Chapter Text
The announcement came during breakfast, just when Harry thought his day couldn't get any stranger.
He was wrong.
Professor McGonagall marched into the Great Hall, looking more determined than usual. "Attention, students! In preparation for the Yule Ball, which will occur this Christmas, all fourth years will participate in mandatory dance sessions." Her gaze swept the tables like a hawk searching for prey. "Partners will be assigned by magical lot, I repeat, Partners will be ASSIGNED."
A collective groan rose from the room.
Harry sank lower in his seat. Dancing. With someone. In front of everyone. As if the Triwizard Tournament hadn't already thrown his life into chaos.
Beside him, Ron muttered, "Bet I get stuck with someone who hates me. Like Millicent Bulstrode or—Merlin forbid—Pansy Parkinson."
Across the hall, Harry could practically feel Draco Malfoy rolling his eyes. Malfoy already looked irritated, like the universe had personally offended him. What a dick.
McGonagall flicked her wand.
A ribbon of gold magic spiraled upward, splitting into dozens of glowing threads that darted through the air like enchanted fireflies.
One thread shot straight toward Harry's chest, hitting him with a warm thrum.
Another streaked toward the Slytherin table.
"Oh no..." Harry whispered.
The thread struck Draco Malfoy squarely in the sternum.
The two lights pulsed — once, twice — and then fused into a single brilliant flare that made the entire room fall silent.
Finally, the magic faded, leaving behind a faint golden shimmer between them.
McGonagall cleared her throat. "Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy... you appear to be dance partners due to the uneven amount of genders here. I trust this will not be an issue."
Gasps, snickers, and whispers erupted instantly.
Ron choked on his pumpkin juice.
Hermione's eyebrows shot up almost into her hairline.
Pansy Parkinson looked like she had been personally betrayed by fate.
Across the hall, Draco stood frozen, face pale with disbelief.
He mouthed something at Harry: Absolutely not.
Harry mouthed back: Same!
But magic didn't care what either of them thought.
McGonagall tapped her wand to finalize it. "Pairings are binding. I expect you both at the first dance session tonight at seven. Don't be late."
Draco tore his glare from Harry, as if harry would even choose to be partnered with a stuck-up sissy brat like him.
Harry felt his stomach sink as he looked around, seeing the others get paired, one after the other.
Dancing.
With Draco Malfoy.
For weeks.
The universe was definitely laughing at him.