Chapter Seventeen:
The Autumn Ball
It was the last class of the day and Harry was actually pleased to be there. It was Care of Magical Creatures and Harry was actually enjoying it. Hagrid had completely given up on the Crumple-Horned Snorkack as a teaching tool. Even he had to admit the creature was simply too tame to be interesting.
Instead Hagrid had actually given them a challenge. They were learning about dragons and all of their magical properties. However, since Hagrid couldn't legally use dragons, he had made do with drakes.
Although much smaller and less powerful than their cousins; drakes were still a force to contend with. The smallest drake was larger than Fang and Harry had been paired up with a good-sized one.
Each student had been paired up with one and was to record all the traits and features of their drake including its behavior patterns. Harry could remember the first day with his drake as if it were yesterday…
"Hagrid! I think my drake hates me!" Harry had yelled from the pen.
There was sufficient reason to believe this. Harry's drake, who Hagrid had forced Harry to christen Simon, had made countless attempts to bite off his arm and was snorting steam from his scaly nostrils.
"Now, now 'arry. He jus' needs time teh get used to yeh!" called Hagrid from his hut.
Harry had given Simon a brief trepidation filled glance and sighed…
Harry chuckled at the memory. It was true that Simon had eventually taken to Harry. Even though the black scaled, purple-eyed monster was large it was really no more work than taking care of Hedwig, although at first it had been quite a chore.
Today Harry began by patting Simon on his head as he searched for Hermione and her drake. Harry chuckled. There they were. Hermione was reading aloud from a book to her drake, Josie. The beautiful orange drake was lying down; listening intently. Typical.
Harry switched his gaze from Hermione to Ron and the viridian Hugo. Ron was simply sitting on a tree stump staring at him; Hugo doing likewise crooning contentedly. Harry chuckled. It seemed he wasn't the only lucky one.
The class ended and Harry sent Simon off with the rest of the drakes to return to their nest. Simon reluctantly went off with his kin. Harry turned and bumped into Hagrid.
"Got a surprise for yeh," chuckled Hagrid peering down at Harry.
Harry blanched as he, Hermione, and Ron followed Hagrid as he set off down the all-too familiar path to Grawp. Hagrid was making idle small-talk on the way,
"Yeh an' Simon was getting' along famously! I reckon he'll be your drake alone 'for too long."
Harry thought about this for a second. Hagrid had said earlier about some witches and wizards bonding with their drakes so closely that they couldn't leave each other's side; and sometimes shared each other's thoughts.
As Harry finished that thought they arrived at the area where Grawp dwelled. At first Harry didn't notice anything unusual; although it was a little odd that Grawp was standing up.
"I want yeh all teh meet Gwenny!" exclaimed Hagrid pointing next to Grawp.
It was then that Harry saw that the knarled tree beside Grawp was really another monstrously tall creature. It was clearly female and when Ron's eyes fell on her he swore under his breath, just loudly enough for Harry to hear. Hermione backed up a few steps and after his initial exclamation Ron simply stood there, transfixed.
"LOOK GWENY. I GET YOU FLOWERS!" roared Grawp turning to the female giant clutching an enormous bouquet of uprooted trees, "SEE?!"
"THANK YOU GRAWPPIE! GRAWP IS SO CUTE!" roared Gweny back in equal volume and pitch as she accepted the strange bouquet from Grawp.
Ron looked like he was going to be sick and Hagrid continued to rave, "She jus' showed up one night. Grawp didn' mind…"
Harry, Ron, and Hermione were all busy glancing worriedly at each other. After Hagrid had apparently ceased babbling Hagrid muttered,
"Well, that's all I wanted teh show yeh."
So without taking their time Harry, Ron, and Hermione exited the woods.
"I really regret teaching Grawp how to write now…" muttered Hermione kicking a tree root.
Upon feeling the pain that now throbbed through her toe she shrieked in frustration and stated on her way to the castle, "I'll see you later."
"Where are you going?" interrogated Ron.
"I have to start studying for mid-term examinations," replied Hermione continuing her limp towards the castle.
Ron rolled his eyes and said, "She'll be the only one studying the week of the Ball."
Harry nodded and Ron continued, "So what did you think of Grawp's bouquet of…" Ron trailed off.
"What?" prodded Harry.
"Nothing… I just remembered that I have to get flowers for Hermione for the Ball," replied Ron.
"Flowers!?" exclaimed Harry, "I'm supposed to get Luna flowers!?"
"Yeah… Apparently there's some new rule where you have to get a girl flowers before a dance," stated Ron sarcastically.
"Well, anyway Hermione told me what color her dress is… What do you reckon that means? Do you think she wants me to dress to match?" continued Ron.
"How should I know!? I didn't even know about the flowers!" exclaimed Harry.
"Calm down mate. This is nothing a trip to Hogsmeade can't fix. We're lucky there's one coming up," replied Ron.
Harry nodded and once he and Ron had safely entered the castle he ran into Lupin,
"Ah, Harry. I've discovered something you might find amusing."
Lupin strode over to the Harry and Ron and continued, "A new wizard has joined the Order of the Phoenix."
"Gabriel Lovegood?" asked Ron scratching his head.
"No," answered Lupin, "But not a bad guess. We actually have been debating it."
"Who then?" asked Harry.
"None other than Gilderoy Lockhart," replied Lupin awaiting the reaction he knew was coming.
"What?!" roared Ron, "How can you do that?! Last time we saw him, he wasn't even sane."
"Well, he has finally overcome his amnesia and he has agreed to refrain from getting too carried away," stated Lupin grinning.
Harry suddenly remembered the Note-Keeper, "Oh thank you for the Note-Keeper. Infersia is very.. uh… eccentric."
"You are most welcome," replied Lupin, cleverly masking a chuckle and striding away with a smile on his face.
Harry and Ron continued their journey to Gryffindor Tower,
"Can you believe that? Dumbledore must be off his rocker to sign on Lockhart!"
Harry silently agreed and wondered what the reasoning behind that was.
It was time for the trip to Hogsmeade and Harry, Ron, and Hermione all stood eagerly in the line waiting to be checked off the list by Filch. Harry noticed that this was the most crowded line to Hogsmeade he had ever seen. Harry supposed that other people had last minute purchases to make for the Ball too.
Once Filch was past the three of them Hermione said, "I can't wait! I'm going to first go to Madam Malkin's to get new robes and then…"
"Wait, you're getting new robes? Why?" asked Ron.
"Why, I can't wear what I wore last time, can I?" replied Hermione, her eyes wide.
"I guess you can't," answered Harry for Ron.
Seeing Harry's frustration Hermione stated, "I'll help you pick out new robes too."
And with that Harry, Ron, and Hermione made their way to Hogsmeade. After entering the magical village Harry and Ron made a visit to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes to greet the twins. Hermione had politely refused to accompany them and continued on to Madam Malkin's, which Harry could see was already swarming with students.
"Brand-New! Paint-A-Wall!" rang Fred's voice, magically amplified, across the room upon Harry and Ron's entrance into the shop, "Bargain! Only fifteen Galleons each!"
Ron whistled lowly and said, "No wonder they have so much money lately."
"I want to see this Paint-A-Wall," stated Harry.
Harry pushed through the crowded shop to find Fred demonstrating. He picked up what appeared to be an ordinary brush, only with brick-patterned paint on it. Fred brushed the air several times and with each brush came a cloud of rust colored mist. When Fred had finished a wall materialized in front of him.
"As you can see it is nearly instantaneous! Knock any pursuers flat on their arses!" exclaimed Fred and noticing Harry and Ron he said, "What mischief are you two up to now?"
"We need a place to get flowers and fast!" replied Harry.
Fred frowned and asked, "Sad or Happy occasion?"
"Happy, um for a dance with girls-that sort of thing?" asked Ron not sure if that was the correct answer.
"Why didn't you say so! I know just the place! Been there a few times myself…" replied Fred with a wink handing Harry a business card and continuing to pitch his new item. Harry looked down on the card and it read:
The Boyfriend's Emergency Flower Shop
Forgotten about that new rule about getting a girl a flower before a dance? Or maybe you've forgotten your girlfriend's birthday, an equally unforgivable occurrence. If so drop by and we will assist you!
Harry and Ron looked at each other in wonder. They both set out at a dead-run in search of The Boyfriend's Emergency Flower Shop. It had taken some time to locate, for it was in a part of the village that Harry had never entered before.
The shop had a moving picture of a young man in dragon-hide dress-robes, sweating as he bought a bouquet of flowers directly outside his girlfriend's house.
Harry and Ron snorted as they entered the shop. Inside was the same young man as the one in the advertisement. He was even wearing dragon-hide robes,
"All right mates, what'll it be?" asked the man.
He appeared to be only a little older than Harry, perhaps six years at the most. He cleared his throat and said, "Well, if it isn't Harry Potter. It was my last year at Hogwarts when you came. Is there anyway I can help you two? By the way, my name's Michael Finnigan."
"Are you related to Seamus?" asked Ron.
Michael smiled and replied, "None other than his brother."
"Well, anyway, as I said. Is there anything I can help you two with today?" continued Michael, ruffling his shaggy brown hair.
"Yes, we need flowers desperately! You see there's a Ball and…" began Harry.
"Say no more," interrupted Michael, "Did you're dates tell you what color their dresses would be?"
Ron looked bug-eyed at Michael and answered, "No…"
Michael frowned and stated, "Well, that's unusual. Anyway, the best I can advise is a Color-Changing Rose. It should change color to match your date's dress."
Harry smiled at Ron as Michael went and came back with two gray roses in plastic bags,
"And the grand total is… Eight Galleons, Two Sickles, and One Knut."
Harry gratefully paid the sum and he and Ron walked out of the shop happily after thanking Michael profusely.
Ron went off to the Three Broomsticks and Harry continued on to meet Hermione in Madam Malkin's. It was nowhere near as wild as it had been, but things were not as calm and organized as they were normally.
No…no… Luna don't you see? You can't wear the polka-dots!" rang Ginny's voice from across the room.
"Why not?" replied Luna's voice, "If they bothered making one; somebody should wear it."
"Okay… It doesn't have to be you though," stated Ginny desperately attempting to get Luna to put down a hideous set of polka-dot dress robes.
Luna shrugged and lay down the dress robes on a pile of equally hideous things. Harry snuck past them and ran into Hermione who was holding a beautiful set of golden dress robes.
"You wouldn't believe the fight I got into with Lavender Brown over these and she hasn't even got the right skin color!" stated Hermione.
Then remembering her promise Hermione said, "Let's get you your dress-robes."
Hermione and Harry set off to the Men's section of the shop to pick up new dress robes
"Here are some nice gray ones," said Hermione. Then after gazing at them for awhile she said, "Too bland."
Then she picked up a crimson set and put them over Harry to see how it looked. She quickly withdrew them and said giggling, "You look like Christmas!"
Harry laughed for a short period of time before he continued searching. Finally Harry came across some black dragon-hide dress robes, just like Michael's. Hermione thought that it was a brilliant fit so Harry bought them and since his shopping was finished, he and Hermione picked up Ron and they set off for the castle.
The day had finally arrived. Harry and Ron were in the Boy's dormitory pulling their regular robes off and donning their dress robes. Ron liked Harry's new dress robes and Harry didn't mind Ron's either. They were infinitely better than the set Ron had worn at the previous Ball. Ron's robes were made of black silk lined with fur at the cuffs and hem. Once they were clothed Harry and Ron each grabbed their roses and set down to the Common Room where they waited for Hermione to walk down.
Finally she did although she had done nothing to her hair this time.
Harry quickly said, "Are you leaving your hair like that?"
"Oh that's right!" said Hermione and she grabbed her wand, pointed it at her hair and said, "Peniculus!"
Her hair was magically brushed and tied into an elaborate knot, "Thank you for reminding me Harry."
"You look gorgeous," stated Ron.
Hermione really did. Her golden dress just shone with elegance and beauty, "Thank you."
"Here's your rose," said Ron pinning the gray rose on Hermione's dress robes quickly.
Just before she looked at it, the rose turned from gray to yellow, "Wow! It matches and everything!"
"Well I try," said Ron smiling.
"We should go pick Luna up now," said Ginny in robes of royal purple.
"And where are Jack and Will?" interrogated Ron, looking around as if daring them to show up.
"For your information they said they would meet me in the Great Hall," answered Ginny.
To keep this from getting ugly Harry set out and Ginny chased after him, "She's next to the Charms Classroom."
Ginny caught up with Harry, a smile of anxiety on her face.
When Harry arrived at the Charms Corridor he spotted a gorgeous figure by the classroom but surely that couldn't be Luna? Harry walked closer to find that it was Luna.
It really was amazing. Luna's filthy hair had been thoroughly purged and the result was a striking head of blonde hair. Luna's eyes shone brilliantly and all her attention was on Harry. What was even more amazing was Luna's dress. It was sparkling silver with a blue mantle and on Luna's ears were crescent moon earrings.
"You look beautiful," stated Harry and he meant it.
"Thank you," replied Luna, "So do you. I mean you look handsome."
"Thank you," said Harry and he quickly pinned his rose on her mantle. The rose became a soft azure color.
"Oh, how pretty!" exclaimed Luna looking at the rose.
Ginny walked a couple of steps behind them as Harry and Luna walked off towards the Great Hall.
On the way Harry spotted many others whom he recognized. Malfoy was again with Pansy. When Harry had found Hermione and Ron, Hermione was sure to point out that Pansy was wearing the same dress-robes from the last Ball and she didn't have a rose.
Hermione and Ron were both as surprised as Harry at Luna's appearance and after entering the Great Hall, all four found seats together. The Great Hall looked marvelous. Leaves were falling from the ceiling and when they hit the floor they vanished to undoubtedly return to the top once more. Jack-O-Lanterns were scattered across the room and Harry couldn't help but notice Luna's cold stares at them.
After what seemed like the entire school had entered the Great Hall, Dumbledore stood and said,
"I would like to introduce to you our guest the highly-esteemed Ambrose von Derek."
There was a smattering of polite applause as Dumbledore sat down and Ambrose von Derek stood up quickly so all could see him. He was tall with black hair and gray at the temples. Harry was sure there was some kind of charm disguising his appearance but Harry couldn't help but notice that he had Luna's eyes.
And after that the Ball began. There was music from a ghostly quartet on a stage in the front corner. The group left the table eagerly in pairs for the dance floor. Harry and the others had a wonderful time gyrating to the frantic beat of the music. Luna's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Why this is actually fun!" Harry thought as he glanced over at Ron and Hermione as they swooped by.
Later in the evening food appeared and Harry helped himself to the loaded tables, making sure that Luna got what she wanted to eat. Ginny was still alone. There was no sign of Jack or Will and reason for that soon became apparent.
Suddenly Lupin came into view dragging red-faced Jack and Will by their ears muttering something that sounded like "Amateurs." Harry snorted and Ron shook his head as both of them sat meekly on either side of Ginny after Lupin had deposited them at the table.
"That guy's good," whispered Jack to Will.
"I know! Who would've thought…" whispered Will.
Soon everyone stood up as the tables moved to the sides of the Great Hall and music began to play again. Slowly people began to dance once more. The atmosphere in the room was changing. It felt …uh romantic… Harry was suddenly uncomfortable.
"Do you want some Pumpkin Punch?" offered Harry.
Harry just realized his mistake but Luna politely said, "No thank you, should we dance some more?"
Harry then noticed that Ambrose von Derek was watching Luna closely and Harry felt like he should continue their small talk as they began to dance,
"Where did you get your dress?" asked Harry desperate to keep the conversational tone normal and light.
"Oh, Ginny and I couldn't find anything we liked so I wrote to my Dad. He gave me this. He tells me that it was my mother's," answered Luna.
This response explained why Ambrose von Derek was watching her so closely thought Harry.
"Well, it's very pretty," he stated as they continued to dance.
"Thank you," said Luna.
One dance led to the next and Harry couldn't help but notice that Luna was the only person that he had ever felt comfortable dancing with. Not that he'd tried to dance with lots of girls before.
Harry looked over to the Staff Table to find it nearly deserted, no Dumbledore in sight. Harry then glanced at his watch to see that it was almost midnight.
"I'll be right back," said Harry and once Luna had said it was all right Harry went to the Staff Table.
Professor McGonagall was sitting there alone and Harry asked, "Do you know where Professor Dumbledore is?"
"Why, he's been away for quite some time. Fudge asked him to come and said it was urgent. Why?" answered McGonagall.
"No reason," replied Harry and he slowly walked back to return to Luna. Harry couldn't explain his sudden unease. His scar suddenly began to throb…
That's when it hit him. The Only One He Ever Feared…
"REDUCTO!" roared an incantation from outside.
The western wall of the Great Hall burst apart and screams could be heard everywhere. The force of the explosion had knocked Harry off his feet and upon picking himself up he began to search for Luna. He found her knocked down as well but in good condition.
"Are you alright?" asked Harry worriedly.
"I'm fine," answered Luna.
Suddenly Death Eaters and Dementors poured into the Great Hall. After the horrifying sea of black cloaks seethed into the Hall Voldemort entered himself with a smile on his face.
"Gabriel… I know you are in here," whispered Voldemort ominously.
Voldemort raised his wand and ten Dementors set off towards Ambrose von Derek. Just then the D.A. sprung into action. Patroni and other spells flew off in all directions.
"EXPECTO PATRONUM!" roared both Harry and Luna.
Harry's stag and Luna's swan chased away a good number of the Dementors that were headed in Ambrose von Derek's direction.
Voldemort then cast his eyes on Ambrose von Derek, raised his wand and…
"IMPEDIAMENTA!" shouted countless people.
It seemed like every staff member and D.A. member had invoked this incantation and directed it at the Dark Lord simultaneously.
"ARA DISCHASIA!" screamed the menacing figure, blocking the fleet of spells zooming towards him.
"AVADA KEDAVRA!" exclaimed Voldemort his wand working swiftly, aiming at any random person.
A flash of green light and a thump was heard. Harry turned around to see Dumbledore standing next to a fallen Minister of Magic… Cornelius Fudge was dead.
"AZARATH METRIUM!" roared Dumbledore.
A white celestial light poured out of Dumbledore's wand and it poured itself over unsuspecting Dementors; causing them to burst into dark particles of energy. Then the light began to pour over Voldemort.
Voldemort's eyes widened and he turned around, ran and vanished.
"No!" shrieked the wild eyed Bellatrix Lestrange in fury as a white faced but determined Neville Longbottom sent a disarming spell at her. Her wand flew against the wall and exploded in a shower of sparks. The witch disappeared after her master with an oath.
The light vanished and the remaining Death Eaters followed their master to an unknown rendezvous. Smoke and debris filled the devastated Great Hall. Ambrose von Derek ran to Dumbledore and Dumbledore said,
"I was tricked. Voldemort had caused a diversion at the Ministry, while he was attacking Hogwarts. Thank goodness I wasn't too late."
Dumbledore paused to glance around the Great Hall and continued, "Cornelius summoned me, and although we did manage to hold them off there; I failed to save Cornelius here at the castle."
Harry couldn't help but look down at the crumpled heap that was all that remained of Cornelius Fudge, the former Minister of Magic.
Forcing himself to look elsewhere, Harry simply looked down and then Dumbledore pointed his wand at Ambrose von Derek and said, "Finite Incantatum!"
The image of Ambrose von Derek vanished and was replaced with the image of a totally different person. Gabriel Lovegood had the same eyes as his niece and neat, blond hair. He was a little gray at the temples.
"This is Gabriel Lovegood. He was hiding here to escape Voldemort," explained Dumbledore conversationally.
Luna was shocked, "U.uu..u.ncle Gabriel?"
She had said this on the brink of tears.
"Yes," whispered Gabriel.
"Let me take you back to your Common Room," offered Harry trying to make things as easy for Luna as possible.
"Wait… but you're not supposed… to know… our password…" sobbed Luna.
"I insist," prodded Harry and finally Luna gave in.
Luna showed Harry the way to Ravenclaw Tower and she led him to a large golden statue of a raven on the opposite side of the castle.
Wiping her eyes of all remaining tears Luna managed, "I had a lovely time at the Ball… you know before Voldemort and everything…"
Harry snorted lightly and he was going to just leave after making sure she was safe but…
He looked down and realized her lips were so close; so close that Harry could feel her breath. She seemed so confused, lost, and tired…he couldn't help it. Harry kissed her. Luna was startled and withdrew but then she calmed down and Harry kissed her lips again.