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1998 Christmas Eve Ministry Ball
Harry walked into the ballroom in new dress robes. A witch held out a tray of drinks. He took one to be polite, seeing others with them too.
He searched for a friendly face, but couldn’t find any and he didn't feel like making small talk with strangers, so just walked around admiring the decorations. There were Christmas trees in each corner, each decorated in different colours; red, gold, silver and blue.
By the blue tree, he met a pair of sterling grey eyes. How had Malfoy received an invite? He was yet to face trial. Was that a smirk?
---
1999 Christmas Eve Ministry Ball
Harry was on stage for the welcome speech. After introducing the Minister, he started scanning the guests. His eyes met sunken grey ones. Their owner was almost unrecognisable from his school nemesis. Even a few months in Azkaban could rob someone of so much.
Malfoy had been lucky to be let off lightly though. The Wizengamot had wanted to put him away for much longer before Harry and a few others had testified.
Rumours were circulating Malfoy no longer cared for blood purity and intended to distance himself from his family's past. Harry would believe it when he saw it.
---
2000 Christmas Eve Ministry Ball
Harry hadn't seen Malfoy since last year's Christmas Eve Ball. He looked much healthier this year dressed in exquisitely fitted navy blue robes.
"Seen him a bit at St. Mungo's," Kingsley said, startling Harry by his sudden appearance.
"Who?"
"Nice try. I see where you're looking."
Was Kingsley implying…? "Oh, no. I'm not interested-"
"Ah ha," Kingsley nodded. "He's kept to his word, you know. Helping to discourage the old prejudice, pureblood beliefs. Volunteering at the hospital has helped open his eyes too. That's why he was invited this year."
"Really? And last year?"
"Donated to Hogwarts and St. Mungo's."
---
2001 Christmas Eve Ministry Ball
"When did Draco start training to be a healer?" Harry asked Morgan, the head healer at St. Mungo's.
"A few months ago. He was a bit nervous to start, but he’s been picking things up easily now and has seemed more confident recently."
"Is he attending tonight?" asked Harry hopefully, wondering if Malfoy had been invited this year.
"Should be."
As if on cue, Draco walked into the ballroom. Morgan caught his attention, beckoning him over.
"Evening Morgan. Potter. I would have been here sooner, but escaping Lockhart is getting harder and harder."
"How is he?" asked Harry.
“Still nuts.”
---
2002 Christmas Eve Ministry Ball
"It amazes me how you get yourself into those situations," Draco said.
"It's not like I do it on purpose," Harry protested. "Trouble just seems to find me, no matter where I go."
"How does a fire-breathing dragon just find you? You were lucky you only got burnt down one side."
Harry shrugged. With all he'd been through since being introduced to the wizarding world, nothing really surprised him anymore.
"How's the dressing going?"
"A little loose on my shoulder, actually."
"Can I check it?" Draco asked hesitantly..
"Sure." Harry secretly really enjoyed Draco's gentle touch and his caring side.
---
2003 Christmas Eve Ministry Ball
More than five years had passed since the end of the war. Harry felt things had finally stabilised. The Ministry's Christmas Eve Ball had become a tradition Harry looked forward to, which he hadn’t expected when he first attended.
Many asked Harry to the dance floor each year, but he’d always declined, happily watching; especially last year when Draco was asked to the floor.
This year Draco watched the dance floor with him, gently swaying to the music.
His Gryffindor courage took over. “Do you want to dance?”
“Potter?”
“You can lead.”
“Took you long enough.” He pulled Harry close.
—
2004 Christmas Eve Ministry Ball
“Are you ready yet? We’re going to be late,” Harry said as he walked into Draco’s bedroom to find him still not dressed.
“Which do you prefer, the black with silver trim or emerald trim?” Draco asked, ignoring Harry’s whining.
“Really? The green I suppose.”
“Silver it is then.” Draco donned the cloak with the silver trim.
“Good. Can we go now?”
Draco smirked at Harry, pleased with the dress robes he’d picked out for his partner. They went down to the fireplace and Floo’d to the Ministry.
They walked into the ballroom together, holding hands and drawing considerable attention.
—
2007 Christmas Eve Ministry Ball
Harry was thankful when the live band finally decided to take a break. Draco had had him on the dance floor much longer than he expected. He checked he hadn’t lost anything from his pockets, then took Draco’s hand. “Come on.”
Draco reluctantly followed Harry to the silver decorated tree, away from much of the crowd. Harry turned to face Draco, then dropped to one knee, fumbling in his robes.
“Harry… what are you…?” A silver ring with a deep emerald centre stone stunned him.
“I love you, Draco Malfoy. Will you marry me?”
“Yes!”
Harry beamed. The crowd cheered.
—
2008 Christmas Eve Ministry Ball
Draco’s robes were deep green and silver this year, matching his rings, while Harry’s were deep red with a gold trim.
The Christmas Eve Ball would be the first public event the pair were attending together after their wedding a few months earlier. Harry had been asked to give one of the welcoming speeches again and Draco was proud to be standing by his side.
As they mingled, Draco was keen to show off his rings to anyone who asked.
Even as they danced, Draco couldn’t help but admire them as they glistened in the candlelight. Harry had chosen well.
—
2009 Christmas Eve Ministry Ball
Over ten years of attending the Ministry's Christmas Eve Ball and Harry had not once noticed mistletoe floating around the ceiling before. This year had also been Draco's first on the planning committee and Harry was sure the two firsts were not a coincidence.
"Who did you have to bribe to approve the roaming mistletoe?"
"Excuse me? Why would I need to bribe anyone?"
Harry just stared at his husband.
"Oh look," Draco smirked, pointing above Harry’s head.
Harry looked up at the mistletoe then back down at Draco who captured his lips lustfully.
Okay, maybe it wasn't so bad.