HLN 21 Swinging On The Moon
Harry was downstairs, doing the last minute checks. Everything seemed ready, but the guests had not arrived. He was sitting in the F oyer enjoying a light breakfast when the Floo flared for the first time that day. He rose to welcome Healer Jones, and offered him some tea.
"Thank you. I'll just sit here while you finish your bite." An elf in pale-green appeared to take his case, and took it to the bedroom he would occupy. "I brought along a large number of calming potions, and will have some on me at all times. If you feel stressed, or even look stressed, I will be expecting to give you one."
Harry nodded. He had rather expected that. It was good to have Jones here, keeping an eye on him. He called an elf to take his dishes away as the Floo lit again. It would be a busy morning!
While Professor Mearle, the primary guest, arrived alone, most of the others brought a 'plus-one', usually a spouse. He wore chinos, high boots, an explorer's belt with many pockets, a black leather vest over a white poet shirt, and a soft leather hat. Harry would not have been the least bit surprised to find a coiled whip or pistols. A gold chain glinted under his shirt. The Professor excused himself quickly, explaining he was getting back from a quick visit to Egypt and really needed a good nap. He followed the elf who took his briefcase.
Minerva arrived with her namesake niece, who looked as much like her as was possible considering the age difference. Minerva was still Head Mistress at Hogwarts, much to her own surprise. As she explained it, her retirement had gotten lonely with her niece in school in Greece. She could have found work somewhere warmer, even Beau Batons, but most of her friends were still in Britain. She seemed smaller now, no longer wearing the high boots, padded robes, or hat. Her hair wasn't even black, but had returned to the original copper. She was, Harry was relieved to see, still wearing her family tartan, but it was cut in a comfortable modern style. Around her neck she wore a broad-ringed gold chain, descending to a dark red stone. Instead of pence-nez, she now wore square silver frames on a silver chain. These seemed to reside on top of her head, against her coiled chignon, never shifting.
Stout and black haired, Filias Flitwick and his very pregnant wife; Pomona Sprout with her husband, and many others began arriving. Harry greeted them all, and the elves took them to their rooms. Impossible to stop, the elves also unpacked everyone, hung their party clothes out, and began to squeak at many: "That will never do! I will press /or mend/or alter that dress right now!" And a lovely special dress would vanish. Ties were cleaned, colors of men's robes were just-so-slightly adjusted to match their wives gowns, shoes and boots were polished. The guests would all come out of this experience slightly shell shocked at being managed by the servants, but they would all look their best. That was guaranteed because after a lovely lunch the Spa crews got their manicured hands on them! Haircuts, close shaves or beard trims, hairstyles, delicate makeup, manicures and pedicures, sauna wraps and relaxing massages later everyone looked younger and healthier. When they put on their party finery later, many were surprised at how much better the clothes fit and felt.
Harry and Ginny, of course, went through the Spa treatments with everyone else. Finally released by his burly masseur, Harry pulled on the provided white robe and wobbled to the front of the room, accepting a cold glass of juice as he sat next to Neville. "Hannah is probably waiting for me in our room. I should get up there and help her with her buttons," but Neville made no move, sipping on his own juice.
"Don't worry. The female elves are having a ball being ladies maids. The ladies will all come down together, right before the Ball begins."
Finally finishing his juice, Harry found Dobby standing beside him, hand held out. "Sir needs to get dressed now. Most guests will be arriving soon, and the ceilings need to be cast."
Harry nodded, took Dobby's hand, and was popped to his quiet green bedroom. Outside the glass doors he could see the wind swirling snow off the roof, shaking the trees by the river. He picked up the Elder wand, and cast - Planetaria – at his own ceiling. While the room remained brightly lit, the ceiling developed a dark spiral, which spread until the whole was dark, sprinkled with huge stars. He knew the effect was being repeated in every room and hallway, since he had set his limits at the outer doorways, Floo, and walls. He dressed quickly in his new robes of Spring Green trimmed in dark green fur, with dark green leggings and boots. He slid both wands into his invisible holster, and knives into his boots. He looked through the door to the Foyer (his side was clear so he could always see if anyone was there) and saw only the Weasley family, all looking down the long hallway as the swirling ceiling effect reached them. He smiled and slipped out behind them, closing his door softly. It vanished as George caught the slight sound and turned.
"Harry, you snuck up on us! Where is Ginny?"
"She's coming. She knows how important it is to greet our guests!" Indeed, Ginny immediately appeared at the other end of the hall. She wore a velvet gown a Disney Princess would love, soft green trimmed with dark green fur. Her boots matched his, also, except for having high heels. Her hair was swept up in a great French Bouffant, with curls. Diamonds shimmered on pins in her hair, dangling in showers of sparks from her ears, and on her fingers. Unusually, only a single strand of fire circled her throat. Even with the heels, and the upswept hair, she was still shorter than Harry. She might have preferred 'tiny', or 'delicate', but as long as all eyes were on her she didn't mind.
The Professors swarmed around them and formed a Reception line just in time, as the Floo flared. The Floo in Harrys Manor was tall and wider than a double doorway, so people could and did come through two by two or in small groups. The tickets were timed, one-quarter minute apart, so they had to keep the line moving. Elves, robed in pale green, waited in the corners of the Foyer with trays of pretty drinks. More elves stood along the hallway with trays of treats, encouraging the guests to proceed, so the foyer and long hall functioned as a meet-and-greet area with displays of fine art, paintings, and of course Ginny's French mirrors. The guests mingled happily, admiring each others and chattering with everyone. When most of the guests had arrived, Harry and Ginny led the way to the formal dining room, circling the tables in promenade as everyone found their place. Elves remained in the foyer to admit latecomers and guide them in. Ginny wasn't the only one who loved making an entrance, All of the latecomers found themselves seated near the entrance, rather than walking the tables greeting friends who arrived earlier. Each table was headed by a pair of the honored professors, and larger tables would have several scattered around. The tables had low flower centerpieces, with star-shape candle holders of rather thick pottery spread through them, tying the pastel colors of the flowers with the star-shape silver dishes and goblets.
The beautiful ceilings received much comment, as did the decorations. Last year most of the decorations had been either flowers or glass. This year there were pastel flowers in fantastic arrangements on every table and window ledge, but ornaments were absent. If you had searched the whole house you would have found few items small enough to throw, or breakables. Harry's new glass chess set Charlie had made was safely in his locked room, as was his dragon. Both were as unbreakable as possible. The Art pieces on display, like the wall plaque, were very large, fastened firmly, and fireproof. When the diners moved to the ballroom they found a great Orrery floating against the backdrop of stars. Similar to the one produced at Hogwarts every year, these were spinning in rapid orbits, chiming softly. They gave off light in all colors, and reflected it as well. The glass doors to the formal garden were open, but the snow was held above their heads, forming a dome over a shield. The walkways and seats were clean. The long reflecting pool was freshly glazed, and skates were available for anyone who pleased to skate.
Madame Griselda Marchbanks led out the dancers on the arm of Professor Mearle. The pairs of teachers followed in promenade, circling the floor. Minervas walked with her friend Flitwick, whose very pregnant wife was tucked in a chair in the corner, being coddled by the delighted elves. It was surprising how close the pair were in height, now that Minerva no longer 'enhancing' her appearance of age and authority. For all his girth, Flitwick once again proved himself a nimble dancer, skipping and hopping through the complicated Quadrille in the traditional French style.
For this first part, the younger adults stayed back. Most of them knew this dance in the slower, modern British tradition. They knew the steps, but the speed was breathtaking. They KNEW Griselda was over two hundred. Where did she find the energy for this? Professor Mearle kept up, though clearly the youngest on their square. Lord Tofty matched his wife step for step, looking like a pair of dried-apple dolls but bouncing like teenagers..
For their share of the entertainment, as the Professors went back to their seats around the edge of the room, Harry and his friends lined loosely across the dance floor. A lone flute began, played by an elf in gold who wandered among them. When it went to the side and stopped, the dancers snapped into poses with their legs crossed and heads turned sideways. The full band began, but only Seamus moved, tapping his feet and doing a jig between the lines. Crash, and the girls in a line began sweeping across the floor. Men formed a second line, following them, intersecting the lines, circling and spinning in the Battle Dance. Seamus alternately joined the line or went against it, flirting with the girls before spinning away. It was the Riverdance, traditional Irish dancing as most of the older generations had never seen it. Various of the dancers began to collapse on the edges, the music diminishing. Finally alone, Seamus tapped around the floor before collapsing on the last notes. The figure in gold appeared again, flute mourning as it walked. Silence fell, and the elf vanished. Several beats of silence later, the audience began clapping as the dancers sat up.
"Welcome to the 2005 Potter Ball!" Harry spoke from the small stairs at the entrance. "Tonight we honor those who taught us, who have given us their best, and are still teaching our children! All of you will take home a signed copy of Professor Mearle's newest book. The elves will make sure yours goes home with you. There is also a table over there of books some of our other guests have written, if you are curious. I am sure they would be thrilled to autograph one for you! Your tickets, and all profit from the books, go to the Hogwarts Scholarship fund. There is skating available in the garden. There are a few new finds in the cases of Potter Prizes to examine if you please, and it is always fun to see some of you wearing yours. A buffet of snacks is set up, or you can ask any elf for anything we have. Oh, and when you leave you are welcome to take the star candle holders with you – they are charmed to extinguish when picked up and will not burn your pockets. The flowers will be sent home with the ladies, so if you see an arrangement you like be sure to tell an elf." Harry stepped down, and absently accepted a glass of something yellow from Dobby, who was now wearing the same light green as the other elves.
Seamus joined him, sipping a dark brown bubbling glass that smelled of Rum & Coke. "You danced very well. I was a bit surprised you didn't accept the offer to be Death? It's much easier, and you've been playing a flute since we were firsties."
"I have no desire to be typecast as Death. Besides, I'm much too tall!" said the true MOD, though Seamus didn't know that part.
"Well, yes, Death is usually played by a child. I played it myself for years."
"How did you wind up in Riverdance, anyhow? I was surprised when I spotted you on that stage! I took Ginny and the Harpies to see the show in Dublin, in September, when they had a game there."
"We saw you in the audience. After all, you bought a whole block of seats, and the Harpies are noticeable! Michael is my Uncle. Riverdance has been our family company since the beginning. We teach dance, have studios all over Ireland, but it is Michael who is the star and put us on the big stage. I was dancing as soon as I could walk. I spent every break from Hogwarts working. I was Death when we danced for Her Majesty. I sing, too, but Irish Tenors are all over."
They stood, sipping, watching a Waltz. Harry was remembering Seamus singing with Neville and Fay in the evenings in the Common Room, Trevor croaking a beat. Another night, another memory, of Padma and Parvati singing a duet of Enya's "May it Be", clear high voices in such unison it was impossible to tell which sister sang which lines. Every Feast had featured the Choir. Seamus had taught them all to clog, tap, and jig, laughing at each other in their dorm as they tripped over each others feet. Good times, good memories.
Hermione, in red satin with her delicate tiara in her curls, was dancing with Charlie, and Ginny was with Ron. Molly and Arthur were lost in each others eyes, looking young and in love. Percy seemed uncomfortable, holding a slightly bumpy Aubrey as if she might break. The dance ended, and the couples cleared the floor. Ron was seen talking to Garrick Ollivander (who taught a 7th year Elective on magical Foci), before both headed down the hall to a chess room. Charlie escorted Hermione to the buffet and served her, settling her next to Minnie McGonagall.
Hermione asked Minnie, ''What is that necklace your Aunt is wearing? It's lovely, but I don't remember seeing it when we were in school. Is it a Family piece?"
Minnie nibbled a biscuit, thinking. "No, it's the symbol of her earning her Mastery in Alchemy. After all, that's permanent Transfiguration, so it was a logical next study for her. She earned it shortly before Dumbledore died."
"OH! I knew he was an Alchemist, but I didn't realize she was his Apprentice. What was her project?"
"No, Dumbledore was never an Alchemist. He did study for it, with the Flamels, but he never finished because he was called home when his Mother died. Later, he was much too busy with Politics, though he refused the position of Minister when World War II ended. He was a Transfiguration Master, but no more.
Auntie did her research on her own time, with no Master, though the Flamels awarded her the Mastery. It really surprised her, because she hadn't realized she was doing anything more than research in Transfiguration. I was still quite young when they spotted her Project, which is never identified, and awarded the Mastery. I'm told this is one Mastery that can only be awarded by another Master. No committee, no paper, but you have to prove a very difficult project without being told what it is. Just study what you love. They will find you."
That left Hermione wondering. What DID she love best? She had Outstanding NEWTs in almost every subject offered. She had a mundane MBA. She truly enjoyed her work developing the new broom. Taking on the Ministry and straightening out that mess of antique laws was something she looked forward to, but was it something she wanted to do for the rest of her life?
"Do you know what the unnamed project is, since you have lived with her so long? Do you intend to also earn the Alchemy Mastery?
"Yes, I know but I won't tell. It's not important because I have to come up with my own. Yes, I will earn mine sometime, but I'm not sure how since my subject is Mediterranean History with an emphasis on the Gods and Religion. I have my Newt in Transfiguration, and all the others, but History is my area. I'm doing my Mastery with Professor Mearle." Just at that moment the named Professor drifted over and invited Minnie to dance. Hermione was left alone for the moment, sipping a green drink and staring at the Orrery above her.
Ginny and her mother drifted together. Molly, the romantic, had a few things to say. "Did you see Charlie with Hermione? I know Ron brought her, but they have been friends forever and I've never seen Ron interested in any woman. I've been watching, and it seems Charlie is always joining them, or her. I think our Charlie is sweet on Hermione!"
Ginny liked this idea. "I've been trying to find Ron a wife for ages! All of my friends are bringing younger sisters and cousins around, but Ron has never dated any! Some of the Tremblewhites friends and business partners have even brought a few sons along, but Ron doesn't seem to swing that way, either. He has hired some for his joke shop, and I know some have joined his Chess club. There are some girls here tonight trying to get his attention because their families would like to be closer to ours – or to Harry. Ron's married to his shop. Hermione always described Ron as having the emotional range of a teaspoon. Any woman who does marry him needs to have her own interests. Honestly, Harry is much the same.
I like the idea of Charlie being sweet on Hermione. We had always wondered if HE swung that way, but he may have just needed the right woman. Didn't he date Tonks in school? And didn't he tell Bill to hurry up and marry Fleur or he would? Charlie just likes powerful women!" Ginny didn't mention that she would be glad to see Hermione married to anyone who didn't live in England. She was sure Harry could find another to manage his factory, and Ron had Ingrid to play Chess with.
Both women finished their drinks and found their men. It was time to go skate a while. Ginny's huge skirt was actually perfect for skating, gracefully swirling, the short train of ribbons fluttering as Harry spun her around. Others soon joined them under the snow dome.
At midnight Harry again stood on the stairs to award the Potter Prize. "This years Potter Prize is this crystal and mithril star pendant, by Cellini. It is actually internally lit, a permanent twinkle that can increase as needed. May it be a light to you in dark places, a happy memory of our Ball and our thanks to you for your dedication to the education of our children, Griselda Marchbanks!" The flustered Lady came forward, and Ginny fastened the clasp around her neck.
Harry also had jeweled lily pins for all the lady teachers, and tie clips for the men with the Hogwarts shield. Each lady of the Riverdance received a smaller flower pin, and the men tie tacks with the Potter coat of arms. While this sounds like quite a few gifts, there were hundreds of guests. Everyone would also take a signed copy of Mearle's book, most would take at least one other book, all of the ladies would have real flowers, and almost everyone would take one of the pottery candle sticks. The elves generously tucked butter pastries in the corners of the bags to steady everything before shrinking the bags.
The dancing continued for hours. People skated, nibbled and drank, and admired all of the Potter Prizes, both cased and those worn. The book table displays were very popular. Most bought at least one, and many bought copies of every book there. No one was surprised to see Hermione and Aubrey were among those! Hermione had a long conversation with Aurora Sinestra, who had written a thick reference, "Biographies of the Astronomers", about the many languages she had to learn to do her research. Flitwick had a 3-volume set; "Dueling for Beginners", "Advanced Dueling", and "Tips for Beginner Professional Dueling". He may have been round, but he was still teaching Dueling classes.
After midnight people began to slip out, taking their leave with their gifts shrunken in small bags. The elves had tagged each with the proper recipient, so they all made it to their destinations. Again, there were card and chess games going in the small parlors, and several wives had been tucked into guest quarters. By sunrise (a glittering, golden sunrise on the fresh snow) the dancers had quit, so the band packed up, was served a much-deserved breakfast and given a fat bag of Galleons. The last guests still awake (mostly card players) were firmly told the party was over. Their wives were woken, everyone enjoyed as much breakfast as they liked, and went home. Finally only the family and their house guests remained, and all of them streamed up to bed.
Ginny looked around, and discovered Harry was missing. Supposing he had simply walked up the stairs with whichever guest he was still talking to, she also went to her room, took a quick shower, and tumbled into bed, asleep before she hit the pillows. It had been an exhausting weekend for her! Daisy was very quiet as she picked up the dropped clothing, put away jewelry, and cleaned the bathroom. There was an arrangement of while roses on her table scenting the room, and another had been put in her apartment with a pair of white candlesticks.
Harry had walked up the stairs with Lord Tofty and his wife, seeing them safely to their room. With everyone seen to, Harry walked to his office and went to his bedroom. His room was warm, curtains drawn against the sunlight, sheets turned back, and a dark-green candle in a pottery star glimmered on the table. Harry also took a shower, easing his stressed muscles in the hot water. He took the potion Jones had slipped him, and his tired mind relaxed into slumber.
No one woke before Noon, and many slept until one or even two o'clock. Harry had never slept late, so he was up at Noon, drinking tea and reading the paper in the 'small' dining room. As he munched toast with beans, toast with marmalade, toast with eggs and toast with sausages, he scanned the news. Ginny's catch on Friday was still the headline story, illustrated with the huge picture of the team. On the other side of the page was a lucky shot of Ginny's dive to the grass, coming up with the snitch. He folded the paper to that picture, and sent it up to her room so she could see it as soon as she woke. He looked over the chafing dishes on the sideboard, and took a bowl of assorted grapes from the iced tray.
He settled in his chair to read the rest of the paper. The business section had finally caught wind of a broom being developed, something completely new. A very Junior reporter, posted in the Ministry to read applications and chat up the staff, had caught the scoop of a lifetime. He had better go to the main office on Monday morning. There would surely be a swarm of reporters.
The guests began to trickle into the room Old people don't sleep much, and many of these were older than anyone in the mundane world. Dried up and looking like grasshoppers, they might fool you, but these folks were probably best compared to someone a quarter their ages. They filled large plates with everything from toast to Black Pudding, washing it down with vats of tea, juices, and even coffee. As the older set finished and headed to the Floo to go home, the younger teachers descended to eat, thank their hosts, and also go home. The elves brought their bags, gifts and packed luggage.
