Harry and his Brainy Girls

By: Sheltie

I don't own Harry Potter at all

A/N: well, I've reached it. Number 200. Oh man, it's amazing I've been able to keep this series going this long really. Now I had a chap that had multiple girls in it, but while I had a good chunk written out it stalled and I couldn't make any more progress on it. This chap isn't some kind of consolation prize whatsoever. I'm very proud of this and how much I did with it. I mean, this has to be one of the longest chaps I've written with a single girl in this series really. I think. Can't remember, too many chaps. Anyway, this is an exclusive chap to this series. Enjoy!

Chapter 200: Penelope Clearwater

The Champions stood waiting with their dates to be announced for the Yule Ball. Standing by was professor McGonagall, who was the mistress of ceremonies. She looked over the couples present to make sure everything was good. When she saw the youngest Champion and who his date was she did a double take and had to take a few moments to compose herself.

Oh this will be interesting the transfiguration professor thought.

"Introducing the Champions, and their dates" she said out loudly with a Sonorous charm on her voice to amplify it.

The Champions entered the beautifully decorated Great Hall with their dates. The youngest Champion was last and it was his date that all eyes were on. There were some who appeared to know who Harry's date and then some who didn't. But they all had the same expression on their faces, shock. Shocked as to who's Harry's date was and that Harry's date was actually older than him. Not something anyone really expected.

"Couldn't help, but hog the spotlight, eh Harry?" Cedric asked jokingly after all the Champions have been seated up at the head table.

"I can't help that everyone wants to stare at my date. She's the most beautiful witch here" Harry said, "no offense Cho."

Cho shook her head smiling.

"It's alright Harry" she said. She thought the Yule Ball would be unforgettable, but didn't think it'd be this unforgettable.

Harry's date blushed at Harry's compliment.

There was one person who was not only shocked, but a bit irked too.

"Penelope what are you doing here?" Percy hissed.

"Hello Percival" Penny greeted coolly.

"I demand to know what you're doing here, and with Potter?" Percy growled.

"That is none of your business Percival" Penny said in a clipped tone.

Percy looked ready to start something, but Harry locked eyes with the Weasley.

"Manners Weatherby" Harry said in a calm and controlled voice.

Percy turned his head to see all the eyes on him and knew he was making a scene. It made him blush embarrassedly then turned away from the couple.

Hermione, who was Viktor's date, sat there biting her bottom lip to keep from bursting with amusement. She knew this would be good as soon as Harry told her who'd he be taking to the Yule Ball.

Penelope Clearwater sat there next to Harry dressed to impress. She had her rich chestnut hair done in an elegant bun with several strands of it hanging loose in ringlets. She wore earrings that had an eagle and lion that dangled down with the eagle made of sapphire and the lion made of ruby with a necklace that was made with of gold and silver that's been spun together and had a ruby dangling from it being held by lion's paw and raven's claw equally. On her wrist was a bracelet with ravens and lions charms dangling.

The jewelry were a Christmas gift from Harry for the ball. She had balked a bit at since it had to be expensive and custom made, but in the end wore it since as much as she didn't want Harry to spend so much on her it felt good too to be lavish so much. Her dress was a golden color with hints of green that went with Harry's forest green dress robes. Harry had a bit of gold in his attire to match his date's.

The meal went fine as Harry talked to his fellow Champions and their dates. Penny joined in chatting and everyone there seemed to be having a good time with the only dour one being Percy. Even Fleur got into the conversation and was much friendlier than she had been in the past. The talk at all the other tables was Harry and his date. Many older students knew who Harry's date was, mostly Ravenclaws. They were shocked, surprised and curious as to how Harry and Penny knew each other and if they were dating. They had no answers as rumors sprouted up quicker than weeds in a garden.

Soon the meal ended and the first dance was to be had. Harry led Penny to the floor and they danced. Even with the height difference given Penny was a bit taller than Harry it worked. Harry led all the way through. The couple danced and danced even after the ceremonial first that all the Champions had to do. They were enjoying themselves immensely. They only took breaks for a breather between. It was at one of the breathers that Percy stormed up having regained his steam after his faux pas.

"I want to know why you're here and with Potter" Percy ordered.

"That is none of your business, Percival" Penny said in a civil tone.

"None of my business, it is my business, you tell me now" Percy barked, his Weasley temper showing.

This had stopped all dancing as everyone was now staring, watching the show off the dance floor.

"I believe it's the lady's right to not to answer you" Harry said stepping in.

"Stay out of this Potter, this has nothing to do with you" Percy snapped.

Harry stood up straight and though he wasn't as tall as Percy he still held a presence. His magic helped this by exuding from his body creating a feeling of pressure that those close by could sense.

"It is my business when you're harassing my date" he said firmly, "not only my date, but my girlfriend."

There were gasps as they heard this news. Sure, there were rumors that were only hours old, but none really expected it to be true.

"Girlfriend, what is this nonsense you're spewing?" Percy snarled.

"The truth Percival" Penny said as she took Harry's hand in hers, "Harry and I are dating."

Yup, this Yule Ball would be the best in Hogwarts history.

"This is ludicrous" Percy exclaimed.

"No, what's ludicrous is someone as lowly as you thinking you can represent a head of a department in such a grand event as this. In fact, I think there should be an inquiry made as to why this is happening since I'm sure there were plenty of people who are much more qualified that could've been here instead of you" Penny said, "but that's not the point. Harry and I are dating. He's a better wizard than you ever could be."

Percy was seething.

"You wanna know why I broke up with late in our seventh year, Percy? Well it wasn't because I needed to focus on my N.E.W.T.'s. Well a part of it was, but a big part was that I didn't care for you as I once did. In fact, I hadn't for a while. You see, I got to talking to Harry after I was un-petrified in our sixth year. I found Harry to be a nice boy and not what has been said around the castle. We stayed in contact with one another during that summer and I even made trips out to visit him since it seems none of his friends thought to do the same" Penny said as she eyed Harry two best friends, who looked guilty.

"Our friendship strengthened at the time especially during my last year here. It was at that time I realized you didn't match up with what I wanted in a boyfriend at all Percy, so I broke up with you. It wasn't til last summer when Harry and I got together and that was after agonizing over the fact that Harry's younger than I am. But I did some research and found age doesn't really matter to us given how long we live. So we started dating and I have to say, Harry's a much better boyfriend than you could ever be Percival even though he's younger than you" Penny said, "Harry's kind, considerate, isn't arrogant at all, doesn't put up a front, actually listens to me, is funny, everything we girls look for in a guy. I fell in love with Harry, just Harry, not any of the titles he's been saddled with."

This made all the girls in the hall envious of Penny since she had snatched up the most perfect guy.

Percy was steaming, he couldn't believe what he was hearing. His ex had dumped him for a boy younger than he was. That just wasn't right. It was a big dent to his ego and he couldn't take it. He whipped out his wand ready to hex, but before any could leave his lips he was blown back with his wand twirling in the air to be caught by Harry who had his wand out.

"I take great offense for anyone who pulls their wand on my Penny" Harry growled. His green eyes glowing, showing off some of his power.

Percy laid there on the floor. He flown a bit before hitting the dance floor hard then sliding across it with only the wall arresting his motion. The force wasn't hard enough to really injure him, but he'd be sore the next day.

Penny squeezed Harry's hand and he calmed down, lowering his wand and putting it away. He looked at Percy's wand and debated what to do with it. In the end he tossed away not caring where it went. He then looked around and saw all those staring and felt self-conscious. Penny sensing this led Harry out of the hall.

As soon as they left talk exploded, all wanting to have their opinions heard on what just transpired. The most common and agreed upon opinion was Percy is an ass and got what he deserved.

Madam Pomfrey was doing her duty and checking on Percy and sighing a bit. She thought tonight she'd have a night off from her job. She was having a nice time, and this had to happen.

/Scene Break/

The couple arrived in the courtyard that was decorated for the ball. It was charmed to keep the chill off the couples who walked along and the roses along the way were in full bloom despite it being winter.

Penny led her date to a nearby bench and they sat down.

"Sorry I ruined the night" Harry apologized with great sincerity.

"You didn't ruin it Harry. It was Percival who did that by opening his trap" Penny said sincerely.

"So, the night isn't ruined?" Harry asked slowly.

Penny shook her head. She forgot sometimes that Harry was younger than she was and not as mature as she was. She forgot this from time to time since Harry would act quite mature making some forget his age. But he was still a fourteen-year-old wizard with fame that he's still unprepared for. That and he didn't grow up in an environment that taught him healthy personal interactions. So she gently wrapped her arms around him, hugging him. Harry relaxed in her embrace. That was something he liked, Penny's hugs. They weren't as smothering as Mrs. Weasley's nor as urgent as Hermione's. They were quite nice.

Penny pulled away a bit then pecked Harry on the cheek. Harry smiled and pecked her right back. They stayed like that until both felt ready to head back in.

/Scene Break/

As they made their entry back into the ball they came on a sight Harry was too familiar with. Ron and Hermione arguing.

"Why do you care who I go to the ball with Ronald?" Hermione fumed.

"He could be trying to get close to you just he knows what Harry's doing. He's competing against him ya know" Ron said in a hostile tone.

"Honestly Ron, Victor isn't like that at all. He's a gentleman" Hermione said rolling her eyes.

"Oh and it's Victor. You already seem so chummy with him" Ron said with a sneer.

"Oh and you're one to talk Ronald. You ABANDONED Harry the night Harry's name came out of the goblet. You didn't even give him time to explain himself, which if you did then you'd figure out Harry did do it. But even without that you should've believed in Harry anyway. You were his best friend so you'd think you would know by now that Harry doesn't like or care for his fame at all. He'd rather just be any other student here and not being stared at, ridiculed and whispered about on an almost constant basis" Hermione thundered. "But no, your jealous petty side had to rear its ugly head and you became a complete and utter prat to Harry as I tried to patch things up between you. Harry made it through the first task without your help and will make through the rest of this tournament and life without you. He doesn't need you."

Ron's ears were going bright red at this and he stepped forward towards Hermione with a hand raised. Hermione was quite startled by the action she didn't have time to even do a thing. But before Ron could go through with his action he crumpled to the floor. Hermione turned to see Penny with her wand out and a furious look on her face.

"That belligerent waste of space was going to hit you" Penny snarled.

"Glad you did something Penny, I'd have not stunned him" Harry muttered.

Hermione took a few deep breaths to calm herself. She then thanked Penny for her intervention.

"It's fine" Penny said.

Sadly Hermione's night was over since Victor had already gone back to the Durmstrang ship. But she was talked into spending time with Harry and Penny through weak protests. Penny did clean her up a bit so it wouldn't look like anything had happened. Harry dragged the body of his former best friend, which that was what he was after tonight, to somewhere he wouldn't be found for a bit.

The rest of the night Harry spent with Penny and Hermione. Hermione gave the couple a lot of space though since she didn't want to intrude on their time, which wasn't a lot given Harry was still in school and Penny wasn't. Though she did get a few dances from Harry at Penny's request. At the end of the night Hermione left them so they could say their goodbyes. Penny shocked Harry by giving Harry a chaste kiss on the lips. Harry almost missed Cedric calling him as he wandered back to the lion's den in a daze.

/Scene Break/

Penny was back in the castle as soon as she got Harry's letter, which was quick since she was renting a room in Hogsmeade. Well, Harry was paying for it, again something Penny balked at since she didn't want Harry to waste his money on her. But Harry was insistent in this since he didn't want her to have to travel all the way back to her apartment. Sure, she could apparate, but Harry didn't know that and she didn't have time to explain it before Harry got the place for her.

"So what did you need Harry, your letter sounded urgent?" Penny asked.

Harry explained what Cedric had told him.

"So you're suppose to take the egg to the bath? I wonder what it means?" Penny murmured as her mind percolated.

"I don't know. I've been thinking about it and haven't a clue so far" Harry said.

"Well, I think you should do it. Cedric's not the kind of guy to lie to you" Penny said.

"I know, if it was anyone else really I'd be suspicious of it" Harry said.

"So Harry, want me to join you?" Penny asked with a smile.

Harry's face went red as Penny laughed.

/Scene Break/

Getting into the Prefect's Bath was easy enough since Cedric gave him the password. Getting Penny in was another matter since it wasn't common to have guests or visitors to Hogwarts. Really the tournament being the exception. But Harry somehow talked McGonagall into giving Penny a pass that she'd be able to enter as much as she wanted though there were some caveats that were put in place. Penny agreed to them and they were set. One of them, them being in the baths together was stretching one of those conditions.

Penny was dressed in a lovely one-piece, but to Harry who had never seen a girl in a swimsuit before it was quite mind blowing. It took him a while to get over his stunned state and Penny couldn't help giggling at Harry's expression. It was quite cute. Penny saw Harry in trunks for the first time. Though the trunks were transfigured since he didn't actually own a pair. His relatives didn't think he'd need them let alone even thought to teach him how to swim.

Penny saw all the scars on his body and frowned. She had caught glimpse of Harry's home life and knew something was quite wrong with it. She just didn't know what she could actually do about it at the moment.

After dunking the egg and getting the message Penny wrote it down. Grateful she had parchment that was water proof along with ink that was the same.

/Scene Break/

"So the task is underwater and you need to retrieve something that's precious to you within the allotted time or it'll be gone" Hermione said.

She along with Harry and Penny were in the classroom that Harry was using as a training room to prepare for the tournament. Harry had asked for this since he had no real place to actually train and McGonagall found a classroom that he could use. Cedric also had one too for his use though that was from Harry suggesting Cedric should get the same.

"That's the gist of it" Penny said.

"There are a couple of spells that can help you breath underwater, but I don't think Harry'd have enough time to learn them properly. They're O.W.L. and above and quite complicated" Hermione said.

"I agree, we need to find another way to for Harry to breath underwater" Penny said.

"What about the precious thing that'll be taken from me, what is it?" Harry asked more worried about that then finding a way to breath underwater.

"It'll have to be something you really hold dear" Hermione said.

Harry's eyes locked to Penny, "no way in hell."

"I'm sure they'll be safety precautions Harry" Penny said trying to placate her boyfriend.

"Yeah, the same ones that was supposed to keep me from being in this" Harry snorted.

"We can do this Harry, we can" Hermione said.

"Fine, but I'll be right pissed if it's Penny taken" Harry said firmly.

/Scene Break/

On the day of the task Harry was worried. He hadn't seen Penny since he said goodbye to her last night. Hermione tried to coax him to eat something. He ate very little. They did find a solution to their breathing underwater problem. Neville suggested Gillyweed, and thanks to one eager to please house elf they got the plant with plenty of time to spare. They practiced spell casting in-between time since they didn't want to waste the Gillyweed. Though they did try and using Gillyweed and casting spells. It wasn't very successful since Harry couldn't actually say the spell and he hadn't learned silent casting yet. Even with Penny teaching him, there just wasn't enough time to get it right.

Harry and his fellow Champions were led to a tent set up near the Black Lake. Harry saw his fellow competitors were just as nervous as he was and he wondered if they were thinking the same as him. Even Krum who usually had a poker face was showing some emotion. They changed into the suits that had been provided. Each one had their own changing stall for privacy sake.

Bagman came in and announced what the task was and Harry paled. It was all true. They'd taken someone he cared for and stuck them at the bottom of the lake.

They were then led out of the tent to a dock. The stands were packed with those wanting to know what the second task would be. They didn't need to wait long as Bagman told them.

Harry would go first since he was in the lead. He grabbed a bunch of Gillyweed and ate it feeling the slimy tendrils mush in his mouth and swallowed. He felt he couldn't breath and dove into the water and it all felt right again. He swam going deeper and deeper. He didn't know exactly where the hostages were, but his gut was guiding him.

He found Penny tied to a pole along with three others. He recognized Cho, but the other two he didn't know. There was a young woman with dark hair and a little girl. The merpeople looked at the little girl with blood in their eyes. But then his eyes went to Penny and he swam to her. The merpeople seemed to ignore him as he cut Penny's binding with a knife Sirius had given him for Christmas. He swam up with her as quickly as he could.

Breaking the surface Penny awoke. She turned to Harry, who was still under the effects of Gillyweed. They swam to the dock and found they were first there. Well except a wailing Fleur who was being held back by Madam Maxime. She had several scratches all over her body and her swimsuit was torn a bit.

"Let me go, I gotta get back in there. Gabrielle, she needs to be saved" Fleur cried.

Her headmistress tried to calm the frantic witch, but no words seemed to sooth her.

"You don't understand, she's in danger. I have to save her before it's too late. Please" Fleur begged.

Harry felt that saving people urge, but held himself. He looked at Penny, who was wrapped in a dozen blankets and being fed pepper-up potion. They locked eyes and Penny nodded her head in consent. Harry dove back into the water with no one noticing he was gone until it was too late.

Harry wasn't sure how much time he had left so he ate a little bit more Gillyweed just in case. He passed by Cedric and Krum who were on their way back to the surface with their hostages ignoring them completely. He got to where the hostages were and found the merpeople with their spears out ready to skewer the girl tied up. Harry felt red-hot rage and pulled out wand. He cast several powerful bludgeoning hexes at the group of merpeople. No words came from Harry's mouth as his magic acted on his will.

The hexes knocked the merpeople around hard. They all dropped their weapons and some were injured or unconscious. Harry swam in while it was in disarray and freed the girl from her bonds. He began swimming back to the surface as fast as he could. He could feel pursuers on his six without even looking back. He knew he couldn't do a thing with the girl in his arms. So he pushed her hard up to the surface with his magic helping in the endeavor. He then turned back to his pursuers with his wand in hand.

There was a stand off as the merpeople shrieked at him, but Harry didn't speak Mermish so had no clue what they were saying.

"You're not getting passed by me" Harry said though the only thing came out was bubbles.

The stand off ended as the merpeople backed off. Harry waited for a few moments then felt the effects of the Gillyweed starting to fade. He needed to get to the surface or else he'll drown. He swam up and just as he was about to break the surface he felt an excruciating pain strike his back. He fought back the pain and began to swim back to the dock even though he didn't really know how to swim and without the Gillyweed it was much harder. He felt himself fading and fading fast. He knew he needed to get back to the dock. He blacked out not knowing if he made it or not.

/Scene Break/

Harry woke up with his nose filled with that very distinctive sterile clean aroma. He knew of one place that could smell like this. The hospital wing. He opened his eyes and saw Penny sitting by his bedside with her nose in a book and a hand holding his. He was about to speak when Penny's eyes darted over to him.

"Hi" Harry croaked out.

Penny was so relieved to see Harry awake and was about to speak when madam Pomfrey came bustling in and began her checks as she muttered under her breath about the idiots in charge of the tournament and how they were harming her students. Penny gave Harry a drink of water, which felt good.

"Hi Penny" he greeted again.

"Hi Harry" Penny said teary eyed.

"So how long am I in here madam Pomfrey?" Harry asked the nurse.

"Two days tops Mr. Potter. But you must take it easy for at least a week. Though that spear didn't get at anything vital. You'll be stiff and sore for a while yet" madam Pomfrey said.

Harry nodded and thanked her.

Madam Pomfrey nodded and left the couple alone.

"So what happened?" Harry asked looking at his girlfriend.

"It was horrible Harry. As you can surmise you were struck in the back by one of the merpeople" Penny said. "Cedric and Krum ran into the water to save you. I was so frightened since you looked so pale. You lost a lot of blood."

"I'm sorry I worried you Penny" Harry said contritely.

"Please, you didn't go off recklessly. I allowed this to happen" Penny said.

Harry just nodded as he took one of Penny's hands and gave it a squeeze, which she returned.

"Harry, what happened down there?" Penny asked.

"That's what I'd like to know too Harry."

The couple turned to find Dumbledore standing there. Neither had noticed he was there. Granted, they weren't on the lookout and they were a bit too wrapped up in each other at the time.

"Not much to tell sir. I went back down after Fleur's pleas. I found a bunch of merpeople looking ready to stab Fleur's sister" Harry said.

"Her name is Gabrielle" Penny interjected.

Harry nodded thanking Penny, "I freed Gabrielle and pulled her to the surface. I could tell they were chasing me so I made sure Gabrielle was safe and faced them. They turned away after a while and then I swam to the surface. I was about there when I guess I was hit by a spear or something, all I knew was it hurt a lot. I knew I needed to get back to the dock and swam as hard and as fast as I could. I guess I blacked out somewhere in between."

"You were exhausted Harry physically and magically" Penny said, "you must've used a lot of magic."

Harry nodded. That made sense.

"You injured a couple merpeople Harry and maybe killed one or two of them" Dumbledore said, "there had to be another way."

"There wasn't, if I didn't do something they'd have killed her" Harry said firmly.

"Harry my boy" Dumbledore began.

"Harry did the right thing, and you're chastising him? He should be praised for doing such a dangerous thing. And what was Gabrielle doing down there in the first place? Gabrielle has Veela blood in her. Merpeople and Veela have been feuding for centuries, their hatred for each other runs deep. What you did was pretty much gift-wrapped Gabrielle to them. There's no doubt they'd killed her and made up some excuse of how she died" Penny said angrily.

"Miss Clearwater, every safety precaution was followed" Dumbledore said like he had everything under control.

"It doesn't seem like it" Penny muttered.

Dumbledore frowned at this. He didn't like being questioned. He was after all the Great Albus Dumbledore. No one should question him.

"Sir, what was my score?" Harry asked.

"We, the judges, thought you displayed a fine moral fiber and award you full points along with not only finding the hostages first, but rescuing yours too" Dumbledore said.

Harry nodded, "is that all sir?"

Dumbledore nodded then left.

Fleur and Gabrielle entered the wing moments after Dumbledore exited. Gabrielle spotting Harry awake ran to him and hopped onto the bed hugging him tightly. She was murmuring her thanks in both French and English. Fleur approached at a more sedate pace, but she had a smile on her face.

"Though Gabi has done it I thank you Harry Potter for saving my sister" Fleur said.

"It was nothing Fleur" Harry said casually.

Fleur smiled and bent down and kissed Harry on the cheek. Gabrielle seeing what her sister had done kissed both of Harry's cheeks giving Fleur a 'ha topped you' look. Fleur looked amused by her sister's antics and Penny covered her mouth to smother the giggles. Harry blinked, a bit surprised by this since he wasn't used to it.

/Scene Break/

When Harry was out of the hospital wing he felt good though stiff. Penny kept an eye on him to make sure he didn't do anything too strenuous. He did however started to read and read a lot. Penny was curious as to what her boyfriend was reading and asked.

"Ways I can protect you from something like this" Harry answered.

Penny knew Harry wasn't being chauvinistic and really wanted to do what he could to keep her safe. She knew that purebloods looked down on her due to her status and she'd need some kind of protection.

/Scene Break/

"Neville, I got a question I want to ask you" Harry said.

"What is it Harry?" Neville asked.

"Is there a way to protect Penny?" Harry asked.

"Have you thought about taking up your title as Lord Potter?" Neville asked after a bit of thought.

"My what?" Harry asked confused.

"You don't know?" Neville asked.

Harry shook his head.

Neville sighed and told Harry and Harry was floored. He had no clue he could do that at all. Just now he needed to get to Gringotts and get it Harry

"Um, you know someone who could help me?" Harry asked since he didn't know anyone who could assist him. Sirius was on the run, Remus probably didn't know much, he wasn't feeling too trusting to go to Dumbledore and the Weasleys, well, he didn't want to burden them even though he wasn't friends with Ron his friendship with the twins was still solid.

"Um, my gran" Neville said, "I could ask her."

"If you could that'd help a bunch Neville" Harry said.

"Sure, I'll write her a letter" Neville said.

/Scene Break/

Harry became Lord Potter with the assistance of Augusta Longbottom who did all she could to make sure Harry wasn't led astray. He also found out the Longbottoms and Potters have been allies for centuries and as soon as he got the ring and became Lord Potter he renewed that alliance with the Longbottoms. Augusta of course accepted it.

Harry placed Penny under house protection, which would help her a great deal. Her robes now bore the Potter crest as a sign of his protection. Harry also put Hermione under his protection too, which she accepted after hearing all the benefits and weighing them against the drawbacks.

As Harry did his schooling he learned about his new status though what helped was he didn't need to worry about his exams since as Champion he was exempt from them. Sure, he still had homework, but he could handle that. Neville helped when he could and when he couldn't or didn't know the answer Harry wrote to Augusta who did her best to help him. All in all Harry was feeling the most confident and self-assured he has ever been since pretty much entering Hogwarts. He knew he still had a lot to learn, but he was learning more than he had before.

When he learned about needing to marry to continue the Potter line his thoughts turned to Penny, but thought it was too soon to bring it up. But tucked it in the back of his mind for later. As for him being Lord Potter, he decided to hide his status for now. He didn't feel the need to show it off. So he hid his house ring from sight, which amazed him the first few times. Magic even after four years of it was still fascinating to him.

/Scene Break/

June slowly came as Harry trained, knowing that the final task was going to be in that month. Other things that had happened was Percy was called on the carpet for standing in for a senior Ministry official. He was given a strict reprimand and it was in his file too. That'd affect his career in the Ministry for sure. Barty Crouch was found, but his mind was so lost that he had to be committed. He kept babbling about he's coming back and stuff. He was quietly relieved of his position and that meant a mini-power struggle within the Ministry.

But to Harry he didn't care about all of that. He was worried since he just felt something was going to happen. He never had a quiet end of the year. So he really trained, and trained hard. Penny and Hermione were a bit worried about this, but knew there was no way to stop him.

With Penny, their relationship was going steady. They were kissing a bit more though nothing more and it wasn't in public since Harry wasn't much for PDA, neither was Penny for that matter. Penny didn't want to push Harry into more and Harry wasn't comfortable enough to go further. He still asked if they could kiss from time to time due to his inexperience. They were enjoying their time together though even with Harry being in school and Penny back in her apartment and working. They spent time together every weekend Hogsmeade or not. Neither were comfortable placing any word or label on what they were feeling, they were just enjoying what they had at the moment. It wasn't the right time for declarations.

/Scene Break/

On the day of the task Harry was enjoying breakfast with his girlfriend and best friend.

"Mr. Potter" McGonagall said.

"Yes professor?" Harry asked.

"Before the third task it's customary for family to visit the Champion" McGonagall said.

Harry was surprised, he was sure the Dursleys would only come if they were guaranteed they'd see his ultimate demise.

"I don't have any family" he said.

McGonagall made no comment about that, but said instead, "as Champion you still have guests. If you'd like Miss Clearwater can join you."

Harry looked at Penny who shrugged. He and Penny got up holding hands and followed McGonagall to a small small room.

"Oh Harry dear."

Harry stiffened as he heard that voice and he squeezed Penny's hand hoping she'd get the message. She did as she pulled Harry close blocking any attempted Molly hug.

Molly looked displeased at being thwarted. She eyed Penny with a critical eye. She didn't like this older woman taking Harry from her daughter.

"Mrs. Weasley, what are you doing here?" Harry asked politely.

"Why Harry dear, we're here to support you" Molly said shifting to being warm and friendly.

Harry thanked Molly then noticed Bill standing next to his mom.

"Hey Harry, hope you don't mind me coming" he said as he held out his hand.

"Not at all Bill" Harry said shaking Bill's hand. "This is my girlfriend, Penny. This is Bill."

"Nice to meet you Penny" Bill said smiling.

"Nice to meet you Bill" Penny said.

They chatted as Molly tried to mother Harry though Penny did a great job protecting Harry from it, which amused Bill when he wasn't eyeing Fleur from across the room. Harry noticed this and had an idea. He led them over to Fleur and her family. Gabrielle was the first to notice and launched herself at Harry. Penny did nothing to prevent this hug attack as the little blond girl hugged Harry for all he was worth. She then began to talk quickly in French, which Harry didn't understand at all. It wasn't until her mom calmed her that Gabrielle talked slower and in English though it was a bit broken as she was still learning. Harry listened to all she was saying and that made the girl's day.

Harry greeted Fleur's parents as they profusely thanked him for saving Gabrielle. Harry being the modest boy he was brushed off the thanks and was offered a chance to visit them in the summer, which Harry began to think about a bit. He never had a vacation before.

This also helped Fleur and Bill meet and Harry was pleased by this though one look at Molly seemed to express the opposite. Though she was polite.

/Scene Break/

The rest of the day Harry was able to relax before the task began that night. Harry stayed with Penny for most of it though Molly and Bill were there. Bill took some time to meander through his old stomping grounds as some of the girls eyed him since he definitely was some nice eye candy.

When it was time for the task Penny gave him a kiss for luck.

"Come back to me" she murmured.

"I will Penny, I will" Harry said softly.

/Scene Break/

Penny sat in the stands with a sense of terrifying dread shadowing her thoughts. She wished she told Harry about her worry, but she didn't want to burden him more than he was already. She mentally snorted at that since she was being a hypocrite really. She had told Harry plenty of times to to talk to her, tell her what he's feeling, to not bottle things up inside. But that worry kept gnawing at her not going away no matter how mightily she tried. She just knew in her gut that something bad was going to happen.

It's about this time every year that the shit hits the fan she thought.

Harry had of course told her all about his adventures he's had in school and it shocked Penny immensely that all of these things happened in a school. Nothing like this has ever happened before as far as she knew and it shouldn't ever happen.

/Scene Break/

There was a clamoring and Penny dashed from her seat down to the arena floor. She found Cedric looking worse for wear, but alive.

"Cedric, what happened?" Penny asked urgently.

"Happened so fast, Harry and I argued who'd take the cup then we agreed to both take it since it'd be a Hogwarts win either way. The cup, it was a portkey, it sent us to some place, a graveyard, maybe. Harry tackled me down. Green light flew over my head. Not sure what happened after that, somehow ended back here. Oh Merlin, Harry's in trouble" Cedric babbled out.

Penny not wasting any time grabbed the cup and she felt that hook in the navel sensation.

/Scene Break/

Penny landed hard on the ground. She was a bit disoriented, but got oriented quickly. She looked around and saw she was in a graveyard. She then spotted Harry being tortured by someone. It didn't take her clever mind to figure out the one torturing Harry was Voldemort. How he was here she didn't care, it wasn't important.

"Goodbye, Potter" Voldemort crowed.

Penny took flight before even a thought entered her mind. She just knew what was going to happen.

"Harry!"

Harry heard the shout and saw Penny running at him. He was in immense pain from being put under Cruciatus, but he willed himself up. Penny collided with Harry wanting to push him out of the way of the killing curse flying towards him. Harry had his own ideas since he wasn't going to let Penny die. When contact was made a glowing gold aura exuded from the couple.

Lily's protection magic had kicked in for the first time. The protection magic only worked if there was love between both parties. It didn't work with the Dursleys since they didn't care at all for Harry and all they did to Harry didn't endear them to him. It didn't even need to be familiar love, it just had to be love plain and simple. The golden aura absorbed the killing curse like a black hole sucking up light.

The Death Eaters that were gathered there were firing off their own dark spells and hexes at the golden aura couple and like their master's curse it was absorbed. That didn't mean they'd stop since they thought they could wear it down by fling spells at it til it fell. It's worked before, so why wouldn't it now.

Voldemort was shocked by this, but he had no time to think as his whole body was assaulted by excruciating pain. It felt like the blood in him had turned to super hot lava. Since the ritual he used to get a body needed blood of an enemy and he picked Harry so he got the protection magic too. But it caused him pain since the protection magic was powered by love and Voldemort had no love within himself. He screamed out his pain echoing throughout the graveyard and beyond.

He collapsed on the ground and then he began to draw on the magic of his followers. A little rune within the Dark Mark that he branded on all of his followers gave him unrestricted access to their magic. He used it in hopes to counteract the pain he was feeling thinking that an abundance of magic could overcome the pain he was feeling.

One by one Death Eaters fell as their magic was being drained from them. They were crying out in pain as their magic was being depleted.

/Scene Break/

In Azkaban several inmates were screaming in immense pain they had never felt. Not even when they were under their master's Cruciatus.

/Scene Break/

In Hogwarts three people clutched their arms and fell in agony. Screaming their pain.

/Scene Break/

This happened in other places as well. Wizards falling down in excruciating pain.

/Scene Break/

Back in the graveyard Voldemort felt he was winning, the magic he was seizing from his followers was doing its job. But that was just a false hope. The pain came back worse than before and the dark lord shrieked out loud as it became too much. He burned up from the inside out. There was nothing left of him, just his robes and wand.

The aura around the couple faded like it had sensed the danger had passed. Harry and Penny had been kissing, they broke it and looked around shocked at what was before them. The robes and wand of Voldemort laid there smoldering, all the Death Eaters there were on the ground with some trembling from the pain of having their magic forcefully stolen away. All of them unconscious.

"I love you, Penny" Harry declared softly.

"I love you too, Harry" Penny said just as softly.

There was a thrill of expressing what they had both been feeling for one another out loud. They had been afraid of saying those words, but it felt good saying them now. They then looked around at the scene before them.

"What happened?" Harry asked perplexed.

"I have no clue" Penny said shocked.

/Scene Break/

When Harry and Penny arrived back at Hogwarts via the portkey they were swarmed. They were asked numerous questions, but both were exhausted. So they went to madam Pomfrey for an exam. Harry was given a potion to deal with the effects of being under the Cruciatus curse, but other than that he was fine with just exhaustion mentally and physically. Penny was fine too though she was exhausted too. The school nurse kept them over night for safety precautions.

Penny talked Harry into getting madam Bones involved, who just so happened to be the head of the DMLE. Harry did as he was told and he revealed he was Lord Potter, which gave him more sway since as a Lord of an Ancient and Noble House he could do things like this better than if he was just Harry Potter, Hogwarts student. Even with his fame which only went so far.

The investigation found all the Death Eaters in the graveyard thanks to Harry. The Death Eaters who had collapsed at Hogwarts were detained even Snape though Dumbledore tried to release the potions master to his care. That didn't fly with madam Bones. Lord Potter had tasked her with this and she wasn't going to let anything stop her. The other Death Eater turned out to be Barty Crouch Jr. A person everyone thought was dead. Karkaroff was the other though when he was found it looked like he was in the middle of trying to flee.

Dumbledore tried to talk to Harry, but he was busy going over summer plans with Penny to even care about what happened to Snape or anything else really.

/Scene Break/

Harry enjoyed his summer. He and Penny did make a trip to France to visit Fleur and her family. Some handy translation charms helped bridge the language barrier until Harry and Penny learned French.

Dumbledore tried to get Harry to go back to the Dursleys, but Augusta stopped him cold. She didn't need details just that she heard her ally needed assistance and she was going to make sure the Longbottoms honored their pledge.

The Death Eaters that survived that night didn't make it to the end of July as they didn't have enough magic to sustain themselves. Their wealth and power were all sucked up by one person, Harry, since he defeated them in a roundabout way. It was very old law or something. Harry could claim all they owned at any time. He decided not to do this since he had more than enough. The Potters were a very wealthy family. He sought advice from Augusta since he had no clue what to do. It was decided to put all the wealth he now had in trusts for each individual family. The remaining living members would have access after they were vetted on what their loyalties were.

Those who were more dark inclined were banished. Like Malfoy. Their lines were then passed down to a person Harry selected or could be passed on by one of his offspring.

Sirius was exonerated though he never had a trial in the first place. They found Pettigrew among the Death Eaters in the graveyard. He did have to pay a fine for being an unregistered Animagus, but that was all. He broke no law in escaping Azkaban since that wasn't a crime. No one had escaped before, so there was no law against it. Sirius joined Harry on his vacation and he got to know Penny. Remus joined them later more to rein in Sirius than anything.

Harry proposed to Penny after his last O.W.L. exams. This shocked Penny since she had no clue this would happen. She of course said yes. He proposed to her under a cherry blossom tree that thanks to an inquisitive budding Herbologist got to bloom even out of season and not in a region that it could actually prosper. It was quite romantic in Penny's mind.

They got married after Harry graduated from Hogwarts. Their wedding was small and only had close friends and family. Harry didn't want it a big production and Penny felt the same. They had three kids, Lily, Rebecca and Malcolm.

Dumbledore died still claiming Voldemort wasn't dead.

End

A/N: and that's it. My 200th chap, finished. Onward to the next 100. Now I'll admit that this one was started as just a focus on the Yule Ball, but as I was writing I kept getting ideas and added on and on til it reached this point. Again, not something I planned to do. But what am I to do when the creative juices are flowing. I know I summarized the ending and didn't expand on it much. Sorry for that. Thanks for reading and please review.