Chapter 36
The Yule Ball
Author's Note: And so we come to the End of Book 1. My. Longest. Chapter. Ever.
Last chapter, there seemed to be some confusion when Ivan spoke of his sister. It was his youngest sister, not younger. He was talking about Isabella, Fudge's assistant.
Much of the Yule Ball scenes were taken from "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire". However, in my story it begins at seven-o-clock in the evening. In canon, it started at eight apparently.
Not all the Christmas presents given to our heroes will be shown or discussed. Only a few main ones which will be important in the future.
Warning: Not Spoiling you with Warnings, is my only Warning.
(Tuesday, December 22nd, 1994 – 7:45 AM)
As it had been on Sunday morning – and for a similar reason – the Great Hall was once again filled with most of the students who currently resided in the castle. Everyone was waiting to see what the Daily Prophet would report about what happened during the Winter Solstice Session of the Wizengamot. As a good majority of the present purebloods – along with several half-bloods - were Heirs and Heiresses of important Houses in the British magical society, they were eagerly waiting to see what their Lords, Ladies, Allies, and even enemies, had come up with during the Wizengamot Council meeting.
Harry Potter and Hermione Granger were once again sitting at the Ravenclaw Table with Neville, Luna, Padma and Ivan. They were rather silent, and nervous as they dined on their breakfast. They were, of course, nervous about the news getting out today. Especially since they didn't know yet what Rita Skeeter would say about it. But they were also nervous about Dumbledore. Would he confront them again, to continue the discussion they had the previous night, or to speak to them about their Betrothal Contract?
Of course, their friends had noticed.
"You two seem very nervous, Harry, Hermione," Neville said, "Is this about how everyone is going to react to the news of your Betrothal?"
"Not to mention your new titles," Ivan said.
"I think the reactions will be pretty humorous," Luna said, brightly. "I cannot wait to see the looks of heartbreak and disappointment on the faces of your fan-girls."
"That is rather vindictive of you, Luna," Hermione said, surprised at the comment by the normally peaceful and nice girl.
Luna grinned. "Well, when you realize most of those fan-girls have boyfriends or dates to the Yule Ball. It will be fun to see how the boys will react to seeing the disappointment on their girlfriends' faces about Harry being confirmed as no longer a bachelor, or that they no longer have a chance with him."
Padma snorted. "What about Hermione? I am sure there will be some boys – like Krum – who are going to be disappointed too. Especially when they see what you're going to wear at the Ball."
"You told her?" Harry asked.
"Earlier this year, I made the mistake of showing the dress to Parvati and Lavender," Hermione said, "I had to make them promise to keep it secret. Parvati said she would only tell her sister."
"She only told me," Padma confirmed. "I don't think anyone else knows."
"I would have heard comments about it by now if they did," Hermione said, "As long as Harry doesn't know until he sees me that night. That is all I am worried about when it comes to my dress."
"I don't mind," Harry said. "I wouldn't want you to find out about my Christmas present to you from somebody else, after all. Not that anyone else knows."
Hermione smiled. But before she could say anything, there was the familiar whoosh of wings as a great flock of owls arrived into the Great Hall. Two owls dropped newspapers toward Harry and Hermione who caught it. Harry unrolled his newspaper and rolled his eyes at the headlining article. He had expected it would be on one of the first pages, but why had the article about him and Hermione been the headliner? Especially since the Winter Solstice Session surely had to be bigger news. He could easily guess that some Lords and Ladies would not be pleased that this was considered bigger news.
The picture on the front page was a close-up of Harry and Hermione standing together near the table in Courtroom Nine. It was as if the photo had been taken from a camera that was in front of them, which was impossible. Unless… could photos be taken inside Pensieves?
"It is plausible," Hermione said, when Harry asked her the same question. "Since there were no cameras in front of us yesterday, it had to be taken another way. Otherwise this would be shot from the side of us."
"There are special Pensieves that allow camera to be used inside them," Luna said, "Daddy has one, so he can take pictures of creatures which would otherwise be scared of camera flashes. It wouldn't surprise me if the Daily Prophet has one."
"It explains why some photos I've seen seem to be taken of people who had no clue they were being filmed," Hermione said.
Harry nodded, then started reading the article.
BOY-WHO-LIVED HARRY POTTER AND GIRLFRIEND HERMIONE
GRANGER ANNOUNCE LORD AND HEIRESS TITLES; LORD
POTTER-PEVERELL AND HEIRESS DAGWORTH-GRANGER PEN
BETROTHAL CONTRACT! FULL CONTRACT PUBLISHED FOR VIEW!
Written by Rita Skeeter, Daily Prophet Star Reporter
Last week, this reporter brought you the speculation that the Boy-Who-Lived
Harry Potter may, in fact, be Emancipated, due to his participation in the
Triwizard Tournament! Yesterday, during the Winter Solstice Session of the
Wizengamot Council, Harry Potter, 14, confirmed these speculations and claimed
two seats on the Wizengamot Council.
Harry Potter is now known as Lord Potter of the Ancient and Most Noble House
of Potter, and Lord Peverell of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Peverell.
His girlfriend, Hermione Granger, who my faithful readers will remember coming
up lately in my articles about the Boy-Who-Lived, announced that a once-thought
extinct Noble House has returned. Granger, 15, a Muggleborn descended from a
Pureblood, per her own words, is the new Heiress of the Noble House of Dagworth-
Granger, and the descendant of the famous Hector Dagworth-Granger, founder of
The Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers.
In addition, Lord Potter announced that the Heiress was now a Vassal of the Ancient
and Most Noble House of Potter. I learned that Lord Potter does not expect servitude
from his Vassal. The title is merely a way to further protect the new Heiress! Isn't that
just romantic of the new Lord of two Houses?
But I also learned that Lord Potter and Heiress Dagworth-Granger went further along
the path of protecting themselves, especially as a new couple.
Last night, after coming back from attending the Winter Solstice Session, I was given
an envelope, with a letter penned by Harry Potter and Hermione Granger themselves,
and what I verified was a Betrothal Contract between Lord Potter-Peverell and Heiress
Dagworth-Granger.
Yes, readers, Harry Potter and his girlfriend, Hermione Granger are, in fact, Betrothed!
The full Betrothal Contract – of which they gave me a copy – can be seen on Page 2.
A few interesting Provisos were included in the Contract, though there is no confirmation
of when the future wedding will happen between the new Lord and his Heiress!
One of the more interesting Provisos is that the Betrothal Contract cannot be cancelled
unless Lord Potter and Heiress Dagworth-Granger attend an appointment with Gringotts-
approved Healers! Goblin Healers are said to be more thorough then the Healers at St.
Mungo's in how they treat and help humans. But they don't just help any humans. Only
an exclusive group of humans are allowed to be healed by Goblin Healers. The new Lord
and Heiress must be an important pair to Gringotts and the Goblin Nation if this was
approved to be a Proviso in the Contract!
What does this Proviso mean? Simple… it protects the Betrothed from any nefarious
means of breaking them up, such as those nasty, annoying Love Potions! The Betrothed
couple went further to protect themselves. If the Betrothed couple are ever accused of
infidelity or adultery, they must, too, attend an appointment with the Goblin Healers. Sounds
like they have thought of everything!
The Contract also proves that we will see lots of children in the next generation of the House
of Potter! At least three children must be born so they can become the Heirs, or Heiresses,
of Houses Potter, Peverell and Dagworth-Granger! Looks like our new Lord and Heiress have
their whole future planned out!
Reminder: the newly Betrothed Couple will be one of the star couples of the Yule Ball this
Friday, on Christmas night at Hogwarts! Will this wonderful news make the new couple
steal the spotlight! I certainly hope so!
We, at the Daily Prophet, congratulate the new Lord and Heiress on their titles, and on their
new status as a Betrothed couple! We wish them happy, healthy and romantic times in their
future.
Full details of Lord Potter and Heiress Dagworth-Granger's Betrothal Contract – Page 2
History of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter – Page 3
History of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Peverell – Page 3
History of the Noble House of Dagworth-Granger – Page 4
Harry whistled as he rolled up the newspaper. Rita Skeeter had gone all out with this article. But he didn't find anything offensive in the article. She could have put her usual flourish on several parts, such as the Vassal detail, or the whole Goblin Healer thing, but she did not. It was respectful to him and Hermione. He appreciated Rita Skeeter for respectfully announcing their news to Great Britain.
Suddenly, three sharp dings echoed throughout the Great Hall from the Head Table. Harry narrowed his eyes as he saw Headmaster Dumbledore stand up.
"Attention students," Dumbledore said, "If you have read the headlining article from the ever-popular Rita Skeeter, you will discover some of the big news that was revealed yesterday at the Winter Solstice Session of the Wizengamot Council. Our very own Harry Potter is now Lord Potter-Peverell, Head of two very important Houses in our society, including one of the oldest Houses in our society. Hermione Granger also revealed that she is a descendant of the House of Dagworth-Granger, one of our society's more famous Houses. Her official title, at this moment, is Heiress Dagworth-Granger. A round of applause, please, for our new Lord and Heiress!"
Harry and Hermione exchanged glances, wondering what Dumbledore was up to. They blushed a little as many of the students applauded and cheered loudly. Over at the Slytherin table, Daphne and Tracey sent small smiles in their direction, as they clapped. However, Draco Malfoy seemed to be rather constipated at this news. He was glaring at Harry, but that wasn't big news, so Harry ignored it.
The applause and cheers quieted after a minute.
"Yes, yes, congratulations," Dumbledore said, "However! As many of you Heirs and Heiresses who sit in front of me know, we at Hogwarts do not use formal titles greater than Mr. and Miss when it comes to students. Therefore, Lord Potter and Heiress Dagworth-Granger will only be addressed as Mr. Potter and Miss Granger by the Professors."
Ah, that was what he was doing. He was trying to downplay their announcement, make it seem less than it was. Suddenly, Neville cleared his throat and stood up.
"May I speak Headmaster?" Neville asked.
"Of course, Mr. Longbottom," Dumbledore said, with a smile.
"I, Heir Neville Longbottom, would like to congratulate Lord Potter and Heiress Dagworth-Granger," Neville said, "not only for their new titles of peerage, but also for their new Betrothal status!"
Harry and Hermione smiled at Neville, impressed that the usually timid boy was brave enough to stand up. The timid boy returned, however, as he blushed red and sat back down as many students applauded and cheered again. Professor McGonagall and several other Professors joined in.
"Thank you, Mr. Longbottom," Dumbledore said, once the applause and cheers were finished, "A most proper congratulations. I echo your statements. You may all return to your delicious meals."
Dumbledore sat down and Harry and Hermione turned back to their friends.
"That was brilliant, Neville!" Hermione gushed, "Thank you very much."
"It is something Gran would want me to do," Neville said, smiling.
"I would have done it if he hadn't!" Ivan said, "It was obvious the Headmaster was trying to downplay your announcements. Neville's message allowed the news to flourish, as it should. This is big news in our society, I assure you. I know you were raised in the Muggle world, but here Betrothals should be celebrated. As should the return of a previously-thought extinct House. And a new Lord, especially the only surviving soul of two Houses – yes, that should definitely be celebrated. It is big for our society."
"So I imagine we won't be able to downplay this if we tried?" Harry asked, "We can't act as if it just a normal thing?"
"Not unless you want to lose a lot of respect," Ivan said. "I assume over the next few days, a lot of the Heirs and Heiresses here at Hogwarts are going to congratulate you two if they pass by you in the corridors. Simply give your thanks and appreciation. That is the least you can do. Anymore would seem as if you are trying to further a conversation and are interested in possible Alliances."
"Thank you, Ivan," Harry said, "I wouldn't have known this if you hadn't let me know."
"Then I know what I'm giving you for Christmas, Harry, and you, Hermione," Ivan said, "Books on proper etiquette in wizarding society"
"We do need them," Hermione said, "Professor McGonagall taught us a bit, but that didn't come up. Mostly she just taught us things we needed to know for the Yule Ball."
"The Yule Ball is a Social event, but only the Heirs and Heiresses will be in attendance," Padma said. "Unless there are chaperones, or high tier Ministry officials coming, the only important people with statuses equal to yours, Harry, are Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall. Remember that."
Harry nodded. "Thank you. This is all good information."
"We're your Allies, Harry," Padma said, "It is our duty to help our Allies. We're not going to be remiss in those duties anymore."
Neville, Luna and Ivan nodded in agreement. Harry and Hermione smiled. They were very appreciative of this.
(Time-Skip – Tuesday, December 22nd, 1994 - Morning to Thursday, December 24th, 1994 – Evening)
As the week went on and Christmas and the Yule Ball loomed ever closer, Harry and Hermione found ways to pass the time.
Ivan Blishwick had been right. Several Heirs and Heiresses – the majority of whom Harry and Hermione had never met before - introduced themselves to the new Lord and Heiress. Most were polite. A few Slytherins, however, sneered, and when they greeted Harry and Hermione, it was with a mocking of sorts when they called them 'Lord Potter' and 'Heiress Dagworth-Granger. Hermione suspected most of these were families on the Dark Alliance, someone who would never support them, since they were members of the Light and Great Alliances.
Harry and Hermione would often casually tease each other after being greeted by an Heir or Heiress.
"She's rather pretty, Harry," Hermione would tease, "I bet her name is going to be on one of those Betrothal Offers."
"Her boyfriend's probably one of those on your Offers," Harry teased back.
The couple would simply laugh after this, and that was their way to cope with the fact that sooner or later, Keeper Ragnok would send them a great pile of Betrothal Offers from those Lords and Ladies who were foolish to believe they would even think of accepting them.
Draco Malfoy, who had been ignoring the couple for the last several days, had finally confronted them with his minions.
"Finally showing a Mudblood where she belongs, Lord Potter?" Draco asked. "I'm very impressed. You've finally realized Mudbloods deserve to serve us betters. Vassalage is the best these Mudbloods could hope for. But did you have to choose her?"
"Haven't you heard, Heir Malfoy?" Harry answered. "She is Heiress Dagworth-Granger. Descended from one of the most famous purebloods in our society."
Draco huffed. "How much money did you pay, Lord Potter, to get Gringotts to make your Vassal a fake Heiress? Everyone knows a Mudblood can't possibly be descended from Purebloods! It is a travesty! My father will hear about this!"
"I hope your father hears about this, Malfoy!" Hermione retorted, throwing his words back at him, "Perhaps then, Lord Lucius can tell you what happened during the Wizengamot Council Session when magic itself approved of my title of Heiress, and put my House Seat back on the Council. What would he say if he heard you insult the Heiress of a once-extinct House? One who is sure to get a lot of respect from other Lords and Ladies around society. Lords and Ladies your father would not want to piss off! Even the Minister seemed to want to kiss my feet when he heard I was the Heiress of a once-extinct House."
"Then perhaps I will tell my father," Draco shot back. "Obviously Fudge no longer deserves to be Minister if he has chosen to support rubbish like you!"
He then sneered and walked off with his minions. That was the last they had seen of Malfoy and his minions, aside from when they were in the Great Hall, and even then he ignored them.
When in private, they found ways to spend time with each other. They had dancing 'lessons' every night after dinner in the Private Common Room, though mostly they 'practiced' slow dancing, as it was rather difficult practicing the waltz inside the room. However, they were quite confident the two lessons they already had would prepare them enough for doing the waltzes and other dances expected of them.
They also met up with the other Children of the Great Alliance. Wednesday afternoon, they were invited to a snowball fight on the Grounds with every present member of the Great Alliance, including Daphne and Tracey. Harry and Hermione were teamed together, of course. Especially when it was duo fights. When it was groups, they wouldn't split up, and everyone knew this even when they were grouped with different Children.
Wednesday night, Mallory and Sadie delivered the letters penned from the Gryffindor students. Harry and Hermione put them off reading until they returned to school from Christmas Break. They were not going to let these letters mess up their joy and fun. Professor McGonagall was most pleased, and approved of this decision.
On Thursday, Harry and Hermione spent breakfast with Susan, Hannah, Ernie and Terry at the Hufflepuff Table and lunch with their friends at the Ravenclaw table.
On Thursday evening, Christmas Eve, as Harry and Hermione decided to sit at the Gryffindor Table for dinner, Fred and George Weasley walked into the Great Hall. Angelina Johnson and Alicia Spinnet had greeted them with squeals and kisses right there in the middle of the Great Hall.
"Did you really think we would dump you beautiful ladies and let you go solo at the Ball?" Fred asked.
"Did you really think we would miss such wild festivities known as the Yule Ball?" George asked.
"Not a chance!" Fred and George said.
"Well," Angelina said, "We wondered if you would be here, yes."
But we wouldn't be going solo if you hadn't shown up," Alicia said.
"We'd go together!" Angelina and Alicia said.
Fred and George's jaws dropped in unison, amid laughter around them. Then they joined in.
"Our soul-mates!" Fred exclaimed
"We found them!" George exclaimed.
More laughter was heard as Angelina and Alicia blushed. Wolf-whistles were heard next as they kissed their respective boyfriend's cheek. Nobody wanted to break up the fun and laughter, so nobody talked about what must have gone on at the Burrow. It was sure to be a sad and tragic story, given that the Weasley Matriarch was buried, and the two youngest children had their magic bound.
Harry and Hermione ended Christmas Eve bundled up together in front of roaring fire in their Private Common Room, which is wonderfully decorated with Christmas decorations. There was even a Christmas tree in one corner of the room. Dobby had told them that their presents would be under the tree the following morning, instead of at the end of their beds as was Hogwarts tradition. Harry and Hermione approved this, and thanked Dobby and Winky – both of whom had decorated the room – for being so wonderful and thoughtful.
The Betrothed couple spent the night – before they chose to go to bed – kissing, snogging and cuddling, and simply enjoying Christmas Eve. Both knew tomorrow was sure to be just as wonderful as the last few days had been.
(Friday, December 25th, 1994 – 7:10 AM)
Harry and Hermione were once again in the Private Common Room. Instead of sitting on the couch this time, they were sitting by the Christmas tree, where their presents were. The previous night they had agreed to meet there around seven that morning. As tradition was for them to spend Christmas morning in their pyjamas, they agreed to wait to do their morning ablutions until after they opened their presents.
Harry, who hadn't seen Hermione in her pyjamas since they had become a couple, thought his Betrothed looked quite sexy in her pyjamas. Her curves were quite pronounced against the tight clothing. Harry had to keep himself calm, since he knew his arousal would be obvious in his tight pyjamas!
"So your choice, Hermione," Harry said, "Do we open each other's presents first or last?"
"First," Hermione said. "Each other's, then Sirius and Remus. Then from our closest friends, then Allies and the rest. My parents didn't send us gifts since we'll be home tomorrow."
"Us?" Harry asked.
"They bought presents for you too, Harry," Hermione said, "Did you really think they wouldn't? They know you're my boyfriend, and they did give us permission to be Betrothed, even if it wasn't necessary to do so."
"I just wasn't expecting it," Harry said, shrugging, "Even if I am giving them presents too."
"I am sure they'll be happy to accept presents from you," Hermione said, smiling; she picked up a couple boxes and gave them to Harry. "These are from me."
Harry found the smaller boxes meant for Hermione and gave them to her.
"Don't judge a box by its size, love," Harry said, grinning. "I have another gift for you, but it is for your parents and you together, by the way."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "I haven't judged a gift on their size since I was about five, Harry."
Harry smiled. He didn't unwrap his presents yet. He simply watched his girlfriend as she unwrapped hers. She gasped as she opened the first – a blue pearl necklace – similar to her favorite color. Her other gift, which also made her gasp, were periwinkle earrings.
"I found them in the jewelry boxes from the Vault," Harry said, smiling.
"These are gorgeous, Harry!" Hermione said, "They'll go perfect with my dress tonight!"
"Brilliant," Harry said, "That is why I gave them to you."
Hermione grinned, then leaned over to him and kissed him. Harry returned the kiss until his girlfriend backed away.
"Open yours now!" Hermione said, excitedly.
Harry smiled and looked at the boxes. "I assume these are both books?"
"Yes, but they are very important books!" Hermione defended her gifts, "Open them!"
Harry smiled and unwrapped the first gift. It was, indeed, a book.
"Legends of the Magical World?" Harry asked.
"It has a chapter on Shadow Panthers," Hermione said, "Your Animagus!"
"Oh!" Harry said, grinning, "That's brilliant."
"I had to owl-order both of these books from Flourish and Blott's," Hermione said, "Neither the Hogwarts Library, nor the bookshop at Hogsmeade has them. I was rather relieved when your Vault didn't have either of these books. Open the next one."
Harry unwrapped the second box and looked at the book.
"The Peverell Three And The Legend Of The Deathly Hallows," Harry read.
"Beedle the Bard wrote a Tale Of the Three Brothers," Hermione said, "Remember, Professor McGonagall mentioned it after you took your Inheritance Test? Well, that book is just a story for kids. This book has the story behind the Tale. It talks about your ancestor and his brothers. And it tells about three items called the Deathly Hallows. I saw this book a while back in Flourish and Blott's, and I remembered its name when I learned you were descended from Peverell. So I owl-ordered this book along with the Legends of the Magical World."
"These are great!" Harry said, smiling. "Two more books for my collection."
Hermione smiled, then sighed. "I hope your family libraries don't have these books. It is possible."
"Even if it does," Harry said, "These are more precious, because they are from you."
"Oh, you wonderful man," Hermione gushed; she leaned toward him and kissed him.
The next presents they found were from Sirius and Remus. It was a combined gift for both of them from both Marauders… and…
"My Dad?" Harry asked, confused.
"There's a letter!" Hermione said, pointing to the scroll on top of the package. "Read it and I'll open the box!"
Harry took the scroll and unread it.
"'Harry and Hermione,'" Harry read, "'You little devils didn't tell us that you learned you had Animagus forms! We had to learn it from Professor McGonagall! Inside this box is a whole bunch of notes and research about Animagi, and the Animagus transformation. Hermione, you're also getting a book on Lionesses. Harry, Hermione told us she was getting you a book on your Animagus. Remus says do not try to transform without help from us or Professor McGonagall, and I suppose I must agree with him. Read through these notes and if you have any questions, ask us or Professor McGonagall. If you truly want to work on your transformations, Remus and I will try to meet with you at Hogwarts without your Headmaster finding out.
"Harry, this is also a gift from your father. He helped us do this research. Wormtail didn't do much to help us, but your father did. He would want you to have these notes. In fact, you may have had them years ago if your parents had lived, or if I had raised you!
"Love Padfoot and Moony."
Harry looked over at Hermione and found what appeared to be a shoebox full of parchment. Hermione was reading through one of the pieces on top of the pile."
"These are great!" Hermione said, "We'll definitely have to look through these notes after we sort them out! Can't believe Sirius and Remus didn't sort them out."
"Probably found this in his Vault or something," Harry said, grinning, "Maybe he wanted to keep it authentic? Like it was back when he used it."
Hermione snorted. "Then he was very unorganized!"
Harry laughed. They continued opening more presents. Professor McGonagall gave them books on Occlumency and Legilimency. Ivan Blishwick had kept his promise and had given them two copies of "A Guide to Social Etiquette in the Wizarding World" books. Most of the Children had given them various gift cards to shops in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Neville, for example, gave Harry and Hermione gift cards to a Herbology based shop in Diagon Alley.
Daphne Greengrass' gifts surprised them. She gave them copies of an Advanced Potions book. A note said that this book was what Severus Snape had assigned the Slytherins for extra reading this year. Harry also laughed at Daphne's other gift.
"A fake Betrothal Contract," Harry said, "Written on parchment you could buy in Diagon Alley. No signatures and definitely not identical to a real Contract."
"She remembered you teasing her during the Children of the Great Alliance meeting," Hermione said, grinning. "Probably knew you were expecting Contracts from others, and she wanted you to get a laugh out of one of them, at least. Any Provisos?"
"I must be sorted into Slytherin starting fifth year," Harry said, "And I must allow Daphne to accept Tracey Davis as her Mistress."
Hermione laughed. "She's wonderful, isn't she?"
"She is," Harry agreed, "Oh! I got a gift from Nymphadora Tonks! It has a note too. Hmm… 'Harry, you doofus, why didn't you tell me your Metamorph abilities had been blocked, and recently released! I had to hear it from Professor McGonagall! She suggested I talk to you about it! I am a Metamorphmagus too! Maybe that is why you didn't tell me, because you didn't know I am one. Anyway, I've given you a book on the Metamorphmagus talent. Read this, learn from it, practice some of the easier ones. The harder stuff you can learn it from me! We'll figure out when I can help you with it! Tonks.' Wow!"
"That is why she had pink hair!" Hermione exclaimed, "Because she was an Metamorphmagus. It wasn't hair dye as I thought!"
Harry nodded, as he opened the package. "I'll have to read through this soon enough. I haven't really thought about my Metamorph talents… like at all… since I discovered it."
"We've been rather busy, Harry," Hermione said.
Harry agreed with that. He was surprised, and amazed, to receive several old photographs from Lords and Ladies of the Great Alliance. Photographs of the Lords and Ladies depicted with James, Lily or both, and even with little Harry sometimes.
"How lovely," Hermione said, smiling, "More photos for your photo album."
"Yeah," Harry said.
Soon, Harry got down to one last present. It was a fifty-pence piece attached to a note.
"From the Dursleys," Harry muttered. "'Let's see. Use this to take a bus to one of your freaky friends next summer! Don't bother looking for us! We'll be long gone from Great Britain! See you, freak! Thanks for the money!'"
"Those ungrateful people!" Hermione snarled. "Couldn't they have been a little thankful and polite. This is the last you'll likely ever hear from them!"
"Wait… there's something on the back of the note," Harry said. "You didn't just lose your mother that night. I lost my sister and my best friend. You have her eyes. Thank you for giving us the money. Forgive me. Dudley asks you to forgive him too. Petunia.' Well…"
"I suppose that's alright then," Hermione said, "She must have wrote that before she sent it off."
Harry nodded. "I suppose her message was okay. But it will take me quite a bit of time to forgive them."
"As it should, Harry," Hermione agreed.
At that moment, Dobby and Winky appeared.
"Dobby and Winky has presents for the Great Harry Potter and his Hermy," Dobby said. "Dobby and Winky be giving a packages of candy and butterbeer from Hogsmeade. Dobby wanted to give socks, but Dobby could only find boring socks."
Dobby and Winky snapped their fingers and large stockings full of candy, and two six-packs of butterbeer appeared on the table.
"This is brilliant, Dobby!" Harry said, "Thanks!"
"Thank you, Winky!" Hermione gushed, "It is wonderful."
"Hermy sure?" Winky asked, "Winky be knowing Hermy be not eating much chocolate and sweets."
"I can indulge on Christmas and my birthday, Winky," Hermione said, "It is a tradition and always has been in my family."
Winky smiled. "Winky be knowing Christmas and Birthday presents for Hermy from now on!"
Harry and Hermione thanked the elves, who bowed and vanished.
"Good haul this year?" Hermione asked.
"You jesting?" Harry asked, "Best Christmas ever!"
"And it isn't over yet," Hermione said.
"I can't wait for tonight," Harry said, "Can't wait to spend the whole night in your arms."
"Well, why wait?" Hermione asked. "We have a little while before we need to go down to the Great Hall for breakfast."
Harry was quite happy to 'practice' slow dancing with Hermione again. Though he had to do his best to keep himself calm. He could feel her curves against his body, especially with barely any fabric between them! They spent the next half-hour in each other's arms before they had to go and start their morning ablutions.
"Harry?" Hermione whispered before Harry could step into his Quarters.
"Yes, love?" Harry asked.
"I am impressed you could keep your… arousal... for me so controlled," Hermione said, grinning. "Especially since I know my body was right up against yours, even with the fabric between us. But let me tell you a little secret. I was having difficulties too. Only… it is more difficult for you to notice it."
She winked and walked toward her dormitory, leaving a blushing and stammering Harry behind. He hurried into his dormitory. Hermione's teasing was going to cause him to have a cold shower!
A very cold one!
(Friday, December 25th, 1994 – 6:45 PM)
Harry Potter was nervously waiting in the Entrance Hall, at the bottom of the steps leading to the Grand Staircase. That afternoon, the Children of the Great Alliance participated in another snowball fight. However, halfway through it, around four-o-clock, three hours before the Yule Ball began, the girls excused themselves and said they needed to get ready for the Ball. Hermione had told him to meet her in the Entrance Hall, because she wouldn't be in the Lion's Den that night. Apparently Padma and Luna had offered to help her get ready, and she had gone off with them to Ravenclaw Tower after they left the snowball fight.
Harry had retreated to he Lion's Den around five-thirty, and had taken a shower, and dressed in his formal robes.
Every now and then, students would come down the stairs, either alone, in groups or with their dates. Lee Jordan and Harry's fellow Quidditch team members had all come down together. They greeted Harry, and the girls commented on how nice he looked. He smiled and greeted them in turn.
With about fifteen minutes to go, Harry saw both Neville Longbottom and Ivan Blishwick coming down together.
"The girls are on their way, Harry!" Neville said, "Better prepare yourself!"
"Did you get to see Hermione before I did?" Harry asked, a little envious.
"Relax," Ivan said, "Hermione's house-elf gave us both a message and said our dates were on their way along with yours. We didn't see any of them yet."
"Sorry," Harry muttered.
"No problem, mate," Neville said, grinning. "If any mates of mine got to see Luna before I did, I'd be pretty steamed too, you know?"
"Same for me and Padma," Ivan said, "It is even worse for me! She and her sister are dressing nearly the same!"
Harry laughed. "Surely you can tell the sisters apart?"
"Course I can," Ivan said. "But I'm going to lay off the punchbowl tonight. I heard the Weasleys plan to spike it! Imagine me getting drunk, and mistaking Parvati for Padma!"
Harry and Neville laughed as Ivan shuddered dramatically.
"Oh, shite!" Ivan said, "Time to test our resolve for our dates. The Beauxbatons Champion is here!"
Sure enough, Fleur Delacour entered the Great Hall, and a Ravenclaw walked over to her. Ivan snorted.
"Davies?" Ivan asked, "She's going with Roger Davies? Him?! Why?!"
"You sound jealous, Ivan," Neville said.
"Oh, no, I am not," Ivan said, "It is just… Davies is going to embarrass Ravenclaw tonight. Look at him, you can see a bit of drool on his lip already! She's got him completely under her thrall. She doesn't even need to use her Allure, and he still acts like he is under it! Oh, Merlin!"
Harry nodded and chanced a glance up the stairs. "Ivan… turn around. You too, Neville."
Ivan and Neville turned and looked up the stairs. Padma and Luna were walking down the stairs together. Padma was dressed in a reddish-brown gown, and her hair was braided like a crown. Luna – well, she was very Luna. Her dress resembled a Christmas tree. Dark green with garland wrapped around her as if in a belt. There were even ornaments on her dress. Her earrings seemed to be fairy lights.
"I think Luna ended up in the costume section of the clothing store," Ivan said.
"Nah, she gave me a few hints at her outfit," Neville said, as he smiled, watching his date make her way toward him, "She said she couldn't find a nice dress. So she made one."
"In less than a week?" Harry asked, "Blimey!"
"You look divine, Miss Patil," Ivan said.
"I thank you, Heir Blishwick," Padma replied, "You look very dashing!"
"Miss Lovegood, you might outshine the Champions this evening," Neville said, "Let no one tell you that you don't look beautiful. Because you look gorgeous!"
"Thank you, Heir Longbottom," Luna said, "You look wonderful yourself."
"Hermione will be here in a moment, Harry," Padma said, "She wanted us to come down first."
"There she is!" Luna exclaimed.
Harry cricked his neck as he turned to the stairs, and his jaw almost dropped to the floor. It was as if he was seeing her for the first time. She was wearing a periwinkle-blue dress that seemed to float around her as she slowly made her way down the stairs. Her dress was just cut low enough that he could see that she was wearing blue-tinted heels. The neckline was low enough to show her curves off well, however, Harry hoped that anyone who dared look in that area would only notice the blue pearl necklace he had given her. It matched her dress well. She had done something with her hair; it was no longer bushy but sleek and shiny, and twisted up into an elegant knot at the back of her head. He could see the earrings he had given her glistening below her ears.
"I'm breathless, my love," Harry said, "You left me breathless. But not speechless. You are the star of the Ball tonight. The Beauxbatons Champion has nothing on you."
"Looked at her, did you?" Hermione teased.
"Only for a moment when she arrived," Harry said, "But nothing compares to your beauty. Not even a Veela."
"Alright, you're going to make me blush, Harry James," Hermione said, "You look so very handsome yourself. Though I can see you decided your hair wasn't going to cooperate with the rest of you."
"It would end up this way halfway through the night anyway after dancing so much," Harry said, with a laugh, "So, I decided to leave it alone."
"A fair point, I suppose," Hermione said.
"Sweet Merlin, beauty like that should not allow a man to hold it!" a voice said behind Harry.
Harry turned and saw Daphne Greengrass and Tracey Davis walking over to them. They were wearing matching silver and green dresses.
"You may be right, Heiress Greengrass," Hermione said, "But I'm kind enough to allow one lucky male have that honor. And only one."
"Attention students!" Professor McGonagall, who was wearing dress robes of red tartan, said, "Everyone who isn't a Champion or their date, should now go into the Great Hall, so that the Champions can be introduced before the Yule Ball can begin!"
"Guess that is our cue," Daphne said, "Come on, Children!"
Neville and Ivan and their dates followed Daphne and Tracey into the Great Hall. Soon, only the four Champions and their dates were left. Cedric Diggory was hand-in-hand with a gorgeous-looking Cho Chang. Viktor Krum was with a Beauxbatons student, and when Harry caught Viktor staring at Hermione he glared at him. Viktor grimaced and stared forward. Fleur Delacour was ignoring her drooling date, as she gazed at Hermione's appearance. Harry smirked when he found the Beauxbatons Champion looking envious.
"Line up with your dates, Champions!" McGonagall instructed. "Lord Potter, as Lord, it is your right for you and Heiress Dagworth-Granger to be introduced last. So please stand at the back. Champion Delacour, you first, then Champion Krum. Heir Diggory, you and Miss Chang are third."
Harry realized Cho Chang must have at least one brother – older or younger – who was the Heir of her House.
"Heiress Dagworth-Granger, you look beautiful this evening," McGonagall complimented her Lion.
"Thank you, Professor," Hermione said, "I like your outfit."
"Keep both eyes on her, Lord Potter," McGonagall said, with a small smile. "As the two of you are Betrothed, it would be improper to accept a dance with other Heirs and Heiresses." Then she leaned in and whispered, "Something tells me your Betrothal Rings might act accordingly if someone besides your Betrothed tries to dance with you. I don't want to find out if I am right. So do be careful, you two."
"Of course, ma'am," Harry said.
"I'll keep one eye on the both of you," McGonagall whispered. "I did see the Durmstrang Champion eyeing you, Heiress Dagworth-Granger. I will keep an eye on him too."
"Thank you, ma'am," Hermione said, "His interests in me are a little discomforting."
"So I've heard," McGonagall said.
She cleared her throat and walked over to the doors, which had been closed after all the students aside from the Champions and their dates, had entered. With a wave of her wand, she opened the doors. Instrumental music began in the room, and McGonagall motioned to Fleur and Roger Davies. The pair walked – arms hooked together – into the Great Hall. A minute later, Krum and his date walked in.
"Professor?" Cedric Diggory said, "I'll keep an eye on Krum too. He tried to ask Cho out last week, even though she and I have been a couple for months now."
McGonagall sighed. "Thank you, Heir Diggory. Hopefully there won't be problems. Do enjoy yourselves this evening, you four. And remember, you're representing Hogwarts this evening."
"Yes ma'am," "Yes, Professor," all four students said.
"In you go, Heir Diggory, Miss Chang," McGonagall said.
Harry could barely hear Dumbledore announcing Cedric and Cho's names as the pair stepped into the Great Hall.
"I have wrangled a seat at the Champions' Table this evening," McGonagall said to Harry and Hermione. "Originally, the Headmaster wanted Professor Snape to sit there for some reason. But, to my disbelief – and also glee – Professor Snape is not present this evening. I do not know why. Therefore, I have assigned myself next to the two of you, as your fellow Alliance member, and Head of Gryffindor."
"You want to make sure the Headmaster behaves," Harry guessed.
"Yes," McGonagall said, sighing, "Also, all your food is being served to you by Dobby and Winky. When you request your food, as is custom for this evening's meal, they will deliver it from the kitchens. In you go."
Harry cleared his throat and, arms entwined, walked into the Great Hall with Hermione.
"Hogwarts Champion Lord Harry James Potter, Head of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter, Head of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Peverell," Dumbledore announced, "and his date, Hermione Jean Granger, Heiress Dagworth-Granger of the Noble House of Dagworth-Granger."
As the applause, soft cheers, murmurs and whispers – the latter two, due to Harry and Hermione's appearances – erupted around the Great Hall, Harry and Hermione took in the sights of the decorated Hall.
The walls of the Hall had all been covered in sparkling silver frost, with hundreds of garlands of mistletoe and ivy crossing the starry black ceiling. The House tables had vanished; instead, there were about a hundred smaller, lantern-lit ones, each seating about a dozen people. Harry noticed the remainder of the Children of the Great Alliance sitting together at one table. Well, most of them. At a neighboring table, Parvati Patil sat beside her date Dean Thomas. Parvati's best friend Lavender Brown was seated on Parvati's other side with her date Seamus Finnegan. They were seated with the remainder of the Quidditch Team and Lee Jordan.
Harry and Hermione made their way toward a large round table at the top of the Hall, where the judges and other Champions and their dates were sitting. Professor McGonagall – who had made her way past them while they slowly walked across the Hall - was standing near three vacant chairs, obviously where Harry and Hermione were supposed to be seated.
Harry and Hermione ignored Dumbledore's stares in their direction as they sat down beside Professor McGonagall. Ludo Bagman, tonight in robes of bright purple with large yellow stars, greeted Harry and Hermione enthusiastically. Igor Karkaroff was frowning as he looked at Hermione. Obviously he had heard about his Champion's troubles with trying to get her to go to the Ball with him.
Madame Maxime, who had changed her usual uniform of black satin for a flowing gown of lavender silk, greeted them politely, before turning to speak to Fleur Delacour in French. The way Fleur was looking at Hermione, told Harry she was still envious about how the younger witch looked – she was obviously a bit miffed Hermione looked much prettier than she did.
But Bartemius Crouch, Harry suddenly realized, was not there. Seated on Professor McGonagall's other side, was Percy Weasley.
There was no food as yet on the glittering golden plates, but small menus were lying in front of each of them. Dumbledore looked carefully down at his own menu, then said very clearly to his plate, "Shepherd's Pie!"
And a hearty plate of Shepherd's Pie appeared.
"Rib-eye and Baked Potato!" Harry said, "And butterbeer!"
He grinned as a rib-eye, baked potato, sliced carrots, and a couple buttery rolls appeared. Hermione ordered Ravioli on a bed of Linguine, which looked quite delicious, as well as butterbeer, like Harry.
"Eet is so unfortunate we did not have zis Tournament at ze Palace of Beauxbatons!" Fleur Delacour said, as she looked around the decorated Hall. "At ze Palace of Beauxbatons, we 'ave ice sculptures all around ze dining chamber at Chreestmas. Zey do not melt, of course.. zey are like 'uge statues of diamond, glittering around ze place. And ze food is seemply superb. And we 'ave choirs of wood nymphs, 'oo serenade us as we eat. We 'ave none of zis ugly armor in ze 'alls, and eef a poltergeist ever entaired into Beauxbatons, 'e would be expelled like zat."
She slapped her hand onto the table impatiently. Roger Davies was watching her talk with a very dazed look on his face, and he kept missing his mouth with his fork. Harry had the impression that Davies was too busy staring at Fleur to take in a word she was saying.
"Absolutely right," he said quickly, slapping his own hand down on the table in imitation of Fleur. "Like that. Yeah."
"I think it looks gorgeous," Hermione said, "My compliments to the elves. I assume they decorated the Hall?"
"They did indeed, Heiress Dagworth-Granger," Dumbledore said. "I was not aware you were so supportive of our littlest staff members. I heard rumors you were trying to see them freed."
Karkaroff snorted. "Foolish girl."
The Durmstrang Headmaster blushed a deep red when McGonagall, Harry and Hermione glared at him. He coughed and turned back to Krum, but found Krum watching the conversation between Hermione and Dumbledore.
"I was working on false information, Headmaster," Hermione said, "Our library doesn't seem to have the proper guidebooks when it comes to House-elves. The authors are so biased and the books written just for a quick Galleon, though I don't know how they could be worth a Galleon. Maybe ten Sickles."
Dumbledore blinked and frowned. Percy Weasley huffed.
"Oh, but this is most interesting, Heiress Dagworth-Granger!" Ludo Bagman exclaimed. "How would you suggest we better ourselves in the education of House-Elves? I have influence in the Ministry, you see. I could give them some recommendations if you have any! A young witch like you descended from one of the most brilliant minds in our society must certainly have some ideas as to how to improve such an issue."
"Has anyone written a book after interviewing House-Elves?" Hermione asked. "I know nearly every Noble House and above has at least one house-elf. Why hasn't anyone interviewed their House-Elf and wrote a book consisting all the information they received? First-hand knowledge!"
Everyone at the table was in stunned silence at this suggestion. McGonagall was smiling brightly at her student.
"Is it not obvious, young Heiress," Madame Maxime said, with a snort. "British wizards and witches – a good majority – do not respect their house-elves. They do not treat them as well as they should. I imagine the Hogwarts elves are well-treated. But for most private families? Slaves… that eez all they are. If gossip is correct, you have an interest in books, young Heiress. You publish such a book, young Heiress. The descendant of Hector Dagworth-Granger, who was famous even in France, would certainly get a good audience!"
"Hear, hear!" Ludo Bagman said, "Wonderful advice!"
"It is," Hermione said, "Thank you, Madame Maxime."
Harry smiled at Hermione, who was looking happy with the attention. Dumbledore's smile seemed a bit forced, Harry noticed. He shrugged, and decided he didn't care this evening.
When all the food had been consumed, Dumbledore stood up and asked the students to do the same. Then, with a wave of his wand, all the tables zoomed back along the walls leaving the floor clear, and then he conjured a raised platform into existence along the right wall. A set of drums, several guitars, a lute, a cello, and some bagpipes were set upon it.
The Weird Sisters now trooped up onto the stage to wildly enthusiastic applause; they were all extremely hairy and dressed in black robes that had been artfully ripped and torn.
"Come, Harry," Hermione said, smiling, "Time to show Professor McGonagall we listened to her these past couple of weeks."
McGonagall allowed a little chuckle, as she watched Harry and Hermione step out onto the cleared floor in the middle of the Hall. When the four Champions and their dates were in proper spots, a good several feet separating each other, the Weird Sisters started playing their own version of a traditional waltz. Harry took Hermione's hands and they begun the waltz.
Their lessons had paid off. Compared to the other Champions, only Cedric Diggory and Cho Chang seemed to be able to perform nearly as well as them. Fleur Delacour's date was obviously trying to impress the Beauxbatons Champion, and was overperforming. Viktor Krum and his date were simply poorly matched at dancing. They fumbled their hands and feet and the first time he was supposed to lift her into the air, he missed his cue. At least Roger Davies had lifted his date into the air – though he was staring at his date's low neckline a little too much.
Harry and Hermione, thanks to their lessons and McGonagall's guiding, were performing as if they had done this for months or years. They kept to the right steps, and when Harry lifted Hermione, the crowd gasped and applauded them. The watching crowd's stares and gazes seemed glued to them as they danced. Even the boys were watching Hermione instead of Fleur. In fact, when everyone was invited to join in, a few of the girls had to drag their dates and boyfriends onto the floor.
Five minutes after everyone joined in, the tune changed to something slow and mournful. Hermione placed Harry's arms on her waist, and she wrapped hers around his neck, and the pair began swaying on the spot and moving in circles. Harry looked around the floor. He was surprised to see so many couples dancing so close together, given that McGonagall said it was only proper for the closest of couples, not first dates. Neville and Luna, and Ivan and Padma were all dancing closely. Even Daphne and Tracey were dancing as close as Harry and Hermione, though Tracey was laying her head on Daphne's shoulder. Harry caught sight of Slytherins like Draco Malfoy and Theodore Nott sneering at the witch couple, but the girls were ignoring them.
Harry looked around for Viktor Krum, and found him sitting next to Ludo Bagman. Bagman was talking enthusiastically to the Durmstrang Champion, but Krum just looked bored. When he caught Harry's eye –or rather, he was looking at Hermione – Harry narrowed his eyes. Krum was suddenly more interested in what Bagman was saying.
"You alright, Harry?" Hermione asked, raising her head to look at him concerned, "You're rather quiet. Not tired already."
"Just wondering what Professor McGonagall meant about our Betrothal rings," Harry said. "Sorry I'm not focused on you."
"It is alright," Hermione said, "I've been thinking about that too. I wonder if she means they're enchanted with offensive protections of some type. Like if a boy touches me, it might… I don't know… Stun them? Throw them away from me a few feet, like a Depulso?"
"I hope we won't have to find out," Harry muttered. "I've lost count of how many times I've caught Krum looking at you tonight."
"Thirteen times, but who is counting?" a gruff voice said.
Harry looked over Hermione and saw Professor Moody swaying back and forth by himself.
"Eavesdropping, sir?" Harry asked.
"Just keeping Constant Vigilance, Lord Potter," Moody grunted. "As you are it seems, with the Durmstrang lad. Good on you, boy. He seems mighty interested in your lass. However… I caught your Betrothed talking about those rings on your fingers. Might be on to something. I assume they belonged to one of your Potter ancestors."
"Yes, sir," Harry said.
"Then it isn't likely Dark spells on those rings," Moody said. "Depulso seems correct then. Maybe a combination with a Stunner. Nice job, Heiress Dagworth-Granger."
"Just a guess, sir," Hermione said.
"A good one, lass," Moody said. "Hopefully you won't have to discover if you're correct. Enjoy yourselves, you two."
Moody limped off to another part of the Hall.
"How long was he watching us, Harry?" Hermione asked.
"I have absolutely no idea," Harry muttered. "Damn it. Why do I need to keep an eye on so many people, when I just want to look at you all night?"
Hermione smiled. "Then look at me."
Harry did. Hermione leaned toward him and kissed him deeply. She let him return the kiss for a few moments before he backed away.
"Thank you for being so protective of me tonight, Harry," Hermione said, "But let's just try to enjoy ourselves."
"Of course, love," Harry said.
Harry and Hermione did not get off the dance floor to rest their feet for nearly an hour. Mostly because they were mostly doing slow dances, aside from when there was a couple of quicker dances they had practiced during the lessons. They finally sat down at the Children of the Great Alliance table, where Daphne and Tracey were sitting.
"The Slytherin boys leaving you two alone tonight?" Harry asked the two Slytherin girls, "I saw them give you dark looks and stuff."
"We expected it, Harry," Daphne said, "Have you noticed we're the only same-sex couple in here? It isn't taboo, per se, but – well –"
"You denied the chance for two blokes to take you to the Ball tonight," Hermione said, "So they're being fussy about it."
"Couldn't have put it better myself," Daphne said.
"Heiress Greengrass," Harry said, "I received your gift this morning. I saw no dotted line to sign my name on."
Daphne's jaw dropped. Then she laughed. "I knew I forgot something! You didn't bring it with you, did you?"
Harry snapped his fingers, and, in an echoing faux-mock, "I knew I forgot something!"
Hermione, Daphne and Tracey giggled.
"I enjoyed the gag, Heiress," Harry said, "Thank you for finding humor in what I am sure will be a distressing situation."
"Why don't you just let your Account Manager at Gringotts take care of all the offers you'll receive?" Tracey asked.
"We decided if we didn't receive the Betrothal Offers," Hermione said, "We might get an unexpected witch or wizard or several, respectively, meeting with us to ask about the Betrothal."
Tracey grimaced. "I can see your point."
"Keep on eye on your Betrothed's post, Heiress Dagworth-Granger," Daphne said, grinning, "You might want to make sure nothing naughty is in it."
"Like hex-letters?" Hermione asked.
"Wrong kind of naughty," Daphne said, with a snort. "Some Heiresses take pictures in two-piece bikinis for future Betrothal offers. To show off the goods, you know. If they are 'of age', they might wear less than bikinis, if you know what I mean."
"That is barbaric!" Hermione huffed, aghast. "Neither of you have had to do that, right?"
"We haven't been put in any Betrothal Offers yet," Daphne said.
"Yet is the keyword," Tracey said, with a sad sigh.
Daphne, who was holding her girlfriend's hand on top of the table squeezed it. Tracey smiled at Daphne.
"I remind you – if you wish for me to speak to your Lord fathers about such a thing – please tell me," Harry said. "After all, unless the Heirs or boys in question for a Betrothal Offer are in the Great Alliance, don't you think I should have a voice in such a thing? After all, you might end up married to these boys. We wouldn't want them to remove you from the Great Alliance, would we? I would have to make sure that doesn't happen."
"And all the boys in the Great Alliance are currently involved with other girls," Daphne said, grinning. "Very Slytherin of you, Lord Potter. If the Betrothal situation comes up, I'll let Father know that you have told me you might not approve of any offers outside of the Great Alliance."
"As will I!" Tracey said, "Father will definitely see sense in that!"
"As will mine," Daphne said, "Thank you, my Lord. That means a lot."
"You're welcome, Heiress Greengrass, Miss Davis," Harry said, "Enjoy the rest of your evening."
Daphne and Tracey grinned then stood and walked back toward the dance floor.
"That was very sweet of you, Harry," Hermione said. "Very clever too."
"Just doing my job as Leader of the Great Alliance," Harry said, "I don't want us to lose Heiress Greengrass and Miss Davis as future Voices. Daphne's a good one, as I can already tell. She was the leader of the Children before I took over. And she wouldn't go anywhere without Tracey, it would seem."
"Very astute of you," Hermione said, "So about those pictures of girls in bikinis… or worse?"
"Do you want to look through my post, or subject Dobby to naked human girls?" Harry asked.
Hermione chuckled. "Harry James! Come on! Just for that, we're dancing again. I don't care about your poor feet!"
"As you wish, my beautiful Betrothed," Harry said.
"Come on, Westley," Hermione said, with a snort.
Harry's confused expression caused Hermione to tell him about a Princess Bride as they performed another slow dance. Afterward, she basically said she was going to make him watch the movie during Christmas Break. Harry said he looked forward to it.
The pair continued dancing for another hour, before they took another break. This time, instead of sitting at a table, they headed outside. The front doors stood open, and the fluttering fairy lights in the rose garden winked and twinkled as they went down the front steps, where they found themselves surrounded by bushes; winding, ornamental paths; and large stone statues. Harry could hear splashing water, which sounded like a fountain. Here and there, people were sitting on carved benches. They realized quickly this seemed to be the place for couples who wanted private time to snog.
They sat down at one of the empty benches and cuddled. Harry was about to kiss her, when he heard a scream. He and Hermione jumped up and grabbed their wands, then hurried toward the sounds of the screaming. Angelina Johnson had her wand out and was pointing at a Stunned ginger-haired body. Except it wasn't George Weasley who was on the ground.
It was Ronald Weasley.
"Angelina?" Hermione asked, "What happened?"
"He… we were… kissing," Angelina said, then she gagged, "and then he started choking and he fell onto the ground. His body started changing and he turned into George's brother!"
"Polyjuice Potion!" Harry said, then he caught Lee Jordan and Katie Bell nearby, "Where is Alicia? I think Fred is Ginny!"
"They were… Fred, he –" Lee said, "He said he and Alicia were going to one of the carriages. They're a snogging place too."
"Winky! Go find McGonagall!" Harry said, "Tell her what happened and bring her here!"
Winky appeared out of thin air, then bowed, then vanished.
"Angelina, Katie, Lee!" Harry said, "Stay here with Weasley. Keep him Stunned. Dobby!"
Dobby appeared. He had the Marauder's Map, which Harry had been about to ask for. Harry thanked Dobby and took the map and opened it. He found Alicia Spinnet with Ginny Weasley
"Hermione, it is her!" Harry said.
"Let's go find that bitch!" Hermione snarled.
Following the map, which had the grounds as well, Harry and Hermione hurried off toward the carriages. Soon, they were right by the right carriage. Harry pointed his wand at the door.
"Alohomora!" Harry growled.
The door opened and Alica and 'Fred' split apart, apparently they had been kissing.
"Alicia, that isn't Fred, get out of the carriage!" Harry said.
"George was Ron Weasley!" Hermione said.
Alicia's eyes widened and she scurried out of the carriage as Harry and Hermione pointed their wands at 'Fred'.
"And this," Hermione snarled, "is Ginny Weasley."
"Moron forgot to take his next dose of Polyjuice Potion, did he?" Ginny asked.
"How are you here?" Harry asked.
"Don't lie," Hermione said, "Director Bones will find out anyway and she'll tell us."
"Bitch," Ginny muttered.
"Who?" Hermione asked. "Me or Director Bones."
"Both of you!" Ginny growled. "You and that Bones Bitch got my mother killed, Mudblood!"
"That's Heiress Dagworth-Granger to you, Ginevra," Hermione said, "Come on, Ginny. This might be the last time you ever speak to us. Don't you want to scare us by telling us your big bad plan?"
"Would have worked if it wasn't for the Moron!" Ginny said. "Found a few hidden doses of Sleeping Draught of Mum's that the Aurors didn't find when they arrested her. We slipped our brothers and Dad the Draughts in their tea yesterday at lunch, then we stole Dad's money pouch and took a few of Fred and George's hairs. We bought some Polyjuice Potion from Knockturn Alley, and dosed ourselves with Polyjuice and turned into our brothers then came here. Can you believe the wards here didn't recognize us?"
"Why were you kissing Alicia?" Hermione asked.
Ginny shrugged. "Had to look the part, didn't I? Make it believable. Besides, she's pretty good looking. I was going to dump her in a bit – why should my brother have a beauty like her? Then I would go and find you."
"Me?" Hermione asked.
"Oh, don't worry, I wouldn't kill you," Ginny said, "There is a much worse pain than death, and I wanted you to suffer it! I have lipstick I found in Knockturn Alley. If I kissed you, you'd be Stunned for a few hours. I'd tell Ron where to find you, so he could have his way with you. Then I'd use Polyjuice with your hair and spend some time with Harry. I'd convince him you wanted to give yourself to him and lie to him, say I was on the Contraceptive Draught. Oops… it turned out to be Fertility Draught. Common mistake!"
"STUPEFY!" Hermione growled.
Hermione's Stunner was so powerful that Ginny crashed through the back doors of the carriage, which opened and made her Stunned body tumble out of the carriage. Harry and Hermione hurried over to Ginny, who was still unconscious.
"Dobby!" Harry said; Dobby appeared again. "Get McGonagall, and if she is still busy with Ron, get Pomona Sprout!"
Dobby disappeared, then appeared a moment later with Professor McGonagall. McGonagall looked at Harry and Hermione, then looked down at 'Fred'. She pointed her wand at the unconscious form and said an enchantment. Fred's body started writhing and shaking and Harry and Hermione's eyes widened as his body soon turned into Ginny Weasley's much smaller body.
"Ronald Weasley is unconscious and currently with Madam Pomfrey" McGonagall said, "Tell me what happened."
Harry and Hermione started from the moment they heard Angelina screaming. Their story ended with them telling Ginny's whole story and plan for them.
"Thank goodness Ronald was stupid enough not to take another dose of Polyjuice Potion," McGonagall said, "Or Ginny's plan might have worked. It was plausible and could have been well-planned out. I am going to have a word with Dumbledore after all the students are gone, about the wards around here. Ginny was right, from what you said she said. She and Ron shouldn't have been able to get on the Grounds. We would have been alerted. And the Polyjuice Potion? We need to find a ward against that!"
"What's going on here?" the voice of Alastor Moody asked.
"Alastor," McGonagall greeted, "Ronald and Ginevra Weasley posing as their twin brothers – since yesterday. Fortunately, Ron Weasley was stupid doing his own part of the plan. They were using Polyjuice Potion. Fortunately, Angelina Johnson was able to stun Ronald, and Harry and Hermione took charge and wound up here, where they confronted and Stunned Ginny. We need to find a Polyjuice Potion detector ward, Alastor! Know any?"
Professor Moody's good eye widened. He then coughed and cleared his throat. "Well… well done, Lord Potter, Heiress Dagworth-Granger. Well done indeed! Sorry, Minerva, I do not. But I can go and do some research. I'll let you take care of this then."
Professor Moody limped away.
"Expected him to say we did a good job at Constant Vigilance or something," Hermione muttered.
"Mallory! Sadie!" McGonagall called.
The three house-elves appeared. "Mallory, I trust you have found Miss Bones, and requested her to contact her Aunt, as I asked."
"Yes, Mistress," Mallory said.
"Sadie, did you find Percy Weasley?" McGonagall asked.
"Yes, ma'am," Sadie said, "He be waiting for you in the Entrance Hall, as you commanded me to be asking him to do."
"Good," McGonagall said, "Bring this girl to the Hospital Wing, where you'll find her brother, Ron, and Madam Pomfrey. Tell Madam Pomfrey you two are under my command to guard Ginny and Ron until Amelia Bones steps into the Hospital Wing."
The two house-elves put their hands on Ginny's body and vanished with her.
"Come, you two," McGonagall said, "We'll go back inside and meet with Percy Weasley and wait for Madam Bones. I imagine Sirius might come too, if he was with her when Susan called her."
"I'd call him but I left my mirror in my Quarters!" Harry groaned, as they started off back toward the castle.
"Me too," Hermione said, "I had no pockets to carry it. What's your excuse, Harry?"
"I forgot," Harry said, dully.
"I imagine the excitement of the night distracted you," McGonagall said, "Next time you'll remember."
Harry and Hermione nodded. They made their way into the Entrance Hall, where Percy Weasley and Albus Dumbledore were waiting.
"What is going on, Minerva?" Dumbledore asked.
"Ronald and Ginny Weasley used Polyjuice to transform into their twin brothers and come here," McGonagall said, "Percy, I need you to go home. I believe your family may be under the Potion influences similar to a coma-like state."
Percy's eyes widened. "I'll go now! Thank you, Professor."
"Percy?" McGonagall asked. "Your youngest siblings are likely going to Azkaban for this."
"So be it," Percy muttered.
He walked out of the front doors. McGonagall proceeded to tell Dumbledore the story Harry and Hermione had told her. Harry and Hermione commented when necessary.
"They have obviously been very foolish," Dumbledore said, sighing, "Fortunately, none of their plans worked."
"I doubt Ginny could have gotten close to Hermione or Harry, Albus," McGonagall said. "I believe their Betrothal Rings used to belong to Fleamont and Euphemia Potter. Charlus Potter used to tell stories about how his mother was very good at enchanting Jewelry. I am sure their rings are very well enchanted."
"Euphemia was indeed a wonder at enchanting," Dumbledore said. "Pardon me. I am going to see to Ron and Ginny Weasley.
"No, Dumbledore, you are not," the voice of Amelia Bones said.
Harry, Hermione, McGonagall and Dumbledore turned. Amelia Bones and Sirius Black walked into the Entrance Hall, accompanied by Nymphadora Tonks and a tall dark-skinned Auror.
"I am," Amelia said, "As the Weasleys are apparently your family friends, you are not welcomed anywhere near them. You are considered too close to them. Of course, if you disagree, you can accompany them to the DMLE Holding Cells and spend the night with them."
Dumbledore frowned. "Minerva, please see to Director Bones and her business here. I am going back into the Great Hall to make sure our students are behaving."
"Of course, Albus," McGonagall said. "Lord Potter and Heiress Dagworth-Granger will go back to the Great Hall as soon as they give their statements to Director Bones. If they wish to, of course."
Dumbledore nodded, then turned and walked into the Great Hall.
"Aurors Shacklebolt and Tonks," Amelia said, "Head up to the Hospital Wing and wait for me."
"My two house-elves, Mallory and Sadie," McGonagall said, "have been ordered to guard the two Weasleys until Director Bones arrives."
"Right," Amelia said, "Don't get near the prisoners until I arrive. Just make sure they remain where they are."
The Auror named Shacklebolt nodded and walked up the stairs, followed by Tonks, who winked at Harry and Hermione when she passed by them.
"Thanks for the gift, Tonks!" Harry called after her. "I'll definitely study it!"
Tonks turned back to Harry, winked and her nose turned bright red like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Then she turned and followed the Senior Auror.
"Alright, you two," Amelia said, pointing to Harry and Hermione, "You sound like you're involved in whatever happened here. Give me the whole story."
Harry and Hermione repeated the same story they gave to McGonagall. Amelia looked pissed by the time they were done.
"I'll see those two in Azkaban!" Amelia growled. "Putting their family in a coma! Assuming their brothers' identities, to come here to rape students! And Ginevra planning to get impregnated?"
"Would snogging Fred and George's dates be Sexual Assault?" Hermione asked.
"If I can wrangle it!" Amelia growled; then she sobered. "Thank you, you two. I am sorry you had to be involved in more dramatics with those two. I was trying to arrange wards to be put on the Burrow, to where Ron and Ginny couldn't leave the premises. Would have been done by Sunday! Merlin's Mercy! This shows you how dangerous Potions are! Those two did all of this with Potions! Not with wands! And now it sounds like Dawlish didn't do a thorough job! He's going to get an earful!"
"Calm down, love," Sirius said, "Get those two out of this castle and away from my godson and his Betrothed. You two! You're going in the Great Hall, and dancing, and I am going to watch you so you don't get in any more trouble!"
Harry and Hermione blushed. Amelia and McGonagall excused them and they went into the Great Hall, with Sirius following after them.
They spent the next two hours dancing, or sitting and talking with Sirius and the Children of the Great Alliance. They only left the Great Hall, when the majority of students were allowed to leave. By then, Ron and Ginny Weasley were already in the DMLE Holding Cells, the very same ones they had been in a week prior.
Before they went to bed, they dressed into their pyjamas, then went to the Private Common Room, where they would find out from talking to Sirius via mirror – who found out from Amelia – that Arthur, Bill, Charlie, Fred and George Weasley were now in St. Mungo's Hospital awake and responsive, and being treated for being under the influence of Potions.
Harry and Hermione did not end up going back to their Quarters. They talked, cuddled, kissed and snogged.
Then they fell asleep in each other's arms on a bed that had been transfigured by two happy House-Elves. Per Common Room enchantments, none of their pyjamas moved an inch.
End Of Book 1.
And Book 1 ends with My. Longest. Chapter. Ever! So how did you like that finale for Book 1?
As I stated a few chapters ago, I will now take a bit of a hiatus. I am not abandoning this story. I am merely going to write some notes and plans, and an outline of the next several chapters, and also possibly going to get a backlog of chapters written. All while giving me a bit of breathing room so I do not have self-imposed deadlines. Did I say self-imposed deadline? I actually do have one! I tell you what! If I do not post a new chapter before June 1st, I will post the first chapter of Book 2 on June 1st. There… that gives you a rough idea of when Book 2 will begin!
One of two things were going to happen at the End of Book 1 when it came to action. Either the Ron and Ginny invasion, or Viktor Krum trying to grab Hermione to dance with her, and Hermione's ring ejecting him across the dance floor. I decided the first, and couldn't find a good place for the second. Viktor meeting Hermione's ring might happen in Book 2. We'll see.
Spoiler alert: Albus Dumbledore had NOTHING to do with Ron and Ginny's plan. Ginny came up with it on her own.
Can you believe – before I changed my mind – that my original plans was to end Book 1 with a lime – not lemon - scene between Harry and Hermione? Which is basically why I introduced the Room of Requirement into the story in the first place! For them to have fun times in later! But I decided it will happen later on in the story, but it will be lemons not limes… okay maybe limes too. It will happen in Book 2. Not too early, though. Sorry.
Instead of a "Next Chapter" I will give you the summary of Book 2.
Book 2: Tournament Drama
The Yule Ball is over, but the Drama continues as the Triwizard Tournament comes back into focus. New problems arise, not just for our heroes, but for others, including the other Champions of the Triwizard Tournament.
Albus Dumbledore is still around, and plotting against Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, even though Amelia Bones is doing all she can to investigate him, before she can finally arrest him and bring him to justice – which she is restricted from doing until the Tournament ends.
But as the days, weeks and months pass and the Tournament continues, a Darkness is looming and coming ever closer, and the Tournament will come to a dramatic conclusion that brings forth new Drama in the lives of our heroes!
Unspeakables! Metamorphmagus and Animagus Training! Veela-Mermaid drama! A long awaited Wedding! Smut! Snape! Malfoy! Krum! And more… coming to you in Book 2: Tournament Drama!