Hello to all my loves! Over 200 reviews!

The next chapter of my beloved story is here for you to read. I hope you all enjoy!

I don't own Harry Potter. Don't sue me please.

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"Talk"

'Think'

"Parseltongue"

Chapter 15 – Summer Solstice Gala

Harry could barely keep his calm mask on as he stood in the Leaky Cauldron waiting for Hermione to get there with her parents. He wanted his girl there. Petunia hid her smile and giggle as well as she could as she watched her nephew shifting from playing with Nightshade and watching the door waiting for his female Pack member. If she didn't know that he was too young and thought of the Pack as family she would think he liked the girl. Dudley couldn't see past Harry's mask but he even knew that Harry was impatient to see his friend. He smothered a laugh when Amara hit Harry on the head with her tail when he moved too much and woke her from her nap.

After 10 minutes of waiting, Hermione walked in wearing a pair of jeans and a long sleeve red shirt that had the Gryffindor insignia on display under her cloak. She held her father's hand, pulling him along in eagerness. Harry broke from his cousin and aunt's sides to slip between people in the packed pub. He got to Hermione only to pull her into a hug. Hermione didn't mind, letting go of her father to hold onto her Alpha like her life depended on it. Harry felt water on his neck and tightened his hold on his girl. He knew she had been having a hard time with being away from the Pack. They all had. The only ones who were feeling less than everyone else was the twins but even they felt the distance and were affected by it as the summer went on.

"It's okay. I got you. You can sleep next to me tonight. No nightmares. I'll protect you. You'll feel better in no time." Harry soothingly whispered into her ear, making sure no one else could hear him. He felt her nod into his neck. He sent his magic to clean up her face so no one would be able to tell she had been crying. He kissed her hair and gave her one last squeeze.

"I've missed you." Hermione pulled away smiling.

"I missed you too. But you have two weeks at my house with the twins and then a week at the twin's house with me." Harry turned to her father standing silent watching. He held out his hand. "Harrison Evans, sir."

"Dr. Markus Granger. Nice to meet you young man." Markus gave Harry's hand a firm shake.

Harry led Hermione and Markus over to his aunt and cousin. "This is my aunt, Petunia Evans and my cousin, her son, Dudley Dursley. Petunia, Dudley, this is my Hermione and her father Dr. Markus Granger."

While the pleasantries were being made between his family and Markus, Harry wrapped his arm around Hermione's waist and pulled her close to his side. Hermione grabbed onto his shirt leaning into him. "I asked Mrs. Malfoy to recommend a good formal dress shop and there is one called Millie's Fantasy. The owner, Millie Mason, does all the dresses herself and is an old friend of Mrs. Malfoy. We'll go there and get your dress done. Aunty is going to take Dudley to look around so when we are done getting your dress picked out and designed we'll go check out any store that catches our eye. How does that sound?"

Hermione grinned, tightening her grip on his shirt. "That sounds good. Daddy gave me money for the dress and some books."

Harry snorted. "No."

"No?" Hermione didn't understand. "No what?"

"Hermione you don't need to worry about money with me okay. I was planning on paying for everything." Harry stopped Hermione from arguing by giving her a light squeeze. "No arguing. I am paying."

Harry turned back to the other three with him and noticed they were all watching him with amusement. Markus grinned, crossing his arms over his chest. "Now young man, what are your intentions with my baby girl?"

Harry fought to keep a cool mask up and not smile at the man. He liked him already. "I swear to you sir, I only intend to treat your daughter as the lady she is. I intend to spoil her every chance I can and protect her with my life. She is not just your daughter in my eyes but my beautiful, intelligent, caring sister." By the end of his speech Hermione was blushing and grinning like a mad woman. Markus gave a laugh.

Markus gave Harry a light slap on the back. "Good lad. It's good to know Hermione has such good friends. She speaks highly of all her 'Pack', as she calls you guys, but it's good to hear it from one of the people she talks about. I think we will get along fine Harrison."

After Markus left, Harry led Hermione away from his family. He kept his arm around her waist and she moved her grip on his shirt from his side to the middle of his back. Harry led the way past Gringgots to a small little shop with a washed out sign on the door.

Inside of the shop was filled with fabrics of high quality and already made dresses. There were masks, wigs, and beauty potions all lined up on the walls without fabric or dresses. A woman in a pink silk multi layered chiffon dress greeted them. "Welcome to Millie's Fantasy. I am Millie. What can I do for you today?"

"Good day madam. I am here for a dress to complement this beauty next to me. It will be for the Malfoy Summer Solstice Gala." Harry easily took charge and slipped into his charming side.

"Yes, Harrison and Hermione. Lady Malfoy told me to expect you. Please step forward young lady. Let me see you." Hermione let Harry go and stepped forward. Millie circled her a few times. "Light blue would compliant your skin nicely. What are you wishing to go as?"

Hermione looked lost so Harry once again stepped in. "What about a water nymph? Make the dress flow and ripple like water as she walked. Have it mixes of light blue and blue silver."

Millie paused to think, looking Hermione up and down. "I can do that. You will need a mask for the Gala so I can make it mainly silver blue with lighter blue swirled around it. What jewelry will be worn?"

Hermione was able to speak up this time. "A silver high elven biased tiara and a ribbon choker with a jewel."

"I can work with that. I'll have to make the mask smaller. Okay I just need you to come in three days from now for a fitting and it should be done." Millie excused herself to start on the design.

When Hermione saw that Millie was done with her, she readjusted herself into Harry's side, once again holding the back of his shirt with his arm around her waist. They spent an hour walking store to store. Hermione had found the tiara for the gala at a little jewelry store hidden by some of Diagon Alley's bigger stores. They went to a few of the book stores, both bought a couple of books each that interested them.

Harry paused in front of Knockturn Alley. He looked at Hermione. He fixed her cloak so it didn't show her clothing underneath and pulled her hood up. He fixed his own cloak even though he was just wearing a button up shirt and black slacks, and pulled his own hood up. His let some of his magic out to wrap around Hermione to make her feel safe and to give his eyes their glow. Hermione relaxed as they walked. Anyone who got to close would feel Harry's magic push them away.

They soon found a store that sold everything. Borgin and Burkes was a strange store but Harry ignored it and kept a tight hold of his magic. He read the different book titles on the shelves. "Harrison." Hermione was worried. Almost all of this was the Dark Arts. Harry just gave her a small squeeze telling her to trust him. They spent only twenty minutes in the store but hrrison found a few books that he added to his collection.

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The week moved fast. Harry and Hermione spent it going through the library and getting ready for the Gala. Hermione's dress and mask was done and ready. Harry had gone to the tailor to have a nice set of classy modern dress robes made. The evening of the Gala came and both of them had Minny take their outfits to the Malfoy Mansion while they went through the floo.

Harry and Hermione stepped into the sitting room to see Draco waiting with his Father. They both turned to see who came through the floo. Without a care Draco got up to hug both of them. "Man have I missed you guys. Neville is going to be here in a while and the twins just went to change. The whole Pack's going to be here."

"Oh I've missed you Draco. Letters are so not a good substitute to talking face to face." Hermione wrapped her left arm around his right. He let her.

"Tell me about it. I can't wait to get back to Hogwarts. Get back to the Snakes and Ravens. Being able to talk to the Pack any second I wish to, and being able to sleep a full night." Draco gave a dramatic sigh.

"Speaking of sleep. Harry did you find anything about why we are acting like that?" Hermione leaned into Draco, moving to one of the couches to sit on. She gave a soft smile to Lord Malfoy. "Good evening Lord Malfoy. I hope you and your wife are well."

"Good evening to you to Ms. Granger. My wife and I are well, thank you." He turned to Harry. "Harrison you are doing well I see."

"Yes. Thank you for the invitation to your family's Solstice Gala. Also congratulation on having your bill passed. It was very well written." Harry took the last single chair.

"I was unaware you were interested in politics Mr. Evans." Lucius moved a little to face him. Draco and Hermione were both watching, knowing that there was something going on beneath the words they were speaking.

"I am to a point. I do have some seats to fill in the coming years. Your bill caught my attention because it was on teaching the theory behind all magic, not just light and neutral. I agree. I don't like that students cannot learn about all magic. Magic shouldn't be restricted. It is not right. I am all for the bill." Harry kept his face calm with his mask and kept eye contact with the man across from him.

Lucius gave a nod before saying he needs to go help his wife finish the last-minute touches. Harry waited till he was gone to turn back to Hermione and Draco. "Now to answer your question Hermione, I've found little things. I'm still looking into it. We will talk more on this when the Pack is together."

They sat in silence just enjoying each other's company before they went upstairs to get ready for the evening. Harry felt people arriving single and in pairs. He pulled on his silk emerald button up shirt. His black dress pants were put on next. He tucked in his shirt and pulled on the black vest. His robe was a dark green that almost looked black. They were made to look like a suit more than anything. The whole outfit fit like a glove and he knew he looked good. He pulled his shoulder length hair back into a low ponytail. He looked like the Lord he would be next year.

He put the last finishing touch on, his mask. He chose a half mask that covered the upper half of his face including his scar. It was black with whimsical swirls of emerald drawing from his temples to under his eyes and came to a stop at the inner comers of his eyes. He let some of his power out. His eyes gave off a subtle glow. He flashed himself a smirk in the mirror. Amara slipped herself around his shoulders and proceeded to settle for sleep. He wasn't worried, as many would think she was just an enchantment.

He walked out of the room to find his twins standing side by side. If he had to guess he were dressed as Aeolus and Boeotus, the twin sons of Poseidon. Fred was dressed as Aeolus, the god of wind. He wore a white shirt under a grey vest and his robes liked like the winds of a tornado, mixing different greys and whites. His mask was dark grey with flecks of white that moved time to time.

George was dressed as Boeotus, the ancestral hero of the Boeotians. He had a white shirt with a gold vest. He wore a golden robe to imitate armor and flowed like the wind gave him favor. His mask was a half mask and had shaped edges to imitate a golden helmet.

"Twins, Aeolus and Boeotus yes?" Harry asked stepping to their sides. They gave him a look over and grinned.

"Yeah, why are we not surprised that you know Greek mythology?" George laughed. "Thank you for giving us money for our robes. We will pay you back some how."

"You will do no such thing." Harry bumped his shoulders with them.

Fred wrapped an arm around Harry's shoulder, "Now you on the other hand look smart. Are you matching Hermione? She didn't tell us what she was."

Harry laughed. Of course, she won't tell, she wants to surprise them with how good she looks in that dress. "In a way I am. She's a water nymph, I'm an earth nymph."

"And you are missing something." They turned at the sound of Hermione's voice. Harry saw her in her dress when they went to get it fitted but with her all made up, he felt shock.

"Wow, 'mione you look gorgeous." The dress was floor length with a sweetheart top, and long flowing sleeves. Like he had asked, the dress looked like water rippling and flowing around her with each movement she made. Her choker was ribbon with an aquamarine oval stone, her grandmothers she told him earlier this week. The mask was delicate, just covering her eyes and the top of her cheeks. Her hair was straighter than normal with only light waves. The tiara sat in her hair like it was meant to always be there. A small aquamarine jewel dangled from the dipped tip to rest in the middle of her forehead. Her lips were painted a light sparkle blue, her eyes were outlined in a dark blue that made her brown eyes pop, and as a finishing touch she wore silver eye shadow.

She giggled at the twins, who had their mouths open in shock. She pulled her hands from behind her back. They held a blackened silver headband. When he looked closer he saw it had some runes on it. It was nice, Harry had to give her credit. She reached up and placed it on his head. It settled a little above his mask. She paused before pulling his hair out of the ponytail he had it in. She ran her fingers through it a few times and smiled. "Perfect. When I saw your robes and you told me what you were going as I remembered this and thought it would look good. I gave Minny the money dad gave me to go get it for me while you were cooking yesterday."

Harry held out his arm. She took it without hesitation. "Thank you. If you think it looks good then I'll believe you."

"No she's right." Fred grinned at him, arm still around Harry's shoulder.

"Yeah it looks better with it." George offered Hermione his arm on her other side. She happily took it.

"Well this is a picture." Neville smiled coming up the hallway. "I don't feel so overdressed anymore."

Hermione gushed at him. "Oh Neville you look so handsome."

Neville wore the traditional wear of a noble house heir. He had a white shirt under a black vest and a traditional black robe. His mask was a simple red 3 quarter one, stopping just above his lips and curving down to points at his jaw.

"Yeah, Grand does tradition only. I can't complain though." He grinned at Fred who let go of Harry to drape his self over Neville's shoulders.

Hermione hugged him. "I have missed you so much Neville. I hate that you are out of the country most of the summer."

"I know what you mean. It's nice to back with the Pack." Neville let Hermione go back to her spot on Harry's arm. "Draco actual asked me to come get you guys. The gala is starting."

"Well you heard the man-" George pushed Harry forward.

"Let's get going. Lead the way Alpha." Fred moved himself and Neville to the side to let him pass. Harry just laughed as he led the way down the hall and to the stairs.

Draco stood at the bottom in a white version of Neville's robes but his mask was a simple white half mask that covered his eyes. They made their way down the stairs to stand by him. "There you guys are. A lot of the Snakes and some of the Ravens are here Harry. People are going to know you are the current King. There are also people who were kings and queens themselves and are going to be watching."

"I say we give the same entrance we give at school." Hermione answered Draco's unanswered question. "If there are many Snakes and Ravens then it's what they will be expecting and it will help reinforce that we as still the Pack and Harry is still going to be King next year." Harry hid his grin when the others gave Hermione a look. Hermione saw it too. "Harry's been teaching me about the silent politics that go on at these events."

"Okay. Big entrance then." Draco grinned. He loved doing those.

"Are your father and mother going to be okay with this? This is after all their home and their gala." Harry didn't want to offend anyone.

"They are fine. Father cornered me when you guys want to change. It seems that someone told father that you were Slytherin's king and that you made me your second. Father has been waiting for me to tell him since then. I thought he was going to be pissed that I wouldn't be king like he was but you made a good impression on both my parents so they don't care." Draco explained pushing Harry's concern aside.

"Okay. Let's go then." Just like the first time they walked into the Great hall, Draco stood proud to Harry's left and Hermione was graceful on his arm to his right. Neville stood tall behind Harry with a twin on either side of him.

They walked through the elaborate door that leads into the ballroom that was already filled with many guests. The Ravens and Snakes that went to school with them all quieted and watched as they entered. Many of the adults in attendence turned to see what got the younger guests so interested. They saw a group of six young guests walking in strong and united. Many just dismissed them as children wanting attention but those that were in touch with students or teachers of Hogwarts knew who they were and kept an eye on them as they walked to an empty table. They watched as the leader helped his female companion into her chair before sitting himself. They watched as the others sat after the leader did. To some the group was replaced by another from the past, one made of all Slytherins.

The Pack ignored all the looks they received. They all sat, leaving room for Neville's Grandmother and Draco's parents. Harry sent out a small pulse of his magic to place a sound barrier around them. "When we got here Hermione asked me if I found anything about the bond we all seemed to have formed. I did somewhat. It seems that once in a while a group's magic responds to each other and forms a bond. The effects we feel is normal for a new bond. It should settle at school when are around each other all the time again."

"Well that sucks in a way. Is there any benefits?" Draco signed. He hated not sleeping right.

"It depends on the person. The book I read said that sometimes the bond is just the feeling of safety, other times it's feeling when a member is sick or hurt, the feelings of the other members, knowing where they are with truly knowing, and in extreme cases telepathy. The book said that members can have the same thing or different. These bonds are rare so they are not well researched." Harry told them reaching for the glass in front of him.

"May I see that book? No offence Harry but while you are smart you might have missed something." Hermione stated. She wanted to know everything she could about this bond of there.

"None taken. I may have a photographic memory but I do have a habit of brushing off small things that I see as unimportant. You don't, our little researcher." Harry gave her hand a squeeze.

"Hey if she's your researcher, Fred and I call being your inventors and spies." George grinned liking the idea.

"I'm already your representative for the Snakes when you can't be with them so I call full-time representative position." Draco stuck his tongue out in a playful manner at the twins.

"What about Neville? What shall your job be?" Hermione looked over the boy.

Neville shrugged, "I'll be another of his eyes and ears. I've noticed that people aren't as tight-lipped around me. They don't think much of me so I can learn a lot just sitting in a corner of the room."

"So three spies, two inventors, a rep., and a researcher. We got a nice set up going on. We could take over the school!" They laughed at Fred.

Their talking was cut short as Lord Malfoy stood. Harry dropped the barrier. "Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for coming to our Summer Solstice Gala. When the sun sets we will move outside to light the fire and start the music. Until then please enjoy a meal and drink."

Many took seats. Lady Longbottom came over to their table and sat in a free seat between Neville and two empty seats from Draco. Lady Malfoy took the seat beside her son and Lord Malfoy soon took his seat between her and Lady Longbottom. A plate with Roasted lamb, steamed green beans, and freshly cut apples appeared before them.

"Mr. Potter, Neville tells me you helped him in Defense." Lady Longbottom commented. Neville sent a glance over to her, annoyance flashing in his eyes.

Harry saw this and just pulled up his calm, charming mask. "It's Evans madam and your grandson is talented. He's third in our year. All I did was explain a few details, everything else was all him."

"I was also told that you are the Ravenclaw King. That's quite an achievement for someone under third year, let alone a first year." Harry just gave a small nod. The woman was tring to get under his skin. "The Slytherin King too. Now tell me if you will, how did that happen?"

"I guess you can blame that on me Lady Longbottom. The last king didn't like that I, as the Slytherin prince, was friends with Harrison. He challenged Harrison with the idea that he would win and we would not be allowed to associate with each other. Harrison didn't like that so he took the challenge and won." Draco set his silverware down. Lady Longbottom was trying to start a fight all because Neville was one of Harry's.

"Harrison doesn't like other people to try to dictate his friends' actions. None of us do actually. We are quite protective of each other." Hermione smiled sweetly. The threat was loud and clear in her unspoken words. She knew that Lady Longbottom though little of Neville and in turn would think little of his friends. He was Pack, if she wanted to start something she was going to have to deal with all of them. It didn't matter that they were still kids.

Lord and Lady Malfoy watched all that was happening at the table. They shared a quick glance knowing this could go south and fast. They just couldn't tell who would win though. "All of them are in the top of their classes. From what Draco has been telling me, your grandson is very good at potions. He told me they split their time between potions and spell work."

"He is tied in first place in Herbology thought." George smiles. She hates that subject so they wanted to poke at her.

Lady Longbottom went to say something else but Harry beat her, deciding that he was done with her. "Lady Malfoy I never did thank you for recommending Millie did I? She was everything you said she was."

"That she is. She does all my clothes. Ms. Granger that dress is simply stunning on you." Narcissa knew what Harry was doing and had no problem with it. She never did like Lady Longbottom.

"Thank you Lady Malfoy, though no one can even dream to matching your beauty. Your dress is exquisite." Hermione ignored Lady Longbottom's glare. Narcissa did look beautiful in the simple black corset dress with dark purple butterfly wings that sparkled. Her mask was a black and purple butterfly that covered most of her face.

The rest of the meal was eaten in silence. Harry watched the people around him. He had his back to the wall so he could see the whole room from his seat. It was calm. Many were just enjoying themselves. Soon the plates were gone. In groups people were making their way out of the doors into the garden in the back where the fire was going to be lit. Harry went with his Pack.

"Harry?" He turned to Hermione who was holding onto Draco's arm. "What's our week going to look like? What do you have planned?"

"Library, pranks, experiments, and just all-around fun. Sound good?" He gave a grin to the girl.

Many heads turned at the sound of younger guests laughter that night. The Pack spent the night joking and playing around, cherishing the small amount of time they had all together that summer. When the night came to an end Neville got hugs and promises of letters and gifts for his birthday. Draco got the same promise as he was leaving the country to go to his family's home in Italy and wouldn't be back till the start of school.

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Hope you all liked it! Thank you so much for over 200 reviews! I feel so loved.