Chapter 14:

The Ball

The rest of the month of November and then the beginning of December flew by. The Gryffindors balanced their time between homework, class, and dueling club practice. Harry was very proud of their progress with the sword techniques that he had been teaching them. Harry continued to spend time with Ginny in his phoenix form. He also spent time running through the Forbidden Forest in his panther form. He also spent time eavesdropping on the other members of Gryffindor in his chameleon form. Soon, it was the final week of term before the Christmas break. The Weasleys, Harry, and Hermione would be spending the holidays at Grimmauld Place.

The last dueling club meeting of the term was actually quite festive. With Dobby's help, Harry had hung wreaths around the room, and put up a rather large Christmas tree. The students filed in, and looked around at the room. Harry stepped up onto the platform and announced, "I've decided that we are going to have a little exhibition match this evening. I think that it is time for all of you to see how to combine magic and swordplay in dueling. I would like for three volunteers to come forward."

Ron raised his hand quickly, "I'll do it." Harry nodded and motioned him forward. Justin Finch-Fletchley volunteered as well. Then, to everyone's surprise, Neville jumped onto the platform.

Harry smiled, "Now, what I want the three of you to do is keep your sword in your strong hand. Use your wand in your off hand. The three of you will face me at the same time. This lends an air of difficulty to the task. Since the three of you are working together, you must take care not to injure your allies. Tonks will be judging wounds that would be created by the swords. If you are called with a mortal wound, you are out of the fight. If you are disarmed of both sword and wand, then you are out of the fight. If Tonks awards an arm wound, then you must drop the weapon in that hand. If she judges a leg wound, then you may longer walk. Any questions?"

The other three shook their heads, and then exchanged glances among them. They spread out into a triangle formation around Harry. He looked over to Tonks, and said, "Tell us when to begin."

Ginny leaned over to Hermione and whispered, "I put a Galleon on Harry to win."

Hermione smiled back at her, "No bet. I figure he will. He wouldn't put himself in a situation where he thought he might lose."

Tonks yelled, "Begin."

Before the other three could even begin to move, Harry had lashed out at Ron. He disarmed him of his sword, and then hit him with a full body bind. Neville attacked Harry from behind, and the two crossed swords, while Justin removed the curse from Ron. Ron leaped to his feet, and shouted, "Expelliarmus." Harry reversed Neville's sword up and over his own head, and twisted out of the way of Ron's Disarming Charm. It hit Neville, and sent his sword flying. Harry struck in the blink of an eye and Tonks called out, "Left arm wound, Neville."

Neville immediately dropped his wand, but dove and picked it up with his right, while rolling back to his feet. Harry turned to meet the lunging attack of Justin, which he rolled his sword around, so that he could dive under the Stunning Spells that Ron had hurled at him. Ron retrieved his sword, and then he and Justin advanced on Harry, while Neville hung back. Dumbledore walked into the room, and asked Tonks, "What is going on?"

Tonks never took her eyes from the fight, "Harry is fighting Ron, Neville, and Justin at the same time. Practice swords and wands."

Dumbledore began watching the battle as intently as everyone else in the room. In the short space of time that Dumbledore had spoken to Tonks, Ron and Justin had hurled Tickling Charms and Leg Tangling Charms at Harry. Harry merely vaulted into the air and flipped over them landing within a couple of feet of the two. He crossed swords with Ron, again. In a matter of seconds, he sent Ron's sword flying. The movement cost him, however, as Justin caught him a grazing blow to the hip. Tonks called out, "Hip wound, Harry. No more jumping." Harry continued his offensive against Justin. Neville and Ron threw Stunning Spells at him, but Harry whipped his left hand around, "Protego." he called. The curses were deflected away as he disarmed Justin of his sword and kicked his wand from his hand. Harry immediately turned to the two other threats and sent a series of curses flying at them. "Stupefy! Stupefy! Stupefy!"

Ron and Neville dodged the curses, but while they were doing it, Harry called out, "Accio sword." Ron's sword flew up from the ground and hit Ron in the back. Tonks yelled out, "Mortal wound, Mr. Weasley." Ron groaned as he jumped lightly from the platform, rubbing his back. Harry used his advantage quickly and struck Justin in the chest, while he was retrieving his wand.

Tonks called out again, "Mortal wound, Mr. Finch-Fletchley." Justin smiled, and jumped from the platform. Harry stopped, and waved his wand. He spoke, "Tonks, we're going to say that I just healed both myself and Mr. Longbottom. He may retrieve his sword." Tonks nodded as Neville switched his wand to his left hand, and then picked up his sword.

Harry smiled and bowed his head slightly to Neville. Neville returned the gesture. Harry said, "Well, Mr. Longbottom, you seem to be the last of my foes. Let us see what you are capable of."

Neville gulped, but stood his ground. Harry lunged for him. Neville blocked several blows moderately skillfully, and then dove sideways leaving Harry overstepping with nothing to slow his momentum. Neville quickly shouted, "Expelliarmus!" He followed this just as quickly with, "Stupefy!" Harry took the Disarming Charm, and let his wand and sword go flying. He did a quick back handspring to dodge the Stunning Spell, and catch his own wand as it fell. He spun it as he landed and sent a spell back at Neville as Neville tried to regain his feet. "Stupefy!" The spell caught Neville square in the chest. Harry walked over and said, "Ennervate."

Neville got up and grinned at Harry sheepishly, "I tried."

Harry smiled back at him, "You performed excellently, Mr. Longbottom. Rarely is there a wizard that can balance swordplay and wandmanship so well."

Neville looked at Harry, "You can."

Harry shrugged, "I am an exception to the rule. Let's leave it at that."

Harry and Neville stood side by side. Harry motioned for Justin and Ron to join them. The entire audience was watching in utter amazement, and had yet to make a sound. Harry looked around the room, "Let's give a big round of applause for our volunteers."

The room exploded into clapping and hooting. Dumbledore looked at Tonks, "I think that Harry is going to have to begin restricting his opponents to teachers."

Tonks snorted, "No offense to the faculty, Dumbledore, but I doubt that any of us could keep up with him. I know that I wouldn't like the idea of being his enemy."

Dumbledore responded, "Yes, young Mr. Potter is gaining power very quickly. I just hope that it doesn't go to his head."

Tonks smiled, "Don't worry. Harry may have a temper, but he will never take You-Know-Who's path. He's too pure of heart. He cares too much."

Dumbledore nodded and returned Tonks' smile, "Yes, I know. I don't truly doubt him, but it is disturbing to think of the burden and responsibility that has been cast onto his shoulders at such a young age. Most full-grown wizards would never be able to cope. Yet, here he stands."

The two were interrupted, "Yes, well, Mr. Potter is a remarkable young man."

They looked to see Professor McGonagall standing behind them. Tonks seemed surprised, "How long have you been here?"

McGonagall replied, "Long enough."

While this conversation was proceeding, Harry was announcing to the dueling club, "That is all we will be doing this evening. I know that you are not allowed to do magic at home during the holidays. However, I would like all of you to practice wand movement in your off hand over the holidays. This will prepare you for training in combat like you just witnessed."

Everyone started filing out of the room, and Harry made his way over to the three professors. Ginny joined him. He smiled down at her. Then, he looked to the professors and asked, "So, what did you think?"

Tonks smiled enthusiastically, "That was amazing, Harry. I didn't know that you were that fast."

Harry smiled patronizingly, "Thank you."

Ginny looked at Harry, "Neville almost got you, though."

Harry nodded, "Yes, he did exceptionally well. Better than I expected considering we haven't done any training with balancing the two."

Dumbledore looked piercingly at Harry, "You were holding back, I assume."

"Of course I was. It wouldn't have been much of a show if I had ended it in thirty seconds. That would have just been showing off." replied Harry.

Ginny looked at him in shock, "You mean you were holding back. You can do better than that."

Harry nodded, and Ginny just shook her head in amazement. The professors smiled. "I think that I'm going back to the tower." said Harry dryly.

Harry and Ginny left hand in hand. The three professors smiled at the two as they left. Ginny continued to look at Harry in goggle-eyed amazement. Harry glanced over his shoulder at her, "If you're going to continue to look at me like that, I think that I am going to leave you standing here."

Ginny snapped out of her shock and said, "Just how powerful are you, Harry?"

Harry sighed, and stopped in the corridor. He pulled Ginny into his arms and asked, "Does it really matter?"

Ginny shook her head, "No, Harry, I love you no matter what. I'm just curious."

Harry nodded, "Okay, but this goes no further than the two of us. You already know too much about my abilities as it is. Right now, I could give Professor Dumbledore a run for his money."

The two kissed, and then continued on their way up to the tower. After they had left the corridor, Malfoy stepped out and smiled to himself, "My Lord will reward me greatly for this information."

The next morning was filled with conversations about the duel the night before. Basically everyone seemed to be very impressed with Neville. Luna was sitting at the Gryffindor table with him at breakfast. Harry smiled when he saw them. "Good morning."

The two returned his greeting and then turned their attention back to each other. Harry sat down beside Ginny. Ginny looked at Hermione, "I wonder who's taking whom to the dance tonight."

Hermione shrugged, "I don't much care. I have my date."

Harry nodded, "I feel the same way. I made sure I had the perfect date on our second day at Hogwart's."

Ginny looked over at him, "Oh, so I'm perfect, now."

Harry snorted, "What are you talking about, now? You've been perfect since the first day I laid eyes on you."

Ginny smiled slyly, "What day was that, Mr. Potter?"

Harry grinned just as slyly, "September 1, 1991. It was at King's Cross Station just before I began my first term at Hogwart's. You didn't even know who I was until I was already on the train."

"I guess that I am just going to have to come up with a harder question, Mr. Potter." returned Ginny.

Harry leaned sideways onto the table and looked at her, "Bring it on. Give me your best shot, Miss Weasley."

Hermione smiled, "I think that you're biting off more than you can chew there, Harry."

Ron jumped in, "Yeah, mate. Ginny could probably come up with something that you would never remember."

Harry shrugged and looked expectantly at Ginny, "Well?"

"Okay, here it is. What was the first thing that I ever said to you?" asked Ginny.

Harry snorted, "Is that the best you've got? Would you like to know the first thing that you said directly to me, the first thing you said in front of me knowingly, or the first thing you said in front of me period?"

Ginny and Hermione's eyes widened and they exchanged glances. Ginny swallowed and said, "Since you think you're so good, let's hear all three."

"Okay. The first thing that you ever said directly to me were the words 'I've got to tell you something'. You had just sat down next to Ron and I during your first year at Hogwarts. The first thing that you ever knowingly said in front of me was in Flourish and Blott's before your first year at Hogwarts. Gilderoy Lockheart had just made his little performance with me, and Malfoy made a snide comment about it. I believe you said 'Leave him alone, he didn't want all that'. The first time you ever spoke in front of me was on September 1, 1991. I had just arrived at King's Cross, and you and your brothers were heading towards Platform 9 ¾ with your mother. She asked what the platform number was, and you said, 'Nine and three-quarters! Mom, can't I go?'. So, is there anything else that you care to know?"

The other five students sitting around Harry stared in amazement. They could tell by the expression on Ginny's face that Harry was right. Ginny was almost in tears. "How did you remember all of that?"

Harry smiled, "I remember everything that concerns you, Ginny. I remember it like it happened yesterday."

Ginny broke down completely into tears, and ran from the room. Harry looked over at Hermione, "Go check on her. I don't know if she's going to want to talk to me right now."

Hermione nodded, and she got up to follow Ginny. Harry turned to Neville and Luna, "So, are the two of you going to the ball together tonight?"

Neville blushed and nodded sheepishly. Luna just gave one her goofy smiles. Ron looked at Harry in disgust, "How can you just forget about my sister that quickly? She just ran out of here in tears, and you act like nothing happened."

Harry sighed in exasperation, "Ron, you really do have a lot to learn about girls. Those were good tears. She was happy."

Ron looked annoyed, "What are you talking about? If she was happy, why was she crying?"

"Because I just showed her how much attention that I have actually paid to her over the years. She has always thought that I didn't notice her, and that was why I have never asked her out till this year. I just showed her that I have always noticed her. She realized that what I told her was true." explained Harry.

"What did you tell her?" asked Ron.

"I told her one time that the only reason I hadn't asked her out sooner was because she was so shy that I couldn't really get to know her. She thought I was teasing her. She just realized I wasn't." continued Harry.

Ron looked confused, "Then, she is upset."

"Yes, and no. She's upset at herself slightly because she didn't get over her shyness sooner, but she's also exceptionally happy because she knows how much I love her."

Ron put his hands on his head, "I don't understand this. How do you know anyway?"

Harry shrugged, "Weren't you paying attention when Hermione was giving us lessons in how girls think last year?"

Ron snorted, "Nothing she ever said on the subject made the slightest bit of sense to me."

Harry shook his head, "It didn't to me last year either. Somewhere between then and now though, it just started to make sense. Let's head to class. We don't want to be late for DADA. Professor Tonks would be highly upset."

Ron laughed, "Its been an entire term, and I still can't get used to hearing the word Professor in front of her name."

Harry nodded, "Yeah, it is a bit weird."

As the two left the Great Hall, Ginny came running up to Harry. She grabbed him in a hug and then kissed him quickly, "I love you, Mr. Potter."

Harry smiled back, "And I you, Miss Weasley."

Hermione smiled over at them as Ginny quickly took off down the corridor. "Can I ask you something, Harry?"

"Of course." he answered.

"Why did you and Ginny start calling each other Miss Weasley and Mr. Potter?" asked Hermione.

Harry shrugged, "I don't know that there is a reason behind it. She called me Mr. Potter when she was mad at me in the hospital wing. I called her Miss Weasley to be patronizing, and it just stuck."

Ron laughed, as Hermione wrinkled her nose and smirked in amusement. The three walked into the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom and the conversation ended as they took their seats and waited for Professor Tonks to enter the room and begin the last lesson of the term.

After Defense Against the Dark Arts was over, the Gryffindors headed for lunch. Harry met Ginny outside the Great Hall. He looked at her, "All better now?"

She smiled, "Yes, I am."

"Ready for the ball tonight?" asked Harry.

She shook her head, "No, its going to take me a long time to make myself pretty enough for the ball."

Harry looked left and right quickly, "You're going to make yourself look better than you do right now?"

Ginny nodded, perplexed. "Of course."

Harry shook his head violently, "I forbid it. You're already the most beautiful girl in all of Hogwarts. If you make yourself look any better, I'm going to have to spend the entire night fighting all the other boys in the school off. I won't get to enjoy the ball with you."

Ron, Hermione, and Neville laughed at the completely dumbfounded expression on Ginny's face. She didn't reply but smiled dazedly and allowed Harry to lead her into the hall for lunch.

The afternoon was not as enjoyable as the morning since Harry and Hermione had Potions with Snape.

Snape entered the classroom, and said, "Today, we will be brewing an antidote that is useful for several different types of snake venoms. Now, what are the two major problems with antidotes?"

Hermione and surprisingly Harry raised their hands. "Miss Granger?"

"Most antidotes have very defined characteristics. They are only useful for a few poisons if more than one. This is a major limitation for their use." answered Hermione.

Snape furrowed his brow, "That is correct. Now, can any of you tell me the other major problem with antidotes?"

Only Harry raised his hand this time. Snape had no choice but to call on him. "Yes, Potter."

Harry cleared his throat, "The other major problem with antidotes is that most of them are poisonous in nature themselves. The only safe time to ingest most antidotes is if you have the poison that they were intended to cure in your system. If you ingest an antidote, the only way to nullify its affects is to poison yourself with the poison it was intended to cure. This is a great limitation. It makes it absolutely necessary to know what kind of poison was ingested before you can attempt to use a cure."

The classroom was stunned. No one more so than Snape. Hermione looked from Harry to Professor Snape and asked, "Is this true, Professor?"

Professor Snape nodded dumbly, "Yes, it is." He flicked his wand at the board. "There are your instructions for the day."

Hermione muttered to Harry, "How did you know that?"

Harry merely smiled as the two set to work on the very complex potion.

The bell rang some time later. As the class was packing up their cauldrons and preparing to leave, Snape called out, "Potter, you will remain behind after class."

Hermione looked at Harry, "Do you want me to wait?"

Harry shook his head, "No, I'm fine. I'll catch up to you and the others in the common room." Harry walked back towards Snape's desk and waited.

Once all the other students had filed from the room, Snape looked at Harry. "I heard about your little duel last night. I have to ask a question. You have said on numerous occasions that you are going to kill the Dark Lord. I know the Prophecy has said that you have the power to do so. What I want to know is, can you really do it?"

Harry paused for a moment to consider his answer, "Right now, if Voldemort were to attack me, I honestly don't know which of us would win."

"Why not?"

"Well, neither one of us can be killed by ordinary means. It's all a matter of who discovers a more powerful method to inflict death." answered Harry.

Snape looked puzzled, "What do you mean that neither of you can be killed by ordinary means, Potter? You're both still human."

Harry snorted, "Not really. I'm hardly normal, and Voldemort has been through so many magical transformations that he can only be called human by the wildest stretch of the imagination. As far as ordinary means goes, I meant that the Killing Curse cannot kill either of us."

Snape's eyes widened, "Are you serious?"

Harry nodded, "If a normal wizard cast the Killing Curse on either of us, it would probably just bounce off. A more powerful wizard casting it, would rob us of our bodies, but it wouldn't kill us."

Snape drew a ragged breath, "Very well. You may go, Potter."

Harry turned and picked up his cauldron, and walked toward the back of the classroom.

Snape called out, "By the way, Potter." Harry turned to look at him. "Ten points to Gryffindor for your knowledge of antidotes."

Harry raised his eyebrows and smiled, but made no comment. He left the room, a little wiser than he had entered it. Harry walked into the common room to see Ron and Hermione waiting on him. Ginny had not yet got out of class for the afternoon. Harry sat down beside them.

Ron looked at him expectantly, "So, spit it out. Hermione said that that grease ball Snape held you back after class."

Harry interrupted him, "Professor Snape, Ron."

Ron looked confused, while Hermione appeared to be amazed. Ron asked, "What?"

Harry repeated, "Professor Snape is his title."

Ron shrugged, "So, I've always called him greasy."

Harry nodded, "I know, but its time you stopped."

Ron laughed, "You've got to be kidding."

Harry shook his head, "I assure you that I am not."

Ron relented, "Okay, fine. What did Professor Snape want you to stay behind for?"

Harry shrugged, "He just wanted to ask me some questions. He also awarded ten points to Gryffindor."

Ron seemed like he was about to ask a question, but he stopped. "Snape gave Gryffindor points. You're joking." Ron exclaimed.

Hermione was not to be dissuaded from the target so easily, "What did Snape want to ask you?"

Harry sighed, "Nothing that concerns either of you."

Hermione looked offended, "Harry, I'm getting really tired of this. We deserve to know."

Harry shook his head, "You're not ready."

Ron looked at him, "Harry, we understand that some things are worth dying for."

"Perhaps you do, Ron. Are you ready to die for those things? Are you ready to watch Hermione die? Are you ready to watch Ginny die? Are you ready to watch your parents die? Are you ready to watch your brothers die? Are you ready to watch me die? Are you ready to kill someone? To take another life? To know that someone will never wake up in the morning to hear birds sing, and that you are the reason that they won't?" asked Harry relentlessly.

Ron paled under the scrutiny that Harry was placing on him. Harry switched his gaze to Hermione, who quailed under the fury in his stare. Ron gulped and said quietly, "I don't want any of my family to die."

Hermione broke down into tears at the lost sound in Ron's voice. Harry stood up with his stuff and said quietly, "As I have stated before, you are not ready." Harry then walked up the stairs to the dormitory.

Ron pulled Hermione into a hug, while the other Gryffindors that were in the room looked at them in consternation.

Ginny came in just a bit later. She looked at Ron and Hermione, who were sitting in each other's arms. "What's wrong?"

Ron looked up at her, "We tried to force Harry to tell us about things. It wasn't pretty."

Ginny looked at Ron in disgust, "How mad was he?"

Ron shook his head, "He wasn't mad. It was worse. It was almost like he was disappointed." Ron shuddered.

Ginny's eyes widened at the look on Ron's face. She saw that Hermione had been crying for awhile. She smiled down at them, "Come on, it will be alright. The ball is tonight. We don't have to worry about You-Know-Who for a few hours at least."

Ron and Hermione nodded. Ginny smiled, "Let's get a snowball fight going on outside. Ron, you go get Harry, and Hermione and I will get ready."

Ron took off up the stairs to the sixth year boys dormitory. There he found Harry about to disappear under his invisibility cloak. "Where are you going?"

Harry grinned, "To Hogsmeade."

Ron shook his head, "Hermione will have a fit if she finds out you're sneaking out of the castle. Besides Ginny wants us to have a snowball fight before the ball."

Harry shook his head, "You'll just have to tell them that I will be out in a short while. I've got to go pick up Ginny's Christmas present. I ordered it through a catalog, but I want to pick it up, so that I can make sure its perfect. Hermione will just have to get over it. Its not like she can do anything about it, anyway."

Ron grinned, "Well, she actually can. Hermione and I are prefects. We can give you detention for breaking rules."

"Not when I have special permission from the Headmaster to go. He just told me to sneak out, so that I wouldn't call too much attention to the fact that I was getting special treatment." replied Harry.

Ron shook his head, "You get away with everything."

Harry looked annoyed, "Yeah, sure, I get away with everything. I guess that's why I have a scar on the back of my hand in the shape of the words 'I will not tell lies.'"

Ron looked chastened, "Good point. I'll tell the girls that you'll join us in a little while."

Harry flashed one last grin, and then disappeared under the cloak. Ron walked back downstairs, and waited for the girls. Ginny looked around, "Where's Harry?"

Ron answered, "He had something to go do. He said that he will join us in a little while. Let's find Neville and Luna."

The three Gryffindors tracked Neville and Luna down outside. The three girls took on the two boys for awhile. Within about forty-five minutes, Harry showed up. The boys trashed the girls once Harry joined their team. He kept bewitching snowballs to fly in arcs and hit the girls in the backs. After another half-an-hour or so the girls left to get ready for the ball. The three boys continued for another hour, and then headed for the tower.

Ron asked Harry, "So, did you get it?"

Harry nodded, "Yeah, I've got it hid."

"What is it?" asked Ron.

Harry shook his head, "Nope, its going to be a surprise for everyone. You had better not tell Ginny I got her anything either. She still thinks that the dress robes are her Christmas present. I want to really surprise her."

Ron nodded, "Alright. I won't tell her."

Neville asked, "What are we talking about?"

Ron grinned, "Harry bought Ginny's dress robes for the ball. She thinks that the robes are supposed to be her Christmas present. Harry got her something else, though. So, she's going to be surprised come Christmas morning to say the least."

Neville laughed, "I guess so. You're just a little bit devious, Harry."

Harry chuckled, "I know. It's a lot of fun, though."

The boys went upstairs to get ready. They came down to the common room and waited with all the other boys that had dates in their own house. Finally, girls began to make their way down the stairs. Ginny and Hermione were in the first few girls down. Ron just gaped at his sister and his girlfriend. Harry smiled broadly. Hermione was dressed in robes very similar to the ones she had worn to the Yule Ball two years earlier. They were a slightly darker blue than the periwinkle of two years ago. She had her hair done similarly as well. It was up in a twist. All in all, she looked magnificent.

Ginny took Harry's breath away, however. The robes appeared as if they had been made from liquid gold that had been poured and molded around Ginny's slight frame. Her hair was in an elegant sweep, and she had placed just enough make-up on her face to enhance her already lovely features. Harry swept into a bow before Ginny. "I would be honored if you would allow me to accompany you to the dance, Milady. Your beauty would charm the foulest creature, and if there is a man on this planet that would not risk everything that he has merely to get a glimpse of you, then he should be put to death for his stupidity."

Ginny smiled widely, even as she flushed slightly. "I would be honored to have a man as eloquent and handsome as yourself escort me to the ball."

Ron finally managed to blurt out, "Hermione, you look great."

She smiled, but looked over to Harry and Ginny with just a hint of jealousy. She turned back to Ron, "Thank you, Ron."

Ron looked slightly uncomfortable. "I know I'm not as good at talking as Harry, but.." He stopped as he felt a hand on his shoulder.

Harry grinned at Ron, "It's the sentiment that counts, Ron. The words are just dressing."

Ginny and Hermione nodded in agreement. The four walked downstairs, and met up with Luna and Neville. Neville appeared quite polished in robes of a dark blood red. Luna was quite pretty dressed in robes of a pastel blue and white.

The six students waited for the doors to the Great Hall to open. At 7:30, the doors opened wide and the students began to file in. Harry stopped as he heard Malfoy's voice ring out, "What are you doing now, Potter, taking up charity cases? I didn't think that the weasels could afford new clothes." Several Slytherins laughed.

Harry took a menacing step towards Malfoy. Crabbe and Goyle flexed their arms, and prepared for a fight. Harry said softly, where only Malfoy and the few people surrounding him could hear, "I am not going to ruin the ball by starting a fight right here, but be warned. I have caught your father twice, Malfoy. The next time I see him, he dies. As for you and your little band of cohorts, pray that I don't catch you in a corridor where there are no witnesses. If I do, you will experience horrors that would make the Cruciatus Curse seem kind in comparison. I suggest that none of you ever speak to me or any of my friends ever again."

The group of Slytherins around Malfoy all paled. Crabbe and Goyle looked uncertain. Malfoy gulped in trepidation at the threat. "Let's go." said Malfoy.

Harry stepped back over to Ginny. She looked at him in concern, "What did you say to him."

Harry shook his head, "It doesn't matter. I don't think that he will be insulting any of us for a while, though." The five other students exchanged glances, but refrained from comment.

Harry smiled at them, "Let's just enjoy the ball." The six walked into the Great Hall together. As before the house tables had vanished, and the room was filled with small tables that would seat about six or eight. The group found an empty table, and sat down. Once everyone was seated, the menus appeared. Everyone placed their orders and the food appeared on their plates. Banter flew around the tables during the meal. Finally, however, it was time for the dancing to begin. The band came out onto the stage, and started setting up to play. Hermione looked askance at Ron, because she knew that he hadn't danced at the last ball. Ron looked at his feet, because he knew he didn't know how to dance. Neville was copying Ron's look for much the same reason. Luna appeared to be off in space somewhere. Ginny remembered her experience dancing with Neville two years ago, and thought disappointedly that Harry probably wouldn't be any better. He had only danced once with Parvati at the last ball. Harry, however, stood up confidently. Harry had been keeping up with his dance practicing throughout the term.

"May I have this dance?" asked Harry as he extended his hand.

Ginny smiled hesitantly, "Of course."

The two of them walked out onto the dance floor as the band began playing its first song. Ginny winced in anticipation of having her toes stepped on. It was for no reason, however. Harry spun her around easily and the two began to dance. Ginny looked into Harry's eyes in undisguised surprise and admiration. "I didn't know that you could dance."

Harry smiled, "I couldn't before now. I've been using a dancing charm to practice all term."

Ginny gasped, "You're kidding me."

Harry shook his head, "I knew that Neville stepped on your toes a lot at the last ball. I didn't want you to have a repeat performance."

"You mean you did this for me."

Harry nodded, "Of course. I would do anything for you, Ginny."

Ginny just smiled, and stepped closer to Harry as the two moved to the music.

Hermione finally got Ron onto the dance floor. Neville and Luna danced a few times. The night passed in a haze of laughter and dancing. Towards the end of the dance, Harry asked Ginny, "Would you like to go outside to look at the stars?"

Ginny nodded and the two headed outside. The began walking around the grounds. After a bit of time Harry felt a coldness that had nothing to do with the air touch him. Ginny shivered beside him. "Harry, I feel funny."

It hit Harry what was happening, "Dementors." Ginny looked frightened. Harry pushed her down behind a bush as he drew his wand. "Stay here. I'm going to find them." He stood up and began walking sideways away from Ginny. He spotted three dementors, and was preparing to cast the Patronus Charm when he heard a shout behind him.

"Harry."

He spun around and saw three more dementors converging on Ginny. Harry screamed at the top of his lungs, "Expecto Patronum." Three stags shot from the end of his wand. They charged down the three dementors surrounding Ginny and sent them flying. Then, they turned on the other three, and sent them on their way as well.

Harry rushed over to Ginny as his Patroni faded from existence. "I'm so sorry, Ginny. Are you okay?"

Ginny nodded as she continued crying. Harry helped her to her feet, and they walked back into the entrance hall. "Stay here, Ginny. I'll be back in just a moment."

Harry rushed into the Great Hall. He tapped his wand against his throat, "Sonorus. Everyone, quiet." Harry's magnified voice boomed through the Hall. The music died, and the entire student body turned to look at him. "I want all the students to return to their common rooms. No one go off by themselves. Teachers to me." No one moved. "Those were orders, people. Move." This finally spurred the students into action. Once they were out of the Great Hall, Harry tapped his wand to his throat again, "Quietus."

Dumbledore looked at Harry in concern, "What is going on, Harry?"

"Dementors were on the grounds, sir." replied Harry evenly. "I'm taking Ginny up to the common room, and then we need to go back out and make sure there aren't anymore."

Dumbledore nodded, "We will begin the search now. Professors." The staff followed Dumbledore from the Hall.

Harry walked over to Ginny. "Come on, sweetheart. I have to take you back to the common room." Harry hurried Ginny up the stairs. Once they reached the portrait hole, Harry gave the password to the Fat Lady, and then kissed Ginny. "I'm going back out to help the teachers search the grounds."

Ginny clutched Harry by the arm. "Don't go, Harry. I don't want you to get hurt."

Harry smiled as he removed her hand from his arm, "Don't worry, Ginny. It will take a lot more than a Dementor to harm me." He quickly sped down the hall out of sight.

Ginny climbed through the portrait hole. She was immediately set upon by Hermione, Ron, and Neville. Hermione demanded, "What's going on?"

Ginny sniffled, "There were Dementors outside. Harry fought them off, and now he and the professors are outside looking to see if there are any more of them."

Ron looked askance, "Dementors. Are you serious?"

Ginny nodded, "I'm going upstairs to get out of these dress robes. Then, I'm coming back down to wait for Harry." Ginny headed for the girl's dormitories. Hermione and Ron exchanged a glance before Hermione followed her up the stairs. Ron and Neville went to change, themselves.

After Harry had left Ginny outside the portrait hole, he jumped out the nearest window and transformed into a phoenix. He flew to the ground and then transformed back into human form. He ran up to Dumbledore, "Have you found anymore of them, sir?"

Dumbledore shook his head, "No, Harry, we haven't located any Dementors on the grounds. They could be hiding in the forest, however."

Harry nodded, "Yes, it would be quite easy for them to hide there. I guess I'll have to go look for them."

Dumbledore dissented, "Harry, I don't think that is a good idea."

Harry looked sideways at Dumbledore as McGonagall and Snape walked up, "The subject is not open to debate, Professor. If there is something on the grounds that threatens the lives of the people I care about, then I intend to get rid of it." Harry then ran off into the forest.

Snape looked at Dumbledore, "Are you just going to let the boy go?"

Dumbledore shrugged, "It doesn't appear as if I can stop him."

McGonagall looked anxious, "Do you think that he will be alright, Albus?"

Dumbledore smiled, "As to that, I can assure you that Harry will be fine. As long as Voldemort himself has not dared to come onto the grounds. Then, Harry will run. He knows that he can't kill Voldemort yet."

Snape mused, "The question is, can the Dark Lord kill Potter?"

Dumbledore looked grim, "That is a question that not even Harry can answer. We can only hope that the answer is no."

The three professors waited for Harry long after the rest of the staff had returned to the castle. Finally, Harry came out of the forest. He had an arrow stuck in his arm. The three rushed over to him. McGonagall asked quickly, "Potter, are you alright?"

Harry responded irritably, "I'm fine. One of those idiotic centaurs mistook me for prey."

Snape snorted, "I hardly think that any centaur is misguided enough to think that a human was prey."

"Normally you would be correct, Professor Snape, but since I didn't look like a human at the time he shot me, the mistake was understandable." replied Harry dryly.

Dumbledore asked, "Did you find any other Dementors, Harry?"

The party of four began to walk back towards the castle. Harry shook his head in exasperation, "No, I couldn't even pick up the scent of one. The six that I fought off must have been it."

Snape interrupted in a confused voice, "What are you talking about, Potter? First, you said that you didn't look like a human, and then you spoke of picking up a scent of Dementors. I demand to know what is going on?"

Harry waved his hand, "Calm down, Professor. This isn't common knowledge. In fact, the only people that know are Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Professor Dumbledore, and Professor McGonagall. I guess that you will make six. I am an unregistered Animagus."

Snape only managed one word, "Impossible."

Harry snorted, "You know, I hear that word a lot when it comes to things that I can do. I don't get it really. Everything that I can do, has been done by other wizards. So, I don't see why anyone would consider these things impossible."

Dumbledore smiled mysteriously, "That's not completely true, Harry. You can do one thing that no one has ever done."

Harry shook his head, "We don't know that it has never been done. It simply has never been recorded."

Snape persisted, "Now, what are you talking about?"

Harry shook his head again, "I am afraid that little secret will have to wait for another time. Occlumency or not, we can't afford to give Voldemort the chance to find out about too many of my abilities."

Snape looked as if he were about to ask again, when Dumbledore shook his head warningly. The four of them reached the Hospital Wing and Harry removed the sleeve of his dress robes so that Madam Pomfrey could inspect the wound. She clucked her tongue, and asked, "Exactly how did this happen, Mr. Potter?"

Harry responded, "I was in the Forbidden Forest looking for Dementors, and one of the centaurs shot me by accident."

Madam Pomfrey said disapprovingly, "Running around in the forest. What is this school coming to?" She removed the arrow from Harry's arm. She applied some sort of orange substance to the wound, and it hissed. She then tapped her wand against it and the wound disappeared.

Harry grinned, "Thanks, Madam Pomfrey." He got up and started walking for the door.

Madam Pomfrey called him back, "I think that it would be better if you stayed the night in the hospital wing, Mr. Potter."

Harry shook his head, "I'm fine, Madam Pomfrey. That wasn't any worse than the cut I took from that stupid Horntail two years ago. I didn't spend any time in the hospital wing, then."

Dumbledore said in concern, "Perhaps you should spend the night, Harry."

Harry answered, "I don't think that I need to stay, Professor. Unless you want a fiery tempered Weasley knocking the door to your office off, I suggest you stop holding me up and let me get back to Gryffindor tower. It's after one o'clock in the morning, and you all know that she's going to be waiting up for me to get back to the common room."

Dumbledore nodded, "Good point. Get back to the tower."

Harry nodded, and left the room at a run. He arrived back at the portrait hole in record time. He gave the Fat Lady the password and rushed into the common room. Ron, Hermione, and Neville were lying asleep on various chairs around the fire. Ginny was sitting in one chair looking straight at Harry. She jumped up and rushed across the common room into his arms. The two kissed for several minutes before Ginny stepped back from him and slapped him in the face. Then, she kissed him again.

Harry finally broke the kiss and asked, "What exactly did you slap me for?"

Ginny looked a little ashamed but answered, "You worried me. What took you so long?"

Harry smiled, "I'm sorry, but I had to make sure there were no more of them. The reason it took so long was that I had to go to the Hospital Wing."

Ginny immediately looked concerned, "Are you alright? I knew you were going to get hurt."

"Relax, Ginny, I'm fine. One of the centaurs accidentally shot me in the arm. Madam Pomfrey mended it easily. I'm as fit as a fiddle." answered Harry.

Ginny sighed, "I'm just really glad that you're okay."

Harry smiled again, "I know, Ginny. I feel the same way about you. It amazes me."

Ginny looked puzzled, "What amazes you?"

Harry smirked, "That Dumbledore was wrong."

"What was Dumbledore wrong about?"

"Do you remember the second task of the Triwizard Tournament?" asked Harry.

Ginny nodded, "Of course. You had to go into the lake."

"Yes. The Merpeople were supposed to have stolen the thing that I would miss the most." continued Harry.

Ginny looked perplexed by now, "What has any of this got to do with Dumbledore being wrong?"

"Don't you see? Dumbledore was the one who had to decide what each champion would miss the most. He was wrong about me." said Harry with a triumphant look on his face.

Ginny shook her head, "I still don't get it. How was he wrong?"

Now, Harry paused and smiled down at Ginny, "It's quite simple really. He put the wrong Weasley at the bottom of the lake."

Ginny blushed when she realized what Harry meant by this statement. Harry merely continued to smile at her. Then he said, "Now, I think that we had better wake the others. I don't think they will be happy if we leave them down here to sleep all night."

Harry and Ginny woke the other three and Harry assured them that he was just fine and they all needed to get some sleep because they got to go home for the holidays the next morning.

Grudgingly the three Gryffindors trudged up the stair to their beds. Harry held back for just a moment, and kissed Ginny lightly, "Good night, Miss Weasley."

Ginny smiled, and returned, "Sleep well, Mr. Potter."

Then, the two followed the others up the stairs.

A/N: StarWest45: The use of pronouns regarding the teams was not intentional at first. My Beta reader caught it, and we both decided that it was appropriate, so we left it as it was. Thanks for the review. I'm glad you're enjoying it.

Captuniv: I agree with you about Draco. When I started this story, I planned on redeeming Snape, but I feel that Draco's character is a lost cause.

Vampire Story Hunter: I know it was short, but it was a necessary place to breathe. Besides you have to have a Quidditch match or it isn't Harry Potter.

Dragonstorm316: If you like seeing Malfoy humbled, wait until they return to Hogwarts after Christmas break. You'll definitely enjoy the train ride back.