Air closing in on them.

Khan moved to Help Fleur out of her chair, as was proper, before he grabbed her hands, facing her directly.

"Fleur.... Before we head back, there is something that I wanted to ask you, formally speaking." Khan took a deep breath before continuing. "I was wondering if you would do me the honor of being my Yule Ball date?"

He hoped he had adequately woo'd and impressed her that night, enough that she would agree to be his date...

"Yes! Of course I will!" Fleur accepted with a wide smile on her face. She had completely forgotten about the Yule ball, her thoughts and emotions caught up in this impromptu date. This night had been perfect, and to top it off with a formal date request to a public Ball, was just the cherry on top for Fleur.

She licked her lips before biting them and leaning forward with her whole body, clearly inviting him closer, hopefully for a kiss.

Khan himself was at first ecstatic that she had agreed to be his Yule ball date, before he felt his thoughts go blank. He was mesmerized by the look she was giving him, as she leaned forward, looking upwards at him, biting her lower lip, inviting him closer...

Jordan felt himself lean closer, seemingly no longer in control of his own body, as his face approached hers, his lips growing ever so close, just as they once had before, right before Fleur's first task. Except this time, instead of the kissee, he would be the kisser!

He closed his eyes, his lips only 1/2 an inch away from Fleur's, just about to initiate a kiss for the first time in his life..... when suddenly they heard a voice call out from right beside them, interrupting them out of their intimate moment.

"You guys are standing really close together.... Are you looking for Gum Disease? Did the Aurors get you with their Rotfang Conspiracy?"