A/N: Here we go guys, I'm back with the next chapter and it's mainly centred around Yule and mellow family time, and of course Harry/Tom bonding. Its quite Harry!Centric but I've crammed everything that needed to go in before the ball in to this chapter, which means, yes, the ball is coming up next!
Disclaimer: I'm not J.K, but this plot is mine.
Warning: Language, slash and possible mentions of violence.
Parsel
Chapter 44:
Harry was 'disgustingly' cheerful when he woke up, gaining many looks of disdain from Tom as he got ready for the day. He merely grinned at the man, kissing his cheek and skipping down to the dining room. He pulled Tom with him, making the man keep up as he was gripping his hand and refusing to let go. Tom didn't really mind of course, but he had to keep some of his reputation intact – not that Harry paid any attention to that whatsoever. The Malfoys were completely dressed down for breakfast, an air of general happiness surrounded them all and Harry was only too happy to join when Narcissa ushered him over, insisting he and Tom join them.
They had a feast of a breakfast, everything Harry could possibly want, including pancakes rolled in sugar, was presented and he gladly tucked in. Draco laughed at Harry's enthusiasm, dragging the bouncing teen down to the living room when they were finished. Narcissa had redecorated, filling the room beautiful vines and evergreen wreaths, such as holy. There were neat stacks of lovely wrapped gifts placed in the centre of the seating area, and Harry skipped over, folding himself on to the two seater sofa once Tom had sat down.
"Draco, would you care to begin?" Lucius asked and his son nodded with a smile. Draco passed out gifts to everyone and Harry saw that they were from him, he cautiously shook it, making Draco roll his eyes. Lucius opened his gift from his son, admiring the collection crystal decanters and matching glasses with a smile.
"They are magnificent," Lucius commented,
"Look at the bottom." Draco instructed, and Lucius did, eyes widening as he saw what was printed there.
"These are over 500 years old." He exclaimed, "Moon-kissed crystal,"
Harry could see it now they were out of the box, the crystal shined a very pale blue and it seemed to hold its own soft glow.
"Thank you very much, son."
Narcissa went next, gently removing the silver paper to reveal a white clothing box. She opened it and gasped, unfolding an icy blue cloak and at first it could be mistaken for velvet but when she moved the material it shimmered.
"There were only four of these ever made." She whispered, "Oh Draco, it's beautiful."
"What material is that?" Harry wondered, looking at it through slightly narrowed eyes.
"That's the mystery. No one has ever been able to work it out, and those who owned them coveted them." Narcissa told him, "This is a season cloak, it changes colour to match the seasons perfectly, co-ordinating with the rapid weather changes too. This is the Yule addition, with hand stitched diamonds and a silver clasp."
"Very nice,"
"It's perfect," She declared, kissing her son on the cheek and giving him a one armed squeeze. Everyone looked at Tom to go next, so he carefully opened his gift to reveal a beautifully carved mini chest that held a single vial of potion. Tom lifted it up to show the rich purple colour was completely uniform, and then he looked towards Draco for an explanation.
"This is my latest, and greatest, creation to date." Draco began, "It, simply put, allows the drinker to see magic whenever they want. It's based on the theory/tales of Merlin's 'mage sight', it, essentially, creates it permanently; though there is a reversal potion. It's the only phial made, and the only copy of the recipe is in the bottom."
The Malfoy parents cast their son an extremely proud look as Tom's expression suddenly became a lot more interested, he offered a slight smile to the Malfoy heir and a nod of his head.
"I am very grateful, and impressed." He said honestly. Draco went slightly pink, but it was obvious he was very proud to have given a successful gift. Once Tom had set the potion down, Harry opened his present and grinned excitedly when he saw what was in his box.
"Are these what I think they are?" He asked.
"Yes," Draco confirmed and Harry laughed in delight. He pulled out a set of black fingerless gloves, made from dragon hide, and held them up.
"What are they?" Narcissa asked.
"They are morph gloves." Harry said, "They switch to full, protective and invisible. They are magic resistant, waterproof, fireproof ect., and they holster daggers and wands."
"What a splendid creation." Lucius noted surprised, and Harry nodded with a pleased look.
"Thanks, Dray."
"Now, it's my turn." Narcissa declared, delicately flicking her wand to pass out her gifts. Harry thought it was odd that there was none of the blatant excitement of exchanging gifts, and yet it felt as seasonal and close anyway. He preferred it, Harry decided, smiling at Tom's surprised and oddly touched expression when Lucius presented him with Abraxas Malfoy's silver pocket watch. Tom himself handed out his gifts to the group, presenting a restored original copy of her late father's workings on cross-breeding between races to Narcissa before handing Harry a longish box. Harry looked at it with a raised eyebrow, feeling oddly excited to see what Tom had gotten him. He pulled of the paper, admiring the beautifully carved case revealed before opening it. His eyes widened in complete shock, looking up at Tom with huge eyes.
"Is this...?" He whispered, trailing off when Tom nodded once, a slight smile on his face over Harry's reaction. He knew Harry would love it, so once he had been able to he had contacted a few of his allies and secured one for him. It was worth it, he decided, as the teen pulled out a vicious looking dagger looking completely amazed, it was entirely black with a single gleaming emerald at the hilt, the wickedly curved blade catching the light as he span the knife.
"Ancient dark elven blade," Harry murmured in awe. "Able to deflect spells as well as conduct them." He pressed a loving kiss to Tom's cheek and gave him a bright smile, "This is amazing – thank you." Tom merely pulled him closer, dropping a kiss on his temple with a smile. Harry couldn't believe it, glancing at the blade again. These blades were never seen out of dark elf hands, they used to be the desire of many, and Harry had read about them many times. He had said months ago he would kill for one himself, he knew how to use a dagger quite well and he would love to be able to use a dagger in battle. How Tom had managed to get one he didn't know, but to give it to him, Harry shook his head, kissing the man's cheek again.
"It's your turn now." He pointed out to the teen. Harry's eyes lit up, waving his hand to pass out his gifts, sitting forward to see everyone's reaction.
"Go on, Draco." He encouraged, and Draco eyed him.
"I'm not going to open this and it show that you have somehow managed to find/create Thor's Hammer or something am I? Because you are known for overdoing it with presents." Draco asked warily.
"I don't overdo it with gifts." Harry argued, "I merely like getting nice things for people."
Draco's expression told everyone how much he didn't believe him, but he opened the present and his eyebrows shot up when he saw a full potions prep case, eyes widening when he saw what was inside.
"Mother of Circe! Is this written by Zygmunt Budge?" He exclaimed, unrolling the scroll, and then he grabbed a vial out of the case. "Are these phoenix tears?"
"Yes and yes." Harry confirmed, "Black phoenix tears, actually."
"They are rarer than basilisk venom."
"There's some of that in there too." Harry said with a slight smirk, which stretched when Lucius looked up sharply.
"Very impressive."
"Just wait, father. You have to open yours yet." Draco said amused, "Thanks, Snake."
Lucius looked at his long, somewhat thin, box with some curiosity and some caution, not being able to guess what the Potter-Black teen had got him for a Yule gift. He opened the box to reveal a pale cane, made from pure Ivory and unicorn horn with a platinum snakes head and diamond eyes.
"For the Yule season," Harry said, "The horn was freely given, of course, as was the ivory."
"It's spectacular," Lucius murmured, "Hand carved?"
"Yes, and perfectly preserved."
"You have my thanks," Lucius said.
"I am very excited now." Narcissa said brightly, removing the paper from her gift. It revealed a deep blue velvet case that she opened to show a beautiful hair piece, made from platinum with water nymph topaz and mermaid's pearl. It came with a card of authenticity, explaining what it was and a seal of authentication from the Goblins.
"Wow," She breathed, "These jewels are supposed to be lost forever."
"Impossible doesn't work for me." Harry reminded with a grin, "I thought it would be perfect for you as it was also Malfoy colours."
"This is too much. You are giving away two mermaid's pearls at the very least."
"Cissa, you have literally saved my life – twice! If anything I should get you different ones for each day of the week." Harry said sincerely. Narcissa gave him a warm smile, gently placing the box to the side.
"Don't actually get her one for each day of the week." Draco told him hastily, and Harry pouted slightly before grinning.
"It's fine. There are other holidays and celebrations." He said airily and they shared a chuckle. Harry looked to Tom to open his final gift from those present suddenly nervous, he had tracked this for weeks before finally securing it and picking it up when he went shopping. Tom was very interested to see what Harry had gotten for him, especially seeing as he didn't believe he had ever mentioned wanting or seeking anything material that he didn't already have.
The only other thing he actually wanted was the wizarding world and Harry was already helping him to get that. He quirked an eyebrow at the ornately carved wooden box that was revealed, and although he recognised the crest and then name printed on the top, it was the year written on the bottle inside that made his eyes widen and his breath catch slightly. The Macallan 1926 Fine and Rare, one of the greatest, most expensive and rarest scotches on the planet. It was coveted with a vicious greed, almost impossible to find and even harder to secure.
"I hunted this one down as its supposed to be one of the very best scotches in the world." Harry explained quietly, drawing Tom's attention away from the gift.
"It is," Tom confirmed, still amazed. "The 1926 addition only has a very few made and even fewer surviving today, said to be the greatest one of their collection." Harry smiled at Tom's obvious pleasure, happy that he had picked correctly when he had first looked in to muggle scotch. He knew Tom preferred it, cherry scotch being one of his ultimate favourites, and so when he was doing some research and came across one made the year Tom was born he had just had to have it.
"It seems that year produced some of the best of everything." He commented quietly. Tom drew him in to a soft kiss, hissing his appreciation when they broke apart making Harry blush slightly.
They spent the rest of the morning doing nothing but chatting, Lucius and Tom got in to an interesting debate over freestanding and Rune based wards with Lucius arguing the latter, while Draco and Narcissa were fully explaining the Burning of the Log from their perspective to Harry as he had never experienced it before. He admitted he was looking forward to it. The elves had prepared a light lunch, not wanting to over fill them for the feast that would be presented that evening, and during the meal the Lestranges arrived baring gifts of their own. Harry took that as his queue to leave, saying a quick goodbye to the Malfoys and tugging Tom with him.
"Calm down," Tom said amused, "Remus will still be there."
"Don't pretend as if you are not as happy as I am to go and see him. You've been itching to discuss Merlin knows how many different things from your latest translation."
"Flamel really wanted to hide something. I've discovered that the book we have been struggling on is not merely one language, which is why we have not been able to identify it correctly." Tom told him animatedly, "I've managed to pick out three of the languages within the text, but I do not know how many are there overall."
"See, this is why we need to rush and see Moony." Harry said with a laugh.
"Why are we going upstairs?" Tom asked.
"So I can get my presents for them." Harry answered.
"You could have called a house elf." Tom pointed out and Harry pouted.
"And you didn't think to tell me that before?" He complained.
"You use house elves every day of your life." Tom said in defence. Harry huffed, dragging Tom the rest of the way down to his own room so he could collect his presents, before taking them through the shadows. They were overcome with a lot of shouting and laughing and Harry's eyes lit up.
"Yes, its ready!"
"What is?"
"My massive indoor play area." Harry said excitedly, "Come on,"
"No way!" Tom denied, "I'm going to the library."
"Tom, don't be foolish. Moony will be with the cubs." Harry said as if it was obvious, already leading the way through the corridors.
"You cannot drag me to a children's play area. I am the Dark Lord." He stated, despite the fact that Harry was doing exactly that.
"Who said anything about children's play area?" Harry objected, "This was half for myself."
"That's because you are a massive child."
"You are mean to me." Harry decided, and then he spotted his surrogate uncle so he darted off. "Moony!"
"Harry! You're here." He exclaimed, catching the teen and squeezing him happily.
"I see everything is going well." Harry said, looking around the huge room with amazement, and his eyes brightened when he saw the death slide. "Oh I am so going on that."
"The cubs love it, and so do the adults. We've got a huge feast planned for the evening and we've finally got every wolf inside the manor." Moony told him pleased, "This was a brilliant idea, it's exactly what we need. Not only does it help build up their muscles but it brings all the packs together. Cubs from England are meeting ones from France and learning all about the different cultures and lifestyles, and it helps with languages too; I've seen them teaching each other. The ones who have wands bombarded Paws with requests for translation spells, but she was still working on one. I don't know how she did it, but she found or made a translating rune or charm or something, and when you write down a sentence it'll translate it in to the decided language; it's quite incredible."
"How could you forget Hermione is a genius?" Harry laughed, impressed despite his joke. He would have to ask her about it.
"I'll blame the busy schedule." Remus said with a grin.
"I do hope you are enjoying the holidays, Moony." Harry said seriously, "You've done so much more than I ever planned. I got you out from the Order so you were safe and could be in peace."
Remus shook his head, hugging the teen close to him and sighing.
"You really don't know how good you are, Harry James." He murmured, pulling back and resting his hands on his shoulders. "I would rather be here, helping you and helping all these people, than hidden somewhere, wallowing in what I could and couldn't have done. You've given me a whole new purpose in life and I wouldn't have it any other way."
Harry beamed, hugging his uncle again and then casting a look around at the playing cubs.
"If not for anything else, they are all going to sleep well tonight." Harry noted and Remus snorted.
"Oh that's for sure. I think all of the parents will be – what in Merlin's name!" Remus cut himself off as he looked up to see the most bizarre scene he had ever seen. The Dark Lord was slowly backing away from a small cub, who looked to be questioning him relentlessly as they looked up and followed him. Harry burst out laughing, feeling Tom's wariness and alarm over the cub and it took him nearly a full minute to get himself together. He recognised the bracelet on the cub's wrist, so he went over and scooped her up, twirling her around making her giggle.
"Mister Snake!"
"Hello, little miss Petal." Harry greeted brightly, setting her on his hip easily. "Are you having fun?"
"Yeah! I went all the way to the top of the tower." She told him proudly, and Harry gasped, looking at her with wide eyes.
"You mean you went all the way up there?" He repeated, pointing to the top of the structure, the same level as the mega death slide that he would be going on later.
"Yep, and I did it all by myself."
"Wow, aren't you brave." Harry said surely, smiling slightly when she beamed. "So what are you doing over here with Marvolo?"
"He smells like you, Mister Snake." She said, "And I ask'ed him why and he used words with lots and lots of letters." Harry laughed at that.
"He does that a lot," Harry assured and then he dropped his voice to a mock whisper, "I think its because he's really really really smart. But don't tell him I said that."
"Promise," She swore, she looked at Tom curiously before turning back to Harry, "He has red eyes, but he wouldn't tell me why."
"You have blue eyes." Harry pointed out.
"I know that, silly Mister Snake." She insisted, shaking her head like Harry was being foolish, "But he's not supposed to have red eyes."
"Oh? Why not?"
"Cuz Alpha says only the Dark Lord has red eyes."
Harry glanced at Tom, who seemed to be looking and feeling a mixture between stunned, wary, amused and something else he couldn't quite understand, before looking back at Petal with a growing grin.
"Who do you think he is?" He asked, motioning to Marvolo. Harry felt mildly bad for how fast her head snapped around at his words, though it didn't stop him snickering when her eyes got really big.
"Wow." She wriggled indicating she wanted to get down and she slowly walked towards Tom, who looked like he was fighting not to back away again. She stopped when her tiny sock covered feet were toe to toe with Tom's shoed ones and then tilted her head back as far as it would go so she could look up at him in amazement. "You is very big, Mister Dark Lord."
Harry nearly cracked up at Tom's momentary blank look, he knew the man literally had no idea what to do and while he wasn't panicking, he wasn't thinking rationally either if Harry was reading his feelings correctly.
"You are very small." Tom informed her simply, and she looked really serious when she nodded at that.
"Mama says I gotta eat my greens, but they're yucky!" She stated, her nose wrinkling cutely, "So I p'tends to eat them and then gives them to the horsies and asks Nip for cookies." Tom smirked slightly at that, crouching down slightly because looking at the child look up at him made him ache.
"Very sneaky," He said impressed, "But if you are not eating your vegetables then how are you going to get any bigger?"
She looked completely stumped at that, looking at him in confusion before it switched to a questioning expression.
"Is that why you is really really big? Cuz you ate lots and lots of veggies?"
"Yes, with every meal."
"Even broccoli?" She looked horrified at the thought and her eyes widened when Tom nodded seriously.
"Especially broccoli."
"Do I still get cookies?" She asked warily.
"Of course, but what you have to do is save it until after the horrible broccoli because then the cookie takes the taste away." He said and she nodded, looking somewhat amazed.
"I will tell mama to save cookies for after and then I'll get really big just like you." She announced, "Bye, Mister Dark Lord." With that she waved and ran off, and she seemed to be telling all of her friends what she had just done because she was pointing at Tom and their eyes were widening. Harry shook his head, the man was ridiculously good at everything even when he didn't know what to do. It gave him a strange feeling to see Tom handle a child, but it was a nice feeling whatever it was. Harry walked over to the man, who had risen back to his normal height, and pressed a soft kiss to his lips, smiling.
"You're pretty great at everything, aren't you?" Harry said, fondly rolling his eyes when Tom didn't hasten to nod. "You still looked a bit like a deer in headlights when she first came over to you."
"I have never spoken to a child that small before." Tom said, settling his arm around Harry's waist. "I did not meet little Lucius until he was seven years old."
"Well you handled it very well considering and I think Petal's mother will thank you for the vegetables tip."
"Are all children like that?"
"No idea," Harry said, starting to walk away, "But let's get you over to Moony before you gain your own fan club."
"I see you are no longer being targeted by a persistent cub." Remus noted with a grin to the Dark Lord, Tom threw him an unimpressed look, though it was obvious there was no feeling behind it.
"She wasn't scared of me." Tom said, sounding slightly put out and Harry and Remus laughed.
"Don't worry. You still terrify the masses." Harry assured.
"Most little children don't really understand fear, and they usually only start to fear things once they have actually been scared by it." Remus told him, and then he cast a glance as where Petal was animatedly talking to a bigger group of cubs. "Somehow, I don't think you scared her at all."
"This is your fault." Tom declared, looking at Harry, "My reputation is being scrapped. First Miss Dean, now a collection of cubs, Harry this just isn't right."
"There there." Harry replied, grinning when Tom huffed, "Didn't you want to speak to Moony about the languages you found for Flamel's journal?"
"You found something?" Moony asked interested.
"Yes, it seems that it isn't one language after all." Tom told him, and when Moony's eyes lit up Harry knew he had lost the both of them for a number of hours.
"I'm going to see my friends." Harry said, "I assume you'll both be in the library?"
"Yes," they answered together. Harry kissed Tom's cheek, hugged Moony and then skipped off, spotting Hermione by the ball pit. He couldn't help but sneak up behind her and push her in, of course, he wasn't stupid enough to remain there once she spotted him and he fled. Kicking off his shoes and climbing upwards, laughing at her outraged yelling.
"Just you wait until I get my hands on you, Harry James!" She yelled, already out of the pit and climbing up after him. Harry found Ron on his way up, and the red head teen earned Hermione's ire by dumping a load of plastic balls down the passage she was climbing.
"RUN!" He cried, darting off laughing. Harry was only too happy to follow him, though he nearly fell down a tube when he lost his footing.
"Merlin this is a challenge," He said, rolling to his feet.
"Yeah, one we'll never finish if we don't hurry up." Ron said, pointed on the rapidly moving Hermione.
"Up that net," Harry decided, running over and starting to climb. He and Ron made good time, getting to the next level and half way down the corridor before Hermione had reached the net.
"Up or across?" Ron asked, motioning to the squishy stairs or the rope swing.
"Across, throw the rope back quickly and we can tie it off the other side buy us some time." Harry said with a grin. Ron swung across, nearly falling backwards when he slipped on the edge, tossing the rope back in time for Harry to take a running leap off the edge, grab the robe and miss Hermione's stinging hex by millimetres.
"Whoa that was close." Ron said, cheerily waving at Hermione from the other side.
"I hate you both."
"No you don't," Harry denied, grinning when she smiled at them.
"Race you to the death slide?" She suggested.
"Then we have to do it from the bottom." Ron said. They all shared a look.
"Race you to the bottom." All three of them yelled. Harry ran to the nearest set of big steps and jumped down the quickly, spotting Ron swinging back across the rope and Hermione already climbing down the net. Harry found a tube slide so he took it, not expecting it to spit him out the other end and catapult him in to the air. He yelped, catching the rope waiting for him mid-air and landing heavily on the other side.
"I love magic." He whispered, picking himself up and heading further down. He came to a false exits, resulting in him having to climb back up and take the other one before he managed to get back on to normal ground and run over to where Hermione was waiting somewhat smugly.
"Where's Ron?" He wondered. He burst out laughing when he saw his other best friend seemingly going in circles on the first level up. "Nice Confundus."
"He tripped me." She offered as an excuse. Ron shook off the spell and managed to get over to them, throwing a look of disgust at Hermione, much to both of their amusements.
"Evil evil evil woman,"
"I know,"
"Where are the others?" Harry asked.
"Somewhere in this." Hermione answered, "There's Neville."
"The twins are over by Moonrise,"
"And Luna is-,"
"Here," said girl answered from right behind them, making them jump slightly and spin around.
"Luna!"
Harry happily picked her up and span her around in a hug, placing her back on her feet and accepting her kiss to his cheek.
"Come on, let's grab the others so we can swap presents before going on that death slide."
"This idea of yours was a great one." Ron said, "Though I haven't been on the slide yet."
"Just you wait, it's going to be great." Harry said, "Has anyone else been on the tube that throws you through the air?"
"The one where you have to try and catch the rope?" Hermione asked and Harry nodded. "I've been on it once, missing the robe by a hair."
"What happens if you miss?" Ron asked.
"You land in a spring net, its layered with cushioning charms and shock reduction spells to stop most of the jarring. The goblins did an amazing job, and while everyone is in here, they are currently building the outdoor adventure playground, and I know they plan on building it up to the very tallest of trees, and there is going to me multiple zip-lines." She explained.
"Wicked."
"Very nice job on the translating parchments by the way," Harry said, as they made their way through the room.
"Thanks. I found the base structure and varied follow up steps in one of the Flamel journals I translated, then I just built it up." She told him, "It was very interesting."
"I still find it weird you can read languages but not speak them." Ron said shaking his head.
"Ron! How could you say such awful things?" Harry gasped in horror, though his eyes were sparkling, "You should know by now that Hermione is our own bookworm. Of course she can read languages."
The boys laughed while Hermione slapped their arms, smiling fondly at their antics. They met with the twins and Neville and managed to snag a small quieter corner in the playroom to switch presents. The girls got rare jewellery from Harry, while he got the Ron an elven bow and arrow, because he knew the other teen had all but perfected his archery, Neville got a scroll written by Hufflepuff herself on Herbology, while the twins got a journal written by the Marauders – it was only a copy, but they appreciated it all the same. Actually, Harry felt a thrill of fear when he saw the somewhat unholy glint in their eyes as they looked over the journal. Harry was aglad they all liked their gifts, and he loved his, especially the new boots Luna got him. They sat there for a good hour and a half before Harry flashed them all a grin.
"I'm thinking it should be the first person back here, but you have to go down the death slide." He suggested.
"You're on," Ron agreed, "We'll use the Quidditch relay spell to make sure everyone does down."
"And we should have a rule that says no magic." Neville added.
"Oo, yes, I like it." Luna said smiling.
"Ok, Ron, cast the spell." Fred told him. As soon as the spell was cast they were off, running in to the play area and scrambling upwards. Harry literally threw himself over everything, not caring about getting hurt as he knew it was built for little people so he was completely safe. When he finally got to the top, he wasn't alone and he and Ron rushed to the slide together. They fought, pushing each other back and dragging the other down until they both fell; only they didn't hit the ground. They were, apparently, a lot closer to the edge of the slide than first believed because when they fell they fell down the slide and both of they yelled out as they shot down the slide in the wrong angle. Harry was extremely thankful when the slide started to slope and even out, though they both hid the cushioned stop and rolled over to their backs panting. They shared a look and burst out laughing, and they were gasping for breath when the rest of their group reached them.
"I was going to ask if you two were alright, but I think I have my answer." Hermione said amused.
"That was so fun," Harry said grinning, accepting George's hand up.
"How did you even manage to end up going down head first?" Neville asked.
"He pushed me." They exclaimed, pointed at each other.
"Honestly," Hermione shook her head with a laugh. "Come on, we have to prepare for the feast, it's starting in like twenty minutes."
"Is that the time already?" Harry said alarmed.
"Yes, why?"
"Narcissa is going to kill us." He moaned, "I have to run to get dressed for dinner."
"See you tomorrow, Snake." They called, laughing as he ran out of the room as if he was on fire. Harry jumped through the shadows and landed in the library, rushing through the shelves to find Tom and Moony.
"Where's the fire?" Moony asked him as he came to a stop.
"We have to go," Harry said.
"Already? You only just got here."
"The feast is starting in twenty minutes." Harry told him.
"Holy Merlin," Moony exclaimed, leaping to his feet, "I'm running late."
"Narcissa," Tom said, looking at Harry seriously. The teen nodded, shuddering at the thought of an angry Narcissa.
"I'll see you soon?"
"Definitely," Harry assured, hugging his uncle tightly before the man rushed off, muttering about how much they had to prepare.
"Come on, we have to shower and dress for dinner so we can escape with our lives." Harry said, only partially joking. He and Tom vanished in to the shadows, coming out in Tom's rooms to make sure they were far away from Narcissa until they were dressed. Harry jogged down to his rooms, switching his jeans and top for a black shirt and dress trousers and finishing it with a deep green open front robe before styling his hair in to a semblance of order. Tom was waiting for him outside his rooms and Harry took his offered arm to make their way down to the dining room. Luckily, they made it to the dining room just as Draco was entering, illustrating that they were not yet late.
"Ah, you are back." Narcissa noted pleased.
"As if we would miss your feast, Cissa." Harry said in mock horror, sitting down when Tom pulled out his chair for him.
"Have some faith in us please, Narcissa." The man said, faking his mild offence as he sat next to Harry.
"Forgive my oversight." She said blandly. Harry noticed that they each had a smaller plate to the side of them for their sacrifices and smiled slightly, he was quite excited to see what would be happening that night. The rest of the table greeted them, though Harry saw the Lestranges had an odd look on their faces as they glanced over at him. He didn't pay any attention to it, they didn't seem hostile. The feast that was presented to them put anything he had ever seen to shame, it rivalled a Hogwarts feast and Harry shook his head.
"How goes the sanctuary?" Draco asked and Harry grinned, sitting forward slightly.
"Oh Merlin did you miss it." Harry said, "The play area is finished and they have so many things to do, there's this awesome tube that spits out of the end and you have to try and grab the robe to swing to the other side or you drop all the way down in to this net."
"And let me guess, you had to have a go?" Draco commented, Harry nodded, looking at him as if he was an idiot for thinking otherwise.
"Of course. It was great, and me and Swift ended up falling head first down the death drop, which was amazing."
"How about the cubs?" Cissa asked.
"Bless them, they love it, and so do the adults." Harry answered, "The goblins did a hell of a job, everything is cushioned and layered in shock reductions and Merlin knows what else to make it extra safe."
"Is it very big?"
"Massive," Tom replied, "I was taken there against my will."
"Admit it, Petal is adorable." Harry said.
"She was very inquisitive, but not all together unpleasant." Tom allowed reluctantly.
"You met with some of the cubs, My Lord?"
"I was attacked," He corrected and Harry snorted.
"You were not attacked, she was merely interested in who you were."
"Absolutely no fear whatsoever." Tom said with a shake of his head.
"Wait, the cub wasn't afraid at all?" Lucius questioned surprised.
"No, she was more interested in if Tom ate his vegetables to make himself so tall."
Both the Lestrange brothers hastily hid their snorts of laughter at that, ducking their heads even though their shoulders shook. Bella and Narcissa hid their grins behind their glasses while Lucius and Draco looked at Harry as if he had lost his mind.
"Excuse me?" Lucius said slowly.
"Oh yeah, seemed to be more amazed at the fact he was at least four foot taller than her." Harry said with a chuckle.
"She sounds sweet." Narcissa said softly.
"Petal is lovely," Harry agreed, "Tom thinks so too, but he's trying to keep his reputation intact."
"Which you do not help with." Tom grumbled, pouting slightly making Harry lean up to kiss it away.
"Eat your broccoli," He instructed, laughing when Tom nearly gaped at him.
"I hate you." Tom muttered, though he had a slight smile on his face and Harry grinned.
"I know,"
They turned back to the feast and struck up conversations with other people, not noticing Narcissa hissing to her sister to stop the Lestranges saying anything about their actions. Harry was speaking with Draco and Rabastan about the flying they did previously that day, and he was excited to challenge the youngest Lestrange brother to a flying contest. He remembered to set aside bits of everything he ate for the log, catching sight of the amount others were placing and keeping it roughly the same. Once they were all finished, Lucius rose, offered his arm to Narcissa, and led the group to where they would be holding the Burning of the Log. Harry grabbed his plate, taking Tom's arm and trying, quite unsuccessfully, to keep his excitement in check. Tom chuckled at his behaviour, watching as Harry's eyes shined as he saw the log light up for the first time. Tom brought Harry over, handing him the ceremonial blade to add blood to his sacrifice, before they both turned to Lucius for him to begin.
"Lady Magic, we bless you on this midwinter night." He murmured. "We offer our sustenance and our life force as appreciation for the gifts you have bestowed upon us." Lucius poured his plate in to the flames and they flared, stirring the magic within the air. After Lucius, they went in a clockwise circle around the log to offer their sacrifice to Lady Magic, the air getting thicker as the magic grew around them.
Harry was the final person to finish, pouring in his sacrifice and breathing in the rising magic. The flames grew, burning bright orange, almost white in intensity and magic seemed to explode around them, swirling and pulsing as she heard their voices and accepted their offerings. It danced around them, making Harry's own magic thrum under his skin, as if it was answering its mothers call. It was such an intense feeling that it left Harry breathless, to feel magic so potently, so fully, it was indescribable. When the flames eventually started to die down to their original height, they all took their seats, removing their formal robes for comfort. Harry was only too happy to curl in to Tom when the man wrapped his arm around his waist, he threw his legs over Tom's lap and settled his head on his shoulder as he watched the flames bounce around them.
Such peace was a rarity. Harry couldn't remember feeling so well relaxed and whole, it was odd, but very welcome. He had loads of work to do, and a million other things to accomplish, but at the very moment he didn't care; he'd deal with it when it came.
Harry vanished for an entire day much to the amusement of Tom, he'd seen the teen slip away from breakfast and just disappear. The final preparations for the upcoming balls were put in to arrangement, Narcissa had turned in to a half demon as the final touches of her own ball were put in to place. The first ball was just the next day, so Cissa was getting a bit worked up due to the fact that she had not managed to finalise her menu. Harry was oblivious to the world around him, focussing only on his work to keep himself going. After the day with Narcissa, he seemed to have caught the design bug because he kept coming up with different ideas, he had a dress for Paws and Raven for each ball as well as the random designs he had come up for Narcissa.
Only when he was sure he was run dry for ideas at the time did he leave his room and venture back in to Malfoy Manor as a whole. What he had done was work for the entire day before moving the remains of his designs and materials back up to his bedroom, turning back time and continuing from where he was working. When he emerged after his two days of work, he waited for his other self to fade out before moving all of the designs dresses back down to his work room. He walked down the hall on his way to the lounge to find Narcissa, but luck was on his side because he walked past a parlour and she was sat in there having tea with Naomi Greengrass.
"Ah Harry, you've made it in time for dinner," She said with a smile, Harry grinned.
"I've been busy,"
"I hope you remembered food," Narcissa warned and Harry blinked, food had not been top priority.
"I had a sandwich," He told her.
"And when was that?"
"Honestly, I have no idea," Harry flashed her a perfect smile which made her blush slightly and Naomi giggled.
"A charmer,"
"A pleasure to see you again, my Lady." Harry greeted swiftly kissing her hand and flashing her the same smile.
"You are terrible," Narcissa said, "Have I not warned you to keep your health in check."
"I know," Harry flashed a smirk, "But I do believe I said I was going to run a few designs for you?"
"Oh wonderful," Narcissa said with a touch of excitement, she turned to her friend, "The dress I showed you?"
"The gorgeous silver one that you said was handmade in front you?" Naomi confirmed and Narcissa nodded.
"Yes, the very same,"
"I remember it, it was truly stunning. You said it was from an upcoming designer; HPB." Naomi said, "I wondered what their work would be like later if that was only 'upcoming',"
"Would you care to see?" Harry asked and she looked at him startled.
"See?"
"Yes Mimi, Harry is the art and creation of HPB; Harry Potter-Black." Cissa told her with a smile.
"You, you made that gorgeous dress?" She questioned in amazement.
"Yes, I've been busy coming up with new designs. Actually, I've just finished the final one, I've made each one of my designs for viewing except the ones for the girls. Raven, my design partner, believes that creating a business out of this would be fun."
"Would you like to be present for the first ever exclusive viewing of HPB, I just know that this will take off." Narcissa questioned her friend, they both shared an excited squeal, that Harry was sure no one would ever know about, and got gracefully to their feet.
"Lead the way, Harry,"
Harry led them back to the room Narcissa had given him. It was a very large room and it was filled with light, all the previous furniture that had been in there had been shrunken and placed carefully in a trunk he had conjured and tucked away. What stood in place were 12 human shaped figures covered in black sheets with boxes at the feet and a few other boxes to the left.
"So, this is my Yule collection. The boxes at the feet are the shoes I would recommend with the dress, but there are other shoes that I've made and the clutches are around too." Harry explained motioning to everything as he spoke about it.
"You make shoes too?" Naomi asked and Harry nodded.
"Shoes, accessories, clutches, and dresses,"
"What about male clothing?"
"Raven's department mainly, she has an eye for male robes, but I do throw my part in when I have an idea, and I make great suits." Harry told her, "Now, when the covers are removed, you will see a chart next to them which shows all the colours that particular dress comes in."
"Ok,"
"Ready?"
"Yes!" they both exclaimed and Harry laughed, he waved his hand and the black covered all vanished showing all 12 dresses; they both gasped. Harry smirked, he had put a hellava lot of effort in to them, and he was rather impressed.
"Oh Harry," Narcissa murmured softly,
"They're beautiful," Naomi said equally as soft, they both seem to drift forward to the dresses and Harry couldn't help but grin when Narcissa gravitated towards the ones he had designed with her in mind. The first one was a shimmering silver fishtail dress with pale blue ruffles in the tail, it was a sweetheart neck line with a high back and he had paired it was a pale blue shimmering shoe and pale blue satin clutch. The second was a deep blue satin, strapless, A-line number which had a cluster detail on the left hip and diamonds running through the rippled and down the skirt, Harry had removed a few of the skirt layers to diminish the width of the skirt, but he had left most to keep the shape. He had paired it with dark blue, diamond studded shoe, silver elbow length satin gloves and a silver clutch which held a scattering of diamonds on it.
The third was a simple, golden dress that was clenched between the breast with snowflake in the centre. From there it flowed down loosely until it trailed on to the floor and it was made from silk, it was held up by two thick straps and he had paired it with a simple golden slipper and pale gold clutch. The final one was very daring, and it had been the last one he had made. It was a dark gold, completely backless dropping so low that it grazed the bottom curve, halter-neck dress which left little to the imagination, the front only had two strips of material that covered the breast and linked together just below the breast with a thin strip of diamonds leading down, there was also a split that finished high up on the thigh. It was risky and only someone with complete confidence would even think about wearing it, he had paired it with simple peep toe gold heels and a sparkly clutch.
"Do they meet your approval?" Harry asked.
"I want three of them," Narcissa stated, "The dark gold, the blue and the silver."
"The shoes also?"
"Yes, with a selection of wristbands. I will be wearing Malfoy and Black jewels too."
"I'll have them bagged and boxed for you, My Lady." Harry murmured and Narcissa smiled.
"I shall inform Lucius the bill has risen to 32,000." She said, "I am sure there will be no problem."
"Thanks," Harry called for Winky to wrap the selected dresses and take them to the Lady Malfoy's dressing room with the woman's permission. Harry followed Narcissa over to where Naomi seemed to be struggling with something, he had come up with these dresses while he was making the finished touches for Luna and Hermione's gowns, he had sketched them out and went from there. The first was a one shoulder number, done in bronze, with an elegant knot where the strap met the dress, there were a few layers of crossed material before going down to a thread of beads around the waist, from there it flowed down to the ground where Harry had added in different length layer so it stood out and curled slightly. The shoes to match were a simple bronze satin 4" heel with three diamonds on the toe in a triangle shape.
The second was a deep purple, it was almost a halter neck, only instead of being tied behind the neck, it went up to fascine around a collar of diamonds, the back of the dress was also attached to the same collar making the dress a high back number, it clenched in at the waist and had snowflakes going around before flowing down loosely to be paired with darker purple peep toe heels that had a snowflake on the back of the shoe. The third was royal blue, it had a sweetheart neckline and from the neckline to the hips it had embroidered primroses with glittering sapphires at the centre of each flower, before flowing down to the ground and Harry had made dark blue embellished shoes to match the primrose pattern with matching dark blue clutch. The final was a figure hugging, one shoulder red dress, from the shoulder strap down to the mid-thigh slit there were diamonds on one side, the dress flared out from the split and the back was covered in a clear red net and diamonds until the waist before the dress flowed down with a scattering of diamonds. He had finished the dress with a plain red closed in shoe and matching clutch.
"What is the matter, Mimi?" Narcissa questioned.
"I want them all!" She exclaimed, "All of them, with the shoes, and the clutches,"
"They are rather gorgeous," Narcissa agreed amused.
"How much are they? I'll pay anything," Naomi said to him.
"They don't really have a set price," Harry said sheepishly.
"I paid 7900 for the entire set," Cissa told her, "With a little tip of course,"
"Wonderful, I shall inform Hadrian to write out a draft of 32,000 immediately." She said brightly, "I cannot wait to feel the envy of those at our balls."
"I do take a hellish amount of pleasure in just thinking of Evelyn's reaction." Narcissa agreed.
"Is this the Lady Selwyn?"
"Yes, she was wearing, I'll admit, a gorgeous gown to the Malfoy ball and she could not stop speaking of how it was a gift from a Princess in some country. Hand chosen or something." Narcissa said dryly and Harry smirked,
"So your hand made, personally styled numbers are going to be a cause for stir?" He ventured and they both flashed shark-like grins.
"Most definitely,"
"Wonderful, I do so love causing stirs." Harry said laughing, "My Lady, if you would permit me to take your sizes, I can have your gowns fitted by the end of the day and sent to you. The Greengrass family are blue, bronze and red, yes?"
"Yes, we are. That would be wonderful, Harry." She said pleased, he made a note to change the purple to icy blue to fit in with the colours as she stepped on to the platform Harry just conjured and removed her clothes easily. Harry wondered how many people would envy his position right now and bit back a chuckle as he took her measurements, he took a full view of her figure as he did with Narcissa and dragged the image in to his book and nodded with a smile.
"All done, the adjustment will be made and finalised within the hour." He told her, "My elf will deliver them, she will come to you and ask where you require them before bringing them to make sure you are not busy when she arrives."
"Thank you,"
"What do you intend to do with the remaining dresses?" Narcissa asked, indicating the remaining five,
"I don't know yet, I already have dresses for my girls. I might give one of them to Ellen, and resize one for Alina as a gift." He shrugged, "I might keep them and have them modelled and photographed for an advertisement for the shop."
"It is such a shame Martina is no longer within our circle." Naomi sighed.
"I always said that contract would ruin her, but her father insisted on Parkinson." Cissa agreed.
"It was because of the business,"
"Yes, but that business was not as profitable as they believed." Harry scoffed, and the woman looked at him in question, "The Blacks funded that business and bailed them out more times than I can even remember."
"That explains everything," Narcissa mused, "I was unsure if you would actually pull funding, and when they went under I didn't know if it was you or something else."
"Oh it was me, and I relish in the fact that Parkinson still owes me money."
"Oh my," Naomi gasped, "To be in such debt is a disgrace,"
"And he still thought it would be a good idea to insult me; foolish man." Harry shook his head, he cast a tempus and blinked, "Right, time to eat I guess."
"Yes, you must catch up on the meals you have missed." Narcissa stated.
"Then after, do you wish to discuss the menu?" Harry asked and Narcissa's eyes lit up.
"I would love to, Harry." She said to him before turning to her friend, "Allow me to show you to the floo."
"Of course, Cissa."
They linked arms and Harry shook his head. He began his resizing and recolouring, as it shouldn't take too long. He had edited a few colour changing spells to work on permanently dying his clothes, because he never did like making replicas. The only problem was, he had to edit the spells differently for each material, which is why he had the colour chart in which the dresses could come in. Once they were done, he sent them off with Winky and shadowed to the rooms back in Hogwarts, turning his time turner back ten hours and getting to work.
If he and Narcissa were going to talk about the ball menu then it would be easier if he had all of his dishes prepared for her to see and taste. When he was finished, he charmed them to stay fresh and warm/cold and shadowed back to the dinging when the times matched, grinning when Tom rolled his eyes at the action, taking his customary seat. Harry couldn't help but laugh when Lucius was overcome with hacking coughs at the price Narcissa informed him she had just spent on her ball gowns. What made it all the more funny was the proud and powerful Lucius Malfoy offering a meek "Yes, dear," once had recovered the ability to breathe normally, and then mouthing "32 thousand galleons" with a look of utter disbelief to the Dark Lord behind her back. Even Tom hastily covered his laughter at the Malfoy Lord's predicament, but everyone at that table knew he would never deny his wife anything. One thing was certain, Lucius Malfoy adored his wife.
"To the kitchen with us, Harry." Narcissa announced, once the meal was finished. Both Tom and Draco's attention snapped around as the pair rose, looking very interested in what they were doing and even Lucius perked up.
"The black forest cheesecake, I believe, has already been decided." Harry told Tom, smiling at the man's pleased expression. He pressed a kiss to Tom's cheek and left with Narcissa. The Lady Malfoy took him down to a part of the manor he had never seen, and in to a wide open kitchen, that had four elves running about. They all froze when their mistress entered, and then many exclamations of service burst forth.
"Go back to your work, we are merely using some of your space." Narcissa told them and they bowed and followed her word.
"So, as I said, I have come up with a few things to run past you for your ball." Harry began, "And I made them for you to see and taste before you decide."
"When did you ever have the time to make them?" Narcissa wondered and Harry grinned.
"I made them all after you suggested this meeting earlier." Harry answered, flashing his timeturner.
"I shall never become used to those things." She stated with a sniff, making Harry chuckle.
"Shall we begin with starters?" Harry offered, "I have to admit I struggled with these, they are not my speciality at all."
"I will be happy to try anything." Narcissa assured him. Harry smiled and calling for Winky to bring the first course. She popped in with four dishes, each presented in a different way and Narcissa's eyes light up when she saw them. She took a bit of the lemon sorbet to make sure all flavours were off her tongue before nodded to say that she was ready.
"The first, the meat starter, is Smoked Duck, Walnut and Blue Cheese Salad with Beetroot Sorbet." Harry told her, pushing polished silver plate forward. He had had to make it once before for the Durseleys at one of the fancy dinners the whale liked to host, he, personally, didn't like it that much, but that was because of the blue cheese; he hated the stuff. The duck sat in slices over the cheese salad in the very centre of the plate, with the sorbet quenelle shaped on top.
"It is very neat." Narcissa said, "Clean and precise."
"I was at a loss on how to present it, if I am honest." Harry admitted with a shrug. Cissa picked up a fork and sampled it slowly, rolling the flavours and textures over on her tongue before taking another bite. She nodded and then turned to the next one.
"I wasn't sure if you were going on the meat/vegetarian route or meat/fish/vegetarian," Harry said, allowing her to cleanse her palette with the lemon sorbet and then pushing his next plate forward.
"For Yule, we usually present a full menu."
"Even better," Harry decided. "This is a crab claw salad, made with lightly salted cucumber, mango and chimiechurri dressing." He had presented this in a martini glass, with a layer of chopped cucumber at the bottom, followed by the mango and then the crab salad on top. The clear glass became frosted at the bottom, like it was icy and it was a stand-alone item.
"I love this presentation," Narcissa told him, "It is very unique for a starter presentation, and the design on the glass itself fits with the season perfectly." She repeated the process of sampling the food and then cleansing her pallet, and Harry pushed his final starter forward.
"This is a truffled parmesan mousse, made with mushrooms and green vegetables." Harry said. He had used a halo tumbler for this, with white frosting on the base of the glass that led out on to the silver plate he had set it on.
"Again, very unique and with the season, those this one seems warmer." Cissa mused, "I think it might be the richness of the honey colours against the creams and the sharp green."
Once she had finished and sat back, Harry folded his hands in front of him and waited for her verdict.
"I liked them all." She told him, "But I do not believe the duck would be suited at all."
"Fair enough," Harry banished the plate to the other end as the Lady contemplated the other two.
"I almost selected them both because they were beautifully made and complimented their other flavours well, but the Yule season this year is going to be absolutely crucial. I have no doubt that there will be whispers of the crab claw being too 'cold' for Yule, so I will have to decline that dish for Yule." Narcissa decided, "I wish for it to have a place in next summer's solstice ball, on the other hand."
"I would be honoured." Harry accepted with grace and Cissa smiled.
"I must have the truffled parmesan, however. It is a gorgeous combination of flavours, and the colourings match the warmth needed for the Yule season."
"Thank you," Harry said with a pleased smile, "Shall we move to mains."
"Let's." She agreed.
"We start with a lime cleanser this time." Harry said, "I made one for each course beginning."
"Oh lovely,"
"First up we have brill, pomme dauphine with crab ravioli and a garlic and saffron cream foam sauce on a bed of kale." Harry said with flourish.
"I haven't had brill in sometime." Narcissa noted, looking the plate over. The fish was sliced in half and crossed over on the kale, with the pomme dauphine spaced between the crab ravioli around the fish and the sauce drizzled over the fish and around the edge of the plate. Cissa sampled a bite of everything individually before trying it as a whole and then cleansing her palette.
"Next we have tea and orange marinated rump steak with fondant potato, ginger baby carrots and a parsnip puree." The steak was led in the parsnip puree with three carrots and the potato to the side on an oval plate.
"What tea did you use for this?" She asked, liking the unusual flavours.
"Lapsang Souchong tea with a bit of Szechuan pepper."
"I do not believe I have had it."
"It is a Chinese tea. Petunia was in a woman's group and they went through an 'aromatic tea' phase, and this recipe was in the book she brought home about incorporating tea in to cooking. I added the pepper and the potato, they served it with boiled new potatoes." Harry explained.
"I see." Cissa cleansed her palette as Harry moved forward her next dish.
"Roast partridge, squash puree with girolle mushrooms, fondant potatoes and wild mushroom essence."
Harry had set this dish out like a mirror, everything was perfectly placed, right down to the scattered mushrooms down the centre of the plate. Narcissa raised her eyebrow at the presentation, but wasted no time to digging in to her tasting and cleaning her pallet once again.
"Finally we have poached chicken, with spinach, arancini and saffron sauce."
The chicken was placed on the spinach, with the three arancini around the edge of the plate and the sauce poured over the meat.
"That is a very clever combination." Narcissa said with a quirk of her lips.
"Unfortunately, I couldn't come up with a vegetarian main which was good enough for a ball." Harry told her, "So that's all for mains."
"I shall be choosing two of these and changing my menu layout." She decided, "I simply have to serve the brill and the chicken. I shall find another fish course and we will have four courses."
"I can offer two more fish options?" Harry offered, "Cod, salmon or sea bass?"
"Salmon and sea bass sound good, do you think you could have two dishes ready by tomorrow afternoon, before you leave to prepare for Hadrian's ball?"
"Yes, I can work on them in the morning before running them past you." Harry agreed.
"And on to deserts." Narcissa said brightly, looking forward to what was coming.
"So I've tried something new with the palette cleanser this time, and used honeydew melon. I've often found it refreshing and it doesn't linger." Harry said to her, pushing it forward to try once Winky had taken the dismissed plates and replaced them again with deserts. "I've got the previously tasted black forest cheesecake, but this time it comes with a cherry sorbet."
"I shall have to try it again, to make sure of course." Cissa told him and Harry nodded seriously.
"Of course."
"Yes, there is no doubt that this is perfect." She stated and Harry grinned.
"Tom is rather fond of that one."
"I can understand why."
"Next a pistachio and chocolate soufflé, with a chocolate creme fraiche ice cream."
Harry had placed the soufflé on the centre of the plate with icing dusting over it and he served the ice cream in a mini frosted bowl placed to the left.
"The soufflé is only lightly flavoured with chocolate." She pointed out.
"Yes, I thought if it was too chocolately it would become heavy. So I subbed out and made the ice cream." Harry explained.
"I see, yes." Cissa agreed, "Especially after three previous courses."
"Finally I have a buttermilk panna cotta and honeycomb sandwich, with a raspberry sorbet."
The 'sandwich' was in the centre of the square plate, there were three pieces of honeycomb holding two squares of panna cotta with the sorbet quinelled on top between four fresh raspberries. He had lightly dusted the entire plate to give it that frosted look and watched as Narcissa bit in to it.
"This is beautiful," She exclaimed, "Yes, this will be used also."
"So we have the cheesecake and the panna cotta." Harry confirmed.
"Yes, and I shall take all of your pallet cleansers, then everyone can have a selection; that will appear very nicely." Narcissa added.
"I also have a selection of crystallised nuts and dried fruits for after desert." Harry informed her, snapping his fingers and summoning Winky to bring in the martini glasses filled with the nuts and fruits.
"These are lovely." Narcissa said to him, "These can go on the drinks table and in the centre of the floating platters."
"So I am making one starter, one main, three fish, two deserts and the evening bites." Harry said, writing everything down on his conjured quill and parchment. "How many guests are we expecting?"
"Around fifty two." Narcissa answered.
"So if I make for fifty seven then we should be covered."
"That shall be plenty."
"Brilliant."
"Are you sure you are able to do so much?" Narcissa asked in concern.
"It'll be fine, Cissa. I have my turner and I have the help of elves."
"If you are sure?"
"It would be my pleasure to make these dishes for you ball, Cissa." Harry assured her, "Besides, it'll be fun."
"Leave the tidying to the elves and come to the sitting room, Hadrian's ball is tomorrow and I believe we deserve a nice relaxing evening." Narcissa decided, linking him by the arm and forcing him to lead her out. Lucius and Tom were in a discussion when they entered, though Draco was absent.
"I was beginning to wonder if you would ever return." Tom greeted and Harry flashed a grin.
"Apparently Cissa likes my cooking." Harry returned, "We've altered the menu a bit."
"How many alterations?" Lucius asked cautiously, sounding as if he was dreading the answer.
"We are now serving a fish course and after desert snacks." Cissa answered, and Lucius blinked.
"Very well, we shall have to alter the menus."
"It is no bother, Lucius. Harry managed to present the dishes in with our winter theme so we need only add the courses." Narcissa waved him off, remarkably breezy about more changes this close to the ball itself.
"Wonderful, everything is in order then?" Lucius made sure to phrase it as a question just in case; his wife was rather wound during ball season.
"Oh yes. With Harry's wonderful gown making skills, and his excellence in cooking, our ball is set to be perfect." She announced, daintily taking her seat and accepting the drink Lucius handed to her. The Malfoy Lord sent Harry a grateful look, thanking him for saving him many of headaches that usually followed during the ball season.
"As I said before, Cissa, I am happy to help." Harry told her, nodding to Malfoy as he spoke.
"We were speaking of tomorrow evening's ball." Tom informed them, "And of Hadrian's intentions."
"He wishes to begin conversing over a Vote, yes?" Harry remembered.
"Yes, we were merely discussing how he would attempt to spread word."
"Well he's going for the announcer route, meaning he's probably going to be quite direct about it."
"What makes you so certain?" Narcissa asked.
"Announcer means no personal introductions, they are being announced meaning that everyone will know someone who knows the person they don't know." Harry pointed out and then grinned, "That is English, please just work through it."
"I see what you mean." Tom allowed, "Each circle will either know of the House or will have had someone who heard the announcement of the House, making it so conversation of up-to-date topics can begin immediately."
"Exactly," Harry nodded, "He'll already have Lord Davis there with him, and both Fudge and Dumbledore have left themselves open for too long."
"It's going to be an interesting perspective." Lucius agreed, "I am almost displeased that our balls are not open, I would just adore to hear what the light families are saying right now."
"Luckily we are not completely cut off." Tom reminded him, then he looked at Harry, "Don't you have a direct line in to one of the most light-minded houses?"
Harry's expression curled in to a delighted smirk.
"Ah Nev, such a great guy."
"The Longbottom heir, ah yes." Lucius remembered, "The next Wizengamot will be beautiful."
"Of that I have no doubt." Harry agreed, "Especially after the balls."
"I am really looking forward to tomorrow." Narcissa murmured, and everyone agreed with that.
So there we have it, the final chapter before the ball! I know, I've held out on you long enough and I promise you that the ball will be next. Let me know what you think please guys, and I'll get working on the ball ASAP.
Jess*
P.S. Many of the recipes I've used here come from www. fdathome. co. uk/ it's an awesome food blog made easy!