Yule Day

A Harry/Parvati fic, starting from the Yule ball, might deviate from Canon

A/N: This is my first fanfic, I haven't yet decided if it will be a one-shot or a longer story. Wish me luck

Harry was ready for the ball, it hardly took him time, and he knew his hair was a lost cause. His mind wandered to the snow ball fight that afternoon, how much fun they had, and how it has been a while since he was able to enjoy this way. He really missed Quidditch. Even with Wood's intense training, it was one thing he loved doing, and those moments on the pitch always let him forget the otherwise sense of doom hanging over his head. He hoped he could go flying and made a note to check with Madam Hooch, and not mention it to Hermione. He knew she means well, but she didn't get somethings. Thoughts of Firebolt led to thinking about Sirius and he instantly felt guilty, Sirius alone in some cramped up space eating rats, while he is here heading for a feast. He made a note to himself to get some food from the kitchen and send it using Hedwig before he turns in tonight. Sirius would atleast have a good Christmas dinner.

Ron interrupted his thoughts and suggested they go down.

Harry instantly became nervous thinking about the ball, and the upcoming dance made him a bit sick. He hoped he wouldn't make a fool of himself before Cho.

Reaching the common room he spotted Parvati in a discussion with Seamus and Lavender.

He had to admit, she did look very beautiful in bright pink dress robes, her hair plaited with gold, and gold bracelets dangling on her hands.

She was laughing at something Seamus was saying, and she looked so carefree. He admitted that he liked her laugh, it was a rather nice laugh, like how Sirius laughed. He always thought Lavender and Parvati to be the giggly girls, but this surprised him.

He decided to use today to get to know his classmate more. He was ashamed to think that he never made an effort to talk or get to know any of his other classmates much, well having a dark lord behind him, he couldn't fault himself. However he decided to change that starting today.

Ron was searching the common room for Hermione, he pulled Ron with him towards his other classmates and greeted them.

"Hi guys!, Hi Parvati! You look very pretty"

Parvati blushed and thanked him with a shy smile. "You don't look bad yourself, Harry" she smiled

Seamus and Lavender left to the great hall and there was an awkward silence between the remaining three.

"Shall we go down then!? Asked Harry.

Parvati smiled and nodded while Ron grunted and followed, enquiring Parvati about Hermione.

She just shrugged in response, not bothering to look at him.

They reached the entrance hall where Parvati located her twin. Taking the opportunity of being alone with Ron, Harry took a moment to calm himself, then suggested Ron do the same, not worry about Hermione and have fun tonight.

Parvati came back with her twin who was looking as beautiful as she was in turquoise robes. Harry thought Parvati was slightly more better looking, though he wouldn't admit it to anyone.

Parvati introduced Padma to Harry and Ron. It seemed that Padma was not very happy with the arrangement either, but she was making an effort. He hoped Ron wouldn't be rude to her and would make sure she enjoyed herself. The twins were doing a favour to them, by agreeing to go with them to the ball.

Professor McGonagall arrived ushering the remaining students inside and asking the champions to assemble near the door.

Harry led a gleeful Parvati to the other champions. God! Did she have a brilliant smile!? He couldn't help smiling himself.

The other champions and their partners were already present. He could see Cedric along with Cho, who looked quite stunning. He instantly became a little spiteful looking at both of them there. He glanced around to find Fleur with Roger Davis who looked quite stunned as if not believing his luck for going to the ball with Fleur. He chuckled at his expression and turned to see Krum with a pretty girl in a blue dress. Krum for once didn't look grumpy and was smiling down at the witch, who, Harry realised pretty late was Hermione. Hermione smiled and waved at both of them .

"You look stunning Hermione", greeted Parvati.

"Thanks Parvati! You look beautiful too!" Hermione beamed. "Harry!! You look dashing in these robes, aren't you glad Mrs.Weasley got this colour!?"

Harry just nodded saying "You look very pretty Hermione!", Turned to her partner and greeted him "Hello Krum!" Krum too grunted his response, when Professor McGonagall came and called them inside.

Harry took Parvati's hand and all of them went into the great hall.

The great hall was stunning, more beautiful than he had seen for any Christmas.

All the champions proceeded to the head table. Percy started waving at Harry to join him, but he didn't want to listen to Percy talk about Crouch and couldron reports all night. He lingered behind a bit with Parvati, until the seat next to Percy was occupied by Roger Davis. Throwing an apologetic smile towards Percy, he sighed inwardly and occupied the end of the table with Parvati.

Parvati was looking around the great hall in awe. "I've never seen the great hall so beautiful" she exclaimed.

"You never stayed at Christmas for Hogwarts, didn't you!?" asked Harry

"No, I went home the last 3 years."

Harry nodded and continued "I always stay here for Christmas, it is so amazing here, ofcourse this year's decorations are even better".

Parvati nodded looking around and smiling.

She turned back to him and started a conversation, "So why don't you go to your relative's home for Christmas?"

"My aunt and uncle aren't what you would call festive, and I like it here at Hogwarts. My friends are here". He hastily changed the conversation and asked, "What do you usually do for Christmas?"

"We don't celebrate Christmas, but we generally use these holidays for traveling, either to our relatives, or a vacation. Ofcourse, mom and dad let us have a Christmas tree and we do exchange gifts as they didn't want Padma and me to be left out while all our neighbors' kids were doing the same."

Harry just realized that not everyone celebrates Christmas and he was curious to know more about the Indian girl and their holidays.

"So, what festivals do you celebrate then? "

"Well, we are Hindus, but we aren't very religious. We celebrate a lot of festivals throughout the year, but we are at Hogwarts during those times. My favourite is Holi, where we play with colours, there is a lot of fun, singing, dancing. I haven't celebrated it since coming to Hogwarts though.

Even if we don't religiously celebrate it, I do love Christmas time, all the decorations, snow, and ofcourse gifts", she added with a wink.

Harry laughed along with her, he actually liked talking to her. He also comsidered that he should get a Christmas gift for her, however belated it is.

Just then menus appeared on the table, forcing his attention to the same. He looked around to see how to order and saw Dumbledore ordering what he wanted to the menu. He followed suit and ordered.

Parvati followed his lead, and ordered roast potatoes, custard and salad.

He raised an eyebrow and she replied," I am a vegetarian. Again our family isn't strict, but I don't like killing or eating animals. The options here are pretty limited, but I am fine with that, the house elves sometimes make extra cheese sandwiches and such for me."

Harry never really thought about vegetarians or vegetarian food. He sure is learning a lot from Parvati today.

Once their plates were cleared, and it was almost time to dance, his nerves returned with full force. Parvati must have sensed his uneasiness because she squeezed his hand, smiled and whispered

"Don't worry Harry, I am not great at dancing either. We'll just have fun, and worst case if we do fall face front, we'll atleast be able to have a laugh about it. "

This didn't ease his nerves but he did manage a smile. When Dumbledore cleared the floor, and the weird sisters started playing, he indicated all the champions to start the ball.

Harry nervously led Parvati to the floor as a slow tune started playing. Giving a nervous smile, he placed his hands around Parvati and slowly started moving. Whatever she claimed, Parvati was a good dancer, he decided, atleast much better than he was. She took the lead and started moving both of them around. There wasn't much to do for him except not step on her toes. It wasn't that bad he thought and was able to relax.

When the song was over, the sisters picked up a fast song, and the rest of the students joined in the dancing. He wanted nothing more than to go sit somewhere for the rest of the evening, but he owed it to Parvati. He turned towards her, smiled and said "I don't know what to do now."

She laughed "Harry, no one here knows what to do, they are all just pretending. Anyway for such fast songs all you have to do is bob your head, jump around and have fun, just follow me" Harry didn't mind following her.. if he was honest with himself, he didn't mind making a fool of himself as well, as long as Parvati was there with him. He was having fun with her. They did their awkward silly moves, and were soon joined by Dean, his Hufflepuff date, Lavender and Seamus, and to his surprise Ron and Padma. He didn't think Ron would even want to dance, but it seemed like he was having a good time.

They all started doing weird moves in circles shouting and laughing, and pulling in whoever passed by.Fred and George joined along with their dates, and Harry was relieved no one was able to follow their wild energetic moves. Ginny and Neville joined them around the fifth song and Hermione was dragging a slightly reluctant Krum towards them. Harry turned to see how Ron would react, but his best mate was in a faceoff with Dean over who can spin for the longest time. Harry just hoped they wouldn't get sick from all that spinning.

Soon, it was a huge circle of students dancing their own moves, laughing and having fun. Harry never laughed or danced so much. He danced with Ron, Hermione, Padma, a non-blushing Ginny and a surprisingly light footed Katie Bell, but he danced the most with Parvati. He couldn't remember the last time he had so much fun.

After a while, Parvati suggested they take a break and get something to drink to which he readily agreed.

They took their butterbeers and started walking aimlessly, talking about anything and everything. They walked along the fountain and flower gardens planted in the courtyard. Harry saw Hagrid and Madam Maxime talking on the edge of the fountain, and a a very suspicious Snape and Karkaroff walking along.Snape had his usual frown on his face and Karkaroff seemed nervous, however he didn't have time to dwell over it as Parvati pulled him inside as the night was closing in.

They danced to the last song which was thankfully slow. They didn't talk, but the silence was comfortable.

The weird sisters bade goodnight and the teachers started shooing the students back to their common rooms.

As the Gryffindors started going towards the staircase , Cedric called Harry for a talk. Parvati waited for him while Cedric gave the suggestion to take the egg for a bath. Feeling very confused, he walked back to where Parvati was waiting for him.

"What was that about?"

"Oh nothing, he just wanted to talk about the egg"

"Oh, is that allowed!?"

Harry grinned, "Strictly no, but I guess it happens in these tournaments."

Not wanting to ruin the night with tournament talk, he quickly changed the topic as he led Parvati back to the common room. Once they reached the stairs to the dormitories, he stopped, turning to face towards Parvati.

"I had a great time tonight Parvati! Thanks for agreeing to come to the ball with me" He smiled down at her.

"Me too, Harry! It was a fun night indeed." She grinned back.

"Well.. good night then, and don't be a stranger Harry" Parvati ended with a wink. Leaning forward she gave Harry a swift kiss on his cheek and went up to her dormitory, leaving Harry stunned with a goofy smile on his face. It was the best Christmas he ever had.

A/N I somehow became obsessed with Harry/Parvati pairing recently. I couldn't find a lot of fics for the same. But the ones present were really good. This is my take on the yule ball.

Please do read it, and leave a review. Let me know of you would like me to continue the story