Chapter 4: Yule Ball

Harry paced back in forth in his room to the amusement of his dorm-mates.

"What's wrong, Mate?" Neville asked. Harry paused slightly as if remembering that the others were in the room. He ran his fingers through his hair and sat down on his bed, and sighed loudly.

"I don't know! I-I, I just, I'm maybe a bit nervous. Okay? I've never danced in front of people before. Arena said I'm great, but still. That was just her and me dancing. What if I make a fool of myself?" He asked them. Dean just smiled and patted Harry on the back before walking out to get Lavender. Seamus smirked.

Neville, being the great friend he was, went over to Harry and sat down next to him, "I know you, Harry. You won't make a fool out of yourself or Hermione," He reassured. Harry let out a breath and nodded.

"Thanks Nev. Now, let's get dressed. I think both Ginny, and Hermione will skin us alive if we're late picking them up," Harry said. Him and Neville both flinch thinking about it. Ginny was powerful for her age and Hermione had knowledge of many curses, hexes, and jinxes.

Harry went into his trunk and pulled out his attire. It was actually good looking, Harry thought. It was just as he ordered it; nice black pants, a dark emerald green dragon hide vest, a silk white shirt, and a black coat that was a mix between a coat and a robe, being just the perfect length. The jacket also had the Potter's crest sewn in on the right breast. The crest was gold, black, and dark red in color. He also brought some muggle dress shoes to go along with it.

He went into the bathroom and took a quick shower. The dance didn't start for at least an hour, but Harry and Neville had spent all day doing late assignments from Snape, so they didn't get a chance to get everything over with. Harry dressed quickly and brushed his teeth. He stared in the mirror for a moment before trying to flatten his hair. He gave up two minutes later. He knew a lost cause when he saw one.

He walked out the bathroom and Neville went in. Harry saw that Ron was in the room, and had to stop from laughing. He had some colorful robes on that were something like a girl would wear. Harry turned his head and walked to his bed, trying not to look in Ron's direction. He pulled the white, silk flower corsage he brought for Hermione. He went with white because he didn't know what color she was wearing. Hmm, it's probably a good thing he went with just plain black and somewhat green robes.

He held the corsage in his hands and he walked out the room. He walked down the stairs and went into the Common Room. It was nearly empty besides a few younger students. Harry walked to where the female stairs where. He didn't even try to go up knowing that he would end up sliding down. He waited and looked around before he heard a throat clearing. He looked up and his breath was caught.

Hermione was at the top of the stairs. She looked nothing like the Hermione Harry grew up with. She was wearing a red strapless dress with a white pattern going around her waist. The front ended a bit before her knees while sweeping back to the floor. She was wearing silver heels that made her the same height as him. Her hair was no longer bushy, it was in a fancy up-do, pinned in the back leaving some hair tumbling around her shoulders. She had silverish and black eye shadow on with a nude lipstick on and her nails were painted silver. She had a silver and black heart set with earrings, a necklace, and a ring.

Harry thought he never seen anyone look more beautiful. Hermione smiled at Harry's reaction and walked down the steps. Harry closed and opened his mouth a few times before clearing his throat.

"Wow, you look beautiful, Mione," He complimented her. She smiled, the boy of her dreams looked like he just saw the most beautiful thing in the world. And to him it was her!

"Thanks, you look handsome too," She replied. He gulped and wordlessly showed her the corsage. She held out her hand and Harry slipped in on her wrist.

"Ready to go?" he asked. She nodded and took his arm. They walked out the Gryffindor common room and walked to where the Dance was going to be.

"Um, Happy Christmas, Hermione. I got you present but I couldn't give it to you early," He rambled a bit. She looked at him surprised.

"Really? I got you something to when I went with my mum. You know, I almost forgot it was Christmas. Do you know what the second task is going to be?" She asked. Harry shook his head trying to clear his mind.

"Nope, I've tried but it just keeps screeching at me. I don't think its human," Harry said. Hermione paused and bit her lips trying to think. Harry's eyes were immediately drawn to them and stared before hearing Hermione's laughter.

"Did you hear anything I said?" She question. Harry eyes flicked towards her and were relieved to see some humor and amusement. He shook his head.

"No, sorry. I was… um… distracted. Could you repeat it?" He asked. She rolled her eyes in partly fake annoyance but was secretly happy to have him so distracted.

"I said, that maybe it's not human. It could be something that isn't it can't be heard in air because it's need to be heard in something else. It probably has to do with water…Hmm, Oh! Harry, the mer-people," She screeched. Harry just looked at her confused coming to a complete stop.

"Mer-people?" He asked hesitantly. She rolled her eyes and sighed, boys.

"Yes, Harry. Mer-people. Didn't you read Hogwarts: A History? It tells that in the lake, there are mer-people. Mer-people are mermaids, but since wouldn't call a male a mermaid; you call them mer-people. They can't be heard above water, so it's probably like that with the egg. I mean, they didn't have problems using nursing mother dragons, so it seems mermaids, um, mer-people could be it," She mused. Harry just blinked before nodding. It sounded about right. He smiled and leaned over and kissed her cheek without thought. He pulled back blushing after realizing what he had done. Hermione wasn't so good either.

Harry gulped and cleared his throat, his face getting a bit more warm.

"Um, uh, yeah, so um. Let's go," He croaked out. Hermione just nodded her face a light pink. They walked to great hall, quietly, avoiding each other's eyes. They met up with the other couples outside the Great Hall. Victor Krum was with a brunette Hufflepuff, who Harry knew was quite shy having Astronomy with her on Fridays, her name was Isobell, and she was a Muggleborn. Fleur Delacour was with Ravenclaw Quidditch captain Roger Davies as her date. Lastly, Cedric Diggory was with Cho Chang. All the females looked pretty, Harry could agree, but he thought Hermione surpassed them all tonight.

Ludo Bagman was there. Harry could remember him. He had given Harry a 10 and offered to help him cheat. He gave all the champions a look.

"I'm going to announce you all, so be listening when I call your names," He said before leaving. The couples starred at each with awkwardness before they could hear the first couple being introduced.

"Now, time for Champions. We have Durmstrang's Champion – Victor Krum and his date Isobell Daniels. Beauxbatons' Champion – Fleur Delacour with her date Roger Davies. Hogwarts Champion – Cedric Diggory and his date Cho Chang. Lastly, Hogwarts other Champion – Harry Potter and his date Hermione Granger," A voice boomed the through the walls.

Hermione hooked her arms through Harry's, as the doors were pulled open once again. They both took a deep breath before appearing at the stairs. Everyone head was turned to see the couple not expecting anything out of the ordinary. Harry, when not wearing his Hogwarts uniform always wore ill-fitting clothes, while Hermione was just Hermione, a bushy haired know-it-all. Nevertheless, what they saw was something not even their imaginations could create.

Harry looked the part of a handsome pure-blood prince, with the Potter crest donned on his outfit. His hair was still messy as ever but made him stand out more than other boys, and his bright eyes looked great behind his glasses. Hermione looked like a pure-blood princess to everyone there. Her hair was nice and curled, with soft coat of make on her face, and an eye-catching red dress with heels. She looked nothing like the bushy haired girl from yesterday.

They walked down the stairs ignorance to the glares they were getting. Most were at Hermione, from girls who wanted to bag the boy-who-lived.

"And now, the fours champions and their dates will start the night off with the first dances," Bagman broadcasted.

Their floor was instantly cleared by people who watched the champions. Fleur was doing passable but her date was having a hard time focusing on something other than her boobs. Victor Krum was acceptable with his partner; she was a great dancer. Cedric on the other hand was somewhat torn between annoyed and okay; his date wouldn't stop talking about the other things that different girls were wearing, and was so distracted that she kept stepping on his toes.

Harry and Hermione were simply stealing the show. Harry having dance lessons was pretty great for someone who learnt in such a short time. Hermione had to do nothing really but let Harry led as he twirled her around as he was taught. They found themselves ignoring everyone else and just focusing on one another.

Minerva McGonagall watched the young couple in half fascination, and half amusement. When Harry came to Hogwarts, he was nothing like she expected. He wasn't arrogant or a full on prankster, heck he wasn't even an above average student, he was just passing by barely. She never understood. His parents were both smart, and James was her most gifted student in Transfiguration. She was in shock when he couldn't even get his match a different color at least a bit pointy. Instead, it was Hermione Granger, a muggle born witch that reminded her so much of Lily, true she didn't have red hair or green eyes, but she had was compassionate, a bit bossy, and painstakingly smart, top in their year. When Mister Potter had become friends with Ms. Granger Minerva had hoped she would influence the boy, but he was also friends with the last male Weasley, who was scrapping a 'T' for Troll in nearly all his classes. She couldn't help but to fill disappointed every time she looked at the boys school work, though everything he had been through showed he was definitely smarter than he let on.

She now looked on happily, hopping that she was right in hoping Ms. Granger would be perfect for Mister Potter. They had both looked so happy and truly melted her heart to see her favorite students looking so perfect together.

Albus Dumbledore watched with twinkling eyes and a full smile as he took in Harry, and Hermione. They were a good fit, and he was sure that she would be perfect for Harry. After all, with his destiny ahead of him, Harry would need a good loyal person who could help him along the way. Ms. Granger was smart, loyal, and was able to set Harry straight when needed. He could only smile as he watched the boy he loved like a grandson smile in a way He'd never seen before. Yes, she was going to be good for the lad. Now….Where is the lemon drops? Ahh…

Ron Weasley was sulking.

When he got to Hogwarts, he met the famous Harry Potter, who played the pity card all the time. Oh, poor me, my parents are dead, I'm super famous, and I have tons of money but prefer to look poor to get more attention. In Ron's mind, Harry got everything. At first, he thought being friends with Harry would help him out, but instead he was labeled the side-kick. In the Golden trio, there were Harry, the boy-who-lived and leader of the three; Hermione, the brains behind everything; and last Ron, the side-kick.

Ron was once again pushed aside for some else, it was bad enough it happened all the time at home in favor of his brother and younger sister, but Hogwarts was supposed to be different.

Harry now had everything; the looks, the money, the fames, and lastly the girl. Hermione wasn't someone who was that physical attractive to Ron, but he could admit she was okay looking, especially tonight. It didn't help she was smart to boot, and always helped Ron when he was late on homework. Hermione could be someone he could date, but now Harry had her. He came second best again.

Ron Weasley was sulking.

Hermione Granger couldn't remember ever being so happy. She couldn't take the smile of her face even if she were to die. The guy she had a crush on since he saved her life first year asked her on a date and was currently dancing with her and only her. He was not paying attention to or dancing with any of the other stunningly gorgeous girls, mostly purebloods that wanted him. She felt bad for thinking like that. She knew Harry didn't care about blood, his own mother was muggle born like her.

The only thing that could end this night with a smile would be to get a kiss she so desperately wanted for some time now. However, for now, she was dangerously happy and nothing could break her mood.

Harry continued to spin her around for a while even after the song changed for the 4th time, and now everyone was joined in, but he didn't want to stop. He was having too much fun enjoying himself. Never had he felt so carefree or to but it simply; Just Harry. Cause when he was with Hermione there was no boy-who-lived, no expectations, no anything. Just a 14-year-old boy named Harry and a great friend Hermione.

Though Harry could now admit to himself that after the kiss on the check, he was now seeing Hermione in a differently light and he wasn't sure if she ever saw him the same way. Sure, Hermione wasn't the most beautiful girl in the world but she was just plain magnificent to Harry. She had a simple heart-shaped face, with soft cheekbones, dark brown eyes that sparkled, and chaotically stunning brown hair, which now had some soft blonde highlights and streaks woven through. She was beautiful in a classic kind of way, one nobody could ever tire looking at.

"Hermione? Do you want to go for a walk?" Harry asked as he slowed them to a stop. Hermione's eyes widened before nodding. They walked hand in hand outside. They stumbled across Fleur who came out of a rose bush with her date, both fixing their robes with goofy looks on their faces.

Harry didn't do anything but look away.

"Harry? What was wrong a few days ago? You looked like you were so dazed; it was as if you weren't even there…. I had wanted to ask you but I didn't want to bother you," Hermione rambled on, biting her lip worried. Harry eyes were drawn to it for a moment before he realized what she had asked.

"Um, I went to the back as you know… Something happened, I'll explain it to you later but really I found out I had more vaults and more money than I knew. I also found out that after my parents died, I was considered Lord Potter on my 11th birthday. There is more information on it in my room in my trunks. I haven't really felt that good to look at it. In the Potter's family vault, there was two letters there. Um, you know my times with the Dursleys weren't that good, and when I got here all I ever heard was how perfect my mum and dad where. I put them up on a pedal stool. I thought my mum was this perfect, sweet, powerful witch that was just perfect. I thought my dad was the same except sometimes was a trouble maker and a prankster." Harry paused for a moment and gathered his thoughts.

"I read a letter my mum gave me. She basically picked apart everything I ever once thought about both of them. I just… I need some time to think. I haven't had the courage to read my dad's letter. I don't know if I could handle it," Harry spoke softly.

Hermione stayed quiet not knowing what to say for a first time in a while. The couple just walked, the light from the moon practically smiling on them.

Hermione than saw something in the corner of her eyes. "Harry, look!" She whispered-yelled. She pointed to where Snape and Igor were talking. They moved closer and hid behind a wall trying to hear what they were saying. Snape was up against the wall, with Igor in front of him.

"The mark is getting darker! He's coming back, I know it," The man cried showing his forearm to Snape. Harry could make out dimly the shape of something black. Hermione leaned up and whispered in his ear.

"It's the Dark Mark. All death eaters have them," Hermione breathed. Harry tried to ignore the shiver that went up his spine before turning back.

"What are you planning to do?" Snape murmured indifferently. Harry frowned, was Snape a death eater? Were the rumors true?

"I plan on running. It won't be long, and I won't stick around. I suggest you do the same," Igor said. Snape straighten and shook his head.

"No, I don't run from my problems. If and When the Dark Lord comes back, then I will go back. They will kill you if they find you," Snape warned. Igor nodded.

"Yes, well, not everyone has the protection of Albus Dumbledore. I plan on leaving tonight, I just thought I would tell you," The man said hastily pulling his sleeve down before walking away.

Snape stood there for a moment before sighing, shaking his head, and walking the opposite way.

Hermione turned to Harry worriedly. "This is really happening, isn't it? He's getting stronger, you heard what they said, and it won't be long." She looked like she was going to faint.

Harry was grim; he knew it was going to happen one day, ever since first year. It looked like he was going to have to talk to Dumbledore soon, and get everything. He needed a reason why Voldemort survived, and why he truly didn't get killed. He also needed a few person questions answered too. Harry decided, it was time.

Next Chapter: Dumbledore & Tom Riddle

Recap: Harry and Hermione go to the Yule Ball. We get a chance to see Harry and Hermione's feelings get a bit more involved. We see insides a few people's heads – mainly Dumbledore. Harry and Hermione eavesdrop on Igor and Snape and hear that the Dark Lord is getting stronger, and lastly…. Harry decides it's time to talk to Dumbledore.

A/N: I hoped the little insight on Dumbledore mind shows that Dumbledore do think of Harry as a grandson of some sort and that he truly is ignorant to Harry's life, and he thinks that what he do is for the greater good. I think Dumbledore is manipulative, yes, but cares for Harry also and sometimes I think he cares a bit too much causing him to think he knows best and tries to protect Harry not knowing he is hurting him….