Chapter 13: The Spotlight

There were two things that immediately struck Harry as Lady Doge led him through the ballroom. The first was the amount of people that were in the ballroom. Harry was expecting several Lords and Ladies from the Light Faction but it seemed that this was perhaps bigger than just an informal meeting. Families, including Hogwarts aged children, were all about the ballroom mingling and enjoying themselves. The next thing was the noise, well it was the change in noise that struck him. There was the expected thrum that is normally expected with a large crowd. However, as Harry was led through the room, there was a noticeable shift and quieting as people took notice. Harry forced his face to stay neutral as he began to realize that he was the selling point for this entire ballroom. Lady Doge maintained her decorum gently leading Harry to where she knew her husband to be. Harry caught sight of Lord Doge standing in a group that contained Dumbledore. As the dull thrum lowered to just a few whispers Lord Doge's group turned to face the duo that approached them. There was a subtle rearranging that occurred where Lord Doge stepped forward, Dumbledore and another Lord that Harry didn't recognize stood one step behind and on either side of Lord Doge. The room was nearly silent as the Duo of Lady Doge and Harry stopped before Lord Doge.

"Husband, may I present the guest of the evening Lord Peverell." Lady Doge introduced as she moved towards Lord Doge's side.

Lord Doge stepped forward in response and held out a hand, "My Lord Peverell. It is my immense pleasure to welcome you to our home, and for you to join us in tonight's festivities."

"My thanks Lord Doge. I am honored to attend what appears to be a wonderful social event."
"We invite you to enjoy the festivities before dinner and bid you enjoy a wonderful evening under the banner of hospitality."

Harry nodded, ending the little ritual between guest and host. Lady Doge stepped back to Harry, once again entwining her arm with his. Lord Doge turned back to his group, what Harry now suspected to be the unofficial leadership of the Light Faction. They group did not introduce themselves to Harry, thus Harry did not concern himself with who they were. Lady Doge led him throughout the room introducing him to the various families that were strewn about the room. Harry enjoyed her easy countenance and the way that she was familiar with every person they came across. Lady Doge didn't just introduce Harry and move on. They spent a few minutes with each person, discussing something of important be it family or event, that Harry knew each guest enjoyed. It was during a moment where Lady Doge and he were speaking alone that Harry paid her a compliment on such skills.

Lady Doge laughed softly, "My Husband may lead the politics, but it is a Lady that maintains the order of the group. You men have the easier job, not having to remember the little things, but I enjoy the work."

Harry smiled as he was once again led and they began to once again make their way across the floor. A bit later he was introduced to Lord and Lady Weasley, who were in attendance with their Heir, Arthur Weasley. Harry needed to steel his face as a memory involuntarily bubbled up as he looked at Arthur. There was a short conversation between the group where Harry began to get to know Arthurs parents. Lady Doge made a comment about Lady Weasley being a descendant of a dark family as the duo walked away from the group. Harry realized that she meant the Black's, Lady Weasley was a Black. Harry chose not to comment as they continued the routine.

After many times through the Ballroom, Lady Doge led Harry over towards a group of younger individuals. Harry was introduced to Adeline Doge, the granddaughter to the hosts, who would serve as his escort for the remainder of the night. Lady Doge made one final comment before she walked away, gently shoving Harry towards her granddaughter.

Harry offered Adeline a small smile, "Well that was the least subtle she's been all night."

Adeline returned the smile with a graceful laugh, "Grandmother always has an agenda."

Harry threaded his arm with Adeline's as she introduced the group. Conversation altered as the group focused on Harry. It started out innocent with talk focused on interests and history. Harry professed a loved for quidditch, though he had not found a team to support. This started a small debate amongst the group that Harry enjoyed as the people went back and forth about the teams they supported. No matter when, quidditch still brought out the banter. Harry did catch the small smirk that played across Adeline's face as she just sat and watched her friends argue playfully. The conversation eventually waned and turned back towards Harry and the rumors that were starting to populate. The main concern that people seemed to have was a rumor that Harry had sparred, maybe even tutored, Bellatrix Black.

Harry smiled, "Bellatrix is a wonderful duelist. She has a good mind for duelling."

There was a pause as people absorbed the fact that Harry admitted to interacting with the Black family.

"Wait, the rumors of your interactions with Black are true?" One young man asked.

Harry shrugged, "I can't speak to any rumors on the matter as I don't know them. I am distantly related to the Black Family and have enjoyed getting to know them. Bellatrix has been a good hostess and in return for their hospitality I have been working with all the Black Sisters on their wand work."

There was a pause before another question was asked, "What are you teaching them?"

"Mostly basics."

"Basics?" A few of the group looked incredulous, "Bellatrix was one of the best duellers in Hogwarts."

Another voice cut in, "Yes but she wasn't the best." This person was on the younger age of the group. Harry surmised that he was probably in Bellatrix's year and had just graduated Hogwarts.

"Come off it Elric, she beat you just as much as you beat her." Another voice interrupted

Elric puffed up, "Our record was in my favor. She couldn't best me." The group seemed to want to move along yet Elric interrupted before the conversation strayed to far, "Come Peverell, lets see what you're made of. There's a sparring ring. Care to go a round?"

"Elric…" Adeline began but was cut off as Harry placed his free hand on her arm that was already intertwined.

"We will not spar."

Elric seemed taken aback for a moment, "Com'on now. Scared to get beat?"

Harry smiled at the young man, "Nope but there is no reason to fight on this night, and to do so would be disrespectful of our hosts."

Elric pushed on, "They wouldn't mind. I've heard the grumbles, people wonder about you Peverell. Don't you want to prove who you are?"

Harry sighed, "Once may be forgiven. Twice may be excused, but do not make the mistake a third time or insult will carry. Lord Peverell will not be fighting anyone tonight."

Elric smiled, he had summoned his wand, absently twirling it as he turned towards his friends, "See I told you there wasn't anything to Peverell."

Harry felt Adeline stiffen and begin to move forward. A harsh squeeze on her arm stilled her just enough for Harry to stay the center of the groups attention. Harry turned to another person in the group whilst simultaneously summoning Elric's wand. The noise of surprise from Elric was the only indication that something had happened as the group now realized that Harry held the wand.

"Do you understand Elric's insult?" The young man nodded, "Good, now take the wand to Elric's parent and inform them of the insult. Also warn them that if I see the wand again I will break it." Harry turned to Elric, "Before the night is out you will apologize to Adeline for your behavior and conduct under her hospitality."

Elric's face burned red for a moment before he turned and left the group, following the young man who Harry had given the wand to. Harry took a moment to relax and watched as the rest of the group seemed to settle after that altercation.

"Basics huh?" one woman said, causing the rest of the group to laugh as the conversation was brough back full circle. The rest of the time before the serving of dinner was spent more lighthearted as the group seemed to just settle with one another. Harry found himself genuinely laughing and enjoying the simple pleasure of being in a group of people that just enjoyed each other's presence.

A soft ringing bell signaled the start of dinner. Adeline led Harry over to the table that they were assigned to. They were sat with the Weasley's and Mckinnon's. Adeline was sat on Harry's right, and Arthur on his left. Harry exchanged a quick smile and handshake with Arthur before sitting down. Harry was introduced to Heir McKinnon and the table filled out the cards for what they would like for dinner. An appetizer and drink of choice first appeared on the table. Harry took his time filling out the card as the two other couples started to talk to one another. Lord Mckinnon launched into talk around the Gamot and the bill that had just been put forth. Harry smiled as both Mckinnon and Weasley debated back and forth about the issues surrounding the bill. Mckinnion was frothing in rage over the matters that were raised in the bill. Weasley wasn't as worked up as Mckinnon, yet was still concerned about the content and the potential harms of the bill. Lord Weasley argued that compromise on this bill might provide a beneficial argument later down the line when something else needed to be passed. Harry caught the look that passed amongst the women of the group before Lady Weasley spoke up.

"Lord Peverell, you spoke earlier about enjoying your time in Britain, I was wondering if you could speak more about your history and experience growing up elsewhere."

Harry smiled, "Britain has been lovely, and compared to my childhood it is relatively similar. Though there is a noticeable lack of duels and fights that break out into the streets."

"Is Greece really that violent?" Adeline asked

"I don't know if I would say it was violent, more that people were always attempting to test themselves. That and the various tribes would often involve instances of minor conflict. Things start easily, yet end quickly, often without death."

"And these tribes, how are they formed?" Lady Weasley asked.

Harry smiled, grateful for how thorough the Goblins had been in providing information, "You couldn't have asked more difficult question." Harry laughed at her expression as he continued, "There are the official tribes, where people have status and are named as Spartan, Athenian, Delphian, Corinthian, and Boeotian. People with those titles serve with distinction in society and are considered the masters in some form. Yet there are less involved tribes that ascribe to those ideals, they may be official or only a family, but they define themselves to the standards upheld by the masters."

Arthur leaned forward, "Fascinating, if not confusing."

Harry nodded in acknowledgment, "Honestly its what makes things so conflict. People ascribe by different rules and standards of conduct, however, there is a camaraderie in the chaos. In some ways its inexplicably the same as Britain, afraid of foreigners."

Lord Weasley laughs heartedly, "The more things change the more they stay the same." Harry raised his glass as Lord Weasley continued, "I must admit it is a joy having a founding voice return to the Gamot."

Adeline nodded, "I have enjoyed watching the meetings after you took your seat. The nuances to the families has been a treat to watch."

Harry nodded, "It has been fun to explore and understand my past."

Arthur laughed before asking a question, "Is all of this what led to Heir Stretton?"

"Elric," Adeline interrupted, "Decided he wanted to fight tonight. He ended up brandishing his wand in a nonchalant manner, after being warned about disrespecting Lord Peverell. Elric found his wand taken from him and another of our peer being sent to inform the Lord Stretton of his heir's insulting behavior."

Lady Weasley shook her head, "It seems Heir Stretton has inherited his father's temper. There was hope that Heir Stretton would be mellower than his father."

Lord Mckinnon frowned, "It does not do to insult a potential ally."

Harry smiled, "One could say the same of young Elric's behavior."

Mckinnon seemed to huff and want to say something though he was stopped by his wife who seemed to share a look with Lady Weasley. The table seemed to settle down for a bit as dinner was served. The Lady's seemed to direct talk to small things that encouraged the men to talk about various topics. Adeline covered a lot of the talk for Harry as a lot of the discussion revolved around current events and politics. Harry did answer every now and then, but talk was mainly constrained between the two other families. Eventually as dinner moved along, the conversation did filter back to Harry and it was Arthur that sparked it.

"Lord Peverell, forgive any potential slight, but I was wondering if it was true that you have been spending time at the Black Estate?"

Harry cocked his head, "That has come up a lot tonight."

Lord Mckinnon huffed, "And for good reason. You should not be spending time with such a horrid family."

Harry makes a non-committal gesture, "Yet here I am."

Harry saw Adeline hide a smile as the rest of the table seemed to not understand what was happening. It took a few moments before Lady Weasley seemed to figure out Harry's response.

"You are related to house Black."

Harry nodded, "Distantly, but the connection is there."

Lady Weasley laughed heartedly, "And how is the old man?"

Harry smiled, "Arcturus? Old, cranky, and still messing with people." Harry paused for a moment before continuing, "He actually wanted me to meet you, said to offer you a hello and make sure you are well."

Lady Weasley stopped for a moment, "My cousin, really? Arcturus said that?" She immediately turned to her husband and erected a privacy charm around them giving the pair a moment to discuss. There were a few moments of silence before Lord Mckinnon spoke up again.

"I must admit that I find it surprising that you are willing to spend time with such a Dark Family considering that the reports of your parents are muggles."

"For the same reason I am here, I was invited."

Lord Mckinnon pushed forward, "But your parents."

"Were indeed mundane." Harry nodded.

"So you should be incensed about the very bill that the Dark faction is pushing."
"I wasn't aware that we have been informed of the author of that bill." Harry continued before Lord Mckinnon could respond, "The political stance of the Black Family does not negate the connection I have to the family. And I find the familial connection far more serious than any potential issues with politics."

"How very muggle of you." Lord Mckinnon answered before turning back to his dinner.

Dinner wound down and several tables towards the center of the room were cleared away to make room for a dance floor. Harry led Adeline to the dance floor and led her around in a dance. They chatted lightly though Harry noticed that she seemed to want to say something.

"Why don't you speak about what it is you actually want?"

Adeline smiled shyly before speaking, "You use the word 'mundane' instead of 'muggle.' Why?"

Harry nodded, an old conversation with Hermione springing forth about this very topic, "A friend of mine was also mundane born. His parents didn't like the word 'muggle' that has permeated throughout the magical world. Greek magical society actually has good records from the times of the Ancient City-States and old languages and dialects don't actually have a direct word for non-magical people. Shrinking the explanation of ancient history, the word 'mundane' is the closest single word that accomplished that singular goal."

Adeline nodded in thanks, though she did pivot the conversation to more about magical Greece and the culture and society around it. Harry once again sent a mental thanks to the goblins for their foresight in providing all the necessary information; as Harry was able to answer and maintain a full discussion with Adeline. Eventually, the discussion came to a close as Adeline noted that she had occupied perhaps too much of Harry's time and led him over to a group of young women that she was familiar with. Harry smiled as he began the process of dancing with the numerous amounts of women throughout the night. There was a familiarity to this routine and Harry reveled in the simplicity that was a moment between two people. This continued on for some time until a Lord that Harry didn't recognized decided to interrupt.

"Lord Peverell, I am Lord Davies, and I have been tasked with escorting you to the back room to enjoy the company with the other leaders."

Harry paused, "Leaders? What is the purpose of this meeting?"

"Why to discuss politics and strategy."

"Ahh, well then I must decline."

Harry turned back to his current dance partner and led them back into the flow of the dance. Harry watched as Lord Davies attempted to interrupt a few more times but Harry deftly led the pair away from the man until he gave up and walked away. He offered his current partner a bit more attention as their dance had been interrupted before continuing on with the festivities from before. A few of his partners questioned why he was still there instead of the meeting with the other primary Lords of the Faction. Harry's response of spending time in more pleasant company seemed to garner him a few more smiles.

Dancing eventually gave way to conversation which led to further dancing. This was what Harry enjoyed about these events, the abandonment of politics in favor of just enjoying the company of other people. The night continued on and Harry found himself paired with Adeline once again. Their group had seemed to dissipate overtime. Adeline suggested a walk through the gardens connected to ballroom. She led the pair through the connected gardens and continued their conversation from earlier. Adeline showed interest in magical Greece. In turn she spoke about her desire to get a mastery in healing. Their conversation was pleasant and genial as it flowed naturally between them. Harry had lost time as they spoke and discussed the various aspects of life. The manifestation of a horse patronus interrupted their discussion.

"Peverell, return to the stronghold. There has been a development." It was the voice of the Amazonian Queen.

Harry quickly sent off his own patronus, informing the Queen that he would be there as soon as he could. Harry then apologized to Adeline as he said he needed to leave. She smiled as she accepted the apology and offered to walk him to the door. Protocol dictated that she couldn't walk him all the way to the wardline. They were quick and Harry bade both the granddaughter and Hostess goodnight as he left.

The walk to the wardline was quick, yet there was a shift in magic that was not associated with the wards themselves. Harry stopped in a place just before what he was informed was the marker of the wardline. Slipping his wand into his hand Harry chose to callout.

"Its not nice to spy on a person. This is your one warning."

"I would ask how you know, but your display against poor Elric demonstrated a unique control over your magic." Dumbledore answered, ending the disillusionment.

"Chief Warlock. What is it you want?"

"It is quite rude to leave early. Especially when you have refused your host in something that is meant to be in your honor."

"Emergency's can't be helped."

"Though they can be faked."

"Is it my name or the fact that you do not know me that makes me untrustworthy."

"I do not think you untrustworthy, I only wish to get to know you."

Harry smiled, "Should've stayed on the dance floor."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled, "Clearly. I do hope that our meetings in the future lead to the better understanding."

Harry nods before turning and walking through the wardline. Dumbledore watched as the young man disapparated away. Dumbledore stared at the spot for a moment, going over the very short interaction before he turned to head back to the manor. As he started the trek back a Stag patronus materialized in front of him.

Harry's voice materialized from the patronus, "Next time you want to get to know me, go ahead and leave the tracking charms behind, you never know where you might get led."

Dumbledore chuckled as the patronus left. "Well played young Peverell. Well played indeed." Dumbledore walked back into the room with the other leaders of the Light with a smile on his face, though he never informed his contemporaries what had brought him that small joy. It was always interesting with a new player in the game.

A/N: Alright so first off apologies for being dumb. I just straight up thought I had already posted this. My bad.

Next chapter is scheduled for Sunday the 27th. Hope you all enjoy your day

-Snakedoc444