Chapter Thirty

Surprise at the Ministry Ball

"Your collar's crooked!" cried the mirror in a girly voice that reminded Harry of Lavender Brown when she went all gossipy. He ignored the mirror and proceeded to look for his and Ron's wands. "You can't go out like that!" it cried again.

"We can and we will," Ron snubbed. "It's just a stupid ball anyway." He paused. "Then again, if we leave it like that, it will give Maddy an opportunity to straighten it out for YOU, Harry."

Harry went back in front of the mirror and wordlessly straightened up their collar. Ron had been relentless in baiting him to admit a non-existent secret romance with Maddy for two weeks non-stop and Harry had just about given up trying to deny it. Ron wouldn't believe him whatever he said. Besides, Harry had also realized that this could work to his advantage. Let Ron think he had something for Maddy and maybe he won't realize he had feelings for Hermione.

Ron messed up their collar as if to defy him and Harry just let him.

"I'm trying to help you here, mate."

"Whatever Ron. Now where are our wands?"

"I can't remember. Damn!"

They spent the next few minutes searching their messy bedroom for their wands, which—as usual—they misplaced again while getting dressed. Finally, Harry gave up and hollered for Mickey.

The elf promptly appeared and found their wands in two seconds flat after Harry asked for help to look for them.

"What would we do without her?" Ron asked, relieved.

"Hermione would be ecstatic to hear you say that."

"Alright, I admit elves are great, but don't tell her that. She'll never let me live it down."

Harry had to agree. In the last few weeks, his respect for elves had increased more than a hundred percent. Mickey, in particular, had been a big help with their own research on what house elves could do. On Harry's request, Mickey, along with Dobby who came on his own, had appeared at Headquarters to demonstrate what spells they could do. The range of magic they had was just so astounding that Harry couldn't believe no one had paid attention to the significance of elf abilities before.

Elves not only could use a variety of powerful stunning, shielding and repelling charms, but they could also come up with some creative ones like sleeping spells, finding charms and confusion hexes for the defense of their masters. Aside from these, they had their own protection magic like long-distance apparition, far longer than any wizard or witch was capable of. And they also appeared to be immune to any of the usual magical wards that can repel humans. Both Mickey and Dobby, however, had professed ignorance of more deadly spells, nevertheless they appear to be fast learners of new magic.

Two of the last three missing children, however, turned up a week apart from each other. Like the previous two, there appeared nothing wrong with them aside from erased memories. Harry and Ron and the rest of the Auror force were getting hopeful. By the time they found the fourth unharmed child, they were mostly sure the fifth would be set free the same way. It almost seemed like a bad joke. Most of the Aurors now believed it had a very weak link to Dolohov's escape and Mackenzie's disappearance.

Meanwhile, investigation wasn't moving in any other way. Harry and Ron were extremely frustrated. Atalanta released Tonks' suspension after two weeks of intensely monitored practice in Imperious Curse breaking. But the Auror Chief kept their team off the case and assigned them to light patrols and paper work. By the end of the month, the Auror Force's attention was turned to the upcoming Ministry Ball and the security they needed to put up.

Moody's team was just assigned to help set up initial wards, but they were off duty for the rest of the night. "Atalanta wants to see you hobnobbing with the guests," said Moody with a note of disdain. "Especially you, Weasley."

Harry and Ron just finished replacing their wands at the inside of their robes when there was tinkling of a bell, signaling that someone had just apparated in.

"Who could be here? MICKEY! Could you check who it is?" said Ron. "Were you expecting someone? Is Maddy coming here?"

"No, Maddy said she'd meet us there. Besides, she doesn't know where we live. Hardly anyone does."

They rushed down to the living room and came to a dead stop at the figure in the middle of the living room surrounded with several boxes and a trunk.

"Surprise!"

"Hermione? What are you doing here!" Ron exclaimed. "I thought you weren't coming by until three more weeks."

Hermione beamed at them. "I'm home, for good. I finished my papers early."

"Why didn't you tell us?" said Harry as they hugged her. "We could have picked you up at the portkey site."

"I wanted to surprise you. I hope you don't mind. You did offer to let me live here with you. So does the offer still stand until I get a place of my own? I'm currently unemployed so it may take a while."

"Of course you can live here. As long as you like. We always have room."

"Thanks, Harry." She glanced at them. "It's a little too early to be getting dressed for the Ministry Ball, isn't it?"

"We need to be there earlier to set up wards. Part of the job. Wait—you know about the Ball?" asked Ron.

"Of course. The Ministry sent me an invitation. All those who fought in the war got one. It's also one of the reasons I wanted to come home early. I'd like to catch up on what every one else has been doing since I've been gone."

"Oh," Both Harry and Ron said with a sinking feeling that they already had a date to the Ball.

"I wish you told us Hermione," said Ron. "I wish I knew then I'd ask you—"

Hermione seemed to sense what he was trying to say and Harry detected a slight disappointment in her face, though she tried to hide it. "Oh, it's alright Ron. Someone—someone sort of asked me already."

"Who?" asked Harry.

"It's nothing. I've never even met him personally. He was just someone who read some of my published work and owled me a few times to discuss it. I mentioned that I was going home and he told me he'd like to meet so we can talk more about my studies. He said he was going to the Ball too and he asked if he could escort me. I don't know anything about him, but he's probably as old as Dumbledore. He sounds like an ancient academic. Probably some old Ministry official or some Healer from St. Mungo's. Some of his ideas are quite brilliant though."

Harry relaxed. There was nothing to worry about then. Even if he was going with Maddy, he and Ron could still find time to be with Hermione. He didn't know how to dance, but at least Ron can and he'd still appreciate going along. They hadn't gotten to do that dance at Bill's wedding; and the last time she was around, they had been so distracted by her theory about the elves that they had completely forgotten.

"Alright, reserve a dance for us then," said Ron, as if reading Harry's thoughts.

"Of course," replied Hermione. "Shall I meet you there later?"

"Alright. You better go, or you'll be late."

"Right," said Ron. They glanced at their watch. "Blimey, Moody's going to kill us if we're not there in five minutes!" He took out his wand to apparate, but Hermione pulled them back and straightened their collar.

"Thanks," said Harry. He took one last look at her before Ron apparated them away.

They arrived at the site, which was an enormous complex near the Ministry decorated with large fountains, fairy lights and hundreds of flowers and plants. They came with three minutes to spare and Moody immediately set them to work on securing the area.

They finished putting wards just as the first guests began to arrive. De Lancre excused himself to find his date and Ron and Harry were left with Tonks who appeared more like herself in robes of bright yellow and electric blue hair.

"How are you?" asked Harry. They seemed to be asking her that often in the last few weeks.

"The usual," she replied. "Still waiting for Edward to wake up. Still wishing Diana's here so she can clear herself. It's just so exasperating that we're stuck here doing nothing when maybe, just maybe we could make a difference if we're out there at the thick of things."

"I know how you feel," said Ron. "But I'm glad you're back at least."

"Yup, who's you're date by the way?"

"Maddy. Just as friends. Hermione's here though. She pulled a surprise on us and appeared in our living room this afternoon."

Tonks smiled, one of the first Ron had seen in a long time. "I'll be seeing her later then." She looked up. "Oh here's my date."

Ron found himself staring at none other than Professor Lupin. He was wearing well-tailored robes of blue and gold. He appeared to be years younger. And when Tonks smiled at him, there was a sparkle in his eyes.

"Are they dating?" asked Ron.

"I don't know," replied Harry. "But it's good for them."

Lupin and Tonks excused themselves just as Maddy appeared in apricot colored robes made of some sort of silken material that clung to her body, revealing every single one of her many curves. Ron couldn't help but admire her, but at the same time, he was picturing someone else looking just as magnificent in his mind.

"You look great," said Ron. "Harry, aren't you going to compliment her?"

"Yeah, you look good," replied Harry.

"Okay that was just pathetic, Potter. You could do better than that."

Harry didn't reply. Merlin, why won't he just come out with it?

Maddy, however seemed content at that and they engaged in small talk for a while. But Ron's attention was drifting. He let Harry carry on the conversation for both of them, while he attempted to scout for Hermione in the growing crowd.

They were joined every now and then by a few Aurors and some old friends. A few Ministry officials came to greet them. But thankfully, Maddy appeared to be a perfect diplomat and kept the conversation going.

Ron spotted Rita Skeeter coming their way with a photographer.

"Harry, the bug is on to us."

"Dance with me, Maddy?" Harry quickly offered. She barely nodded before they led her to the thickest part of the dance floor, hoping the annoying reporter wouldn't follow.

"There's a reporter after us," Harry explained to her. "She's in purple robes and large glasses. Can you see if she's still around?"

Maddy nodded that she understood. She peered over their shoulder.

"She eez right behind us," she whispered. "Rita Skeeter, eez eet not? I 'ave 'eard about 'er. She always writes 'bout you two."

"Yeah and twists everything we say."

"She eez coming. What do we do?"

"We move," said Ron.

They slowly inched their way around the crowd, while keeping in time to the music. For the next ten minutes it felt like a game of hide and go seek. Harry, Ron and Maddy would attempt to waltz behind other dancing couples but Rita Skeeter and her photographer always gave chase.

"Damn woman, is relentless. We need a more evasive action."

Maddy scouted the entire area. "Zhere," she pointed to an area with thick bushes that was dimly lit. "We can 'ide zhere."

Ron gave Maddy a fancy twirl and without warning, quickstepped into the direction she pointed to, pulling her with him. They backed slowly into the shadows. Ron caught a glimpse of a confused Rita scouting them amidst the dancing couples.

"I think we lost them," said Harry. Ron backed further away and jumped up when they bumped into something that moved and yelped.

All three of them had their wands out. Ron cast a dim light on what was before him.

"Neville?" he asked, surprised. "What are you doing here?"

Neville Longbottom looked surprised. But more importantly, the recently appointed Hogwarts Herbology professor appeared to be quite flushed. And the reason was standing right next to him. Luna Lovegood, amazingly appeared to be blushing—a first as far as Ron could remember. He had never seen Luna appear so anxious before, it was slightly unnerving. Ron was instantly aware that they had walked into something and was eager to leave.

"Well, Luna and I were just… getting away from the crowd," Neville explained.

Ron eyed him knowingly. "Of course," he said evenly.

"And what are you doing here?" asked Neville. He was staring at Maddy.

"Hiding from that Skeeter woman, she's on to us again," Ron explained. "This is Maddy, by the way. A colleague of mine. Have you seen Hermione?"

"I saw her talking to Dumbledore earlier," replied Neville. "She's with someone but I don't recognize him."

"Thanks, I'll try to find her later. But could you check if Rita's still out there?"

Neville nodded and peered outside. "Looks clear to me."

"Thanks, Neville. I'll see you later."

"You think it's safe to go out now?"Harry asked.

"Maybe we should wait," said Maddy.

Ron considered it, but he didn't want to be around with Neville and Luna when they were obviously busy. He discreetly peered outside. He couldn't see Rita anywhere. "Nope, I think we can go out."

Maddy looked doubtful, but Ron held her at the elbow to reassure her and they stepped out into the light.

Out of nowhere half a dozen flash bulbs invaded them, blinding them for a moment. And in that span what seemed like an army of reporters started shooting questions.

"Ronald Weasley, who's your lovely date?"

"Where did you meet?"

"How do you feel about being the most eligible bachelor in the wizarding world? Are you giving that title up?"

"Are we expecting wedding bells soon?"

"What do we do?" asked Harry helplessly. They looked to Maddy. But the girl only appeared confused for a second. Ron noticed that she was discreetly pulling at her wand. She muttered a quiet spell under her breath.

"Alright, what was that?" Ron asked when nothing seemed to happen. But a minute later he could smell smoke. It became so thick in seconds that they couldn't see anything and neither could the reporters. Ron felt the tug of Maddy's hand and they wormed their way past the confused reporters. They emerged to hide behind a dimly lit fountain. It was the only time they allowed themselves to breathe.

"That was amazing," said Harry. "Good thinking Maddy."

She smiled at them. "Smoke charms are always ze best. I do not zhink you want to be ze subject of another gossip column. And I do not like to be in one too. Zey already wrote something about me."

"You?" asked Ron.

"Witch Weekly," she said. "We were on ze front cover last Sunday. Somebody took a photo of us at ze game. Skeeter eez not ze only reporter to watch out for now. "

"I'll keep that in mind," said Ron.

"Oy Ronny, what are you doing in the shadows with your lovely friend?"

Ron and Harry were so startled they whipped their wands around and jammed them at the throat of the person who spoke behind them.

"Easy! I know you Aurors are security conscious, but I think hexing your brother is a little going over the wall."

It turned out to be only George in an outrageous pair of rainbow colored dress robes that were lighting up like firecrackers.

"We're trying to hide from the reporters," Harry replied.

"Oh so that was you who caused the commotion in there," said George. "What did you do, set someone on fire?"

"Zat was just a smoke charm," said Maddy. "'ello again, eez eet George or Fred?"

"George," he replied. Ron noticed he was looking at her like an idiot. "Maddy, right. We've met before at Bill's wedding. But we've never talked."

"That's because you're too busy drooling over Fleur's little sister, you prat," Ron muttered under his breath, though he was sure George could hear it.

"Your choice of dress robes are… interesting," said Maddy. "Fleur was right 'bout you. You are ze funny one."

"He's only half funny," said Ron. "You should see him with Fred, but then you ought to be careful too. The two of them put together can be dangerous to your health."

"Don't listen to him," said George. "He has no sense of humor. Say, Maddy, I think you and Ronny should lay low for the rest of the evening. Best to separate for a few minutes too so… you know… you could throw the reporters off your tail for awhile."

Ron rolled his eyes at him but Maddy giggled.

"If you want to ask me to dance, just ask," she said and George surprisingly blushed.

"Oh, well… If Ron doesn't mind…"

"Go on," Ron said with an exasperated tone. "I need to look for Hermione anyway."

Ron felt Harry cringe. "But I'll see you later," Harry added. He gave her an odd apologetic look and she met his eyes as if to confirm that she was alright.

Oy, Harry, don't worry about George. It's just one dance. I know you and Maddy have a thing going."

"I don't mind, Ron."

"Right, I'm sure you don't. But anyway you've had your fun, now it's my turn. I want to see Hermione first."

"Of course," Harry replied. Ron somehow felt that if Harry had said that aloud he would have done so with clenched teeth.

"Oui," Maddy replied. "I will see you later, Ron, 'arry?"

George looked panicked.

"It's okay," said Harry. "She knows."

George gave an exaggerated sigh of relief then steered her for a dance.

Ron resumed his look out for Hermione. They placed an illusion charm on themselves while they roved.

"Have you seen her anywhere?" Ron asked.

"No, I've been trying to look. There! There she is next to Dumbledore."

She was huddled in a small group next to Dumbledore and some Hogwarts professors. She was attired in shiny robes of purple and red cut in Indian style. She had jeweled ornaments on her wrists, ears and neck while on top of her carefully arranged hair was a crown of gold. She looked every inch like an Indian goddess and Ron was completely mesmerized. He quickly moved through the crowd towards her, completely oblivious to anyone else around him. When she turned and met his gaze, he wanted nothing more but to run to her and just kiss her, and Harry and the rest of the people around be damned. He disillusioned them when they were in front of her.

"Ron!" she said. "I've been looking for you all evening."

"I've been looking for you too," he replied.

"Oh, but let me introduce you first to my escort this evening," she said. She moved back to let someone come up front to face him. Ron's stomach suddenly dropped along with his jaw.

"I do not think we need any further introductions, Hermione. Hello, Weasley. What a coincidence that we have a common friend."

It was Orion Pierre de Lancre.