AN:
You will notice that I skip the first task, what happened will be mentioned, but I saw no reason to waste a chapter writing what the three contestants did. The first task in no way affects the story, so it would be a waste of time, and be nothing other than filler. That's also why the Yule Ball isn't a million words long, the story is at the point that if it doesn't affect anything it will just take away from everything that's about to happen. This chapter is different than my others. The first bit happens on New Years Eve then it will go back and show what happened leading up to it. There will be a date letting you know what day everything happens. I hope you enjoy, and please review. I also made a new poll today for a story. I want to start a new story, but it won't impact this one. I will update the same amount, maybe even more, because I'll write me. Thank you! :)
31 December 1994
The voice shouting at her barely registered in Luna's brain. Her head throbbed with such intensity that she was sure it would soon explode, brains and blood bursting through the air like a macabre firework. She felt someone grab her arms and shake roughly, her body moving back and forth like a rag doll. She couldn't tear her eyes away from her hands — shaking and covered in blood. Images flashed through her mind, for once the images weren't of a possible future, but of the terror she'd just witnessed.
"Where is Harrison?"
Luna had never heard words so cold and cruel, and their intensity pulled her back to reality. She looked into the glowing red eyes of Voldemort, and she could see the promise of death lurking in them. The reality of what just happened hit her like a tsunami, and tears fell down her face.
"I didn't want to leave them!" Luna sobbed. Never before had she lost control to such an extent. Her breathing came out in quick, shallow, gasps. "Harrison made me. He threw that at me and—" Her voice caught in her throat, and no more words could come out.
Luna pointed a shaking hand at something on the ground. Tom quickly bent down and picked up a glittering snake dangling from a long silver chain.
"His emergency port key," Tom said. No emotion could be found in his words.
"Where is my son, and why would he give—"
The door flew open, and a disheveled Narcissa ran inside. Luna had never seen the Malfoy matriarch look anything other than perfect and composed, but now she looked as if she were running for her life. Panic was etched in her face, and her eyes were wild.
"My Lord," Narcissa said quickly, fear evident in her voice. "Lucius and Severus have been trying to contact you. Something has happened. The children —"
The chandelier hanging above Luna's head shattered, the room went cold, and for the first time in her life, Luna felt as if the Dark Lord would kill her.
24 December 1994
Harrison stepped out of the floo and couldn't help being amazed. Every year Malfoy Manor was turned into a winter wonderland for their annual Christmas party, and every year the decorations became even more impressive. He smoothed down his black dress robes as he took in their transformed ball room.
The Malfoy's charmed the ceiling to replicate the night sky, and fairies flew around the ceiling, making it look as though hundreds of stars were dancing. The walls were charmed to replicate a forest filled with snow covered Christmas trees. Round tables covered in red silk tablecloths, were adorned with glittering white candles, their flames burning blood red. Real icicles hung from tables covered in glasses of champagne, wine, and liquor.
Harrison walked passed an ice sculpture of a reindeer, and bowed politely before kissing Narcissa's hand. The Malfoy matriarch looked stunning in a red velvet dress, adorned with a black bow.
"My darling Harrison," Narcissa said fondly. "I was pleased to hear that your girlfriend excelled during the first task."
Harrison smiled proudly. Fleur had come in first place during the first task. She had used her veela charm to lull the dragon, then used her ability as a veela to control fire to coat her body in flames in case the dragon woke up. She had been able to receive her egg twenty-seven second faster than Viktor, who had come in second place.
"Thank you, Aunt Cissa," Harrison said. He turned to Bellatrix, who had finally begun to behave like her old self. Although, he could still see the desire and need for vengeance in her eyes. "Aunt Bella, you look wonderful."
Bellatrix laughed. "You've lost none of your charm I see."
"Never," Harrison grinned.
xxXXxxXXxxXXxxXx
Fleur exited the floo to the sound of a live band playing Christmas melodies. She marveled at the beautiful decorations, as she looked for Harrison.
"There he is," Fleur grinned, as she led her family to the other side of the room past women in gorgeous gowns and men in dress robes. Laughter filled the hall, and the scent of freshly bake pies wafted throughout the room.
"Fleur," Harrison said, as she wrapped her arms around Harrison. "You look gorgeous." She could see the desire in Harrison's eyes, and she smirked teasingly at him. She knew she looked good in her tight silk red dress. The front was low cut, and it accented her tiny waist. Her father had bristled disapprovingly when he had seen her in it, which made her love it even more.
"Merci," Fleur beamed.
Harrison held out his hand, "It's a pleasure to see you again, Minister Delacour."
"The pleasure is mine," Pierre Delacour said. He was a tall man, with a strong jaw, blonde hair, and eyes that shone with intelligence. "Fleur says nothing but great things about you."
"You look beautiful, Madame Delacour," Harrison said, before kissing Apolline Delacour's hand. She looked almost identical to Fleur, but with shoulder length blonde hair.
"Aren't you sweet," Apolline said, her accent thicker than both her husband and daughters.
"Harrison," Fleur said, "you've yet to meet my sister." She gestured towards a tiny little girl, another spitting image of Fleur. "Gabrielle."
"Bonjour," Gabrielle said quietly.
"Bonjour, mademoiselle," Harrison said.
Gabrielle blushed and hid behind her mother. Apolline laughed.
"She's shy," Fleur whispered into Harrison's ear.
"I gathered as much," Harrison whispered back amusedly. He looked at Gabrielle, whose blonde head was peaking out behind her mother's green ballgown. "Gabrielle, would you like to come with Fleur and me to get a drink?"
Gabrielle's eyes widened, and she looked at her sister. Fleur had to restrain from laughing. Gabrielle had spoken nonstop all day about how cute Harrison was, and now that she was around him she couldn't even open her mouth.
"Gabrielle, it's impolite not to answer when spoken to," Apolline chastised gently.
"Oui," Gabrielle said quietly.
Harrison smiled, and Fleur's heart fluttered when he reached out his hand towards Gabrielle. Her little sister immediately latched onto him and smiled. Fleur knew in that moment that even though they'd only been dating a few months that she loved Harrison.
xxXXxxXXxxXXxxXx
Tom watched as his son led the Delacour sisters towards a table laden with non-alcoholic eggnog.
"It's good to see you again," Apolline said politely.
Tom looked into Apolline's face. Had anyone else looked at her, they would've seen a gorgeous woman with a confident smile, and brilliant blue eyes. But Tom could see past the mask that she wore, of a politician's perfect wife, and into the depths of her eyes, where fear was lurking.
"It's always a pleasure," Tom said, as had Harrison, he grabbed her hand and kissed her knuckles. "I am glad to see you here, Pierre." He reached out and firmly shook France's Minister of Magic's hand.
"I'm glad to be here," Pierre said.
"I must admit," Tom said, "that I was surprised when Harrison told me you'd be coming to Britain for the winter holidays. One would think it would be difficult to get away for several weeks when running a country."
Pierre frowned in disapproval. "I felt it prudent to visit my daughter after that nasty business at your Ministry. With all due respect, your Ministry seems to be turning into quite the madhouse. Two men murdered in cold blood? A lack of aurors? You're government needs a serious overhaul." Tom smiled, and Pierre shook his head. "You know that isn't what I meant."
Out of the corner of his eye, Tom could see Apolline stiffen and her eyes go wide. Pierre must have seen her change in demeanor because the corners of his lips turned down and he cleared his throat. Tom laughed.
"There is no need to fear, Apolline," Tom said, purposefully lacing his tone with amusement. "Your husband is entitled to his beliefs and opinions." He looked seriously at Pierre. "However, given recent events in Britain, and the overall decline in governments throughout the Wizarding World, a smart man would begin to question how things are being done."
Pierre looked at Tom, and he could see the wheels spinning in the French man's gaze. Tom knew the Minister was anything but a fool, and that it would take more than that incident, and various Ministries incompetence to make him drastically change his mind.
"I would be remiss to deny that recent events have made me question certain policies," Pierre admitted. "However, once more I must say, with all due respect, I think that here is neither the time or the place for such a discussion."
"I quite agree," Tom said. "We must speak before you return to France."
"Oui," Pierre said. His eyes darted off to the side. "We must."
"Now that this matter is closed for the current time," Tom said, "Apolline, do you care for a dance?"
Tom could see Apolline swallow harder than normal.
"I would be honored," Apolline said, plastering a large smile on her face.
xxXXxxXXxxXXxxXx
Fleur wrapped her arms around Harrison, so that her chest was flush against his back.
"I want you," Fleur whispered in his ear. Harrison turned his head to the side, but before he could say anything Fleur continued, "There has to be somewhere for us to go and be alone." The way she said 'alone' made heat soar through Harrison.
"Here?" Harrison asked.
"Yes," Fleur whispered, her breathe tickling his ear. "Here's the perfect place."
Harrison looked over to where Draco and Blaise were talking to Violet Macnair and Anastasia Zabini.
"Come with me," Harrison said, as he grabbed her hand and led her out of the ball room.
The moment the thick doors shut behind them the loud noise cut off, it was as if they'd been submerged under water. They walked down a long marble hallway, lined with portraits of past Malfoy patriarchs. He looked back at Fleur who was having a hard time keeping up with him in her tight dress. His eyes landed on her ample cleavage and his desire burned like an inferno. Harrison led her up a spiral staircase to the third floor. He stopped in front of the first door and pushed it open.
Harrison gestured for Fleur to go in before him, and he followed her into the guest bedroom. He pulled out his wand and cast privacy charms as he shut the door. Fleur stopped a few inches from the bed and turned to face him.
Harrison wanted to push her onto the bed, rip off both their clothes, and end their time as virgins in three seconds. But as he looked at her, he knew he'd never do anything to hurt her.
"Is this what you want?" Harrison asked.
"Oui," Fleur said.
Before Harrison could take a step forward, Fleur had shimmied out of her dress, the blue silk falling to the ground. Usually, she wore lace undergarments, something Harrison loved seeing, but tonight she had come wearing nothing underneath.
"You're killing me," Harrison said, as he drank in her perfect body. Firm and perky breasts, long legs, and toned stomach.
"Not yet," Fleur said. She threw her hair behind her back.
Harrison walked towards her, his hands quickly undoing his buttons. He took off his black silk dress robes and threw them on top of Fleur's dress. He closed the distant between them, his arms wrapping around her body, and his lips crashing into hers. He lowered her onto the bed, as one of her arms wrapped around his torso, and her free hand gripping his hair, digging into his scalp. He pulled back and looked down at Fleur, the moonlight was streaming in through the large windows, adding a glow to her, making her blonde hair appear almost silver. Her pink lips were swollen, and her eyelids were heavy with want.
"You're beautiful," Harrison said.
"Kiss me," Fleur responded.
Harrison didn't have to be asked twice.
xxXXxxXXxxXXxxXx
Fleur grinned foolishly as she rested her head on Harrison's chest. She didn't have to look at him to know that he was sporting the same look. They laid in silence as their breathing slowly went back to normal. Harrison ran his hand absentmindedly down her back.
Their first time had been everything Fleur had every dreamed it would be and more. Yes, it had hurt, and it was quite uncomfortable at first, but soon the feeling of pleasure had overtaken the discomfort. Harrison had been gentle and the only word she could use to describe it was perfect.
"I could do that all day," Fleur said contentedly.
She let out a quick breath when Harrison quickly flipped her onto her back, her long hair flew into her face.
"How did you do that so fast?" Fleur laughed, as she shook her head to move her hair out of her eyes.
"I'm an athlete," Harrison said, puffing out his chest jokingly.
Fleur looked up at Harrison straddling her and smiled. That smile turned into a frown when Harrison started laughing.
"What's so funny?" Fleur asked.
"Uncle Lucius and Aunt Narcissa would have heart attacks if they knew that we had sex in one of their precious guest rooms," Harrison said amusedly.
Fleur smirked. "That's what makes it even better."
Harrison laughed even harder, before he looked back at Fleur. Something flashed in his eyes that Fleur couldn't make out. They fell into a happy silence, as she ran her hands up and down his back. Harrison ran a finger from her cheek down to her naval. A shiver ran through Fleur's body.
"I love you," Fleur said. She blanched when she realized she said the words out loud.
Harrison's eyes snapped up to hers. Once again, that unreadable look flickered to life in his eyes. It took her a few seconds, but she realized what it was, and her heart swelled to three times its normal size.
"I love you too."
25 December 1994
Ginny took a deep breath as she looked out at the front lawn. Hogwarts always looked beautiful at Christmas, but the professors had gone beyond this year. The lawn in front of the castle had been transformed into a fancy grotto full of fairy lights. She relaxed as she watched the fairies fly around the various ice statues of Father Christmas and snowmen. The statues glinted in the moonlight, and if she hadn't known better she would've thought they'd been carved from diamonds.
"You look vonderful," a voice behind her said.
Ginny spun around, and when her eyes landed on Viktor, all of the tension she'd been feeling left. Viktor leaned down and gave her a chaste kiss. She blushed, as several girls sent her jealous looks. Her and Viktor had only been dating for a month and a half, and they only went public a few weeks prior. She had yet to get used to all of the jealous and hateful glares she would get from her classmates. The only people who didn't seem to look at her strangely these days besides her family were her best friends Parvati and Lavender.
"Thank you," Ginny said.
"Champions over here, please!" McGonagall called.
"Shall we?" Viktor held out his arm.
Ginny smiled as she slid her arm through his.
xxXXxxXXxxXXxxXx
Harrison walked into the Great Hall, Fleur's arm linked through his, looking marvelous in a silver dress. Harrison looked around at the wonderful decorations, silver frost covered the walls, making the room look as though it was carved from ice, and garlands of mistletoe and ivy hung from the ceiling. Lantern lit tables had replaced the typical house tables, and a large tree stood in the center, a star the size of his torso glowing at the top.
He could see guys from every house going slack jawed as they stared at Fleur, but he didn't focus on anyone until his attention was caught by a flash of red. When he looked his eyebrows rose into his hair. Susan's arm was looped through Ron's and she was staring at him with a challenging look. Harrison didn't know whether to laugh or roll his eyes. He had like Susan, but it had been no more than a child's crush, and she was beginning to become weirdly obsessed. He turned away from her, and looked at Fleur who smiled brightly at him.
xxXXxxXXxxXXxxXx
Fleur laughed as Cass grabbed her hands and danced around with her. Hermione, Daphne, Pansy, Jenna, and Tracey were dancing around them, their arms spinning in the air. Fleur couldn't remember a time when she had truly been happy with girls until she came to Hogwarts. Back home, every girl she went to school with didn't bother to get close to her thanks to her veela nature. She spent her days alone, studying and reading books. As much as she learned and grew as a witch, it made for a lack of fun. Coming to Hogwarts and befriending Harrison's friends had been life-changing.
Hermione liked her for her brain, Jenna and Tracey would discuss clothes with her for hours, Cass loved discussing magic, Pansy would ask her for help with homework and French, and Daphne was great to talk to about anything and everything. For the first time in her life, she felt as if she had friends. People who didn't look at her and see a threat. As she danced around with them, oblivious to the jealous stares from other girls and lustful ones from the male students, she had never felt happier. Especially when she looked at Harrison and saw him staring back at her, with love, and not the looks she was used to receiving from the opposite sex.
The group walked over to a far off table and sat down with cold drinks. Blaise blew Fleur a kiss, and she laughed. Harrison's close male friends were the only guys not drooling all over Fleur, and she loved the normalcy of it.
"Don't even think about it," Harrison said mock angrily.
Blaise held up his hands in pretend surrender and the guys laughed.
"You really are a hussy," a voice said.
Anger surged through Fleur as she looked up. Susan was standing with a blonde girl she recognized as Hannah Abbot.
"Watch your mouth," Cass said warningly.
"I appreciate you coming to my defense Cass, but what is it you English say? Don't waste your breath," Fleur said. She was furious that the redhead wouldn't give up, but she felt a swell of joy that her friend stood up for her. "Susan's merely upset that it's me who spent a wonderful Christmas Eve with Harrison and not her."
She heard Theo choke on his drink. She knew that everyone knew what she was implying. Fleur looked at Harrison, she felt a surge of guilt for not making sure it was ok she told anyone that they'd had sex. Although, she was surprised that he hadn't told his best friends. However, Harrison merely looked amused.
Susan obviously understood what she was implying, because she turned as red as her hair, and her eyes widened.
"You French whore!" Susan yelled.
Fleur forced herself to remain calm, although she could feel the veela part of her wanting to rip Susan's face off with her bare hands.
"Harrison is my boyfriend," Fleur put emphasis on the last word. "Having sex with my boyfriend doesn't make me a whore, and only a prudish little girl would imply otherwise."
Pansy tried and failed to stifle a laugh.
"How dare you!" Hannah yelled in defense of her friend.
"How dare she?" Harrison said, walking up next to Fleur. "Susan, you and I dated. You were my childhood crush. I had thought we ended things amicably. I tried to be nice, because I thought we could still be friends, but all you've done since Fleur and I started dating is glare at and verbally attack her. Then tonight you show up with Ron to what? Make me jealous? Well, I'm not jealous. I'm with Fleur, not you. We were barely teenagers when we dated, Susan. You're a sweet girl. Go find someone who likes you for you. I'm sorry, but that someone isn't me."
Harrison held out his hand.
"Fleur, may I have this dance?"
"Oui," Fleur smiled.
Fleur ignored Susan as she followed Harrison back onto the dance floor.
xxXXxxXXxxXXxxXx
Susan watched Fleur and Harrison walk away, and tears welled in her eyes. She felt like a complete and utter fool. Harrison had been her first and only boyfriend. He had been so kind and caring, and she thought that what they had could one day be something real and long-lasting. But as she watched them walk away, and felt her heart rip in two, she knew that Harrison and her would never be friends again let alone anything more. Harrison was the kind of guy who would always end up with a girl like Fleur, not Susan.
Susan looked back at Harrison's friends, and she could see the dislike in their eyes. Except for Hermione who looked at her with pity. She didn't know which was worse.
"This isn't like you, Susan," Hermione said gently, "calling someone a whore."
Susan looked into Hermione's eyes, and felt tears fall down her cheeks. Hermione was right, she's not that kind of girl. She wanted to get away from these people, to where she could think. She turned from the group and ran from the hall.
"Susan, wait!" Hannah called after her.
Susan pushed passed groups of dancing and laughing students, and didn't stop until she ran into someone. She went flying backwards onto her butt. She looked up into the confused eyes of Ron.
"I've been looking for you—" The words died in Ron's throat when he saw her face. "What happened?"
"This was a mistake," Susan said, ignoring his hand to help her up. "I'm sorry, Ron." She looked into his confused brown eyes. "I'm really sorry."
"Wait!" Ron yelled.
But Susan kept on running.
29 December 1994
"I don't care," Sirius snapped. "I need to find him."
Remus sighed. "Do you think that I don't care about finding him? You know I do."
"Then you shouldn't suggest we—"
"I'm not suggesting that we stop looking for Harry," Remus said exasperated. "All I'm saying, is that at this time we've exhausted every avenue. You're exhausted, Sirius. You've barely slept, and you haven't done anything for you." He held up a hand and glared when Sirius went to interrupt him. "I'm worried about you, as are Tonks, Molly, Arthur, and everyone else. They don't know about Harry, so they're starting to think you've gone off the deep end. You need a break, just for a few hours. You know you won't be any good to Harry if you've lost you mind." He looked imploringly at Sirius. "Please."
Sirius looked older than he did when he first escaped from Azkaban. Remus was dying inside over not being able to find Harry, but seeing Sirius on the road to self-destruction — refusing to sleep, eat, and drinking too much fire whiskey — was killing him faster. Sirius would be no good to anyone if he went mental.
xxXXxxXXxxXXxxXx
Sirius looked at his best friend. He knew that he'd been acting crazy since finding out his godson was alive. It was killing him knowing that James and Lily's son was out there somewhere, and he didn't know if he was ok. Merlin, he didn't even know what he looked like now. But he knew that Remus was right, he wasn't going to be any help finding Harry in his current state of mind.
"Fine," Sirius acquiesced. "What do you suggest?"
"Tonks gave me this," Remus said.
Sirius grabbed the parchment from Remus and looked down at the fancy purple letters.
The Ministry of Magic is proud to sponsor a New Years Eve masquerade blowout at Hogsmeade Lake. Come dressed in your warmest sweater and most creative masquerade mask! Food and drinks will be provided from 8pm-1am, and there will be entertainment for all ages!
Sirius didn't bother to read the rest of it before tossing it onto the table.
"A masquerade blowout, seriously?" Sirius asked.
"Sirius," Remus chided. "It will be fun. Tonks will be there, and the Weasley's. It will be good for you to get out."
Sirius looked at the parchment and rolled his eyes.
"Fine," Sirius said. "I'll go, but I'm not staying that long."
Remus smiled and tucked the flier back into his pocket.
30 December 1994
"For your sake I hope you're joking," Amycus Carrow said lowly.
"Brother," Alecto said slowly, "he's young—"
"He's a Death Eater," Amycus said coldly, "he shouldn't fear death and destruction."
"I don't fear death and destruction," Erik Anderson said defensively. "I fear the Dark Lord's wrath if this angers him."
Amycus narrowed his eyes. "Do you think I would've suggested something like this had I not thought of the consequences?"
"Of course not, but—" Erik said.
"No but's," Amycus said. "Tomorrow we will strike fear into the hearts of our Lord's enemies, and we will kill anyone who stands in our way." He swept his gaze over the ten other men in the room, before his eyes flicked to his sister. "Now go, all of you. Sleep, you'll need it. And if anyone is having second thoughts, don't bother showing up tomorrow."
Everyone disapparated without a sound except for John Dawlish and Alecto.
"Have you received a change of orders from Bones?" Amycus asked.
"No," Dawlish said. "I'm to report for duty at the Ministry from 8 in the morning to 6 in the evening. I'll be there at ten sharp."
"Good," Amycus said, "make sure you keep an eye on the others. The young ones worry me."
"Of course," Dawlish said. He inclined his head at Alecto then disapparated.
Alecto swallowed hard before looking at her brother.
"Are you sure about this, brother?" Alecto asked. "If something goes wrong, we have families. Children to think about."
"I am thinking about our families," Amycus growled. "After James was captured by the Ministry and killed by that woman our Lord has looked down upon us. We were this close," he held up his fingers, "to be invited into the inner circle, and then, "he clapped his hands together, "it all disappeared. And you know what happens when our Lord has no more use for his followers." He looked at the fireplace in disgust. "Our Lord values initiative, he said so himself. He's been wanting to make a splash. What better day to do so than New Years Eve?"
"I have a bad feeling about this," Alecto said warily.
"Are you a seer?" Amycus sneered. Alecto shot him a cold look. "Then your feelings don't matter." He stood up. "I will return to our Lord's good graces, and tomorrow in Hogsmeade is the way to do it." He held up a hand when Alecto went to speak. "I'll hear no more on the matter, sister." Amycus gave her a sharp look then disapparated.
Alecto knew her brother was right. If they didn't find a way to get back onto their Lord's good side, there was no telling what would happen. And the way the Dark Lord had looked at her lately, with disgust and distrust, made her feel worthless. She looked at the mantle and her daughters smiled from inside a silver frame, their blonde hair framing pretty faces. She knew there was no other option.
31 December 1994
"Where are they?" Blaise asked.
"I don't see them," Harrison said.
Harrison couldn't see Fleur's long blonde hair anywhere, or any of his other friends. He and Blaise walked through the crowds of people, pushing passed groups huddled together for warmth. The pure white snow was littered with candy wrappers, and the scent of butterbeer wafted through the air. Harrison and Blaise reached the edge of the lake, away from the hundreds of people who had come to Hogsmeade to celebrate the New Year. It looked peaceful, you could barely make out the thin sheet of ice covering the lake. Had Fleur been here he would've said it was romantic, which was odd given the loud and boisterous atmosphere
"They did say to meet by the lake, didn't they?" Blaise asked. He leaned against a tree. "This is why we should've came together."
Harrison threw Blaise an annoyed look, that he knew his friend couldn't see. He adjusted the mask he was wearing. He hadn't wanted to wear a masquerade mask, but Fleur had told him it would be fine. What she hadn't told him was that it would itch like crazy. He could see Blaise adjusting his mask. At least he wasn't the only one who found them uncomfortable.
A loud explosion rang through the air, and cheers broke out. Harrison looked up to see fireworks dancing across the starry sky. A large red sparkling dragon flew around a blue and green castle, red sparks shooting from his mouth, as yellow stars sparkled around.
"The fireworks were scheduled to go off at ten," Harrison said, "and we were supposed to meet them at ten till." He frowned. "It's not like them to run late."
"You know how the girls get when they're having one of their girl days," Blaise shrugged, "and Theo wasn't going to be done with dinner with his dad until around now. Draco and Leo….well, you never know with those two."
"Yeah, I guess," Harrison said slowly.
"Hi!" A high, musical voice said.
"Luna," Harrison smiled. He looked behind her and frowned. "Where are the others?"
"They went to the Three Broomsticks for butterbeers," Luna said. "Fleur told me to tell you that she's very excited for this evening. From her tone I think it's safe to assume she means sex."
Blaise burst into laughter. Harrison rolled his eyes.
"Where's your mask?" Harrison asked, to change the subject.
"It was itchy," Luna said plainly.
"Yeah," Blaise said with a snort, "we've noticed."
A rush of magic settled over Harrison's skin and he frowned. He saw Luna stiffen.
"What?" Blaise asked, looking between Harrison and Luna.
"Anti-apparition wards," Harrison murmured.
"It can't be happening," Luna said quietly, her eyes going wide. "Things have changed."
"Luna, what are you talking about?" Harrison asked sharply.
"What are you two going on about? Why would anyone—" Blaise was cut off by a loud explosion, harsher and louder than the fireworks.
Luna spun around, Blaise pushed himself off the tree, and Harrison looked towards Hogsmeade village. It took a moment, but suddenly, everyone realized something was wrong, and screams broke out like wildfire. Harrison and Blaise exchanged a look.
"Death Eaters?" Blaise asked.
"No," Harrison shook his head. "Nothing was planned." A cold feeling wrapped around his heart. "Fleur." He looked at Blaise. "We need to get to the girls now."
"And we can't apparate," Blaise cursed under his breath.
"Stay close to me," Harrison told Luna.
Harrison ran towards Hogsmeade Village, Blaise and Luna right behind him, their wands falling into their hands.
Harrison pushed passed frantic people, all of whom must have realized they couldn't apparate. Kids were yelling for their parents, and Harrison heard a wail that made his stomach clench. Every shout sounded like Fleur, and every set of panicked eyes reminded him of her. He hated that the Three Broomstick was three miles from the lake.
The closer they got to Hogsmeade Village the worse things looked. Curses were sailing through the air, screams echoed from every direction and the snow was stained red with blood. A broken and twisted body was lying in front of a quaint cafe, its white trellis splattered with the victims blood. Harrison was running, his breath coming out ragged and his eyes darting left and right. Blaise was next to him, his black hair more messy than usual. A look of confidence radiated on Blaise's face as he ducked a red stunner.
"Are you sure the Three Broomsticks?" Blaise asked as a loud explosion filled the air. Smoke could be seen rising up behind several buildings and the screams intensified.
"Yeah, we'll-" Harrison was cut off by a loud 'bang'. Harrison, Blaise, and Luna were thrown backwards, and they slammed into a gray stone wall. A loud crack could be heard as the three teenagers slid to the ground. Blaise's head was resting on his shoulder and his wand was no longer in his hand. Luna rolled a few feet away from him, but she looked ok. Harrison's head snapped up as he began coughing. Harrison scrambled onto his hands and knees as his coughing turned violent, blood poured from his mouth as he rolled onto his side. Harrison winced, it hurt to breathe, as if he'd broken several ribs, he wiped his mouth on his sleeve. Harrison's emerald eyes went out of focus, he closed them for a second before they opened. His eyes glowed Avada Kedavra green as he took in his surroundings. Shards of wood were surrounding him and the snow was tinged red, brown and yellow. Harrison froze when he saw Blaise. A hiss escaped his lips when he stood up, and walked towards Blaise.
"Blaise, come on we need to go." Harrison knelt down towards Blaise, when he touched his shoulder Blaise's body slumped back. The color drained from Harrison's face. "No," Harrison's voice sounded desperate.
"Blaise," Luna grabbed his arm, and quickly pulled them away. Her hands were stained red with his blood. "No." She shook her head. "No, this can't be happening. I wasn't here. I thought I'd stopped it. Things are different now. He can't be." Her head shaking became violent.
Harrison could see that Luna was going into shock, and he cursed under his breath.
"You need to go, Luna," Harrison said. "Now."
Luna shook her head, but before she could speak, Harrison reached inside his shirt, pulled out his silver snake pendant necklace, muttered a word, and thrust it into Luna's hands. He saw her disappear, and internally breathed a sigh of relief knowing she'd be ok.
"Harrison! Harrison!" Harrison spun around and saw a terrified Hermione staring at him. Her red sweater was ripped in several places and tears were rolling down her cheeks. "He won't move, Theo won't move!" Hermione fell to her knees and buried her head in her hands. A choked sob escaped from her as her body trembled. "He told me to leave, his wand was broken and I couldn't find mine. I couldn't levitate him." Hermione's body shook harder. "Everyone was running and screaming, I couldn't see straight. I- I." Hermione started to hyperventilate. Harrison went even paler, he glanced at Blaise, pain flashing over his face before his expression hardened. Harrison looked murderous, his eyes glowed almost inhumanly as he briskly walked towards Hermione, ignoring the searing pain that shot through his body.
"Where is he?" Harrison asked urgently. A coldness crept over him. "Where's Fleur? Where is anyone else?"
"They're-" A loud gong like noise reverberated through the air, Harrison cast a protection shield over him and Hermione as the sky was illuminated. A thick white smoke flew towards them, it shattered Harrison's shield sending them both flying backwards. Hermione landed on the ground in a heap, her neck twisted at an awkward angle. Harrison landed five feet away, blood trickling down the side of his face.
xxXXxxXXxxXXxxXx
"This conversation has been enlightening," Pierre Delacour said, "to say the least. While we have yet to reach an agreement, I am pleased that I have been able to see a different side to you. I must admit, when I found out my daughter was dating the son of the Dark Lord…." He laughed awkwardly. "It was quite the shock."
"I can see how that would be," Tom said.
Tom smiled, even though what he really wanted to do was smirk. He had always known Pierre was intelligent, but he had failed to realize just how much of a politician the man really is. Pierre did a good job of hiding that side of him, preferring to be seen as the incorruptible family man, but Tom had finally seen deep down into the man's soul. He didn't have Pierre yet, but he would soon.
The smile slipped from Tom's face when he felt a tug on his magic signaling that Harrison had used his emergency portkey.
"Harrison," Tom said quickly before disapparating.
Tom apparated to the lounge and the fear he had felt upon feeling Harrison's emergency portkey activate turned into confusion when he saw Luna sitting on the ground, her head shaking from side to side. That confusion once more turned to fear when he saw that Luna was covered in blood.
"Luna, where is Harrison?" Tom asked quickly.
Luna didn't appear to hear him, but she did stop shaking her head. She was staring straight ahead as if in a trance, or more likely, shock. Her skin was more pale than normal, and her hands were shaking.
"Luna!" Tom snapped.
He grabbed Luna's arms and shook her, but she didn't seem to register that he was even touching her. Tom felt his patience snap.
"Where is Harrison?" Tom asked, his voice laced with venom.
Luna's eyes came into focus, and tears began to fall down her face.
"I didn't want to leave them!" Luna sobbed. Her breathing came out in quick, shallow, gasps. "Harrison made me. He threw that at me and—" Her voice caught in her throat.
Luna pointed a shaking hand at something on the ground. Tom quickly bent down and picked up a glittering snake dangling from a long silver chain.
"His emergency portkey," Tom said. No emotion could be found in his words.
Tom had hoped that it was a misunderstanding, but he couldn't deny it. Harrison knew the seriousness of activating his portkey. Tom had given Harrison that necklace before his first year at Hogwarts, and Harrison knew he should always wear it under his shirt, and never take it off. He couldn't think of a reason why Luna would have it.
"Where is my son, and why would he give—"
The door flew open, and a disheveled Narcissa ran inside. Narcissa looked as if she were running for her life. Panic was etched in her face, and her eyes were wild. Tom felt a fear grip him that he didn't know was possible.
"My Lord," Narcissa said quickly, fear evident in her voice. "Lucius and Severus have been trying to contact you. Something has happened. The children —"
The chandelier hanging from the ceiling shattered, and the room went cold. If his son was injured he would kill everyone involved.
"Where is my son?" Tom asked, his words coming out like a hiss.
"Hogsmeade," Narcissa said.
Tom dropped the necklace and disapparated.
AN:
REVIEW! I would love to know what you like and don't like, and what you're looking forward to. There is a poll on my site for another story!
For those wondering, NO, this isn't all you'll see from Hogsmeade on New Year's Eve. The next chapter will be the rest of New Years Eve, and depending on its length, the aftermath.