The doors to the Great Hall opened wide, sweeping the gathered champions in light and music. The Hall looked different than before. Gone were the four house tables. In their stead were a bunch of smaller round tables, each with 8 students around them, looking at the entrance. The head's table was the same as every day, but it had been lengthened to accommodate the champions and their dates as well. From the rafters, banners were hanging, showing the symbols of the three schools. The four animals of Hogwarts, the pink flower of Mahoutokoro and the double-headed dragon of Königsehr. The banners repeated themselves behind the head table. Harry noticed that a few of the teachers were missing. Besides the obvious Professor McGonagall who was lead into the room on the arm of a smiling Sirius and Headmaster Dumbledore, in whose place that Umbridge woman sat, Professor Snape, Moody and Hagrid were missing as well. He was not surprised by the former two but Hagrid wasn't someone who would miss out on something like this, would he?

This was it, the boy thought. His heart started beating faster. Now people would stare and whisper for real. Feeling his distress, Dawn left Daphnes and returned to Harry's shoulder, rubbing her small head against his neck. Warmth spread a little from that spot, fighting the anxiety he felt. Then he felt the grip of Daphne's hand in the crook of his elbow tighten as she whispered.

"Strength and Confidence." Were her words to him. Straightening his back, Harry moved forward, his eyes focusing on Sirius's neck. They moved inside, and slow applause greeted them. And to Harry's surprise and relief, the talking around him wasn't about himself.

"Who is with the Japanese champion?"

"Is that Susan Bones?"

"I think that is Lord Black!"

Walking down the stone floor, they came up to the head table. The slight pressure of Daphne's hand and Dawns talons digging slightly into his shoulder grounded Harry quite a bit. Quickly they made their way up the centre of the hall. Spreading out around the table, Harry remembered his training and pulled out first Astoria, then Daphnes chair, before taking his own place between the two. The younger one was beaming at him and from her wide smile, Harry deducted that she was having the time of her life. After he had made sure that his dates were both comfortable, Harry looked out and with a slight wince noticed that still, everybody was looking at them. He quickly turned away, towards the younger of his two dates.

"I hope you have a good time Miss Greengrass."

The girl smiled, blinking up at him. "Thank you, Lord Peverell, I am very happy to be here and on the podium too."

Harry smiled back at her. "I'm glad to hear it. And please call me Harry. If there is anything I can do to make you feel comfortable just tell me."

The younger girl nodded slowly, blushing a little. "Thank you...Harry."

When the commotion in the Great Hall turned a little quieter, Miss Umbridge got to her feet and walked up to the owl adorned lecturn, that Dumbledore always stood behind. Seeing someone else there just felt...wrong. "Hem Hem." Her fake coughing echoed through the room as she smiled sweetly at the gathered student."Hello my dears and welcome to this wonderful evening. My name is Professor Dolores Umbridge and the Minister saw it fit to put me in place as the headmistress of Hogwarts until a more permanent solution is found." Harry frowned a little. It had been the Wizengamot that had put her in that seat, not the minister. "It might be a while so I hope we can all be good friends. While I am certain you are all eager to celebrate the end of this year and the beginning of a new one, I would like to say a few short words before that. Most of you will probably not notice my presence in these halls during my stay, but I must warn you that those seeking to spread mischief should think twice. I have little patience with troublemakers. The same goes for those who indulge in improper behaviour. But I'm sure that will not be a problem, dear children. Just keep up your studing and everything will be fine."

Everybody blinked at her, not sure what it meant and they were about to give her rather confused yet polite applause when Umbridge continued to speak. "These halls have fallen somewhat from grace the last few years but Ministry and I will work hard to clear off this smudge. It is not the fault of you children, that this has happened but still it must be done. Be ready for a few changes around here, all for the good and safety of the students. First of all, the curfew will start after the evening meal." A murmur went through the room. "Secondly, flying in any form is to be sanctioned by myself or one of your heads of houses. Thirdly, I know what happens in the broom closets around here, we saw it in the Prophet only two weeks ago" Her eyes turned to Harry, whose face turned a little red. "That will end. No male and female student will be alone at any given time. School uniforms are to be worn as the school guidelines stating. No on" The murmuring turned louder. "The ministry will conduct a quality check with each teacher."

That brought Sirius on the playing field. "That is not your decision." He spoke. The woman smiled sweetly at him. Over their heads, on the enchanted ceiling, clouds started forming.

"Oh, I know. The head of the board of governours, Lord Malfoy signed that off. Each professor who isn't determinant acceptable will be removed from his position. Fifthly, the forbidden Forrest has been too long a haven for all kinds of creatures. The ministry will send Aurors to root these out."

Now there was a stronger uproar in the hall.

"You will be perfectly saved if you stick to those rules as well as the rules that will be implemented and we all will have a wonderful time."

Somewhere from the back, someone called out. "But what about the Dark Lord?"

Umbridge frowned, squinting her eyes. "I will not accept being interrupted! Who said that?"

And uncomfortable quiet set on the Hall, when a seventh year Ravenclaw rose from his seat. Umbridge pointed at him.

"Detention! Those lies of your old headmaster will not be tolerated around these Halls! I will spell it out for you. You-know-who is NOT back! That are lies Albus Dumbledore, who I might add is on the run from the law, put in place to enrich himself! I will not-"

"How dare you?" A second female voice rose above Umbridge's. The pink woman blinked surprised, turning to the shacking form of Minerva McGonagall, who had gripped the handrails of her chair so hard that her knuckles turned white. Her eyes were flashing as she stood up. The enchanted chlouds over the hall thickend, as a slight rumble went through the room.

"What was that Professor McGonagall?" The toad-like woman asked, caught on the wrong foot.

"You dare to insult one of the greatest wizards of all time? Albus Dumbledore is a wonderful person and a great mind and I will not sit by when you tarnish his reputation! I will not keep quiet. Last week I listened to you trying to force your way into Hogwarts and turn it into a slave state for the Ministry, rob us of our independence! No, that will not happen. I have seen your methods. Oh yes, don't look at me like that, I have done my homework. I know you voiced a petition to return to corporal punishment. I know that. The stupid ministry will not "

She was cut off when the pink woman pulled her wand and pointed it as McGonagall.

"Professor McGonagall, I think that you should have chosen your words more carefully. The Ministry is ALL! We owe our allegiance to it and the Minister. But I see you are too stupid to understand that. Minerva McGonagall, as of now you are relieved from your duties as a teacher and deputy headmistress of the school of Hogwarts. Leave the vicinity now."

Shocked silence filled the room, as yes, most thought of McGonagall as astrict teacher but she was well-liked and almost a staple of Hogwarts as it was Dumbledore. For her to be fired was something they were not prepared for. Minerva blinked also in surprise.

"Y-You try to fire me?" She whispered and it was a testament to the silence in the room that everybody could hear her. Umbridge smiled at her smug. "Yes, now pack your things ans leave."

McGonagall looked over the students, who eyed her and the pink lady who had just fired one of the most beloved teachers in school out of pettiness. "No."

Umbridge frowned, raising her wand. "What no?"

McGonagall turned again and Sirius rose behind her, ready to defend his favourite old teacher. "I said no. I will not let you reign here. This should not happen. Hogwarts deserves better than a hag-like you!"

It was still quiet as one shock came after the other. McGonagall cursing! That had no one of them ever seen. Then the silence was broken by a single sound. Somewhere high on the tower that was in the centre of Hogwarts, a enourmes metal object started moving without anyone making it. Taking up speed it swung to the side and with a resonating sound, the big bell of Hogwarts answered the words of Minerva McGonagall. People looked confused to the rafters. The bell never told in Hogwarts.

"What is the meaning of this?" Umbridge gripped hard on the edges of the lectern, looking around for anyone to explain what this meant. But it explained itself very quickly.

Then a new sound came into the hall. The sound of footsteps, made from metal. Marching feet, moving down the front Hall until the doors of the Great Hall flew open and in came two of the suits of armour, that were standing all around the castle. The Hogwarts Sigil was adored on each of the chest plates and the open visors showed empty helmets. Like a military parade, the two didn't slow down as they marched down the centre of the room, followed by all eyes in the Great Hall. They moved with clockwork-like precision and relentless towards Dolores Umbridge. The pink-clad woman staggered back a step or two when those objects came close but she didn't evade the grasping gauntlets that took hold of each of her uper arms, while students and teachers alike stared at the unfolding scene.

"No, let go of me! No, I'm the Undersecretary to the Minister himself, I order you to let go of me." Her cries seemed to fall on deaf ears as the suits of armour started dragging her towards the main doors. All eyes followed silently as she dug her heels into the ground or tried to but this didn't slow her captors even one bit. Reaching around, she pointed her wand at one of the two. Quicker than a snake, the second hand of the suit reached out, gripping the thin object. The sound of breaking wood was heard through the entire Hall and quite a few flinched at the pained howls of Dolores Umbridge as the splinters dropped to the floor in their trail, as the steps of both suits haltered in no way shape or form. Finally a few feet from the Great doors, Umbridge started flailing at them, but the only thing she hurt was her fingers and her pride. With a resounding bang, the massive oak doors closed behind her and her escort and all the sudden, the storm clouds that had formed over all their heads moved away and turned into a clear stary sky.

For a moment everybody looked at the doors, before slowly turning back to McGonagall, who hadn't moved from her spot during the entire ordeal. After noticing the looks, the woman blinked twice, before giving them all a short smile.

"Well, that was unexpected. But we came together here for a celebration, so. let us celebrate." Sounding applause followed her words, as people settled back in their places. There was no food, even though everybody had a plate in front of himself and a menu. Unsure, Harry picked it up, just like the Greengrass sisters would do next to him. But their confusion was quickly undone when Professor McGonagall spoke the word "trout" to her plate and a Trout filet with cooked potatoes and spinach appeared in front of her. Quickly people picked up on by the other people in the room.

Harry decided to eat one of the German meals, sausage with mashed potatoes and peas. It looked and tasted marvellous. To his surprise, a second plate appeared next to his, smaller, maybe a sausser. On was Raw cubes of meat. It took him only a moment to understand, then he picked up one of the cubes and held it up to his shoulder, where Dawn plucked it from his fingers. Chuckled at the delighted chirps of his familiar, he resumed eating.

"This went rather unexpected." Daphne said quietly from the side. Harry looked for a moment over to his other, but Astoria was already in a conversation with Svenja and didn't neet his attention. He nodded while chewing on a few peas.

"Yeah, but I'm glad it worked out that way. That Umbridge woman is a nasty piece of work."

Lifting her glass to her lips, Daphne smiled a little. "Oh I know, I met her before. One of my fathers' gatherings she was there."

Tilting his head a little to the side, Harry shook his head. "I'm sorry to hear that Heiress Greengrass."

The girl took a sip, then smiled a tiny smile. "I might have ordered the elves to lace her drink with something that would make her...leave early."

Emerald eyes turned to her, together with a raised eyebrow. "Was she hurt?" Before taking a sip from his cup.

Dark green met the emerald as the smile turned a little wider. "Of course not. But she might have enjoyed staying in her bathroom that evening."

Harry almost spurted out his pumpkin juice at those words and could only barely keep his composure. After wiping his mouth with the napkin, he gave her a mock glare. "That wasn't nice Miss Greengrass. While I was drinking."

She smirked a little, raising her own cup again to her lips. "Maybe, but then again sometimes you have to find your past-time where you can find it."

They kept up the little banter while finishing their meals. After a few minutes, the plates disappeared from the tables and it was time for the opening of the dance. To the side a set of draps was pulled back, revealing a small orchestra on a low stage.

Harry looked over at Astoria for a short moment, unsure. This was something he hadn't thought about but the girl just smiled ad shook her head, nodding towards her sister. The raven-haired boy gave her a short smile of thanks as he stood and bowed to Daphne, holding out his hand.

"Might I have this dance my lady?" He asked with the right amount of formality. She returned his gaze as her Long slender fingers touched his palm as she let him help out of her chair. Together they followed Ulrich and Svenja down the stairs. The middle of the great hall was open and a wide dancing floor now. They moved over to one corner, as the champions and their dates separated the floor between themselves as if it was planned that way. Low music started playing and Harry wrestled down his nervousness and started moving.

It was surprisingly easy once he had found his groove so to speak. He might not be the best of dancers but he was passable and Daphne helped. Being trained since childhood for these kinds of events seemed to help a lot in that regard. The boy looked over, seeing how the others did. Warrington was graceful, you had to hand it to him. His posture and dancing was smooth and elegant. And he was good looking, even Harry who wasn't into guys could see that. His date added to that, with her wide smile as he spun her around, it looked just natural. Ulrich and Svenja, on the other hand, looked really stiff. Their dance was different from the one the others danced, more of an old-time waltz really. It was noticeable that his missing arm was somewhat of a hindrance but even while that was, they were both just looking at each other and it was clear that this right there were two people who forgot about the rest of the world.

Akiko and Susan, on the other hand, looked wild. They danced the same dance that Cassius and his date, as well as Harry and Daphne, danced, but they took their own spin to it. They changed between who was leading and who was led, adding spins and seemed like they cut loose. Also, Harry was sure this was the first time he saw the Japanese champion actually smile. It was reserved and careful but it was there, while she lost herself in Susan's eyes.

Daphnes hand left his shoulder and her fingers gently gripped his chin, turning his head towards her again. "I don't like to be ignored, Lord Peverell." She reprimanded him with no real steel in her voice. Harry blinked once.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ignore you, I just wanted to see how everybody else is doing."

She nodded and they spun in a new circle. Harry focused on her and while he had known it before, he now really realised that he was dancing with maybe the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Her swan-like neck tilted ever so slightly to the right, she looked into his eyes with these dark green ones of her own. Whatever spell she used to keep her hair in position worked wonders, as even when he spun her fast, no single strand got loose. Harry felt the narrow curve of her waist under the palm of his hand and he couldn't do anything but smile.

"You look very beautiful Daphne." He whispered to her as they spun closely.

A tiny tuck on her lips was there as she gazed into his eyes. "Thank you, Lord Peverell."

After a moment her eyes softened a bit. "Thank you, Harry."

The boy felt a slight lurch in his heart as she said his name and reenergized he spun her around with vigour. And just like that he totally forgot about all the people that were around, looking at them, just felt the moment and enjoyed being here, being alive, being free. He couldn't help himself but started laughing a little as Daphne's smile kept being reserved and small but it was there. Dawn who had held on to his shoulder the entire time and thrilled happily whenever they spun faster, fluttered her wings and chirped loudly, resonating the happiness in Harry's heart.

For a few minutes, they kept dancing until the song faded out and they stepped back from each other. It took a moment for Harry to really notice the applause as he turned to the side, looking out.

Harry gave Daphne another smile as he raised her hand to his lips, giving it a kiss. "I thank you for the dance, Heiress Greengrass."

The girl blushed slightly, as she curtsied. "It was an honour, Lord Peverell."

"Well, I guess I should go and-" He turned his head to the head-table only to see a second year Slytherin holding out his hand towards Astoria, obviously asking her for a dance.

"Oh...uhm, well that is taken care of." His eyes returned to Daphne who was also looking at her sister with now a real smile on her face. "Well, she did say she had friends here." Her gaze returned to Harry. "What do you say, Lord Peverell, shall we go for a second dance?"

The smile on Harry's face was just as real, as he picked up her hand. "With pleasure Heiress Greengrass."

For some time they danced together, enjoying the evening until Neville came up to them and asked a little nervous about a dance. Daphne gave him a curt nod and with a curtsey to Harry, she let the Longbottom heir lead her through the dancers. This came actually in handy, as Harry was thirsty and moved back to the head table. He felt a little tug on the bond and looked up to Dawn on his shoulder.

"Feel free to fly out there." He said raising his hand. The phoenix cooed softly at him before dashing from his shoulder between the dancers. She caused some startling sounds as she zig-zagged around before circling Hermione who was right now dancing with Anthony Goldstein. Sitting down in his chair he picked up his cup and took a sip. He looked over the mass of people. Daphne and Neville made an imposing figure, something Harry never would have guessed from the timid boy. Somewhere near, Professor Flamel and her husband were slowly swaying, not seeming to notice the energetic students around them. Harry saw with a little smile that Madam Greif and one of the teachers of Mahoutokoro were dancing almost like they were fighting. No matter what you would say, it wasn't clear who was leading whom in that interaction. Just now Harry realised that the dwarfs that had come with the german delegation were sitting in one corner of the room, smoking pipes and drinking from large mugs. Judging by the foam and the medium-sized keg next to them their own beer. The boy quickly looked on when he saw Ginny dancing closely with Dean. In the centre of the dance floor, George and Fred were dancing wildly with Angelina and Katie at the moment and most people gave them space, worried to get hit by some hand or foot at any point.

Sebastian and Anna seemed to have come together as they were dancing in a corner of the dance-floor and it looked kind of funny the large bulky guy with the small timid girl, but it seemed like she was leading him and not the other way around. Close to them, Ron was dancing with Lavender. Harry chuckled a little because he could see the awkwardness of his former best friend. Knowing someone so well, it was hard to miss that Ron wasn't enjoying the dancing but it seemed like the girl wouldn't let him off the hook that easily.

With a frown Harry noticed that Draco Malfoy was sitting ina corner, completely ignoring his date Pansy. That was somewhat strange. Harry knew the other boy had learned etiquette like he did even more but he seemed like he had forgotten it entirely. In fact, while he looked at the two, Draco stood up and just walked away towards the door. By the looks of it, he didn't notify Pansy of that because she almost jumped from her chair when he moved. Something was going on, Harry was sure of it but-

"Everything okay?" A hand landed on his shoulder as the words were spoken making him almost jump into the air. With a racing heart, he looked back seeing his godfather standing behind him.

"Padfoot! Jeez, you scared the living crap out of me." The boy chastised, only earning a chuckle.

"Oh, careful Prongslet, we don't want Cissy to hear you curse like that." The man sat down in one of the free chairs next to him.

"Snorting, the boy turned to his godfather. "She isn't here, so no need."

That made Sirius laugh and he shook his head, before smirking at his godson. "What makes you think I wouldn't tell?"

Eyeing the older man, Harry shook his head. "I know you won't. And if nothing else, you wouldn't risk Narcissa calling you out on it. Also didn't Maraudaers honour forbids you from being a tattletale?"

Raising an eyebrow Sirius looked out at the dancers again. "Pulling out the big guns I see. Well yeah, probably I won't do that but never be too sure." Nudging his godson with his shoulder while talking.

For a short while they just sat there, looking out, comfortable with each other. "Why are you here Padfoot?"

Sirius turned back to him, tilting his head. "Saw you sitting up here alone. What is it, did you do something wrong with Miss Greengrass?"

Now turning to Sirius, the boy shook his head. "Of course not. Wanted to get a dring and then just watched for a while. And you know I didn't mean that."

The older man hummed in agreement, looking back at the dancers. It took a moment and Harry almost thought Sirius wouldn't answer him, but then he did. "I wanted to make sure everything went okay here. This being...well you know. I wanted to be here, in case you wanted to come home. Also, I wanted to see you settle in comfortable again. I knew Umbridge would be here and I feared there would be some kind of confrontation. She was disliking me before and I worried she would go after you."

Harry nodded slowly. "Well, she didn't get around to do that. Speaking of which, do you have any idea what that was? I seemed almost like Hogwarts herself threw Umbridge out."

Turning his eyes to the ceiling, Sirius rubbed his chin. "Not sure. That would be something you should ask Remus about, he was always the book worm out of us Marauders. But I think some scholars have speculated about the nature and power of Hogwarts wards. It isn't the first time something like this has happened if I remember correctly. But most of the time the at that time headmaster gave an order. I would guess, the wards are so old and powerful, they reached some kind of consciousness. And this consciousness was not happy with Miss Toadface."

Humming in agreement, Harry looked up, seeing Daphne move back to the table. "I think my absence have been noticed."

Sirius followed his gaze, standing up. "All right, I think I see Professor Sinestra is without a dance partner. And we can't have that with a looker like her."

Snorting, Harry smirked as he rose to his feet himself. "Please don't say something like that in front of me. Also, Susan is here. I might not be a chatterbox, but I can't say the same about her."

Sirius stuck out his tongue at him. "Oh yeah?" Then he got a little bit more serious. "No, I wouldn't do that to Melia. She is a wonderful woman and I would be a fool to lose her by chasing tail. So everything will be completely harmless. Stay sharp Prongslet." He clapped his godson on the shoulder once more, before moving away. Daphne crossed paths with him and curtsied to him before coming to Harry's side.

"Would you like another dance, Heiress Greengrass?" He asked, offering his arm.
But Daphne shook her head slightly. "I think sitting down will fit me better for a moment."

Gracefully she took her place and as a dutiful date, he sat down as well, offering her, her cup. Thanking him, she took a sip.

"So, what is Lord Black doing here?" She asked after a moment, keeping an eye on the dancing students. When Harry followed her line of sight, he saw Astoria dancing slowly with the boy from before. He leaned back in his own chair.

"He wanted to look out for me." Seeing no problem in telling her. The girl nodded, drinking some more.

"That is very nice of him. My father was the same after this summer. It was nice, knowing that he worried so much." Giving one of the rare insights into her own thoughts and emotions. Careful, Harry leaned closer.

"Are you...still thinking about that?"

Daphne said nothing for a long time and for a second time this evening Harry thought he wouldn't get an answer and was about to apologies for being so intrusive but Daphne spoke.

"Sometimes. I don't really remember much about it, only that fear. I don't sleep well at those nights and Astoria does so too. What could have happened to us if you and the Black's hadn't intervened, I don't want to think about."

Harry smiled, looking over to her. She had a thoughtful expression on her face, while still sitting like the perfect pureblood heiress.

"I would do it again in a heartbeat." Harry said and he meant it. Leaving someone at the mercy of others wasn't what he liked doing. Dark green eyes turned to hi and like so often, the girl seemed to judge him, weigh his worthiness, but this time in a different light. What it was he couldn't say.

"You are a very brave person, Harry." That was all she said and he knew nothing to answer to that, so he didn't and they sat together for a long time, just watching the ball unfold.

A new song came but it was a slow romance song and they kept to their place and quite some students returned to their seats for that. Who did so were Ulrich and Svenja, who to Harry surprise had been constantly dancing the entire time.

"I'm happy when I am out of these robes." Ulrich commented as he dropped into the chair next to Harry and tucked on his collar. Svenja slapped at his hand and pulled it into her lap, holding on to it. The tired-looking male sighed shaking his head. For some time, no one said something.

"I heard that Dark Lord of England has come back to life." Ulrich spoke in an even tired tone but Harry's heart fell from his chest as he whipped his head around.

"Ulrich! Das ist kaum ein angebrachtes Thema!"* Svenja hissed at him, but the teen didn't seem to mind her. Instead he leaned closer.

"It's okay. Yeah, he is back." Harry felt like a dark cloud descended around them.

Ulrich tilted his head slightly as he looked at him with piercing blue eyes. "You think he will come here?"

Harry nodded slowly, feeling Daphne lay her hand on his knee.

Ulrich nodded. "Good."

That made the raven-haired boy blink. "Good? What is good about that?"

Ulrich waved with his hand around the room. "If he comes here, I want to be here. I want to fight side by side with you. I don't run from a fight."

Harry felt like his stomach was made out of stone as the dark form of Dawn swept down from somewhere in the rafters and landed on his shoulder, snuggling close to him in tries to comfort him.

"He is dangerous, the most dangerous wizard there is. Why would you want to fight him?"

For a moment, Ulrich stared at him then shook his head. "I need to prove myself. I...My father, damn son of a bitch that he is. He thinks I am not worthy to carry on the family name. I will show him that he should regret that he spurned me. Regret what he did to my mother."

Harry couldn't help himself. "What did he do?"

Ulrich stared back at him. "He had me. Vampires and humans aren't made for having children together. But arrogant fool that he is, father would go after my mother anyways and had his way with her. She died bringing me to this world, all out of his greed and ego." The bitterness in his voice was strong and hard. Harry wasn't sure what to say about it.

"I'm sorry." He murmured.

Ulrich nodded and for the next ten minutes, they just sat there, Svenja rubbing her boyfriend's forearm, as Harry sat there and thought about that. What it would feel like to hate your own parent. He knew what it was like never meeting them really, but hating them was alien to him and he wasn't sure what was worse.

Finally, a new song began and Daphne pulled him out of his chair and away from those dark thoughts. They would dance and swirl but from time to time, Harry would look up to the table again, seeing the dark teenager and his bright girlfriend sitting there, watching.

It was five minutes to midnight and the dancing ended. Students and teachers came together in the middle of the room, while the large Hogwarts banner that hung behind the head table disappeared. Instead of it, a flaming number appeared, counting down. Professor McGonagall walked up to the stage and quiet came over them. She raised her voice.

"There is one more thing I have to announce. At the end of February, at the 22nd, the second task will be held. I ask all champions to come here Monday after the evening meal so they get more information. The theme of the task is Thinking. Before I have a few last words for the year, Master Grundngison asked for a few minutes of your time, as there is an old dwarven tradition he wants to hold high."

Short applause came, then a voice rose in the corner of the room.

The King beneath the mountains,
The King of carven stone,
The lord of silver fountains
Shall come into his own!

People turned their heads, seeing Captain Grungnison stand there, slowly singing. One by one the other dwarves started singing with him.

His crown shall be upholden,
His harp shall be restrung,
His halls shall echo golden
To songs of yore re-sung.

Harry looked at the people surrounding him. To Hermione, her eyes glistening as she listened with a small smile to the deep dwarvish voices. To Neville, who had grown so much this year, had become a true friend in face of so much. To Susan, who wasn't looking at the Dwarves but had her eyes closed as her head rested on Akikos shoulder.

The woods shall wave on mountains
And grass beneath the sun;
His wealth shall flow in fountains
And the rivers golden run.

He looked over at Sirius who stood, his arms crossed in the background, not wanting to intrude into the students moment. He saw Fred and Goerge, their arms linked as they swayed to the sung words, grins on their faces as they couldn' be serious for the life of them. Somewhere in the back, he saw Ginny standing with Dean and for a moment their eyes crossed, but she looked away quickly. Yes, it had hurt that their relationship had shattered but what had been there, to begin with really? Some more students and teachers stood there and Harry looked at so many of them before his eyes turned to the two closest to him.

The streams shall run in gladness,
The lakes shall shine and burn,
All sorrow fail and sadness
At the Mountain-king's return!

On his shoulder, Dawn turned her head, knowing when he looked at her. She had brought more joy into his life than any other person, and for him, she was a person, ever before. She made him so loved and cared for, he had no idea how he could have lived without these golden eyes and black feathers in his life. She was his blanket and cornerstone of what he was now.

And next to him, her head tilted slightly, Daphne was listening intently. Harry had no idea what it was but something pulled him towards her. It was hard to grasp but just being close to her made him feel better. It made him feel more whole if that was any indication. He had no idea if these were romantic feelings but there was something. Maybe it was the link to Dawn, the one she shared with him closer than almost anybody else, maybe it was something else. He didn't care. It felt good. And so he didn't feel weird as he took her hand holding it. She turned for a moment her head, before turning back. But she didn't pull from his grasp and with a smile, Harry listened to the last sung words.

The King beneath the mountains,
The King of carven stone,
The lord of silver fountains
Shall come into his own!

Applause echoed through the room as the students cheered for the bowing Captain. McGonagall also clapped, before waving her hand. Only a minute to go.

"A year will end, a new one will begin. We have seen a lot of change, new friends, learned new things and did more. The world grew darker and we need to be each other lights in these dark times. I will not tell you what to do, as I don't really know myself, but when the dark comes closer always remember. It is those who stand next to you that will help you up again. We are a union and we will stand together so that when the next year ends it will be on a brighter note. We will see where the world will be in twelve months and go from there. Because that is life. One step, taken each on itself."

The numbers counted down to zero.

"Happy New Year Hogwarts!"

*"That is not a appropriat topic."

Finished. I wasn't sure what way I wanted it to end and this chapter surprised me more than anything.

First things first. Umbridge. I long and hard thought about if I wanted her to be a long stay in the story, but in the end, I felt that wouldn`t be good. We just came from the dark part and having her on the helm in Hogwarts just wasn't what I wanted. Instead, she will be more like someone in front of the tent throwing rocks and tantrums. I thought about her being there for a few weeks since she should get really nice and hatable for the reader but then I thought, no I don't need to do that. We all know her and some might say we love to hate her (the best villain in HP in my opinion). I don't need to reintroduce her nastiness and can kick her out just like that.

Now, Sirius is just good old Padfoot trying so hard to wrap Harry in bubble wrap without stifling him but there is only so much you can do really.

Harry and Daphne are not a couple here. They hold hands during that last moment of the year but they aren't there by a longshot. They just start to develop feelings so give them time. I often don't show much of Daphne's thoughts as she is the ice princess and showing what she feels takes away from that but do you want to see inside of her head too?

Ulrich, yeah he is a little edgy I know with the whole tragic backstory, but he is my one allowance to have something of a Gary Sue in this story in somewhat fashion and I hope it isn't too bad. I try to make a point in that he isn't capable in quite some other things, besides fighting, hoping it works. That is also the reason I minimize his screentime too.

The song the Dwarves sing in the end is "King beneath the mountain" from Tolkien's The Hobbit. Search it on youtube Karliene. You are welcome. ;)

Lastly, I have an announcement. I work on my master thesis at the moment so it can be a little irregular with the uploads in the future but I try to keep at least the two weeks rythm and hope I can return to one chapter in a week.

Please leave comments and review, ideas and so on. I always notice myself I don't comment enough on the stories I read, so don't be like me. Comments are the way to show the author that you care about the story really, that you want to engage with it.

Next up: Returning