When Harry arrived in front of the town meeting hall, he was greeted with
the sight of hundreds upon hundreds of witches and wizards streaming into
the entrance. He quietly thanked his blind luck for allowing him to select
a set of the more elaborate robes he owned.
"Hullo there!" said Hagrid, surprising Harry by coming up behind him. Hagrid clapped him on the shoulder and steered him into the main room.
Harry had never seen the town meeting hall looking so nice. Each table was covered in a stiff white tablecloth, with beautiful crystal dinner settings sparkling at each place. Beneath his feet, the marble floors were polished so that Harry could see his reflection, and the Christmas decorations were the most magnificent that he had ever seen. Holly was hung on everything that wasn't moving, and Christmas trees were weighted down with glittering gold and silver baubles in every corner.
Hagrid parted the clusters of chattering people easily, and Harry noticed that he was being led to the main table. Of course he would be seated at the table that everyone could see. Typical.
"I found 'im," said Hagrid, interrupting Dumbledore and Mrs. Weasley.
"Harry!" said Mrs. Weasley leaping to her feet and giving him a hug.
"Hello," said Harry returning the gesture.
"Now, don't you look handsome!" said Mrs. Weasley, holding him by his shoulders and examining his robes. "I hope my children managed to dress themselves appropriately. I have complete faith that Hermione will pick out something splendid for Ron, and Penny has excellent taste when it comes to Percy's robes. But Fred and George…." She trailed off, glancing around, looking almost afraid of what she might find.
"You look lovely, as usual," Harry told her.
Mrs. Weasley laughed as she straightened her midnight blue robes and patted her hair. "Thank you, dear, that is so sweet of you!"
"How is little Chloe?" Dumbledore asked cheerily. "Adjusting?"
"She's doing better than I ever could have imagined," Harry smiled. "She loves the bauble you gave her."
Mrs. Weasley patted Harry's hand. " It was wonderful of you to take Chloe into your home. She sounds absolutely adorable, and Ginny is so very impressed by the way you are raising her. "
"It's such a shame that Ginny isn't coming."
Mrs. Weasley suddenly looked very weary as she responded, "I know. She's so closed off from everything... we get more and more concerned everyday…."
Mr. Weasley had returned to the table. He stuck out his hand and shook Harry's merrily. "Nice to see you again, Harry! I hear you adopted a little girl from those Muggle relatives of yours! Has she got any Muggle habits that you've had difficulty with?"
Harry grinned at Mr. Weasley. Some things never changed. "No, not that I can tell."
"Hello, Ron dear!" Mrs. Weasley embraced Ron, who had just arrived. "You look so nice. Where's Hermione?"
"She's coming," he sighed, "but she's taking her sweet time about it. We would have been here sooner if she hadn't made such a brouhaha over my robes."
Mrs. Weasley scrutinized her son's attire and smiled. "Your robes are very nice. Maroon has always looked so well on you."
"If you say so, Mum." Ron muttered under his breath.
Percy was displaying Penelope very proudly on his arm. They made a very smart couple, with Percy's starched uniform-like black robes, and Penelope's picturesque Muggle ball gown. Many women had gone all out with their choices of eveningwear, even wearing Muggle ball gowns. Penny's was a floor length rose and cream chiffon evening dress held up by delicate spaghetti straps. The first layer of chiffon was a dark rose, and each of the next layers a lighter pink, until the fifth and final layer was a sheer ivory.
"Oh goodness! You two look so absolutely spectacular!" Mrs. Weasley said bustling over to Penelope. "How on earth do you keep that figure with all those babies?"
Penelope regarded Mrs. Weasley's compliment politely. "We all keep to a strict diet. Scheduling every meal really helps."
Oh, for heaven's sake, thought Harry. Only Percy's wife would schedule menus for their house elves.
Hagrid began chuckling into his champagne glass, and it didn't take long to spot what was so funny.
Fred and George had arrived in merry attire, hollering and waving madly as they parted the crowd.
Mrs. Weasley covered her mouth with her hand and Percy had buried his face in his napkin. Mr. Weasley was making an obvious effort to silence his laughter, while Dumbledore wasn't bothering to hide his.
Ron nudged Harry in the ribs and grinned. "We should've guessed they would have wanted to make an scene."
George had chosen glowing lime green robes (Harry was pretty sure that he could glow in the dark), while Fred's robes made Harry slightly dizzy. His robes had red, white, and blue stripes curved around them and the stripes were actually moving, like a real barbershop pole.
"Arthur," said Mrs. Weasley in a dangerously calm voice, "go greet your children."
Fred and George sauntered to the table and whacked both Harry and Ron on the back affectionately. "Jiminy Cricket! It's Harry Potter!" exclaimed Fred grinning from ear to ear.
George shook his head. "No, Fred, it's The Great Harry Potter. They had his name changed a while back."
"The GREAT Harry Potter!"
"With our brother."
"Our ickle baby brother!"
"Really, Perce!" Fred interrupted Percy, who had been whispering to Penny, "These are our best evening clothes!"
Mrs. Weasley was not amused. "Really, I think you two would have known to dress properly for such an important occasion. People will wonder how I raised you two!"
"Mum! How was your trip?" asked Fred cheerfully as if they were simply discussing the weather.
"Don't worry, Mum!" added George. "You've got Percy and Ron to behave themselves."
Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled at them. "A most useful talent: the ability to capture a crowd upon one's arrival."
"Thank you, sir!" said Fred shaking Dumbledore's hand.
Ron glanced at his watch. He looked worried. "Where is Hermione? She's going to miss the award ceremony and half of dinner if she doesn't hurry up! It isn't like her to be running late."
"What award ceremony?" asked Harry, sitting down next to Sirius, who had arrived earlier with Remus Lupin.
"Oh, I might have forgotten to mention that, sorry." Sirius smiled at Harry. "You're receiving an award, along with a few other wizards."
Harry gave Sirius a look. "You really enjoy giving me surprise bits of information, don't you? I bet I'm going to have to make an acceptance speech," sighed Harry.
"Not if you don't want to, dear," soothed Mrs. Weasley.
Ron was across from Harry saving a seat for Hermione. "Just give a short speech," he suggested.
"It'll look great in the newspapers if you do. It will really help your public image," said Percy, further down the table.
"As if Harry needs a better public image," Remus commented with a wry smile.
"Here she comes," Hagrid pointed towards a figure in the back of the room.
Harry smiled, and noted how nice Hermione looked, as she weaved her way through the maze of tables to the front of the banquet hall. She had on a deep red taffeta gown with a full billowing skirt.
"You look lovely, Hermione, but it's about time you decided to show up," Ron said, as he pulled her chair out for her.
"I am not late," said Hermione indignantly.
"I'm afraid so." Ron tapped on his watch, obviously relishing the fact that she wasn't on time for something.
"Hello everyone!" Hermione greeted them ignoring Ron's comment."
"What on earth took you so long?" asked Ron.
"I took a slight detour." Hermione turned in her chair and looked around the meeting hall.
"A detour? What'd you do? Skip backwards the entire way?"
"No, Ron, I didn't. And there's the reason I'm late!" She inclined her head, indicating the crowd near the door.
"Ginny!"
Ginny was making her way through the tables with some difficulty due to her dress. Harry couldn't help but notice how lovely she looked. She was wearing an ivory-colored dress made of heavy satin. The gown had a slightly open back leading to a line of satin roses, where the dress began again, followed by a short train. She had to hold her dress up a bit as she walked, so as to move without stepping on it.
Harry closed his mouth when he realized he was staring.
The last open seat was diagonally across from Harry. Ron stood up and pulled Ginny's chair out for her.
Hermione looked immensely proud of herself. "When I heard Ginny wasn't going to come- she was using the excuse of work, on a Friday night mind you- - I had to get her to come."
"Darling, you look precious! I'm glad you decided to come," said Mrs. Weasley nearly beside herself with glee.
"Bravo, Ginny! Way to be social!" Fred shouted.
Ginny's eyes were downcast and she was blushing. "It's because Hermione talked me into it."
Percy nodded as if he had known she was coming the entire time. "Oh, I knew you'd start to get out and about."
"Nice to see you come to such a marvelous occasion!" said Dumbledore, reaching across the table to squeeze her hand. "You picked out such a lovely dress for the party, don't you think, Harry?"
Harry was still staring. "Yes, it's quite enchanting," he said not taking his eyes from her.
"Oh good," said Hermione, "they're starting the ceremony now!"
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen!" Lee Jordan, the Master of Ceremonies, stood on the stage to the right of the head table, and a spotlight beamed on him as the other lights dimmed. "The last ball held for this occasion was more than two decades ago!"
"What a way to make us feel young," grumbled Sirius.
Harry wondered how Lee could do things like this for a living. Lee had a late night comedy show that aired on the WWN, with famous wizard guests. Harry was thankful that Lee's producers hadn't recruited him as a guest for the show. He supposed it was only a matter of time, though."
"However," Lee continued, "the ministry decided that it was in the best of tastes to honor the two men responsible, for the downfall of You-Know-Who," the spot light shifted so that it shone in Harry's eyes, "Misters Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter."
Applause and cheers filled the room. Dumbledore stood up and Harry felt Sirius nudge his elbow and he stood up also. He managed a small smile at the crowd.
Lee then continued his presentation, giving awards to various witches and wizards who had supported the war cause during what had been a risky time to outwardly express opposition to Voldemort.
Then came the real surprise: Harry's award.
Lee had gotten serious as he told the familiar story of Harry's parents. Harry was sure. Then Lee made a speech about how Harry had more than exceeded the expectations of everyone in their world by defeating the Dark Lord for a final and last time.
"It is an honor to present Harry with this plaque and to tell him that from this day forward, this ballroom and town meeting hall in their entirety will be known as Potter Hall. In memory of Lily and James Potter and recognizing their son's amazing achievements. Our society is forever in his debt," said Lee solemnly.
The applause was thunderous. Harry stood up shakily. He was so astounded that his parents were being honored; he could barely take the plaque from Lee.
"Thank you for doing this in my parents' memory. That alone is one of the greatest gifts I could ever hope to receive. Thank you so very much for your kindness."
Harry tried to ignore the thunderous applause, and the blinding flashes as he made his way back to his seat. Audiences would applaud anything....
"A whole building named after you, Harry!"
"Congratulations, Harry, you deserve it!"
"Thanks."
Lee began talking about Dumbledore and told the crowd some of the amusing stories about what Dumbledore had done while Lee was still Hogwarts. He then told how Dumbledore's brilliant thinking and strategies had led to the downfall of Voldemort. "
"What do you give a man who has been named the Greatest Wizard of Modern Times? Albus Dumbledore has probably received many awards in his lifetime, but we are going to give him what he has asked for every year and never received."
The crowd began to mutter to each other and wonder what Dumbledore had wanted.
"Socks," said Lee displaying a box full of hand knitted socks in several different colors, "and this plaque, of course."
Dumbledore took the box from Lee and laughed heartily. "Thank you kindly!"
Ginny, despite her earlier refusal to come to the party, was enjoying herself. She was clearly happy to be surrounded by her family and friends. Meanwhile, Hermione and Ron were keeping things interesting to her right.
"Ron, for heaven's sake! Don't mix your stuffing in your mashed potatoes! It's horrible manners," chided Hermione.
"Where did that come from, Hermione?" Ron asked, turning to stare at his wife.
"It isn't proper," she said, nodding her head primly towards his plate.
"No one cares about what I do to my mashed potatoes, Hermione, these are our friends."
"Well, I do. It's embarrassing," she said.
"You honestly get embarrassed over my mashed potatoes?"
"No. It's the principle of the thing!" she retorted hotly.
"What validity does the argument of principle have in this discussion? Mashed potatoes have principle?" asked Ron, raising an eyebrow.
"I was attempting to make it simplistic, so your mind could grasp the concept of proper dinner behavior," she said without skipping a beat.
"In other words, you couldn't think of how mashed potatoes had principle," he replied with a grin.
"That is absolutely not true!"
"Uh-huh, I won, I can do whatever I want with my mashed potatoes." Ron said triumphantly, taking a bite.
"I'll tell you what to do with your ruddy mashed potatoes," she grumbled.
"I'm sorry, sweetheart? Is that proper dinner language too?" Ron poked at her playfully.
Hermione actually looked up and smiled at him. "You're impossible, Ron Weasley."
Ron laughed and he kissed her on the cheek.
Percy was drawling on to Harry about how he should really consider a career in politics and how Harry was at an optimum age to begin building a good solid public relations background. Harry was nodding and smiling blankly at Percy, only half listening.
"So, you see, it's all how the public eye sees you. You've got an excellent repertoire so far, perfect for a public office. Maybe Governor would be a modest start... you've got a few years to study the credentials."
"Of course Harry's got an excellent repertoire, you twit! He's Harry Potter! Any blockhead can realize that he could run for any office and win. You're lucky your job isn't an elected office," snorted George.
Percy looked indignant. "Yes I know who he is, George, I was merely pointing out that Harry should open his political options."
"This is neither the time nor the place," warned Mr. Weasley.
Harry interrupted them before they could start up again. "Ah, well actually, Percy, I'm not looking for any new opportunities, right now. I have Chloe to think of, and I like the job I have now. I always wanted to be an Auror anyway."
"An Auror is an admirable job," said Lupin agreeing with Harry.
"I think Percy should run for Governor, he's done so well as Minister that he could probably manage both jobs at the same time," Sirius remarked with a grin on his face. He winked at George when Percy wasn't looking.
"Really? You think I could make a decent candidate? That's very interesting and intriguing to hear," said Percy setting down his fork and turning to Sirius.
"Politicians are indeed a special breed of their own," commented Dumbledore, smiling at the ceiling.
"How's the shop coming along these days?" Harry asked the twins.
"Great! By this time next year we can probably start building the new store. We have this idea that the store itself should be a practical joke," said Fred.
"Wouldn't it be great to shop in a store where you would never know what to expect?" added George with enthusiasm.
"Trap doors, moving floors, fake doors, and all sorts of things like that."
"Isn't that grounds for a lot of lawsuits?" laughed Remus.
The dinner and dessert plates were cleared and three pleasant chimes sounded.
"That's to signal that the dance is starting in the other room," explained Mr. Weasley.
The ballroom was even more impressive than the dining hall. It had a gleaming oyster-white marble floor and the room was at least the length of a football field. Chandeliers dripping with crystals were hung on the ceiling from their thick gold chains. Ivory wallpaper was delicately brushed with what looked like gold dust and accented nicely with the crown molding. One of the walls was especially beautiful: It was made entirely of stained glass that had been cut in very intricate and complicated designs. It was lighted from the outside and spilled small shards of soft color onto the floor and their faces.
The orchestra was tuning up and sooner than Harry would have liked, the conductor began a fast waltz. Most all the people with him had disappeared in the sweep of dresses and cloaks. He probably looked like an idiot, standing there gaping at it all.
"May I have this dance?"
"Parvati Patil? Of course!" said Harry, recognizing her. Parvati was wearing a black dress with a slit that was almost too dramatic.
"So, how have you been doing?"
"I've been doing all right, what are you doing these days?" he said, hoping she could keep up the tempo in her shoes, which looked to have at least a six inch heel.
"I work for Witch Weekly, under the penname of 'Ms. Fashion'."
"Oh, I can't say I've seen your column. I'll look for it though."
"I hear you're in the big money now, Harry," she smiled changing the subject quick as a flash.
"Pardon?" stuttered Harry, "Oh, um, I do all right for someone my age I guess." Harry couldn't believe that Parvati would just ram her nose right into his financial status...if he wasn't mistaken; he was getting the impression that she was....
"Any main squeezes in your life?"
...chasing him for his money. They waltzed in silence as Harry looked her straight in the eye and refused to answer.
"Do you mind if I cut in, Harry?"
Justin Finch-Fletchey. Harry had never known him that well, but he was glad to be rid of Parvati.
"Nice to see you, Parvati," he said, nodding his head and backing away.
Hermione and Ron hadn't taken a break from the arguing yet.
"Would you let me lead?" said Ron.
"You are leading," sighed Hermione.
"How could I be, when you are?"
"I can't help it!" laughed Hermione.
Ron twirled her around and then grinned at her.
Harry took a long drink of punch and caught a glimpse of Oliver Wood dancing with Ginny. He caught himself staring again and was shocked out of his trance by a horrible voice.
"What's the matter? No ladies for you, Potter?"
"Step away," said Harry, turning to face Draco Malfoy with narrowed eyes.
"Really? And why is that, Potter? Too afraid to show off your powers? Weren't they good enough for the Dark Lord and my dad? Or are you just so drained out now that you can't handle me?"
Harry took a step forward and got right into Malfoy's face. "I'll set this straight one time, and one time only. I didn't kill your father, your beloved Dark Lord did it for me, he killed your father to save himself. Your Dark Lord was a murderer and a coward. Any idiot that supported him... they deserved what they got from him in the end... nothing but a tombstone," hissed Harry, keeping his voice down.
Malfoy was about to take a swing at him but Harry interrupted him.
"I don't think that's a good idea, Malfoy, especially since you claimed in your trial that you never supported Voldemort in the least. It would look awfully funny if you hit me here. People might suspect things. It seems to me when you don't own up to your past and present—and, no doubt, future-- of being a Death-Eater... you're just the same coward that Voldemort was."
Malfoy was turning a deep shade of purple as he stepped back. "You watch your family, Potter. I know about that little Mudblood you adopted. It would be horrible if anything happened to her."
"Don't threaten me, or my family."
"Ready, Pansy?"
Harry glared at her when she brushed by him in a froth of sickening pink feathers.
"What was that all 'bout?" asked Hagrid coming over.
"Nothing. I can handle it," said Harry shaking his head.
"Don't go being so gutsy with yer life now that you've got that little Chloe," warned Hagrid.
"I know."
"Ge' out there and do some dancin', Harry, half the girls in this place are ready to swamp you as soon as you set a foot on the dance floor." Hagrid gently pushed him in the general direction of the dance floor and grinned.
Harry searched the sea of laughing and rapidly moving faces for someone he wanted to dance with. Hermione was dancing with Fred Weasley, Penelope with Ron, and Percy with his mother, and Ginny with her dad.
"May I cut in?" he asked Percy.
Mrs. Weasley laughed. "Oh how sweet of you, Harry!"
Percy kissed his mum on the cheek and went to go get punch.
"Molly! He's much too young for you and he doesn't even have red hair!" exclaimed Mr. Weasley, stopping to talk to them. "Here, I'll trade my wife for my prettiest daughter," he said to Harry.
"Dad, I'm your only daughter," corrected Ginny.
"Not the point." Mr. Weasley winked as he waltzed off with Molly.
"May I have this dance?" he asked.
Ginny nodded and smiled shyly at him. Harry bowed properly and swept her across the dance floor.
"Was Chloe okay with staying the night at Percy's home?" asked Ginny.
"She was very excited about having a sleepover with Meghan. I don't think she'll miss me in the least."
"Oh, yes she will," said Ginny becoming more comfortable with dancing with Harry. They made superb dance partners; all their steps flowed in perfect unison.
The fast waltz ended with a loud flourish from the orchestra. Ginny and Harry bowed and curtsied to each other.
"Would you like to dance with me, Harry?"
Harry turned from Ginny to see who it was. It was Lavender Brown. He glanced from Ginny to Lavender and made up his mind. "Save a dance for me, Lavender. I promised Ginny I'd dance with her for a bit."
After Lavender had left, Ginny looked at Harry in disbelief. "I never made you promise to dance with me, you can certainly dance with Lavender. I hope I'm not stopping you."
" I would like to dance with you," he said simply.
Ginny felt her face grow hot. A new song began and it was much slower. Harry stepped in a bit closer and she found it very hard to concentrate, especially since he was keeping perfect eye contact.
"You aren't upset are you?"
"Whatever for?" Ginny asked, looking puzzled.
"For making it sound like I was using you as an excuse…to not dance with Lavender. I hope you didn't think otherwise." Harry extended his arm and spun Ginny gracefully, as he said this. She laughed as they resumed dancing again and Harry smiled at her. "You are much too beautiful to be used in any way."
Ginny almost stopped dancing in her surprise. That had seemingly come out of nowhere. Ginny took a slow breath and tried to accept the compliment as if it was something quite normal to come out of Harry Potter's mouth. "Thank you."
Harry wanted to hit himself on the forehead. Why had he said that? He had meant it, but where had it come from? Ginny was looking at him if he had suddenly gone mad. Harry couldn't decide if he had or not. With a sudden jolt he realized that he really did think Ginny was beautiful. And she was a wonderfully sweet person, and she was terrific with children, and… where were these thoughts coming from? He was just realizing this after fourteen years? He was an idiot.
"A knut for your thoughts," Ginny said, striking up conversation again. "You've got the most curious expression on your face, and I really must know what's got you thinking so hard."
Horror flashed through Harry's mind. To tell her what he was thinking now… that would change everything. It would be nice to tell her, though… but this was too fast, to tell her now would be a bit cheap, really….
"These particular thoughts," Harry said with an amused smile, "are worth more than a knut. At the very least, one galleon."
"My, those are pricey thoughts…."
"A few are priceless."
"Any chance of a discount for the teacher of your five-year old?" she said playfully. "I do after all, make a teacher's salary."
"Maybe someday," Harry said quietly. He did want to tell her his thoughts about her…very much so.
Ginny had stopped the conversation with his answer. She hadn't the slightest idea what had caused him to become so distant; yet there was still a lot she really didn't know about him. Then…Harry trod on her foot.
"Oh!" Ginny said more in surprise than in pain.
Harry's mouth opened. "Oh no! I'm so sorry! I wasn't thinking…it was my fault. Are you okay?"
"Yes," Ginny laughed brightly, "it was just a foot. I've still got one good one left."
Harry was coloring red in the face. "Sorry. I haven't stepped on someone's foot in awhile…."
"Well, you're a very nice dancer otherwise-- I think we can excuse it just this once."
Harry squeezed her hand gently and laughed. "You're an excellent dancer also, not to mention forgiving." Harry loved how Ginny could combine sweetness with just the amount of daunting wit. He found himself looking at her face, memorizing it at this moment, the stained glass casting bits of colored light on it. She looked so content to be with him…exactly how he felt.
Harry hadn't wanted to think or feel these things… but he didn't care.
He wanted to say something to her. Tonight. If he didn't say anything tonight, he didn't know if he could work the nerve up anyplace else. He wanted to tell her how much he loved spending time with her… how much he really did care about her. How he wished they had spoken more after Neville's death…. He wanted her to agree with him, and tell him that she felt the same.
Harry was aware that the orchestra had finished the slow waltz, and he froze as he tried to think of the words he was going to say to her. He began to reconsider saying anything at all, but he knew he didn't want to do that…this was the perfect time for him to tell her. But, Harry never found the words… something else happened. It astounded him how naturally it came to him.
He leaned over and kissed her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: First of all, let me apologize on how long this chapter took to post. The rewriting of it was quite literally a nightmare. (It's not exactly my favorite chapter, but I remember other people liking it, so I tried to keep things similar.)
Everyone please give Jilly a huge pat on the back for being patient with this chapter. She really earned another "great friend award" with this chapter. I owe her hot chocolates at Starbucks for a good while. ;-)
After Jilly and I became utterly flustered over this chapter and almost admitted defeat, Dr. Cornelius saved the day. Dr. C. went above and beyond the call of betaing duty and not only fixed grammatical errors, but also suggested and made changes to ENTIRE paragraphs. He made the chapter 110% of what it originally was. I can't thank him enough.
Last, but never least, Carrie. Carrie helped me remember that I actually can write…. She was also the inspiration for quite a few lines in this! If it weren't for her, I'd probably be beating my head on my keyboard a lot more often.
Thanks to the people that are reviewing this, I'm glad you've liked the rewrites so far. I promise I won't make you wait as long next time. (I'm far too antsy to write Letters from Home than to take too long on Lessons!)
Cait
Disclaimer: Chapter title is from Anastasia.
"Hullo there!" said Hagrid, surprising Harry by coming up behind him. Hagrid clapped him on the shoulder and steered him into the main room.
Harry had never seen the town meeting hall looking so nice. Each table was covered in a stiff white tablecloth, with beautiful crystal dinner settings sparkling at each place. Beneath his feet, the marble floors were polished so that Harry could see his reflection, and the Christmas decorations were the most magnificent that he had ever seen. Holly was hung on everything that wasn't moving, and Christmas trees were weighted down with glittering gold and silver baubles in every corner.
Hagrid parted the clusters of chattering people easily, and Harry noticed that he was being led to the main table. Of course he would be seated at the table that everyone could see. Typical.
"I found 'im," said Hagrid, interrupting Dumbledore and Mrs. Weasley.
"Harry!" said Mrs. Weasley leaping to her feet and giving him a hug.
"Hello," said Harry returning the gesture.
"Now, don't you look handsome!" said Mrs. Weasley, holding him by his shoulders and examining his robes. "I hope my children managed to dress themselves appropriately. I have complete faith that Hermione will pick out something splendid for Ron, and Penny has excellent taste when it comes to Percy's robes. But Fred and George…." She trailed off, glancing around, looking almost afraid of what she might find.
"You look lovely, as usual," Harry told her.
Mrs. Weasley laughed as she straightened her midnight blue robes and patted her hair. "Thank you, dear, that is so sweet of you!"
"How is little Chloe?" Dumbledore asked cheerily. "Adjusting?"
"She's doing better than I ever could have imagined," Harry smiled. "She loves the bauble you gave her."
Mrs. Weasley patted Harry's hand. " It was wonderful of you to take Chloe into your home. She sounds absolutely adorable, and Ginny is so very impressed by the way you are raising her. "
"It's such a shame that Ginny isn't coming."
Mrs. Weasley suddenly looked very weary as she responded, "I know. She's so closed off from everything... we get more and more concerned everyday…."
Mr. Weasley had returned to the table. He stuck out his hand and shook Harry's merrily. "Nice to see you again, Harry! I hear you adopted a little girl from those Muggle relatives of yours! Has she got any Muggle habits that you've had difficulty with?"
Harry grinned at Mr. Weasley. Some things never changed. "No, not that I can tell."
"Hello, Ron dear!" Mrs. Weasley embraced Ron, who had just arrived. "You look so nice. Where's Hermione?"
"She's coming," he sighed, "but she's taking her sweet time about it. We would have been here sooner if she hadn't made such a brouhaha over my robes."
Mrs. Weasley scrutinized her son's attire and smiled. "Your robes are very nice. Maroon has always looked so well on you."
"If you say so, Mum." Ron muttered under his breath.
Percy was displaying Penelope very proudly on his arm. They made a very smart couple, with Percy's starched uniform-like black robes, and Penelope's picturesque Muggle ball gown. Many women had gone all out with their choices of eveningwear, even wearing Muggle ball gowns. Penny's was a floor length rose and cream chiffon evening dress held up by delicate spaghetti straps. The first layer of chiffon was a dark rose, and each of the next layers a lighter pink, until the fifth and final layer was a sheer ivory.
"Oh goodness! You two look so absolutely spectacular!" Mrs. Weasley said bustling over to Penelope. "How on earth do you keep that figure with all those babies?"
Penelope regarded Mrs. Weasley's compliment politely. "We all keep to a strict diet. Scheduling every meal really helps."
Oh, for heaven's sake, thought Harry. Only Percy's wife would schedule menus for their house elves.
Hagrid began chuckling into his champagne glass, and it didn't take long to spot what was so funny.
Fred and George had arrived in merry attire, hollering and waving madly as they parted the crowd.
Mrs. Weasley covered her mouth with her hand and Percy had buried his face in his napkin. Mr. Weasley was making an obvious effort to silence his laughter, while Dumbledore wasn't bothering to hide his.
Ron nudged Harry in the ribs and grinned. "We should've guessed they would have wanted to make an scene."
George had chosen glowing lime green robes (Harry was pretty sure that he could glow in the dark), while Fred's robes made Harry slightly dizzy. His robes had red, white, and blue stripes curved around them and the stripes were actually moving, like a real barbershop pole.
"Arthur," said Mrs. Weasley in a dangerously calm voice, "go greet your children."
Fred and George sauntered to the table and whacked both Harry and Ron on the back affectionately. "Jiminy Cricket! It's Harry Potter!" exclaimed Fred grinning from ear to ear.
George shook his head. "No, Fred, it's The Great Harry Potter. They had his name changed a while back."
"The GREAT Harry Potter!"
"With our brother."
"Our ickle baby brother!"
"Really, Perce!" Fred interrupted Percy, who had been whispering to Penny, "These are our best evening clothes!"
Mrs. Weasley was not amused. "Really, I think you two would have known to dress properly for such an important occasion. People will wonder how I raised you two!"
"Mum! How was your trip?" asked Fred cheerfully as if they were simply discussing the weather.
"Don't worry, Mum!" added George. "You've got Percy and Ron to behave themselves."
Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled at them. "A most useful talent: the ability to capture a crowd upon one's arrival."
"Thank you, sir!" said Fred shaking Dumbledore's hand.
Ron glanced at his watch. He looked worried. "Where is Hermione? She's going to miss the award ceremony and half of dinner if she doesn't hurry up! It isn't like her to be running late."
"What award ceremony?" asked Harry, sitting down next to Sirius, who had arrived earlier with Remus Lupin.
"Oh, I might have forgotten to mention that, sorry." Sirius smiled at Harry. "You're receiving an award, along with a few other wizards."
Harry gave Sirius a look. "You really enjoy giving me surprise bits of information, don't you? I bet I'm going to have to make an acceptance speech," sighed Harry.
"Not if you don't want to, dear," soothed Mrs. Weasley.
Ron was across from Harry saving a seat for Hermione. "Just give a short speech," he suggested.
"It'll look great in the newspapers if you do. It will really help your public image," said Percy, further down the table.
"As if Harry needs a better public image," Remus commented with a wry smile.
"Here she comes," Hagrid pointed towards a figure in the back of the room.
Harry smiled, and noted how nice Hermione looked, as she weaved her way through the maze of tables to the front of the banquet hall. She had on a deep red taffeta gown with a full billowing skirt.
"You look lovely, Hermione, but it's about time you decided to show up," Ron said, as he pulled her chair out for her.
"I am not late," said Hermione indignantly.
"I'm afraid so." Ron tapped on his watch, obviously relishing the fact that she wasn't on time for something.
"Hello everyone!" Hermione greeted them ignoring Ron's comment."
"What on earth took you so long?" asked Ron.
"I took a slight detour." Hermione turned in her chair and looked around the meeting hall.
"A detour? What'd you do? Skip backwards the entire way?"
"No, Ron, I didn't. And there's the reason I'm late!" She inclined her head, indicating the crowd near the door.
"Ginny!"
Ginny was making her way through the tables with some difficulty due to her dress. Harry couldn't help but notice how lovely she looked. She was wearing an ivory-colored dress made of heavy satin. The gown had a slightly open back leading to a line of satin roses, where the dress began again, followed by a short train. She had to hold her dress up a bit as she walked, so as to move without stepping on it.
Harry closed his mouth when he realized he was staring.
The last open seat was diagonally across from Harry. Ron stood up and pulled Ginny's chair out for her.
Hermione looked immensely proud of herself. "When I heard Ginny wasn't going to come- she was using the excuse of work, on a Friday night mind you- - I had to get her to come."
"Darling, you look precious! I'm glad you decided to come," said Mrs. Weasley nearly beside herself with glee.
"Bravo, Ginny! Way to be social!" Fred shouted.
Ginny's eyes were downcast and she was blushing. "It's because Hermione talked me into it."
Percy nodded as if he had known she was coming the entire time. "Oh, I knew you'd start to get out and about."
"Nice to see you come to such a marvelous occasion!" said Dumbledore, reaching across the table to squeeze her hand. "You picked out such a lovely dress for the party, don't you think, Harry?"
Harry was still staring. "Yes, it's quite enchanting," he said not taking his eyes from her.
"Oh good," said Hermione, "they're starting the ceremony now!"
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen!" Lee Jordan, the Master of Ceremonies, stood on the stage to the right of the head table, and a spotlight beamed on him as the other lights dimmed. "The last ball held for this occasion was more than two decades ago!"
"What a way to make us feel young," grumbled Sirius.
Harry wondered how Lee could do things like this for a living. Lee had a late night comedy show that aired on the WWN, with famous wizard guests. Harry was thankful that Lee's producers hadn't recruited him as a guest for the show. He supposed it was only a matter of time, though."
"However," Lee continued, "the ministry decided that it was in the best of tastes to honor the two men responsible, for the downfall of You-Know-Who," the spot light shifted so that it shone in Harry's eyes, "Misters Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter."
Applause and cheers filled the room. Dumbledore stood up and Harry felt Sirius nudge his elbow and he stood up also. He managed a small smile at the crowd.
Lee then continued his presentation, giving awards to various witches and wizards who had supported the war cause during what had been a risky time to outwardly express opposition to Voldemort.
Then came the real surprise: Harry's award.
Lee had gotten serious as he told the familiar story of Harry's parents. Harry was sure. Then Lee made a speech about how Harry had more than exceeded the expectations of everyone in their world by defeating the Dark Lord for a final and last time.
"It is an honor to present Harry with this plaque and to tell him that from this day forward, this ballroom and town meeting hall in their entirety will be known as Potter Hall. In memory of Lily and James Potter and recognizing their son's amazing achievements. Our society is forever in his debt," said Lee solemnly.
The applause was thunderous. Harry stood up shakily. He was so astounded that his parents were being honored; he could barely take the plaque from Lee.
"Thank you for doing this in my parents' memory. That alone is one of the greatest gifts I could ever hope to receive. Thank you so very much for your kindness."
Harry tried to ignore the thunderous applause, and the blinding flashes as he made his way back to his seat. Audiences would applaud anything....
"A whole building named after you, Harry!"
"Congratulations, Harry, you deserve it!"
"Thanks."
Lee began talking about Dumbledore and told the crowd some of the amusing stories about what Dumbledore had done while Lee was still Hogwarts. He then told how Dumbledore's brilliant thinking and strategies had led to the downfall of Voldemort. "
"What do you give a man who has been named the Greatest Wizard of Modern Times? Albus Dumbledore has probably received many awards in his lifetime, but we are going to give him what he has asked for every year and never received."
The crowd began to mutter to each other and wonder what Dumbledore had wanted.
"Socks," said Lee displaying a box full of hand knitted socks in several different colors, "and this plaque, of course."
Dumbledore took the box from Lee and laughed heartily. "Thank you kindly!"
Ginny, despite her earlier refusal to come to the party, was enjoying herself. She was clearly happy to be surrounded by her family and friends. Meanwhile, Hermione and Ron were keeping things interesting to her right.
"Ron, for heaven's sake! Don't mix your stuffing in your mashed potatoes! It's horrible manners," chided Hermione.
"Where did that come from, Hermione?" Ron asked, turning to stare at his wife.
"It isn't proper," she said, nodding her head primly towards his plate.
"No one cares about what I do to my mashed potatoes, Hermione, these are our friends."
"Well, I do. It's embarrassing," she said.
"You honestly get embarrassed over my mashed potatoes?"
"No. It's the principle of the thing!" she retorted hotly.
"What validity does the argument of principle have in this discussion? Mashed potatoes have principle?" asked Ron, raising an eyebrow.
"I was attempting to make it simplistic, so your mind could grasp the concept of proper dinner behavior," she said without skipping a beat.
"In other words, you couldn't think of how mashed potatoes had principle," he replied with a grin.
"That is absolutely not true!"
"Uh-huh, I won, I can do whatever I want with my mashed potatoes." Ron said triumphantly, taking a bite.
"I'll tell you what to do with your ruddy mashed potatoes," she grumbled.
"I'm sorry, sweetheart? Is that proper dinner language too?" Ron poked at her playfully.
Hermione actually looked up and smiled at him. "You're impossible, Ron Weasley."
Ron laughed and he kissed her on the cheek.
Percy was drawling on to Harry about how he should really consider a career in politics and how Harry was at an optimum age to begin building a good solid public relations background. Harry was nodding and smiling blankly at Percy, only half listening.
"So, you see, it's all how the public eye sees you. You've got an excellent repertoire so far, perfect for a public office. Maybe Governor would be a modest start... you've got a few years to study the credentials."
"Of course Harry's got an excellent repertoire, you twit! He's Harry Potter! Any blockhead can realize that he could run for any office and win. You're lucky your job isn't an elected office," snorted George.
Percy looked indignant. "Yes I know who he is, George, I was merely pointing out that Harry should open his political options."
"This is neither the time nor the place," warned Mr. Weasley.
Harry interrupted them before they could start up again. "Ah, well actually, Percy, I'm not looking for any new opportunities, right now. I have Chloe to think of, and I like the job I have now. I always wanted to be an Auror anyway."
"An Auror is an admirable job," said Lupin agreeing with Harry.
"I think Percy should run for Governor, he's done so well as Minister that he could probably manage both jobs at the same time," Sirius remarked with a grin on his face. He winked at George when Percy wasn't looking.
"Really? You think I could make a decent candidate? That's very interesting and intriguing to hear," said Percy setting down his fork and turning to Sirius.
"Politicians are indeed a special breed of their own," commented Dumbledore, smiling at the ceiling.
"How's the shop coming along these days?" Harry asked the twins.
"Great! By this time next year we can probably start building the new store. We have this idea that the store itself should be a practical joke," said Fred.
"Wouldn't it be great to shop in a store where you would never know what to expect?" added George with enthusiasm.
"Trap doors, moving floors, fake doors, and all sorts of things like that."
"Isn't that grounds for a lot of lawsuits?" laughed Remus.
The dinner and dessert plates were cleared and three pleasant chimes sounded.
"That's to signal that the dance is starting in the other room," explained Mr. Weasley.
The ballroom was even more impressive than the dining hall. It had a gleaming oyster-white marble floor and the room was at least the length of a football field. Chandeliers dripping with crystals were hung on the ceiling from their thick gold chains. Ivory wallpaper was delicately brushed with what looked like gold dust and accented nicely with the crown molding. One of the walls was especially beautiful: It was made entirely of stained glass that had been cut in very intricate and complicated designs. It was lighted from the outside and spilled small shards of soft color onto the floor and their faces.
The orchestra was tuning up and sooner than Harry would have liked, the conductor began a fast waltz. Most all the people with him had disappeared in the sweep of dresses and cloaks. He probably looked like an idiot, standing there gaping at it all.
"May I have this dance?"
"Parvati Patil? Of course!" said Harry, recognizing her. Parvati was wearing a black dress with a slit that was almost too dramatic.
"So, how have you been doing?"
"I've been doing all right, what are you doing these days?" he said, hoping she could keep up the tempo in her shoes, which looked to have at least a six inch heel.
"I work for Witch Weekly, under the penname of 'Ms. Fashion'."
"Oh, I can't say I've seen your column. I'll look for it though."
"I hear you're in the big money now, Harry," she smiled changing the subject quick as a flash.
"Pardon?" stuttered Harry, "Oh, um, I do all right for someone my age I guess." Harry couldn't believe that Parvati would just ram her nose right into his financial status...if he wasn't mistaken; he was getting the impression that she was....
"Any main squeezes in your life?"
...chasing him for his money. They waltzed in silence as Harry looked her straight in the eye and refused to answer.
"Do you mind if I cut in, Harry?"
Justin Finch-Fletchey. Harry had never known him that well, but he was glad to be rid of Parvati.
"Nice to see you, Parvati," he said, nodding his head and backing away.
Hermione and Ron hadn't taken a break from the arguing yet.
"Would you let me lead?" said Ron.
"You are leading," sighed Hermione.
"How could I be, when you are?"
"I can't help it!" laughed Hermione.
Ron twirled her around and then grinned at her.
Harry took a long drink of punch and caught a glimpse of Oliver Wood dancing with Ginny. He caught himself staring again and was shocked out of his trance by a horrible voice.
"What's the matter? No ladies for you, Potter?"
"Step away," said Harry, turning to face Draco Malfoy with narrowed eyes.
"Really? And why is that, Potter? Too afraid to show off your powers? Weren't they good enough for the Dark Lord and my dad? Or are you just so drained out now that you can't handle me?"
Harry took a step forward and got right into Malfoy's face. "I'll set this straight one time, and one time only. I didn't kill your father, your beloved Dark Lord did it for me, he killed your father to save himself. Your Dark Lord was a murderer and a coward. Any idiot that supported him... they deserved what they got from him in the end... nothing but a tombstone," hissed Harry, keeping his voice down.
Malfoy was about to take a swing at him but Harry interrupted him.
"I don't think that's a good idea, Malfoy, especially since you claimed in your trial that you never supported Voldemort in the least. It would look awfully funny if you hit me here. People might suspect things. It seems to me when you don't own up to your past and present—and, no doubt, future-- of being a Death-Eater... you're just the same coward that Voldemort was."
Malfoy was turning a deep shade of purple as he stepped back. "You watch your family, Potter. I know about that little Mudblood you adopted. It would be horrible if anything happened to her."
"Don't threaten me, or my family."
"Ready, Pansy?"
Harry glared at her when she brushed by him in a froth of sickening pink feathers.
"What was that all 'bout?" asked Hagrid coming over.
"Nothing. I can handle it," said Harry shaking his head.
"Don't go being so gutsy with yer life now that you've got that little Chloe," warned Hagrid.
"I know."
"Ge' out there and do some dancin', Harry, half the girls in this place are ready to swamp you as soon as you set a foot on the dance floor." Hagrid gently pushed him in the general direction of the dance floor and grinned.
Harry searched the sea of laughing and rapidly moving faces for someone he wanted to dance with. Hermione was dancing with Fred Weasley, Penelope with Ron, and Percy with his mother, and Ginny with her dad.
"May I cut in?" he asked Percy.
Mrs. Weasley laughed. "Oh how sweet of you, Harry!"
Percy kissed his mum on the cheek and went to go get punch.
"Molly! He's much too young for you and he doesn't even have red hair!" exclaimed Mr. Weasley, stopping to talk to them. "Here, I'll trade my wife for my prettiest daughter," he said to Harry.
"Dad, I'm your only daughter," corrected Ginny.
"Not the point." Mr. Weasley winked as he waltzed off with Molly.
"May I have this dance?" he asked.
Ginny nodded and smiled shyly at him. Harry bowed properly and swept her across the dance floor.
"Was Chloe okay with staying the night at Percy's home?" asked Ginny.
"She was very excited about having a sleepover with Meghan. I don't think she'll miss me in the least."
"Oh, yes she will," said Ginny becoming more comfortable with dancing with Harry. They made superb dance partners; all their steps flowed in perfect unison.
The fast waltz ended with a loud flourish from the orchestra. Ginny and Harry bowed and curtsied to each other.
"Would you like to dance with me, Harry?"
Harry turned from Ginny to see who it was. It was Lavender Brown. He glanced from Ginny to Lavender and made up his mind. "Save a dance for me, Lavender. I promised Ginny I'd dance with her for a bit."
After Lavender had left, Ginny looked at Harry in disbelief. "I never made you promise to dance with me, you can certainly dance with Lavender. I hope I'm not stopping you."
" I would like to dance with you," he said simply.
Ginny felt her face grow hot. A new song began and it was much slower. Harry stepped in a bit closer and she found it very hard to concentrate, especially since he was keeping perfect eye contact.
"You aren't upset are you?"
"Whatever for?" Ginny asked, looking puzzled.
"For making it sound like I was using you as an excuse…to not dance with Lavender. I hope you didn't think otherwise." Harry extended his arm and spun Ginny gracefully, as he said this. She laughed as they resumed dancing again and Harry smiled at her. "You are much too beautiful to be used in any way."
Ginny almost stopped dancing in her surprise. That had seemingly come out of nowhere. Ginny took a slow breath and tried to accept the compliment as if it was something quite normal to come out of Harry Potter's mouth. "Thank you."
Harry wanted to hit himself on the forehead. Why had he said that? He had meant it, but where had it come from? Ginny was looking at him if he had suddenly gone mad. Harry couldn't decide if he had or not. With a sudden jolt he realized that he really did think Ginny was beautiful. And she was a wonderfully sweet person, and she was terrific with children, and… where were these thoughts coming from? He was just realizing this after fourteen years? He was an idiot.
"A knut for your thoughts," Ginny said, striking up conversation again. "You've got the most curious expression on your face, and I really must know what's got you thinking so hard."
Horror flashed through Harry's mind. To tell her what he was thinking now… that would change everything. It would be nice to tell her, though… but this was too fast, to tell her now would be a bit cheap, really….
"These particular thoughts," Harry said with an amused smile, "are worth more than a knut. At the very least, one galleon."
"My, those are pricey thoughts…."
"A few are priceless."
"Any chance of a discount for the teacher of your five-year old?" she said playfully. "I do after all, make a teacher's salary."
"Maybe someday," Harry said quietly. He did want to tell her his thoughts about her…very much so.
Ginny had stopped the conversation with his answer. She hadn't the slightest idea what had caused him to become so distant; yet there was still a lot she really didn't know about him. Then…Harry trod on her foot.
"Oh!" Ginny said more in surprise than in pain.
Harry's mouth opened. "Oh no! I'm so sorry! I wasn't thinking…it was my fault. Are you okay?"
"Yes," Ginny laughed brightly, "it was just a foot. I've still got one good one left."
Harry was coloring red in the face. "Sorry. I haven't stepped on someone's foot in awhile…."
"Well, you're a very nice dancer otherwise-- I think we can excuse it just this once."
Harry squeezed her hand gently and laughed. "You're an excellent dancer also, not to mention forgiving." Harry loved how Ginny could combine sweetness with just the amount of daunting wit. He found himself looking at her face, memorizing it at this moment, the stained glass casting bits of colored light on it. She looked so content to be with him…exactly how he felt.
Harry hadn't wanted to think or feel these things… but he didn't care.
He wanted to say something to her. Tonight. If he didn't say anything tonight, he didn't know if he could work the nerve up anyplace else. He wanted to tell her how much he loved spending time with her… how much he really did care about her. How he wished they had spoken more after Neville's death…. He wanted her to agree with him, and tell him that she felt the same.
Harry was aware that the orchestra had finished the slow waltz, and he froze as he tried to think of the words he was going to say to her. He began to reconsider saying anything at all, but he knew he didn't want to do that…this was the perfect time for him to tell her. But, Harry never found the words… something else happened. It astounded him how naturally it came to him.
He leaned over and kissed her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: First of all, let me apologize on how long this chapter took to post. The rewriting of it was quite literally a nightmare. (It's not exactly my favorite chapter, but I remember other people liking it, so I tried to keep things similar.)
Everyone please give Jilly a huge pat on the back for being patient with this chapter. She really earned another "great friend award" with this chapter. I owe her hot chocolates at Starbucks for a good while. ;-)
After Jilly and I became utterly flustered over this chapter and almost admitted defeat, Dr. Cornelius saved the day. Dr. C. went above and beyond the call of betaing duty and not only fixed grammatical errors, but also suggested and made changes to ENTIRE paragraphs. He made the chapter 110% of what it originally was. I can't thank him enough.
Last, but never least, Carrie. Carrie helped me remember that I actually can write…. She was also the inspiration for quite a few lines in this! If it weren't for her, I'd probably be beating my head on my keyboard a lot more often.
Thanks to the people that are reviewing this, I'm glad you've liked the rewrites so far. I promise I won't make you wait as long next time. (I'm far too antsy to write Letters from Home than to take too long on Lessons!)
Cait
Disclaimer: Chapter title is from Anastasia.