Disclaimer: It's JKR's not mine, just so any of you were wondering the borrowed bits from the story, they aren't mine.
A/N: Due to the excellent, at least in my opinion, response to last chapter's question about why magical people stay away from muggle solutions that make more sense, I have another question prepared for everyone.
Is Voldemort and his deatheaters, or the apathetic people of the ministry and the general wizarding populace more responsible for the successes of the dark forces?
If there was one thing Harry admired about Mad-Eye Moody, it was that he didn't bother with pleasantries or chit-chat like so many of his other professors had in the past. Even that wasn't a entirely fair description of Moody though. To give it some perspective, the two times they met for dueling club Moody had personally stunned students not paying attention to prove a point. Of course it had been Malfoy and Ernie McMillan, and they were having an arrogant vs. pompous git-off of some sort, during Moody's instruction. But Harry was certain no other professor would have reacted as such. Moody had even threatened to transfigure Malfoy into a ferret or some other kind of Weasel, because that was what Malfoy's were, Weasels.
Two days before Christmas and the Yule Ball, Harry was standing in the middle of the defense classroom. Although unlike during the term the room had been transformed into what appeared to be one large dueling room with a large mat in the center. Harry had shown Moody the clue and after some discussion Moody taught Harry the bubblehead charm, although even Moody admitted there were better solutions to being underwater, it was nonetheless, a starting point.
However, the majority of their training time was spent learning several of the tricks Moody himself had employed in his years as the most tenacious auror in the ministry. He taught Harry jinxes that were just on the safe side of dark arts, such as the piercing jinx percrutio, a rather nasty cutting curse abrumpo, and an exploding hex perfringo. These were the spells that he had used more in the hunting of dark wizards and deatheaters than anything else.
It had chilled Harry to the bone when the grizzled man said, "If you don't put them out of commission lad, they'll put you out first." Of course the manic laugh that followed certainly didn't help matters, as Harry was dismissed from training until after New Years.
It was an exhausted Harry Potter that walked into the Gryffindor common room dragging his feet as he desperately wanted to find a nice deep hole to take a nap in. Most of the students remaining at the school were scattered throughout the various rooms of the castle leaving the common room sparsely populated with Hermione, Neville, and Ginny the only ones there.
Hermione glanced up from the newest issue of teen witch weekly that somehow had a picture of Harry posing on the cover and she softly asked, "Alright there Harry?"
Harry blearily blinked before he hobbled over to the nearest chair before sitting down heavily and let out a deep breath before he replied, "Yeah, just tired. But, on the bright side, no more training until after New Years."
Hermione smiled and was about to reply when Ron, who frankly wasn't in many people's good book at the moment, nearly sprinted into the common room and said to no one in particular, "Guess who has a date?"
Ginny, having grown up in a house full of boys replied, "Rosy Palms doesn't count as a date Ron."
This drew a painful sounding laugh from Harry as Neville quietly chuckled and Hermione fought a grin all the while trying to hold a reproachful look on her face. Ron however was in too jubilant of a mood to care as he excitedly said, "I'm going with Padma Patil."
Harry actually managed a small smile and said, "Good for you mate. Now you just need to worry about your robes, right?"
Ron's grin melted off of his face as a panicked expression took its place and Harry continued, in order to stem the tide and said, "I bought you a plain set of dress robes if you want them."
Ron's face shifted to a jumbled mass of emotions as Harry finished, "If you promise to pay them off before my birthday then you can have them."
After a long moment Ron nodded slowly with a slight frown before he said, "Harry, not that I'm complaining, but why are you doing this for me?"
Harry rubbed at his sore shoulder for a moment before he answered, "You're still my friend Ron, even if you've been quite the prat this year. Anyways, it's not like I'm giving the robes to you. You have to pay them off by my birthday."
Ron's frown took on a sad quality and he was about to thank Harry when his raven haired friend beat him to the punch, "You can tell me thanks when you figure out the apology thing."
Ron's mouth shut with an audible click as he looked at Harry for a few seconds before he nodded and walked up the stairs to the fourth year boy's dormitory.
Hermione was first to speak as she quietly said, "You're doing a good thing Harry."
Harry smiled slightly as he began to stand before he said, "I need to take a nice long hot shower and then there is something I'd like to show you." Hermione arched an eyebrow as Harry limped up the stairs. Hermione then turned to Ginny to ask her to guess on Harry's surprise and instead rolled her eyes at the diminutive witch, who was waggling her eyebrows like crazy with innuendo, before they both burst into giggles; leaving an extremely confused Neville shaking his head at their antics and hoping Harry would come soon to separate them.
It was nearly an hour later when an energized Harry walked down the stairs and found the common room slightly fuller than he had left it. Lavender, Parvati, and the other fourth year Gryffindor girl Serene Rookwood were animatedly discussing something in the opposite corner, as the three he had left behind were just as he had left them. Harry was dressed in a t-shirt and jumper to combat the drafty castle as he walked up to Hermione with a twinkle in his eyes before he asked, "Ready for a little surprise?"
Hermione swiveled her head to Harry and asked, "This is something my father would approve of?"
Harry's eyes widened as he blushed before he stammered, "O-of course it is. What kind of bloke do you take me for?"
Hermione smiled sweetly before she turned to Ginny and asked, "Can you take care of my book for me Gin?" Ginny smiled and nodded before going back into discussion with Neville. Hermione stood and stretched her legs before she said, "Ok Mr. Potter lead the way."
Harry took Hermione's hand as they slowly took the staircases down to the first floor before entering the great hall. Hermione looked around the hall and asked, "You wanted to show me the great hall?"
Harry merely smiled and shook his head before he said, "Come on down this corridor here." Hermione had a very inquisitive look on her face as they went down a corridor on the right of the great hall. They reached a giant tapestry of fruit and with a smirk Harry tickled the pear and the portrait slid aside leading to a spiral staircase.
Hermione's interest was no peaked and she asked, "Where are we going Harry?"
Harry smiled and spoke as they took the steps down the spiral staircase, "I thought you might like a chance to get some first hand thoughts on S.P.H.E.R.E."
The staircase finally ended as it led to another corridor heading back in the direction of the corridor that led them to the other tapestry although a floor below. Two massive doors much like the ones guarding the great hall were cracked open and with a flick of Harry's wand, the doors opened revealing dozens of house elves scurrying about either making food or making the ingredients for the food.
Hermione gasped in shock at the sheer number of elves and was about to protest when a familiar elf popped up in front of them and briefly hugged their legs before he squealed, "Oh Master Harry Potter and Missus Grangey. Dobby is so happy to see you."
Harry smiled slightly at his small friend before he pried the little elf from his legs and said, "Hermione and I thought we'd come by for a visit. Is Winky about?"
Dobby tugged on his ears nervously and said, "Winky is still being sad about being free elf like Dobby. Dobby will go get her and make her presentable." Dobby snapped his fingers and a table with four chairs materialized before he said, "Master Harry and Missus Grangey can sit here while Dobby is gone."
A moment later the little elf Harry remembered from the Quidditch World Cup returned with Dobby. She looked terrible and sat down with a bottle of butterbeer in her tiny hands. Dobby helped Winky into a seat before he sat in his own little chair and twisted his school uniform in his hands. Harry frowned before he glanced over at Hermione and then turned back to Dobby and asked, "Dobby could you tell us why house elves are enslaved?"
Dobby looked over to Winky who let loose a hiccup before he replied, "Dobby's sire told Dobby when he was a little elfling, that house elves were originally familiars of goblins. But Dobby knows that the goblins lost a war against the wizards and gave up all of the house elves to the wizards. Ever since Dobby knows elves need to bond to wizards or theirs magic goes away and we die."
Harry frowned and asked, "So how are you and Winky managing then?"
Dobby looked up with wide eyes and said, "Dobby is bonded with Master Harry Potter sir when he is being freed from old masters. Dobby is always watching Master Harry and waiting to be called. That's why Dobby gets job at Hogwarts. Dobby even gets one Knut a month for his work. Dobby is very proud to bes working for money."
Harry was floored and managed to sputter, "So you're bonded to me then, Dobby?"
Dobby nodded excitedly and said, "Dobby is thinking Master Harry Potter is a great wizard." Then his ears drooped and he said, "But, Winky she be losing her magic soon if she not bonded."
Hermione had been strangely silent for a long time before she spoke, "Dobby, why do house elves need to be bonded to someone to keep their magic?"
Dobby twisted his hands and said, "Elves always be needing a bond, because we can't use our magics without a bond. Bond with wizards is like a key to our magic."
Hermione sighed heavily before she turned to Winky and said, "Winky, I'll allow you to be bonded to me if you continue to work here at Hogwarts and accept a salary like Dobby. I'm sure Harry and I could use both of your help in the future. But, we need to make a few things clear and since Harry wasn't even aware he was bonded to Dobby we need to set some ground rules."
Winky had perked up considerably at Hermione's statement and even vanished her butterbeer before Hermione continued, "I think that during the school year you both should work here at Hogwarts and save some money. Harry and I will pay you for your time during the summers and after school. Your salary will be negotiable but it will be consistent to erm, a servant." Hermione frowned in thought and added, "Now, I don't know how the underage magic laws work with elves…"
Winky spoke for the first time that night as she said, "Elves magic can bes invisible when we wants it to be. Winky be hearing about Dobby using wizards magic to get Harry Potter in troubles." Winky had rounded on Dobby whose ears were drooping with each word.
Harry finally gained a handle on the situation and said, "Ok Winky, but Dobby wasn't bonded to me at the time, so he was helping me the only way he could. If you both agree to Hermione's stipulations I have one more thing I'd like to add." Hermione and the two elves looked at him expectantly and he said, "I know Dobby always wanted to punish himself in our second year and all I ask, is that if you do something you know is bad you come to us before you try to punish yourself. We can talk about punishments and if one is even warranted it won't be physical punishment. Lots of jobs dock pay if someone messed up really badly so we can probably do something similar here."
Dobby and Winky shared a hopeful look before Hermione said, "Ok then Winky, we can bond if you want to." Winky squealed and walked over to Hermione before placing one of her tiny hands on Hermione's.
A moment later Winky pulled away and nodded, already looking much happier than she was a few minutes earlier before she said, "Mistress Hermione and Winky is bonded now. If Mistress ever be wanting anything all she need be doing is calling Winky."
Dobby nodded and looked at Harry before he said, "Dobby is saying same to Master Harry."
Harry sighed and ran a hand through his hair before he said, "Well, this isn't exactly what I had planned for tonight."
Hermione smiled at Harry understanding what his plans had been and she said, "It's ok Harry, like they told us. A bonding is like having another familiar that's all, and just think of all they can teach us about house elves in order help the other elves in the future."
Harry smiled slightly before he turned to Dobby and Winky and said, "Well, I'm glad we figured all of this out now.' He turned to Winky and said, "I think Hermione and I can both agree that you shouldn't be drinking any more Winky." Winky nodded solemnly eliciting a small laugh from Harry before he stood and said, "Ok Dobby, Winky, Hermione and I should really be going. Thanks for all of your help though."
Hermione stood a moment later and Dobby snapped his fingers causing the table to vanish once again before she said, "I should like to talk to the both of you more over the holidays. I would like to research more about how your magic works so that maybe someday in the future elves won't need to bond to keep their magic." Dobby and Winky looked at Hermione queerly but nodded as they escorted their masters to the door before closing it behind them.
Christmas Eve the castle was abuzz with holiday cheer as even Ron was included in the usual festivities of a snowball fight outside followed quickly by hot cocoa by the fire in the Gryffindor common room. The Durmstrang ship was resplendent in red and green magical lights and the Beauxbaton's carriage was wrapped in tinsel and surrounded by fairies.
Harry was surprised when an owl flew right into a small window in the common room and dropped a reasonably small package into his lap. The package was wrapped in Gryffindor house paper and a small card was on the top.
Harry opened the card and read:
Harry,
As you already know, Snuffles has taken residence at my cottage for the time being until something more permanent can be arranged. I've been working some back channels to Dumbledore and we think we might have something set up by the summer. Anyways, we visited one prospective location in London and happened upon something that you'll find very handy for a Christmas present.
Inside is a pocket mirror that works as a communication mirror with those mirrors charmed to it. Your father, Paddy, and I all had one of these mirrors and what you hold now is your father's. By some quirk of fate I managed to find mine in an old school trunk the day after, so if you want to talk to either of us say either our real name or our marauder name and we should pick up. Since you are at school you can decide when to call us. We hope to hear from you soon.
Messrs. Moony and Padfoot
Harry glanced around only to find most of the full common room looking at him, so he opted against opening right away, but later when he would be assured some privacy. Hermione looked over his arm at the card before she smiled and whispered, "Christmas present?"
Harry nodded before he replied, "I sent out their gifts last night with Hedwig, so they should have them by some time tonight."
Hermione gestured with her hand and Harry handed her the card, which she read in a few seconds before saying, "Sounds like a very useful gift." Harry smiled and nodded before he tucked the still wrapped gift into a pocket on his jacket and relaxing on the couch as Hermione leaned into his shoulder as she was akin to. They sat in silence as watched the fire flicker and cast a shadow of the Christmas tree stationed in the room up against the far wall. It was one of those moments that no one ever really wanted to end.
Harry awoke Christmas morning to something tugging on his blanket insistently in a sure attempt to wake him up and get his attention. Harry blindly grabbed his glasses from the nightstand and placed them on before he finally opened his eyes blearily and scanned around him for the perpetrator. Standing right next to him with a small package wrapped in snitch covered wrapping paper, Dobby looked at Harry with his large black eyes and quietly, but definitely excitedly said, "Merry Christmas Master Harry."
Harry blinked once before he took the small present and unwrapped it to reveal one purple sock with enchanted snitches fluttering around and the other the same except in orange. Harry had to admit it was the brightest pair of socks he owned and accepted them with a grateful nod. Thankful that he had bought a few "reserve" presents in case he was gifted by someone he hadn't expected Harry stumbled out of his bed before walking over to his trunk and unlocking it. After rummaging for a couple of minutes he emerged with a small gift of his own for Dobby.
Harry handed Dobby the gift and said, "I used owl order for my gifts this year so what you have is my inventive solution to not being able to give you clothes."
Dobby's eyes widened at the mention of clothes but relaxed when Harry talked about a solution to that problem. Opening the gift much like Harry had opened his first gift ever three years ago during Christmas Dobby revealed a small catalog titled Hats of the Quidditch Premiere League.
Harry smiled and said, "That catalog has already been credited for one hat so all you need to do is mark your selection down and you'll receive your hat via owl in a day or two."
Dobby's eyes filled with tears before he hugged Harry's legs tightly and whispered, "Oh Dobby is being so happy about his gift. Master Harry is a great wizard and Dobby is wishing him a Merry Christmas."
Harry smiled as he his feet slid into his slippers before he said, "Merry Christmas Dobby and give Winky my best also." Dobby nodded emphatically before he vanished with a quiet pop.
Harry chuckled for a moment at the exuberant elf before he grabbed his other presents and quietly walked down the stairs to wait for everyone else to wake up and join him. With a flash of inspiration Harry grabbed his mirror, fully intending on giving his Christmas wishes to the elder Marauders.
Harry reached the common room, but it wasn't as empty as he would have though, Hermione was sitting on the couch apparently doing the same thing he had planned on doing. She turned at the sound of Harry's final footsteps off of the stairway and with a smile she quietly said, "Merry Christmas Harry."
Harry smiled and replied, "Merry Christmas to you."
After placing his presents in the appropriate piles around the tree he sat down next to Hermione and said, "Care to join me for a quick Christmas greeting to Remus and Sirius?"
Hermione smiled softly and nodded as Harry un-wrapped the mirror and said, "Moony."
After staring at his reflection for a moment the screen went blank before Remus' face slowly faded onto the screen. A smile blossomed on their former defense professor's face as he warmly said, "Merry Christmas Harry."
Harry smiled and replied, "Merry Christmas to you Moony. Hermione's here so you can talk to her too."
Harry handed her the mirror and she smiled and said, "Merry Christmas Professor."
Remus chuckled and replied, "Merry Christmas to you as well Hermione. But, since I'm not your professor anymore please call me Moony or Remus."
Hermione nodded before handing the mirror back to Harry who said, "Did you get my gifts yet?"
Remus smiled as Sirius' face or rather part of his face squeezed into few in the corner of the mirror before he said, "Yes thanks Harry, the wizard's chess set should keep us busy for a little while."
Remus rolled his eyes at Sirius but agreed, "It is a lovely set Harry. I had an old one, but most of the pieces are too old to properly move around the board any more. So this was a most welcome gift."
After a few more minutes of chit-chat Remus smiled and said, "The both of you have a lovely time at the ball tonight." Remus called out to Hermione whose head creeped onto the screen like Sirius' before he said, "You'll tell us if Harry does anything embarrassing, won't you?"
Hermione giggled and replied, "I think I've trained him pretty well at this point, but if he does something I'll tell you about it."
Harry groaned and said, "Great Remus, now you're going to make me even more nervous tonight." Hermione rolled her eyes and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
Harry blushed brightly as Remus and Sirius laughed before he said, "Alright you two, I'll see you at the second task. I promise to keep in touch at least once a week." Remus and Sirius shared their goodbyes and the screen went blank before reverting back to Harry's reflection.
Back in Oxford, Remus turned to Sirius and said, "Those two are smitten with each other, even if they don't have the courage to say so to each other yet."
Sirius nodded and added, "Aye they're dancing on the edges still, but give them time they're still pretty young."
Remus nodded and said, "Alright you old mutt, ready to lose at chess again." Sirius barked out a laugh and grandly bowed before gesturing to the board. Remus smiled to himself, it was nice to have at least one of his best friends back again.
Back at Hogwarts the common room had eventually filled and the sound of presents being unwrapped broke the quiet of the early morning. Harry had managed a fine haul as received a Chudley Cannons t-shirt from Ron, sweets from Ginny, his typical Weasley family sweater and assorted mincemeat pies from Mrs. Weasley, and from Hermione a lovely old wind up wrist watch that she had placed various unbreakable and all condition charms upon.
Hermione received a charmed hairbrush from Ginny that wouldn't catch on tangles, a subscription to Teen Witch Weekly from Ron ("To become more like a girl" was Ron's backhanded way of explaining the gift), sweets from a few of the younger Gryffindors (sugar free of course), and a 1695 edition of Hogwarts a History that had an expanded section on the history of the library from Harry.
Ron received a broomstick servicing kit from Harry (for any future broom he would have), a book on the history of Chudley Canon strategies from Hermione, and various sweets and food from his mother to go with his bright green sweater.
Hermione had never really cared about getting one of the famed Weasley family sweaters, but in many ways Hermione was closer to Ginny than he was to Ron at the moment. After some thought Harry decided that it was hopeless trying to reason with Mrs. Weasley about much of anything. Even Hermione's apology letter at best had been very formal and without much meaning behind it.
Looking around the common room Harry let out a great yawn before he turned to the Weasley's and Hermione and said, "Let's go grab breakfast, so we can eat before the ball tonight."
Getting a minimal amount of response from the rest of the Gryffindors, Harry and his friends walked down to the great hall in their robes and pajamas.
The great hall was covered in strange looking sheets and had been completely cleared out aside from one table for the few people braving the castle for some breakfast. Harry panned his eyes around the hall before he turned to Hermione, who was buttering a piece of toast, and asked, "What do you think they're doing to the hall?"
Ron answered with a mouth full of food before Hermione as he said, "omfin ig ike addoween."
Harry shook his head ruefully at his friend even though he was fighting a smile as he said, "Yeah you're probably right mate. That would definitely make sense." Ron merely nodded and returned to shoveling food into his mouth.
Hermione sighed and asked, "For those of us, namely girls, who can't speak slob would you care to translate?"
Harry choked on the juice he was drinking and began to cough quite badly as Hermione patted his back apologetically. When he finally stopped coughing Harry said, "He said it would probably be something like for the Halloween feast, but with winter and Christmas themes instead."
Hermione nodded and said, "Yes I imagine he's right; As much as it pains me to agree with Ron."
Harry gave Hermione a crooked smile, which did funny things to her stomach, and said, "Yes well, we have more important and enjoyable things to be on about later today anyways." Hermione immediately flashed ahead to her images of Harry dancing with her, holding her closely, and even inhaling his scent. All she could do was nod with a dreamy look in her eyes.
By noon the older girls had already left to get ready for the ball leaving the fourth and fifth year girls and all of the guys downstairs. Hermione and Ginny heard the clock tower toll signaling it was half past twelve and they stood along with the other girls and Hermione said, "Alright girls, the sixth and seventh years should be done by now, like they promised."
Hermione smiled and turned to Harry, who was looking at his watch in bafflement, before she leaned in to whisper and said, "I'll be down by six so be ready by then. The champion's and their dates don't enter until the last, so that should leave us plenty of time." Harry smiled and nodded and Hermione stroked his cheek with her hand for a moment before turning away and walking up the stairs to the girl's dorms.
Twenty-five minutes, twenty-five minutes, that was how long Harry was staring off into space thinking about how soft Hermione's hand was. Of course, it might have well been the rest of his life if he hadn't been roused. His daydreaming was broken up by Ron who looked concerned at his friend and asked, "Harry mate, did you hear me?"
Harry shook his head and smiled to himself at the pleasant distraction of Hermione's hand before he said, "No sorry mate, what did you say again?"
Ron looked at Harry strangely, and in a tone that indicated that the question had been asked multiple times, he slowly said, "Do you fancy a game of chess?"
Harry glanced at his watch, which read one p.m. and nodded as Ron slid his chair and the board over to where he was sitting. As the board reset itself from the previous game Ron said, "So Harry, you never told me who your date was."
Harry smiled and replied, "You'll find out when I enter the ball I wager. Remember I told you, she's the prettiest witch on the grounds."
Ron frowned and asked, "Are you going with Fleur then?"
Harry shook his head and smiled as his pawn moved forward to start the match, and he was certain eventual defeat. After Ron's rook took one of Harry's bishops he said, "Harry mate, what do you think about Hermione? I mean it's obvious she doesn't have a date, so is like she erm a lesbian or something?"
Harry snorted as one if his knights took a pawn and replied, "Ron, why do you insist it's so obvious she doesn't have a date? Is it because she turned you down? Fleur turned your down too; I don't hear you calling her a lesbian."
Ron apparently didn't have answer to that, or if he did he didn't like the implications of it, and let the matter drop for the rest of the game, and the game afterwards. By three-thirty Harry was beginning to feel a bit ripe from skipping his shower earlier and said, "Alright mate that's enough for me, I have to get a shower and get ready for the ball." Ron nodded and went over to Neville to get in another couple of games before getting ready himself.
Harry took a nice long shower, it was nearly four-thirty by the time he had finished and begun to prepare for the ball. Ron, Neville, Seamus, and Dean were already in their dress robes when Harry returned to the dorm in his boxers. By five-thirty Harry was fidgeting with his bow-tie for his robes. Dress robes were closer in appearance to a tuxedo that typical robes in their design and Harry's black dress robes with his white undershirt were really quite stylish.
As Harry walked out of the bathroom Ron was standing near the door and he said, "I've got to go pick up Padma out by the great hall. I'll see you and your mystery date when the champions arrive." Harry nodded as he reached into the breast pocket of his robes and felt the gift he had gotten from Remus a few days earlier.
Walking down into the common room he spotted Ginny and Neville standing together and Harry said with a wink, "Whoa Neville, who's that hot witch you've got there?"
Neville blushed and Ginny giggled before she said, "Just wait until you see your date Harry, she should be ready in about twenty minutes. Trust me, you won't be disappointed." Harry smiled and waved as they walked out of the portrait hole en route to the great hall.
Harry glanced down at his watch and it read nearly six when he heard the soft clicking that surely had to be Hermione's shoes slowly walking down the stairs. Harry walked over to the bottom step to help her and when she came into view he was certain that his heart skipped a beat. It was Hermione, but she didn't look like the cute bookworm she normally was in Hogwarts. No, she was beautiful in an almost other worldly way. Her hair was tamed for the night, still curly but ties back into an intricate style of some sort that sat perfectly on her head with a couple of springy strands framing her face like the portrait of beauty she was. Clearing his throat as he took her hand and helped her down the last step he said, "You, erm…you look beautiful."
Hermione's smile reminded him of something that men had killed for in the past, that thrill of being with a girl so beautiful that everything else became tertiary at best. With a girl so beautiful both inside and out that made his heart thump painfully in his chest. A passing thought told Harry that there may be girls that were more beautiful in other's opinions. But not a single one of those opinions mattered to him at that perfect wonderful moment.
Stopping a few steps short of the portrait hole he pulled out the simple silver bracelet with their birthstones framing an inscription:
HJP + HJG 25/12/94
Hermione offered her wrist for the bracelet as she simply glowed with happiness before she said, "Thank you Harry, it's beautiful."
Harry smiled as he hooked his arm around hers and as they stepped out of the portrait hole he said, "To the ball milady."
Harry smiled as they reached the last stairs before the entrance of the great hall and immediately several whispers rippled throughout the gathered students, not already in the hall. By the time they reached the floor, Professor McGonagall walked up to them and with a twinkle in her eye and a gentle smile said, "You both look wonderful, Gryffindor's finest to be certain."
With a soft glare she added to Harry, "Mr. Potter I do hope you don't step on Ms. Granger's toes too much tonight." Harry's eyes widened when he realized she was teasing him. Harry had just managed to close his mouth when the doors of the great hall swung fully open and the champions and their dates walked into the hall.
Hermione leaned over to Harry and softly asked, "Are you ready?"
Harry smiled with a loving look, he wasn't quite ready to verbalize, and said, "With you, I'm always ready." Hermione smiled as and as they entered the hall murmurs went throughout the crowd.
Harry heard people say, "Is that Hermione Granger…Wow Granger is pretty hot….Oh Harry looks so dreamy…So that's who they were going with."
Harry managed to catch a glimpse of Ron who frankly looked both awed and angry at the same time, which was really quite a ridiculous sight.
Reaching the dance floor Hermione said, "Remember, it's simple; just do it like we did in the common room Harry."
Dumbledore looked at the assorted couples with a wide smile and said, "Now, the ceremonial first dance for the champions and their dates. Following the ceremonial dance we will be having our feast and then the dance floor will open. For tonight's listening pleasure we have the Weird Sisters." Several of the girls let out happy gasps as the orchestra began to play a waltz.
Harry was certain that if he was dancing with anyone other than Hermione, he would be stumbling over his feet and making a fool of himself. But, as they smoothly pivoted and continued their waltz they managed to look the part and do so with a certain level of style and sophistication.
All too soon the moment was over and the champion's were ushered over to the head table where Harry pulled Hermione's chair and helped her to sit. Sitting next to her Harry smiled and said, "That wasn't too bad."
Hermione smiled and like she had done earlier she reached her hand up to his cheek and brushed it gently before she said, "I knew you'd be fine Harry."
Their gazes were locked and if either of them had that little extra courage, it would have been the perfect moment for that first true kiss. As it was, the moment was lost as Dumbledore said, "A lovely dance Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger, I must say you both look quite smart tonight."
Harry couldn't help but smile at the odd way Dumbledore had phrased that and glanced over to the headmaster dressed in some regal looking robes of his own Harry said, "You look spiffy too Headmaster."
Hermione coughed to cover her giggle before she turned her laughing and accusing eyes to Harry and said, "You are so going to get it later for that Harry."
Harry chuckled before he broke eye contact and glanced around the rest of the table at the other champions and their dates. Cedric had come with Cho Chang, who looked quite lovely in her dress and if Harry had to make a description she looked beautiful like fine porcelain. Viktor was with a Durmstrang girl who looked suspiciously similar to Hermione, although she was a poor substitute based on Viktor's expression on his face. Fleur had come with Roger Davies of Ravenclaw, and the poor sap was barely managing to avoid an unseemly show of drooling all over her. The various headmasters rounded out the table and Mr. Crouch sat at the head of the table looking considerably more in control than he had two months earlier.
Conversation around the table was polite and didn't gain too much depth as they ate and laughed for nearly an hour. Soon enough The Weird Sisters took the stage and Hermione tugged Harry back out on to the dance floor to dance to their faster songs and sway to their slower songs.
Ginny and Neville danced over to them during one of the slower songs and Ginny said, "You two were smashing for the first dance. You definitely were the best dancers out there."
Harry and Hermione blushed at the praise as the bracelet on her wrist around Harry's neck jangled melodically. Ginny's eyes widened and she squealed before seizing Hermione's arm and looking the bracelet over rather thoroughly. Hermione looked rather pleased about the entire thing and Harry and Neville shared an amused glance before Harry said, "Girls, Neville and I are going to go grab some drinks. Why don't you grab a table and continue the conversation there." Hermione smiled and grabbed Ginny's arm and dragged her to a table across the dance floor as Harry and Neville went to the drinks table.
As they poured their drinks Harry smiled and asked, "Having fun tonight Neville?"
Neville smiled as he took the ladle and poured his drinks before he answered, "I-I like being able to feel proud of how I look for once and well Ginny she's great."
Harry smiled as he looked out onto the dance floor and laughing as Fred and Angelina were dancing rather energetically, which earned them a nice wide berth from the other dancers. Harry and Neville grabbed their drinks before Harry replied to Neville's statement, "Neville, you have no reason not to be proud of who you are. All you need is a little confidence and you could be a great wizard. You're already a great friend, which I think is a lot more important in the grand scheme of things." Neville smiled widely at Harry whose eyes were scanning the various tables until he came across a sight he really didn't want to see, Hermione and Ginny yelling at Ron about something.
As they approached, the girls managed to stop arguing, and Ron turned to Harry and was about to say something when Harry casually waved his hand and cast a wandless silencing charm on him. Harry handed Hermione her drink and Neville did the same for Ginny before Harry canceled the charm on Ron, who was now beet red with anger.
Harry sighed and simply said, "No Ron, you aren't going to pull this tonight so don't try it." Ron opened his mouth and Harry merely raised his hand and continued, "I will hex you if you try to start something, and don't doubt that I've learned some nasty ones from Professor Moody."
Ron was still tense but managed to remain silent as Harry softly continued, "You need to get over this, whether it is a matter of you growing up or if you just can't be our friend any more. But, I won't have you insulting us or provoking us at the drop of a hat just because you're a prat. You've dug a deep hole this year mate, and forgiveness, especially forgiveness within reason, well it can only stretch so far. I like to think Hermione and I have bent over backwards to keep from hexing your hair off and giving you a real reason to be angry after everything you've said. Now for the last time Ron, think about what you want and then figure out an adult solution to how you want to get there."
Harry took a swig of his drink before he offered his hand to Hermione and said, "Let's go outside for a bit of a walk." Hermione took his hand and stood and looped her arm around Harry's as they walked out into the courtyard for a nice walk in the early winter night air.
As soon as they reached the courtyard Harry took off his outer jacket of his robes and wrapped it around Hermione's trembling shoulders. As they walked in silence they felt the night perhaps reaching another of those perfect moments and after the talk with Ron, the old Gryffindor courage was running high. Just as Harry was about to say something they happened upon Snape and Karkaroff talking behind a pillar.
Hermione placed her hand on Harry's lip and signaled for him to listen in:
Karkaroff's left forearm was bared clearly showing the dark mark as he said, "Look at how clear it is Severus. Surely you know what this means. He is almost back to full strength."
Snape spoke in an oily voice as he said, "I see it Igor but I made my choice long ago, and I will not go back on Dumbledore now. As much as it pains me to say it, Potter will be a competent leader for the next generation of fighters, his performance against the dragon shows as much."
Karkaroff's voice took on a shrill tone as he said, "You haff Dumbledore's protection Severus, it is not a luxury I myself haff."
Snape shrugged and said, "I can not change the bed you have already made for yourself Igor. Now I must be going." Snape walked off in the opposite direction as Karkaroff as Harry and Hermione shared a look, which conveyed some understanding of a large picture but not enough to bring it all into focus.
After waiting for the coast to be clear they walked out of the courtyard, simply following where their feet carried them as the music from the ball drifted out into the night.
Harry turned to Hermione as they cut across the field by Hagrid's cabin, and prepared to double back around to the castle. Harry finally spoke as they turned back to the castle as he said, "I've been feeling something strong for you for a little while now Hermione. Tonight it only grew stronger. I don't know if it's love, because frankly I haven't really experienced enough love to make that distinction. But I do know that when I look at you, and not just tonight, I feel lighter and for the first time happy."
Hermione smiled at Harry love clearly in her eyes as she said, "Harry, I do have some experience with love, but not the romantic kind. I've seen my parents when they act romantic to each other on a day to day basis and I can tell you now, I can envision doing the same kinds of things with you when we are old and gray. I'm not trying to pressure you Harry, and in fact as long as the tournament goes I think we should just stay where we are in our relationship. But sometime soon in the future I would like to take that next step in our relationship." Hermione's nose crinkled cutely and she said, "I hate that word, relationship. Let's just call what we have good, and say that it could get better, but that the time isn't right now for it."
Harry smiled and as they reentered the courtyard to the dying sounds of the ball he said, "Not now, but soon."
A/N: Man I think I deserve some kind of an award or a badge of honor of sorts. This is by far my longest chapter to date, and I can see more chapters of this length in the chapters ahead. Next chapter, Ron finally makes some progress with help from a most unusual source. Classes will continue on and I know you might think I forgot it, but we have a breakthrough for someone in their animagus transformations. There will be more but that's enough for now.
Thanks to all of my faithful readers and if you review, take the time to add on an answer to the question in the a/n at the beginning. Thanks for reading and reviewing.