Disclaimer: I own no part of Harry Potter or its associated canon nor, any other already copyrighted material.

(A/N):

Chapter 20

The Last Hurrah

For the first time since first year, Neville was the most popular boy in the Gryffindor tower. Through much coercion and some outright begging, the other boys had convinced him to give them dance lessons in preparation for the coming Ball. He had lost none of his proficiency and due to the rigorous training regimen, had actually become better. Despite initial nervousness he had proven a proficient teacher and had much of the male half of the tower dancing at a reasonable level as the final days had begun to fade in the countdown to winter break.

Harry and Ron had managed to squeeze a couple extra lessons out of him as the final days approached and could each see the pride he had at being able to teach them something. The pair had focused on relearning the steps with at much fervor as they trained to fight in Defense class. Harry didn't know about his friend, but he had made a promise to himself to make the Ball as perfect for Ginny as possible and if that meant dancing, so be it. Ron had shown even more focus. Though being passable at the wedding, he clearly felt there was some ground to make up on the dance floor. Fortunately the classes had been rather relaxed so far during the final week of the calendar year. Most of the professors were simply doing review and collecting previous assignments while handing out minor projects for the break.

Even Defense class on Monday had been laid back. The morning had been a study time instead of training, something many students were thankful for since they had assignments due for other classes they desperately needed the time to finish. It was also a reprieve for the instructor as it absolved him of having to remove the swath of snow around the courtyard walls as he had done for the past several weeks so they could run. He had given up trying to clear the entire area and moved the dueling practice inside, much to the relief of the students. The afternoon was an open question/review period during which Keystone fielded any questions that had come up. Hermione had the most though by and large everyone had a few. Much of the time someone else in class had an answer. By the time he wished them Merry Christmas and bid them farewell they had reviewed nearly everything and answered every question.

Thursday's Herbology lesson had been a relaxed event, the class merely repotting a variety of plants that the younger years didn't get to or that Sprout didn't trust to others. She even let them go early as Neville's prodigious skills and help had sped the process up considerably. Taking only a few minutes to clean up the miscellaneous gear they had used, the class headed to the Hall, also done up in its holiday decorations. Hagrid, this year with the help of his slightly more trained brother Grawp, had again brought in twelve beautiful trees which Professor Flitwick had decorated, along with the rest of the Hall, with the help of his Charms classes the previous week. Finishing their long and relaxed lunch the trio, sans Ginny who still had potions, headed out to engage in that activity they had had so little time for recently but thoroughly enjoyed: randomly wandering the castle. Walking down a random abandon corridor, Ron stretched his hands over his head and smiled.

"Just Charms and we're done! Two whole weeks off…" He almost sounded wistful as he finished.

"You can take the time off. I'm going to study."

"Oh, come on Hermione, it's Christmas! You can't study over Christmas!"

"Maybe you can't. Between the Restricted section and your," she nodded toward Harry, "library, there has to be something we've missed. Somewhere in there is what we need to know." Harry shrugged from the side where he was walking, hands resting in his pockets.

"We've been all over the Restricted section, there's nothing there. You know…the more I think about it…the more I think we're not going to find what we need in a book. This isn't the kind of think you write down. If we find it…it's going to be some old forgotten guy who barely ever uses magic and just knows a lot. Maybe we should look for one of them…" The others considered this as they descended a flight of steps and emerged at the main door of the school. Both of them looked up and froze, surprised. Harry followed their line of sight and similarly froze, just as surprised.

Before them stood two people he could swear were muggles. Both looked to be in their mid twenties and glanced around appreciatively at the building. The man was just a little taller than Harry, solidly built and had thin blond hair that seemed to arch away from a center part over the top of his head, flowing down to just below his ears. Thin silver rims held the oval lenses in front of his light brown eyes which darted this way and that. His companion had long brown hair pulled back in a loose braid, the tip just visible to either side of her lithe frame as she turned her head. Hazel eyes took in the scenery slower and with a more detailed glance. She was relatively thin and had her coat wrapped tightly around herself.

Both of them wore ankle length leather coats from which dress shoes, in her case with short heels, and black slacks peeked as they moved. Hers was obviously made much more to form as it seemed to perfectly accentuate her body, while his merely hung from his shoulders. They were only a couple shades lighter than the black of their shoes and were buttoned up the front. She turned to him and gestured to the stairs.

"Well, we're here. Quite a bit bigger than he said. One letter…you think he could have written more."

"Probably been busy."

"So…any idea how we find him?"

"Well…hey! Let's ask them." He pointed to the trio and headed over, a move which snapped them out of their frozen state. The few words they had spoken revealed a total lack of a local accent, though she did have a slight blur to her words that sounded odd. His words were as crisp and clean as Professor Keystone's. "Hello! Could you help us out?" Harry noticed the others had unconsciously taken flanking positions just behind him, their hands hovering near their wands. He nodded amiably.

"Sure…what do you need?" They both seemed to notice the trio's actions and she dropped a little back, her hand slowly rising to her coat.

"We're here to visit a friend of ours, Alex Keystone. Could you tell us where the," he pulled out a slip of paper and read, "Defense…Against…Dark Arts classroom is?" Harry glanced at the others and saw similar surprise on their faces.

"Uh…yeah… We can show you. It's this way…" He gestured to the pair and led the way. Ron and Hermione waited and followed them a few paces behind. Harry considered trying to start a conversation a couple times but thought better of it.

Climbing the stairs and heading down the hall they closed in on the Defense classroom. As Harry neared he could hear someone casting the ridikkulus spell. Reaching the door way he found a class of third year students standing in a line and facing the chest he knew to contain a Boggart. Right now a diminutive student was facing a large snake under the careful guidance of the Professor. As they entered he glanced up and his eyebrows tried to reach the back of his neck. He looked more surprised than Harry had ever remembered.

He just broke away from his shock as the student started to cower away from her fear. Quickly sliding in front of the boggart he waited a moment for it to change into his clone. A moment later it responded to his spell by switching to dress robes and a rose before a swift kick sent it tumbling back into the chest which slammed shut. He turned back to the class.

"Very good. We'll take a short break now and go though everyone else in a few minutes." He kneeled beside the girl and spoke quietly to her which she responded to by nodding and heading for her seat with the others. Free of his duties for a moment he turned and strode quickly to the pair of new arrivals as the trio stepped to the side. "Oh my god! What are you guys doing here?!" Without waiting he picked up the woman and hugged her tightly, his free hand reaching out to tap fists with the man.

"Hey Alex. Long time, no see."

"Hey. Sarah was starting to wonder if you died. One letter in five months, even your parents were getting panicky."

"They're always panicky Matt, you know that. But you say Sarah was worried about me?" He released the woman and cocked an eyebrow toward her.

"Not really. I just figured I'd need a new team member then."

"Oh…thanks a lot!" He chuckled before settling back to a serious expression. Harry exchanged glances with the others while they listened in silence a few feet away. "But you did get my request…?" The man's…Matt's face also became serious.

"Yeah. That we got."

"And?" Sarah shook her head.

"We're it." Alex looked crestfallen, but not surprised. "You know how it is. Qualifiers start New Years. Not everyone has an automatic place in the finals like you."

"I know…I just hoped…" He nodded more to himself than anyone else. A moment later he returned to his normal demeanor. "Well…thanks for coming." He jerked his head back toward the waiting class. "I've got a class to finish, should take about an hour if you want to hang. Or…Mr. Potter?" He turned to address the surprised trio.

"Yes, sir?"

"Could I talk you three into giving my friends the tour? You probably know this place better then anyone." Harry glanced at the others who nodded slowly, clearly surprised. "Thanks. They're all yours. Try not to get them too lost." He turned back to the class and strode back toward the chest. "Okay class, let's go. Miss Binning? I believe you were next." The small girl that had started when they arrived slowly rose and headed to the front of the line as the chest opened.

Hermione seemed to slip into her Prefect/Head Girl mode and gestured for them to follow. Matt glanced back.

"Aww…do we have to? They're doing boggarts! You know I love boggarts!"

"Yes, you have serious mental problems, now get moving." Sarah gave him a shove out the doors so he stumbled into the hall. Once they were a few feet away he turned and offered his hand.

"Matthew Ansen." Harry took it and shook.

"Harry Potter."

"And I'm Sarah Montoya. Nice to meet you."

"Ron Weasley."

"Hermione Granger. Shall we?" They started down the corridor, Hermione pointing out things they might be interested in. After passing the Great Hall, Harry noticed Matt was glaring at him and seemed to be muttering to himself.

"What?"

"Harry Potter? Why does that name sound familiar?" All three turned to him, stunned. Harry managed to speak first.

"Um…Boy-Who-Lived…Chosen One…? Defeated Voldemort as a baby? Hero of Hogwarts according to last month's Prophet?"

"Oh, yeah! Alex sent us a copy of that one. We don't usually get the Prophet back home. Got our own papers. But now that you mention it…I do remember something about the Boy Who Lived…" Yeah…parents told me about that. They were busy preparing in the States, never got as crazy as it did here… Anyway, what I remembered was that Alex said you actually beat him in a duel! It was two on one, which isn't even really fair when it's the two of us, but yeah. Remember that note?" Sarah nodded.

"Yeah! Said you knocked out a tooth, cracked his jaw, the whole bit. First time he's gone down since that five on one last year. Nice job." Hermione looked shocked at the insight, clearly trying to reconcile those injuries with the nonchalant demeanor the professor had displayed at the time.

"Oh…thanks…" Harry followed them as they continued the tour, his head spinning.

The day before the ball saw a whirlwind of activity envelope the school as last minute touches were put on things and the final trip to Hogsmeade was taken to pick up dresses and dress robes. The excitement had built to fever pitch and the quartet did the only thing the quartet could think of to escape. They went for a random walk. The snow had stayed away and the wind was calm under a strangely warming sun as they emerged into the winter air on the school's long covered bridge in the early afternoon, dressed in their winter robes.

Only the Auror guarding the door noticed as they started down the walkway to look out over the scenery far below. To their surprise they found Tonks, who had been strangely absent from Monday's class, standing at one edge, staring off to the horizon, looking positively radiant. She turned as they approached.

"Wotcher Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny."

"Hey Tonks. Whatcha doing out here?"

"Same as you. Just trying to get away for a little while. Place has gone crazy the last few days."

"Know what you mean. So, you coming to the ball?"

"Thought I might drop by. Remus asked me to go with him. He wanted me to thank you for the invite by the way. Might even change my hair a little." She raked her fingers back through her hair as it changed several shades into a long dark brown. As she did so Harry noticed something glinting on her finger. Ginny's seeker eyes noticed the golden bit as well. She pointed at it.

"Tonks…what's that?" Tonks followed her line of sight and smiled. Her hair popped back to its normal bubble gum pink as she held out her hand to display the thin gold band on her third finger. Ginny and Ron stared at it, not comprehending. Hermione's eyes went wide as her hand flew to her mouth over a wide smile. Harry chuckled a little, the other two turning to them, confused. Hermione also chuckled.

"When?"

"Last weekend. That's why I wasn't at your class Monday. We were sort of busy." Ginny and Ron looked back and forth trying to figure out what they missed. Ginny finally grabbed Harry by the lapels.

"What's going on?!" He pointed past her to the ring.

"That's a wedding ring. She and Lupin got married." Ginny turned back to Tonks, no less confused.

"But…werewolves aren't allowed to marry…"

"Not in the wizarding world. In the muggle world however…they have no idea he is a werewolf." Ron and Ginny also chuckled as they finally understood.

"Congratulations."

"Thanks."

"So…Nymphadora Lupin?"

"Uh…we're still working that out. I'm sticking with Tonks for now so the Ministry doesn't get suspicious."

"Good idea. So…what else is going on? Anything from the Order?" As she filled them in on the happenings outside the walls they slowly digested the information of he recent marriage and got the reprieve from their fellow class mates and staff they had been craving.

"Ron, seriously, stop messing with it, you look fine." Harry's mate was standing in front of the mirror, helplessly fidgeting with parts of his wardrobe.

"The professor was right, these things look ridiculous."

"Hey, at least they're not your fourth year dress robes." Harry had finished several minutes earlier and now was impatiently waiting for Ron to get ready. It had been a sense of 'oh yeah, that' when he had been pushing his hair around in a desperate but futile attempt to give it some order earlier and had noticed his scar. After feeling nothing from it for months and not having anyone stare at it since the welcome back feast, it had just sort of slipped his mind that it was there.

"Good point. Well…we might as well go."

"Okay." Harry led the way, both of them dressed in their newly tailored dress robes. Passing through the common room full of housemates both waiting for their dates and getting ready for the house party for younger students, they headed out the portrait hole and into the castle. Following the trickle of students heading for the Great Hall they joined the mass of black robed boys waiting just outside the doors for their dates. Harry glanced inside and could see that no effort had been spared to make sure the Hall looked unbelievable. He could here light music drifting out from the stage near the front of the room.

The group around him slowly got smaller and smaller and he could tell Ron was getting nervous. "You don't think something's wrong do you? Maybe we should go check on them?"

"Don't worry Ron. They'll be here."

Harry noticed most of the remaining people standing around him turned and looked the other way. Joining them he found Matt and Professor Keystone had appeared and were both cutting rather dashing figures in tuxedoes as they entered the area. What nearly everyone was staring at though was the woman walking between then in a shimmering black spaghetti strap knee length dress. Her hair was allowed to flow freely now and revealed itself as having a slight natural curl as it covered much of her back. Dean was standing next to them and staring. He let out a small 'wow' under his breath. Harry and Ron surprised each other by both muttering 'eh' and turning back as the trio headed into the Hall.

It was fortunate they did because a moment later Ginny appeared at the top of the stairs. If it hadn't been for his glasses Harry was sure his eyes would have popped right out of his head. As it was he was sure his chin had hit the ground. And that was about all he could think. Ginny wore dark green silk that Harry realized after a moment perfectly matched his eyes. It hung from her shoulders by two thin straps and flowed over her body, down to her ankles and the matching deep green heels, emphasizing all the right places to make his hands twitch uncontrollably. He took a full minute to see the pendent she had received for her birthday perfectly framed by the dress's neckline just above her breasts. Anther half minute later and he noticed her brilliant red hair, mostly pinned up with just a few ringlets hanging loose to show off her golden earrings.

"Uh…Harry? We're best mates and all…and she picked you…but could you maybe not stare at my sister like that in public? Or at least close your mouth?" It was another moment before Harry could bring himself under control enough to pull his jaw off the floor and force his eyes back into their sockets. It was still another moment and her actually starting to look a little impatient that stilled his hands enough to trust them to escort her. He wanted to skip around with an idiotic grin on his face chanting 'mine, mine, mine, mine, mine' but managed a dignified walk to offer his arm, which she took a moment later.

"Hey."

"You look…" His mind cast around desperately for the correct adjectives but was unable to find one, though scrumptious did pass through he decided against it. "Stunning." She smiled widely at him.

"You don't look half bad yourself Potter." He was about to head for the door when she pulled him back. "Just a minute, I want to see this." He turned back, not entirely sure what she meant. A moment later he saw it. Hermione had made her entrance and was causing as much of a commotion as it had three years ago. This time though her body had the full weight of those years behind it and the effect was immediate on Ron. He looked much as Harry thought he must have only moments ago, and likely would again if he looked to his right for too long.

Her dress matched Ron's hair perfectly from the tight sleeveless chest, down past the tied back waist to the layered, ruffled, knee length skirt. She had no hope of matching Ron for height and instead had gone for comfort with a pair of short heels, the same deep red. Again she had straightened her hair only this time it was gathered loosely at the back of her neck. That left the majority of her pale skin exposed to best show off the gold and ruby necklace Ron had gotten her for her birthday.

It took Dean physically pushing Ron for him to take the few steps forward and offer his arm, which she took happily. Joining Harry and Ginny, the four entered the Hall side by side. One by one most of the people already inside turned to stare at the quartet as they entered. For once not caring that people were staring, they headed for a table near the side and sat, joining the others in waiting for the Ball proper to begin. Not long after sitting down, they noticed Professor McGonagall approaching.

"What can we do for you professor?"

"Yes…Mr. Potter… As you know, usually a Yule Ball is only held for the Triwizard Tournament and then we have the champions to get the evening going. This time however…" Harry was relatively sure he knew where this was going. "I was hoping I could talk you four into helping start things off. Mr. Longbottom and Miss Lovegood have already agreed as has Professor Keystone." Harry glanced at the others for a moment before nodding.

"You can count on us professor."

"Thank you. Just…whenever you're ready. Or now would be good too." She nodded and stepped away toward the dais where the band was sitting. Standing, Harry held out his hand, a move mimicked by Ron. The girls readily accepted and all four headed for the dance floor. They met Neville standing at the edge with Luna and Keystone with Sarah. Everyone else was giving the floor a wide berth as if it were poisoned…or cursed. Harry glanced up and found the band just finishing their current tune. McGonagall was there and whispering to them. They glanced toward the couples and nodded.

Harry took that as his cue and led the others onto the floor. Gladly taking Ginny's hand in his and placing the other on her hip, he waited for the music. A moment later it came and all four couple took off in simultaneous movements around the floor. Harry's extra practice paid off as he saw the surprise in his skills registering in Ginny's eyes. Similar delight was showing in Hermione who apparently had fully expected Ron to be only as good as his lackluster performance at the wedding. Neville was his characteristic perfect dancing self and the Professor was even giving him a run for his money. The four moved in perfect synchronization for several revolutions before the first additional couple joined in. After they did more and more people quickly jumped on the dance floor.

Finishing the first number the quartet stepped away to let the others have more room. Once seated with punch in hand, Hermione finally asked the question weighing on her mind. "Where did you learn to dance like that?" Ron shared a glance with Harry that was met with a grin.

"Simple. Neville."

"Neville?"

"Yep. Figured he's the best in the school, why not."

"Well…it would be a shame to put all that practice to waste. Come on!" Grabbing Ron's wrist she pulled him back toward the floor leaving Harry and Ginny alone at the table. When she volunteered to get a refill he was left to look around at the various people that had arrived, though the first few moments were spent simply watching her walk.

Tonks and Remus were indeed in attendance and were both able dancers. Keystone had handed Sarah off to Matt and was now hovering near the punch bowl, apparently also people watching. The other professors were in their finest and few were even tempted out onto the floor. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and Harry smiled as Ginny sat next to him.

"Whatcha thinking about?"

"How nice this is. And how I'll do anything to make sure this isn't the last one." A moment later he could fell her hand slowly rubbing his back.

"Come on Harry, one night. Just relax."

"You're right. You're right! Come on." He stood and held out his hand. "May I have this dance?"

"Certainly." Rising, she followed him to the floor.

It was well after midnight the time Harry and Ginny finally called it a night. Hardly anyone was left in the Hall and Ron and Hermione had cut out a couple hours earlier for parts unknown. After one last slow song they left the hall, his arm draped over her shoulder. The Fat Lady was surprisingly still awake in the very early morning and let them in a moment later. Alone in the abandoned common room Harry finally pulled her in for the desperate, passionate kiss he had been restraining himself from all night. She was no less ardent as her hand clasped a wad of his unruly hair.

Breaking apart several minutes later they rested foreheads against each other, eyes half closed, idiot grins on their faces. After a minute Harry regained the breath to speak. "You look absolutely incredible Ginny." She smiled widened and her cheeks colored a little, more at his tone and the hungry gleam in his eyes than his words.

"Well…if you're a very good boy, I might just wear this again over break." It took a split second and the look on her face for his mind to put together what she was insinuating, and his hands to start twitching again. She kissed him again and headed up the stairs. It took several minutes of forced waiting and the knowledge that he would never make it to keep him from running after her. Instead heading off to his room he began to strip out of the dress robes.

Packing them carefully back in the bag he changed into his pajamas. Despite being one of the last ones to leave the ball, he was the first one back in bed. Lying down, he was asleep almost before his head hit the pillow, a wide grin plastered on his face.

(A/N): If you feel it is warranted feel free to review. I welcome any and all opinions.