Chapter 29: The Yule Ball
December 8th, 1994
"Might I have a word with you, Mr. Potter," said McGonagall after Transfigurations.
Harry held up, as did Blaise. After everyone else had left McGonagall waved Harry over to her desk.
"About the Yule Ball Potter," she began.
"I know I have to open it," said Harry.
"I trust you won't wait until the last minute to get a partner," she said critically.
"Way ahead of you Professor," Harry said with a smile, "I asked Hermione the day my name came out of the Goblet."
"I see," said McGonagall, "Well, do your best to uphold the honor of the school, will you Potter?"
Harry grinned even wider. "I'll try," he said as he walked out.
McGonagall rolled her eyes, "What is going through that boy's head?" she asked aloud.
"Ahem," said Blaise, who McGonagall had completely forgotten about. McGonagall nearly jumped out of her skin.
"Mr. Zabini, I didn't see you there," she said.
Blaise walked up to McGonagall. "Yeah, I get that a lot," he said sarcastically, "especially when I am just standing out in the open. You were wondering about Harry though?"
"I'm not blind," said McGonagall, "Mr. Potter is very enamored of Miss Granger. But I must admit that at times the closeness of their relationship has worried me. When I heard about his adventures with Miss Bones and Miss Greengrass I thought perhaps I was too worried. And perhaps I am."
"Wait, you know about Susan?" asked Blaise.
"Professor Sprout was most angry at the staff meeting," said McGonagall.
Blaise frowned. That meant Dumbledore knew as well. Blaise didn't know Harry, Hermione and Ginny's big secret (and it was obvious they had a big secret), but he did know that Dumbledore had been taking a rather close interest in Harry's (admittedly limited) love life. But he'd been better about it this last summer. Blaise wondered about Dumbledore's interest. Blaise was good at reading faces, but Dumbledore was very hard to read. Yet the few times Blaise had seen the Headmaster watching Harry and Hermione he was sure he'd seen guilt on that face.
"Well, it is just a date," said Blaise, "I wouldn't be too worried about that."
"Do you have a date lined up?" asked McGonagall.
Blaise laughed bitterly. "I wish," he said.
XXXXX
Ginny was sitting in the Slytherin common room when Blaise walked up to her. She turned to speak to him, and noticed he looked rather… nervous.
"Ginny, I'm gonna be blunt here," said Blaise, "The person I want to take to the Ball isn't going to say yes. They aren't able to say yes. So I figure, if I can't go with the person I want anyway, might as well go with a friend who couldn't go without me. So, you want to go to the Yule Ball with me?"
Ginny sat back and pretended to think about it. He wanted to take Seamus. Technically, of course, there was no rule against it. But the truth was, doing so would cause an uproar.
Finally, she said, "Sure, as long as you don't try to put on any of that garbage you call cologne."
Blaise managed to look offended, "I'll have you know that that particular scent is considered an expensive luxury in some places."
"Like outhouses?" asked Ginny.
"Ouch," he said.
The next day, Ginny had a much less welcome encounter. She was again in the common room when Nott walked up to her.
"Hey Ginny," said Nott, clearly unsure of himself, "I was thinking. Given that we're both on the Quidditch team, and you know, we're both purebloods, I was wondering: would you go to the Yule Ball with me?"
Ginny blinked. She hadn't seen this one coming. She didn't dislike Nott in the way she did Malfoy, but she had absolutely no attraction to him either. She considered this for a moment. Luckily she didn't need to make up a lie for this.
"Sorry, but Blaise already asked me to go," said Ginny.
It was Nott's turn to blink. "You and Blaise?" he asked, his eyes narrowing dangerously.
Ginny laughed but she didn't feel the humor behind it. That was a bad sign. "Oh no," she said, "We're going as friends."
"Oh," said Nott, who seemed to relax at that.
"Sorry," said Ginny, who was not very sorry.
As Nott walked away Ginny made a note in her head: Nott likes me. And he's being weird about it. Not good. Heh, that's almost a joke. Nott good. Him liking me isn't a joke though.
XXXXX
December 10th, 1994
One day during early December, Harry got a letter at breakfast delivered by Percy's owl Hermes. Harry grimaced. Percy wasn't as invested in information security as Harry was if he was sending owls directly to Harry. Ron ran over, his bag of writing supplies and books still over his shoulder, recognizing his brother's owl.
"You writing letters to Percy now?" asked Ron.
"Percy and I get on quite well these days," said Harry, "We've been giving each other advice. He's been advising me as to my academic career, and I've been giving Percy advice on how to navigate politics."
"Slytherin makes you an expert there I'd guess," said Ron.
"Hardly," said Harry, "I've been corresponding with Horace Slughorn."
"Why doesn't Percy just correspond with Slughorn then?" asked Ron.
"Slughorn doesn't know Percy," said Ginny.
As Ron nodded to that, Harry wondered if Ron hadn't been on to something. Certainly, Slughorn would be interested in corresponding with Percy, he'd been Head Boy. If Harry wrote an introduction to Slughorn for Percy, the old man would certainly be interested in advising him.
No Harry wasn't going to do that, and he had to admit sadly that it was for selfish reasons. Percy had already proven to be a valuable asset in the MInistry for Harry. But the young man still was a bit clueless, he might easily be influenced to do something stupid. Harry didn't want to lose Percy as a source of information. The very idea that he was putting Percy's use to him as an informant over his friendship with Percy made him vaguely sick. Yet Harry was convinced that there was a deep rot in the Ministry, one that he needed to keep an eye on. Percy was essential to that.
Harry supposed that if he was going to use Percy like this he needed to let him know. At least then Percy could decide to go along with it. And on deciding that, Harry's spirits lifted a bit. At least he felt less guilty.
Opening the letter from Percy, Harry began to read.
Harry,
I have good news! Parents will be allowed to visit Hogwarts on Boxing Day this year because of the Yule Ball. They will be allowed to take their children home with them for the break, provided they ride the train back to Hogwarts as per usual. Muggleborns will be allowed to floo to Diagon Alley where their parents can pick them up. This was my first idea that I have managed to get adopted as a policy! That is a very promising sign for me, I hope you'll agree.
However, I am concerned about something. I have not seen Mr. Crouch since the day of the first task. As far as I can tell no one has. Today, however, Crouch sent me a note telling me to fill in for him at the Yule Ball. Initially, this struck me as an opportunity, as it will give me a chance to show to the Ministry I can handle more complicated tasks. But some part of me is uneasy about this. I have not forgotten that you told me to keep an eye on Crouch. Should I report Mr. Crouch missing? I would very much appreciate your advice.
Sincerely,
Percy Weasley
Harry stared at the letter as if in disbelief. Then he reached down into his bag and pulled out some parchment and a quill. He wrote:
Percy,
Report the disappearance of Crouch immediately. If it is discovered that he is gone and you did not report it you will be in a great deal of trouble. I am certain that his disappearance is related to why I told you to keep an eye on him. I will tell you more as I get more information.
Harry Potter
"Do you have an envelope?" Harry asked. Ron put down his bag and pulled out a battered envelope.
Harry stuffed the letter in an envelope and quickly sealed it with magic. Turning to Hermes (who was being treated to a mighty feast of bacon by Tracey and Luna) he handed the owl the letter.
"Take this to Percy Hermes," he said.
Hermes flew off, letter in talon, hooting happily about the last scraps of bacon Luna had fed him.
"What was that about?" asked Ron.
Harry wordlessly handed Ron the letter, then stood up and walked over to the staff table. Only Dumbledore and the Heads of houses were there right now. Just as well, Harry didn't trust Moody.
"Professor," said Harry as he walked up to the staff table, "I just had a letter from Percy. It looks like Crouch has disappeared."
Dumbledore hung his head. "As we feared," he said.
"What?" demanded McGonagall.
"The Headmaster and I have a theory that Crouch is currently under the Imperius curse," said Harry, "This would lend credence to that."
"I don't understand," said Flitwick, "why would that lend credence to it? Often Imperiused subjects can remain undercover for months or years."
"If the subject has a weak will," said Harry, "Barty Crouch is many things, but weak-willed he is not."
"But the Imperius Curse..." started McGonagall.
"...can be resisted," finished Harry, "I've done it."
"Wait, what?" asked Dumbledore suddenly, "Who tried to place you under the Imperius curse?"
"Moody cast the Imperius curse on all the fourth years, with our permission of course," said Harry.
McGonagall, Flitwick, and Sprout began to glare at Dumbledore. Snape didn't visibly react, though that was in itself a reaction.
"I will speak to Professor Moody then," said Dumbledore, "He should not have done that. But first I must make inquiries as to the whereabouts of Mr. Crouch." Dumbledore got up to leave.
"Professor!" said Harry urgently, "I am starting to have my doubts as to whether Moody can be trusted."
Dumbledore nodded, "I would not go so far, but he has overstepped his bounds."
A Harry walked back to the table he was somewhat reassured. Hopefully, Dumbledore would take his doubts about Moody seriously.
Harry stopped and considered for a moment. Harry could understand Crouch Jr. not wanting to send his Imperiused father to the Yule Ball, but Crouch Jr. himself could easily have come. Maybe gauge how his plan was going. It was damned odd that he wasn't taking this opportunity. But maybe he felt that the risk of discovery was too great. Still, it would have been a perfect time to check in on Harry. And Harry had to admit, he needed the help. He couldn't make heads or tails of the screeching clue in the golden egg.
Harry shook his head. Something was wrong, but he couldn't put his finger on it yet. Surely Crouch wouldn't miss the second task though. Though now that he had disappeared, how would he attend? Well, he had plenty of time to 'undisappear'.
As he reached the Slytherin table he saw Ron talking with Tracey and Daphne. Harry idly wondered whether either of them would get the courage to approach him about the Yule Ball. Merlin knew Ron wasn't going to do it.
XXXXX
A few minutes later, back at the Gryffindor table, Ron suddenly went white. "I forgot my books back in Gryffindor tower!" he said. He began to walk briskly for the door.
Daphne immediately saw her chance. He'd left his books over by the Slytherin table. Getting up, with Ron's bag, she followed him out of the Great Hall. He was about to break out in a run when she yelled at him to stop.
Ron turned around. "Daphne? Is something the matter?"
"You left your books by the Slytherin table," said Daphne holding out his bag.
"Oh! Thanks!," said Ron blushing slightly.
"Not a problem Ronald," said Daphne, "I don't know what you'd do without your friends looking after you."
"Yeah," said Ron, "I can be pretty forgetful."
"And clueless," said Daphne.
"Uh, I guess," said Ron, not taking the hint.
Daphne shook her head. Harry was right, she did need to spell it out for him!
"Ron, why do you think I've been trying to spend so much time with you the last year or so?" asked Daphne.
"We're friends aren't we?" asked Ron.
"Of course we are Ron," said Daphne, "But we hadn't been all that close before that, to be honest."
"So what are you trying to say?" asked Ron.
"Well, I'm a girl," said Daphne leadingly.
Ron blushed a bit, "I, uh, I have noticed that you know."
"Have you?" asked Daphne acidly.
"Ooooh," said Ron finally, "Well, uh, Daphne would you like to go to the Yule Ball with me?"
"I'd be delighted," said Daphne.
And with that she walked back into the Great Hall, practically walking on air.
"I see my brother got his bag back," said Ginny, "You should have let him run all the way to Gryffindor tower."
"Well, I got something out of it," said Daphne, "He got his bag, and I got a date to the Yule Ball."
"Congratulations," said Luna. All the rest of her friends followed suit. Well almost all. Daphne was feeling so good she failed to notice that Tracey had stayed silent.
XXXXX
December 12th, 1994
"YES!" shouted Ginny as she ran into the common room, "She signed it!"
"You have your Hogsmeade form?" asked Hermione.
"All I had to do is say that I had a date and needed to go to Hogsmeade to get some things and Mum signed it!" she said ecstatically.
"You know she thinks you are coming to the ball with Harry, right?" asked Tracey.
"Well of course," said Ginny, "But I don't care. I just want to look nice for once. Mum said she was going to send me some of her old dress robes…"
"Oh no," said Daphne, "We are getting you a dress in Hogsmeade."
"I can't pay for that!" protested Ginny.
"Don't worry about that," said Daphne, "I'll pay for it."
"I can't ask you to do that!" insisted Ginny.
"Good thing you didn't then," said Daphne, "Listen, for my family, a single dress is not a significant expense, and it is not an imposition. What sort of friend would I be if I didn't help you out on your first date?"
"Thank you Daphne!" shouted Ginny as she hugged her friend.
XXXXX
December 13th, 1994
Hermione was sitting in the library, looking through back issues of the Daily Prophet and Witch Weekly. Daphne had noted that Rita Skeeter sure had a knack for hearing secret conversations, so here was Hermione, trying to piece together how she did it. And looking at the stories it was quite clear that Rita did have some means of listening in on conversations.
Tracey was helping Hermione, more as a way to avoid Daphne than anything else. Ever since Daphne had announced she was going to the Yule Ball with Ron, Tracey had been avoiding Daphne. It wasn't that Tracey had started to dislike her roommate, it was just that she didn't trust herself not to do anything stupid right now.
Hermione wasn't sure how to handle this. Tracey needed to get out of her funk, but Hermione wasn't sure how to do it. Tracey would get over this, but it might just take some time. She couldn't see Tracey letting a boy get in between her and her best friend for long.
"I think I'm tapped out," said Tracey suddenly, "I'm going to get to bed early."
Translation, thought Hermione, I want to get to bed before Daphne gets in.
"Good night Tracey," said Hermione, "And… for what it's worth, I'm sorry."
Tracey nodded. "Thanks," she said, "Nice to know someone noticed." And she walked out.
Sighing, Hermione decided to get back to work for a few minutes. There was still half an hour till curfew.
But then she noticed Viktor Krum had walked up to her table.
"You are Herminie Granger," asked Krum.
"Hermione," corrected Hermione, carefully pronouncing her name so he could get a handle on the diction. It probably was a difficult name for a foreigner after all.
"I haff seen you here all the time," said Viktor, "Your dedication to your studies is commendable. And you are quite pretty. I was wondering if you would come to the Yule Ball with me?"
Hermione nearly did a double-take. Viktor Krum was asking her out to the Yule Ball. THE Viktor Krum. Never mind that she wasn't a huge fan of Quidditch. He was the biggest Quidditch star in the world and he was asking her to the Yule Ball.
"Viktor, I am honored that you would ask me," said Hermione sincerely, "Unfortunately, Harry asked me ages ago, back on Halloween."
Krum hung his head a bit and smiled, "I should haff known. I knew you were friends, and I knew from Cedric that Harry was a sensible boy. Of course, he would ask out the most interesting girl in Hogwarts at the first available opportunity."
The most interesting girl in Hogwarts? Oh, Krum knew how to talk to a girl, even if he was shy about it. Yet, suddenly Hermione had an idea.
"Well, I can't go with you, but maybe I can help you find a date," she said in a friendly tone.
"You haff a suggestion?" asked Krum.
"I know you might not want to go with a fan," said Hermione, "but my friend Tracey needs a date, and she is a fan. But she is also a natural Quidditch strategist. Next year she's a shoo-in for Slytherin Quidditch Captain."
"I would not mind someone who can discuss Quidditch with me on an advanced level I suppose," said Krum, "But you seem to haff an ulterior motive here."
"The boy she wants to go with is going with her best friend," Hermione admitted.
Krum smiled, "Ah. Poor girl. Vell if you think she won't get too ah…"
"Fan-girly?" suggested Hermione.
"Yes," said Krum with a smile.
"Tracey will behave herself, once she gets used to the idea," said Hermione. She really hoped it was true.
"I will consider it," said Krum, in a tone that indicated that he was doing more than considering it.
XXXXX
December 15th, 1994
"Viktor Krum asked me to the Yule Ball!" yelled Tracey as she ran into Harry and Hermione's room, "He says you suggested me, Hermione! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!" She wrapped Hermione up in a big hug.
"Just remember to treat him like a person!" said Harry.
"Oh, right, I will I mean… oh, Merlin, I'm going to the Yule Ball with Viktor Krum. Please, don't tell anyone though, Viktor wants to keep it quiet."
"We won't say a word," said Hermione, "Krum seems like a nice young man, I think you'll have a great time."
"Thank you again!" she said as she ran out of the room.
"Damn, I should have thought of that," said Harry.
"Krum would have never listened to you," said Hermione, "Did you know he asked me to the Yule Ball first? He called me the most interesting girl at Hogwarts."
Harry grinned. "He's more observant than I gave him credit for. You know, you could have said yes. I wouldn't have been mad," said Harry.
Hermione smiled, "Oh, I know Potter, but Krum strikes me as a bit of a gentleman. I know he'd treat me with respect, and he'd almost certainly not take advantage of me," said Hermione before pausing for effect, "But what if I want to be taken advantage of?"
"I suppose I will have to do my best not to disappoint," said Harry with a straight face.
XXXXX
December 20th, 1994
As the Yule Ball approached, preparations for it intensified. The staff at Hogwarts were preparing something outside the castle, though rumor had it they would only be finished the night before the ball. Daphne had committed to teaching both Ron and Harry how to dance. Harry was a quick study, and he soon got the knack of it. However, it had meant he hadn't had much time to study his egg, which as far as he could tell simply screeched at him every time he opened it.
The teachers had spent a great deal of time impressing how important good behavior would be at the ball.
"It's only natural I guess," said Hermione, "The last time Hogwarts held the Yule ball students didn't get nearly as, uh, 'friendly' as they do now, at least not on a regular basis."
"So what you're saying is we're going to need to leave early to get a good broom closet?" asked Daphne.
Ginny couldn't contain her laughter at that. "Good luck with that! I don't think Ron has had that thought even cross his mind yet," she said once she calmed down.
"You should try grabbing his bum," said Blaise, "I think he'd like it."
"Please stop trying to get me to scare off my date," said Daphne, "The fact that Ronald has been raised to show proper manners just puts him ahead of all you degenerates."
"I was raised the same way," said Ginny, "I guess 'do as I say not as I do' only worked for Ron."
"And how many guys have you been snogging?" asked Luna.
"Uh, what does that have to do with anything?" said Ginny, "We were talking about my brother."
"It sounds like, for some reason, Ginny wants to change the subject," said Daphne, "I wonder why?"
"I'm just not interested in any guys right now!" said Ginny, "I just barely got over Harry."
"Leave her alone," said Harry firmly, "Even if she did walk right into that."
XXXXX
December 25th, 1994
When Christmas day finally came, Harry found he was far less nervous than he had been. Daphne had rather expertly taught him how to dance, and he didn't feel self-conscious at all about having to dance in front of people. "That's the Slytherin confidence," said Daphne, "The knowledge that you can navigate a social situation and come out ahead."
As soon as they finished opening gifts and had eaten breakfast the girls barricaded themselves in Tracey and Daphne's room. This included Luna, who had been invited to the Ball by Neville Longbottom. Harry was secretly thrilled that Neville had asked her, as otherwise, she'd have been the only one of his friends not at the Ball.
Harry was, of course, ready in plenty of time, and went down to the Entrance Chamber to await Hermione's arrival. His dress robes were black. He'd been about to buy Emerald colored ones, but Daphne had convinced him that black would allow him to match whatever color dress his date wore.
Fleur was there, looking rather radiant in her dress, which Harry found to be very understated. Probably for the best, Fleur's natural charms were going to overpower whatever dress she wore anyway.
"You look lovely," said Harry to her politely.
"Thank you 'arry," she said with a smile.
"Who's your date?" he asked.
Fleur shrugged, "Roger Davies, ze Ravenclaw Quidditch captain."
"Ah," said Harry, "Hopefully he'll give you a good time."
Fleur gave a wicked-looking grin. "I certainly 'ope so," she said suggestively. Harry grinned back.
Cedric soon arrived alongside Krum.
"I tried to get Cedric to come with me," admitted Fleur, "but 'ee only had eyes for Miss Chang."
"Cho is pretty memorable," said Harry, "She's won the last two Quidditch matches against Gryffindor because she flirted with Colin Creevey."
"You will 'ave to tell me about it sometime," said Fleur.
Cedric walked over to Harry. "Harry, do you have a minute?" he asked.
Harry nodded, and he and Cedric walked aside.
"I've been meaning to thank you for warning us about the dragon," said Cedric, "Have you figured out your clue yet?"
Harry shook his head. "All that egg does is make a horrible screeching noise."
Cedric smiled. "Yeah, it does that. Try, uh, taking a bath with it. Under the water. If you want, you can use the prefect's bathroom. Password is pine fresh."
"Thanks," said Harry.
Shortly afterward, Roger came down from Ravenclaw tower. He was very smitten with Fleur. Maybe a little too smitten. Harry wondered how much of that was Fleur's allure. Then again, Roger was a smart guy. Fleur might have chosen him specifically because he wanted to be under her allure for a while. The prospect did have some appeal, even for someone like Harry.
Cho came down, and she was indeed rather pretty. But moments after she arrived Tracey also made her appearance. She looked rather brilliant in her green dress. Her hair was up, the first time he'd ever seen it that way, as she usually had it tied back or hanging loose.
Harry gave Tracey a moment to greet Krum. After a few moments, he walked over to her and gave an elaborate bow. "You look fantastic, Tracey," said Harry.
Tracey grinned and hugged Harry. "Thanks!" she said aloud before leaning in to speak quietly, "We had Hermione come last so everyone could see… well, you'll see!" The last bit she spoke loudly, so everyone could hear.
A few minutes later Harry did indeed see. Hermione came downstairs in a beautiful periwinkle dress. It was gorgeous. And her hair. Somehow they had managed to tame Hermione's tangled hair and it was now sleek and smooth and up in an elaborate hairstyle. Hermione was stunning.
"I... wow, just wow," said Harry as he stared at her, "I knew you were beautiful, but I never even imagined…"
Hermione grinned, "I take it you like it?" she asked.
Harry still couldn't trust himself to speak, so he just nodded.
Professor McGonagall soon was there and had them all lining up. Fleur was first with Roger, followed by Cedric and Cho, followed by Harry and Hermione, with Krum and Tracey coming last.
As they entered the hall, everyone began to applaud them. Harry instinctively sought out his friends. He saw Daphne and Ron (who was wearing a set of dress robes loaned to him by Neville after Daphne had taken one look at his dress robes and just said "Nnnnnnno.") at the front. Ernie had gone with Susan while Justin had gone as friends with Hannah. Luna was standing with Neville (who looked quite nervous). Nott was with Millicent, who had cleaned up rather well. Despite that, Harry didn't think Nott looked happy. Pansy Parkinson also didn't look happy, her father had ordered her to go with Malfoy.
Ginny and Blaise were standing near Seamus and Lavender. Neither Seamus or Blaise looked particularly happy. That was unfortunate. Harry suspected that Ginny was aware of what was going on there, but he had no idea if Lavender was aware.
The ball opened with a feast of course. Everything at Hogwarts had to open with a feast. The three Headmasters were sitting next to each other with Bagman on one side. Krum and Tracey took seats on the other side of Bagman. Cho and Cedric sat down next to them.
Harry then saw Percy step up. This was a surprise, but he remembered Percy was standing in for Crouch. He motioned for Percy to sit next to Cho, which he did. Harry then sat next to Percy with Hermione on the other side of him. Fleur sat next to Hermione and Roger took the final seat between Fleur and Madam Maxine.
"Hope you don't mind Quidditch talk," said Harry to Percy.
"I may not have played Quidditch, but I am a Weasley," said Percy with a grin.
"Any news on Crouch?" asked Harry.
Percy shook his head gravely. "No, and that is bad. The Minister decided that I should sit in for Crouch at this event, as I did do a lot of the work planning it, but if he doesn't show up the Minister is likely to take Crouch's place as the fifth judge."
Percy's face brightened. "Still, I did get a commendation from him for promptly reporting Crouch's disappearance."
Harry saw Ludo Bagman squirming out of the corner of his eye. Harry grunted. He still didn't like the fact that Crouch had disappeared.
Tracey was sitting between Krum and Bagman. Harry knew she had been attracted to him, or at least the way he'd looked when he was a professional Beater, but she seemed a little underwhelmed by him now.
"You going to be here tomorrow?" Harry continued with Percy.
"Yes, considering it was my idea," said Percy.
"Well, in that case, uh…" Harry started to stammer a bit.
"What Harry is trying to say is that tomorrow he and Ginny are going to be playing a bit of a prank on Molly and your father," said Hermione putting a slight emphasis on Molly's name, "Try not to overreact."
"Oh?" asked Percy curiously.
"Ginny's putting a lot of effort into getting Molly back for pushing us together," said Harry, "If it were up to me, well, we wouldn't be going as far as we are going to be. Just keep in mind that everything will be Ginny's idea."
"Ah," said Percy diplomatically, "I will."
The conversation inevitably turned to Quidditch. Luckily, Hermione was able to check out of that conversation and talk to Fleur, who was also not that interested in Quidditch. Tracey's face looked simply rapturous as they all talked about the details of strategy and flying techniques.
As the meal ended Tracey walked over to Harry briefly before they had to go and step out on the dance floor for the first time. "I just talked Quidditch with Ludo Bagman and Viktor Krum," she said quietly, barely able to contain herself.
"Yes, you did," said Harry with a smile. He casually waved away a small flying bug that zipped by his face.
"That's odd, a bug like that in winter," said Harry.
"Yeah it was bothering me earlier," said Hermione.
Harry put out his hand to Hermione, "Ready for the first dance Hermione?"
Hermione smiled. "Absolutely. You nervous?"
Harry shook his head. "Daphne has taught me well," he said with a laugh, "Let's do this."
XXXXX
Harry had been a good dance student, thought Daphne idly as she watched him dancing with Hermione.
Daphne herself was dancing with Ron. Ron wasn't graceful by any means, but he'd avoided stomping on her feet. He'd also been rather considerate the whole evening. Everything so far had been successful.
"Want to walk in the garden?" she asked as they finished their dance.
"I, sure," said Ron, a bit nervously.
"I'm not going to bite Ron," said Daphne, "I just want to talk to you for a bit."
Ron smiled and led her by the hand to the garden. It was lit up by faerie lights, by which Daphne assumed that they were actual faeries. Daphne thought it was beautiful. Ron sat them down on a small bench, in a rather public part of the garden. Daphne realized she was going to have to do something about that.
"So Ron, I'm having a wonderful time," said Daphne, as she put her arm around Ron's shoulders.
"Yeah, me too," said Ron contentedly.
Daphne smiled. "You can put your arm around me, Ron, I don't mind," she said impishly.
"Oh, okay!" said Ron, who hesitantly put his arm around her waist.
"I think I like you," said Daphne, "And, I'd like to spend more time with you."
"I'd, uh, like that too," said Ron.
And suddenly Daphne found herself looking straight into his eyes. They were a bit wide, he'd not been expecting this. So she kissed him. Very lightly of course.
After a moment she pulled away. "Like that?" she asked.
Ron nodded, slightly speechless.
"Want to do it more?" she asked.
Ron nodded again.
"We need to find a broom closet I think," she said.
"Definitely," he said.
XXXXX
"Ron and Daphne have disappeared," noted Ginny. She and Blaise had just finished dancing with Harry and Hermione respectively. Harry was a fair dancer, but not as good as Blaise. The ballroom part of the evening was winding down and The Weird Sisters were about to start playing.
"Yeah,'" snickered Harry.
"Did you get your picture taken?" asked Ginny, pointing to the back of the Great Hall where Colin had set up a small tripod and was taking pictures. Cedric and Cho were there now, which was causing a problem as Colin was rather distracted.
"I'm starting to think that Colin has a thing for Cho," said Hermione dryly.
"Well that dress does flatter her figure," said Harry, "If I didn't have Hermione on my arm I think I'd be staring at her, to be honest."
Nott walked up to them suddenly, Millicent on his arm. "Malfoy seems to be planning something, and I don't know what," he said, "I saw him talking to someone, but I couldn't see who. I also heard him talking about Rita Skeeter to Crabbe."
"Typical," said Harry.
Justin walked over with Hannah. "I've also heard a rumor Skeeter's in the school," he said, "Or at least she has some way to get information. It's like she has this school bugged."
And with that both Harry and Hermione's faces lit up.
"Oh Merlin, could it be?" he asked.
"I think it is," said Hermione.
"Excuse us!" they both shouted as they ran off towards the garden.
"Damn, they must want to snog bad," said Millie, "But there looks to be one last song played before the orchestra packs up. Blaise, you haven't danced with me tonight, care for a dance?"
"Certainly Millie," said Blaise, "If Ginny doesn't object."
Ginny motioned him on. As they walked out on the floor, Nott put out his hand. "Would you care for a dance Ginevra," he said formally.
"I suppose," she said. She noticed that as she said this Justin frowned slightly and Nott got a self-satisfied smirk on his face. Ginny cursed herself. Nott wasn't trying to, but he was coming off as a bit of a creep.
"We'll catch up later, Justin," she said as she let Nott lead her onto the dance floor.
XXXXX
Harry found the most secluded spot he could that had a bench. He motioned to Hermione and they both sat down. Harry was certain he was right, but there was no use taking chances. Putting his arms around Hermione he began to kiss her. And he began to listen. Within moments he heard the telltale sound of insect wings from his left.
In one fluid motion, he drew his wand and shot off a spell. And a moment later Rita Skeeter appeared in a nearby bush.
"Ahh, hello Harry," she said, her voice a bit flustered, "I was just trying to be a bit unobtrusive while I was collecting information for an article on the Yule Ball."
"You aren't allowed at this event, I know that," said Harry, "More interesting to me is the fact that no one has ever mentioned to me that you are an animagus."
"Well it is something that one prefers to keep secret of course," said Rita.
"I understand entirely," said Hermione, "I'd want to do the same. Of course, doing so is highly illegal, so I wouldn't. But I'd want to."
"There's no way you're registered Rita," said Harry smugly, "I guess we have you by the proverbial bollocks."
"Now surely we can come to some arrangement," said Rita hastily.
"Of course we can Rita," said Harry, "I'm still talking to you aren't I?"
Rita nodded enthusiastically, "Good, good. I assume you want me to stop writing articles about you?"
"Me and my friends," said Harry, "That being said, I will give you a line of inquiry to follow that may be more… lucrative."
"Oh?" asked Rita.
"Sirius Black supposedly killed Peter Pettigrew and betrayed my parents," said Harry, "But Pettigrew is alive."
"Really?" said Rita now very interested.
"He framed Sirius, and then Sirius was put into Azkaban without a trial," said Harry, "Crouch and Bagnold knew about this, as well as Fudge. Dumbledore was blackmailed into going along with it in exchange for keeping the Death Eater trials going."
"Oh my," said Rita, "Do you have proof?"
"Not quite yet," said Harry, "But I think Pettigrew is going to start showing up again soon. When he does…"
Rita nodded. She knew she couldn't report this yet. Fudge would bury her without proof.
They heard a sound approach. Harry silently waved goodbye to Rita, who re-transformed into some sort of beetle. Moments later, Snape strode up.
"Potter," he said looking at Harry and Hermione critically.
"Hello Professor," said Harry cheerfully, "This garden is rather beautiful isn't it?"
"Quite," said Snape without any emotion, "Staying out of trouble?"
"Trying to," said Harry, "but it keeps hunting me down."
Hermione giggled. Snape narrowed his eyes.
From the Great Hall, they suddenly heard loud wizard rock start playing. "Well, if the Weird Sisters are playing we should probably get back to it," said Harry.
"Awwww," said Hermione as soon as they were out of Snape's hearing, "And here I was hoping you'd snog me."
Harry grinned, "I intended to, but when Snape appears what do you do?"
XXXXX
Blaise Zabini had disappeared. That in itself was not a surprise to Ginny. She had expected him to sneak off at some point. The problem was, the person she had expected him to sneak off with was right in front of her. Seamus was still right next to Lavender. He looked miserable. She was keeping a rather close eye on him.
Ginny immediately felt a surge of pity for Seamus. Lavender could be pretty one-minded. Seamus would probably have been better off coming with someone like Fay Dunbar and letting her in on his secret. In any case, Ginny decided she needed to find her date. She saw Tracey dancing with Krum across the way. She seemed happy. She wondered if she'd be quite as happy if she'd known that Ron and Daphne hadn't been seen for an hour.
As she scanned the room, she ran into Justin. Literally. Both of them went sprawling on the floor. Justin managed to get to his feet right away and extended a hand to help Ginny up.
"Thanks," she said, "Sorry about that, I was looking for Blaise."
Justin blinked, "Are you sure he isn't with Seamus?" he asked.
Ginny was a bit startled at that. "You know about them?"
Justin shook his head, "I've spent enough time around them to know what's going on there. It wouldn't be all that big a deal in Muggle society. I mean there are still hang-ups about that sort of thing from some people, but everyone is aware it's pretty common. Magicals are still a bit backward about that."
"About a lot of things," said Ginny.
"Listen I know you are trying to find your date, but I did have something I wanted to say to you," said Justin, "I just, well I considered asking you to the Ball."
"You did?" said Ginny, surprised.
"After what my father did at the Platform earlier this year, well I figure I owe you one, in addition to my life debt," admitted Justin, "But I heard Blaise invited you, so there wasn't a lot of point to it. Still, I had wanted to dance with you, but Nott kind of cut in before I could."
"Oh," said Ginny, "Well I'm sorry you didn't. I would have liked to dance with you. A lot more than Nott certainly. He's been acting a bit… creepy lately."
Then suddenly, she kissed Justin on the cheek, "But thanks for thinking of me," she said. Justin looked flummoxed.
Ginny just grinned and walked out to the garden.
Ginny found Blaise outside sitting on a bench, looking as miserable as Seamus.
"Sorry," he said as she approached, "I know I haven't been a good date."
"I expected you to run off, to be honest," said Ginny, "I didn't expect you to do so alone though. Sorry about that. Lavender is being a bit possessive isn't she?"
"You know?" asked Blaise, his eyes showing fear.
"All your friends know," said Ginny, "You aren't exactly subtle about it. None of us care that you're gay."
Blaise started at that. "I, uh, have never really used that word for it. But yeah, you're right. I am gay. Strange how even knowing what that means, admitting it feels good."
Ginny put an arm around his shoulders, "I'm sorry you had such a bad time tonight."
Blaise nodded, then eyed Ginny mischievously. "Both Nott and Justin seem into you."
"Justin's attention is, well, it's welcome," admitted Ginny, "Nott on the other hand... "
"Sorry I stuck you with him," said Blaise, "I just wanted to dance with Millie. She looked very pretty tonight, and I wanted her to feel special."
Ginny nodded. Nott taking Millie was a surprise, but then again she was the only other pureblood in their year who had been unattached. At the very least he had not been cruel to her that Ginny could see. Made sense. Nott didn't dislike Millie.
"Nott's still obsessed with purity of blood," said Ginny, "When Voldemort returns, which side do you think he'll be on?"
Blaise didn't answer. Perhaps there was no good answer.
"Hey, Sorry to bother you two," said an incredibly Irish voice.
Seamus was standing there, looking rather shamefaced.
"You finally got away from Lavender?" asked Ginny.
"Fay gave me some help there," said Seamus, "Sorry it took so long."
"I hope you don't mind if Seamus and I…" started Blaise.
Ginny leaned over and kissed Blaise on the cheek. "Have fun you big dork," she said.
And with that Seamus and Blaise were off, probably to find a secluded spot somewhere. Ginny went looking for the twins. Time to cause some havoc.
XXXXX
"I don't care how Malfoy got drunk," said Harry as he walked Hermione to the Slytherin common room, "I'm just glad it happened."
The Ball was now over. Honestly, Harry hadn't wanted it to end. He'd had a great time, and it had even been productive once he'd managed to blackmail Rita.
"I just wish his robes had stayed on," said Hermione, "I had no desire to see Draco Malfoy's bits. Under any circumstances."
"It was his choice to keep dancing," said Harry, "We can't blame the twins for that."
"I think when they planned the prank they hadn't expected Draco to be quite so drunk," said Harry.
Draco had plenty to be drunk about. The IUC had almost destroyed his faction at Hogwarts this year. Virtually everyone who had supported Draco was either graduated or keeping very quiet. Draco had tried to stir up support against Harry when he'd been chosen champion, but recently the Slytherin prefects had very pointedly told him that Slytherin would be supporting the Slytherin Champion, and that was that. Nothing had gone right for Draco this year.
Reaching the common room, they walked back to their shared room.
"I had a lovely time," said Hermione once they walked in. She then pulled him close into a very enthusiastic kiss.
When they pulled apart, Hermione grinned. "I need to wash up a bit. You should get dressed for bed, but don't go to sleep yet. I have one more Christmas present for you."
"You didn't need to get me anything else," said Harry.
Hermione put a finger on his lips. "Let me show it to you first."
Harry got into his pajamas, then sat down on his bed. After a minute or two, Hermione walked back into the room.
"Close your eyes while I get it," she said.
Harry complied. He heard a brief rustling of cloth. Then after a moment: "Okay, open them."
He opened his eyes to see Hermione standing in front of him. In her skivvies. She leaned down and kissed him again.
"How do you like it?" she asked.
"I love it," he said after a moment of shock.
"Lay down and scoot over," she ordered.
"Didn't we agree not to do that anymore?" objected Harry.
"It's Christmas," said Hermione, "Time for another exception."
Author's Note: This chapter is basically the halfway point of this story, so we made it halfway! This chapter was more of a character driven one, but it sets the stage for a lot of stuff that is to come.
Someone pointed out that Draco is a weak antagonist in this story, and I don't disagree. Originally I intended for him to be more active, but I just couldn't think of extra stuff for him to do. That being said, given that Draco in canon becomes a fairly pathetic figure who has to be rescued by Harry, it makes sense that he remains a bit pathetic. For now at least. There will eventually be an event that motivates a change in Draco, but it isn't going to be a change for the better.
In any case, the next Chapter has the Second Task, but that really doesn't do it justice. Let's just say that Harry's Boxing Day takes a turn for the uncomfortable.