Ch 54: Yule Ball
When Professor McGonagall announced the Yule Ball, my mind went into deep thinking. Who was I going to ask? Hermione? Nah, Krum wanted to go with her. Luna? She'd already told me she was heading home for the holidays. Ginny? She wanted to go with Harry probably but would have to go with Neville. Anyone else? Honestly, the list was either too complicated or too awkward to consider.
So, rather than agonize over it, I decided to head to the Dueling Club to blow off some steam. Nothing clears the mind like a good duel.
---
I wasn't keeping count of how many duels I'd fought when I started. I just wanted to vent. One duel turned into two, then three, and before I knew it, I was on a streak.
"27!" someone shouted as I disarmed yet another student.
The crowd was growing, and with each victory, the cheers got louder. Apparently, my reputation as "that guy who can't lose" was spreading like wildfire.
"Handsome bastard's even got the Beauxbatons girls cheering for him," someone muttered nearby.
I rolled my eyes at that. Sure, the attention was flattering, but I wasn't doing this for the applause. I was doing it because nothing clears the head like smacking someone.
---
In the middle of my next duel, I caught sight of Harry and Ron entering the room. Harry looked around, confused. "What's going on?"
Someone said. "Wayne's destroying everyone in sight."
"Typical," Harry muttered, shaking his head.
Before I could respond, someone else chimed in, "He's got a streak going. Twenty-seven wins so far."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Twenty-seven? Doesn't he get tired?"
I glanced over at him, smirking. "Not when I'm on a roll."
---
Just as I was gearing up for duel number 28, the crowd parted, and Fleur Delacour stepped forward. The room went quiet as she walked toward me, her expression unreadable.
"Mr. Wayne," she said smoothly in French, her tone polite but firm, "may I challenge you to a duel?"
I paused for a moment, considering her request. Fleur wasn't just any opponent—she was a Beauxbatons champion. This was going to be interesting.
"Of course, Ms. Delacour," I replied in fluent French, bowing slightly. "It would be an honor."
But before we took our places, I glanced at her and asked, still in French, "By the way, have you found a date for the Yule Ball yet?"
Her eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by the question. "Not yet," she admitted, a hint of curiosity in her voice.
"Well," I continued, flashing a grin, "if I win this duel, how about you go with me? I'm finding it surprisingly difficult to decide who to ask."
Fleur raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Difficult for you?" she repeated, her tone skeptical. "I find that hard to believe."
I shrugged. "It's true. So, what do you say? If I win, we go to the ball together."
She considered it for a moment before nodding. "Very well. If you win, I will go with you."
---
We stepped into the dueling circle, and the crowd buzzed with excitement.
I started off defensively, gauging her style. Fleur was fast, no doubt about it. Her spells were precise, and her footwork was flawless. But as impressive as she was, I wasn't about to let her win.
"Not bad, Ms. Delacour," I said as I dodged a Stunner.
"Merci, Mr. Wayne," she replied, her tone light but focused.
The duel continued, and while Fleur put up a strong fight, it was clear I had the upper hand. My enhanced reflexes and magical resistance gave me an edge but I still needed to hold back, and after a few more exchanges, I disarmed her with an Expelliarmus.
Her wand flew out of her hand, landing a few feet away. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause as I stepped forward, offering her a hand.
"A deal's a deal," I said with a grin, switching back to English.
Fleur looked at me, clearly impressed despite her loss. "It seems I have no choice," she said, taking my hand.
"Don't sound so disappointed," I teased. "I promise I'm a decent dance partner."
---
The day of the Yule Ball arrived, and it was time to don White Rose. The suit had been sitting in the Gacha system for ages, and if there was ever an occasion to flaunt it, this was it.
When I stepped into the Great Hall, I noticed the room fell unusually quiet. Conversations faltered as heads turned to take a look at me. White Rose was doing its job perfectly—sharp, regal, and attention-grabbing. I wasn't just dressed; I was making a statement.
I stood near the staircase, waiting for Fleur. The longer I stood there, the more curious glances I got. It was amusing, really. Finally, Fleur arrived, and let me tell you, she looked beautiful.
She wore a flowing light blue ball gown that shimmered like morning dew. The fabric caught the light as she descended the stairs, her steps graceful and confident. It wasn't just her beauty that captivated everyone; it was the way she carried herself, exuding elegance and poise.
"Ms. Delacour," I greeted her in French, offering her my arm.
"Mr. Wayne," she replied, a small smile gracing her lips as she took it.
---
When the dance began, all eyes were on the champions. Fleur and I moved to the center of the room. The music swelled, and we started to dance.
Fleur was an excellent dancer—no surprise there—and while I wasn't bad myself, keeping up with her required some focus. The crowd around us faded as we moved in sync, spinning and stepping to the rhythm.
"You dance well," Fleur remarked, her tone lightly teasing.
"I try," I replied, smirking. "Wouldn't want to embarrass myself in front of an audience."
The dance ended, and applause filled the hall. Fleur and I exchanged a glance before stepping off the floor to let others take their turn.
---
After a while, the crowded atmosphere of the Great Hall started to feel stifling. Fleur and I slipped outside into the crisp winter air. The stars were bright, and the grounds were quiet, save for the faint sounds of laughter and music drifting from the castle.
We walked slowly, chatting about anything and everything.
"What are your hobbies, Mr. Wayne?" Fleur asked, her French accent lilting slightly.
"Learning," I said honestly. "Magic, history, different cultures. And after Hogwarts, I plan to explore the world. Solve mysteries, experience life, see what's out there."
Fleur smiled softly. "Your dreams are like my sister's. She, too, wants to explore and see the world."
I chuckled. "She sounds like someone I'd get along with."
Fleur looked amused. "Perhaps."
We continued walking, our conversation flowing easily. Fleur spoke about her family, her love for music, and her aspirations after Beauxbatons. She was more down-to-earth than I'd expected, which made talking to her surprisingly comfortable.
---
At one point, I stopped walking and turned to Fleur, a mischievous grin on my face.
"Would you like me to make a prediction, Ms. Delacour?" I asked.
She raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A prediction? Go ahead, Mr. Wayne."
I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice as if sharing a great secret. "Your husband's first and second names will start with the letters B and W."
Fleur blinked, visibly taken aback. "B and W?" she repeated, frowning slightly. "And what if your prediction is wrong?"
I smirked. "Oh, it won't be. Just wait two or three years—you'll see."
She tilted her head, studying me carefully. "You are very confident in your abilities."
"I'm always confident," I replied, grinning.
---
The night continued, and as the hours passed, the chill in the air grew sharper. Fleur and I eventually made our way back to the castle, where the party was still in full swing.
Before parting ways for the night, Fleur turned to me and said in French, "Thank you for tonight, Mr. Wayne. It was… enjoyable."
"The pleasure was mine, Ms. Delacour," I replied, bowing slightly.
She hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "Until next time."
---Note
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