"The caterers were giving me problems, but after I explained that I wouldn't renew their services for the Christmas and New Year's parties, they gave in to what I wanted."
Angelina looked at her mother briefly. "How many galleons are you spending to throw this?"
"Don't worry your pretty little head about that. Just know that your father think it's worth every Knut because you'll be coming. You haven't changed your mind have you?"
"No Mum."
"Good. Do you want me to send over Geraldine? She's coming over to make sure my gown is perfect. I don't want you showing up in jeans and a quidditch shirt."
"I know it would make your day if I did mother."
"I'm sending Geraldine over. You haven't had anything new done in a while.' Viviane Johnson smiled at her daughter, looking almost like her twin.
"I'm not going to fight you mother."
"Angelina, I want you to know that I'm not forcing you to go. I… I… just hope that you want to go. Past the fact that it's a good cause, and that you'll see quite a few of your friends. I just remember you liked to come to these gatherings."
"Mum, I never really liked going. A bunch of pretentious people who could state how far back their families are, and how much their holdings have grown."
"Fine. I remember when you didn't mind going. Are you bringing a date?"
"A date? I don't' know." Angelina sighed and finished her hot cocoa. "Maybe."
"That's wonderful." Viviane smiled and leaned forward. "What is his name?"
"I'm not telling."
"Angelina."
"Mum…"
"Don't interrogate the girl, Viv. I'm just glad she's coming." Roderick Johnson closed the parlor doors behind him. "How are my two favorite women doing this afternoon?"
"Fine dear." Mrs. Johnson smiled and kissed him on the cheek.
"Good. Have you been spending my money?"
"Yes dear."
"Of course. Angelina sweetie… nice to see you today. You look well."
"Hullo Daddy." He kissed her on the forehead and sat next to her mother on the loveseat.
"So you're coming?"
"How did you know?"
"Your mother was going to make it her project." Angelina looked dismayed.
"Oh mother, you weren't." She asked, turning back to her.
"I cannot deny that I don't want you pining away at the Aberdeen House. It took two weeks for you to allow me to send over the house elves to air out the place. I still say if you insist on staying there, let us just go ahead and refurnish it."
"Viviane, please." Mr. Johnson saw the look on his daughter's face and intervened.
"Fine. I'll leave it alone." She said, raising a slim hand gracefully.
"Thank you." He smirked slightly and picked up a cup of tea. "So you're coming?"
"Yes."
"Good." Mr. Johnson smiled and left it at that.
> > > > >
Hermione opened the door, looking harassed. "What are you so happy about?" she asked, stepping aside. Harry shrugged and walked in, taking off his cloak and gloves.
"I can't be happy?"
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean that. It's been a long day. Molly came over."
"Ah."
"I have never felt so henpecked before in my life."
"Where's Ron?"
"The Burrow, talking to his father. Arthur was here before, but he had some work he had to pick up. They're probably talking about what happened." She sighed and picked up a notebook. "I have so much work to do. The Minister is trying to turn the St. Mungos fundraiser into a support rally."
"I have the deepest sympathy. "Harry said dryly, pouring Hermione some pumpkin juice and himself half juice half firewhiskey. "So, are you going?"
"To the ball? Of course. Minister Scurmigour is going to want every piece of information at his fingertips… which means having it at my fingertips."
"So you're not going to enjoy yourself?"
"Oh please."
"What's wrong?" he asked, noticing her agitation after trying to ignore it.
"Molly."
"You knew that as soon as you found out you were pregnant, you would become her favorite subject."
"She wants me to quit too!" Hermione punched Harry in the arm playfully as he laughed. "It's not funny!"
"I'm sorry. You're right. Except this was what we talked about."
"I know."
"She wants what's best for you."
"She wants me in the bed with my feet up and something cool on my forehead."
"I think Ron would be receptive to that idea."
"He wouldn't dare."
"I wouldn't dare what?" They both turned around to see Ron smiling.
"Nothing." Hermione waved him off with a smile. "How's your father's work coming?"
"Good." He held up some wildflowers." For you." She beamed and stood, taking the bouquet and kissing him briefly.
"She's your mother." Was all Hermione said. Ron looked at Harry from over Hermione's head.
"What?"
"She's your mother." Ron again looked at Harry, who looked into his glass.
"I do believe when you accepted the ring, she became yours too." He said, kissing her forehead.
"Don't remind me." Ron sighed heavily as Hermione went to the kitchen to put the flowers in water. Harry scooted over for him to sit down on the couch.
"So how's your father?"
"Fine."
"Good. Why'd you go over?" Harry looked at Ron, who took his glass and gulped down the rest his drink.
"No reason. Does a man need a reason to visit his father?" The silence stretched on for five more seconds.
"You panicked."
"Big time." Harry laughed and snatched back his empty glass.
'You have to make your own Wicked Witch."
"Harry, no one makes them like you."
"Because I make them all the time, practice makes perfect." Ron leaned back and rubbed his face briskly.
"What in bloody hell am I going to do?" He asked, half wailing. "We're not old enough to raise a kid. Hell, I can't even remember to pick up my socks in the morning. What kind of father am I going to be?"
"The type of father who has to be yelled at to pick up his socks?" Harry ventured. "Look, no one is perfect, but honestly, I can't think of one thing you haven't done that you thought you weren't ready for. All I'm saying is that yes, she's going to be somewhat bonkers, with Hermione being her mother… and somewhat loony with you being her father… and seriously screwed with me being her godfather… so you won't have to take all the blame when she comes out an obsessive overachiever who loves to eat… with a death wish."
"Don't joke like that."
"Sorry. So you have nothing to worry about, okay?" Ron nodded feebly. "Good. Now let's make you a Wicked Witch."
> > > > >
"We'll meet each other there." Angelina nodded, looking down at the gown she was trying on.
"Okay, that sounds good." Harry watched as she turned around slightly, and found himself smiling.
"Are you going to wear that?"
"I don't think so. I don't think that purple is my color."
"Madam would look wonderful in whatever she chose." Geraldine said as she waved her wand. Her trunk opened and five more gowns floated in midair, turning slightly.
"What do you think Harry?" He shrugged and appeared apologetic.
"Well, I don't like any of those."
"Neither do I." Angelina stepped off of the modeling stool and turned around once more. "Did you bring any other gowns?"
"No, but why are you letting sir color your choices? I've been your family's seamstress for many years… and you've always rejected the opinions of others." Harry watched Angelina stare at Geraldine until she bowed and apologized. "I'm sorry Madam. I was being forward."
"I'll come and see what you have at your shop. We're done for today." She said, tapping the sleeve of the dress she was wearing with her wand, and it dissolved into nothingness, revealing the white jumper and jeans she wore underneath.
"Alright Madam, I'll see you when you arrive." Angelina held a stiff smile until the seamstress had packed up and excused herself yet again. "Ugh, I hate how some people think they can just interject their opinions into everything just because they adjusted your Hogwarts robes over the years."
"Don't you think you're being a little mean?"
"No. My father doesn't pay her to stick her nose in my business." Harry started to say something but just nodded. That's true. "So where are you getting your robes?"
"I don't know. Maybe Gladrags. But like I said, I don't know."
"Don't leave it to the last minute."
"I won't mother." He said testily, and Angelina looked slightly taken aback. "I don't know about this whole ball thing."
"Why? You were on board just a moment ago!"
"That was before I realized it could go horribly wrong. I have a temper. I don't like the current Minister of Magic. Those don't mix, as far as I'm concerned." She nodded and rubbed her shoulder.
"I'll make sure you don't lose your temper, I promise." Harry scratched his head and laughed.
"You're going to have a lot on your hands."
> > > > >
"Wolfric? Hullo mate!"
"Harry, how are you?"
"Fine, and you?"
"Absolutely fabulous. I came to pick up Luna and my robes." Wolfric Rhodes was an eccentric wizard with shoulder length grey hair, making him appear older than the twenty four years he had been on the planet.
"Where is she by the way? I haven't seen her in a while."
"She's been doing double shifts at St. Mungos all last week, and this week she hasn't had the same shift twice. She comes home and then she fall unconscious."
"Why is she so busy?"
"She wants a good review for when the board gives her consideration for promotion. She has a brilliant mind that has allowed her to heal many patients deemed incurable."
"It's the way she thinks. Luna doesn't see things the way we do. The way most people do." Harry smiled and shook his head. "How has the nightmares been?"
"I told her she should consider Obliviation. I believe it was a bad idea. My face stung for a week and she didn't speak to me for almost twice as long." Wolfric sighed. "Her father's health is fading."
"I came to visit him a week ago. Is there nothing that can be done?"
"No. Luna says he misses her mother."
"I can understand that." Harry looked around in the uncomfortable silence. "So how is work coming?"
"Well, today I managed to complete the two step today, and we're on to the Foxtrot and the Waltz. I'm sure you're in the market for your very own-"
"No, no. I wouldn't know what to do with them."
"Well, the beautiful thing is that when a party comes around you're well prepared. Imagine that beautiful music starts and you wow your guests with your own amazing-" Wolfric broke off and looked around wildly. Harry was standing in front of him one second with that oddly blue face he sometimes got, and then was gone… again. Oh well.
> >
Katie turned around and gasped. "When did you get here?" Harry shook his head and threw a look over his shoulder.
"Hullo Katie. How are you? And Lee and the children?" He asked, ignoring her question. Mrs. Jordan beamed and hefted a toddler from her arms.
"I have Leila with me today, and Everett is with his father. He's started with his first sentences, and Lee's driving me up the wall with his ego. I swear it's as if he birthed the child himself." Harry laughed and tugged on Leila's sleeve as he knelt down in front of the small girl.
"How are you doing Leila?"
"I'm fine." She said as she hid behind her mother's skirt.
"She's going through a shy phase right now."
"I was wondering. By now she'd be in my arms." Harry shrugged and gestured up the alley. "Have you been to the store today?"
"Yep. Said hi to Alicia and George when I dropped off my men. Angelina's there." Katie looked around and missed Harry's expression. "Kind of an impromptu reunion of the Quidditch team."
"So it seems. I have to go get my robes for that St.Mungos ball that's tonight. Are you coming?"
"Didn't donate enough to get invited to the ball."
"Didn't Angelina tell you her parents are throwing it this year? I'm sure you could come."
"But I don't want to Harry, please don't make me." He laughed and threw up his hands.
"Alright, I won't force you."
"Thank you. Well, we have to be off, the Apothecary is calling me."
"Oh, right. I don't want to keep you."
"See you Harry."
"Bye Katie." He waved the dark haired witch off and walked down the street towards Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. The little bell tinkled in midair, and two women came up to him with measuring tapes, huge smiles, and heaving bosoms.
"Can I help you?" The blond asked flirtatiously, before receiving a bow in the side from the brunette next to her.
"Now Cassandra, I saw him first."
"But Dorvina, you helped the hold man who left five minutes ago. It's my turn!" Cassandra hissed back.
"But you're engaged."
"So what?"
"Ladies!" Madam Malkin clapped her hands, and her grim expression caused the girls to flee cringing. "I'm sorry Mr. Potter. They're new and still… enthusiastic."
"That's the word for it. How are you doing Madam?" Harry asked, smiling once again.
"Business is always good before an event. Am I correct that you've come looking for robes for the St. Mungos Ball?"
"Yes." Harry ran his fingers through his hair, displaying his scar briefly before the dark length flopped back over to its customary position. "I waited until the last minute unfortunately."
"You always do. Well, I have some marvelous emerald robes that will go with your eyes dear."
"I want to stay away from green. It would leave the night open to ghastly compliments about my eyes."
"Well, who can see them dear? Your hair touches your glasses these days." Harry followed her to bolts of fabric located in the back.
"It's made it easier to come out in public. No one knows what I look like unless they can see my scar. Which makes me wonder why your employees rushed me like that, since most don't know it's me until they look at my forehead."
"Well, you're a handsome man with no ring in your finger. That looks like he has some money at that. So they're going to be interested." She pointed at a pile of rose colored fabric. "No rose?"
"No."
"No yellow either?"
"Absolutely not."
"White?"
"Pardon?"
"Purple."
"Heavens no." He shuddered.
"Blue?"
"I'd rather not."
"You're being slightly difficult."
"I am not. You're asking me to dress like a flower. Who do you think I am, Lockhart?" Harry asked; pained. "Do you have any more… masculine colors left?"
"Well, we could go with unimaginative black." Madam Malkin said sourly, pointing towards a row of black bolts. Harry brightened and nodded.
"Perfect."
> > > > >
Harry waved yet again and pulled the door closed, feeling the sharp contrast of the warm shop and the exceedingly cool air that was outside. The pre-Hogwarts rush was finished months ago, and only parents with small children were out, doing their Christmas shopping. It was nice, and with the sky overcast and the air clear of snow, and he found himself walking up the alley towards Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes. The store looked the same, and with this being the busy season, the line was wrapped around the front of the store.
He really hated to do this, but he walked past the line and walked into the store, amidst the groaning and complaining. The floor was packed with people picking out gifts for their children, spouses, or friends. There was lots of laughter as products were tried out, and the steady ring of the cash register was barely audible in the background. It paid to be a shareholder in this place, and as Harry slid through two witches giggling incessantly as they gazed into a crystal ball, he caught a glimpse of Alicia at the counter, bagging an order and wishing the customer a Happy Christmas.
She looked up and smiled, waving him behind the counter. "Harry, how are you?"
"I'm good, you?"
"Just fine."
"The baby?" Alicia nodded again and rubbed her extremely large stomach ruefully.
"They're fine, but if they're in here much longer I'm going to have to charge them rent. George is in the back restocking shelves with Angelina." She jerked her head towards the back, already putting on a smile for a flustered man with an armload full of gifts. "He'll be glad to see you." Smiling apologetically before turning to the man slightly behind Harry. "Hullo sir, is there anything else I can help you with?"
Harry left Alicia to tend to the customers and opened the door behind the counter. The twins had remodeled the back of their store quite a few years ago, to make room for a larger store room, production room, and employee break room. With the store in Diagon Alley having six employees, and the one in Hogsmeade having four, they were on their way to adding another store in France, and considering one in America.
The store room door was open slightly, and Harry walked in and stopped short. Angelina laughed and nodded, and George shrugged and laughed as well before stumbling under the hug that she gave him. For a minute Harry had to remember that Fred was dead and the good mood he was in evaporated quicker than alcohol on the skin. The feeling that he was intruding welled up his stomach and before he could figure out why he felt that way he was already stepping back into the hall.
George looked over and his face broke into a smile. "Harry, please come in. We were just talking about you."
"You were?" He asked as he smiled somewhat sickly, wondering what processed him to walk into this store. He always came out feeling slightly off balanced and more than a little conflicted. He didn't need this right now.
"Yes, we were." Angelina smiled and walked over and pulled Harry into the room further. "I've told him about us."
"You did?" Harry looked at George in alarm. All he did was chuckle and slap him on the shoulder.
"Yes she did, and I told her that not only do I think it's a great idea, but it's about time that the two of you tried living again. I know that Ginny would want that."
"You don't think that I'm betraying your sister?" Harry asked the one question he had been dreading asking himself. George shook his head furiously.
"No Harry. You cannot be expected to be more than human, and as much as we try we're not solitary creatures. Something as hit or miss as love… we can't just disregard it." Angelina nodded again and rested her head on Harry's shoulder.
"Thank you George."
"Anytime Harry. I told you, you can do no wrong." He joked, hefting a box in his arms. "I'll be right back Angel. Could you get the wet start Catherine Wheels and the Giggle Visors down? I'm going to put these out on the displays and I'll be back for those." Angelina nodded and Harry watched him leave before turning to her.
"You told him?"
"Yes." Angelina walked over to the rows and rows of shelves with a list in her hand, and she moved the ladder attached as Harry walked over to her. "I can't hide from George."
"I think I understand. I don't hide from Ron. Maybe we all have a patron Weasley." She smiled and handed him the list before going up the ladder and pulling down a bundle of trick wands and tossing them in the box at the end of the row.
"Maybe. Are you mad?"
"Sort of." Harry said honestly. Angelina looked down at him with a frown.
"Why?"
"Because we didn't talk about it. Hermione and Ron don't know about us, and I tell them everything." She raised her eyebrow and jumped off of the ladder to land in front of him.
"No, you tell them everything you don't tell me and vice versa." Harry bristled at the correction.
"Fine, what do you want me to say?" Angelina shook her head and sighed.
"Why are you fighting with me?"
"Because I don't like surprises."
"Well guess what Harry, we can't hide forever."
"I don't want to hide forever."
"Well, when were we going to say anything? We've been seeing each other for a while now. All I'm asking is what are you afraid of? Fred's ghost?" Harry looked at her briefly before shaking his head.
"I'm not afraid of anything."
"Liar."
"Pardon?"
"You heard me Harry. You promised me that we wouldn't lie to each other, and I have known that everything you've said to me was the truth. You're lying to me, and I know it."
"I don't believe I want to continue this conversation." Angelina grabbed his arm before he could move.
"Don't walk away from me… please." She said softly.
"How am I going to talk to you when you think I'm a coward?"
"I don't think that, and that's not what I said. I asked a simple question… is the reason why you're not telling anyone at all because you're afraid of what people might think?"
"I could care less what the bloke down the street talks about, let alone if it's about me." Harry pulled her close and forced himself to keep talking. "I was afraid, and I'm sorry for lying to you."
"You shouldn't be afraid of my memories of Fred. I don't love you because you remind me of him, or you favor him, or even that you have the same mannerisms. It's because you're Harry. The same man who refuses to let anyone around him suffer. The same man who threw out every bottle of liquor in my refrigerator… twice. The same man who patrols my house at night because he wants to make sure I'm safe."
"I wasn't afraid of Fred. I was afraid of what it meant that I no longer dreamed of Ginny every night. That it hurt less and less every time I woke up until one day I was happy. I didn't know what to do, and I still don't. Deep down inside I feel like I should mourn for the rest of my life… because of my failure she's not here. And then I feel worse, because I think if she was here, then I wouldn't have you." Angelina wiped a tear away that slid itself down her cheek. "I love you too, and I want us to be together. In public even… but it's going to be difficult, I won't lie."
"It's difficult for both of us. But when we communicate, we're going to be able to get through it." She put her arms around his shoulders and leaned her head against his chest. "What do we do with each other?"
"I don't know. We'll figure out something sooner or later."
"Okay." Angelina stepped away and was two rungs up the ladder before Harry stilled her, turning her around to face him. "What is it?"
"You never asked me what I was afraid of." He said, enveloping her in a hug around the waist, resting his head on her chest. Angelina ran her fingers through his hair and kissed the top of his head.
"What are you afraid of?"
"I'm afraid of admitting what I feel for you is real. Because if it's real and I'm not dreaming, then it can end. I don't want it to end. I tend to ruin every good thing in my life."
"I hope you don't believe that Harry, and it's not going to end unless you want it."
"My life isn't that simple." Harry looked up into her eyes and squeezed her harder. "I don't want to lose you. I've made quite a few enemies that I haven't caught yet. If they find out about you, it will kill me if they hurt you. And I won't be responsible for what I would do. I barely escaped Azkaban after killing Bellatrix, and it didn't matter that she had killed Ginny. If any remaining Death Eaters…" He trailed off as if it were painful.
"Don't do that. I can take care of myself."
"I don't doubt it, but Ginny could too."
"Harry, please. You'll catch the last few Death Eaters that you haven't brought in already, and you'll be an Auror again. Everything will fall into place. It has to."
"Why is that?"
"Because the universe owes you a big one."
> > > > >
Ron looked at Harry briefly as he walked into the bedroom and straightened his tie in the mirror next to the wardrobe. "You're over here so much you might as well move in."
"Nah, I'll keep my flat thanks. What brought that up?" Harry asked, pushing his hair back into some semblance of order. Ron shrugged and tied the clasp to his cloak.
"I'm worried about you." Their relationship had gotten to the point where they didn't hold their tongue anymore, and very little could be considered offensive between all three of them. They just said what needed to be said, and dealt with what came later.
"So you want to baby-sit me?"
"Yes."
"No thank you Ron. Besides, you need the extra bedroom now, if I'm not mistaken it takes less than a year for a woman to make one of those baby things." Harry joked, loving the look on his best mate's face.
"Don't you dare, not you too. George has taken to sending an owl with a bloody stupid message almost twice a day. Bloody wanker."
"He's your brother."
"So I know how much of a wanker he is. So, are you taking someone to the ball? Or are you going to mope in the corner?" Ron jibbed gently, and enjoyed the slight red cast that Harry's neck flushed as his nostrils flared.
"Isn't that better than following your wife around and not speaking to anyone but her or me… and then standing beside the food tables and stuffing yourself silly and wondering why you get heartburn halfway through the dancing period? Or maybe it's better than standing around in the middle of the room looking uncomfortable while your wife continues to talk about work as if she's still there?" Ron opened his mouth to respond when Hermione breezed into the room, looking a vision in a blue tulle cloak and matching shoes.
"I thought we agreed we wouldn't talk about each other unless it was too our faces." She asked, walking over to her vanity and pulling out a silver necklace. "Ron, if you would?" He moved to clip the necklace on, and kissed her briefly where the clasp laid on her skin. "Thank you. Now, as for you Mr. Potter-"
"I don't argue with pregnant ladies." He held up his hands imploringly.
"Good, so you'll do as I ask?" Hermione looked mystified. Harry shook his head quickly.
"Oh no, I didn't say I obey pregnant ladies. I said I don't argue with them. Let's all go and have a good time."
"I wished you had at least the sense to bring a date. There will be press, and you know they make up things when they don't have any material." She reminded him, now searching for her gloves.
"I don't care really. After all these years, you would think they would move on to someone else. I'm boring. And rude."
"You are rude, can't deny that, can we?" Ron smiled and shook his head.
"And besides, did you ask if I had a date? No, you just assumed that I didn't, and began chastising me." Harry pretended to look somewhat hurt, but it was swallowed up by the smug look on his face.
"You have a date?" Hermione sputtered, happier beyond belief.
"I knew it!" Ron yelled, pumping his fist in victory. "You were never here anymore, you weren't at your flat, and you were actually happy! I knew it! Who is it mate! Who is she so I can practically kiss the ground she walks on."
"Angelina." Hermione's jaw dropped and Harry reached over to push her mouth closed.
"Angelina… Johnson?" Ron managed to get out squeakily.
"I thought we only knew one." Hermione nodded as if in a dream state, and gave him a genuine smile.
"I'm happy for you Harry, we both are. I'll leave you two to talk." She smoothed Harry's cloak on his shoulders and excused herself quickly. Harry didn't take his eyes off of Ron, who was now looking at the carpet and toeing the same spot with the tip of his dress shoes.
"I hope you're not mad." He said, feeling uncomfortable now. This is why he didn't want to tell anyone. They would act happy until they found out who it was.
"It's odd; I didn't know you were attracted to Angelina."
"I didn't know either." Ron nodded slowly and finally looked up.
"You know by now I'm behind you whatever you do, even if you decided to date Seamus. I'd question your taste, but what could I say, you're happy."
"You're not mad that it's Angelina?"
"I never thought she would move on after Fred was killed, and I knew you weren't going to go on after Ginny if you could help it. Sometimes you need someone to understand where you're coming from before you can move on. I just wish you felt that you could tell me earlier."
"I didn't want to break it." Harry said honestly. "I didn't want to disturb it, move it, and change it, nothing. I was so close to being happy, but I was tense all the time, because I didn't know if it would last. She's temperamental and I can be fickle at times."
"Harry, you're one of the most loyal people I have ever known."
"Except when it came to anyone you were trying to fix me up with. I think I had to move on with my life, because I started confusing the past and the present. It hurt, waking up and rolling over, expecting Ginny there, but she wasn't."
"I know mate. I would hear you at night sometimes."
"Yeah." The two men looked at each other briefly and grinned.
"I know that Fred wouldn't be happier to know that his wife ended up with such a great man."
"So you're alright with this?" Harry asked, feeling hopeful that maybe this will be okay.
"Like I said, we need to get a move on if I'm going to kiss the ground that Angelina walks on."
> > > > >
The so called witty conversation wore on her nerves like sand from the beach of Azkaban on an infant's skin. Angelina plastered on a bright smile that belied none of what was going around in her head. A silver platter floated past her, and as she reached her hand out to grasp a crystal flute, an unnatural hush fell over the crowd on the floor. Angelina turned towards the stairs and smiled as the announcer stepped forward.
"Lord and Lady Weasley, Order of Merlin 1st Class, Pentagram of Heroism." Ron was dashing in hunter green robes that went handsomely with his hair, and Hermione was dressed in a beautiful blue gown that seemed to be made of linen. Both of their faces were slightly red due to the announcement.
But they were happier they weren't Harry, who heard the announcement and tried to back away to sneak in by a side door. But the announcer grabbed his arm and stepped forward, pulling him back to the landing. Harry opened his mouth to say something, but everyone was looking at him and he held his tongue for once.
"Lord Harry Potter, Slayer of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, Savior of the Wizarding World, Pentagram of Hero, Order of Merlin 1st and 2nd class."
'I'm going to kill her, and then I'll hide the body so that even I won't find it…' Harry thought to himself as he sulked down the stairs. He knew he should smile and nod at the people, but frankly, they could all just go to hell. The huge room shrank in his mind's eye as Hermione and Ron were swallowed up by the throng of people asking them questions, and everyone who looked at him wanted something from him… except one.
She was a vision of loveliness in silver silk, her hair done in a ton of curls that was pulled back by diamond clips on the side, flowing down her neck, resting gently on her shoulders and back. Harry didn't care about keeping her a secret anymore. The need, the overwhelming thought in his mind was to get to her. The look on Angelina's face changed, as if she could read his thoughts, because she started to push her way through the adoring people.
Eyes only for her, amid the flashing lights and opinions, the distance that still remained between them was too much. Harry silently apparated and breathed a sigh of relief as his hand closed around Angelina's wrist. She turned and wrapped him in a hug.
"Why are we acting as if we didn't see each other earlier?" Harry smiled and kissed her on the cheek gently, calming himself.
"I think because I finally understand. I really do. I don't want to hide anymore." He said, looking directly into her eyes. Angelina brushed his hair back from his forehead and nodded.
"Good. Come on, we have rounds to make, especially since I didn't have to tell you to make a splashy entrance."
"I swear, I know this spell that will glue everyone's mouth shut. Please let me do it." Harry wheedled slightly, causing Angelina to laugh.
"No Harry. We're going to poll the room. You see, Minster Scrimegour hasn't arrived yet, so by the time he does, he'll be bombarded with baffled and concerned citizens that are concerned that two of the best Aurors are no longer on the force."
"You're a genius sometimes."
"Sometimes I actually pull myself out of the bottle." A couple walked up to the two of them, smiling.
"Lord Potter, may I introduce myself. I am Amaranth Caine, and this is my wife, Belladonna. We've donated almost a million galleons to make sure that we would be here at this ball when we discovered you would be attending." The slightly balding man was almost salivating over the hand that Angelina forced Harry to offer.
"Did you now? You didn't give out of the kindness of your heart?" He asked dryly. Mrs. Caine looked at him knowingly, taking a sip of the champagne.
"I'm sure you'd do the same in our shoes. We had to meet you. We've followed your exploits for quite some time."
"My… exploits?" Harry said incredulously, and Angelina tugged his elbow briefly.
"I'm sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Caine, but you have been following the career of Harry here?" She asked, putting on a winning smile.
Mr. Caine nodded enthusiastically. "Oh yes. From the thrilling stories in the Prophet, to the Ministry's announcements, we felt like we were there. And we definitely felt safer when we found out your chosen profession."
"So you do know that Harry's been dismissed from the Auror program, don't you?" Harry held back the smile he had for the way Angelina had the nosy couple eating out of the palm of her hand.
"Dismissed? Whatever for?" Mrs. Caine breathed as if all scandal in the world paled to the news she just received. Angelina played it up by nodding sadly.
"Absolutely nothing. His commanding officer was always jealous."
"That's the way, isn't it chap? You do something right good for the rest of us, and some snaky bastard comes and wants to clip your wings. Don't let it happen to you, my boy. It's not right." Mr. Caine shook his head in disgust. "I wish there was something I could do."
"Actually, there is." Angelina leaned in close as if she were delivering sensitive information. "The Minister of Magic will be here later on this evening. As constituents of his administration, people who voted him into office, you should have a say as to our defense. Wouldn't you feel safer is Harry Potter was reinstated? I mean, what could be worse than You-Know-Who?"
"You're right. Absolutely right my girl. I'll give him a piece of my mind. He came to me personally, when he was thinking of throwing his name in the running. Needed funding and all, connections to the right people always make a difference."
"You are so right." She nodded. Mrs. Caine looked at her briefly.
"Are you Viviane's daughter? If you're not, you must be a relative."
"I am her daughter, Angelina." The blue haired witch clapped her hands happily.
"My, how you've grown. We met before you went off to Hogwarts. Lovely home you have here."
"We use this house only for large parties. It remains empty most of the year."
"We understand, don't we dear? We have too many houses to stay in them all during the year." Mr. Caine took a horsd'oeuvre from a floating tray and looked around smugly as people watched him speak with the Harry Potter.
"Well, we're going to let you mingle. I know my mother is floating around somewhere, so make sure that you see her before you go."
"Quite right, quite right. We'll bump into each other again, and if you need anything, don't hesitate to call on Amaranth Caine." Harry watched the two people wander off to mingle before turning back to the woman beside him.
"I didn't know you schmoozed so well." He teased, spirits lifting slightly.
"I had to learn. My mother liked to entertain. I wanted to tell you that the plan is now twofold. I have looked at the guest list, and it features quite a few influential, if not self infatuated, people. I don't think the Minister of Magic has allowed the news of your dismissal to escape. Our job is to make sure everyone here knows."
"And they'll shame the Minister into giving me and Ron our jobs back?"
"More like prod his social conscience. He likes to stay on top of whatever is politically fashionable. That's why he's at this ball. During this season it's in to think about St. Mungos, and it's also in to be a fan of Harry Potter."
"Seems to me that's always in." he said sourly, the random looks of admiration directed his way made his stomach hurt slightly.
"Very true. Might I add you look very nice?" She said, turning to him and straightening his collar.
"Thank you, and so do you." He admired the silver material that clung to her curves, a diamond brooch at the clasp that contained her intriguing cleavage.
"Good. I have to look good if I'm going to avail upon the rich and snooty that it's a grave injustice to have you out of work."
"You do that. I'm going to get something to eat." Harry kissed her again on the cheek before Angelina moved into the crowd, and he turned find himself in the path of a smug stare. The witch wore fitting sapphire robes, and her purple fingernails adjusted the same hideous glasses she always wore when he ran into her. "Hello Rita."
"Harry dear. How are you doing these days?" She asked, her tone saccharine sweet.
"I don't know, let me go look at your column. I'm sure you'll be able to tell me." He retorted, moving past her to walk towards the food tables.
"But Harry, I just have a few questions."
"You know, I think Hermione is somewhere in the room. If she catches you here…" The threat trailed off as Harry grinned. The standing deal was that if Hermione caught Rita in the same room with her snooping around Harry or any of her other friends, she would be reported, no questions asked. The little reminder did the trick, because the notebook and the Quick-Quills disappeared in an instant as the reporter looked around warily.
"I don't appreciate being blackmailed by a little chit of a girl."
"Then leave us alone." Harry frowned as he gazed over the selection. His appitite disappeared as soon as his eyes alighted on the food. It must be the present company he was in.
"I don't think you understand my journalistic responsibility. I have a right and a duty to report on whatever the wizarding population deems interested. And that's you. I would think you would be used to it by now."
"You would think wrong." He said, still not turning around.
"Well, perhaps I should go and interview your new lady friend. Angelina Johnson, only child of Roderick and Viviane Johnson, heir to the House of Johnson and the accompanying fortune. Likes rainstorms and apparently a certain brooding dark haired man with glasses. Am I correct?" Harry forced himself not to turn around.
"Whatever." The woman snorted and walked away quickly. Turning around to see what caused her hasty exit, he smiled as Hermione came into view, looking murderous.
"What did she want?"
"To cause problems. But you chased her away as always. How do you do it Hermione?" He joked, handing her a little mince pie. She inhaled it less than two seconds and shrugged.
"I got her where it hurts, is all. Are you holding up okay? Random people have been coming up to Ron and I telling us how upsetting it was to hear the two of you was out of a job. They're going to take it up to the Minister." Harry sometimes forgot that Hermione worked directly under the minister, and could receive some backlash from the plan that had been initiated in his favor.
"If you want me to tell them to back off, I will, just say the word." Harry said honestly. Hermione spared him a strange look and turned to survey the crowd.
"You'll do no such thing. I told them all exactly how to get their point across. Scrimgeour has his points of weakness, and I know them all. He enjoys keeping his rich friends happy. He'll cave quicker than Fudge's ego after office." Harry chuckled briefly before laughing outright.