Midnight Strokes

Harry scrubbed the floor, wondering how his summer vacations ever got to this. Already today he had washed the tub, cleaned the dishes and swept the fireplace which had left him covered in soot, but none of that was good enough to warrant a well deserved break.

He gave the floor an extra scrub in protest.

Just then, the lights went out and the door burst open. A strong pink light silhouetted the figure standing in the doorway. Harry shielded his eyes.

"Forced to clean the floor? Is that any way for a princess to be treated?" said the figure. "No, she must be treated like royalty."

"She?" Harry asked. "I'm a 'she' now?"

The figure stepped into the hall, the pink light softened and gathered around the figure in tiny, delicate sparkles, revealing Draco Malfoy dressed in a pink tutu, gauzy wings, and a diamond tiara. He was also wearing a pout.

"I thought this was what you wanted," he said sourly, arms crossed and wings drooping.

"Yes, sorry," Harry said, "please get on with it."

Draco brandished his wand with a flourish. "I think the princess must be dressed for the ball."

"Oh, but I haven't anything to wear!" Harry protested in a wail.

"No matter, Cinderella," Draco said, "for I am your fairy godmother, here to grant any of your wishes."

Harry drew a breath and his eyes sparkled.

"Bibbity - boppity - boo!" Draco proclaimed and waved his wand.

There was a gentle flash of pink light and Harry found himself inside the Malfoy's ballroom, decorated in flowing curtains and intricate ice sculptures. He looked down and discovered himself in a sparkling periwinkle dress and glass slippers.

"Now you are ready for the ball," said Draco proudly, admiring his work.

Harry twirled around gracefully. "Oh if only my prince would come!" he said with a forlorn sigh.

Draco's eyes widened and he quickly dashed out of the room, wings fluttering in the wind, only to re-enter seconds later in a cream blouse covered by a velvet red vest. He wore muggle trousers, but he had obviously forgotten to change out of his fluffy, white, heeled slippers.

He cleared his throat. "May I have this dance, my lady?" he asked Harry, offering his gloved hand.

Harry beamed. "Certainly, good prince," he cooed.

Draco gracefully swept Harry around the room to a slow waltz. They danced for what seemed like hours. Then suddenly the grandfather clock began to chime midnight.

Bong ... bong ... bong ...

Harry gasped. "But at midnight the spell is broken! I must go!" he said, and turned to flee.

Bong ... bong ...

Draco caught his arm. "But why go, Cinderella?" he asked mischievously. "At the last chime our guises will disappear.

Bong ...

Harry stared at Draco's shirt for a moment before his words sank in. "Are you saying...?"

Bong ...

Draco nodded.

Bong ...

Harry grinned. "Wow, you sure know how to show a girl a good time."

Bong ...

Draco pulled Harry closer. "I do. Just don't forget this when it's my turn."

Bong ...

"How could I?" he breathed.

Bong ...

Draco smiled and leaned in further, his lips almost touching Harry's. Midnight was almost upon them. "By the way," he breathed, "happy birthday, Harry."

Bong ...