Chapter 10: A Royal Ball
The entire month of September was one big headache for Harry. First, it seemed that either Snape or Sinclair followed him wherever he went. Second, Dumbledore had wanted to speak with him every free moment that he had, always about the same things. Third, Ron was constantly talking about Quidditch or the lack of Harry's participation in the quest for the House cup. Fourth, Ginny was constantly trying to throw herself at him whenever she could.
Then there were the purebloods, especially the ones that never acknowledged him before. Like Malfoy, who had made his life hell on Earth. They were now being polite and trying to buy him gifts. It was enough to make him scream. He had practically stopped going to the Great Hall to eat as it seemed to disrupt everyone somehow. Then to top off the month the Goblins informed him that they wouldn't be ready with the legal issues until sometime in October. He would just have to grin and bear it.
He did, however, hire both Kingsley and Tonks. It proved two things. That Kingsley was on the level and that Tonks wasn't. After he discovered that Tonks had tried to pass information to Dumbledore, despite her oath to him, he fired her. After that the Minister fired her as well citing that if she could betray the Royal trust then she could betray the government. No one would hire her now, not even a foreign Ministry. She was now living off of Remus. He who understood why Harry had done what he did, but hoped that he would give the witch a second chance.
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Daphne Greengrass was no fool. She like all the other Purebloods, had gotten a letter from her father practically ordering her to become one of the Prince's Consorts. Having observed Potter over the last month she came to the conclusion that Potter had already found his main Consort. He was not likely to have another. She had a harder time trying to figure out if it was the mudblood Granger or the Blood traitor Weasley. After watching the Weasley girl practically throw herself at the Prince and his rejection of her, she concluded that Granger was it. She had nothing against Granger except that she was a muggleborn. But even that could be overlooked.
She also noted that Potter wasn't as dumb as Malfoy or Professor Snape made him out to be. Under that Gryffindor layer lay a true Slytherin. He had out maneuvered several players in the political game and she applauded his efforts.
No, he was out of reach. She noted that Longbottom was always near one or both of them. She wouldn't put it past Potter to name the shy Gryffindor his champion. If the rumors were true then Longbottom was a force to deal with. Gone was the baby fat and the need to hide who he was. Daphne could see the makings of a fine man. One that she could actually enjoy spending time with. She made up her mind if Potter was not to be hers, then Longbottom was the next best choice. He would be second in power after the Prince and Princess.
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Albus Dumbledore was getting frustrated. The boy simply wouldn't listen anymore. He had ignored both lists of suggestions for his Council and his Consorts. The Daily Prophet had announced the convening of the Royal Council the day after he had met with the boy. What was unbelievable was the fact that there were very few actual wizards or witches on it. Most were creatures that needed to be controlled, like Vampires and Werewolves. But most of all the announcement had made him look like a fool. He had given his word to several of those on the list that they would be on the Royal Council only to find out that the Council was all ready formed without them. Howlers arrived by the dozen that week. Several old and prominent families were outraged at the snub to them and their heritage.
Then to top off things, Tonks, his informant on the boy, had been found out and had lost not only her position with the boy but also within the Ministry as well. There was nothing that he could do to help her regain her position. The oath she took for her position with the boy wouldn't let her really reveal anything about him. He had private quarters within Hogwarts as he was one of the direct descendents of a founder, namely Godric Gryffindor. Kingsley, on the other hand, refused to say a word about the boy and had even resigned from the Order on his own terms. It had been a terrible blow. One that he was still trying to recover from.
Now all that was left open for him was the role of Consort. He had to get someone that he could control in that position, so that he could get control back over the boy. He had the perfect one for the position. Someone that the boy knew and someone who would stop at nothing to get the boy. To help matters along he planned a ball. One for fourth year and up. One that would force the boy to choose a Consort and marry the chosen that night. Now to make sure that Ms. Weasley was ready to accept that role. As well as make sure that Ms. Granger was far away from the boy during the ball when the choice was announced.
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The following morning Dumbledore made the announcement about the ball. It was to be held that Friday evening. It would only end when the Prince made his choice of Consort and married said person. This would be open to fourth year and above. It was mandatory to attend. The Great Hall was abuzz with excitement. To help matters along, the Headmaster announced that all classes would be cancelled on Friday, so that those who needed to could go into Hogsmeade for dress robes and such.
Fortunately for Dumbledore Harry, Hermione, and Neville weren't there when the announcement was made. In fact they barely made it to their first class. They had just finished their second Council meeting, which had gone much better this time than the first time. They actually got some things accomplished.
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Ron was on a mission given to him by Dumbledore. He was under orders to get Hermione to attend the Ball with him. He was then at the proper moment suppose to seduce, drag, or force her out of the Great Hall when Harry chose Ginny and married her. Dumbledore was afraid of what Hermione would do if she were allowed to stay. The fact that she now was one of the hottest looking girls in school made his job much easier. Since Harry would be too busy to watch out for her, his only real problem would be Neville. A direct confrontation should take care of that problem.
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The moment that Dumbledore made the announcement about the Ball, Ginny wrote a howler home to get her parents attention. She needed money for dress robes, jewels, the whole works and expected results. No one was going to get Harry but her. No one.
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As she made her way towards the greenhouse for her first class, Daphne turned down several offers to attend the Ball from several young men. Almost all were from Slytherin House. But she was after one wizard and one wizard only. She was determined to get him. Her opportunity came during her first class.
Knowing that Professor Sprout was going to assign a project for the NEWT Herbology class by breaking the class into pairs, she requested to be assigned with Longbottom as a partner. Surprised the Professor agreed to her request. Daphne figured that most of her female class mates had requested to be with Potter, so she figured that this was a sure bet. Potter no doubt requested Granger to be his partner. If he hadn't then he deserved whomever he got.
The rest of the class filed in with Potter, Granger, and Longbottom being the last to arrive. Professor Sprout opened the class with her announcement of the partners. As she called out names, the pairs stepped forward and receive their plant project. One of the first called were Potter and Granger, who were given a Sleeping Lily. Many girls glared daggers at the witch, who ignored them.
"Longbottom and Greengrass."
Daphne stepped forward with a slightly shocked Neville Longbottom. Obviously he didn't think that he would end up with the Ice Princess as a partner. Neville took their Snapping Blood Dragon. They ended up at a table across from the Golden Couple. This only confirmed her suspicion that Longbottom was Potter's champion. She threw up a Silencing Charm. She didn't want to overheard, especially by her fellow Slytherins.
Deciding to 'jump' right in Daphne asked her partner. "Have you thought of who you want to go to the Ball with?" The look on their three faces was priceless.
"What Ball?"
"The one that the Headmaster announced this morning in honor of the Prince."
"WHAT!?!"
"Dumbledore announced that this coming Friday night there was to be a Royal Ball. All classes have been cancelled for that day. That everyone can go to Hogsmeade for robes and such. He also said that it was mandatory to all forth year and up, although a younger student may attend with an older student but they would not be in the running."
"In the running for what?"
"The right to be one of the Prince's Consorts of course. The Ball will not end until the Prince chooses at least his main Consort, the one that will be the Princess."
Neville actually started to chuckle. "It's going to be a very long Ball then."
Daphne simply cocked an eyebrow at him but didn't comment. His response only confirmed her suspicions that Potter and Granger were indeed married already. Both Daphne and Neville spent the remainder of the class in silence, working on their plant. It wasn't until the bell rang that Neville asked the most important question.
"Care to attend the Ball with me? I can guarantee an entertaining evening." He bowed low before her as he formally addressed her.
"I thought that you would never ask."
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Neville had great fun telling Harry and Hermione about Dumbledore's plans on their way to Transfiguration. All three were laughing as they walked into the classroom. Several lustful stares were directed at Harry. Those looks made Harry make a promise to himself to not set a foot outside his rooms on Friday, no matter what. He sat down beside Hermione and tried to ignore the stares.
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At the end of class Ron hurried over to Hermione's side
"Can I speak with you for a second, Hermione? Alone?"
Although she had no desire to, she had no real reason not to. Nodding her head she led the way over to one of the corners of the classroom.
"What do you want, Ronald?"
Taken slightly aback by her attitude he went ahead with his request.
"I'm sure that you've heard about the Ball on Friday. I was wondering if you would go with me?"
"No."
"No? Why not?"
"Because I have no plans on attending that's why."
Her words actually surprised Ron. Given how close she and Harry were, he had to wonder if Harry had rejected the witch as a possible Consort. Either way it would work into the 'plan'. "But don't you want to see who Harry picks? Besides if you don't go you'll end up with detention."
"Not really and I will take the detention." Her lack of emotion had Ron confused.
"What's gotten into you, Hermione? I only wanted to ask you so that you wouldn't be alone on Friday night. It's not like anyone else will ask you. Harry can't as he has to show that all the girls can get an even chance. Are you sure you don't want to go? I'll make sure that you have a good time, if you know what I mean."
The slap that she gave him echoed through out the room. "Don't YOU EVER speak to me in such a way again. I refuse to go anywhere alone with you. Find yourself someone else that you can insult."
She turned and started for the door. In the doorway she turned back and said, "I would suggest that you find some new friends Weasley. Mine and probably Harry's friendships are now no longer yours to claim. Enjoy what little time you have left."
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Rumors ran wild through out the school about Ron asking Hermione to the Ball and her turning him down. Not one girl, save Daphne, believed Hermione when she said that she wouldn't be attending at all. That she would rather do the detention. After all she was constantly in Harry's company. It made no sense, unless she wasn't worried about his choice. Perhaps she wasn't going because the Headmaster wasn't letting Harry bring a date to it and she couldn't handle it. Or perhaps she already knew who Harry was going to choose. Almost everyone felt that the muggleborn witch was the strongest competition, with the Weasley girl close second. If Hermione wasn't in the running then Ginny was a shoe in. Several other witches began to wage their personal war over Harry's affections. Ginny prayed that what Hermione had said was true about not going. Harry was HERS and no one else's.
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Friday morning dawned bright and well over two-thirds of the school descended on Hogsmeade as soon as they could. Like vultures on prey. Many parents stood waiting for their child at the gates of Hogwarts to offer assistance, or push their child in front of others in order to get the best available. Those that could afford it, mostly the old pureblood families, had private dress designers waiting to show their brilliance. Each of them dreaming of catching the Prince's eye and becoming a Consort.
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True to his word Harry refused to budge from his and Hermione's rooms come Friday morning. Hermione had actually braved the outside and went to the library. She was asked no more than twenty-six times if she was really not going to the Ball. By the time she returned to their room, she was ready to pull her hair out. Harry had a lot of fun redirecting that frustration.
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John Greengrass watched as his only daughter was fitted with a very stylish set of dress robes. To a father they seemed to show too much of her assets. To a man he could appreciate the view of those assets. These assets and the girl's natural beauty, the one good thing she got for her mother, would certainly catch the Prince's eye. He had no doubts that his daughter would be one, if not the main, Consort by the Ball's end tonight. If she wasn't then there was something wrong with the Prince. He had several plans in the works for when his daughter became the Princess of Gryffindor.
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Albus Dumbledore was waiting patiently for the boy's arrival. He had dispatched a house elf with a message for the boy to come to his office. As he waited he went over his plan. The special dress robes the he had ordered for the boy were waiting. He had placed several compulsion charms on them. They would make the boy look to him for guidance, giving him control of the boy for the period of time during the Ball. With that control, he planned to 'force' his choice of the boy's main Consort. He would choose a pureblood girl from the Light side. Ms. Weasley was the one he picked. She was gullible enough and loved the boy enough to listen to all of his 'suggestions. She was perfect. Now if only the boy would show up.
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Ginny and Mrs. Weasley had pulled out all the stops when it came to Ginny's dress robes. After all they were to be her wedding robes as well. An exquisite set of ivory robes, accented with gold embroidery of vines and flowers. Real diamonds acted as the center of the flowers or as dew drops. They made the dress robes stand out in a crowd. Not many girls could pull the color of ivory off, but Ginny's pale skin tone and fiery red hair made them extraordinary. For once money was no object. Mrs. Weasley paid a whopping Three Thousand Galleons for just the robes and the design to make them. Another thousand Galleons was spent on accessories and a hairdresser. Both women felt that it was money well spent even if it was Harry's money to begin with.
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As Harry still hadn't arrived, Dumbledore sent the robes to the boy with a house elf. He had no doubts to his success.
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Harry really wasn't surprised at Dumbledore's daring with the robes. He decided that a huge prank was in order for the Ball. Something that would discredit the Headmaster and have people talking for years to come. With that in mind and a little help from Hogwarts, Harry set out with his plans.
First he created a realistic illusion of himself, complete with the robes that Dumbledore had given him. With that accomplished, Hogwarts opened a portal window. This way the royal couple could watch from their rooms and Harry could control 'himself'. Hermione asked Winky to make some popcorn and serve some butterbeer. They placed a couch in front of the 'TV' to watch the show.
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The Great Hall was filled to capacity. It was hard to see the floor because of all the people waiting around for the Ball to start. All of the house tables had been removed. Seating was only available along the walls. The teacher's platform had also been changed so that only the throne was on the platform.
Invisible trumpets announced the Prince's arrival. All watched as he walked through the parted crowd to the throne. Dumbledore looked very pleased to see his 'puppet' wearing 'his' robes. Soon, very soon, all would be the way that it should be and he would be back in control.
'Harry' danced several dances with different partners. Harry made sure that 'Harry' stepped on as many toes as he could. 'He' turned down every dance that included another man, especially Malfoy, who couldn't seem to take 'NO!' for an answer.
Near midnight the orchestra stopped playing as Dumbledore came forward to make an announcement.
"Ladies and Gentlemen! The prince has made a decision and has chosen one of you to be his Consort." Murmuring was heard through out the Hall. "Ms. Ginny Weasley come forward! You have been chosen as the Princess of Gryffindor!"
Ginny tried to act surprised but wasn't pulling it off very well. She walked as stately as she could to the platform. All of her dreams and planning were about to come true. She finally made it to the platform and stood in front of Dumbledore, who turned to address 'Harry'.
"Your Highness, if you would stand next to your choice, we will get the ceremony started."
"No."
"Excuse me!?!"
"I said 'NO'! Your choice is not my choice." Several gasps were heard in the Hall.
"I've already chosen my Consort and have already married her, old man."
"WHO?" shouted Dumbledore, angry at this turn of events. Ginny was in shock. She couldn't believe what was happening.
'Harry' smirked. "Come forward my Consort and Princess!"
The doors to the Great Hall opened on their own. Gasps were heard as 'Hermione' walked forward to the platform. A second smaller throne appeared on the left side of the original throne. 'Harry' helped 'her' sit down before resuming 'his' seat.
"NO! I WON'T ALLOW THIS!" Dumbledore roared. "SHE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE! YOU NEED A PUREBLOOD BESIDE YOU, NOT A MUGGLEBORN I INSIST THAT THIS MARRIAGE BE ANULLED! YOU MARRY MS. WEASLEY AT THE EARLIEST OPPORNUITY. MS. GRANGER MAY REMAIN YOUR MISTRESS, IF YOU WISH, BUT SHE CAN NEVER BE PRINCESS!"
Anger filled 'Harry's' face as he stood. "You have no authority to demand anything from me or what I do. You are simply my Headmaster, not my guardian. I could care less what you want or demand. I have made MY choice and that is all that matters."
Ginny finally found her voice. "YOU SLUT! YOU AREN'T GOOD ENOUGH FOR HIM! HE! IS! MINE! HE WAS PROMISED TO ME!"
Murmurs were heard through out the hall after Ginny yelled. Many wondered who had made the redhead such a promise.
Dumbledore turned his glare onto Ginny. "Be quiet, Ms. Weasley!"
'Hermione' merely stood up and walked to stand in front of her rival. She didn't say a word. Simply let 'her' fist fly, right into Ginny's right eye, giving her a brilliant black eye.
Neville had to stop himself from laughing outloud. He leaned into Daphne and whispered. "I told you that the floor show would be good."