The Prince-Who-Lived
Chapter Nineteen
Krum was first up, and Harry watched him come out to face the dragon with a thrill of awe. The highlight was a well-executed Conjunctivitis curse. The down side was the dragon crushed some of its real eggs and exercised the barriers keeping the dragon fire from the stands. Harry just about screamed when the flames fizzled not five feet in front of him. He and Neville were laughing about it for several minutes thereafter, as Krum darted out of the enclosure with the golden egg and waited for his points. The ten from Karkaroff got several boos and nasty comments, along with a rude suggestion from Ron. Krum finished with a total of 40.
Neville completely forgot about talking to Hermione when they brought out the Chinese Fireball, instead just staring at it as it lay protectively over it's eggs. Harry contemplated poking him, but Hermione beat him to it. Neville yelped rewardingly, and started into another short, quiet argument with Hermione. Harry turned to comment to Ron, but stopped when he saw the conflicted look Ron was giving Neville. Harry paused, and then cursed silently. Ron still liked Hermione, apparently, despite his apparent lack of showing it, and, well, he was losing out to Neville now that Neville had decided to make his own move. The second whistle sounded, and Harry elbowed Ron, acting as though he hadn't noticed his preoccupation.
"Hey, it's Fleur's turn now. What do you think she'll do?"
Ron reluctantly looked down to where Fleur would come out, seeming loath to pull his eyes from Hermione. Once he looked at Fleur, though his attention was once more stolen by Fleur's strange charm.
Fleur tried a charm to put the dragon to sleep, which worked but unfortunately the dragon was coiled around it's eggs, on top of which was the egg she needed. It was some pretty fancy footwork for her to get up there, and then the dragon snorted fire in its sleep. Finally, however, she plucked the egg up and went out of the enclosure, nursing a scalded hand and a sore ankle from slipping once.
The dragon was taken away, and Fleur was given her points, 34 total, her hand covered in orange paste. Harry watched as the Chinese Fireball was gently roused and removed with its eggs, and the cement coloured eggs of the Horntail were brought out, followed by their mother. Harry swallowed; Alan was next.
The whistle sounded and Alan strode into the enclosure, looking as casual as if he were striding down the corridor. It was an easy sort of grace, and Harry saw him gently palming his wand. He stifled a laugh; despite Alan hardly doing any sort of motion, Harry strongly suspected he was trying several spells right then. As he stiffened slightly, Harry suspected they didn't work.
"What's he doing just standing there?" Ron griped. "You'd think he'd be getting to work already."
"He's probably trying something, or setting up a spell, Ron." Harry retorted. "Give him a little credit."
Harry's attention was so focused on the enclosure he completely missed the amused and confused glances exchanged among his friends behind his back.
A loud bang sounded from the enclosure and the dragon screamed. Harry covered his ears in pain, and watched as the creature leapt from her guard on her eggs straight towards Alan. Alan was running sidelong across the enclosure, his wand in hand. He stopped, the dragon behind him and nearly opposite her eggs, and then raised his wand. The incantation was lost in the dragon's frustrated noise, but a long grey-metal cable leapt from Alan's wand and shot across the distance. One end snapped against the enclosure wall; the second sealed to the ground and the rest folded over the dragon's neck, fusing on the far side and tethering the creature in place.
Alan had continued running straight for the eggs as soon as the spell had left his wand, glancing back only to check that it was in place. It was, but Harry could see as well as anyone that it wouldn't last long. Alan was nearly at the clutch when a loud, sharp twang announced the cable breaking, and then vanishing altogether before it could whip about and possibly do damage. Alan didn't waste time where he was. He didn't grab at the egg at all; he stopped, and awkwardly roundhouse-kicked it off the top of the clutch, before dropping low and casting a shield as a burst of fire broke over his head. The dragon had paused to breathe its fire, and when the flames finished, Alan was no longer there. The crowd gasped as one, and then there was a sharp whistle that drew all eyes to the left, where the egg had rolled. Harry looked quickly and then laughed. Alan was calmly leaning against the entrance to the enclosure, the egg under his arm and a smug grin on his face. It was the grin that sent Harry into a fit of laughter; he knew how often Alan practiced that one, which he did on purpose to make someone just want to beat his smug face in just so he'd stop looking superior. Beside him, the grin was working perfectly on Ron.
"The git! He just about gets barbequed and he's acting like its all a bloody joke! How the hell did he do that, anyways?"
Harry couldn't answer he was laughing so hard. He didn't have a clue how Alan had done it, but he was pretty certain he'd be able to get it out of him later on. He was just as sure that Alan wouldn't tell anyone else, and had done it completely on purpose, just for the showmanship. Harry blamed it on his being raised American.
The Horntail was shortly subdued, and Alan was joined by Severus to wait for the scores to come up. He was still leaning against the entrance, and Harry began to have a nagging suspicion that Alan hadn't come out as well as he was playing it out to be. Harry had to give him credit for it, at least. He watched intently as each judge gave a number.
Madam Maxine went first, and shot an eight out. Harry resisted the urge to stick out his tongue. Mr. Templar gave a nine. Dumbledore marked him at a ten, leading Harry to have to stifle a grin, and Mr. Bagman also gave a ten. Karkaroff, a foul expression on his face, gave a five, totalling 42. Beside Harry, Neville hiss.
"Asswipe. Gave Krum a ten, and managed to mark Prince down to a five. What sort of bloody ninny-hammer …" Neville's mutterings faded into inaudible mutterings which was probably good for the sake of his shoulder since Harry doubted Hermione would like Neville's insulting creativity.
Harry, however just watched Alan nod in acceptance of the ruling, and then leave with his father. Harry sighed, feeling a large weight lift off his shoulders, and followed the others as the students dispersed from the stands to head back to the school. Harry felt there would be some sort of a party in the common room for this: Hogwarts was currently in the lead, Slytherin champion or not.
IIII
Harry was correct; there was a party in the tower. Mostly it was because Fred and George took it upon themselves to fetch food from the kitchens in order to create a party. Halfway through, an ulterior motive became clear when Neville ate a custard cream and burst into feather. Harry thought he was seeing things when his best friend became a large yellow feather duster, but Fred and George immediately laughed.
"Canary Creams!" Fred announced to the room at large, indicating the silently steaming yellow ball of feathers that had previously been Neville. "George and I invented them! Seven sickles each, a bargain!"
The room burst into laughter, and soon thereafter Neville moulted and suspiciously eyed the two custards he had left, and then turned a look on the twins Harry watched with enjoyment. Neville picked the two up and approached the twins, who were already getting a few requests as others turned into canaries as well. Hermione watched with distrust, but that became interest when Neville loudly asked the twins,
"Hey, Fred, George. Do you have to eat these for them to work, or could you get hexed just by getting it on your skin?"
Fred frowned a moment, and looked to George. George shrugged in turn. "Not sure, Neville."
Neville gave them a sweet smile. "Well, you tell me." Neville lifted each hand, in which the two custards were cradled, and them tossed them into Fred and George's faces before ducking and returning to his seat, laughing. Harry laughed quietly and then quickly gave Neville a high five. Fred and George took the retaliation with grace and cleaned each other up, before they shouted back to Neville,
"Apparently it doesn't work. Good try though."
Neville nodded. "Thank you." He chirped.
IIII
Harry managed to run into Alan that Thursday in the library. He was sitting in the library, surrounded by books once more. A glance proved them to be language oriented, and Harry eyed them before taking his usual seat. He pulled out his own books distractedly, and then looked up. Alan was eyeing him warily.
"So." Harry began. "What the heck did you do?"
"Tried several charms, enraged it, tied it up, ran over, kicked the egg, crouched, shielded, and disillusioned myself to edge away without it tracking me and then only opening it once I was over at the wall with the egg."
Harry stared a moment, and then huffed. "You make it sound so easy." He griped. He knew it probably wasn't, but with how he'd phrased it …
"You ever conjured steel?" Alan shot. "It's horribly complicated to make it actually strong enough. And then you have to find a way to anchor it so it'll stick. That's not cool."
"Hey, I said phrased, Alan. Don't get in a knot about it."
Alan flushed. "Sorry. I'm still a tad sore."
"Sore? You didn't look injured." Harry fished. He'd thought Alan might've hurt himself …
"Kicked the egg wrong, so my ankle's sore. It's nothing, really, but hurts enough to leave me snappish and I don't dare get it healed by Pomfrey. I like my score, thanks. And sprains are a pain in the ass to fix."
Harry fought down his laughter. Alan would keep quiet to hold his reputation. "Alright, but you're sure no one you know can heal it? Why not get Geoffrey to do it?"
Alan shuddered and gave Harry a stare that told him he was nuts. "Geoffrey?" He looked at Harry for a moment, and snorted. "Right, you remember what happened with that jabberwocky, Harry. No thanks."
Harry snorted and laughed. "Fine, no Geoffrey. Snape might know something."
Alan paused, and then sighed. "Alright, fine, I'll get someone to heal it."
"Good." Harry nodded in satisfaction and turned back to his book. Alan rolled his eyes, and subtly hexed Harry's book. The letter blurred for a moment, and a large smiley face leered out of the pages at Harry and then stuck out its tongue before disappearing. Harry jerked, watched it, and then glared at Alan. Alan wasn't looking, and Harry just shook his head, and turned back to reading. He had earned that. He still sent a hex back Alan's way and hummed as he read. Alan would hex him the moment he shifted his feet and discovered his shoelaces braided together.
IIII
"Potter! Weasley! Will you pay attention?"
Harry jumped and quickly placed the rubber haddock that had previously been a fake wand on his desk quickly and sat at attention for Professor McGonagall. Ron stifled a guilty laugh and did the same with his tin parrot, mimicking Harry's attentive pose. Hermione and Neville, seated together once more on the side of Harry opposite Ron, rolled their eyes as one and kept their attention dutifully on McGonagall as it had been all class.
It was the end of the class; they'd changed their guinea fowl into guinea pigs, and were now spending the time until the bell rang playing with a few more of Fred and George's creations, which Neville had not joined in due to his conversation with Hermione. Apparently, however, McGonagall had something to add and so Harry returned his attention to her with a proper apologetic air. She didn't seem impressed.
"Now that I have your full and proper attention," She said with a firm look their way. "I have something to say to you all."
"The Yule Ball is approaching, a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament and an opportunity for us to socialize with our foreign guests. Now, the ball will be open only to fourth-years and above, although you may invite a younger student if you wish."
Lavender Brown let out a shrill giggle; Parvati elbowed her as she worked furiously not to join in. Hermione hissed something next to Neville and Neville gave a stifled snort. However, Harry's amusement fell as they both looked his way. Professor McGonagall ignored them; Harry supposed she knew saying anything would only encourage them.
"Dress robes will be worn," Ron groaned, "and the Ball will start at eight o'clock on Christmas Day, finishing at midnight in the Great Hall. Now then," McGonagall gave the class a hard look, "The Yule Ball is a chance for us all to … er, let our hair down." She continued in a disproving voice.
Lavender giggled harder than ever, and Harry pressed his lips together tightly. He could see why she was laughing now: Professor McGonagall, with her hair pulled into a severe bun, looked as though she had never let her hair down in any sense.
"But that does not mean," Professor McGonagall ignored the amusement of the class of teenagers with ease, "that we will be relaxing the standards of behaviour we expect from Hogwarts students. I will be most seriously displeased if a Gryffindor student embarrasses the school in any way."
The bell rang, and Harry and his friends left in the bustle of activity. Neville, curiously, lost his place by Hermione's side as they left the door and came up on Ron's other side, putting Harry next to her instead. Harry didn't care much at the moment, he was now too concerned about the main issue that came to mind: Who to ask to the Ball. He couldn't think of anyone other than Hermione that he might like spending time with, and he wasn't going to ask her: no matter Neville's sudden abandonment of her at the moment, which could have been accidental although Harry doubted it was, Neville was very clearly interested in her and Harry wasn't going to get in his way. Now, if Neville didn't ask her, Harry couldn't think of another Gryffindor he'd rather ask …
IIII
Christmas break had never been so crowded before. Harry was sure absolutely everyone was going to be signing on; he was almost surprised when Nanna informed him she was going to be going home for the break, as was Melanie. Ginny, however, refused their invitations to come over, and Harry and Ron overheard it.
"I'm going to stay here, Melanie, Nanna. I got asked to the ball, so I'm going."
Ron choked, and spun in place. Both Fred and George, behind them, turned to her immediately.
"Ginny! Who asked you?" George demanded. Melanie echoed him, but Ginny just raised her nose to them.
"A boy." She answered curtly. "A sweet boy. Melanie, Nanna, come up to my dorm and I'll tell you all about it."
The Weasley boys could only watch in shock as she left, and Harry stifled an amused snort. His desire to laugh faded as Ron's stomach grumbled and Harry just smirked.
"Hungry, Ron?"
Ron looked down at himself and huffed. "Yes. They serve lunch about now, Saturdays, right?"
Harry decided to not remind him that it had been the same for four years, and merely nodded, getting up and leading the way to the Great Hall, where there were already fairly large crowds, including a lot of packs of girls. Immediately upon entering, Harry noticed Alan sitting in place, by all appearances staring blankly at the ceiling. Harry purposefully didn't laugh, but it was a close thing. Ron lead the way to seats on the Gryffindor table, and dug into the meal, but Harry once more eyed Alan. He was surprised, then, when Alan looked over at Blaise, scanned the hall, and then stood, walking around the end of the Slytherin table and approaching the Ravenclaw one. Partway along, he stopped, and, speaking overtly formally at a normal volume in a now silent hall, was heard by everyone.
"Ms. Lovegood, would you go to the Yule Ball with me?"
Harry felt like choking. Alan was asking Loony- Luna Lovegood to the Yule Ball?
"Why thank you Alan, but I don't really know how to dance." Luna answered, sounding like she barely knew where she was or what Alan might have been doing asking her. Harry wasn't even sure she remembered there was to be a Ball at all.
"I'd be honoured to help you learn, if you like." Alan offered gently. Harry hadn't heard him sound that sweet since he'd talked to Hermione on the train first year. It was a fake-sounding earnestness that Harry could see being used on a nervous horse. Luna either didn't notice, or didn't care.
"Thank you, Mr. Prince, I accept."
Alan bent, and apparently kissed Luna's hand before he returned to the Slytherin table and turned down it to stick his tongue out at the group of girl's farther down. Harry fought down laughter, and Ron, beside him, shook his head slowly.
"He's taking Loony Lovegood to the ball?"
Harry shrugged, chuckling slightly. "Apparently he didn't feel like getting hounded with dance invitations. Luna would be a pretty safe girl to take; she's not going to start insisting that they're in some real relationship, now is she?"
Ron shuddered. "If she did, that would be damn scary."
Harry shuddered at the thought. "While, that's his problem, then. Who are you going to take to the Ball?"
Ron shrugged with determined casualness. "Can't think of anyone, really."
"You know, it doesn't have to be a Gryffindor. You could ask Hannah Abbot, or something. Padma Patil, maybe."
Ron looked considering, and then he shot Harry a strange quiet look. "Is Neville going to ask Hermione to the ball?"
"He hasn't yet." Harry returned, looking blankly at the other tables, determinedly keeping his face quiet. "I think he intends to, although he really should move a little quicker."
Ron nodded slowly. "Yeah, but I think I'll leave him to it. You think Hannah's got a date? She's not that bad a girl …"
Harry turned to give Ron a wry grin. "Well, she's sitting right over there. You a Gryffindor or not? You don't have to ask her too loudly, really."
Ron paled and swallowed his mouthful of food, before he squared his shoulders and then quailed. "Maybe once I'm done eating …" He murmured.
Harry determinedly shrugged casually. "Well, she might be asked before then by someone with more courage."
Ron glared at Harry, swallowed his mouthful once more, and shook his head. "Slythindor." He muttered.
Harry just inclined his head, and rested his elbow on the table as Ron stood and walked around the table to reach the Hufflepuff one. He hesitated, squared his shoulders, shot Harry a dirty look and then walked cautiously up to where Hannah was sitting with her friends. They all stopped talking as Ron approached, although the Hall was still fairly loud, and Harry could only tell that Ron was asking her because he turned the famous Weasley red, and then nodded his head quickly with a wide grin. He turned and walked back with a spring in his step, and Harry saw the Hufflepuff girls break into a fit of tittering laughter. Once Ron was back, he beamed at Harry.
"She said yes! I've got a date, Harry, she said yes!"
Harry laughed. "Told you you could do it. It wasn't that hard, was it?"
"No … but now you have to go ask someone." Ron shot. Harry choked on his drink and flushed.
"No, Ron. I can't think of anyone to ask." Harry could actually, but the first to come to mind was Hermione, and she was taken. The second he wouldn't even dream of asking anytime in this life, and there was no third.
"Sure you can." Ron offered. "You could always ask Padma, you know." He shot with a smile.
Harry shook his head. "Only person that comes to mind is Hermione, remember?" It was a small lie, but Ron would buy it. Unfortunately, it didn't shut him up.
"Well, fine." Ron shrugged, returning to his meal. He waved his fork Harry's way as he continued. "You'd better not go dateless to the Ball, though. If I have to put up with my dress robes …" Ron shook his head, and Harry smiled.
"Well, my mom said your mother was looking at maroon ones in a second-hand shop before they dragged her off to look at nicer ones. They'd even had lace."
Ron looked horrified, and then slightly flushed. Leaving his food, which was pretty much done anyways, he stood and grabbed Harry by the throat of his robes, dragging him out of the hall, and only pausing to return Hannah's wave from the Hufflepuff table. He dragged him clear up to the dorms and then shuffled through his trunk. Finally, he pulled out his own dress robes with an irritable flourish. Neville poked his head out of his curtains and whistled lowly.
"Those are nice robes, Ron."
The robes Ron held were a deep brown, with Celtic knot work along the hems in golden thread. They weren't extravagant, but the gold did look somewhat gaudy with the simple fabric. However, Harry could see they'd look very nice on Ron, although the high collar was a little strange. Harry just shrugged to Ron's indignation, and smiled faintly.
"I think they're fine. They could've been maroon, you know, with lace."
Ron shuddered and made to toss the robes into his trunk but paused and folded them instead. Harry supposed he wasn't used to new robes, which those were even if they weren't even a quarter as expensive as his and Neville's were.
"I'll take your word for it, but still. I don't like them."
"I'm sure Hannah will like them." Harry offered. Neville perked in his bed.
"Hannah?" He inquired.
Ron straightened and beamed at Neville. "I actually asked her. In the Great Hall, just now. She said yes, too. I'm gonna go tell Dean and Seamus okay?" Ron darted out without waiting for an answer. Neville watched him go with a strange little smirk, and then looked at Harry with a raised eyebrow.
"Herbology?" He asked.
Harry snorted and nodded. "When he wasn't staring at Hermione, he was staring at her. Besides, Alan had just asked Luna to the ball in the middle of lunch, so I could play on his courage to get him to go."
Neville snorted and studied his fingernails. "Well, yes, that would make things very easy if you played off the courage of a Slytherin in front of him. Despite that I doubt that was courage on Alan's part and more calculation …"
Harry sank into his own bed and smiled. "Oh, doubtless. But you still haven't asked Hermione."
Neville flushed and gave Harry an awkward smile. "And do you have anyone in mind?" He shot.
The effect was perfect; Harry stopped bugging him to flush on his own. Lying to Neville and saying that Hermione was the only person he could think of asking wouldn't work, but he sure as Hell wasn't going to say that. Harry still shrugged, and looked aside, answering under his breath. "Yeah, but not in this lifetime."
Neville still heard. "You're not going to ask her?"
Harry gave Neville a hard look. "I can't. I'd be lynched, and if I weren't, she would. If she even accepted at all."
Neville watched Harry for a long moment, and tapped his finger against his lip. "So … she'd be Slytherin." Harry flinched, which was answer enough. "Harry … are you so certain –"
"I'm not testing it, Neville, so don't even try it. I'll find someone else to take, if I have to ask Parvati or Lavender."
Neville shrugged with a carefully blank face and ducked back into his curtains, shutting himself off. Angry and upset, Harry ducked behind his own and hauled out his homework, something that would keep him out of sight for a good while.
IIII
A few days later, term was drawing to a close, and Harry still hadn't asked anyone. Surprisingly, Neville hadn't asked Hermione either, and Harry told him flat-out Thursday after Defence that if he didn't ask Hermione, not only would she be taken, but Harry would set him up with Parvati. Neville snorted, and glared at him for a long moment.
"If I ask Hermione at dinner, will you ask Susan Bones to the dance as well?"
"At dinner?" Harry gaped. "In front of everybody?"
"Well, if you think you can catch her afterwards, then by all means, but if you don't, then I'm setting you up with Parvati."
Harry gaped, and then laughed faintly. Neither he nor Neville liked the Patil twins all that much, and Parvati they liked even less than Padma. After all the activities they'd had to go through for purebloods where they'd seen them, they just didn't hold a grand opinion of them.
"Deal, Neville. You ask first."
When dinner came, Neville held up his end admirably. They'd just sat, plates barely full, and Neville spoke up.
"Hermione?" He waited until she glanced up, and Harry say him colour slightly. "Would you go to the Ball with me?"
Hermione quickly covered her mouth and swallowed, and then her face fell. "Oh, Neville. I'm sorry; I'm already going with someone else."
Harry thought that Neville hid his expression very well, and very quickly. Rather than looking as devastated as Harry imagined he truly was, Neville just swallowed lightly and looked down at his plate, answering without looking at her.
"Oh, well. Sorry."
"It's alright, Neville." Hermione returned. A glance at her face made Harry look again just to be sure. She looked gravely disappointed. "I'd love to have a dance with you while we're there, though, Neville. I'm sure my date won't mind."
"Really?" Neville glanced up. "That would be lovely, Hermione. Can I ask who you're going with?"
Hermione's face quirked slightly. "I'd like to keep it secret until then, actually. I'm sure you'll be surprised."
Harry smirked faintly as Neville smiled wryly, and then Harry added his thoughts. "Hermione, with that tone of voice I'd guess you'd accepted to go with Prince if I didn't know he'd already asked Luna."
Hermione made a point of turning her attention back to her plate, and Harry shared a confused look with Neville and shrugged. He decided to ask Neville about his second choice later on, and not at the table with Hermione. You just don't do that.
It wasn't long before dinner ended, and Harry left quickly, checking the Hufflepuff table for Susan before he stopped and waited by the door. It wasn't too long before she came out, and Harry was surprised that Neville had waited nearby. Quickly, Harry stepped forward as Susan passed, and smiled weakly.
"Susan? Could I have a moment?"
The girls around her burst into giggles, and Harry frowned at them, but Susan coloured faintly, and stepped out of the main thoroughfare to stand by him. "Yes, Harry?"
"Do you have a date to the Ball?" Susan shook her head slowly, a small smile on her face. "Would you like to go with me?" Harry finished quickly, and then he hastened to add. "Just friends, you know. I'd like your company."
Susan nodded carefully. "Sure Harry, I'd love to go with you just as friends." She smiled with what Harry thought was relief, and Harry suspected that she, like him, must have somebody else that really caught her eye that she just wasn't willing to ask or was taken.
"Great. I'll meet you by the Hufflepuff common room, then?"
"You know where it is?" Susan asked, surprised.
Harry grinned. "I know where all the common rooms are. Would you rather just meet here?"
She shook her head slowly, and then grinned. "No, meet me at the Hufflepuff entrance. I'll be waiting, okay?"
Harry nodded, and, impulsively, he gently bowed over her hand and kissed it before leaving. He was surprised to find that Neville wasn't waiting for him, but had instead approached a group of Ravenclaws and was talking to them. They giggled, and tittered, and finally Neville stepped away and came over to Harry, wearing a strained expression. At Harry's inquiring look, he just shrugged.
"Asked Padma. I won't feel bad about being distracted while I'm with her."
Harry watched him carefully, and then looked straight ahead. "You really like Hermione." He stated.
Neville shrugged, and didn't answer, picking up his pace and leading the way to the Gryffindor dorms. Harry didn't press.
IIII
The week ended easily. Ron groaned and fussed about the test in Potions, but otherwise everything was fine. The decorations were extravagant, and all the people were happy and boisterous. The only problem that stood out at that point was when Draco came by them one evening. He glanced around at them, and then sneered.
"Do any of you have a date at all? I don't suppose you could find anyone with that low of taste, though …"
Harry just shrugged. "Now, is Pansy going with you because she wants to, or is it only because you're already engaged?"
Draco flushed dull pink, and Pansy hissed, "I don't suppose you actually have a date, Potter, do you? Or did you manage to catch a ride with the toothy mudblood?"
Harry didn't bother hexing her; Alan already had his wand out, and Pansy yelped as her robes turned brilliant yellow. Hermione smiled pleasantly as they looked around in surprise, not noticing Alan strolling casually by, and she took her own initiative.
"Yellow's a lovely colour for you Pansy. A warning sign and a wonderful look for you. And really Draco, just because you only have a date because you're parents set it up, doesn't mean other people of quality can't ask someone for themselves." She turned and grabbed Neville and Harry's arms. "Come with me, my good men. Ronald, please."
Harry felt he deserved an award for keeping his face straight as they strode into the Great Hall. Across from him, he was shocked Neville wasn't flushing either. Ron was more than happy to bow them inside and then trail across to the Gryffindor table. Neville helped Hermione into her seat, and then sat beside her for a few moments before he succumbed to snickers. Within moments, the rest of them had joined him, exchanging high-fives and grins. That had been wonderful.
As they laughed, Harry got a good look at Hermione and paused, hoping Ron would notice and ask. He didn't, so Harry finally decided to make a simple comment,
"Madam Pomfrey did a good job restoring your teeth, you know."
Hermione's chuckles subsided and she smiled brightly at Harry. "She did, didn't she?"
"A very good restoration." Harry nodded. "They're perfect."
Hermione smiled again, and Harry could see the difference. It was very pleasing, when before her teeth had been a little too big. "I know," was all Hermione added.
Satisfied with the answer, Harry shrugged and returned to his meal.
IIII
Christmas came almost sooner than Harry had expected, with the snow and decorations up and about, with the Durmstrang ship looking like it had been covered in frosting while the Beauxbatons carriage was an iced pumpkin out in the snow. In his own cozy dorm, Harry woke Christmas morning feeling vaguely nostalgic. The only other time he'd spent Christmas at Hogwarts had been second year, when he'd been terrified that discovering he was a Parselmouth would make his father hate him. Now, he was staying in order to attend the Yule Ball, a much happier reason but one that left him feeling just as homesick. Fortunately, he had the usual large pile of presents to go through, and the first package he found was from 'the Marauders'. It made him nervous that they had all signed it together. However, it was addressed to both him and Neville, so Harry set it aside and then pitched a shoe through Neville's curtains. A yelp sounded, and then Neville shoved his ragged head out with a fierce glare.
"Harry, what the Hell was that for!"
"Neville, it's Christmas." Harry said exasperatedly. "And I've got a present from the Marauders addressed to both of us, so if you want to see it …"
Neville's eyes widened and he tore open the bed curtains to stand by Harry's bed. Harry lifted the package, they each got a grip on the paper with one hand and balanced the box with the others and then tore the paper off. Neville stuck his tongue out and Harry groaned when it showed nothing more than a plain brown box. Harry settled it in his lap and pulled it open. Inside was a large, folded sheet of parchment sitting atop a thick book, and a letter. Harry pulled the letter out, handing the blank parchment and the book to Neville and ditching the box, before he opened the letter.
To Neville and Harry,
We, the Marauders four, gift you, our heirs, with two items, and a charge.
You are to both follow the instructions of the new tome you now possess, and, with the parchment we bequeath you, must use it for it's true and noble purpose and your own ends.
'We solemnly swear we are up to no good'
The Marauders;
Moony, Brownclaw, Padfoot, and Prongs
Neville stared at Harry, and then shifted the paper off the book. He let out a burst of laughter, and grinned brightly.
"'The Auror's Guide to Animal Camouflage'! Harry, I can't believe they gave this to us! Of all things … it's not legal if you're not an auror!"
Harry pulled the parchment from Neville, commenting distractedly, as he couldn't believe they'd done it, "I'm not surprised in the least. What surprises me, is this." Harry tapped the parchment with his wand, and murmured, "I solemnly swear that I'm up to no good."
Black ink lines crossed the parchment, and Harry smiled incredulously as it carved out a detailed cover on the page facing him. The words that arced across the top made him smile,
Messrs Moony, Brownclaw, Padfoot, and Prongs
(With the lovely aid of the significant ladies)
Purveyors of aid to Magical Mischief-Makers
Are proud to present,
THE MARAUDERS MAP
Version Two
Neville shook his head slowly. "I can't believe it. They remade it? When they knew that Fred and George had the original?"
Harry shrugged. "Probably got a few new ideas, and got tired of seeing Wormtail on it. Fascinating, this …" Harry opened the parchment up and glanced over it cautiously. "This is really nice, look."
The writing was crisp, neat, and precise. The dots had been altered to little footsteps, and the entirety of Hogwarts was clear and detailed. Apparently the help of Lily and Alice had made a few things clearer, which meant that the layout of the girl's dorms was now exact, putting them all in view. Harry took a moment to flip to the view of the Slytherin dorms and was unsurprised that the same was true there as well. He also wasn't surprised that Alan was not in his dorm.
"Prince isn't in his dorm, huh. Can't find Severus Snape either." Harry observed to Neville. Neville looked over just in time to see the map rustle, and suddenly a section of the map flared red. Harry looked over, and found himself staring at a room down the hall from Snape's office. Within were two dots, reading 'Alan Prince' and 'Severus Snape'
Neville whistled lowly. "Now that is handy. Does this show the grounds, too?"
Harry flipped another page, and showed Neville before shutting the parchment, and tapping his wand once more, "Mischief managed."
The parchment cleared and Neville grinned at Harry. "Our dads just told us to become animagi, and gave us a new and improved Marauders' Map. This is amazing."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Neville, really. Go back to your own presents. Not all Gryffindors are obsessed with pranks."
"You're not Gryffindor." Neville returned. "Anyways, can I see you open mine to you first?"
Harry smiled and shook his head. "Accio, Neville's gift to me." A small brown package came flying out, nearly upsetting the pile, and Harry quickly picked it up with a smile. Neville smiled nervously back, as Harry pulled the paper open. Inside it was a small box, which, once Harry opened it, proved to contain a small clock that could be set on a nightstand. However, it wasn't a normal clock. It had several hands spaced around the edges, and upon them were names. 'James Potter' 'Lily Potter' 'Neville Longbottom' 'Nanna Potter' 'Sirius Black' and 'Remus Lupin' were there, alongside his own. Around the edges of the clock were not numbers, but the names of locations. Harry had seen a clock like this before, one that was much larger with more names. It belonged to Molly Weasley, and had her entire family on it. Currently, this one wasn't on so the names were merely spread out, but Harry couldn't wait to have it up and running, although he really wanted to add another name to it …
"I can turn it on for you." Neville quickly offered. "And you can add more names. I wasn't sure whom all you wanted, but I was confident in those. I don't know if there's a limit to the number you can have or not … if there was, I'd guess it to be ten or twelve. I think my parents are getting me my own, but I'd have to go find the gift. I hope you like it."
Harry touched the clock face gently and turned to give Neville a bright smile. "I love it, Neville. I can't think of anything better."
Neville beamed back at him, and Harry shrugged. "Now my gift to you feels tawdry."
Neville just laughed. "Don't bother feeling bad; that was my second idea. The first was to get you a Quidditch hat, but when my parents went in there to check out the clocks -they want one for our house- the idea just jumped me. Once you know the next name you want on, I can show you how to do it."
Harry paused and eyed the hands, nodding slowly. If he did add Alan, though, he didn't want his name blatantly on there. But the other boys had finally woken and, although they were admirably ignoring Harry and Neville's camaraderie, Harry didn't want to bring that up around them. Neville quickly returned to his own bed, and Harry returned to his presents, of which there were still quite a few. Hermione had gotten him a book on Potions; Ron, a bag of dungbombs. Hagrid had sent sweets; Remus, chocolate, and Sirius had given him a penknife that could open any lock and untie any knot. Harry wondered just how much trouble his family wanted him to get into at school. His parents had split on his Christmas gifts this year, and Harry had received a warm, gorgeous navy blue wool cloak from Lily with a platinum serpent clasp coiled into the infinity symbol, carved with great detail down to every scale and shining golden eyes. His father had given Harry a set of Quidditch pads and a golden snitch. Trust his parents to go two different ways on the gifts. Nanna had given him a set of knitted gloves with runes worked onto them, something she must have gotten their mother to help with, but Harry was confident they would keep his hands warm, even if they were a very loud combination of brilliant scarlet and forest green. What was it with his sister and going for a combination of green and red for him? Maybe it was just the Christmas thing …
IIII
Lunch was filling, delightful, and nearly too heavy, and the snow outside was welcome with a warm, full belly. It was surprising to all of them when Hermione left at five o'clock, even more surprising when it appeared all of the girls had done the same. Harry and Neville just shrugged and continued the snowball fight until it was an hour to and then trekked up to the dorms to get changed themselves.
It was a moment Harry didn't want to talk about afterwards, putting on the fine dress robes that were two years old already and hadn't been worn, that had been purchased with this year in mind. Putting them on, they fit perfectly, probably due to a charm to allow for minor adjustments in order to fit. Looking into the mirror he just remained silent looking over the different parts of the outfit, from the dark brown trim and the stripes only barely visible on the sides from the front, to the faint green embroidery crawling around his wrists, up his forearms to the edges of his collar and throat. Harry hesitated a moment before he slipped on his serpent necklace and then smiled into the mirror. The meaning behind the gifts would have made him feel overdressed for any other occasion. Turning, he looked back into the room at his friends.
Ron's dark brown robes made his hair look vibrant and strong rather than like it was at war with the clothes. The high collar emphasized his height, something that frustrated Harry to no end, and the gold details made him look majestic. The thought that came to mind immediately was simply 'Gryffindor'. Beside him, Neville was just as impressive in his burgundy robes with their gold details. The cat on his shoulder glinted in the light, and the fabric had a soft majesty all of it's own. Neville had apparently spent some time on his hair, and the colour seemed to gleam all on it's own. Harry wondered how on earth he'd managed that. Harry hadn't even bothered to do more than brush and then run his fingers through it so that the mess at least looked purposeful rather than accidental.
Neville glanced over at him and smirked. "Gee, everyone's favourite … Gryffindor."
Harry glared at Neville for the hesitation. "Nice to see you too, Nev." Neville shuddered, and waved his hand in apology. He hated that nickname as much as Harry hated 'Prongslet'. "Ron, you ready? We can go pick up our dates together, that way, and Neville can trail us until he's got to split off for Ravenclaw."
Neville cut in, "I agreed to meet Padma in the entrance hall. I'll just see you down there. Sure you don't want to wait and stare at the girls as they come down?"
Harry shook his head, and then nodded to Dean and Seamus, still getting into their own outfits, before leading the way out of the dorm, Ron following reluctantly.
The common room was packed full of students and it seemed to be a sea of colour with everyone out of the generic black robes. Ginny came down shortly after they'd entered, and squealed happily as she saw the three of them pass. Harry was surprised to see her dressed up in the very nice looking cream dress robes with a simple, thick border only a shade darker than the robes themselves. Harry smiled and nodded at her, and she quickly joined them at the door.
"It's good to see you; you look gorgeous, Harry!" She blushed as soon as she said it, but forced herself to keep walking. Harry blushed as well, but managed to keep himself under control.
"Thank you, Ginny. Your robes are beautiful as well. Who's your date?" Harry asked casually. Ron had tried to get it out of her and Hermione many times before, but both had avoided the question. This time, however, Ginny was off balance. She flushed, and giggled weakly, before leaning closer to whisper.
"Prince talked Blaise Zabini into asking me. I said yes," She fell back onto her feet and laughed faintly again, speaking normally, "and I'm meeting him in the entrance hall. I was so shocked, it's simply amazing."
Harry hid his surprise well, but gave her an honest smile. "I'm glad you got asked. I hope you enjoy it. You continue on with Neville, okay? I'm going to take Ron down a secret passage to the Hufflepuff commons for our dates."
Ginny laughed nervously again and waved them off. "Go right ahead, Harry! I'll see you there."
Harry heard Neville laugh gently as well, and then they were behind a tapestry and on their way down several flights of stairs, coming out just beyond the Hufflepuff common room towards the kitchen portrait Harry had led Ron through last year. It was only a corner ahead, and they were at the doorway to the Hufflepuff commons. Harry and Ron stood on the side closest to the entrance hall, and waited. They didn't have long as a younger student poked their heads out, saw them and yelped,
"Hannah! Susan! Your dates are here!"
Harry saw Ron swallow nervously and was grateful he was able to avoid the same. When the two girls came out, Harry smiled at them, and then stepped forward, marvelling at just how much hair Susan's braid had managed to hide. It cascaded down her back from a tie at her shoulder blades to the point he was sure she'd end up sitting on it during the meal. Once he got his attention back to her robes, he smiled appreciatively.
"Your clothes are gorgeous, Susan.
She blushed gently and fingered the tan material self-consciously. "Yours cost more than mine did."
Harry shook his head. "I'm not talking money, I'm talking about how it compliments you and your hair, which looks very nice itself, by the way."
Susan finally stopped blushing and slapped his shoulder. "Stop tossing the compliments about like that, or I'll think you're buttering me up to be more than a friend."
Harry innocently raised his eyebrows, and gently plucked at the pale green shawl. "Me? Flattery? Ron, Susan accused me of flattery."
Ron took a moment to pull his gaze from Hannah's own dress robes and shawl that showed curves Harry had never known she'd had. Apparently Ron hadn't known either, but when he did he looked Susan over and whistled. "It's not flattery if he tells you you're gorgeous Susan, although you're not going to hold half the attention Hannah does." Ron quickly turned back to his own date and, shaking his head, bowed and offered her his arm.
Harry did the same for Susan and winked at her as they straightened before leading her down the hall and whispering amusedly in her ear, which was only barely below him. "Well, he's got good recovery, there."
Susan laughed, and Harry smiled appreciatively at the picture she made. He did manage to get a very good-looking date.
It wasn't far from the Hufflepuff common room to the entrance hall, and when they arrived it was packed. However, it was fairly easy to find Neville because Harry had always had a sixth sense about that. He also had brought his wand with him and used a discrete Point Me charm. He found him next to Padma Patil, who was dressed very nicely in turquoise and who was looking Neville over in what Harry thought was very unflattering satisfaction. Next to her, her sister Parvati was standing, dressed in pink and looking unhappy with her own partner, Zacharias Smith. Neville greeted Harry's appearance with a strained smile.
"Hey, you got your dates. Hannah, Susan. You look very nice today."
Hannah blushed lightly, and Susan laughed. "Not as nice as you and Harry. You two are absolutely gorgeous. Those robes are simply lovely."
Neville blushed a fetching shade of pink, and began to respond with his thoughts on what Susan looked like, when nearby, another girl snorted. "I can't believe she actually wore that –that, whatever it is."
Those that heard looked around and Harry found himself biting his lip to keep his amusement and dismay under control. Luna had just come down from the Ravenclaw dorms, and she was wearing what appeared to be a see-through, silvery robe with a muggle-style, long skirted cocktail dress in an absolute rainbow of colours. The closest thing Harry had seen to that combination was rainbow sherbet. The robe made the colours muted and silver-toned, but it didn't erase the butterbeer cap necklace or the crab apples in one ear and the strawberry dangling from the other. Her hair, fortunately, was loose but clean and brushed and she walked down the stairs with a confidence none of the other girls had matched.
"Wow." Harry managed. "Colourful, that." Beside him, Susan gave a nervous giggle just before McGonagall spoke over the crowd.
"Champions, please come over here."
Harry saw the crowd part to allow Luna to stride over, and once she was there, Harry had a glimpse of black hair against black clothes before the view closed once more. There was a bit more shuffling, and then the doors to the Great Hall were opened.
A/N: ducks and hides Again! So Sorry! Did Not Conspire! See, it's up on time! Two weeks, I promise, although if I get lots of people bugging me I promise to do it sooner. Ten reviews, say? Think you could manage that? I love you all, I promise! Updated the day I got back! Thank you all so much for the reviews, I felt very loved and appreciated from every single one of you! And seriously, I'm halfway through fifth year - over thirty chapters. You'll have them coming every two weeks for a long time.
Another short reminder: This fic will have a raised rating come the end of fourth year, and it will play to that rating. I'm sorry to leave it low, and if any of you will not abide it, I'm sorry to lose you. If you stay on, Thank you, and I hope you enjoy the story. I haven't raised it yet as it feel ridiculous to me to rate for something that isn't going to be posted for months, something twenty chapters in that's not even there yet. Sorry if you don't like it.
And I'm sending another big hug and thank you to all the people who reviewed! It really makes me love posting the insanity I write.
Fire & Napalm