Chapter Twenty-Three
Results and Awards

The next morning, as Harry, Hermione, and Ron were descending the Main Staircase together, they saw a great mass of their fellow students standing in a large circle. From their vantage point on the stairs, the famed Gryffindor Trio could see exactly what was in the center of the mob.

There was the stool that annually bore the Sorting Hat at the opening feast of the year, and had held the Goblet of Fire just the year before. On the stool was a small box that resembled the treasure chests Muggles always had in their movies about pirates. It was a mahogany chest, with a rounded lid. Along every edge, there was ornate, and slightly tarnished, silverwork. In the center of the chest's front panel there was a locking mechanism shaped like the Hogwarts crest, or at least there would be if the chest was closed. The chest's lid was set open at a right angle to the chest itself, with chains connected on the inner lip of both sides on top and bottom. On the inside of the Chest of Judgment, there was absolutely nothing. All anyone could see was just the dark mahogany of the Chest itself.

There was a thin dark blue line drawn in a circle around the Chest of Judgment, with a ten-foot radius from stool to line. The mob of students was standing just at the rim of the circle, all eyeing the empty chest with interest and excitement.

Harry scanned the crowd, and his eyes easily found the blonde, right at the front of the crowd. As Harry watched, Draco glanced around at the crowd, and stepped forward into the circle, a small square of folded up parchment in his fingers.

The whole assembly gasped as the circle rose into a tall wall of mist surrounding the Slytherin. Draco hesitated for a split second, and glanced around himself at the mist wall. The mist was blindingly white, shimmering like a glitter-covered curtain dancing in the light. Draco took a slow breath and resumed walking toward the Chest.

The Chest itself started to glow bright gold. The once empty innards of the Chest began to shine upwards, as though it were full of gold doubloons, and the sun was beaming directly down into it.

Draco approached the chest slowly, his fingers fidgeting absently with the parchment. Once he was close enough, Draco reached out and dropped his picks for contest winner into the Chest.

The Chest of Judgment glowed with a pure white light. It was so bright, Draco had to put an arm up in front of his eyes to shield himself. When he looked back, the Chest had gone back to its previous dull and empty state. The mist around Draco and the Chest vanished instantly. Draco put his arm back down, and smiled. Well, that's at least one vote for me, Draco thought as he exited the circle amid soft exclamations of admiration from the rest of the student body.

Emboldened by Draco's foray across the Voting line, students started submitting their own votes for contest winner. Some went by themselves, others two and three at a time. Each time, the wall of mist rose around the voters, the chest shone brilliantly and then went back to its unremarkable dullness once the votes were cast.

Once students voted, they made their way into the Great Hall and thought nothing more of the Chest of Judgment. Many students moved past the Chest without voting, some needing more time to decide, others wanting to enjoy the mist wall on their own time, without the prying eyes of their schoolmates.

Harry shook his head and smiled as he descended the stairs behind Hermione and Ron. Leave it to Draco to go and vote in front of all these people. He smirked and headed into the Great Hall, opting for his own nice, quiet voting time.

After everyone was finished eating their breakfasts, Dumbledore wiped his mouth and beard clean of porridge and rose to his feet. He called for his students' attention. "Good morning, everyone! I hope you all had a pleasant night's sleep after last evening's entertainment. Can we all give the performers another round of applause, please?"

Everyone in the Great Hall erupted in a great muddle of clapping, yelling and whistles of appreciation for the seventeen acts that had graced the stage the night before. Those nearest to performers clapped them on the backs, smiles wide.

"Yes, that'll do, I believe," said Dumbledore finally. "Now, the announcement of winners and awarding of prizes will come this evening, at seven o'clock on the button. There will be a grand ceremony to honor each of last evening's performers this evening. Do make sure you attend and cheer on your classmates." Dumbledore smiled at his charges, making a special effort to search out the performers and give each a personal smile of encouragement. "All right, then. I believe that will be all for me this morning." He smiled and spread his arms out. "Now go on, and have a splendid day." He glanced up at the ceiling and smiled warmly. "It looks like a glorious day. Please enjoy it. Off you go now!" He made a shooing motion with his hands, and the Hall started to empty, chairs scraping, and voices talking and laughing.


"Harry, stop worrying. You know you'll win." Ron patted his best mate on the shoulder and grinned. It was just after breakfast time, and the Trio had set themselves up before the fire for a long day of chess. Ron and Hermione were facing off over the chess board as Harry lounged nearby.

Harry looked over and forced a smile. "Thanks," Harry said softly. "You're full of hippogriff dung, but thanks all the same. I really think you and Hermione have it in the bag. You two were great." Harry stretched his legs out across the small table in front of him, a few feet away from the chess board, and tried to settle into the couch. He was finding that, all morning, he was extremely uncomfortable, no matter where or how he sat. The lack of warmth from a certain Slytherin's body was almost definitely to blame, Harry was sure of it. The fact that he couldn't get comfortable without Draco next to him was surprising to him, and it brought Harry's mind to the memory of what had happened the night before.

Why did Malfoy say we should just be friends? Doesn't he- Well... That is- Wouldn't he rather have more? He kept turning this thought over in his head. Harry knew he himself wanted more. Being together throughout the contest, coupled with the newfound camaraderie brought about by performing together, had solidified this idea in Harry's mind. Harry had thought that he was reading the signals coming from Draco rather well, thinking that maybe there was the possibility of something between them.

There is something between us. He offered his hand in friendship again, his head reminded him. I have a new friend in Draco Malfoy. Officially. Harry let a small smile grace his lips as he remembered taking hold of the soft skin of Draco's hand.

Last night, Harry had really wanted to come clean, to bare his soul in a sense, and to tell Draco exactly how he felt. But Draco had interrupted. Harry supposed it was for a good reason. After all, Draco's father was a known supporter of the Dark Lord. Maybe it was good Harry didn't reveal everything.

Harry sighed heavily. He wished he could have just opened his mouth last night and told Draco once and for all exactly what he felt. Maybe this afternoon...

Harry nodded to himself. Yes, I'll send Draco a note, asking to speak with him... Maybe this time I'll have the Gryffindor bravery with me and I'll be able to say what I want... His features were set resolutely. It was final, then. Draco Malfoy wouldn't know what hit him. He shifted himself again on the couch, still unable to get comfortable.


The day moved on as though it were a normal Saturday, save the buzz rippling through every witch and wizard over that night's ceremony. No one could keep their wits about them due to their excitement about the announcement due that night. Even some of the teachers were excited about the revealing of the winners.

Professor McGonagall asked Neville, Seamus, Dean, Harry, and Ron to stop by her office for a moment just before lunchtime. When they arrived at their Head of House's office, she was wearing her customary stern look.

"Gentlemen, I have something very serious to discuss with you." She moved around to the front of her desk and leaned back on it, her arms crossed severely. Each boy was wondering what they had all done to be called there. "Yes, very serious indeed."

She looked down her nose at them all in that infuriating way that she often did, her lips set in a thin line.

Then she smiled widely at them all. "Thank you."

The five boys all let out great sighs of relief.

"You're welcome, Professor."

"Our pleasure!"

"It was nothing."

"Glad to do it, Ma'am."

"No big deal."

"But it was a big deal, Thomas," said McGonagall, starting to get uncharacteristically teary-eyed. "None of my students has ever done anything so thoughtful in all my years of teaching here." She smiled again. "And it meant a great deal to me. So I just wanted to tell you five boys that. Thank you again."

The boys all started toward the door, smiles on their faces, when she spoke again.

"Oh, and boys?"

The Gryffindor boys stopped and turned to look at their Head of House. "Yes?" they asked in unison.

"I hope you beat the pants off everyone else!"

Harry, Dean, Neville, Ron and Seamus exchanged big grins, said their thank yous, and set off toward lunch.


In the Slytherin Commons, Draco stayed as far from Pansy and Millicent as he could that day. He was still quite angry they had singled him out to sing to the night before. Most people would be flattered by all of the trouble the girls went to, but Draco was simply aggravated by it all.

Several times, each girl had tried to cuddle up to him and ask him to forgive them, but he was having none of it. Just after lunch, when the pair tried to double-team him, he decided he'd had enough.

"Would you two just bugger off, for Hades' sake!" shouted Draco, sitting up suddenly. "Just back the hell off!"

Millicent, who was seated on the armrest of the couch, leaned back and away from Draco, as if she had been slapped. Pansy was practically thrown off the couch since she'd placed herself practically in Draco's lap.

"Draco... Sweetie-" started Pansy, looking hopeful.

"Parkinson!" Draco barked. "I don't want to hear this crap from you or Bulstrode. Didn't I just tell you two to bugger off?"

"I don't understand why you didn't like our performance," blurted out Millicent angrily. "Snape liked it just fine!"

"Millie!" Pansy cried out, at the same time as Draco yelped, "Ugh, Snape?!?"

"What?" asked Millicent. "He did, Pans! You saw him. You know he-"

Draco covered his ears, a vile sneer twisting his features. "This is disgusting, Parkinson, Bulstrode. Ugh!" He tasted the bile at the back of his throat as the nasty mental images started swarming in his mind's eye. "Oh-! Oh Merlin, get it out… Get it out!" He glared at the two girls. "Get away from me, you vermin. Just get away." He shuddered violent, shaking his head. This is a mental picture I never want to come in contact with ever again. Ugh, disgusting…

Pansy's face fell. She stood up, and Millicent got to her feet in the next instant. Pansy's eyes dropped to the floor. "All right, Draco," she whispered, backing away. "We- We're so-"

"I said I didn't want to hear it. Leave." The mask of disgust he'd perfected over the last sixteen years solidified on his face. He turned away from the girls and stared into the fire. Millicent and Pansy moved to sit someplace else. Anywhere Draco wasn't, to be exact.

Draco sighed heavily once the girls were gone, then shook off the mental images for the last time. He wiggled a bit, trying his best to get good and relaxed. He was having just as much trouble with his comfort as Harry was. He was stretched out along the couch before the fire, one arm tucked under his head like a pillow, the other tracing patterns idly on the stone floor. He wiggled a bit more, wishing he had a lap on which to lay his feet. And there seemed to be only one lap made to the proper height for his foot-propping taste. At that, his thoughts turned again to his former nemesis who, in the course of a few weeks, had become a fellow performer, and then a friend.

Just then, the door to the rest of the school opened and in came Vin and Greg, followed closely by a beautiful, pure white owl. Draco could have sworn the owl gave his cronies a dirty look before she floated across the Common Room and to his side. She glanced down at Draco with a pained look, as though she was disgusted with her current location. Then she ruffled her feathers, shaking off her disdain. She took on a dignified look and stuck out her leg to Draco.

Draco raised an eyebrow. "And who might you be?" he asked, taking the rolled up parchment from the snowy owl's leg. He ran a finger over the soft feathers of the owl's stomach and nodded his thanks. The owl hooted softly and took to flight again. As the bird reached the closed door, she dug a taloned foot into Pansy's shoulder and squawked. Pansy was just leaving the Commons anyway, and quickly opened the doorway, just to get the owl off her that much sooner.

Draco watched the exchange with mild amusement then turned to the scroll still in hand. There was a small wax seal holding the scroll closed, shaped like a lightning bolt. Draco knew that meant this note could only be from one person.

He unrolled the parchment quickly, wanting to know what Harry had to say.


"Potter. What can I do for you?"

Harry looked up from his hands with a soft smile. Draco was leaning against the door frame. His arms were crossed over his chest and a faint smirk was on his lips. Harry couldn't help but think Draco looked simply delicious.

"Hey Malfoy." Harry uncurled his legs, hung them over the edge of the table and made to hop down.

"Don't get down on my account, Potter." Draco straightened and moved to sit on the top of Snape's desk. As Draco bent his own legs up and under him, Harry relaxed and just let his legs swing loosely. Draco leaned back, resting his palms on the desktop behind him.

For a moment, they sat in silence. They stared at the floor, or around the room, but mostly at each other. Harry could feel the connection between them every time their eyes met. But he couldn't manage to put what he was feeling into words. Where's the Gryffindor bravery now? he thought grumpily. He took a deep breath and caught Draco's eye again. "Malfoy, there's something I need to say."

"I should bloody well hope so. I'm rather tired of the staring matches. You're not nearly as good at them as you are at Quidditch. Rotten luck for me that it's not the other way around, hmm?" Draco smiled slowly and Harry thought he saw a quick wink. "So then. What've you got to tell me, mate?"

A ripple of excitement went through Harry when Draco called him "mate." Harry shook it off mentally and took another steadying breath. "It's just this, Malfoy-"

"What in blue blazes are you doing in my classroom?" roared Snape, slamming his way into the room and glaring back and forth between the two boys.

Harry clambered off the tabletop to stand in front of it, his eyes wide as saucers. "I- we- er, I mean- Malfoy and I- um, that is to say-"

Draco stayed seated on Snape's desk, merely stretching out his legs and letting them hang down over the edge of the desk. He smiled easily at Snape. "We were having a little chat, Professor."

Snape raised a skeptical eyebrow. "And why is it that I don't believe that, I wonder."

"I'm really not sure, sir." Draco's smile turned very innocent.

Snape crossed his arms over his chest and glared at Harry as he continued to speak to Draco. "Why do I get the feeling I broke up the beginnings of a duel? What's the matter, Potter? Incapable of conceding defeat to Mister Malfoy here?"

"Actually, sir, if you look," Draco gestured back and forth between himself and Harry. "Neither of us have our wands drawn. There wasn't even a threat to duel." He smiled sweetly at Harry, who looked back surprised, and then Draco looked back at his Head of House. "I can assure you, Professor, you merely interrupted Potter as he was about to reveal some extraordinary secret to me."

Snape searched the two boys with his eyes, looking for drawn wands, menacing expressions, anything that could give him a reason to hand out detentions, but saw nothing. Disappointed, Snape glared at Harry again and hissed out, "Well. What were you about to tell Mister Malfoy, Potter? Let's hear it then."

Harry inhaled sharply, his eyes wide with fear. "I- um."

Draco sneered. "Yes, Potter, do tell." The menace coming from Draco's lips, Harry noticed with a bit of relief, did not reach his eyes.

Harry glanced down at his hands, his mind racing. He cast around quickly for something to tell the Slytherins. Then it came to him. "I just wanted to tell Malfoy that- that he had my vote for the contest. That's all, Professor Snape."

"And you came all the way here to tell him this, Potter?" sneered the potions master. "Why?"

"My choice of venue, sir," lied Draco easily. "I didn't feel like traipsing all over the school to find out what Potter wanted. For obvious reasons I had no desire to make my way up to the-" Draco took on a sour expression. "The sacred Gryffindor Tower. This was the easiest place to meet that wasn't the Slytherin Commons."

Snape looked somewhat suspicious, but then again, that was not abnormal for the Slytherin Head of House. After a bit of deliberation, he nodded slowly. "Well then, Potter. Fifteen points from Gryffindor House."

Harry gaped at the professor. "What for, sir?" he asked before he could stop himself.

Snape donned a wicked smile. "Ten for the lack of enough imagination to choose a place to meet yourself. And five for putting your grubby shoes all over my table. And I think we'll make it an even twenty for your questioning me." Snape glowered at the Gryffindor. "Now both of you. Out of my classroom. It's nearly dinnertime anyway, so off with you." Snape turned on his heel and stormed out of the room, his robes billowing impressively behind him.

"I really need to learn how to do that," Draco murmured.

Harry hid a smile. After a moment he said, "Hey, thanks."

Draco glanced at him. "For what?"

"Covering my backside with Snape, that's what." Harry smiled now. "I appreciate it. At least a little. He still took off House points."

"No problem. That's what friends are for, right?" Draco grinned back. "Hey, you'll probably gain all the points back tonight anyway." Draco patted Harry's shoulder in a comforting way. "Just don't expect first, buddy. That's my spot."

Harry laughed. "Someone's confident."

Draco nodded, grinning. "You better believe it. If the Great Potter lowered himself enough to vote for me, who's to say I won't win?"

"All right. I give," said Harry, holding up his hands in defeat. He glanced at his watch and then back at Draco. "Snape was right. It's just about dinnertime. Let's go eat."

Draco nodded. "Let's go then."

They walked in a comfortable silence toward the Great Hall. When they were just a few feet away, Draco stopped and turned toward Harry. He caught Harry's elbow. "Potter?"

"Yeah, Malfoy?" Harry stopped too, spinning a bit to face Draco and looking at him quizzically. Harry tilted his head to the side.

Draco let go. "What were you going to tell me before? I know you didn't just want to tell me I had your vote." Draco raised an eyebrow expectantly.

Harry just smiled mysteriously. "You'll have to wait and see. I'm hungry. Talk to you later, mate." He smiled cheerfully, patted Draco on the shoulder, and walked the last few feet to the doors of the Great Hall, knowing Draco would be standing there staring at his back for a while as he walked away. He smirked to himself as he walked inside the Hall.


"Now go have a rousing game of chess or Exploding Snap with your Housemates for a bit," said Dumbledore. "And give the judges and me a chance to count out all your votes, and then we shall-"

Just as Dumbledore was about to dismiss the students from dinner, there was a loud crack, and a body appeared out of nowhere in front of Dumbledore and the rest of the teachers. The person standing before Dumbledore was staring down at his clothes in horror.

"Ah. Mister Longbottom. Didn't expect it would be you." Dumbledore fought to hide his smile as he and the rest of the school stared at the Gryffindor.

Neville's robes had been covered with white lettering. Emblazoned everywhere on his robes was the word "CHEATER!" in big bold letters. It was even written across the poor boy's forehead, though he had yet to discover that fact.

All over the Great Hall, students started erupting in laughter. Neville's shoulders slumped, and even though he thought he'd said it softly, many of the school's inhabitants heard him mutter, "I only did it so I didn't have too terrible a showing…" Even Dumbledore chuckled at that. Then he patted the boy on the shoulder.

"All right, Mister Longbottom. Time to take your leave of the spotlight, I'd say." Neville nodded sadly and trudged over to sit with the rest of his housemates. "Oh," Dumbledore continued, "and since you took it upon yourself to try to fix the contest, I'm afraid you're now disqualified from the competition. If you were in a position to receive a prize, I'm sorry, but you can no longer collect it." Neville nodded and frowned sadly. Dumbledore shook his head a bit, disappointed, and then clapped his hands together. "As I was saying before Mister Longbottom made his unexpected appearance… We shall all reconvene in a little more than an hour, once the judges and I have our counting done. Now off you go."


Draco stood and glanced over at the Gryffindor table, hoping to catch Harry's eye so they could continue the conversation that Harry had started before dinner. Unfortunately for Draco, however, Harry was either paying him no attention, or purposely not looking at him. Either way, it was driving Draco mad. He sighed in frustration and started for the door.

Blaise followed Draco's gaze across the Hall. Then he caught up to his best friend. "He doesn't want anything to do with you, hmm?"

Draco stopped short. "What did you say?"

"I asked if he wanted anything to do with you." Blaise drew up next to Draco and fell in step with him once Draco started walking again.

Draco increased his speed minutely, trying to shake Blaise off. "I'm positive I've no idea who you're referring to, Blaise."

"Sure you do, Draco." Blaise steered them into a nearby, and luckily vacant, classroom. "I think you know exactly who I'm referring to, because that's exactly who you were watching all during dinner. Just like it's exactly who you've been staring at for the last year, and exactly who you've been pining over for ages."

Draco's eyes grew wide, but he quickly built up his defenses. "Honestly, Blaise, I've no clue who you're-"

"Potter," Blaise cut in.

Draco couldn't keep up the facade this time. He leaned against a nearby desk and stammered incoherently for a while. Blaise just looked on, amused. After a couple minutes, Draco stopped yammering. Instead, he kept opening and closing his mouth, trying to decide how to reply, and only succeeding in looking like a very oddly-shaped fish.

"You finished blundering about now, Draco?" asked Blaise with a smirk.

Draco nodded mutely.

"Good. Now, as you can tell, I'm much more aware of what's going on in your head than you are." Draco made to reply indignantly, but he only exceeded in becoming an oddly-shaped fish flapping around out of water. "You need to do something to gain Potter's trust before you can even think about getting into his trousers."

Draco floundered a bit more. Then he finally regained his composure and grumbled, "I'll have you know we've made headway on that already." He shook his head as Blaise raised a surprised eyebrow. "Wait- That doesn't sound right. I've made headway in the trust department. That's what I meant." He straightened up, trying to regain control of the conversation. "And I do not want into Potter's trousers." His mind added silently, Just into his heart... Although getting into his trousers would be an added bonus...

Blaise smirked amusedly at his best friend's discombobulated state. "Right then. I'll let you go on believing that last bit." He nodded slowly. "But you've 'made headway,' hmm? And how's that exactly."

Draco crossed his arms sternly. "Not that it's much your business, but we're friends."

"Friends. I'm impressed." He smirked even harder than before. "Who'd have thought. Potter and Malfoy. Friends."

"No kidding. Who knows. Maybe it'll be You-Know-Who and Dumbledore next." Draco smirked. "Let's go relax a bit. I need to be well-rested when I win first at the contest." Draco elbowed Blaise in the side and grinned.

"You'll have to pry the award out of my cold, dead fingers, Malfoy." Blaise thumped Draco on the shoulder and pulled a face.

"Y'know, Zabini, that can be arranged." Draco grinned harder and slapped Blaise on the back. Then he threw his arm around Blaise's shoulders and said, "Come on then. Let's go so I can slaughter you in a chess match before I slaughter you in the competition."

"Yeah, right. You talk big, mate, but that's all you are." And Blaise threw an arm around Draco's back and the pair made their way to the Slytherin Commons.


When the student body entered the Great Hall, it looked exactly as it had the night before, save a few small details. On the left-hand corner of the stage, there was a thick purple haze surrounding what looked to be the trophy table. There were quite a few small statuettes on the table, but the curtain of haze around the table was so thick that no one could even see the shape of the trophies, let alone whose names had been engraved on each. The small stool with the Chest of Judgment stood just in front of the haze. The Chest was closed and locked shut.

As everyone filed into the Hall, a booming voice echoed over them, appearing to come from absolutely nowhere. "Please return to the seats you occupied last evening. Same seats, everyone!"


Harry smiled at Draco as they sat down together. They relaxed into the soft couch and got themselves settled in for the ceremony. Harry's smile grew as a pair of legs dropped themselves in his lap. He glanced over at Draco with raised brows.

"What? Just because we're friends now doesn't mean you're not getting my feet in your lap." Draco slipped his arms behind his head. "You don't mind too much, do you Potter?"

Harry smirked. "Oh no, Malfoy. I love having your grubby feet just under my nose."

Draco pulled a face, but just like before, the nasty look didn't reach his eyes, which were smiling back at Harry cheerfully. "Good then." He wiggled his feet. "Enjoy!"

"I suppose I should be glad," Harry said with a smirk. Before Draco could fully agree with him, he continued. "I should be glad you're not fond of going barefoot. At least that gives my nose a bit of a break."

Draco put on a look of mock indignation. "I don't know what you're on about, Potter. I'll have you know my feet, just like the rest of me, smell sweeter than a rose. Malfoys do not smell."

Harry laughed softly and stuck out his tongue. "You are a brat, Draco. You know that."

"You bet, Harry." Draco smiled at their use of given names. If his memory served him right, it was the first time it had happened in the entire time they'd known each other without either of them creating a big fuss about it. "Good luck, old chap."

"You too, mate."


Once everyone was situated, Seamus climbed back onto the stage. "Good evening!" he cried. A few people in the audience answered back. "I'd like to thank you all for coming back for the exciting conclusion to our fabulous musical extravaganza. I'm sure you're all just dying to find out if the votes you cast were worth the parchment you wrote them on, or if there was an utter upset. I know I'm ready to find out. So please welcome back everyone's favorite headmaster who, by the way, seems to be one of the fastest talkers around, if his performance is any evidence. Professor Dumbledore!" He held out his hand and gestured to Dumbledore, who smiled graciously and stood.

Minerva McGonagall giggled to herself, simply tickled to see the twinge of embarrassed pink appear on the tops of her boss's cheeks. She sat back in her chair, settling in for the moment, knowing she wouldn't be sitting too much longer.

Dumbledore took the stage among hoots and cheers. Once he was at center stage, all the noise died away immediately, as though he'd pushed a button that rendered everyone in the place mute. He smiled warmly. "Well. I see you're all anxious to learn the winners of our superb singing contest. As I already know myself, I'm not nearly as anxious. However, I do suppose we should be getting on with things." He glanced at the ceiling. The sky was a deep purplish blue, and specks of stars were popping out all over. The candles that floated above everyone's heads were flickering with their soft light. Dumbledore closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and then blew out slowly.

Instead of a normal exhalation, the headmaster's breath had turned to a swift wind, snuffing out every one of the thousands of candles floating above his students and fellow professors. Many people gasped in alarm, grabbing onto whoever was nearest and holding them tight.

And yes, Draco was once again deposited safely in Harry's lap.

After a moment of terror, people realized that they had not been ushered into complete darkness, for the mist curtain around the contest trophies was shining brightly in the darkness. And all around Dumbledore, there was something like a spotlight, illuminating him alone. "Nothing to fear, ladies and gentlemen," he said calmly. "Nothing to fear at all. I suppose I should have mentioned that our ceremony needs a bit of darkness."

"A bit?" murmured Draco in Harry's ear. "I think this is a tad more than a bit."

Harry smiled into the darkness. "Not very fond of the dark, are you Draco?" he asked sweetly. He was answered with a sharp poke in the side. He laughed softly. "I suppose, though, I should have had that answer as soon as you jumped into my lap for the second time in as many days. I'm beginning to think I was right yesterday when I called you a bloody coward." Harry smirked.

Draco turned around in Harry's lap, so he was straddling Harry's legs, his chest and face just inches from Harry's, and he glared hard at Harry. A long finger stabbed itself into Harry's chest, accenting every word. "I. Am. Not. A. Coward. Got it?"

Even in the near-blackness of the Hall, Harry could see the anger and frustration in Draco's eyes. Harry put his hands up in a sign of defeat. "Got it, Draco. I'm sorry." His hands dropped toward his lap, and landed on Draco's thighs. Right then, Harry realized that their position was not exactly the most innocent of positions. He bit his lip. "Er- Draco?"

"Yeah, Harry?" Draco was settling back on his heels, looking at Harry questioningly.

"Could you please climb off me now? Last time I had someone in my lap like this, it was a girl, and my body might start to get the wrong idea…" Harry cooked up the lie quickly, because he could feel his body already responding to having the blonde so close to him.

Draco's eyes grew wide. He clambered off Harry's lap and flopped back down on the couch. "Geez, Potter- Haven't gotten any action lately? I mean really… Getting a rise over something like that…" Draco shook his head and smiled. "You amaze me, Harry."

"Hey, it's not my fault you were all over me like that. And whether or not I've 'gotten any action' is my business." Harry crossed his arms over his chest and turned to look at the headmaster. He was speaking again.

"Yes, now that we've all had time to have our eyes adjust to the new lighting, let's get on with the ceremony." Dumbledore smiled out at the sea of faces he could barely make out in the dark. When he opened his mouth again, a song sprang forth, surprising everyone in the Hall. The entire room went silent, listening to the headmaster's words.

"We all may feud, we all may fight,

But we came as friends in peace last night.

"With open hearts, some came to sing

And now, it's them we're honoring.

They gave up time, and worked to show

Us all friendship's the way to go.

With cheerful souls and gladsome song,

Some told us what is right and wrong.

Some told us of what they might want.

Others sang merely to taunt.

But most of all our singers gave

Us insights into how to behave.

"Harsh words and hurt were not enough

So now friends, all in Hufflepuff.

Scandalizing slights gone, we saw,

And now friends, all in Ravenclaw.

Hatred ran off, went out the door,

So now friends, all in Gryffindor.

A new time is here to usher in,

And now friends, all in Slytherin.

"With no more grudges, no more battles,

There's nothing out there we can't handle.

Friendships were made to last the years,

While joyous songs fell on our ears.

Happiness and fun came round

While we listened to the lovely sounds.

"Sing one, sing all, dear girls and boys,

Sing out above all raucous noise.

Sing out for hope. Sing out for love.

Sing out and o'er war rise above.

Sing out for truth. Sing out for peace.

Sing out together and let war cease.

Sing out for you. Sing out for me.

Sing out so everyone can see.

Sing out and show things can be done

And by singing, let's join as one.

"Bring out beauty from every place

And bring out smiles on every face.

Show the world that peace is grand

And take your schoolmates' proffered hands.

"So now tonight, let's raise our voices

And let's find out who were our choices.

Since after all, this was a game-

Let's see who gets the winner's fame.

Fifteen acts from which we select

Our most favorite, Winner Elect.

It was tough, and harder than most,

And now it's time for one to boast.

They performed for us, did their best,

And then we were put to the test.

We made our pick, we cast our vote,

And picked out those who rocked the boat.

"But none can doubt that they all cause

A thundering round of your applause!

So clap your hands, scream and shout,

And then our Winner I'll point out.

They wrote their songs, and sang them too,

And now there's only one thing to do.

Please cheer and praise them as you ought

And show them their work was not for naught."

Then the headmaster went silent. The crowd erupted into applause for both their headmaster, and their classmates. Dumbledore gave everyone an appreciative smile. He held up his hands to calm the crowd. The twinkle in his eye was even sharper than usual, his eyes nearly shining in the darkness. He shoved his hands into his pockets and then brought them back out again, fisted tightly. The headmaster brought his hands up and then tossed the two handfuls of sparkling dust over the crowd. As the dust sought out the performers from the previous night, Dumbledore began singing again.

"Now it's time to remind you all

Of the great acts shown in this Hall.

Our show began with five great pals

Singing to a favored gal."

Six figures appeared behind Dumbledore. One, in black robes made of velvet, was sitting, and the other five, in scarlet velvet robes, were huddled around the seated figure.

"The first of you to share their voice

Were five of the Gryffindor boys.

They sang to McGonagall,

And made us smile, one and all."

The robes melted away to reveal that a red-faced Professor McGonagall and her five fifth-year boys were on the stage. Dean and Seamus bent to one knee in front of the older woman. Ron and Harry each put a hand on McGonagall's shoulder. Neville stood behind McGonagall with his hands on her shoulders. Harry, Ron, Seamus, Dean, and Neville all smiled warmly at their Head of House.

"About exactly how much she means

Sang Ron, Harry, Neville, Seamus, and Dean.

The Lion boys in their sharing

Reminded us to not stop caring.

Remember that we are all friends

And that through love, we'll meet good ends."

The six Gryffindors disappeared and reappeared back in their seats. They glanced round at each other and grinned. Dumbledore continued his song.

"The second act caused quite a stir.

Seems Neville wished a riot to spur."

A lone figure with the same scarlet hooded robe was standing on stage now.

"Longbottom's act made you girls mad

While you boys thought it not so bad."

The robes lifted off Neville's shoulders and disappeared slowly. A few of the boys in the audience chuckled softly, remembering Neville's act. The girls nearby invariably lashed out, smacking as many of the sniggering boys upside the head as possible.

"Go on, boys, laugh loud as you might.

None of you will be loved much tonight."

All the girls stopped whacking the boys about and started laughing. The boys' laughter died quickly away.

"Neville may not have been too kind,

But he, at least, could speak his mind.

Neville may be crass, he may be rude

But he has a handle on 'attitude!'

He can speak up if that's his will,

But keep on like this and your friend-count's nil."

At that, everyone got a good chuckle, even Neville himself. Then Neville vanished from the stage, leaving the singing Headmaster alone again.

"Our third act came and set out flying,

Bringing oohs and ahhs without much trying."

Two figures in deep emerald green robes appeared on the stage. Their bulky statures gave away instantly who these two hooded figures were.

"And may I say, Misters Goyle and Crabbe,

Your act was def'nitely far from drab."

The two Slytherins tipped their heads back, dropping the hoods from their heads. The boys crossed their arms and stood back to back, giving superior looks to the crowd before them.

"They sang about their Quidditch skill

Meanwhile giving us a thrill

They've got the flying down all right,

And as we know, they're quite the sight.

They showed us they're flying aces

They make their turns in all the right places.

And your Wronski Feints, what a show!

But now it's time for you to go."

The two boys disappeared from the stage and ended back up in their seats next to Draco again, smiling proudly. After all, it wasn't every day that a pair of Slytherins got such high praise from the Headmaster. In the meantime, Dumbledore was continuing with his song.

"After the boys, we had three girls

Who don't like when insults are hurled.

And Neville, son, do watch your back,

Since your act, these girls might attack."

Dumbledore smiled as three robed figures appeared behind him. The three scarlet-robed figures had their heads bowed low, their faces covered by the hoods.

"Gryffindors are known to be brave,

And these three girls remind us to behave,

Or certain wrath just may be seen

From Katie, Alicia and Angelina."

Their robes shimmered and were gone instantly. Unlike previous groups, these three were ready and struck a pose as soon as they were unveiled. Angelina was in the center was pointing to the ceiling, her wand drawn. On her right, Katie was crouched low, pointing her wand out and away from the group. Alicia was on Angelina's left, her back turned to Angelina, and was holding her wand with both hands, its tip just inches away from her nose. A confident grin was spread across each girl's face.

"You may sulk, and you may glower,

But these three showed they've got power.

Be cautious boys or you will see

You shouldn't upset the Gryffie Three."

All three girls smirked and nodded a bit, just before they were sent back to their seats. Dumbledore sang on.

"Let's talk of a fam'ly filled with love,

The most connected I know of."

A lone figure, again in the scarlet that people were now seeing was in honor of the Gryffindor colors, appeared behind Dumbledore.

"And youngest of all came up here,

Bringing with her those she holds dear."

The robe glowed for a second and was gone, revealing Ginny Weasley, smiling sweetly at the crowd.

"Her song was pure celebration

And truly, I share in her elation.

For family is all you require

To help you through all times dire.

With her brothers right beside her,

Ginny has all their love to guide her.

Ginny's song may bring you hope,

And turn to your kin to help you cope."

Ginny blew kisses to all her brothers still at Hogwarts, and then vanished back to her seat. Dumbledore smiled softly at the redhead before carrying on his song.

"The next act here onstage was me,

So let's move on to others seen."

Dumbledore shook his head and grinned at his students. Then he continued singing.

"Our next pair caused a commotion

For their target didn't like the notion

Of being onstage, being draped across,

But Draco, son, let's not be cross!"

Two emerald-robed figures appeared behind Dumbledore. They tossed back their heads, throwing the hoods off before they even had the chance to disappear. Pansy and Millicent both smoothed down their hair and pouted over the slight chance that they didn't look their absolute best.

"Admit it, this wasn't much of a hardship.

After all, it is you they worship!

Miss Parkinson and Bulstrode too,

I must say I admire you.

You came here and made feelings known

Though your affection makes Malfoy groan.

Good for you, keep your chins held high

For you each will find a proper guy."

The girls smirked, stuck their tongues out at Draco, and then were back at their seats not a moment later. Draco crossed his arms stubbornly across his chest and glared up at the singing headmaster. Harry just snorted as the headmaster sang on.

"The next act up caused quite a stir

As his costume left little to infer."

A figure in robes of a sparkling golden yellow appeared on the stage behind Dumbledore.

"Yes, Justin caught all the ladies' eyes.

That leather was certainly a surprise."

The warm yellow robe faded away to show Justin, smiling timidly. Many were disappointed to see that he was not decked out in leather like he was last time he graced the stage.

"But clothes aside, the young man spoke

Of how he was a lucky bloke.

And how he got a girl from France

To come with him and share a dance.

Oh! And extra points for your creation

Of audience participation.

And 'cause of you, if there's a poll,

There's now more fans of rock and roll."

Justin blushed furiously as he vanished from the stage. Once Dumbledore had the Hufflepuff in his sights again, the headmaster winked before moving on.

"Following was a loving pair

That often shows us how to care."

A pair in scarlet Gryffindor robes appeared, their hands clasped between them.

"Hermione and her beau Ron

Should be the model love's based on."

One scarlet covered arm reached up and pushed back the hood of the other, exposing Hermione's bushy brown hair and smiling face. The robes disappeared a moment later.

"A close friendship was their beginning,

And their shared passion's hardly thinning.

They show their love in every way

Plus, they went public yesterday!

Before fam'ly, friends, and the whole school,

They kept their heads and kept their cool.

Of those two, I am quite proud

After all, they confessed before this huge crowd!"

Hermione blushed, and Ron's ears turned a bit red, but both were beaming. Ron leaned over and gave Hermione a quick kiss on the cheek, gaining whoops and hollers from much of the crowd. Then they, too, disappeared back to their seats.

"And then it came, the true surprise

Four Quidditch captains before our eyes.

Four figures, in four different colored robes, appeared on the stage now. The first figure was golden yellow, the second a deep sapphire blue, the third a bright scarlet, and the fourth a rich emerald.

"These four boys came out as one

And showed the rest how things are done."

The boys each ripped off their robes, to wild whoops and catcalls from the crowd. All four Quidditch Captains crossed their arms severely over their chests. Harry and Draco, and Terry and Ernie, turned their backs to one another. Harry and Terry fixed each other with fierce looks.

"Not one foresaw this mix of boys.

With Potter there, and young Malfoy,

And Macmillan and Boot there too,

One might think chaos would ensue!"

Harry and Terry uncrossed their arms, dropping the angry facades. They stuck out their hands and shook them genially. They pulled each other close and threw their free arms around each other. At the same time, Draco and Ernie moved around the hugging pair and sharing a handshake and hug of their own.

"Not one person though could dare expect

Them all to drop the pride they protect.

But drop they did, with great results,

And even my heart did somersaults!"

While Dumbledore sang, the boys continued their friendly greetings, slapping each other on the back before they moved on to the next friend. As they were disappearing, Harry and Draco were throwing their arms around each other's shoulders, pulling each other close. They appeared on their shared loveseat with their arms still around the other. After a moment like that, they pulled away slowly, realizing their positions. They settled back in their seats again to listen as Dumbledore continued his song, not caring to move completely away from each other just yet. But if Harry thought he'd soon be getting a bit more personal space, he was quite wrong.

"The next one up was not quite clear,

But rather this one was mostly sheer."

A silvery form appeared onstage then, cackling nastily under the robe. The dreadful sound send shivers through the crowd. Harry found himself even warmer than he was a second before, due to the scared Slytherin pushing up against him in the darkness. He smiled in spite of himself and set a comforting hand running up and down Draco's back.

"This act goes down for who scared the most,

Thanks not just in part to the Hogwarts Ghosts."

Peeves threw the ghostly robe off himself, and sneered at the whole audience. He reached into a pocket and pulled out a balloon just like the one he'd armed himself with the night before.

"Peeves and his cohorts chilled our bones

With all their creepy undertones.

And though you can't vote for that crew,

Peeves hopes still that it's what you'll do."

Peeves winked at the audience and tiptoed up behind the headmaster as Dumbledore continued. He motioned to the students to keep quiet about the impending evil deed.

"'Get him wet' was what Peeves was thinking

Then we watched as his plans went sinking."

Peeves threw the balloon at Dumbledore, just as he had the night before. Again, Dumbledore was ready with the deflecting spell. And again, Snape wound up furious and spluttering.

"Instead of me, 'twas Snape that got soaked,

And once again, he's no happy bloke."

Dumbledore chuckled softly as Peeves disappeared, swearing and shaking his transparent fist at the headmaster. Snape was soaked to the bone again, and ranting on and on as he stormed out of the Hall, saying something about a 'slimy little wretch' and a 'blasted old codger.' Dumbledore winked at McGonagall and they shared amused grins before he continued on.

"Our next pair up sang of ardor

That neither thought could go much farther."

Yet another pair of scarlet robed figures materialized on the stage behind Dumbledore. He smiled as he went on.

"Lucky for them, they both got brave,

Ginny and Colin let their facades cave."

At the same time, the pair pulled their hoods slowly off their heads. Colin smiled down at Ginny and cupped her cheek in one of his hands. She smiled and leaned into the touch.

"Though her brothers might be defensive,

These two friends quit being so pensive.

Unrequited love wasn't their lot

Now you can wish for what they've got."

Ginny blushed and smiled up at Colin, and he slipped an arm around her waist. He grinned at her and placed a kiss on her forehead.

"It started off as love from afar,

And just look now at where they are.

Good luck, dear Ginny and good Colin.

And Colin- be ready for lots of kin!"

The audience chuckled lightly, everyone knowing full well the Weasley clan's prowess at reproduction. Colin's eyes got wide for a moment before he and his lady disappeared from the stage. Dumbledore winked at him fondly and then continued on.

"The next act to come grace the stage

Seemed to think his advise quite sage."

A figure shrouded in the emerald robes everyone had come to associate with Slytherin house appeared onstage, his head bowed.

"Who Blaise sang to, Merlin knows,

But he does care, that's what shows."

Blaise shrugged off slowly the robes and looked slowly out at the audience. His gaze slid out over the sea of faces, purposely not lighting on any one face in particular. He still didn't want to give away Draco's secret.

"Whomever's the subject, pay attention.

Blaise's subject was hard to mention.

He went to great lengths to speak to you,

And I suggest you see things through.

Think him wrong and you might see

Life turn out lonely as can be."

Blaise nodded in approval, his eyes roaming over to where Draco sat comfortably with Harry. A small smile twitched at the corners of Blaise's lips and he nodded again, letting his eyes wander again.

"Love's not something to play with lightly,

So just be sure you act rightly."

Draco cast a sideways glance at Harry, knowing that Dumbledore's words were directed at him, whether the headmaster himself knew it or not. And Draco also knew that he was already in the process of heeding the old man's advise. He wiggled his feet a bit in Harry's lap, gaining a nearly-disapproving smirk from the Gryffindor. He winked cheekily and glanced back at the stage where the headmaster was still singing.

"Following that came the uproar

That the next pair has been known for.

Fred and George had barely to appear on the stage in their scarlet robes before they were throwing off the velvet and digging into their pants pockets for sweets to toss.

"If decorum had been the edict,

Lawlessness from them I'd predict.

Raucous and rambunctious they

Always bring chaos to our day."

George and Fred were already pelting the crowd with sweets and goodies for their enjoyment. All over the Hall, there was noise of rattling candy papers and popping crackers, and people were cheering and clapping for the twins.

"Wild are the twin brothers Weasley,

Their energy stores aren't close to measly.

Of course they got your wide reception

Since yesterday was no exception.

They sang 'twins just wanna have fun,'

And so did we, once they were done."

The twins stopped pitching things into the audience and, in unison, swept into deep, matching bows. The Hall erupted into a frenzy of applause for the boys as they disappeared back to their seats. Dumbledore grinned at his students and then continued on.

"Next to last came a lone young man

Whose song told us more than most can."

Draco disappeared from Harry's side and appeared wrapped in the Slytherin colored velvet. His head was bowed and his hands clasped together.

"It takes a certain type of guy

To sit upon a stage and cry.

Draco here, he really gambled,

Hoping his words could be handled."

Draco shook of the hood of his robes, and shrugged them off. He glanced over at Harry and gave him a timid half smile. Harry smiled back, and Draco let his grin light the whole room. He swept the heavy velvet over his shoulder and struck an arrogant pose. He knew he sang well, and no matter what Dumbledore said, he wasn't going to let the subject matter of his song affect him like it had the night before.

"But no matter what response he got,

We all know he gave us a lot.

He showed us that courage is worth

More than most things on this earth.

And thanks are always best to give

When someone gives you motive to live."

Draco closed his eyes and nodded slowly before disappearing back to his seat. And just before Harry vanished so he could make his final appearance onstage, Draco could've sworn that he felt Harry's hand in his, squeezing. Draco's eyes fixed themselves on Harry, searching. For what, Draco really wasn't sure, but there was something there that he was looking for, and he was determined to figure out what it was. Meanwhile, the headmaster sang the praises of the last performer.

"Lastly, but of course never least

Was one who's fought most every beast.

A young man who has become legend

One on whose strength we oft depend."

Harry kept his face covered by the scarlet robes, his face just as red as the robes he was swathed in. He had always hated getting this much attention.

"Harry Potter, the humble lad

Came and sang with all he had.

He swore that he was nothing special

Though often times his help is crucial.

There was a bright flash, and once people could see through the darkness again, Harry's scarlet robes were gone, much to his chagrin. Harry was met with more cheers than were necessary, but he wasn't concerned with the audience as a whole. He just cared about one lone figure sitting in the olive loveseat. When he saw Draco smiling warmly up at him, Harry relaxed a bit.

"Last night he gave advise to heed,

For if you are ever in need,

Keep your eyes peeled, and look around.

There is always relief to be found."

Harry smiled warmly, first at Draco, and then at the rest of his schoolmates. Then he too disappeared from the stage, winding up in his seat again with Draco. The headmaster was just about done with his song, now that he'd reintroduced every act, but he still had a few things to sing.

"Over the night, you cried and laughed

And got to see some major gaffes.

But also you got to witness

How unity can bring great bliss.

Remember that the comp'ny you keep,

If he's a jerk or she's a creep,

Can be what brings you down at last

If you don't leave them in your past.

"Please remember to be kind.

See if there's common ground to find.

Your schoolmates are your future too

So better keep them close to you.

Strength can be found in strange places

And even in unfriendly faces.

"Keep your wits about you now,

Please make yourself a solemn vow.

Give second thoughts to all your foes,

For that may be where friendship grows.

Let rivalries get sit aside

And give up on that wretched pride.

Opt instead for friends and peers

Who will fight with you against your fears.

"Let hostile times be laid to rest

Because war o'er peace is never best."

Dumbledore let his eyes rove over the audience as he sang. Then his eyes crinkled into a big smile and he shook his head and clapped a hand to his forehead.

"Now here I am just rambling on

When you all wish to hear who won

I suppose now I'll end this chant

Since it's turned into more of a rant.

But once again let's all be proud

For all that stood before this crowd

Show your love and appreciation

For the singers and their creations

So now it's time, my song is done

And share who got places three, two, and one."

The entire audience started cheering loudly as Dumbledore swept into a deep bow. All over the Hall, the previous night's performers started sitting up straighter in their seats, hoping they were going to hear their names called out as prize winners. All except Neville, that is, who was still wearing his "CHEATER!" robes. Apparently the penalty for trying to vote for yourself more than once was not only disqualification, but whoever it was had to wear the "CHEATER!" robes till the end of the contest.

Dumbledore cleared his throat. He conjured up a glass of water and took a good long sip. "All that singing makes a body thirsty," he announced with a smile. A few people chuckled softly. "Now," he said, "I believe there are some prizes to give out." The crowd erupted again, excited that they were finally going to learn who won the singing contest. In the seat next to Harry, Draco had sat up from his lounging position. He looked now like he was about to scamper up and pounce on Dumbledore should the headmaster call his name. Harry smiled and just shook his head.

"Could I have the other judges come up and join me please?" Dumbledore gestured toward the four Heads of House and smiled. The audience clapped politely as all four stood and moved toward the stage. Snape had come back at some point in the last couple minutes, completely dry again after his .

Dumbledore glanced up toward the ceiling. "I think this moment calls for a bit more light, don't you? Watch your eyes now!" He waved a hand and the candles that were still floating overhead flickered to life. Dumbledore gave everyone a minute so their eyes could adjust to the sudden change of lighting. Then he smiled again.

"Right. We shall start from third place and work our way up, if you don't mind. Minerva, if you please?" He turned to look at McGonagall. She was carrying the Chest of Judgement up to center stage. He smiled at her and nodded as she set the stool down. "Thank you."

"So. The winner of third place, who will receive twenty-five points for his house and a gift certificate for Zonko's Joke Shop, is…" He opened the lid to the Chest slowly. The insides of the Chest glowed, and then there was a clunk, like a heavy, metal something had just hit the bottom of the Chest. Dumbledore reached in and took out a large, bronze-colored coin and smiled as he read the name that was engraved on the coin. "Blaise Zabini of Slytherin House! Come on up, lad!"

Blaise's eyes got wide when Dumbledore called for him. He hadn't really expected any recognition at all. He felt quite a few hands on his back, pushing him into a standing position and then toward the stage. He shook his head and started to the stage where Snape was handing Dumbledore a trophy and a square-shaped envelope that Blaise guessed what the gift certificate.

Still stunned, Blaise climbed the steps to the stage and grinned. The headmaster passed over the coin that had come from the Chest, and then Blaise's trophy and gift certificate. "Thank you," Blaise said politely. Then he turned to the audience and gave a wave. They whooped and cheered in appreciation. When he glanced over at Draco, he couldn't help but grin even harder. His best friend was going mad, screaming and cheering. Blaise could even hear his voice carrying over the others.

"Yeah Blaise! Well done! That's my mate! That's my best mate, that is!"

Blaise grinned and pointed at Draco with his trophy. Draco yelled louder and pointed back with both hands. Then Blaise began to inspect the trophy he had in his hands. There was a large bronze eighth-note on top of a black marble pedestal. Slithering over and around the music note was a small silver snake. It looked up at him and hissed softly, and then continued to wriggle its way around the note. Blaise grinned and then looked back out at the audience. He threw his hand into the air again, holding the trophy high. The audience roared again.

"All right, all right, Mister Zabini. We're all quite proud of you. But we must get on with things." Dumbledore winked at Blaise, whose face tinged at bit pink. He put his arm down and stepped off to the side so Dumbledore could bring up the next winner.

"So. Second place goes to-" The Chest glowed again, and there was the same kind of clunk as before, followed by the chink of metal on metal. The headmaster reached into the Chest again and pulled out a pair of silver coins. "Well, now. This is interesting." He smiled out at the audience and raised an eyebrow. "Ladies and gents, we have a tie." A murmur went over the crowd, everyone wondering who tied with whom. "Second place, fifty points to each of their Houses, and a night out in Muggle London goes to Mister Harry Potter of Gryffindor House and Mister Draco Malfoy of Slytherin House!" The entire Hall roared its approval as Draco and Harry stared at each other. All at once, each boy was being pulled toward the stage, but in opposite directions from each other. Ron and Hermione tugged on Harry's arms, pulling him out of his seat and toward them. They both hugged him fiercely, congratulating him and pushing him down the row to the rest of his housemates. Everyone was clapping him on the back and grinning like crazy. Harry glanced over his shoulder and saw that Draco was getting the same treatment from his House.

Finally, they each managed to find the aisle leading to the stage and they met in front of Dumbledore. "Congratulations, gentlemen. I do hope you can get along on your trip to London together." He smiled warmly as the boys' Heads of House handed him their trophies, and he passed them along to each in turn, along with their own engraved coins.

Draco grinned down at the trophy. It looked similar to Blaise's in that it had the music note and the snake mounted on the same black marble. The note itself was silver, like the squirming snake. But there was an added touch to his and Harry's trophies. There was a small gold lion prowling around on the flat surface of the pedestal, underneath the music note. The snake hissed and the tiniest roar came from the lion. Draco grinned and looked over at Harry. He was hissing back at the snake, it seemed.

"Well, thank you. I didn't expect to get a prize myself," Harry said in parseltongue. He smiled at the snake and the small gold lion on his own trophy and glanced up at Draco. A matching grin spread over the two boys' faces and, without another thought, they threw their arms around each others' shoulders. They thrust their free hands toward the ceiling, holding up their trophies high. The crowd full of their peers screamed and hooted in delight and approval of the two boys that had been so set against each other now embracing as though they'd always been friends.

"Yes, yes. Well done, Harry. Well done, Draco. Now move off to the side, please. We've one more award to present." Dumbledore smiled at the unlikely pair, wondering to himself whether there was any need to worry at all over the two boys going off to London together. Harry and Draco moved over to where Blaise was cheering for Draco and trying to clap around the Zonko's certificate and his own trophy. When Draco reached him, they pulled each other into a tight hug and shared a few quite congratulatory words. Then Draco stepped back and Harry held out his hand to Blaise, who took it gladly. Meanwhile, Dumbledore was trying to get his students' attention for his final pronouncement.

"May I have your attention! Attention please! We've one more prize to award, and I'd like to do it before the sun comes up, please!" Dumbledore winked at his students and many of them chuckled lightly. The noise died away and everyone was now sitting on pins and needles, waiting for the name of the winner of the contest.

"And now. First prize is one hundred points for their house, one hundred Galleons, and a grand trip for four to any wizarding community they want. First prize goes to-" The Chest glowed once more, for much longer this time, and then a solid clunk, was heard throughout the Hall, followed by several metal chinks, like there were more than just two coins rattling around in the Chest. Dumbledore reached into the Chest and pulled out a small stack of gold coins. He smiled broadly as he read what was printed on them. "The winners of the contest are Ernie MacMillan of Hufflepuff House, Terry Boot of Ravenclaw House, Draco Malfoy of Slytherin House, and Harry Potter of Gryffindor House. Ladies and gentlemen, your Quidditch Captains!"

Harry and Draco looked at each other on the stage and hooted loudly. They rushed forward as Terry and Ernie dashed up from the audience. Harry caught Ernie's hand with one hand and tossed the opposite arm around his back as Draco did the same with Terry. "We won!" Terry and Harry cried cheerfully as Ernie and Draco shouted "All right!"

The boys were all celebrating with each other as their Heads of House each tried to pass the trophies up to Dumbledore. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled brightly as the four captains danced and shouted. He couldn't even hear himself think for the all calamity going on in the audience. No one House was celebrating more than the others, as all four had a performer in the first place spot. Everyone was cheering and jumping up and down, hugging their neighbors and yelling joyously.

"Well done, captains! Good show!" Dumbledore smiled. "Here, gentlemen- Your trophies and coins." Dumbledore held out his hands flat, the four identical coins sitting there, engraving side up. Then he turned and collected two of the trophies, passing them to Terry and Ernie. Then he passed the other two to Harry and Draco, whose hands were now full of trophies. The four boys gathered together and turned to the audience, pumping their hands up and down and hollering.

Harry grinned as he glanced at his new trophy. This one had a gold note instead of silver. And in addition to the gold lion and the silver snake, a bronze eagle was perched at the top, flapping its wings, and a shining black badger was shuffling around with the lion. Harry looked round the room at his schoolmates celebrating and his grin nearly split his face. He threw an arm around Draco again and threw the hand with his new trophy up in triumph.

Colin Creevey stood up on the couch where he'd been sitting and put his camera to his eye. He captured a shot of the four captains with their arms around each other, holding their trophies high. Ernie and Terry were laughing together about something, and Draco and Harry had their arms around each other's shoulders, beaming at each other. The trophies they'd gotten for their second place performances were in the hands draped down over their chests and the new first place trophies were held aloft.

No one really knew how the chaos that resulted from the captains' win actually calmed down, but it did eventually. Dumbledore dismissed the school soon after, shooing them off to bed as their bedtimes had all come and gone.

The Quidditch captains all agreed that they would meet up the next morning to decide where they would be going on their trip. And Harry and Draco agreed they would plan out their own trip to London the next day as well. With all that settled, everyone split off to go to their own Houses. Trophies, pouches full of Galleons, and certificates were gathered, and the winners of the contest went off to bed.

In Gryffindor Tower that night, Harry's smile hadn't yet faded. As he set his trophies on the shelf by his bed, his roommates clapped him on the back and congratulated him once more. He nodded in gratitude, too hoarse from all his yelling to speak, and climbed into bed. It had been a wonderful and crazy night that night, and he wanted nothing more to get himself some sleep. As he dozed off, he carried off with him a single image. Draco grinned at him in his mind's eye, his arm clenched tight around Harry's shoulders, his lips forming the words, "We did it, mate!"

TBC