It had been a week since the interview with Rita, and they had yet to see the interview with Harry in the paper, or for that matter anything from Rita in a letter to them. They could only guess she was taking her time and making sure it was something that would catch everyone's attention. This was confirmed when they got a letter about two days later with the final draft. They sent their approval of the draft, and the list of things for her to check on back to Rita and waited to see the shock waves it would cause in the school.
Happily, the results of the interview were better than expected. Not only did it shake up some rather powerful people, thanks to the hinting at some interesting events in the past that could cause a great deal of political problems for some people. But it also strengthened Harry's position by pointing out he was willing to leave at the first possibility.
But for all the good it did, it did not do the one thing they did want to happen, which was drawing out the attacker. But then again it was only the first day and they would have a while to wait and see who would start acting differently. And on top of that it did have one big negative effect, and that was the backlash of Harry's saying he would not go to the Yule ball at all.
"I told you, it is your responsibility to show up to the Yule Ball. It does not matter if you don't view yourself as a champion, the Goblet and the rest of the school, and world, does," Professor McGonagall said, glaring at her troublesome student, who she had finally cornered in a classroom.
Normally she did not have this problem with him. But when he got an idea set into his mind, he could be as stubborn as his parents, or at least his mom. But that did not help her with her current problem convincing Harry he had to go to the Ball. If he didn't, it would be a rather big deal, as he would basically be standing up everyone else who came. And while she personally agreed with his reasoning, she knew that there would be too many powerful people at the event to risk him not going.
"And that is their own problem, not my own. I don't want to go, and I should have that choice," Harry said, semi-annoyed.
"Unfortunately for you, the simple fact of you being in the Tournament takes away that choice. Besides, you don't want this school to gain a bad reputation just because you did not turn up to a simple dance, do you, even if you're not the actual champion of this school?" Professor McGonagall asked.
Harry growled lightly, she had been using this guilt trip once already. And though he knew that the reason was not truly logical, the Wizarding world did not really run on logic. Sadly he knew he would have to go, if only because if he did not he would soon have well over half a dozen people bugging him about going. Some a good deal less polite than Professor McGonagall.
Sighing Harry looked out the window, noticing the snow was falling again, "Fine. I will go, but on one condition."
"Well, that depends on the condition," McGonagall said, though she was sure it wouldn't be too bad.
"I will not be going as a champion. And I will be sitting with the other students, and not at whatever table is set aside to put the Champions and their dates in the spotlight," Harry said.
"Well, I will see what I can do about that. I cannot make any promises though," McGonagall said.
"Thanks, well, is there anything else you wish to talk about?" Harry asked, hoping she wouldn't start about him needing a date too.
"Not currently," McGonagall said before bidding him a good day and walking off to let Dumbledore and Ludo Bagman know their requests were partly met.
Harry sighed and looked at the door to the classroom, "Well, this is a pain. But at least she has not bugged me about finding a date… yet."
A soft blue glow lit the room for a second as Night and Applejack appeared. They had been on guard duty today, and as they reappeared Night spoke, "Well, you did kind of put yourself in this position by publicly saying you were not going."
"Yes, I know," Harry admitted.
"And now you need to find a date to the Ball," Night said.
"Maybe, I could go alone if I wished," Harry said.
"You really think she would let you get away with that?" Applejack said, as she moved over and locked the door with a flick of her tail.
"Well she might check on me to see if I have found one a week or so before the ball," Harry admitted.
"Then by then you will have to take anyone who does not have a date. Even if you don't like them, good job at getting yourself backed into a corner both literally and figuratively," Night said with a slight chuckle.
"I am not without options yet, Night, I could ask one of you five out," Harry said.
"Now wait one second, I am an Earth pony, and she is an Alicorn. There is no way we can become human," Applejack said rather bluntly.
"Well, not without magic," Night admitted, "But even then that is advanced magic well beyond what you can use currently. Meaning only Luna and myself can cast the spell needed for this."
"Yes, I know," Harry admitted.
Night nodded before thinking about the possibility of being human, even if they risked losing their pony magic for the duration of the spell. Perhaps they'd even have to stay human till they returned to Equestria. The amount of magic needed for the change could alert those at the school. Once was already risky, but doable if they'd be quick. Changing back might be too risky to attempt, with people alerted and maybe on the lookout.
"This is risky you do know right? And would put the one changed in a lot of danger, while as a human," Night said, sounding slightly concerned.
"I know and understand, so please don't worry about it just yet, we can talk to the others later tonight and see what everyone thinks," Harry said, giving her a small smile, "besides asking people here would not be a good idea."
"You mean like actually asking a girl out to the dance is not a good idea for you?" Applejack said, semi-surprised.
"Well, yeah, remember I have a mad man after me, and my unwanted fame causes more than enough problems already. I really should have taken Hermione's offer when I had a chance, but, well, she has her own date now. And I don't wish to butt in just to save myself, even if the reason they are going together is similar to what ours would have been," Harry said with a small chuckle.
"I still don't get why your world is so crazy, this even puts the royals of Canterlot to shame," Applejack said, a slight annoyance in her voice as she spoke.
Harry then, with a wave of his hand and a small pulse of magic, unlocked the door, "Yes, one got to wonder at that, well I better get along to class."
Harry left after saying that, but Night did not follow right away. Applejack turned and looked at her confused, asking, "What's wrong?"
"If we do this…" Night began but shook her head, "never mind… we can talk later about it."
Applejack nodded, as she saw her hoof vanish as Night applied the invisibility spell again. But her mind was working as she tried to figure out what had caused Night's distress. But she could not quite figure it out though she had clues for sure.
Later that day, after dinner but before it was time for everyone to be in bed, Harry met up with the ponies to discuss his idea. The reactions were pretty predictable, at first the others there were shocked. Then they began talking and wondering who would take that risk if they did it. Finally, after getting nowhere for a while on what to do, Rainbow Dash, who had been quiet for most of the talk, spoke up.
"Okay, all of you stop arguing! This isn't getting us anywhere," Rainbow said, "If we want to do this correctly I will go as Harry's date."
"But why you?" Night asked.
"I am the only one that could learn to walk on two legs, let alone dance. Luna, Twilight and you, Night, are all needed to help guard Harry round the clock. And while you could possibly do that as a human, what if you lost your magical powers in the change? You would become just another target. Applejack, while you are strong, your skills are all focused towards Apple-Bucking. I know Pony Fu, which actually has ponies stand on our hind hooves to fight, so dancing and walking will not be too hard," Rainbow said.
"What about your wings? You will lose those till we can change you back, and I know how much you love to fly," Twilight said, slightly concerned.
"I cannot fly much anyway, not with it snowing like this and staying hidden," Rainbow pointed out.
"Okay. But this plan requires stealth and quiet as to not bring attention to yourself, you're not normally either of those," Twilight pointed out.
"Okay, I guess you have a point there, but are either one of you better qualified than me, when we take into account where your skills are or are needed," Rainbow asked, rather seriously.
"Well… no, I guess not," Twilight admitted.
Luna then looked at Harry, "What are your thoughts on this?"
"My thoughts," Harry said, "well, I actually think Rainbow is right. As much as I know both you and especially Night want to be human… you are needed to help keep me safe in case of attack. That leaves Applejack, Twilight and Rainbow. Now Twilight I know she is working on her battle magic, so that means she can help if I am attacked. Applejack, I know you're strong, a good deal stronger than anypony here, but I have never seen you walk about on two legs, while I've seen Rainbow do that, and I have seen her practice her own fighting skills."
"So you agree with her then," Luna said.
"Right now yes, but that does not mean we have to change her yet," Harry pointed out.
"Really and why not?" Twilight asked.
"The Ball is still a month at least away, so if we changed her now, we would have to come up with a back story right away, and we could make a good few mistakes with it. Night you know what I mean," Harry said.
Night nodded, "Yes that's true, everyone would start wondering where Rainbow came from, and without a solid enough back story they would pull out something is wrong."
"I see," Twilight said, as Applejack nodded in understanding.
"There is also the risk of whoever changed becoming a target to get at Harry. And not just by the person that attacked Harry last year," Night said.
"Target," Twilight sighed, "We want to avoid that if at all possible. Harry, are you sure that all the girls have been asked out?"
"Yes, but I can ask Fred and George. Perhaps they know for sure who is partnered up and who isn't," Harry said.
"Understood. We should check that out tomorrow. Then, once we know that for sure, we can make our own plans based on that," Night said.
Everyone nodded in agreement before they set apart for the night. Harry went with Night back up to his room, while the others settled down in some beds they had taken for them to sleep in the classroom. As Harry walked back up to the dorm though he could feel Night poking at his mind wanting to talk.
"Yes," Harry said into his mind, after letting her in.
"Harry… I have been thinking about what has been going on for a while," Night said.
"We all have, but I don't think that is the only reason you're talking to me right now," Harry replied back.
"You're right of course, but well… Since the talk with Rita about Hermione being your girlfriend, it got me thinking about what you and I mean to each other, and what I want us to mean each other," Night said.
"I see, and what do you want us to mean to each other?" Harry asked, wondering slightly who else had started thinking about that, though he had a very good guess on who might have.
"Well… to be honest. I think…" Night said but fell silent.
Harry waited a few minutes, before finally speaking, "You think you like me, in a boyfriend girlfriend way."
Night froze though harry could not see this, before replying, "Well… yes actually."
Harry nodded, to himself, "That makes more sense, since you were so set on trying to be my date, even if you knew it would not be a good idea."
"Yes I know… I want… I want to be the one to dance with you, not Rainbow," Night said.
Harry nodded, he was not honestly sure what to think about this. On one side he was rather thrilled, after all at the end of the year he would be a pony and able to be with her. True, he had never thought about it much before, but any dreams he did have now always involved him as a pony and Luna and Night in some way. And honestly, by this point in his life he could not see living life without one or the other.
But on the other side he knew that she was setting herself up for a possible fall. Not that he was aiming to hurt her or anything, but she had one thing that he currently lacked, in great amounts. Time. Night was an Alicorn, a creature with an almost indefinite life span; Harry unless he got insanely lucky and became an Alicorn, he would likely live only about another hundred fifty years. Then when he passed away he would end up leaving her with only Luna and Celestia to keep her company. Something she would not take well, he was sure.
"I understand," Harry said, "but… right now we need to be careful. If it was not for the risk I would say let's do it. But well…"
"It is okay, we can figure it out later," Night said, not needing to hear it all.
Harry nodded, "So why me?"
"Why you," Night said repeating but kind of asking herself as well.
"Yes, why me?" Harry asked.
"Well, to be honest because of what you have been to me. Since we met, you have been kind and caring towards me. Never once outside a few times, which I will admit I earned the yelling, were you angry at me. You believed in the good side of me, even when I did not see it myself, and then brought it out. Then when Luna finally left, you comforted me as much as I did you. And that is the first few years we met, let alone the next two, where, well, I came to care for you more than I had thought," Night admitted, thinking back to the night when Luna had first awakened her after being sealed.
Harry nodded, listening to Night, as she continued, "The only reason I never really acted on it before, was and still is your age."
Harry chuckled, "Yes I am a little young still to be dating. A crush is more what people think of when dealing with boys my age."
"Though as a pony, that would be different," Night pointed out.
"That does make me ask one thing," Harry said.
"What might that be," Night asked, feeling there might be some weight to this question.
"What happens if we do get together and I pass away from old age?" Harry asked.
"I… I am not sure," Night admitted, "But I will not go crazy if that is what you're asking. Remember you are my first real friend, but I have learned to make others, and will continue to do so I am sure. Though I will not deny I might make a large statue of you to remember you by."
Harry chuckled hearing this, but glad she at least knew what she was really risking, though the attempts to help him live longer had already shown him this. As they reached the Gryffindor common room Harry spoke again, "That's good. Now let's get some rest, I have the feeling we are not going to be getting much soon, once we figure out that egg's secret."
"I agree," Night said as she flew into the room, before heading up to Harry's dorm.
But before Harry could follow, he noticed Fred Weasley working on something nearby, though his twin George was nowhere to be seen currently. Harry figured this might be a good time to ask them about possible dates. Walking over he tapped Fred on the shoulder to get his attention.
"Why hello Harry, might I ask if you need something tonight?" Fred asked, looking up.
"Hello Fred and yes I do. As you probably noticed, my denial of wanting to go the ball has been… less than welcome. So now I am being forced to go, so since I have waited so long, do you know anyone who does not already have a date yet?" Harry asked.
"Well I cannot say I do, at least anyone you would want to ask out," Fred said.
"Well if you hear of anyone please let me know. I am already being forced to go, I don't need McGonagall breathing down my neck for not getting a date," Harry said.
"Well, I will see what I can do for you, mate," Fred said.
"Thanks, by the way where is George?" Harry asked.
"Currently heading down to the kitchens for some food," Fred said.
"Okay, well I am off to bed," Harry said. With that they said their goodnights, and soon Harry was up in his bed and fast asleep.
Through the next two weeks, it became rapidly apparent that McGonagall wanted Harry to find a date as well, because she was not really able to change what role he was going to take in the Ball. But even she, when Harry pointed out the lack of girls left to ask out, was finding it hard to get Harry a date.
Then, about a week before the Ball, Harry and the ponies decided to cast the spell before it was too late. Harry had told McGonagall he did know one girl who was willing to come to the ball, but she was a Muggle, and as such he would have to head off school property for a little bit to pick her up. McGonagall was not thrilled about the idea, but with so little time left she was willing to let this happen to save face.
Harry though, once he had left Hogwarts grounds, instead of heading to the train, turned and entered into the Forbidden Forest. Hermione, who was going with him, and the one currently carrying the clothes for the soon to be changed pony, spoke up. The snow was thankfully not that deep right now, letting them pass quickly without some way of being easily tracked.
"So tell me why you're doing this again? You know it is perfectly fine not to have a date," Hermione pointed out.
"True, but I don't need to deal with the headache McGonagall has been giving me. Or deal with everyone saying I am stuck up," Harry said, almost wishing that he was still under the effects from the mind block.
He never really cared much for what people thought of him, but like in years past it would reach a point where he would either blow his top and tell everyone off, or just do what needed to be done to make them stop talking. Normally it was the first of the two that he chose, since Night did not always keep that much of a level temper herself and he had picked up more from her than Luna in some aspects of his life. In this case he had an easy way out. That, and telling everyone off would not work this time.
"Yes, like you normally care what people think," Hermione said.
Harry just shrugged as they reached the location where the ponies had set up for the spell. Twilight and the Alicorns had erected a powerful set of wards around the clearing to hopefully keep anyone from noticing the spell. Luna with Night's help had then drawn a circle with a few runes around it. This was to help make the spell hold its power for a good while, as there was still a slight chance it could fail and have Rainbow change back without any warning. It would then lead to too many questions that Harry did not want to answer.
Night was off to the side, still annoyed that Rainbow was going in her place. But she had made sure Rainbow knew any mistakes and she would be dealing with some unpleasant nightmares for a while. Luna on the other hand was quizzing Rainbow about the back story they had been setting up, much to Rainbow's own annoyance. Applejack and Twilight were talking to each other and only stopped when they saw Harry and Hermione draw close.
"So you made it," Twilight said.
"It's about time," Applejack said.
"Yes we made it, and sorry for taking so long. We had some things to deal with first," Harry said.
Hermione nodded in agreement, "Like clothes for Rainbow once she changes. I doubt she wants to become a block of ice before we reach the school."
"Yeah… this world is a great deal colder than Equestria." Applejack said, shaking a little bit.
"Be happy this is one of the warmer days," Harry said, "After all nothing controls the weather here."
"I will keep that in mind," Applejack said, making a mental note to bug Night for about a gallon of cider or hot chocolate when they got back to the school.
"Be that as it may, it's time to get the spell casting over with," Harry said as the others came closer.
"Agreed. Rainbow Dash, please stand in the center of the circle," Luna said.
Rainbow nodded and moved to the center of the circle, casting a semi-worried look around the group. Night and Luna each went to opposite ends of the circle. As one their horns lit up with magic, then in synch they lowered their horns to the circle, causing it to glow. The wind slowly picked up as the magic began to move around Rainbow, causing her to look slightly more worried. But she steeled herself for what was about to happen and closed her eyes as she concentrated on her breathing. Then without warning the magical power in the area surged quickly, before collapsing inward towards Rainbow. With a blinding flash it hit the pony and the changes began taking place.
Rainbow shivered and groaned as her body changed rapidly. She was unable to follow all that was happening at once, but she knew one thing for sure, it was now a lot, lot colder out than it had been a few moments ago. As the light died down behind her eye lids, she did not dare open her eyes yet for fear of what might happen next.
Then Luna spoke as she heard gasps and some quick movements that drew near her, "It is done, she is human."
A blanket or something was tossed over her as she opened her eyes and looked around. The world was different, but the same. Slowly she stood up or tried to as when she tried to stand up on four legs she tripped and nearly fell over. Hermione moved into her view and slowly helped her up onto two legs, helping her to keep the balance. She felt taller now as well. She looked around again and noticed Harry setting up a tent for their use.
"How… how do I look?" Rainbow asked.
"Just fine, let's get you into the tent then get some nice clothes on you. You have a lot to learn before we are ready to go back to Hogwarts," Hermione said, noticing Luna fly off to make sure they had not been noticed.
"Okay," Rainbow said, carefully walking towards the tent with Hermione helping her. There was one thing she for sure wanted to do though before anything else happened, and that was to see what she looked like now.