-1Harry was lying on his bed, fully clothed, trying not to think of Ginny and Dean. He was failing miserably at the task when suddenly his scar flared up with pain. It was a quick powerful surge of pain, lasting only a few long seconds. Just long enough to take Harry's breath away and make him feel like he might vomit. The instant the scar flared with pain he had a quick vision of Voldemort with Lucius Malfoy. Voldemort was beyond angry as Malfoy hovelled at his feet. The flash of pain was soon turned into a dull throb and the vision was gone.
He wanted to go down to the dungeons and let Severus know but felt too guilty over the hover board incident. Instead he grabbed his towel and went into the bathroom to shower. He let the icy cold water pound on the scar, making it a little more manageable.
Why had he been so thoughtless today and ruined his relationship with the professor? He thought back to the way the professor didn't even say a word to him, knowing that it was worse then if he had been yelled at. Bloody hell! He knew he was ruining everything!
Harry slept in Gryffindor Tower that night, waking up a few times during the night with nightmares, and his arm throbbing in pain He wished he hadn't made the professor mad. By morning he was nervous and jumpy, wondering if Snape was still angry at him and if Vespa's lavender owl would be delivering the antidote that morning. He dreaded taking the antidote again but the thought of dying the way Vespa had described it was even worse.
His arm hurt so bad that he had trouble buttoning up his shirt and had to cast a spell to do it for him. He wished he had some pain potion but knew that asking Pomfrey would lead to questions about where the bruise had come from. Severus had made it crystal clear to him that no one should find out about the encounter with Vespa at Diagon Alley. Finally he couldn't take the pain any longer and grabbed his invisibility cloak. He stuffed it in his bag telling his friends he would see them at breakfast.
When he got close to the dungeons, he threw the cloak over himself and headed down to Snape's quarters. He said the password and went inside hoping the professor wasn't around. Harry stood cautiously by the door listening for signs of Severus. When he didn't hear any he walked over to the desk and rifled through Snape's black bag with potions in it. He found a pain potion and also grabbed a vial of dreamless sleep, hoping the professor wouldn't miss it. Just as he stuck the vials in his pocket, the laboratory door swung open and Snape and Dumbledore walked in.
Harry quickly hid in the kitchen, still under the invisibility cloak. He could hear the two professors arguing and at first felt a little guilty about eavesdropping until he heard what they were arguing about.
"The key is the girl! Vespa has already transferred half her fortune to Charlet. She must have made a deal with Charlet or blood oath or who knows what. But Vespa would not have handed over her money without getting something big in return!"
Harry could hear the anger in Snape's voice.
"Severus that may be so but there is still no way to get the girl to leave school grounds. You can not take possession of the girl unless she can be lured off Beauxbatons grounds," Dumbledore sounded tired, as if he had been arguing the same point for hours.
Snape didn't back down, "There must be a way to get within the school grounds and have her take hold of a portkey. Owling her a portkey is out of the question since all the owls coming and going are being searched. Or else there has to be a way to break in and kidnap her."
Kidnap Charlet! Merlin no, Severus was risking his own life for him.
"Our best hope is to wait 2 weeks for the Beauxbaton school trip into town. You could be hiding and slip her a portkey then. She'll have no idea what it is and be portkeyed to the hideout. Once she is there I really do not want to know what will be required to force Vespa's hand," Dumbledore said with fright clearly in his voice.
Harry couldn't believe Snape was actually going to kidnap Charlet and hold her ransom for the antidote. He did not want to put Severus in this position just for him, it sounded way too risky. He couldn't live with himself if Snape ended up in Azkaban or worse.
"No Albus! I will not wait that long. You saw Harry when he was a week without the antidote or do you forget the way he looked? The boy actually said the poison hurt worse then the Cruitiatus Curse! He will not survive two weeks, even with the extra potions I have concocted. I must break into Beauxbatons and take her now!" Snape growled out as if to push the point harder.
"Severus, wait until Hagrid returns today. You must plan this carefully. He is delivering the portkey to Miss Delacour later this morning so she may attend the Hogwarts Dance on Friday. It was the best idea I could come up with to get Hagrid onto Beauxbaton's school grounds. I've asked him to check for any weak areas on the Beauxbatons grounds that might help you to break in, if it comes down to that. Perhaps Vespa will have a change of heart and deliver the antidote today."
"Hah! Don't hold your breath Albus. I was not actually planning on taking the girl today at any rate. I need a few days to get the hideout prepared. Does Hagrid know anything about Vespa or Charlet?" Snape did not want anyone else knowing anything about this plan. Harry's life depended on it.
"Of course not Severus. He believes he is checking security there for a report for the Order. He already knows Madame Maxime is not to know anything about it. If there are any weak spots in security I know Hagrid will find it."
Harry heard the professors heading for the front door…
"If he does not find any unguarded areas in their security then I will have to produce one," Severus said as if a new plan was already in the throes of being devised in his academically advanced web of intellect.
"Severus, I never would agree to a plan so diabolical but Harry is our only hope for peace. Without the boy we will be lost to Voldemort. I have not told anyone in the Order as you requested but if this plan fails then I feel I must. Does Harry know anything about your plans for Charlet?" The headmaster asked as he opened the door out to the corridor.
"No! And he must not know anything," Snape said with an angry edge to his voice. Harry heard the front door close as the two men left.
He stood in the middle of the kitchen trying to put all the pieces of this plan together. Snape would kidnap Charlet right out of Beauxbatons! No way, he would be seen and everyone including the Ministry would be looking for him. He would end up in Azkaban for life! The risk was too great.
Harry knew he had to come up with a plan to help Snape. He did not want to risk anyone finding out Snape had anything to do with Vespa or Charlet. He sat down on the kitchen chair trying to think of a way to lure Charlet off the school grounds.
If he could just talk with Hermione or even Ron, he knew they would come up with something clever. But no, that would be too risky. Hmm, Hagrid was going to Beauxbatons today to deliver a portkey to Delacour. If he could just get Hagrid to let him tag along then there might be a chance ...
His plan would not be pleasant for him but the strong need to help overrode his self preservation. He was going to do it! He would tag along with Hagrid and ask Charlet if she would attend the Hogwarts school dance with him.
He could give her his invisibility cloak and she could secretly use the portkey with Gabrielle Delacour. Charlet could sneak out without Madame Maxime ever knowing anything about it.
Harry knew if the Headmistress found out she would surely need to ask Vespa's permission first. And Vespa would never agree to let Charlet attend a dance with Harry. Once she was on Hogwarts grounds he would let Snape take over from there. He knew the plan was worth a try, it was the only hope he had to keep Severus from risking everything and ending up in Azkaban.
Now, if he could just get Hagrid to take him along to Beauxbatons.
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Harry drank the pain potion, feeling instant relief then made his way down to Hagrid's hut. He knocked on the big wooden door and was relieved when Hagrid answered.
"Arry, good to see ya!" The Giant opened the door wider indicating for Harry to come in.
Harry stepped into the comfortable warm home, "Hagrid, I don't have much time but I need to ask a huge favor?"
The Giant looked a little reluctant but said, "Wha can I do for ya?"
"I need to go with you to Beauxbatons today," Harry watched as Hagrid shook his head no.
"Hagrid, it's really important to me. There's this girl there that I need to talk to."
Hagrid suddenly broke out with a big grin, "Arry ya know I'd like to help ya but Dumbledore would kill me if he caught me sneaking you off school grounds. An I don even wan ta know wha Professor Snape would do to me."
"Hagrid, he'll never find out, I promise. I brought my invisibility cloak. Can't I just go with you? Please, Hagrid it would mean so much to me," Harry used his most convincing smile.
After Harry begged a little more he knew the Giant was close to relenting.
Hagrid looked at the boy he had grown to love, knowing that he would pay a heavy price if they were caught but not really giving a care at the moment. He knew what Harry had been through this past summer and wanted to give the boy a little happiness if he could.
"Okay Arry, you can come. Jus be out here at 10:00 and we'll walk into Hogsmeade together but you have to wear your cloak."
"How are we getting there?" Harry finally thought to ask.
"Portkey, what else? Once we're there I have some Order stuff to do so you'll be on your own for awhile."
Harry could hear the pride in the Giants voice over doing official business.
"Kay, I'll see you at 10:00. Thanks Hagrid this means more than you know!" Harry said while running out the door. He ran all the way to the Great Hall, not wanting to miss the arrival of the owls. If Vespa changed her mind and sent the antidote then the plan wouldn't even have to be implemented to begin with.
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Harry walked breathlessly into the Great Hall and spotted the professor sitting at the head table arguing with Dumbledore. He knew Dumbledore was the only other person who knew about the poison and could tell by the look on the headmaster's face that he too was anxious. Dumbledore suddenly looked over to him and gave him a small smile but Harry could tell it was forced. Snape on the other hand didn't look at him and Harry knew he must still be angry.
Harry was too nervous to eat. He wished he had slept down in the dungeon so at least he could have talked a little with the professor. More than anything else he needed some reassurance from the potion teacher right now as he waited for the unknown.
Hermione noticed his nervousness, "Harry for goodness sake, why don't you just go talk with him? Just tell him you're sorry and be done with it. He's the one who bought you the hover board to begin with. How angry can he be at you?"
Hermione hadn't known the whole reason why Harry was so nervous but she did have a good point. He couldn't take the unknown anymore and walked up to the head table as his friends watched.
Snape noticed Harry and gave him a frosty glare before continuing with his breakfast.
"Erm, excuse me sir. May I talk with you for just a minute?"
The professor didn't say anything; he remained seated and looked away. Harry stood stupidly in front of the head table not knowing what he was supposed to do now. McGonagall gave him a small smile, making him feel even more pathetic.
Finally Professor Dumbledore spoke up, "Severus I do believe Mr. Potter would like a word with you."
Snape continued eating, ignoring both sets of eyes on him.
"Professor, I'm sorry about yesterday. I just wanted to have some fun," Harry said as he watched the professor continue to ignore him. Maybe that wasn't the best excuse?
"Severus, it was really wrong of me," Harry said in a much quieter voice since most of the staff was watching by this point.
When Snape still hadn't made any comment after a full two minutes Harry dropped his head and turned back to his table. His face flushed when he looked up and saw how he had been observed by half the students present. Damn, why did he make the attempted apology in front of the whole blasted school?
When breakfast was almost over the owls began to arrive with the morning mail. He kept his eyes on Professor Snape and prayed that the lavender owl would make an appearance.
Snape sat without any emotion showing. Harry's heart was pounding, just praying for another three day reprieve.
The last of the owls flew through the window. There was not a lavender owl among them. Harry watched as Snape took in a deep breath, folding his long arms across his chest.
Harry stayed at his table as all the rest of the students filed out to begin class. Ron and Hermione gave him a look of concern but he told them to go ahead to class. They still didn't know about the poison and thought he was just upset about the professor's reaction to his apology.
When most of the students were gone Harry dropped his head onto his folded arms on the table. He was so scared to die as Vespa promised he would. He felt so alone.
Snape had been keeping an eye on Harry, knowing what the boy must be going through right now. He felt the boy had been punished enough for his ridiculous behavior yesterday.
Snape waited until the last of the students left and they were alone. He saw how distressed the boy was with his head buried in his arms. Feeling a sudden need to forgive the idiot child for his brainless exploit yesterday, Snape walked over to where Harry sat. He sat down next to the worried boy without saying a word.
Harry looked up at the professor with uneasiness. He didn't think he could handle the professor's wrath at this moment but knew he deserved it nonetheless. He steeled himself for the verbal castigation that was sure to come.
Severus looked down at the nervous teen and gave him a small smile as he shook his head. The boy looked ready to burst with regret over his misdeeds.
"I'm sorry sir. I'm so stupid, I know it wrong. Please don't be mad. I just need …," letting the sentence trail off. What right did he have to ask for anything?
"What Harry? What is it that you need?" The look Harry gave him was filled with so much worry. Suddenly his guilt over getting the boy involved with Vespa was overwhelming.
"Just to know that you aren't mad," came a sad voice filled with underlying fear.
Severus slowly turned and put an arm over the boy's slumped shoulders. Harry felt relief course through him at that touch. He threw dignity out the window and turned, leaning his head into the professor's chest. He felt so immature but his needs over rode his self-respect at the moment.
Severus wrapped his other arm around the anxious boy, pulling him closer into a hug and resting his chin on the boy's head. Harry closed his eyes and felt less afraid of what the future had in store for him. Having a parent was new to him. It felt good to know he was not alone.
Severus knew the poison was effectively forcing the boy into emotional instability thus causing Harry to need more reassurance. Harry was not usually so open to affection but the potion master didn't mind. Physical contact was new to him as well and it would just take getting used to.
"Are you all right?" Severus asked into Harry's unruly mop of hair.
"Yes sir, just please don't be mad at me right now. I-I need you," he surprised himself with the confession. He hadn't intended to say that out loud.
Severus stiffened a little at hearing that. No one had ever needed him. His own insecurities surfaced and he speculated that he might not be adequate enough for Harry right now, but he also knew he was all the boy had.
Harry felt the professor stiffen and pulled away from him quickly looking down at his hands. He was ashamed over acting so childish, so needy.
"I totally understand if you're mad at me though. I guess I was pretty stupid to take out the hover board," Harry shifted so he faced the professor and tried to sound stronger, more mature after his humiliating admission.
"Well yes, you were stupid for doing that, I must concur. Is that the rationale for not coming home last night?"
Harry looked at him with confusion, "I thought you were mad and didn't want to see me. Especially after the way you ignored me this morning."
"Harry, I was displeased this morning because you did not come home last night. I desired to talk with you and make certain you were not distressed. You should have let me know you were residing in the tower. And by the way, I know you disobeyed me and did not write in the black book," Snape said in a stern but caring voice.
"I'm sorry, I didn't think you wanted to see me last night. And that book … it's just too hard to think about right now." Harry tentatively reached over and grabbed the Potion Master's hand. It was a far cry from his normal behavior but he felt a strong need for support. After all he might actually die soon, he told himself.
"Just please don't expect too much from me right now. I want to face everything that has happened but it just feels too big."
Snape continued to hold Harry's hand rubbing his thumb back and forth on the back of it. "Harry I do not know the first thing about having a son. Do not have high expectations. I am quite certain there will be mistakes made on both our parts but I will always forgive you."
Harry looked down at their hands, "I guess I don't know the first thing about being someone's son either. I mean I've never really had a father since I was one."
The professor looked at him with sadness, wishing he could have been there long ago now that he knew what Harry had to deal with growing up.
Just then Ron and Hermione walked into the Great Hall and stopped when they saw the scene before them. Harry held tighter to the professor's hand and called them over.
Snape would never admit it but he was a little nervous about the reaction Harry's friends would have to him holding Harry's hand. He wanted to protect the boy from any criticisms Harry might incur due to him.
"Harry, we didn't see you in transfiguration and just wanted to make sure you were okay," Hermione said as she and Ron stood before them now. Ron looked down at Harry's hand holding the professor's and then back up to their faces.
"Are you okay Harry?" He asked cautiously, with a look of uncertainty on his face.
"Yeah, I'm okay. We were just talking about how we both don't know how to be a father and son, since neither one of us has ever been one."
Snape was surprised at the level of trust Harry put into his friends.
Ron chuckled and said, "Well do you mind if I give you some advice?"
Professor Snape sat up straighter and replied, "Do enlighten us Mr. Weasley, as we are incompetent on the subject so even you could educate us in that area."
Harry laughed but Ron wasn't sure if it was meant as a joke or if he was serious.
"Erm, okay I'll tell you what my Dad and I always do after I get into trouble."
"So you must be quite educated on this subject," Snape said in a sarcastic tone.
Harry and Hermione smiled at that knowing full well it was true.
Ron had a small smile he was trying to hide at the barb but continued, "My Dad says that it's okay to be mad at each other as long as you fix the problem before you go to bed. The rule in our house is to never go to bed angry with each other. You know, we have to forgive each other." He said the last as he pointedly looked at Snape.
"Hmm, I always did appreciate your father's wisdom on raising sons," Snape alleged as he faced Harry again. "Very well, that will become a good standard to uphold. Do you agree Mr. Potter?" He rubbed the back of Harry's hand with his thumb again.
"Yes sir, I think it sounds pretty good. It would have saved me from having to embarrass myself in front of the whole school this morning, so yeah let's do it."
Snape raised an eyebrow at the boy but didn't say anything further on the matter. He was actually surprised Harry still had not let go of his hand, even with his friends noticing. It further surprised him that Granger and Weasley were actually quite supportive of their relationship.
"Very well, thank you for your help Mr. Weasley. Ten points to Gryffindor for sagacity," The professor said and raised his wand. The three Gryffindors all looked at him with their mouths hanging open.
"Close your mouths before you catch a fly. Now I do believe you two have a class to attend," Snape said and looked towards the door.
Hermione leaned over and gave Harry a little hug and kiss on the top of his head, "We'll see you later Harry."
Ron punched him on the shoulder and followed Hermione out the door.
"Your friends care greatly for you," The professor said as he saw the satisfied look on Harry's face. "Were you afraid they would not accept me as your father?"
"No, I always knew they would. They know how important it is to me," Harry stated.
"I am pleased to hear you say that. I went to the Ministry yesterday and began the adoption process," Snape watched Harry's face carefully.
"You mean you still want me?" Harry asked cautiously.
"Harry …," Snape started in an exasperated tone, then seeing that the boy was serious he quickly changed his tone, "As I informed you previously, you are serving an important role in my life at this time. At this point I can not imagine being content without you as my son."
Harry once again leaned into the professor, this time wrapping his arms around him and burying his face in the black robes. Severus held the boy tighter, knowing that he would need this memory in bad times to come. After a quick moment Severus cleared his throat and let Harry go. He leaned back and looked at the boy's face then broached the subject they had avoided thus far.
"Vespa's owl did not come today."
Harry tried to sound brave but his words came out strained, "Yeah I know, sir. I don't suppose you're any closer to figuring out the antidote yet?"
Snape shook his head and let go of Harry. Harry sat up straighter struggling not to panic. He tried to turn away so the professor would not see.
Severus reached over guiding Harry's chin back to face him.
"Harry, I feel I did not convey my thoughts clearly yesterday. I do think you are brave; in fact you are one of the bravest people I know. But being courageous does not exclude letting someone else support you when you are in need. Along with that, you do not need to hide the fear you have over the poison. I to, feel that same fear."
Harry pat his back giving him strength for what was to come. They sat that way for a several long minutes before he finally turned away with unshed tears still in his eyes.
"Harry I am working on a potion that will prolong the effects of the antidote that still runs in your system. I will not be teaching today, so if you need me for any reason you know to reach me in my lab. In all probability I will be there all day, including lunch. Would you like to have supper this evening in the dungeon?"
"Yes sir," Harry was actually looking forward to spending some time alone with the professor.
"Very well, I will see you this evening. I feel it would be beneficial if you spent the night down there as well. I believe the potion I am making for you will be ready by then and I would like to keep a close eye on your reaction." Snape rose from the bench and draped an arm over Harry's shoulder as they walked to the door, "We will also discuss your punishment for not writing in the black book."
Harry was about to complain when Severus raised a hand and said, "There will be plenty of time this evening to discuss the matter. I will see you then."
Harry watched the professor head down to the dungeons and felt a little guilty over sneaking out with Hagrid today. The feeling quickly passed as he knew it was the best way to keep the professor from getting caught.
Harry went back up to the Tower and changed into one of the nicer uniforms with hand stitching along the collar. He pulled out the handmade black leather boots that he had been to embarrassed to wear around Ron, and put those on too. He grabbed his cloak with the fur lining and silver clasp, along with his invisibility cloak. On his way out he stopped and took a look at himself in the long mirror. His hair was still sticking up a little so he grabbed a comb and tried to make it lay flat on top. When it wasn't working he cast a charm to help make it cooperate a little better. One last look revealed a very neat, well-appointed young man. Harry hoped it would help sway Charlet to come to the Hogwarts dance with him.
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Harry met Hagrid down at his hut and they walked into Hogsmeade together with Harry hiding under the cloak. Hagrid pulled the portkey out and they both held on as Hagrid chanted something Harry couldn't understand. Suddenly he felt the sickening pulled behind his navel as he spun out into the unknown. It took much longer than any other time he had used a portkey but they finally landed with a jolt.
Harry went sprawling across a vast open lawn and Hagrid joined him. They quickly stood up and brushed their clothes off and straightened their ties.
Harry was glad he had cast that charm to keep his hair in order now. Hagrid had dressed to impress as well, in a large mangy brown fur coat and polka dot tie.
"Well Harry, I hope your girl appreciates how nice you look today," Hagrid said as they walked to the palace doors.
Harry barely heard him as he was so astounded at the palace they were in. He had never seen anything like it. The grounds were immaculate with water fountains and statues lining the way to the entrance.
Madame Maxime was there to greet them with a big hug for the half giant. Harry noticed how shy Hagrid suddenly became. He kissed Madame Maxine's hand bending over it with a flourish.
Madame Maxime turned her attention to Harry then. Harry also kissed her hand as he had seen Severus do with his Aunt. The giant woman welcomed them into the opulent palace.
If Harry thought the outside was grand he wasn't prepared for what the inside beheld. The walls were white marble as were the floors. Beautiful statues graced the hallways and the place was filled with light and music. There were no untoward ghosts or scary cats with glowing orange eyes roaming the hallways.
"Mr. Potter, so good of you to visit us. When Hagrid owled me this morning with the news that you would also be attending, I shared it with the young ladies. I do not think I have ever heard so much happiness and joy at any announcement I have made." Madame Maxine said and laughed at the blush it caused Harry. She led them into a large hall with mirrors lining the walls and a choir practicing beautiful melodic songs.
The choir suddenly stopped at the sight of Harry and the girls broke out into giggles and whispers. Madame Maxime introduced Hagrid and Harry then called forth Gabrielle Delacour.
Harry was surprised at how beautiful she was now. The last time he had seen her she was a twelve year old little girl. Seamus was one lucky guy, he thought as he bent over Gabrielle's hand and gave it a kiss. He heard the rest of the girls break out into more whispers and giggles. He gathered all his Gryffindor bravery as he stood up straight and faced the girls. His eyes roamed the group for Charlet and spotted her standing in the center. She gave him an icy glare.
Oh Merlin, this is gonna be hard!
Madame Maxime asked Gabrielle to escort Harry around while she and Hagrid settled a few matters. Gabrielle smiled brightly at that and began to introduce Harry to some of her friends as the adults left. The girls gathered closer to Harry, making it hard for him to keep an eye on Charlet.
Several of the girls pushed in closer, making Harry feel a bit trapped, when a voice silenced everyone.
"How very rude! Back off and let me through!" came the voice Harry had come to loath.
The girls suddenly moved further back making a path for a very domineering Charlet.
"I see your manners have not improved," Charlet said in a haughty voice. Many gasps from the other young ladies could clearly be heard. "At the very least I expect acknowledgment that we spent part of our summer together." Charlet made it seem as if her and Harry had been close, clearly to impress the other girls. She arrogantly extended her hand towards him.
"Charlet," Harry said as he leaned over and kissed her hand to much grumbling from the rest of the girls. "It is nice to see you again. How is your lovely Aunt?" He made sure his face did not show any signs of his true feelings.
Charlet gave him an inquisitive look before replying, "I have not seen or heard from her since school began."
Harry had a hard time reading Charlet. He did not know if she even knew about the poison her aunt had given him. She seemed a little too at ease, but it was hard to tell with someone as conniving as her.
"What brings you to Beauxbaton?" Charlet inquired as she flipped her long raven hair back.
"Oh well, I just tagged along with Hagrid to deliver a portkey to Miss Delacour."
"Oh yes, she has been quite the talk of the school," Charlet said as she gave Gabrielle a sweet smile." It is not everyday a girl gets asked to a dance at Hogwarts." Charlet stepped closer to Harry.
Gabrielle simply ignored her and grabbed hold of Harry's arm, turning him away from the self-aggrandizing girl.
"Come Harry, I will show you sights much more beautiful," Gabrielle said with disdain, giving Charlet a slight sneer and pulling Harry out of the room.
Harry stopped at the door and turned towards Charlet. "Would you care to join us?" He asked and offered her his other arm, much to Gabrielle's disappointment. It seemed to Harry that there might be some sort of competition between the two young ladies that could work in his favor.
At first Charlet looked as if she might refuse but quickly changed her mind as the other girls clearly were jealous she had been singled out by Harry Potter.
"I suppose I can spare a few moments to show an old friend around," Charlet said just loud enough so everyone would know that she knew Harry well.
The rest of the girls groaned in disappointment as they watched Harry leave with two of the most popular girls in school.
The girls showed him around the grounds, both holding possessively to an arm. Harry thought he better ask Charlet soon, before Hagrid showed up.
"Erm, Charlet, I was just wondering if you would like to go to the dance with me?" Harry watched as the sly raven haired girl stood up straighter and looked smugly at the other girl.
"Why Harry, how nice of you to ask. I would be delighted to go the dance."
Harry felt relief at hearing her say that. Then she continued, "The only problem might lie with my Aunt. I am sure Madame Maxime would force me to get permission and I can not imagine Vespa will be agreeable."
Harry thought Charlet sounded genuinely disappointed. Most likely due to not being able to tell the other girls she was going to a Hogwarts dance too.
He was ready with an answer, "Yes, I agree but maybe you could come without permission."
Both girls gave him inquisitive looks.
"I have something called an invisibility cloak, it actually makes you invisible. You could wear it and use the same portkey that Gabrielle will be using. Madame Maxime doesn't even have to know." Harry watched Charlet's face as she thought of the plan. Gabrielle on the other hand looked a little miffed at the suggestion that Charlet go to the dance too.
Gabrielle spoke up first, "That does not sound very honest Harry. I do not think that is such a good idea."
Right away Charlet admonished, "Gabrielle how selfish of you. I can not believe you would turn down a request from out esteemed visitor. Shameful!"
Gabrielle seemed a little flustered when she replied, "It's not that I wouldn't want to help you Harry, it's just that I don't want to get caught."
"That's okay Gabrielle. I don't want you getting caught either. That's kinda how I felt when the mermaids in the Triwizard tournament didn't want me to save you from the Black sea." Harry knew that was a low blow but he would stop at nothing for this plan to work.
It did seem to do the trick as Gabrielle looked a little ashamed as she replied, "Oh, yes. I do remember how you risked so much to save me. I guess as long as this invisibility cloak really works then Charlet may use the portkey with me."
Both Harry and Charlet broke out into big smiles. Harry pulled out his cloak and Charlet tried it on. Harry felt apprehension at leaving the cloak with Charlet but it was the only way for the plan to work. After going over the plan a few more times, Hagrid showed up and announced it was time to leave.
Harry thanked the two girls for being such kind escorts as they stood on the steps of the palace with Madame Maxime and Hagrid. The windows were crowded with girls peering out to watch the adorable Boy-Who-Lived.
Charlet noticed the large audience and pulled Harry into an embrace. Liking the attention this brought her she quickly gave Harry a kiss on the lips. Harry forced himself to kiss her back, having to stop himself from wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
The girls in the windows were absolutely green with jealousy, making Charlet the happiest girl in the school.
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As Harry entered Hogwarts school grounds with Hagrid he began to think of how he would tell Severus about his plan. His stomach was in knots at the thought of the professor's reaction. Whatever punishment he incurred would be worth it, as long as it meant keeping Severus safe.
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