A/N Thank you all for the reviews. Like always it is nice to get them. Harry Potter is not mine this is a story from a fan
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It was not long after the meeting that they all went back to their homes. The next day the adults had to go back to work while the friends had to go back to Hogwarts. The one thing they knew was that they would be back at Hogwarts just before dinner. Minerva, however, could not help her self but had to ask for the oath Narcissa took. "Harry did you make her do it".
Harry didn't have to think long to know what his grandmother was talking about. And as he thought about a good way to answer it, he could see Augusta and Isabella looking at him in the same curious. "We didn't make her do it we only told her that she was expendable".
Minerva gasped, "You just told her you didn't want her".
"No, we just told her we wouldn't think twice if she was to go away. It wasn't long after it that she understood that we could not trust her as long as she was with Lucius. She was at that moment nothing more than the trophy wife of a Death Eater".
Minerva looked at him with a calculating gaze. But it's was Isabella that had to ask, "But why an oath on her magic".
Bella took it over from Harry, "We didn't ask for one on her magic, we didn't even ask for an oath at all. But my sister knew that she had to make it clear that she would be on our side. Her word was good enough for us but with Lucius as her husband, it was not. Not with the things he does for pleasure. So with an oath on her magic, we knew she would always be true to us. Even if she wanted to betray us her magic would keep it from her making it also much more safer for herself. It was also that oath that made her much more valuable for all of us because we had someone that not only knew of the old ways but one that had the first look of the other side, meaning the side of the Death Eaters". It was not long after the talk they all went back to Hogwarts.
*#*
There were only two weeks left until the Christmas holiday, but also two weeks until the ball. Something that was the talk of Hogwarts. What do you wear and who is your date. For Neville and Harry, it was even a bigger question because they had a date but they themselves didn't know who their own date was. They did ask their own girls who they were but they kept their lips firmly shut about the subject. Harry even told Bella and Daphne that if they didn't tell him he would not be kissing them until after the ball. They just looked at him and started to kiss each other. "We will survive," they said together at the same time between another round of kissing.
Every day they would ask the girls who would be their dates, Everyday it was the same answer and every day they still wouldn't know who would be their date. So each morning they would look at everyone who didn't have a date something that would be repeated by lunch and in the evening at dinner. As they looked around they just could not see who it could be.
As time went on the ball came closer and closer. So it was on the day of the big event that Harry told Neville that he knew who it would be that would go with him.
Neville looked at him and took a sip from his pumpkin juice.
"I think it will be Millicent".
The pumpkin juice went flying over the table. "What you say. I know she is a lovely girl but Hermione would not do that to me. If I step on her toe she would not notice it. If it would be the other way around I would be limping for a month" he said with a smile as he gave a little shake of fear.
Never seeing Hermione and Daphne standing behind them. "She is not his date but he will be dancing with her as punishment," Hermione told Daphne with a giggle as they walked on.
"Yes and Harry too just for suggesting it," Daphne told her.
Neville who had still been oblivious of the fact that Hermione had stood behind him just looked at Harry who had been sitting next to him. "I know that you are making fun but you would not think she would do it do you" It was a moment of silence that went between them before Neville turned to Harry and said. "What would you do if Bellatrix would be your date for the evening".
I would love it but I think that Albus would get a heart attack when she comes walking into the great hall. One thing is sure I would have the dance floor all to my self".
Neville got a smile on his face. "I know she isn't coming but I would almost hope she would, just to see the look on his face".
At ten in the morning, Harry and Neville stood as the made their way back to the common room of Hogwarts. As they walked down the hallway they saw the painting was opened. The next thing they saw were the boys coming out of it all with a bag of clothes in their hands and the painting was closed again. So Harry walked on, passed the other boys and knocked on the painting because it wouldn't open for him. Salazar was sitting next to Godric in the corner of the painting. Helga and Rowena were hanging over them threatening to do them harm if they opened the painting.
Harry had waited a whole minute before he knocked again but for a second time, he was ignored. So he did something he would never do. "I Lord Hogwarts demand you to open the painting and to let me in".
Godric and Salazar looked up when they heard Harry demanding to get an entry. The moment they heard the words they were shaking their heads. Before Harry could ask why he was looking into the eyes of Helga and Rowena. He swallowed hard when he saw the anger in their eyes. He looked around himself and saw that all the boys had taken a step back, even Neville stood far behind them. "Traitors" he mumbled.
"Listen here young man" Helga started.
"You might be Lord Hogwarts, but that doesn't mean that we will listen to you" Rowena went on.
As she stopped Helga went on as he mumbled: "Bella and Daphne have to much influence on you all".
"Exactly, I'm of opinion that I want to place you over my knee and give a good speaking, Only because of your disrespect for us founders".
"Helga darling"
"Keep out of it Godric, this is something between me and Lord Hogwarts" she snapped at him.
Harry swallowed a little fear away as he gazed at Godric and Salazar. While he was keeping an eye on Helga and Rowena.
It was a second later that Daphne opened the painting. She walked out of the common room with a couple of bags and handed them to Harry. "Helga stop it, you have scared him enough for one day. He already has a bad time not knowing with whom he is going. So he doesn't need you to bully him.
Daphne turned to Harry and saw the other boys standing almost ten meters away from him. "You can win the war with them if you are lucky".
"Yes, even with Neville, he is somewhere between all of them" Harry mumbled at Daphne. "So can I go in now".
"Daphne nodded before she looked over his shoulder. "You have to be ashamed of yourself. He is standing here to get you all in and you just gave him to the wolfs" and she smiled at Helga. Slowly she walked passed Harry and handed all of them a bag. Luna and Tracy came out of the room and gave the other boys their bags. Even one to Harry who looked inside. The thing he saw were his dress robe and shoes and all his bathroom utilities. "That are all your clothes for this evening. You all can go two doors down to the guest quarters. There you can dress yourself and wait until we are ready. You all have to stand out here at fifteen minutes past six". And Daphne turned around to walk back in. at the entrance, she stopped and turned back. We will have house Hogwarts to ourselves today. Neville Blaise and Harry, you all have to be downstairs at six and you three have to wait at the stairs". She was again ready to turn around before she turned back for a second time. "O yes, one more thing. Can you make sure that Colin is waiting there with the three of you" it was then that she turned around and walked back in. leaving Harry and the other boys standing there looking at the painting without Helga and Rowena.
Harry was still staring at the painting and almost jumped a foot in the air when Neville placed his hand on his shoulder. "Okay, let's go to the guest chamber and get dressed". Harry was the last to walk into the room and looked at the clock. "Why in Merlin's name do we have to get ready at fifteen minutes after ten in the morning" he screamed as all the others looked at him.
The next they all thought was why the hell did the girls need eight hours to get ready. Slowly all the eyes went over to the bags and there was only one word for it all Snowball fight.
*#*
It was four o clock when all the boys walked back into the room. They all took a fast warm shower to get warm before they started to dress them self. On the table were hot steaming mug full of hot chocolate. When one was done in the shower another took its turn and so on and so on.
After five minutes in front of the mirror, Harry thought he did all he could with his hair. His cactus style of hair was all he could do and it just looked good on him.
At five they were all sitting in the room just waiting until it was time to go. There was only one person left who was still getting ready for his date. So Harry walked to the bathroom and looked inside. There he saw Neville standing in front of the mirror making sure his hair was as good as it could be. "Neville, you do know that Hermione isn't your date right".
Neville looked up "yeah I know, but I will show her what she is missing".
"You do know that you to are bonded by magic don't you".
"Yeah we know but I still want to show her when I have my first dance".
Harry Laughed "Just hurry up or you are late to see who it is" and he walked away. "Okay man lets Go we have dates to pick up" and Harry left the room hearing Neville shouting to wait up.
There they were waiting for their dates at the bottom of the stairs. With ten minutes left they were again wondering who it would be. Still with time left to wait there was nothing else to do then to see who would go with whom
Gred and Forge were going with the two chasers of Gryffindor. Zanita was walking arm in arm with Amelia. While Minerva was walking with Sirius, who looked like he wanted to be anywhere but on her arm.
When Hagrid walked in with Madame Maxime on his arm. All the students rushed to the wall and made themselves as flat as they could. This all was because of the dress Madam Maxime was wearing. It was so wide that it only left a couple of inches at each side. So every student had to all they could to not step on it.
"Harry, Harry, Harry" smack sounded through the hallway.
Everyone turned around and looked at a very red Harry who was looking at the ground. He was mumbling something that no one could understand.
So let's go back a little.
Harry, Neville, Blaise and Colin had arrived at the foot of the stairs. It was the place they had to be and were now looking around themselves. When Hagrid and Madam Maxime walked into the hallway Harry yelled "Duck" from the top of his lungs. Most were laughing while madam Maxime looked angry.
During all of this, they hadn't seen Fleur stepping next to them. Harry only knew because of the fact Neville was starting to drool from the corner of his mouth. "Hi, Fleur," he said.
"Hi, I, I" Neville stumbled over his words.
"Come on Nev, snap out of it or I will tell it to Hermione".
"S... so... sorry" Neville mumbled as Fleur giggled. Normally she would give any guy a dirty look that would promise pain if they would come near her like that. But for Neville, she would make an exception. He was trying and it did get better he just wasn't there yet.
It was then that they saw Susan walking down the stairs. "You are one lucky girl tonight Fleur, she looks beautiful," Harry told her and Fleur just nodded. It was now clear to Harry and Neville why it had taken the girls so long to get ready. As the two walked away Harry told Neville that that was why she was the Princes of Hogwarts just like Daphne.
He only nodded as he followed her with his eyes.
Harry had another look and turned back to the stairs. What he saw took his breath away. There on the top of the stairs stood Daphne next to Bella. Daphne was wearing a light blue dress, where her female parts were really starting to show. Her smile was eye-catching and it made the beating of his heart slow down When he turned his eyes to Bella he knew it, his heart had stopped because he had just seen two angels. Bella was wearing a black dress that was wrapped around her body. It wasn't hart for him to see the adult Bellatrix wearing the same dress. He just couldn't say a thing but knew that these two angels would become goddesses in about ten years breaking many hearts.
"Harry, Harry, Harry" smack sounded through the hallway.
The smack he got on the back of his head made him snap out of it. With his left hand, he rubbed the back of his head while he gave a dirty look at Neville. "Did you have to do it so hard".
Neville just smiled and nodded.
Harry rubbed the back of his head as he was looking at the ground. "I will get you back for that" he mumbled as Bella and Daphne stepped next to him". As his hand went to the left of his mouth he felt some drool and blushed.
"See I told you were just to damn beautiful. He was drooling" Daphne told Bella while the laugh a little harder making Harry blush even more. Harry took two corsages from a table that was standing behind them and gave them to Bella and Daphne. "You, you," he took a deep breath "You" And he looked at the ground for a second or two. "Youbothlookbeautiful," he told them.
Bella and Daphne looked at each other and smiled. It wasn't much he told them but for him telling them that while he was standing between a lot of other students was very big. They let Harry pin the corsages on their dresses and gave him a quick peck on the lips. Right after it, they stepped up behind them.
It was now that Harry took his right hand and slapped Neville on the back of his head. "Neville you have to say something to her, don't just stand there and drool like the fool I was a moment ago".
Neville smiled "I know but she is just so breathtaking. And he gave Hermione a quick peck as he was fumbling with the corsage for her. She took it, gave him another kiss and walked to a third year Ravenclaw that was called Ralf or something.
It was now that Hermione took her place behind Neville, with Ralf next to her.
Daphne kissed Bella on the lips and stepped in front of the group. "The four of you still haven't got a clue who will be your dates don't you".
The four boys shook their heads and were all looking at Daphne in expectation.
"Now we will not be torturing you any longer as I am about to introduce you one at a time to your blind dates. The first one is for you Colin.
Colin looked at Daphne and then to the upper step of the big stairs. What he saw was his own princes for the night.
Tracy Davis was walking down the stairs in an light green dress and straight to Blaise. She gave him a little kiss on the cheek and turned to Colin. She bent down a little as she took his chin in her hand. She went on to kiss him on both his cheeks and had to suppress a giggle as she saw him turning red.
Colin was blushing from head to toe as he was fumbling with his own Corsage. Tracy took pity on him and started to help him as she gave him a very big smile. She took his hand and placed her own hand in his arm. She was still suppressing her giggles as they walked into the great hall. Coling was walking with her and had the biggest smile on his face. He was walking with the queen of the ball and he knew it and nobody was taking her away from him. Tracy didn't say a thing but just let him have the moment to feel really happy about it.
Daphne smiled and turned to Blaise who was giving Colin a dirty look. "Blaise behave" she snapped a little. "Here is your date for the evening".
Blaise turned around and looked up. He saw a blond girl with a baby blue dress that was looking a little dreamily at him. Blaise took a step forward and took the hand of Luna as he kissed it softly. Right after he guided her along and into the great hall.
Daphne turned back to Harry and Neville. While Bella and Hermione stepped next to her. Hermione looked at the ground and back up. "As you might have seen we made it so that everyone from house Hogwarts could be at the ball. We didn't want any of the third years to be left behind. For Luna we have someone from Raven claw, he was the only one who treated her as a normal person. Now because a third year can Only go when they are with a higher year we hook them up with Blaise and Tracy and Hermione.
Daphne saw that they understood and knew who would be left. The question was who would be with who. "Neville, because we didn't want to leave anybody behind your date will be" and she looked up to the top of the stairs.
Neville followed her gaze and saw Ginny Potter stepping to the middle of the stairs. She had a soft pink dress on and started to make her way down. Halfway Neville took her hand and helped her further down. He took her along and waited behind Harry.
Harry saw them looking at each other and had to get their attention. "Hem, Hem," he said.
Both of them turned around and looked at Harry.
"Neville, what are your intentions towards my daughter. I do hope that they are honest and respectful. I also want to have her home at Nine in the evening, safe and sound" Harry told him.
Ginny looked at Harry. First, she had a look of disbelief, but then she saw that his eyes weren't looking at her but slightly over her left shoulder. That look alone told her what he had asked what he had asked. So she let go of the arm that Neville was holding and stepped in front of Harry. "Ahhh daddy please, Can't a stay up a little longer this time. It isn't often I'm going to a ball with a boy that is older than me. And you and Mama Bella and Mama Daphne and Mama Zanita are there to keep an eye on him. But I know that he will be the perfect gentleman for me. Especially when you all are there with us" and she kissed Harry on the cheek. and took the arm of Neville in her own.
"GINNY HOW DARE YOU" Molly the harpy screamed. As she started to walk behind Ginny screaming that she was acting like a hussy and even worse.
The fun part was that at the moment she wanted to enter the great hall she was stopped by Zanita who looked her right in the eye. "Molly as you know I became the third wife of Lord Potter. Making me not only Lady Hogwarts Potter but also the third mother of Ginerva Lily Potter. So I would think twice before you go into the great hall and have a go at my daughter".
Molly walked in and stepped to the right as Ginny and Neville stepped to the left. She could feel the eyes of Zanita following her with every step she took.
Harry followed the two of them and asked in a whisper. "Does Ginny have any feelings for Colin".
Daphne didn't say a thing but gave him the tiniest nod.
Bella stepped next to Harry and told him to look up.
Harry turned around and gazed up the stairs. What he saw made him swallow a little. There on top of the stairs stood his little sister in all but blood.
Astoria was dressed in a silver dress and was glowing as she looked down.
Harry walked up the stairs and stopped right in front of her. He took her left hand and kissed it softly on the back of it. He then placed her hand on his lower arm and guided her further down. "Astoria, you look beautiful today," he told her as he looked at her.
Astoria blushed a little and whispered thank you.
At the bottom of the stairs, he let her go and walked up to Bella and Daphne. He gave them both a soft kiss on the lips and told them he was proud of what they had done for the youngest of their house.
Daphne and Bella nodded as they walked into the great hall together as they left Astoria behind with Harry and the other champions.
There Harry stood looking around with Astoria on his arm as he gazed around at the other champions. Susan was standing next to Fleur and had lost the daze she normally had. Cho Chang was hanging around Cedrick like he was Merlin. She was giving Pancy a death glare because she was hanging on the arm of Victor Krum. "I don't think Draco will like it if his possession is hanging on the arm of another guy.
Astoria giggles as Minerva was making her way to the champions. It was there that she told them that they would first have a dinner in honour of Hogwarts. "Not in honour of the champions," Harry asked her.
Minerva smiled a little "No Albus told me it was in honour of Hogwarts", and she knew that Harry was thinking the same as she did. Albus was placing Hogwarts in front of everything and still didn't understand the meaning of this ball. The last thing he was doing was creating friendships with the other schools. Minerva went on and told them that when the dinner was over they had to open the ball with the first dance. When they had done that than the rest of the evening would be free to do whatever they wanted to do.
Harry and Astoria were the last in line and followed the others. Harry had to smile a little. Both Albus and Madam Maxime had tried order Fleur to take a boy to the ball. Albus had even suggested her to take Ron Weasley of all the boys. She had been so mad that Harry wouldn't be surprised that she would have changed into her bird from right there and on the spot. She, however, had told them that there wasn't a boy who could be trusted in Hogwarts and that was why she took Susan.
They had walked on and came to the table they would be sitting at. When Harry looked at the table his eyes became big. He was sitting at the head of the table. But next to him was this Umbitch and next to her Lucius Malfoy.
Harry shook his head, he knew that Astoria would be sitting next to him so he looked at the spot she would be sitting in. But that nameplate didn't say Astoria. It didn't say the date of Lord Potter or the date of the champion. No the name that stood on the nameplate was one Cornelius Fudge, with next to him Fleur Delacour.
As Harry started to walk around the table the others were looking for their place to sit. Just as they were about to sit down Harry held up his hand. As he walked on he kept looking at all the names that would be sitting at this big table. He saw Albus Dumbledore, Madam Maxime. Two names that he could understand. Then he saw Molly Weasley, Draco Malfoy and even Ronald Weasley but nowhere did he see the names of Astoria or Susan. He did see Rita Skeeter but none of the other reporters from the other countries were among them.
Harry walked away and was immediately followed by Susan who left Astoria standing next to Fleur. He walked up to Zanita and started to whisper into her ear, while Susan was looking around at anyone who could try to listen in. With his hand in front of his mouth, he whispered. "It is clear that by the names around the table that Albus has placed them. I do not know what he is trying to do but let's do something else so we will have the upper hand".
Zanita listened intently and nodded at certain points. When Harry looked up she started to wave her hand around. She enlarged the table to make it twice as big. She then turned it into a half circle. He gave Zanita a kiss and walked back to his spot. He held out a chair next to him for Astoria and then turned to the other side and held out the chairs for Fleur and Susan.
As he was sitting down he looked at the other people who were now making their way into the great hall. He gave a deep sigh because they were acting like it was a ball in their honour and not in the honour of the tournament. He hid a small smile as Delores Umbridge made her way to her chair. She was sitting between Fleur and her mother. Cornelius Fudge who was still sitting at the table was sitting between the minister of France and the minister of Bulgaria and his wife. Next to them were Krum and his data and his parents. On the other side were Cedric his date and his parents. In-between of them he had Draco and Ronald Weasley and even Lucius and Narcissa. At the ends of both sides were Madam Maxime. Albus Dumbledore. Igor Karkaroff and his grandmother. In the middle of the big table sat Zanita as queen of Hogwarts
On the far left, he had a little table that was surrounded with about ten chairs. In the middle he had Rita Skeeter and next to her was Nolwenn LaBrun and they were surrounded by ten reporters of the other country's.
The rest of the Family, friends and the others of house Hogwarts were placed far enough away to not inter fear but close enough to see everything. It was also because of this that they could all see how Albus was making his way to the table. As he looked around he saw his place and who would be sitting next to him. It wasn't the way he had told the Elves to set the table. As he looked around the table he could see Harry smile and knew he had something to do with it all. But then again it was only twenty minutes ago that he had seen his original setting so would leave only one person who could have done it. So he gave an angry look to the one person and was about to call Zanita on the thing she had done.
She, however, met his gaze and didn't look away, no her look was one of mirth as she could see the sweat starting to drip from his head.
This was something Albus wasn't used to and had to look away. As he gazed down he realized that there was nothing he could do about it and took his seat. After a couple of minutes, he stood and took the attention. "I welcome you all to the gala dinner prior to the try wizard ball. I welcome our special guests Minister Cornelius Fudge and his undersecretary Dolores Umbridge. I also welcome our other invited guest" and Albus sat down.
Harry just looked up and knew that he wasn't the only one that heard Albus ignoring the fact that the other ministers were also invited as special guests. So he took it upon himself and stood just like Albus had done before. He gave a kiss on the hand of Astoria and walked to Zanita. He gave her a small kiss on the lips and pulled her along up to stand beside him.
Albus saw it all and wanted to protest but a simple sticking charm from Zanita kept him on his seat and kept his lips stuck together. Together they walked in front of the table and looked at everyone in the great hall. "I lord Hogwarts" Harry started.
"And I Lady Hogwarts, Potter" Zanita smiled as she went along with him as she knew what he was going to do.
"We Would like to welcome you all. Also a very welcome to Minister Fudge. Minister Delacour and his Wife. We also would like to welcome the Bulgarian minister and his wife. And all the other guest they have brought with them. House Hogwarts welcomes you all and if there is anything we can do for you. just ask". He guided Zanita back to her chair and took place next to Astoria. He bends a little and whispered "Now we are going to have some fun. I think that minister Fudge and his toad aren't sitting very comfortable at the moment. Maybe I have to do something to get them into the conversation".
"Something tells me you and great six have already planned all of this So do not tell me that this is something you just thought of" Astoria told him.
Harry looked at her with big eyes and an expression of complete innocence. "We, would never," he said. "I didn't know Albus would place you somewhere else and not at my side".
"Stop it Harry" Astoria snapped with a grin. "The great six have thought of every scenario like you always do so this is just playing into your hands".
Harry just looked at her and smiled back. "Well, you got us, but what is this about the great six".
"Don't look at me like that, I never gave you that name, it is what everyone calls you when you six do something to piss off the adults" she smiled again as she bumped him with her shoulder. "I also know it because you left the common room last night under your cloak with Bella at your side. I also know that Daphne has helped you by opening the Portrait so just tell me what you were planning" she said as she looked him straight in the eyes.
Harry gave her a grin of his own. "Right, you are completely right. We expected Albus to do something like this. We suspected that he would surround me and my date with his friends. So Bella and I went to the house elves and asked them What they had to do according to Albus. It was there that we heard how he wanted to seat us. We also learned who he had invited and that gave us an idea. This morning we told Zanita and Fleur about our plans and the changing of the seating was step one. For now, sit back and enjoy". Harry told her as he bumped her with his shoulder. "Sorry I did like I was surprised about the seating at the table but I had to act".
"I know," Astoria said as she looked at the others around the table. The dinner was starting slow. No one wanted to speak to each other except for Harry, Susan and Fleur. They were the only ones that were talking to the people around them.
Fudge who was really looking around in fear was just waiting for the dinner to be over. So as he shuffled his dinner into his mouth without chewing had emptied his plate as fast as he could. So he never saw the Look Harry gave Susan that she could start with their plan.
Susan had seen it and gave a little nod as she turned to Fleur. "Say, Fleur, Did you ever talk to a Centaur, they are very smart you know, and the herd that is living in the forest are very good friends of ours. Maybe we could introduce you on the holiday or after it".
"PPFFF Half-bloods. They should kill them all" sounded the voice of Delores from between Fleur and Apolline.
"That was the trap we have set for the toad. We only thought it would take a lot longer but she took it so let's see how it goes. It is Fleur who will edge her on" Harry whispered to Astoria.
Fleur knew that Susan had done her part and it was now her time to do her part. Before she did she gave a look at Astoria and saw that she was already hiding her head behind Harry. "I ave not talked to a centaur. I oe ave a Wear wolf as a friend" she told Susan.
Delores sniffed loudly and stuck her nose into the air.
Jean who had heard it all could not help himself and had to ask. The one thing he knew was that his daughter and her date were trying to make Dolores look like a fool. "Is there something wrong with a Centaur or a werewolf".
This was unexpected but it would do exactly what Harry wanted and he told it to Astoria. "And now that the toad walked into their trap we can sit back and enjoy".
Fudge looked at his undersecretary and shook his head hoping she would understand.
She, however, didn't pay any attention to her minister and just gazed at Jean Delacour. "I will tell you this Mr, we Pure blood wizards and witches are better than those half-bloods. That is not only my opinion but also that of many of our members in the Wizengamot just like Mr. Malfoy".
Fleur gazed at Harry and saw that he had an evil smile as he looked at Albus.
"I do know of the opinion of Mr. Malfoy," Jean told her as he gazed at Lucius.
Dolores didn't know what Jean was talking about and took it as if Jean was a friend of Lucius. Her voice became very girlish and very sweet as she asked. "Do you know Mr. Malfoy".
Jean wanted to say something but Dolores went on.
"Mr. Malfoy is a very generous member of our community who is always in a giving mood. He will always help every Member if they are having a hard time. Even the gifts he gave the ministry to help the others were extremely generous and are legendary".
Jean wanted to say something else but had a hard time to keep Apolline in her chair. But before he could open his mouth it was Draco Malfoy who opened it first. "My dad is the best there is, He told me he does it all to help us because Half-blood will take our jobs while Mud bloods are stealing our magic".
Narcissa who was sitting next to Lucius hung her head between her hands and shook it. She looked between her fingers at Harry and gave him a look that clearly told him that he and she would be talking later and he would not like it at all.
Harry didn't reply and just gave her an evil smile. A smile she answered with one of her own. It was ones again that she knew that Harry was a Slytherin. He had sat up the trap and the toad had walked right in. It was something she didn't expect but he did it the right way. Do something that will aggravate the person you want to aggravated and they will do the rest. The best part was that he hadn't asked the question but Susan did. So if Umbitch would say something about it then Amelia will have a field day with her. In one word she was impressed with his play.
Apolline looked at Draco and let some of her allure play around and knew that it would do the trick.
Narcissa had a frown when Draco suddenly sat up straight and wanted to say something about it but gave a deep sigh when she heard what he said.
Draco's eyes became a little dazed as he sat up and puffed out his chest. "I will be just as great as my Father. I will make sure that all this filth will be cleared even in the school". He said with pride as he gazed at Apolline as he had just saved the world.
Lucius wanted to save his son but this time he was interrupted by Jean "Now Miss Umbridge, I can hear that you are really a friend of the family but I will tell you this. I have only met Mr Lucius one time before. At that time I saw him running and If I'm right he was running away because he was running from a wizard that is ten times better then he will ever be. It is also something I could say about your minister he is very good at".
Dolores huffed and started to point her finger at him as she opened her mouth. Fudge was looking at Albus to save the situation as he told him he had eaten enough.
Albus nodded and stood to tell everyone that the dinner would be over and that the dance would start any moment.
Harry saw How Albus stood and knew what he had to do. "Headmaster, What do you think you are doing," he asked.
Albus spluttered a little before he said. "Well, Harry".
"That is Lord Potter for you or Lord Hogwarts when you are between these walls. But before you go on I want to say that I and my date are eating our starters" He told the headmaster as he looked intently at the headmaster. "I can also see that I'm not the only one because the Beuaxbatons Champion miss Delacour is still eating and if I'm not mistaking she is still eating her starters like we are. But then again I would really like to know where our minister is good at. He is the top man in our ministry so he has to be the stranded we have to look up to. NO, I do have to admit I haven't seen much of him. The only thing I know is that he is always at places he doesn't have to be. This is why I would like to know what our visiting ministers think of him".
"Right" the minister of Bulgaria snapped. "I want to respect him, but it is hard to do because he made a run for it and left us alone. I would like to know why he did it. We were in trouble but he went away and left us to handle it on our own. He left with all the Aurors While the people had to save themselves.
Fudge was spluttering as Albus wanted to save the situation one more time.
"Sorry, Headmaster," Apolline said as she saw Albus opening his mouth. But if you think that is bad then I would like to know why is it that you and the other two headmasters didn't get Lord Potter out of the tournament. You do know that you and the minister of the country that is hosting the event, have the power to ask for another choosing and that can be held within an hour of the first choosing. If you would have done that then there wouldn't be a fourteen-year-old boy in the tournament and there would not be any negativity in the papers" Apolline said as she gave a look at Rita that was still hanging away from Nolwenn who was sitting next to her.
"That's all Potters fault" Ronald snapped from the side. "He is always asking for attention just like he has done before just like how he enslaved my sister to do everything he wands".
From his left, he could hear how Neville and Hermione was doing all they could to keep Ginny from attacking Ronald Weasley. Something that was not heard by the others around the table.
"Now, Now Mr. Weasley, I do not think that Lord Potter was planning to let it all go that far" Fudge said as he was desperately trying to get the conversation to another subject.
"Hem, Hem" Delores Coughed "Cornelius, I really have to disagree with you there," she said. "I do think that it was exactly the thing Lord Potter wanted to happen. He did it all to just bring an end to the Weasley Line". She said it like it was the most normal thing to do. "He is a Potter and those men are always doing things like that. They like to hurt people and laugh on their sorrow".
Harry had big eyes and stood as he started to tower over Deloros. "As you know the Weasley have six other children to carry on the line so Me making Ginny my daughter is hardly ending that line. You, however, are very close to being challenged to a duel. I do not like to be placed as someone that hurts people intently Let alone enjoy their sorrow, and as far as I know, neither did my family. But the way you are talking it sounds like you have personal experience with a Potter".
"You grandfather became a vindictive man when he got involved with your Grandmother Dorea Potter. He hurt me and laughed right into my face when he did it just like that Bitch Dorea did".
The smack that sounded on the table went through the great hall making everyone stop with what they were doing. The next thing that sounded was a voice that was so cold that it would make the grim reaper run away. "I do not care if you are agreeing with the things Cornelius Fudge say or not. I do not care if you like Lord Potter or dislike him or anyone of the lowlifes he calls family. BUT IF YOU EVER, EVER INSULT MY FAVOURED AUNT IN MY PRESENCE THEN I WILL PERSONALLY MAKE HIPPOGRIFF FOOD FROM YOUR BODY".
"Narcissa please sit down," Lucius said as he tried to pull Narcissa back down.
"You stay out of this Lucius," Narcissa told him in the same cold voice as she kept on looking at Deloros Umbridge. "That I have to do the bidding of Lord Potter because the deadbeat of a husband of mine can't keep his mouth shut is a disgrace on the name Malfoy. But for someone to insult my own Family, the proud Family of Black It the last thing they will ever do" as Narcissa started to draw her wand.
Fudge stood and started to pull Deloros out of the great hall.
Lucius followed him but he wasn't pulling Narcissa along. He was trying to hold her back as she was making her own way out of the great hall screaming that she would kill the bitch.
She again was followed by Draco that was mumbling between his tears that Harry Potter was family and was again followed by Ronald Weasley that was comforting him with that revaluation.
Albus was just as stunt as the rest of them and slowly stood. He didn't say a thing and just followed them all with Rita Skeeter by his side while she was asking question after question.
Everyone just looked at the people leaving the great hall but there was one person who could only think one thing. "Wow What a woman" and Nolwenn blushed deeply because she thought she had said it out loud.
Minerva followed the group and saw Narcissa screaming as she rounded the corner. ^Harry, I think we can start the ball now, Albus is gone and so are the unwanted. To bad Narcissa is on the wrong part now^,
^know Grandma Mini, but I do think she is enjoying it now. She wanted to have an excuse to have a go at Umbitch and this might be it. Still, we have to do something nice for her when we see her again^.
*#*
As they all finished their dinner it was slowly getting to the time to start the ball. So as the House Elves were clearing the tables Zanita took her spot in the middle of the podium as she took the floor. "I Lady Hogwarts/ Potter ask the champions to guide your dates to the middle of the dance floor where they will start the ball with the first dance. To all the others please enjoy".
Harry looked on as Cedric guided Cho to the middle of the floor where he placed his left hand on her waist. Harry turned to Astoria and gave her a deep bow as he took her hand and kissed the back of it. It was then that he held up her hand with his and strode to the middle of the floor and was copied by Fleur who did the same with Susan. Krum also wanted to do it but tripped as he bowed down low landing on top of Parkinson. They scrambled back to their feet and rushed to the other champions as they were just in time to start dancing.
The first dance was a simple tango and Harry had to tank Harriet for the Spell his mother had taught her or he wouldn't have been able to do it at all. Even if the dance was a simple one. Astoria had the time of her life. Harry was treating her like a princess and she was the queen of the ball.
As Astoria was smiling at Harry Bella and Daphne were looking an. "She has the time of her life isn't she," Bella asked".
"Yes she is, but the next dance will be mine" Daphne snapped with a laugh as she pushed Bella a little behind her to make sure she had the next dance. Something Bella knew and pushed back with her own laugh. The dance was over and for the second time at a ball, they rushed to the dance floor as they pushed each other out of the way. With only two more steppes to go, they got to Harry. Daphne stuck her hand out and knew she was the first.
Harry was turned around and stood eye to eye with Zanita. "Harry my king, would you do me the honour to have the next dance with me".
Daphne looked at Bella while she was waving her hand in the air where Harry had just been standing, "You do know that it is your fault right".
Bella just smiled at her. "You do know the saying right".
"What saying," Daphne asked as they were walking back.
"When two witches fight for a wizard. The big witch will scoop him away". Bella looked over her shoulder and grabbed the hand of Daphne as she turned her around. "Well if I can't dance with my wizard, I will dance with my Witch". While Bella started to lead a laughing Daphne over the floor.
"And there was me thinking you didn't love me any more" Daphne giggled.
As the dance went on they all became of one mind. This was the best ball of the year and all because of the positive attitude that came along when Fudge and Umbitch had left the building. Everyone was dancing while Harry and Neville didn't have a moment of rest. All of their female friends and peers wanted a dance so they just had to give in because you never disappoint a beautiful girl if they ask you for a dance. Not even if it was Millicent.
It was around half past ten when Draco walked back onto the dance floor. He was followed by Crabb, Goyle and one Ronald Weasley. With his right hand, he patted the shoulder of Bella and asked. "May I cut in and have this dance".
Bella looked over her shoulder and saw Draco standing behind her. The first thing she did was to look for Harry and she wasn't disappointed because she could already see him standing near enough to jump in when he needed to, just like all their other friends who she could see getting closer. As Bella looked into the eyes of Draco she knew that she had her friends nearby when she did what she was going to do. "Sorry Draco, but my witch only dances with real boys and real men".
"I can tell you that Draco is more of a man then you will ever see you filthy mudblood" Ronald Weasley screamed from the side of Draco.
Susan who could see a fight coming from a mile away knew she had to do something before Harry would step in and go mid-evil on Draco. "Really Ronald, then tell me how much more is this real part of this real man".
Ron looked from Susan to Bella and back. At first, he didn't really understand the thing Susan was saying but then he knew and started to stammer. "T.. That is not what I mean. I only wanted to say that Draco is more of a boy than anyone else".
"You mean he is a real, real boy," Susan asked to be clear and Ronald nodded.
"He, Hermione look, This is how a real, real boy looks like," Neville told Hermione as they danced a little bit closer.
Hermione looked Draco up and down, sniffed and gazed back at Neville. "If that is a real, real boy, then I don't want one. He is using even more make-up then I am. So I'm just happy with my not so real boy" and she stepped closer to Neville.
"What, are you telling me Draco is wearing make-up and he is not really a real, real boy," Daphne asked while she was still in the arms of Bella.
"I'm not wearing makeup" Draco screamed.
"I love men oe ear Mike-up" Fleur told in a too much of a France accent as she blasted Draco with a little bit of her allure.
"Really" Draco squeaked a little. "I'm only using a little bit of eyeshadow to bring out my eyes and I paint my hair a little to make me look good," Draco told her as he started to drool a little. It was also on that moment that Draco realized what he had said.
The scream that followed was from a real girl. O no it was from Draco who was running out of the great hall for a second time.
Harry had his arm around the shoulder of Bella just to keep standing because he was laughing so hard. It took him almost five minutes before he was able to speak at all. "Well as funny as this is, there is still one question I have to ask. Where did my date go" and Harry started to look around?
The friends were looking around but wherever they looked they didn't see Astoria anywhere.
"I also can not find my date," Fleur told after a minute.
"Merlin, I knew it" Daphne screamed as she started to run out of the great hall.
She was closely followed by Bella and her other friends who just didn't know what Daphne was talking about.
As she ran outside she came to a magical garden that was placed there for a moonlight stroll for starting lovers. Suddenly she came to a sudden stop.
Bella who was running right behind her and wasn't able to stop and she ran right into the back of Daphne.
"See, I knew it," Daphne said as she was pointing into the distance. "Look over there and you can see for yourself".
While everyone was looking they could see something that was just out of earshot. Susan was sitting in a chair with Astoria on her lap. They had a deep a very deep conversation. Their hands were all over the place and oblivious from what was around them.
After a minute Harry shook his head and said. "Okay, we have seen enough" as he started to pull Daphne and Bella away from the sight, something that was very difficult to do.
"I do not know ow at it is but I think it is HoT," Fleur said as she gazed at the two.
"Okay that is enough for you nosy Frency," Hermione said While she was turning Fleur around to get her out of there but she kept smiling and looking back over her shoulder. Harry asked Neville to help him with Daphne. After Neville started to push Daphne away Harry placed a notice me not charm on the two. to go right back to pushing Bella out of there.
*#*
As the ball went on Neville and Harry were swapped between the many witches that wanted to dance with them. Susan and Astoria rushed by only a half outer later blushing deeply as they tried to avoid the looks they were getting.
Fleur who had been standing by the drinks with Daphne had seen them as they rushed by. She giggled and pointed it out to Daphne who again told her to let them be as she pulled Fleur to her friends.
Everyone was dancing with everyone until it was time for the last dance. Hermione was dancing with Neville. Luna with the boy from Ravenclaw. Ginny was slow dancing with Colin. Fleur with Zanita and Harry with his grandmother. ^It has been a great night hasn't it^ Minerva asked in her mind.
^yes it has been especially when Albus left with Fudge^ Harry thought back.
It took a while before all the students had left the great hall and the friends were finally able to go to their own common room. Harry was the last to walk in and had to tell them that he had seen Albus walking back in. He laughed as he told them that he had just walked in and right out again because the party had been over. He even told them that his grandmother had given him an earful because he had left the party while he had to be the host of it. Everyone had a good time but then they heard some giggling from the hallway. "There here let's get ready," Bella said.
All the friends scrambled all over the place as Harry turned off the lights. He sat back in his chair where he kept himself completely silent just waiting for the best opportunity.
The painting was opened and Astoria came walking in with Susan on her arm. They were still giggling. They didn't turn on the light and just stumbled to the chair that belonged to Susan. Susan sat down and Astoria crawled on to her lap where they started where they had left off, never knowing that the others were waiting on them.
As the noise increased they knew that Astoria and Susan were slowly starting to get into the moment. Something Harry wouldn't mind them having but not with everyone around so he flicked his wand and the lights came on as everybody jumped from their spot of hiding.
The two of them were startled and Susan was hiding her face into the back of Astoria. She was a probably doing it because her face was as red as her hair. Astoria wanted to say something but before she could open her mouth she was engulfed in a hug by her sister. "Yes I'm so happy for the both of you" she squealed.
Harry was the last to congratulate them. First, he congratulated Astoria before he went over to Susan. He took her into her arms and asked in a whisper "Are you happy now that you finally have Astoria all to yourself".
Susan pulled him closer as she hugged him and nodded into his shoulder. "Yes, I'm happy" Susan took a moment before she asked. "How long did you know I was into girls".
"I knew it from the moment you laid your eyes on Astoria. It was from that look that you were head over heels. I also knew it because your aunt asked me to look out for you. She knew it long before you knew it yourself" Harry told her honestly.
"Are you now going to give me the big brother speech" as she looked up at Harry with a trembling lower lip and puppy dog eyes.
Harry kissed her forehead and turned around as he called out in a deep voice. "Well, young Lady you have some explaining to do".
Astoria turned around and swallowed when she saw the look in the eyes of Harry.
"Well, why did you leave your date me King Hogwarts for another girl, a girl that is more beautiful then I could ever be".
Astoria was in deep thoughts about the words he had used before she realized that he had been joking and she jumped him in the arm. "You know that you have to be mad at her right, something like they will never find your body if you hurt her".
"I can't," Harry told her. "She is the princes of Hufflepuff and I'm from Gryffindor so I have to take her side" they all laughed as Harry whispered something in her ear that no one heard.
*#*
It was again an hour later that Minerva walked into the common room of house Hogwarts with Zanita at her side. She was closely followed by the rest of the family. It had been a sore point because Harry had invited them all and Albus didn't like it. But Harry had told him that it was his house, so he could invite the people who he wanted, especially his family. Minerva still had to laugh when he had done it. As she walked on she saw the thing she expected to see.
Harry was sitting in the middle of the couch with Bella and Daphne at his side. In a chair at the side were Hermione and Neville. Ginny was sitting with Colin in a very cosy way just like the others. Her biggest surprise was Astoria sitting on the lap of Susan and it looked like she was almost sleeping.
Isabella was the last to see them and only smiled. She didn't care who went with whom only that they were happy and loved. So Astoria sitting this close to Susan was not a surprise but something she had felt a long time ago. With her hand, she indicated that Daphne had to step aside so she could take her place.
It was the same gesture Minerva did with Bella. Bella gave a deep sigh and folded her arms over her chest, pushed her nose in the air and stepped from her spot. She walked over to Arabella and crawled on to her lap. "Mum, Grandma Mini is mean to me. She pushed me aside just so she could sit with her grandson" Bella told her mum in a very sad, sad way.
Arabella looked at her daughter. "Yes, Honey I know. It is a very bad thing she did. She did it to me you know. I was planning to sit there but she pushed me aside when we walked in".
Bella looked at her mother with an open mouth. She was going to say something but couldn't find the words. The only thing she could do was look at Daphne and Zanita in the hope they would come to her aid.
Daphne gazed up at her as she sat down on the lap of her father. "I'm sorry Bella. I would like to help you but that is my mum. You know she can feel everything and she would surely feel that I was lying. It is mean because we can never get away with anything" she told her as she gave her mum a dirty look.
Isabella just smiled "I love you too sweetheart," she told Daphne as she blew her a kiss.
The laughter that went around the room was just one of fun. All the members of the house that weren't a part of the family still felt as if they were a part of it. As the night went on, one after the other member of house Hogwarts went to bed. The new relationship between Susan and Astoria wasn't mentioned again for the rest of the night.
Isabella did keep an eye on them but she did that already from the moment she had caught them holding hands back at Potter castle. From that moment on the feelings between Susan and Astoria had been growing and growing. As Isabella kept on looking she remembered the feelings of joy and love that were growing between the two and how they ended up right here right now.
It may look like a bad thing but it was something both Astoria and Daphne knew. They could do whatever they want and as long as Isabella didn't say a thing they knew they wouldn't have to be afraid for getting hurt, also because that was a feeling their mother didn't want to feel from her daughters.
Just when they were all about to leave or to go to bed the floo lid up. Narcissa stepped out of and looked extremely tense as she walked straight to Harry without dusting herself off. She stopped and looked him straight in the eye. "alright I want to know something. How long ago did you all make the plan to bring out the Bitch (meaning Umbridge) with both the minister of France and Bulgaria at the table? I also want to know if it was also you intend to take Lucius down with it".
A/N This was it again for this week. Thank you all and see you all in two or three weeks because of the upcoming holidays.
Gr, Winmau.