Chapter 10

The Ministry had spared no expenses on the Christmas Ball. The banquet room was beautifully decorated. Candles had been enchanted to float above the room; holly and mistletoe were hung above the enormous windows and doorways. There were three tree gigantic Christmas trees also decorated with care and which were placed at the front of the room as a sort of focal point. Round tables were set with crisp white tablecloths and beautifully arranged centerpieces.

Harry pulled out a chair for Julia then sat down next to her. Hermione sat next to Harry followed by Ron, Fred and his girlfriend Suzanne, Ginny, George and his girlfriend Megan, Percy and Penelope.

As everyone seated themselves the minister of magic, Sebastian Cloute, spoke. "Good evening everyone and Merry Christmas. I am delighted to see that so many of you have joined us this evening. I am pleased that we could celebrate the holiday together. It has been far too long since there has been something to celebrate."

Minister Cloute looked over all the various faces as he spoke when suddenly he spotted Harry. He smiled then addressed the crowd once more, "I am also surprised and delighted to see that we are in the presence of someone of great importance. For whom we would not be here today in such great number. Ladies and gentlemen, I would like you to put your hands together for Mr. Harry Potter!"

Harry's face turned a slight shade of pink as heads turned his way. He was, of course, used to this behavior having been through it most of his life.

Finally the crowd's attention was drawn back to the Minister. Except for the few at Harry's table.

"Still not used to all the attention are you mate?" Fred spoke across the table at him.

"Yeah. You never were good with being in the spot light. I guess we didn't rub off on you as much as we thought." George chimed in with a big smile on his face.

This banter continued for a while until Percy became irritated and told them he was trying to listen to the ministers speech and that they should do the same.

When the Minister had finally finished his speech the food was served. Like the decorations, there was no exception to the extravagance of the food. All the best was served. Ron did not seem to care what there, he dug right in, to the amusement of all.

This seemed to be the cue as everyone began to eat.

"This is amazing. You know Hermione, we should serve this stuff at our wedding." Ron said stuffing more food into his mouth.

Hermione looked at him. "Ron do you know how much all this would cost? We'd be paying it off for the rest of our life."

Everyone laughed at the look of disappointment on his face.

The rest of the meal sped by in a rush. Everyone was enjoying themselves. When the feast was done the Minister stood up to speak again. "I hope everyone enjoyed the food. I know I certainly did." He chuckled. "I would like to point out that once all the tables have been cleaned the dancing will commence. Have fun everyone."

As if on cue, the tables were cleaned of all leftover food and dishes.

Harry was speaking with Julia when Neville Longbottom walked up. "Hello Harry." He turned to everyone else and said hello to them. "I saw you sitting here and thought I would come by and say hello." He looked shyly at Julia who smiled back.

"Neville! How have you been? It's been about two years since I last saw you. What have you been up to?" Harry asked shaking his old school mates hand.

"I'm a professor at Hogwarts now. I took over for Professor Sprout." He beamed at this.

"Well congratulations." Harry said noticing the quick glance Neville made to Julia. "Neville, I would like you to meet Julia."

Neville blushed again as he shook Julia's hand. "It's nice to meet you." He said a little quietly.

As the old school mates conversed, music began to play and people were making their way onto the dance floor. Harry saw Mr. and Mrs. Weasley dancing, turned to Julia, and smiled. "I believe you owe me a dance." He said holding out his arm to her.

Julia smiled back and took his arm. "We'll see you later Neville." Harry said leaving Neville as Ginny walked up.

"Hello Neville." She looked to where Harry and Julia were dancing and turned back to Neville. "Will you do me the honor of a dance?" Ginny asked him.

Neville was taken aback but agreed.

The floor was packed with people slow dancing. Then the slow tune turned to an upbeat one which led to another then another. Finally Harry had to take a break. He left Julia on the dance floor, who was now trying to get Neville to keep up with her.

As Harry left the floor he noticed an older wizard standing off to the side in conversation with several other wizards and witches. When Harry took a closer look, he realized it was Professor Dumbledore.

Harry felt so many emotions at that moment. "It's been so long. What am I supposed to say to him?"

Before he could answer his own question, three wizards approached him. Harry didn't want to be rude so he spoke politely to them. He was used to complete strangers coming up to him as if they knew him personally. However it still made him feel uncomfortable.

The polite conversation lasted a few more minutes before Harry excused himself. He made his way to where he had seen Professor Dumbledore, only to find that he was no longer there. Harry looked about the room. There was no sign of the older man.