Disclaimer: For a full disclaimer see Chapter 1.

Chapter 27. The Yule Ball

            After Harry confirmed that Mrs. Malfoy was dead, the five Aurors searched the house. They found all the servants locked in one of the dungeons. When Harry had explained what he saw to Mad-Eye and Shack, it was evident to the older Aurors what had happened. Shack took Harry back to Hogsmeade and left the others to gather evidence and prepare the report.

            "Thor, head back into Hogwarts and let Albus know what happened. Then, I want you to write out exactly what you told Mad-Eye and I in detail. We will file it and use it as out eyewitness account against Draco," added Shack. "I will be back in the morning. Let the others know."

            Harry nodded as Shack disappeared. He then headed back as ordered to complete the report and talk to Albus.

***

            Ginny sat with her father in her common room. Colin had excused himself to go patrol the halls. She was scared and had been crying. Arthur comforted her as best he could, but he understood how she was feeling. Molly had felt the same way not too long after they had gotten married when Voldemort had first come to power.

            Ginny looked at the clock. It didn't seem to be moving. She looked at her father and smiled weakly. She felt like she couldn't breathe. She had politely refused tea; she wasn't aware of being hungry or thirsty. All she was aware of was Harry. "I'm sure he's okay, dear," said her Dad.

             "I know he is okay, Dad." Ginny closed her eyes and smiled. "I can feel it."

            Ron came walking in, smiling. "He's back, Gin."

            Relief washed over Ginny's face. "Where is he?"

            "He has to file a report. He told me to tell you he would be here as soon as he could."

            Arthur smiled at his daughter. "Well, I had better be going. Your mum will have my hide if I don't let her know he is okay." He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead.

***


            Harry sat down with a quill and parchment to prepare his eyewitness account. He put the quill down and stared out the window. He had known Draco since he first got off the Hogwarts express. 'What would have been different,' he mused, 'if I had taken his hand that night?' Would he have ended up in Slytherin? Would he have made friends with Draco? What could he have done in his seven years at Hogwarts to keep Draco from this? How could he kill his own mother?

            That was the part that had the biggest effect on Harry. It made Harry relive the memories he had of the night Voldemort had killed his own parents. Draco had truly become a monster. He reached for the quill and ink and started to write his account of what had occurred earlier that night.

            After he had finished, he sealed it so that only Shack could open it. He put the scroll on Shack's desk and headed off to find his wife.

***

            Ron left Ginny to head back to Hermione. She was feeling pretty tired lately and he wanted to help her finish grading papers. He walked into their room to find her asleep on the edge of the bed. She looked so peaceful. He loved watching her sleep. He looked over the papers she had been grading. Arithmancy looked Greek to him. He saw that she had finished, so he used his wand to levitate them onto the desk. As he watched them float toward the desk, he smiled remembering the first time he had used this charm. If he and Harry hadn't gone to help Hermione that night…he didn't want to think about what might or might not have happened.

            He gently picked her up and put her in bed properly. Dimming all the lamps, he sat down in his favorite chair and turned on the wireless. Lee should be on any moment, and he wanted to hear the recap of today's Quidditch game between Hufflepuff and Slytherin. Ron knew the final score, 200 to 80 with Slytherin winning. But he didn't get to enjoy Lee's colorful announcing while he refereed. As he sat waiting for the Quidditch report to come on, he fell asleep in the chair.

***

            Shack handed Tonks and Moody a butterbeer before getting himself one. He sat down at his desk and re-read the scroll Harry had left for him. "So, Tonks…how are our young trainees doing in your opinion?"

            "All I know is that I am glad that I didn't have to compete with these two for a job," she laughed. "Harry is a natural leader and definitely not afraid of anything. But he has an insight that helps him formulate theories to investigate.

            "Neville is impressive as well. While he is certainly not the leader Harry is, he definitely has a good mind. He twists things, looking at all the possible solutions. And he is very detail-oriented. Those two are a good combination."

            "What about you, Alastor?"

            "I think Tonks here makes a good case. Both are strong in wand work as well as physical. Harry is the quicker of the two in a duel. Don't tell the boy, but he pushed me farther than I have had to go in many years. It's a joy to watch him. Of course," he said, "if you repeat that I will deny it."

            "So, if I am hearing the two of you correctly, you are saying that they will both definitely make it?" When they both nodded, he smiled. "Good. I had the same feeling. Now why don't you two help me devise the second test so that we can see them put their skills into action?"

***

Albus sat in his office looking through a large book. He turned the pages slowly, intent on what he was reading. He coughed a couple of times and drew his robes about him for warmth.

            "Have you told anyone, Albus?" said a voice from behind him.

            He looked up without turning around. "No need, Dilys. Just a cold."

            "So I take it that 'Merlin's Guide to Restoration' is just some light reading to help you sleep?"

            "Sometimes, Dilys, a man does not like to recognize his stupidity."

            "Ah, I see. Not as young as you used to be, are you?"

            "None of us are. I thought perhaps Merlin might have the answer."

            "He does. Look on page 160 near the bottom." She waited while he flipped pages.

            He looked up at her. "Are you sure this is right?"

            "Absolutely."

            "Thank you, Dilys. I was afraid I would have to rush Harry."

            "Does he know your plan yet?"

            "No, and I think it wise for him not to know until the time is right."

            "Understood, Albus. Good night."

            "Good night, Dilys."

***

            Ginny jumped up and ran to Harry as he entered the room. He held her tight and kissed her deeply. They had both realized that day just how precarious life could be. 

"Gin." His voice was hoarse.

            "Yes, Harry?"

            "I love you."

            "I love you too. Are you alright?"

            "I am now," he said as he buried his face in her hair. He breathed in and smiled. She always smelled of apples.

            "Want to talk about it?"

            "I can't, love."

            "I know. It's Ministry business."

            "All I want to do now is hold you close."

            "Is that all, Mr. Potter?" Ginny smiled mischievously.

            "Not really, no."

            "Good." She kissed him hungrily as she ran her fingers through his hair. Harry looked wantonly into her eyes and she smiled as he picked her up and carried her into their bedroom, closing the door behind them.

***

            Three weeks later found Minerva standing outside of Hermione's classroom as her class let out. After the students were gone, she went inside to talk to the woman that had been one of her best students. "Well, Hermione, you seem to be enjoying teaching."

            "I am. I just never thought I would be given a chance." She gathered her notes and books and sent them back to her study. "So what do I owe the pleasure of the visit to?"

            "Actually, Albus wants to speak with you."

            "Have I done something wrong?"

            "No, no, dear. A summons to the Headmaster's office is not always bad news." She chuckled. "But please don't tell the students that."

            They chatted while they made their way to the gargoyle in front of the office. "Canary Creams," said Minerva and the opening appeared. They made their way onto the revolving stair and entered the office. Hermione was surprised to see Snape, Sprout and Flitwick seated around the desk. Minerva led her over to two empty chairs and motioned for her to sit.

            Albus looked up from what he was reading. "Thank you all for coming here. I have decided to add a new teaching post and I wanted to make sure that all the Heads were aware of it. I am adding a full-time NEWT advisor to help give our seventh year students some extra help. I know that all the staff is busy preparing our young people for these tests, and my thought is that why not make it someone's full-time job? Especially when we have someone available who did so well and really knows study skills? So, effective next term, Hermione Weasley will be posted as a full-time instructor and Minerva will be her mentor. She will be working with all the staff and we will be having her assist in the teaching of all subjects so that she can assist our students better."

            Hermione sat in shock. Everyone, even Snape congratulated her. "That is," added Albus, "if she accepts the position."

            Hermione looked at Albus. "Who will teach my Arithmancy classes?"

            "Professor Vector will be back sooner than expected and will be resuming his classes. Of course we will have you two get together so that you can let him know where the students are."

            Hermione smiled. "Then I accept."

***

            Harry and Neville sat in the classroom waiting for Moody. Instead, Shack walked in. "Gentlemen, we have a situation. Mad-Eye is missing." Harry and Neville shifted in their seats. "We also have an urgent matter that Nymph and I have to handle. Thor, do you think that the two of you could go to Mad-Eye's house and see what you can turn up? Nymph and I will join you later."

            Harry looked at Neville for assent and nodded. "We'll do it Shack. Any idea what may have happened?"

            "Well, I talked to him last night and he felt like he was being followed. He said he would check back in with me this morning. It may be that he has simply overslept, but that would be very out of the ordinary."

            "Okay, we're on it."

            "Good luck. And be careful."

            Harry and Neville ran to grab their gear. When they were ready they hurried outside the Hogwarts gates to apparate.

            They arrived just outside the village where Mad-Eye lived. They both put on invisibility cloaks and headed toward the house. It was still pretty early in the morning and there was little traffic. They got to the gates and noticed that they were ajar. Once inside the gates, Harry carefully avoided the dustbins just in case. Neville followed cautiously behind Harry. They both pulled their wands from the holsters as the headed for the door.

            Peering cautiously inside, Harry saw no movement through the curtains. He put his hand outside the cloak to let Neville know that he was going around back. Harry slowly made his way to the back door. Wand at the ready, he tested the knob. It wasn't locked.

            Slowly he turned the knob and opened the door. As he entered the kitchen, he removed the cloak and stuffed it in a pocket. Neville followed suit and soon they moved onto the next room. Harry trod carefully. The room had been ransacked. As Neville began to search for clues, Harry moved on to see if anyone was around. He didn't find anyone until he reached the bedroom. There, lying on the bed was a body.

            Confident that whoever had done this was gone, Harry slid his wand into its sheath. He called Neville and soon they both were examining the room. They found a wand and performed a "priori incantatem" spell on it. The last spell it was used for was "Lumos", which made sense. Finally, they rolled the body over to find Mad-Eye smiling at them.

            "Good work, boys," he said. "You found me."

***

            Ginny flew around the pitch with her fellow team members in a victory lap. It was a tradition started when her brother Charlie was on the team. Ravenclaw had been strong and were leading 90 – 80 when Mark caught the snitch. The rain had given Jason fits and he was still beating himself up about not blocking the goals. Ginny just made a mental note to train more often in the rain.

            When she finally got done in the locker room, Harry was waiting for her. "Hello, Mrs. Potter."

            "Why hello, Mr. Potter. Did you get a chance to see any of the game?"

            "Neville and I had just gotten into the stands in time to see Mark's catch. I think he is better than me."

            "No one is better than you, dear. He missed it two times earlier. What happened earlier today? I thought you were going to walk down to the pitch with me."

            "That was my plan, but then we were told that Moody was missing and Shack sent Nev and me to find him."

            "Moody's missing?"

            "No…it was a test. Evidently we passed. They set the whole thing up, including ransacking Moody's house." Harry laughed.

            "Well, Mr. Potter, let's get back for dinner. I am starving and I need to rest for tomorrow night."

            "That's right. The Yule Ball is here already. Tomorrow we can go into Hogsmeade to finish our Christmas shopping. Did you hear back from your Mum about having New Years at our house?"

            "She liked the idea. And I think she is happy that we are coming to the Burrow for Christmas." She grabbed Harry's hand as they entered the Great Hall and led him to a seat beside her as they made ready to eat dinner.

***

            The next morning found Harry, Ginny, Hermione, Ron, Neville and Luna heading towards Hogsmeade. Everyone had been excited for Hermione as she shared the news of her new position, which would be announced at the end of term feast. Kudos was also given to Harry and Neville for passing the second test.

            The couples split up when they entered Hogsmeade to do their shopping. Harry and Ginny went to visit Katie, who was happy to see them. "Sirius is taking me dancing tonight," she giggled.

            "Where? One of those fancy clubs in London?" asked Ginny.

            "No. It's much closer to home."

            Harry laughed. "The Yule Ball?"

            Sirius walked in. "You spoiled my surprise."

            "Sirius!" Katie ran into his arms and they kissed. Ginny looked at Harry with a knowing smile.

            "You two need some time alone?" Harry teased.

            "When we do, I'll tell you," replied Sirius. "Moony and I volunteered to chaperone the party."

            "That's like putting the criminal in charge of the jail, isn't it?" Harry raised one eyebrow. Ginny slapped his arm.

            Sirius laughed. "Harry, you wound me. A criminal! I have never been a criminal. I am a Marauder!"

            They all turned as the shop door opened and Remus walked in. "Here, here! Well said, Padfoot. Well said." They all burst out laughing and Harry was reminded of what it was like to have family.

***

            Neville and Luna walked along hand in hand, enjoying being by themselves. "Luna, does your father like me?"

            Luna turned in surprise. "Of course he does. Why do you ask a silly question like that?"

            "Just wondering." They walked on in silence for a minute before Luna stopped and looked at him.

            "What does your family think about me?"

            "I guess they think you are alright," he said smiling. She glared at him and punched his arm. "Ouch! You know they like you too. Hey that smarted."

            Luna laughed. "Oh, is the big bad Auror hurting?"

            Neville rolled his eyes. "Come on; let's go get lunch before Ron eats it all."

***

            After lunch they hurried back so that everyone could rest before the Ball. Harry and Ron got a chance to catch up with each other over several games of Wizard Chess, while Neville watched. Ginny, Hermione and Luna got together to do each other's hair for the dance.

Ron and Hermione headed back to their rooms so that Hermione could rest a bit. Ginny was finishing Luna's hair when Neville told Harry that tonight was the night.

"So…are you nervous?"

"Yes and no. I know she's the one."

"Neville, mate, I am happy for you. Luna's a great girl. I hope you two are as happy as Ginny and I."

"Thanks, Harry. If she says yes, would you be my best man?"

"I'd be honored."

***

            Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione walked down to the ball together. Ginny (who finally had to agree that green looked good on her) had acquiesced and allowed Harry to choose her robes. The deep forest green offset her red hair and almost perfectly matched Harry's eyes. Harry wore the official deep blue dress robes that Aurors wear.

            Hermione looked resplendent in dark gold while Ron wore a dark blue close to the shade of Harry's. They were all laughing as they entered the Great Hall. Sirius in dark red stood by Katie in sky blue. Emma's soft yellow matched Remus and his dark brown the best.

            As they all stood together, Sirius started laughing. "We look like a bag of Skittles." Harry, Hermione and Remus started laughing while the others looked confused. Hermione explained that Skittles were muggle candies in bright shades of colors. They all agreed in the end.

            Harry was telling Katie about life with the Dursleys when Ginny grabbed his arm. He followed her gaze to the doorway, Neville, wearing the same robes as Harry, stood there with a very beautiful girl. At first glance you couldn't tell it was Luna. Her hair was pulled back and braided; the usual jewelry was gone, replaced by normal accessories. Her robes of purple hues made her look regal. Gone also was the vacant look; in its place was a vibrant happy one. When they saw each other, Neville led her toward the group.

            "Wow, Luna, you look fantastic!"

            "Thank you Ronald; so do you."

            "Thanks."

            Neville was smiling as he led Luna onto the dance floor. The other couples followed and began dancing as the orchestra began to play. Everyone was having a good time. Albus and Minerva were even dancing.

            As the evening wore on, people started getting drinks and sitting at the tables spread throughout the room. Neville and Luna kept dancing, lost in each other. As the music stopped, Albus waved a hand toward the stage and called for everyone's attention.

            "Ladies and Gentlemen, I hope you are all having a good time." There was a round of applause. "Thank you. I do have a few things that I would like to share with you, if I may. For those of you who have had Arithmancy this term, I hope that you have enjoyed having Professor Hermione Weasley to instruct you." There was another round of applause, which caused Hermione to blush.

            "However, next term she won't be teaching Arithmancy. Professor Vector will be rejoining us. She will, however, be staying on as a Professor. She will be entering a new position on the Faculty here as a full-time instructor. Let's congratulate her on her new position as NEWT advisor for the seventh year students."

            After the applause died down, he continued. "Also, you will notice that Mr. Potter and Mr. Longbottom are wearing official Ministry robes tonight. They have passed their initial training, and after advanced training will be sworn in as Aurors in an official ceremony in June." The applause was deafening, with Sirius being the loudest.

            Albus once again motioned to the stage and the orchestra resumed playing. Harry looked for Luna and Neville, and saw them at a table. When he saw Neville reaching into his pocket, he knew what was going on. He nudged Ginny and motioned with his head toward them just as Neville went on one knee. A few seconds later they saw Luna smiling and shaking her head yes. Then they kissed.

They came over and announced their engagement and everyone congratulated them. By the time the ball was over, everyone agreed that it had been a wonderful evening.

            The lone dissenter kept their mouth closed and went to pass the news as instructed.