Between the Tasks
Harry and Hermione returned to the airliner, where a welcome celebration was in order for Fleur and Harry. Banners decorated a replica of the Common Room back on campus. Someone had set off some Filibuster's No-Fire Fireworks, so the air was thick with stars and sparkles.
CONGRATULATIONS FLEUR AND HARRY!
"Hail the conquering heros!", one of the students called out. Others were offering more butterbeer than they could drink, trays loaded with more snacks than they could eat. Lots of hand pumping and back slapping.
"It looks like we're finally going to win one!", another announced.
If Beaux Batons won, it would be the first time in two centuries. During the history of the Triwizard Tournament, Hogwarts had won the lion's share by far. Durmstrang was a distant third, though they were putting a lot of faith in their star pupil: Viktor Krum. Harry's win, and Fleur's showing, meant Beaux Batons had an excellent shot at the title.
Madam Maxime couldn't be missed as she towered over the heads of the rest of the students:
"I just vont to say 'Thank you', Monsieur 'Arry. Your shoving in zee first ordeal 'as done zee school proud. Mademoiselle Fleur, you also share in my gratitude and between you and 'Arry, vee 'ave a good chance at vinning"
"It's kind of you to say so, and I hope I don't let you down", Harry said.
"I do vish I had done better", Fleur said, "eef I didn't get caught by zee fire, I vould 'ave scored better".
"I'm sure you von't", Maxime said, "all vee can ask izz you to your best", she reminded both her champions.
"Yes, Ma'am", Fleur and Harry agreed.
Madam Maxime knew just how futile it would be to expect her girls to be attentive the next day, so she declared no detentions for missing/being late for class tomorrow.
It was good, Fleur and Harry stuffed themselves, to be feeling properly hungry, now that one ordeal was behind them, and the next three months off.
"Open it! Open it! Open it!", came a chant. They brought their golden eggs with them.
Harry was the first to figure it out: the egg had four sides that were hinged on the bottom. The top with an inset, knurled knob. As soon as he gave it a twist, the sides snapped down, but there was nothing inside. There came an ear-splitting shrieking that was as irritating as fingernails on a black board, and so loud, hands shot to ears. Harry quickly snapped up the sides, silencing the noise.
"Da fuck!", he said.
Not what anyone was expecting. Fleur tried her egg with the same results: that shrieking.
"'Ow izz ziss zupposed to 'elp us with zee next task?", she asked. "'Ee said zere vass a clue inside?"
"Maybe zee next task involves a banshee?", one suggested. "Izz kind of vhat eet zounds like".
("Sounds like someone in torment", another offered.)
("I don't think so...")
"I highly doubt they'd make it that easy", Hermione objected.
"There's gonna be a whole bunch of very disturbed professors and students, with one of these being at Hogwarts and on the Durmstrang ship", Harry predicted.
"Zee message must be 'idden be'ind zee noise", one called out. "'Ow about a Fast Fourier Transform?", Harry saw it was Alesandra from the computer lab.
"There's a thought", Harry agreed. If only he had access to Lucius' tech, he thought. That reminded him: he'd be needing to get off an owl to tell him about the Tournament.
"It's the Ministry, though: would that occur to Bagman and Crouch? Seems highly out of character".
"I forget, zee Bree-tish are zo far behind zee times", Alesandra agreed.
"We're not gonna solve it tonight", Henri called out, "so let's party!"
Everyone wanted Harry to tell them all about how he solved the dragon problem.
"I got some good advice once", he explained, "play to your strengths, that's what I was told".
"'Oo told you zat?", he was asked.
"It was a while ago", he lied, "but that's what I did. I was always pretty good on the Quiddich Pitch...". He wanted to keep Moody's name out of it, as it was bad enough: Professor Hagrid's risking his position to tell his favourite x-student about the dragons as soon as Charlie told him all about them.
"You were better than pretty good", Hermione disagreed. "Team Slytherin had 'em all on the run while you were playing".
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, you ain't half bad yourself. Anyway, I approached it just like another Quiddich match, but with fire instead of Bludgers, and a golden egg instead of a golden snitch. At least the egg was bigger and stayed put".
'Ow did you cast zee Summoning Charm? Did zey teach zat earlier at 'Ogwarts?"
"I learned on my own, before Hogwarts, and I also took private lessons from this old friend of my Dad's".
The Fourth Years at Hogwarts were learning the Summoning Charm and its compliment, the Banishing Charm. Professor Flitwick had cushions covering the floor of his Charms classroom, but that didn't prevent his being accidentally tossed all about the room by ill-aimed or badly cast charms.
"Enough about me", Harry said, "how about the other champions, what did they do?"
"I used a Hypnosis Charm", Fleur explained. "I didn't know if it vould vork on zee dragon, but it did. She vas getting very sleepy, and ven it looked like she was vell under, I grabbed the egg. It vorked, but zee dragon voke up a bit too soon, and set my dress on fire. I put it out vith zee Aguamente".
"Cedric 'ad a good idea, but it didn't vork like 'ee expected. 'Ee used a Transfiguration to turn a rock into zis, yappy little dog. It vas running around, and zee dragon tried burning it, but it vas too quick. Zee dragon got very frustrated, and distracted. Cedric almost got away vith it, but made the mistake of looking back too soon, and he was caught in zee face by zee dragon fire. If he vas a leettle bit faster. He vas very lucky it vasn't vorse", one of the spectators in the stands explained.
"Viktor blinded his dragon vith zee Conjunctivitis Curse. She deedn't like zat, it hurt her, and she stepped on her own eggs. Given zat 'ee 'urt zee dragon, and made her break her own eggs, 'ee lost points, but zat Karkarov gave 'im as many points as allowed. 'Ee should have finished vorse zan 'ee did..."
"'Ell, Monique, 'ee should 'ave been deesqualified, zee jerk. Izzat vhat zey teach at zat school? 'Ow to inflict pain?"
"It would seem so", Harry said. "I've been hearing rumours about their Head Master..."
"Vhat rumours?"
"I can't say, because I can't prove it, but let's say: watch out for him, and keep a close eye on Krum. In case you didn't know, Durmstrang has a reputation for not just teaching defense against the Dark Arts, but the Dark Arts themselves. No telling what he's learned, or what he might do. Durmstrang won't play fair".
The festivities went on until 2:00AM when Madam Maxime finally ordered "Lights Out".
Harry still had the model of the Hungarian Horntail he'd drawn. They were allowed these as keepsakes. As he put it on his night stand, it stretched, gave a huge yawn, and curled up to go to sleep. "Dragons're OK", he thought.
The next day, Harry used the free time to get off a letter:
Dear Lucius:
By now, you probably know I took part in the Triwizard Tournament. The first task was getting past dragons guarding their nests to recover a golden egg that they claim has a clue for the next task, come next February. I received some outside help from Mad Eye Moody that I wasn't expecting at all. I thought he was another "Inspector Javert" when it comes to rules and regulations. He sure didn't cut anyone any slack while he was rounding up Death Eaters. I suppose he figured he was evening the odds a bit, seeing how I shouldn't have been a part of it in the first place?
Anyway, it looks like we were right about Bagman. I got a perfect score from him when it was obvious I shouldn't have, seeing my dragon clipped me. Fleur lost more points for simply having her uniform catch fire. Cedric got docked even more points for a nasty burn he received. I don't know if Bagman was doing business with Gringott's, or if he borrowed from elsewhere. Or if he's been informed yet that his loan was paid off. I don't suppose he'll be telling.
So far, no signs of Voldemort, and I haven't had even so much as a tingle from my scar. If anyone was going to pull something, it surely wasn't during this task, as it took place in plain sight of everyone. As for the next two tasks, I haven't a clue as I haven't figured out the golden egg's clue. I don't know which task will be the set-up, and I'm hoping that Bagman will be playing it straight come February and beyond.
The golden eggs we recovered for the first task are supposed to hold some clue about the next one, but I can't figure it out: they're empty. When you open them, all you get is the most horrible noise that doesn't mean anything. I'm beginning to wonder if they're not putting one over on us? Maybe they're concealing a message with noise? Maybe a Fast Fourier Transform would get some results?
So far, my biggest problem is Rita Skeeter. You saw her latest article? Wasn't that just wonderful?
Let Sirius know I took names and kicked ass.
Regards,
Harry
He also wrote a letter home, telling Vernon, Petunia, and Dudley about the Tournament. It was the first mention, but seeing that Petunia was a squib, she would surely be hearing about it, if she hadn't already.
"Have another letter that needs to go to Owlery Holt", Harry said as he attached the letter to Hedwig's leg. "Another to 4 Privet Dr., don't mix 'em up".
Hedwig hooted in understanding before taking off.
0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
The students took their lessons in rotation: two days at each school. It was part of furthering international understanding and co-operation. Today, it was Beaux Batons turn at Hogwarts (Hogwartians were at Durmstrang and Durmstrang was at Beaux Batons). Hagrid was being on his best behaviour lately. They were meeting outside at the corral.
"Ah 'polagize in advance, but could all thuh boys stan well back, please?", that meant Harry, Henri, and maybe a dozen others, as there were very few males at Beaux Batons. They wondered what this was all about.
"My 'sistent fer t'day's lessin: Professor Grubbly-Plank", Hagrid introduced the back-up substitute professor, "if'n ye would, P'fesser?"
"Certainly, Professor". She disappeared from a gate facing the forest, and down a trail.
Harry was still wondering why, as, to his knowledge, Hagrid had never needed an assistant, even when one would have come in handy, as for last year's difficulties with the Blast-Ended Skrewts.
Grubbly-Plank led into the paddock a white, stallion unicorn. The unicorn seemed to glow with its own light, making the snow covering the paddock look slightly gray in comparison, despite that it was quite fresh and undisturbed.
Lots of "ohhhhhh's and ahhhhhh's" from the girls gathered at the rail fence.
"It's sooooo beautiful", one said, "where did Hagrid get it?"
"They're supposed to be really hard to catch", said another.
"Das thuh t'ing boud unicorns: when dey all full-growed, dey much p'ferr thuh feminine touch", Hagrid began his lecture from a safe distance from the paddock. "Dere's a small herd livin' in our foress. An ye's rye, unicorns is shy and 'lusive critters. Doan worry, Ah's not be keepin' him. After our lessins, he be goin back to his herd".
Harry knew why the herd was so small, no thanks to Professor Quirrel, and ultimately the Dark Lord. Judging from how his female classmates were carrying on, it looked like unicorns affected girls and women like how veela affected males.
Rita Skeeter came up to the railing around Hagrid's corral. This time, wearing sky blue robes. Harry saw, to his relief, that her Quick Quotes Quill wasn't anywhere in sight.
"Magnificent", she said of the unicorn.
"I thaw P'fesser Dumblederr say you wasn't 'lowed on ter campus?", Hagrid challenged.
"All he said was that I won't be permitted to interview any underage students without his being present, or their head of house if they're from Hogwarts. I'm not looking for an interview", she explained her presence, to Harry's great suspicion. Rita Skeeter wasn't one to make purely social calls. She did, however, keep her Quick Quotes Quill in her handbag.
"The Prophet has a mid-week supplement on magical zoology. Maybe you'd like to do contribute an article or do an interview?", she asked Hagrid.
(Don't do it… Don't do it… Don't do it…)
Harry and Hermione said nothing, but both knew saying anything to Rita Skeeter about any subject was opening oneself to something unexpected and likely nasty.
"Mebbe if'n ye're evar down by Hogsmeade, we kin discuss it over a butterbeer".
"I won't be taking up any more of your time, Professor Hagrid, Professor Grubbly-Plank. How about Friday afternoon, after the final class of the day?"
"Thah be fine", Hagrid agreed.
"Excellent!", Rita took her leave.
"I don't like it", Hermione whispered to Harry.
"No shit", Harry agreed, "get Hagrid talking about his critters and he never knows when to shut up. Get him going, and change the subject, and she has another hit piece".
"You there is the back", Assistant Professor Grubbly-Plank called out, "Miss..."
"Granger"
"Would you come up, if you please? I don't know what's so fascinating back there, but I'm sure it'll keep until after class".
"Yes, Professor". Hermione went to join the rest of the girls at the fence.
"Who kin tellus innyting boud unicorns?", Hagrid asked.
Hermione's hand was the first up.
"Yes, Mizz Hermione?", Hagrid called on her.
"One thing: unicorn blood can cure anything, but the cure comes at a very high price. You will lose half a lifetime every time you take it. When Pro..."
"Quy rye, Mizz Hermione", he interrupted before she could tell all about Quirrel and why he was poaching unicorns. "Thass why the Mins'try has long declared unicorn blood is an illicit substance. Not onny are unicorns quy rare, but takin' dere blood is also very dang'rous. Ye doan wannabe foolin' whit nuttin like thah".
One by one, the girls entered the paddock to give the unicorn pets. He wasn't the least bit nervous, being surrounded with girls whose maternal instincts kicked in.
"Hagrid", Harry and Hermione held back after class.
"Whud ye on boud? Ye doan wannabe late fer yer necks class?"
"It's important", Harry started.
"It's Skeeter", Hermione continued, "you do not want to be talking to her. Look at what she's written. She'll twist your words".
"I doan see how, she asked boud critters. Ain nuttin she kin twist", Hagrid disagreed. "Ah would'n be saying nuttin boud nuttin but critters".
"Please, reconsider", Harry told him. "I'm sure she's looking for an angle about the Tournament. I wouldn't want to see you get hurt".
"Tankee fer yer concern, Ah'll take it under advisement. Now, yer doan wannabe late fer class", he dismissed them.
Neither of them liked the sound of that. They knew Hagrid all too well, his eagerness to talk about his beloved critters, even those no one else could love, and his trusting nature left him wide open to Skeeter's manipulation. Skeeter was after more than just another mid-week supplement.
Harry had an owl post waiting:
Dear Harry,
Congratulations for your performance in this tournament you've been asked to enter. Of course, your mother and I are disappointed you won't be coming home fro Christmas. We'll see you still receive presents. Your brother will miss you.
We're looking forward to seeing your performance in the third and final task. Hope you're well, and that you have a Merry Christmas.
Your Dad,
Vernon
They had Double Divination this afternoon. The lesson was star charts and predictions. Professor Trelawney was waxing eloquent about Pluto and how it affected everyday life. Harry and Hermione weren't taking this lesson with the appropriate seriousness.
"I would think", she began in that fake mystical tone of hers, "that some of my students would take this a bit more seriously", leaving little doubt as to who she meant, nor concealing her irritation.
Hermione's hand went up: "You wanted to apologize?", Trelawney asked.
"You are aware, Professor, that Pluto was discovered in 1930? Astrologers had no idea it even existed, so how could they ascribe any influence to it? This isn't making much sense".
There were suppressed giggles around the room.
This is why Trelawney hated teaching Beaux Batons students: they knew too much muggle science. She couldn't hold house point deductions over their heads, nor could she assign detentions.
"My Dear, all celestial objects have an influence".
"If that's the case, then astrologers should have noticed that their star charts and predictions were always off. They should have noticed that there was some unknown influence they were missing. This didn't lead them to discover Pluto did it?"
"My Dear, if you would make an effort to understand, you wouldn't be asking these questions", she continued in that fake, Gypsy fortune teller's voice. "You will never get very far in my class, and you are courting misfortune by being such a Nay Saying Nellie. Last night, while doing my needlework, I had a powerful urge to consult the crystal ball. Do you know what I saw?"
("A fraud with over sized glasses looking back at you")
"Death", she continued, "it circles like a vulture, coming ever closer as it slowly descends over the castle. Circling… Circling… It comes!", she pointed directly at Harry, who made it a point to yawn visibly.
Some of the Beaux Batons students did gasp in horror. The Patil sisters looked genuinely concerned.
"It would have been a more impressive performance", Harry was explaining after class, "if she hadn't done it a hundred times before. Ever since I started, she's been telling everyone all about my imminent demise. It began literally with our first lesson with her on tea leaf reading. Well, here I still am, alive and well. Trelawney may come up with the occasional flash of insight, but they are few and far between. Other times, she makes predictions that're so vague that anything could be claimed as a fulfillment".
"So your Divination prof is a fraud?", Veronique asked. "Then why would Dumbledore keep her!"
"Trelawney isn't a fraud", Harry explained, "she's just a not-very-good Seer. It's true she is the descendant of some famous Seers, it's just that she didn't inherit much of their abilities. He's keeping her on as a special favour", he wasn't about to elaborate as to the reason.
"What?"
"Don't know; don't care. Hogwarts students have long given up on ever getting an OWL for Divination".
"Zee 'Eadmaster isn't doing a very good job, iz 'ee?"
"No, Alesandra, no he isn't", Harry agreed.
0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
December brought on a bout of severe weather, lots of icy blasts. The rigging of the Durmstrang ship was covered in thick frost. He didn't envy the Durmstrang students – or Hogwarts students: that old castle got plenty drafty and cold – and hoped they had some good insulation, or warming charms. The owls brought a post.
Dear Harry,
Good to see you got by the dragon. As you pointed out, the ordeal of the dragons was too open, too public, for anyone to be trying to pull anything. I'd watch out for those ordeals where you are out of sight.
As for Mad Eye Moody, I agree: his blatant violation of the Tournament's rules against outside help seems out of character. Have you checked out his identity with the Map? Having an agent in the guise of an auror would be dangerous. It could very well be a case of his doing what he can to keep you safe. The idea that you would be entered into this tournament would receive so little opposition from the officials involved is suspicious. Given the history, it would take a lot to turn Mr. Crouch. As for Ludo, he shouldn't've been put in that position in the first place. Keep a close eye on him.
Congratulations on making first place. I wouldn't let down your guard just yet. Never forget that your main objective is to get out of this alive. It isn't to win, and if your school is to win, let it be Fleur who does it.
As for the egg, I can't help you without actually seeing it. However, I will offer one piece of advice: don't over think it. Remember who you're dealing with, and their ignorance of and aversion to tech. Your solution won't involve tech.
Let's hope that nasty articles in the Prophet are the extent of your problems.
Sirius says to say he's rooting for you, and congratulations on doing so well.
Regards,
Lucius
Harry checked, and it was as expected: Mad Eye Moody was still Mad Eye Moody. Still no signs of possession or impostors.
Madam Maxime had an announcement: "Vee vill be taking breakfast at 'Ogvarts zis morning. Professor Dumbledore 'as requested our presence in zee Great 'All". As they headed towards the castle, they saw the Durmstrang students coming up from the lake.
Harry and Hermione took a seat with the Lions. Dumbledore took his place at the owl-shaped lectern:
"I'm sure you're wondering why I called this meeting. This Christmas, Hogwarts will be hosting the Triwizard Ball. This is part of the tradition of the Triwizard Tournament. This year, the Ball will be open to Fourth Year students, and up. That doesn't mean that younger students will be excluded, this means that younger students won't be allowed to invite anyone. They can, however, be invited.
"It is also traditional for the Champions to open the Ball with the first dance. Though it isn't a requirement, I would be most pleased if the partners you invite were from a school other than your own. One of the purposes of the Ball is the opportunity for socialization outside your own bubbles. Promoting international co-operation and understanding is one of the objectives of the Tournament. There is one final requirement: have fun.
"Now, our Headmistress would like a word. Professor Minerva McGonagall".
Dumbledore received polite applause.
"Professor McGonagall", he offered her his place at the lectern.
"Formal dress robes or attire will be worn for the Ball. I understand that the Ball is an occasion for us to… let down our hair, as it were. That doesn't excuse you from being on your best behaviour, and I am not trying to sound like a kill-joy..."
"Sure could've fooled us", Fred said under his breathe.
"… You can still have a good time while staying within the bounds of good behaviour", she glared in Fred's and George's direction.
"That means no slipping Canary Creams onto the hors d'oeuvres tray", Ron whispered back.
"I'm impressed you know that word, Ronnikins", George said.
"Could you please not call me 'Ronniekins'?"
"You got it, Ronniekins", Fred agreed.
"… Never forget that all of you are ambassadors for your respective schools and countries. Mr. Crouch and Mr. Bagman will also be in attendance, so make sure your behaviour reflects well on the Ministry. The Heads of Houses will be chaperoning the event. Have an enjoyable Christmas evening".
"That's gonna be impossible", Fred and George agreed, "under those conditions".
"Let down her hair? I bet she hasn't done that figuratively or literally in fifty years", George said.
"Or removed that poker from her ass", Fred agreed.
"So what's this about 'Canary Cremes'", Harry asked.
"Meet us in the Common Room at the noon break, and we'll show you", Fred replied.
"So we're going to have to find dates?", Harry asked.
"That's what McGonagall said", George replied.
"Maybe I can go back to Little Whinging for Christmas".
"I highly doubt that. It's a tradition that Champions open the Ball with the first dance. You saw? McGonagall would apparate into your living room and shanghai you right back to Hogwarts", Hermione said.
"I've never… done that… ask a girl out", Harry explained.
"Harry!", Fred said, "you – of all people – have it soooooo easy. You're going to a school that's chock-full of girls..."
"Got anyone in mind?", George asked.
"Yeah, I do, actually"
"No kidding?", Fred said, "hell, that's 90% of the battle right there. You go up to her, and ask. Either one of two things happen: she says 'Yes', and you're done. She says 'No', and you're none the worst off. Back to square one".
"Then go for it, no big deal", Hermione said. "After taking on a Horntail, should be easy".
Harry thought he wasn't so sure about that. A dragon would shoot fire at you, she might try swatting you from the sky, but she wouldn't reject you, nor would she embarrass you.
Draco was catching up: "Hey Harry, Hermione"
"S'up?"
"Could you come by the Common Room? Something I need to ask".
"I wonder if somewhere else might be better. I'm technically not a Snake anymore".
"Yeah, you're right, probably better elsewhere".
"How about Gryffindor Tower?", Fred offered.
At the afternoon break, Harry made his way to Gryffindor Tower, where Fred and George were waiting, the hatch open as to not betray the password.
"That's all right, don't mind me", the Fat Lady was complaining. "I'll just hang around while you dawdle with the hatch hanging open".
"Hiya Harry!", Colin Creevey called out.
"Hey, Harry!", Neville greeted. "So what brings you back to the lion's den?"
"Hello everyone", Harry called out.
Neville had his hand over his mouth as Fred offered Harry a creme from a box.
"Pretty good, actually...", Harry started… "Da fuck!"
He was covered, head to toe, with bright yellow feathers.
"Now I look like Big Bird", he said as he looked in the mirror.
Everyone who was there was laughing, even if they had no idea who Big Bird was. Harry joined in the laughter. It really was quite unexpected, and pretty funny.
"Say Cheese!", Colin called out and snapped a pic.
"Canary Cremes!", George explained. "A bargain at seven sickles a pop".
After about five minutes, all Harry's feathers dropped, leaving him looking and feeling perfectly normal, so no hang over. He stepped out of the pile of feathers…
"We're still working on that", Fred and George said as Harry picked off feathers static stuck to his uniform. "So what do you think?"
"Definitely don't slip one onto the hors d'oeuvres trays. A funny gag, seems harmless enough, so this is what you've been working on?"
"We have loads more ideas, but those are secrets for now. Mother has been bugging us to do more studying to get all the OWLs we can...", Fred began.
"… Wants us to follow Dear Brother Percy into the Ministry", George completed the thought. "Was disappointed we're not gonna make Prefect, but we really don't care. We have our own path, and it doesn't intersect the Ministry, and we're not gonna need a lot of OWLs for our plans".
"Yeah, how many can get so excited as Perce over reports on cauldrons? Or any of the other meaningless busy-work Crouch assigns him?"
"So what about these dates we'll be needing?", Harry asked.
"No big deal", Fred said, "watch this…
"Oi! Alice!", he called over to where Alice Spinnet was talking with Angelina by the fireplace.
"Yes, Fred?", she came over.
"How'd you like to go to the Ball with me?"
"That would be great!", she agreed.
"See? They don't bite", Fred said as she made her way back to the fireplace, giggling.
"How 'bout you, Angelina?", George called out, "you want to go with me?"
"I'd be honoured", Angelina agreed to the date.
"There's another problem", Harry explained, "I'd like to ask Pansy..."
"So why don't you?"
"...There's Hermione..."
"Better ask her", Ron added, "if you don't, Little Miss Question-all won't be going at all".
"SHUTUP RONNIEKINS!", George and Fred called out in chorus.
"Yeah, you and Hermione've been pretty tight from the time you were here at Hogwarts, but you've got to be honest, both with yourself and Hermione: you want to take her?"
"I've also been tight with Pansy… With Hermione, we've always been friend friends, not boyfriend/girlfriend".
"So what's the problem? If she's any kind of friend, she'll understand. Hell, she might be wanting to go with someone besides you".
"Be like datin' an encyclopedia...", Ron wouldn't leave it alone.
"SHUT..."
"I know! I know! 'Shutup Ronniekins' … I really don't like it when you call me that!", Ron complained. "Doesn't change the fact that she's got as much personality as one of those books her nose is always in".
"Enough about that", Fred asked, "tell us about the dragon..."
Harry had to regale the Lions all about the Horntail and how he came up with the idea of using his Firebolt to get by a fiercely protective mother and get at her clutch.
Later, he met up with Draco in an empty classroom.
"It's about the Ball", he explained, "just my luck: being stuck as a Third Year..."
"According to McGonagall, you don't have to be in the fourth year if you're invited..."
"That's just it", he complained, "I'd like to take Ginny".
"Oh… not a prob, we'll just get fourth years to invite you and Ginny. After that, they can't make you dance what with the one that brung ya. I'll see what I can do".
"That'd be great, and I would appreciate it".
Harry didn't recall that Hogwarts seemed to have so many girls from the time he was there. These days, it was like they were everywhere, always moving in packs. Always giggling about something, but always going dead silent whenever any boy got close. When one had to pee, there always seemed to be a half-dozen who likewise had to retire to the nearest girls' room.
Hermione explained that he didn't need her permission. If he could face down a Horntail… it took him a few days to get up his courage to separate Pansy from a gaggle of Slytherin girls.
"Yes?", she asked, off to one side while the others looked on.
"Wangoballwiddme?", that didn't come out anywhere close to right, as Harry's cheeks flushed.
"Run that by me again"
"Do… you… want… to… go… to… the Ball with me?"
"I thought you'd never ask! I've turned down several dates already. Yes: I'd like very much to go to the Ball with you".
"Great!"
Pansy returned to the gaggle of girls, who were all giggling now.
0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
Hermione was giving Harry a hard time during a study hall: "What do you mean, you haven't done anything with the egg? Harry! You need that clue!"
"I still have until February, another couple of months..."
"Time that'll fly by! It's not that long! What will you do when you're called to the second ordeal, and you know nothing!"
"I'll be no worse off than the other three if they haven't solved it either".
"You can't count on that! Cedric's no dummy, and Ron said that only because he's jealous again, and Hufflepuff beat Gryffindor. Then you have Viktor, and he's going to get heaps of help from Karkarov. Why don't you and Fleur put your heads together and solve the mystery?"
"OK, I'll try it again, but, damn, that screeching".
"Yes, I know it's unpleasant, but wasn't that the point? The clue's in there".
"I don't see how. I mean, it's just so much meaningless noise".
"Whatever the clue turns out to be, you won't find it with the egg sitting in your trunk".
0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
"I am so signing up for that", Harry said as he spotted a sign displayed in the main lobby at Beaux Batons.
BALLROOM DANCE LESSONS
THIS SATURDAY, HOGWARTS GREAT HALL
Once the dating problem was solved, the next was that all the Champions and their dates would all share the first dance. This was something he'd never done before, and the thought of making a fool of himself in front of the schools, the judges and other Ministry officials likely to be there was keeping him up nights.
"I vill be joining you", Fleur agreed.
Care of Magical Creatures
Beuax Batons was back on rotation for another lecture about unicorns.
"Gather 'roun", Hagrid announced.
There was a gold colored foal in the paddock this morning.
"Doan worry, unicorn foals're partial to boys. Dey doan begin ter lose the gold colour until dere boud two years old, when dey start growing dare horns. The horn will grow in by the time dare four, or so.
"When dey fully mature at seven, den dey will acquire dare white coats, an' den dey develop dare aversion to men an' boys. Rye now, he woan mine if'n boys pet him. Dass why I brung him.
"Harry, ye want ter go furss?"
Harry climbed between rails.
"Das rye, nice an' easy. Doan spook him".
The unicorn foal, forehead quite hornless, and looking little different from any foal, came up to Harry out of curiousity. The only way to tell this was a unicorn was by the golden hooves. The foal lowered his head to allow Harry to scratch behind his ears. He gave a quiet snort of pleasure.
"Well, done, Harry", Hagrid congratulated. "Now, if'n yall comes up, one-by-one..."
"Dat concludes our module on unicorns", Hagrid announced at the conclusion of the class. "Necks up Ah'll be havin' sumpting fun fer ever-one. Doan worry boud thuh unicorn, he be goin' back to his herd, none the worse. Doan forget: dere will be an exam necks time we meet".
0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
"Hey, Luna, got a minute?", Harry called out.
"I thought you were going with Pansy?"
"I am, but I was wondering who you were going with".
"No one, so far. I'd like to go with Horace Sedgewick".
"Really? I thought a Ravenclaw would be your last choice?"
"Horace was the only one who treated me decent", Luna explained. "He really didn't know about how the girls were bullying me".
Horace Sedgewick was Ravenclaw's boys' prefect.
"What's this all about?", Luna asked.
"It's Draco, he'd like to go with Ginny".
"They're too young".
"I know, but here's the deal: Horace asks Ginny, and you ask Draco. That's how you register, nice and legal. Then when you get to the ball, you exchange partners. How about it?"
"Very Slytherin of you. I like it".
"So you'll do it?"
"For you and Draco and everything you did for me, it's the least I can do".
"Great! 'Preciate it".
"See you and Pansy at the Ball"
That took care of Draco's problem, but he wasn't having any luck with that egg. He decided it was best, outside by the forest, under the Muffliato Charm. It didn't completely deaden the noise, but reduced it to the point where it wasn't disturbing everyone around it.
Once he got used to the irritation, he could still hear nothing in the background, nothing that sounded the least like a clue.
0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
Harry lined up along one side of the Great Hall with the boys, Pansy and the girls along the opposite wall. In the center of the room, McGonagall had an old, wind-up gramophone with a huge wooden horn. Her assistant for the dance lessons was Professor Snape.
"The essence of the waltz is not all that difficult", McGonagall was explaining. It's step forward, step sideways, step back, step sideways back to your starting position".
She demonstrated the move.
"If you would, Professor Snape?"
Snape placed his left hand around McGonagall's waist, right hands together.
"Step, step, step, step", McGonagall and Snape did the steps. "Then release", as Snape dropped his left hand, "then twirl, and hands back together, in time to complete the steps. There's really nothing more to it than that".
"If you'd come forward", McGonagall motioned for the boys and girls to the center of the room.
"Hands on waist, hands up, and step… step… step… step… release and twirl… step… step… step.
"Try to loosen up a bit there, Mr Stebbins… It's step, step, step, not stomp, stomp, stomp, Mr. Malfoy..."
"Let's all try it again, and this time, try to make your steps more fluid..."
They practiced the moves for nearly an hour: "Very good, now let's try it with music. If you would watch us and observe", McGonagall said.
"May I have this dance?", Snape said.
"I'd be honoured, Professor Snape".
A waltz played, scratchy and not a very good playback. McGonagall and Snape waltzed across the floor.
"Everyone", McGonagall invited.
"Very good, Mr. Potter… Time your steps with the tempo, Mr MacMillen… Release and twirl..."
"Thank you for coming", McGonagall concluded her dance lessons. "You've done quite well, and I'm confident these lessons will serve you well at the Ball.
"Thank you for your assistance, Professor Snape"
"You're quite welcome, Professor McGonagall"
There were lots of rumours flying about the Ball. One had it that Dumbledore had ordered 800 barrels of mulled wine from Madam Rosemerta. That one seemed a bit over the top, as they figured that was an entire year's supply at the Three Broomsticks. Another was that Dumbledore had booked The Furries. That, too, was highly doubted as this was a power metal band. Those who listened to the Wizarding Wireless Network had heard of them, but figured Dumbledore was way too old, way too old fashioned, to even know who The Furries were.
0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
Christmas morning, and Harry saw a pile of presents at the foot of his bed. They must've been delivered during the night. He tore off the wrapping paper. From Hagrid he received a box of sweets: Chocolate Frogs, Sugar Quills, Fizzing Whizbees, and his favourite: Bertie Bott's Everyflavour Beans.
Molly and Arthur sent along a Weasley sweater; This one dark green with a red dragon knitted into the front, a tribute to his first Triwizard ordeal. They also sent along mince pies.
Hermione gave him a book: English and Irish Quidditch Teams.
Uncle Vernon gave him a diver's watch, waterproof, and most importantly, a purely mechanical, wind-up watch that would work around magical fields.
Aunt Petunia gave him a gift card, good for the shops in Diagon Alley.
They spent the morning showing off what they got for Christmas. That afternoon, back to the Great Hall for the mid-day meal. A hundred roast turkeys and Christmas puddings. Harry knew he'd need to go light on turkey and dressing to make room for the feast that was part of the opening ceremonies.
The afternoon, being clear, but cold, was an invitation to be outdoors. The newly fallen snow pristine, except for the paths that led to the Beaux Batons airliner and the Durmstrang ship. Harry joined his classmates for coasting on makeshift toboggans made from discarded boxes.
Durmstrang and Hogwarts paired off for a snowball war.
By 5:00, Hermione and the other girls returned to the airliner to get ready. By 7:00, the last of the daylight fast disappearing, Harry went to get himself ready. Harry, wearing a tux with white bow tie (not a clip on) and patent leather pumps waited in the entrance hall. The doors to the Great Hall would open at 8:00. Students milled around, a buzz of conversation. Students from different schools edged around the crowd, seeking their partners. Harry kept an eye on the door leading to the dungeons.
Ginny was wearing something from her muggle collection: a dress with a Molly unapproved hemline was also looking towards the dungeons as she stood beside Horace. The Slytherins, Draco in the lead, came up from their dorms under the lake. Draco was wearing black, satin robes with a high collar. He looked like a vicar. Pansy was wearing a floaty, frilly, light pink gown. She had a pearl necklace, and gold bracelets. She smiled, waved enthusiastically at Harry, and joined up. Draco stood by Luna, whose wardrobe for this evening was, well, a bit unique.
Ron, looking a bit self-conscious, waved to Millicent, who was in shocking pink robes. When he owled the Burrow, asking for dress robes, he was sent a dark green dress with frilly lace. At first, he thought his mother had mixed up the addresses, and that the package was for his sister.
"No, Silly, those are your robes", Ginny informed him.
"You... can't be serious, this thing looks so… gay!"
"Not as 'gay' (finger quotes) as Harry's school uniform", Ginny reminded, as she nodded her head towards the Gryffindor table.
"Harry wears girly clothes because they make him"
"Maybe just a bit out of style", one of Ginny's Ravenclaw classmates explained.
"Yeah, by about a hundred years", another said.
He had magicked off the lace, but still some traces of white and loose threads remained. It still looked too much like a dress to suit him.
"Where's Hermione?", he asked.
The oak main doors opened, and Professor Karkarov led the Durmstrang delegation. Over their heads, they could see that an expansive garden had been magicked on the front lawn. Rose bushes, alight with fairy lights stood out. There was a large statue of Father Christmas, also with fae on, around, and flying over it.
The Durmstrang students were all wearing red robes with fur trimming, their fur hats, and marching in military precise lock step.
Viktor Krum stood by Professor Karkarov, and accompanying him, a stunning, head-turning girl that took several seconds for him to recognize as Hermione. She had done something with her hair, which was no longer so fly-away bushy. Now it was sleek and shiny, twisted and tied in an elegant knot at the back of her head. She was wearing a periwinkle blue outfit that was light and floaty, and so thin that, should she be caught in front of a strong light, would leave little to the imagination. She also carried herself differently, but that may have been since, for once, she didn't have a pack stuffed with books slung over a shoulder.
"Wow", Pansy whispered.
"Wow is right", Harry agreed.
Not everyone felt the same: Krum's contingent of fangurls looked on, green with envy.
McGonagall stepped from the Great Hall:
"May I have your attention!', she called out. She was wearing red tartan and had a wreath of thistle around the edge of the brim of her stereotypical witch's hat.
When the buzz quieted, she continued:
"Champions and their partners, would you come up front?"
Harry and Pansy joined the other three Champions: Fleur and her date, Roger Davies, the Team Ravenclaw Captain, Cedric and Cho Chang, the Ravenclaw Seeker, and Viktor and Hermione. McGonagall motioned them to stand aside.
"I will be leading a procession of the Champions once all the students are seated. If you would, in an orderly manner", as the doors opened.
The remaining guests filed in. The house tables had been removed, replaced by about a hundred tables, each with a candle lantern in the center, that could accommodate a dozen. The walls were silvery with fake frost; garlands of ivy and missile toe hung over head, below the enchanted ceiling that showed a clear night.
McGonagall led the Champions, there was polite applause as they headed up the center aisle towards what was normally the staff table. This time, the judges gathered here: Professors Dunbledore and Karkarov, Madam Maxime, Ludo Bagman, and… Percy Weasley was occupying the seat that should have been Barty Crouch's. The staff and faculty had their own table against the left wall.
Percy motioned Harry over, indicating the seat next to him.
"My first promotion!", Percy announced as if he'd just been made Minister of Magic, "I'm Mr. Crouch's personal assistant, and I'll be filling in for him tonight", he explained.
"Where's Mr. Crouch?", Harry asked.
"He isn't well, not well at all. First, there was that fiasco at the World Cup. Then the preparations for the Triwizard Tournament: he's been at the Ministry constantly, sometimes for 14 or more hours a day. There was that embarrassing incident with that disobedient house elf, Blinky or whatever. The mind is as sharp as ever, but sometimes the body isn't so willing. Mr. Crouch is getting up there in years, but he won't accept that he can't go on working like a young man. He's having a well deserved, quiet, peaceful Christmas to regroup. He earned it".
"Hope he's feeling better soon", Harry said.
"Thanks, I'll tell him you said so".
Harry looked around, at the faculty table, Hagrid wore his hairy brown suit. He'd been trying to get his beard and hair in order again. That must've been painful. He gave a subtle wave, and Harry looked around. Madam Maxime, who was wearing colorful robes instead of her usual black, an opal ring for every finger, waved back, her opals catching the candle light.
The golden plates were there, but no feast appeared. There was, however, a menu card by each plate. He was wondering about this, would there be a waiter to take their orders? Dumbledore said to his plate: "Pork chops".
The pork chops appeared instantly. Following Dumbledore's lead, everyone placed their orders.
Fleur was complaining to Roger:
"It ees too 'eavy, all zis 'Ogwarts food. Zis is nothing", she said as she swept her hand over the table. "For Chrizzmuz at Beaux Batons vee 'ave ice sculptures zat do not melt, of course, like yuge carvings from diamond. Zere is a choir of vood nymphs 'oo serenade us, and zee food ees simply superb. Our 'alls don't 'ave zees ugly suits of armour, and eef a poltergeist dared entair Beaux Batons, it vould be expelled just like zat", as she snapped her fingers.
Roger looked simply spell bound, and likely hadn't heard a word, as he didn't protest her critique of Hogwarts. He kept missing his mouth with his fork.
"Just like that", he said as he snapped his fingers, "Yeah!"
Harry figured Fleur's complaining was her veela coming out.
Viktor was telling Hermione about Durmstrang:
"Ve have a castle, though not as large, vee only have four floors, and the fires are lit for magical purposes only. Vee do have larger grounds, with lakes and mountains. Vee are so far north, zere isn't much daylight, but during the summer we're always out, hiking, flying over the lakes and mountains..."
"Don't be giving away all our secrets to your charming friend, Viktor – she might figure out where to find us", Karkarov warned.
"It sounds like you're trying to keep visitors away, Igor", Dumbledore said.
"Vee have a duty to guard the halls of academia entrusted to us, do vee not? Are vee not proud to know our schools' secrets? Are vee not right to keep them?"
"Oh, I wouldn't presume to say I know all of Hogwarts' secrets", Dumbledore explained.
Hermione was trying to teach Viktor how to pronounce her name. It kept coming out: "Hermi-one"
"No, Viktor, it's Her-my-own-nee".
"Hermi-own-ninny"
"Close enough", she said.
After the plates were cleared away, Dumbledore bade everyone stand. With a wave of his wand, he moved all the tables clear of the center of the floor. With another wave of his wand, a bandstand appeared on the right, next to the faculty table. A quartet of musicians arrived from the side entrance.
"And now, the Dance of Champions", Dumbledore announced.
"That's us", Pansy pulled Harry to his feet, He, along with the rest of the Champions took to the dance floor. A waltz began to play.
"Step… step… step… step", Harry reminded himself. He quickly felt quite comfortable with Pansy, as if he was anticipating her every move. He likened it to being in the zone on the Quidditch pitch. When the dance ended, there were more applause. Harry was pleased he didn't do something stupid, like step on Pansy's feet.
Next was the faculty dance. Dumbledore with McGonagall, Snape with Pomona Sprout, Flitwick with Septima Vector, Hagird with Madam Maxime. The latter couple maneuvering like container ships in a harbor, the rest giving them a wide berth.
Dumbledore stood alone in the center of the dance floor. As he'd done at Samhein, he wandlessly lowered the torches, extinguished the candles.
"Ladies and gentlemen: the moment you've all been waiting for", as he took out his wand, conjuring a stage with amps, and instruments. "Would you give a warm Hogwarts welcome to...", dramatic pause, "… The Furries!"
There was a prerecorded fanfare as an anthro fox entered from stage right. He was midnight black, with a light gray face beginning below the eyes, and running down his front, between his legs. He had two tails, each tipped in light gray. Following were a brown and white dog wearing a collar with a dog bone name tag, a lynx, a chipmunk, a raccoon. Harry figured they were animagi or metamorphs as they obviously weren't wearing costumes.
"Greetings, ladies and gentlemen of Hogwarts!", the anthro fox began his announcement.
This was greeted with applause and cheering. He waited until the commotion was dying down before raising his hands.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce you to my band. Jaru on lead guitar…."
The anthro dog bowed.
"… BobZeCat on lead".
The lynx waved.
"… Rrrrrrr-icardo on bass"
The raccoon raised both hands over his head.
"… Aaaaaaand Shatterstripes on drums"
The chipmunk flourished his drum sticks.
"… And I am KitsuNoir, and we are THE FURRIES!"
Ricardo began by laying down a bass line, the others fell in and KitsuNoir began the opening song:
"I'm gonna make you scream and shout. Gonna make your hair stand on end..."
No more elegant waltzes, as young bodies convulsed on the dance floor while older bodies lined up against the wall. None seemingly able to comprehend what The Furries were all about, other than playing very loud. A searing guitar solo as Jaru fingered the neck much farther down than what the older folk considered normal. They ripped right into their next number without a break.
However KitsuNoir stopped the third after the intro:
"I… can't… hear… youuuuu...", he taunted. He placed his hands behind his ears and waited.
"Surprised they can hear at all", Mad Eye said to Dumbledore.
"YOU AIN'T MAKIN' ENOUGH F'KIN NOISE!"
Harry could see McGonagall cringe from across the dance floor.
KitsuNoir began to lead a chant, as he squatted, stood up while raising his hands over his head. The spots above the stage flashed every time he stood. The crowd fell in with the chanting: "Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! ..." The song continued.
There was an intermission that saw Harry and Pansy, Fred and Alice, George and Angelina, Ron and Millicent at the same table. They ordered bottles of butterbeer.
"So he really did book The Furries?", Pansy was saying, "I didn't think he was that cool".
"I don't know about that", Harry objected. "I will hand it to him: he does know what his students want".
Hermione and Viktor joined them.
"Hot isn't it?", Hermione said, as her face was slightly pink from dancing.
"I vill be back wiff drinks", Viktor said.
"So has he asked you to call him 'Vicky' yet?", Ron asked, unpleasantly.
"No, of course he hasn't. What's up with you anyway?", she asked.
"If you can't figure it out for yourself, I can't explain it", he said with a haughty tone.
"I don't know what you're talking about".
"He's from Durmstrang! Death Eater U! You're fraternizing with the enemy!"
"Enemy, Ron? The whole point of the Tournament is getting to know wizards from other nations..."
"The point of the Tournament is winning! Karakrov's giving him help; he knows who you hang with, and he's probably using you to get ideas about those eggs, maybe get close to the other Champions, take them out with jinxes".
"For your information, Viktor never asked me anything about the eggs. Besides, who was it who was so excited to see him? Who wanted an autograph? Who has a miniature Viktor Krum up in his dorm?"
"Mind if I borrow Milli for the next dance?", a Beaux Batons student asked Ron.
"No..."
"Romantic, real romantic, Ron. Let's go", Millicent went with him.
"Look at yourself! You've been ignoring Millicent all evening haven't you? Isn't that inconsiderate, especially if she thought enough of you to invite you!"
"C'mon", Harry said quietly to Pansy. They quietly took their leave.
They went out into the garden with its twisting lanes flanked by rose bushes lit up with fairy lights. There was a prominent statue of Father Christmas, with more fae on and around it. There was also a warming charm that turned the garden into a mild spring evening, shutting out the dead of a Highland winter.
"I don't know why you're so concerned, Igor...", Snape drawled.
"Severus, you can't pretend it's not happening. It's been getting clearer and clearer over the last few months. I am becoming increasingly concerned, I can't deny it". Karkarov sounded very concerned, if not terrified, of something.
"Then do a runner, Igor. I'll make your excuses, but as for myself, I have no intentions of leaving Hogwarts!"
Karkarov and Snape were on a first name basis? Harry and Pansy knew they were thinking the same thing.
Snape appeared around a bend, blasting curses into the rose bushes. There were squeals and running figures. He fired off another curse, and a girl stumbled out.
"Thirty points from Ravenclaw, Miss Fawcett".
A boy followed.
"Thirty points from Hufflepuff, Mr. Stebbins".
"And just what do you think you're doing, Pot-ter?"
"Just going for a walk. There's no rule against that, is there?"
"Then walk", Snape snapped at him.
Whatever Karkarov and Snape were discussing, it had put him in a bad mood which he was taking out on the students who came here for privacy for some snogging. That was Harry's and Pansy's intention. They knew they'd need to put some distance between themselves and Snape.
Harry and Pansy weren't the only ones with the same idea, nor were they alone in observing Snape's over enthusiastic chaperoning. Hermione picked up a small stone from the rose bush beds.
"Vot izzat for?", Viktor asked.
"You'll see. C'mon, this way".
Hermione led Viktor across the lawn, glad to see the undisturbed snow around the base of the willow. As they approached, the branches began to sway as though in a strong wind, though there wasn't anything but the lightest breeze.
"A whomping willow", she explained. Just outside the reach of the branches, she took out her wand and the stone.
"Wingardium leviosa!", she sent the stone flying to strike the special knot hole that acted like an "off" switch, stilling the flaying branches.
"Vere are vee goink?", he asked.
"You'll see", as she slipped into the tunnel hidden among the roots.
"The Shrieking Shack", she announced as they emerged from the trap door.
As far as Viktor could tell, it was just another cold, dusty, dirty, abandoned and boarded up old house. "Vhy here?", he looked around at the peeling, yellowed wall paper.
"This way", she led him up the stairs.
There was a bedroom, clean, warm, well lighted, and with a bed with satin sheets. Hermione was out of her gown within seconds. Completely naked, she threw her arms around Viktor's neck.
"Vat are you doink, Hermi-own-ninny?"
"Just my part (kiss) to further (kiss) international magical (kiss) co-operation (kiss)".
"Are you sure about ziss, Hermi-own-ninny?"
"Very"
He swept her up, carried her to the bed. She lay there, fingering her labs while Viktor undressed.
She wasn't the only one who noticed. Ron followed from a discreet distance. He stuck his head up after opening the trap door. Hermione had forgotten to magically seal it. He didn't go any further. He didn't have to. The sounds coming from the upstairs bedroom told him everything he needed to know, what he didn't want to know.
Pansy and Harry went deeper into the garden, there was a tall fountain sending jets of water skywards. Two very large people sat at a bench, just looking out over the moonlight playing on the water. Harry and Pansy ducked behind the statue of a reindeer.
"From thuh very furss time Ah seen ye, Ah knew...", they overheard Hagrid.
This wasn't the kind of conversation one stuck around to hear, but they both spotted Fleur and Roger in the rose bushes beside the fountain. He didn't feel so guilty, knowing that Hagrid was going to be overheard no matter what. He did notice a beetle crawling along the back of the reindeer statue. He wondered about that, why the garden would come complete with bugs. He stopped wondering at Madam Maxime's words.
"Vhat ees eet zat you zink you know?", she asked.
"Ah juss knowed, ye were juss like me, frum thuh moment I metcha… Was it your mother or your father?"
"I… I… do not know vhat you mean, 'Agreed".
"My Mum", Hagrid continued. "One of thuh lass ones in Britain. She done leff when Ah wuzz boud t'ree. Not thuh maternal sort, she wassan, but thass not their nature, issit? Doan know what happened ter her. Broke Dad's heart, it did…
"He was a wee bloke, even by human standards. By thuh time I was six, Ah could liff him up an' put him on the top o' thuh cupboard when he annoyed me. Made him laugh..."
Harry had never known Hagrid to speak of his childhood. Madam Maxime was staring off at the water, showing no reaction.
"… Course, he died, shertly after I leff fer Hogwarts. Ah been on my own ever since. Dumblederr took me in, showed me kindness, hepped me out a lot. Great man, Dumblederr..."
Hagrid took out an oversize handkerchief and blew his nose like a fog horn.
"Nuff boud me… How boud ye? Ye get it on your mother's side or your father's?"
"Eet is getting chilly", Maxime said. Her voice far colder than the weather. "I zink I go in now".
"Wait!", Hagrid called out. "Doan go juss yet. Ah ain never met anudder one beferr"
"Anozzer vun vhat, precisely?"
"Why anudder half-gian', of curss",
"Monsieur 'Agreed! I 'ave never been so eensulted in all my life! 'Ow dare you! 'Alf-giant, Moi? I 'ave… I 'ave… big bones, zass all!"
As she stormed off, she left a wake of multi-coloured fae in her wake as she pushed aside rose bushes. Hagrid just sat there for a minute or two before making his way, not towards the castle, but the Game Keeper's cabin.
"I don't know who she thinks she's kidding", Harry said, "the only thing with bones that big is a dinosaur".
With Hagrid and Maxime gone, and Roger and Fleur off somewhere else…
"Kiss me", Pansy planted her lips firmly on Harry's.
Harry and Pansy made it back just in time for The Furries' closing song:
"This song was inspired by Samuel Taylor Coleridge", KitsuNoir announced a ten minute long retelling of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.
After, they stood, arms interlinked and bowed before the audience. Shatterstripes threw his drum sticks into the audience, setting off scrambles for the prize.
"Thank you all, and have a pleasant rest of the Holidays, and a Happy New Year!", KitsuNoir called out.
There was the post-Ball wind down before everyone began trickling back to their respective dorms.
Ron crept down the stairs after "Lights Out" to the Common Room. He placed a miniature Viktor Krum on the fire where it writhed in agony before melting. He looked on in glee, only wishing he could do the same to the real thing.