I own nothing. If the spell is not from the books, it's Latin.
Chapter IX
October 1990
The Circle's Ball fell on the night of All Hallows Eve, which was a Wednesday. It was a testament to the Circle's influence that there was nothing Dumbledore could do to stop his students from attending in the middle of a school week.
Harry waited patiently at the Entrance Hall with many other boys who were all dressed in respectful dress robes. Harry's were very similar to a Muggle tuxedo with a forest green vest and tie which went very well with his eyes. His mirror call home where he asked for his formal robes led to a very intense conversation with his parents.
When he told them that he was going to a Circle's Ball, they weren't initially pleased and quite shocked that he had received an invitation. They both expressed their concern that the Circle had unsavory motives for inviting him and were cautious to permit Harry to attend. However, Harry explained the situation with the same angle that he was going in with: to find out how their family was viewed among the elitists.
They both could tell that Harry was a little nervous and shared their concern that Harry was trying to do too much. Harry assured them that he was going to keep his head down as much as possible and promised to stay tight-lipped on anything concerning their family. Harry listened intensely as his father provided helpful tips on how to handle the kind of people he was going to meet at the ball. James cautioned him to hold his emotions in check as the Circle was not going to look too highly on his blood status.
The mood changed quickly when Harry told them that Greengrass was his date. James made a remark about how he wished Sirius was there (he was off on another secret rendezvous) so he could give Harry a few pointers for his first date. Lily couldn't hold back her laughter at Harry's annoyed expression but reminded him that even if he didn't like this girl that he still better respect her.
So here he stood, waiting for Greengrass so they could catch the portkey to the ball. He enviously watched as the rest of the student body joyously piled into the Great Hall for the Halloween feast. Harry noticed Fred and George as they made an extravagant show of fixing their collars and pompously walking into the Great Hall with their chests puffed out and their chins raised high. He did his best to hide his grin as he discretely caught glimpses of the scowls on the boys around him. As much as he had to hide that part of him, Harry enjoyed that he had found two people that he could act more like himself. Since he begun to spend more time with them, Harry knew that Fred and George were the kind of people that his father had told him about. For the first time since he had left home, Harry had found true friends.
Once the doors of the Great Hall were shut, the first girls begun to arrive all of which in elegant evening gowns that made each of them stand out. Not the least bit unnoticed was Harry's date. Daphne Greengrass was dressed in a black dress with a v-top and cap-sleeves that seemed to sparkle slightly in the low light of the hall. Harry had to admit that she looked very impressive. As she approached, she sized up Harry from the ground up which ended with a frown at his wind-swept hair.
"You know they've invented potions to fix that hair problem."
As far as Harry was concerned, there was nothing wrong with his hair. "Good evening to you, too. Can we go and get this over with, please?"
Harry extended his arm with a suggestive look to come along. Greengrass took a deep breath as she took his arm and set her eyes forward. They followed the rest of the couples to the carriages that would take them to the portkey station in Hogsmeade. Harry tried to lead the way but Greengrass practically dragged him to the first carriage before she stopped short of the door and stared expectantly at Harry. He quickly caught on and opened the door and helped her up with a sarcastic smile on his face.
"Thank you for being a gentleman," she said in way that didn't sound like a compliment.
When her back now turned to him, he dropped the smile and clenched his jaw from replying with something that his mother certainly wouldn't approve of. This really was going to be a long night.
The location of the ball was a well-guarded secret. The Circle liked their privacy and the only directions their young guests had was the location of the portkey that would transport them there. The arrival point was a white marble archway residing on an island in a lake surrounded by dense forestry.
There weren't any indications of the location but Harry swore he heard Greengrass mutter something about Germany. He had no idea how she would know that but didn't have any reason to doubt her.
They were greeted by house elves and told to wait as they were still waiting for all the youths to arrive. Harry discretely looked around and noticed the English representatives weren't the first to arrive. By their accents, it sounded like the Germans, French, and Spanish were already present.
'That leaves the Dutch, Bulgarians, Romanians, and Italians.' Harry counted off.
As he looked around, he also took a moment to analyze Greengrass. She appeared to be the epitome of calm but the white knuckles that grasped her hand bag said otherwise. He was sure that if his Uncle Sirius was there he would tell him that this was the perfect opportunity to provide some comfort and make things more "congenial" with Greengrass. He visibly grimaced at the thought.
Eventually, all the represented nations arrived and were pooled together in front of a set of large white doors. In a way it reminded Harry of the night before the Sorting Ceremony: just without the room of prejudicial uptight purebloods on the other side. They were told that those without dates would be introduced first and then the couples. The elves also said that a short genealogy of their family blood status would be announced with each person. That launched excited or perhaps nervous whispering among the party. Harry felt a little unsettled at the announcement and noticed that Greengrass's breathing had quickened.
'She's a pureblood. She shouldn't be too worried.'
Harry, however was not which was the cause for his sudden trepidation. In their entire history, the Circle had never invited anyone that wasn't pure of blood. Despite having two magical parents, Harry was considered less pure due to his mother being a first generation witch. Luckily for him, at least in the Circle's eyes, his half-blood status was better than the other form of the sect where one parent is magical and the other is Muggle. But still, while it did make him very curious of the motives behind his invitation, he couldn't help but feel the target on his back; never mind the fact that he was also the first Potter to surface in ten years.
As the moment approached, the situation began to close in on Harry and his own nerves started to rattle. He didn't know what to expect on the other side of that door and the wait wasn't helping. He was about to learn first-hand that the lessons with his father weren't anything like what he was about to experience. What concerned him the most, though, was saying the wrong thing and exposing his family's secrets. He knew that the people on the other side of that door would take his father's condition or his brother's true power and use it in the worse way. The very thought caused his hands to shake and he was forced to put them in his pocket. Was he really ready for this?
They started with the Germans, which added credence that they were in Germany, and then the rest of the individual nations. As the numbers dwindle down, it appeared that the Harry and the rest of English-born youths would be last. Once the last Bulgarian couple was announced, the first boy from their group was called. There were only a few boys that were unaccompanied and were announced fairly quickly. As each couple was called, Harry could feel his nerves begin to shake again. He wasn't quite sure whether it was out of fear or anticipation but at least he was doing better than Greengrass.
Ever since they announced that their genealogy were to be included in their introduction, she couldn't seem to settle and her usual mask of indifference had vanished. Harry had a few suspicions that could possibly account for her apprehension. From his lessons with his father and Uncle Sirius about the Noble Families, he knew that her family had been attacked when they refused to join the Death Eaters after Voldemort had disappeared and that she lost her mother. He also knew that there were probably many Voldemort sympathizers within the Circle.
'Why seek the company of those that sympathized with those that attacked your family?' The thought made Harry scoff at himself. He was doing the exact same thing but somehow he didn't think their motivations were the same. Whatever they were it certainly wasn't helping her focus too much.
Before he could realize what he was doing, he reached out and grabbed her hand and gave it a comforting squeeze. There was a moment as she looked down at their hands and then at him that he almost thought he saw gratitude before they both realized that they were touching and ripped their hands apart. She straightened herself and recaptured her confidence and stared brazenly at him.
"Ruin this for me and you'll be checking your pumpkin juice for the rest of your life." She harshly whispered just as their names were called. Harry involuntarily gulped as he knew she could probably back up that threat. He extended his arm and they walked through the doors.
The scene that awaited them was clouded in darkness. The only light blanketed them from an unknown source. They both had to fight the urge to squint since that would be improper behavior as their genealogies were announced.
"I present to this Circle, Heir Apparent Harry James Potter of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter. First grandson of Charlus Richard Potter, descendent of Ignotus Peverell of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Peverell. This Circle welcomes him."
The disembodied voice paused to allow for a polite applause, though, Harry did hear the sound of breaking glass from the darkness. There was an elongated silence and Harry could feel countless eyes upon him. He couldn't see anything but it was like they were all searching him and trying to discover his secrets. For the first time in his life, he felt totally exposed. He didn't enjoy the feeling.
"Heir Potter is accompanied this evening by Daphne Laurel Greengrass of the Noble House of Greengrass, formerly the Noble and Most Ancient House of Grunewald." The voice stopped for a brief moment. Harry could hear some scuffling and agitated whispering before the voice drowned them out. "First daughter of Sebastian Dominik Greengrass and the late Laurel McMillian Greengrass. This Circle welcomes her."
Harry momentarily forgot his paranoia as he hid his surprise that Greengrass was originally a German House and had a felt a twitch from her arm when it was mentioned. It would explain how she knew they were in Germany and why she had been so nervous. No matter the reason, forfeiting a Noble and Most Ancient House for a lesser one in another country was unheard of and, for the people like the Circle, impermissible.
'No wonder you had to fight so hard to get an invite,' he thought as he guided them both along the newly lighted path where their peers were congregated. Once the light was extinguished as the next couple was introduced, Harry could feel Daphne start to tremble uncontrollably. He did his best to hold her steady. He could only imagine what she was feeling after being completely embarrassed in front of the people she seemed so desperate to impress.
The last couple was introduced and joined them in the middle of the darken room. They all stood there for a moment in silence before the room was illuminated by torches to reveal a circular room with many round tables with the dance floor at its center. Standing among the tables were a multitude of foreign Lords and Ladies from every country that comprised the Circle. Harry, Daphne, who had controlled her shaking the moment the lights came on, and the rest of the youths were standing at the center of the dance floor but were soon guided to their nation's section of the room and led to their own table. The nations were seated together based on their geographic location within Europe: North, South, East, and West. The tables in each section circled its own smaller table where the highest Circle members of that region were seated. Harry didn't recognize anyone at their head table except for the unmistakable blonde hair of Lucius Malfoy.
"This Circle welcomes its honored guests. Please be seated."
They all took their seats. Many of the other children couldn't control the urge to look around. Even Harry, who only looked with his eyes, couldn't help admire the Victorian architecture and the similarities with his home at the Cove. The walls were lined with large stain glass windows with full-bodied portraits of former Circle members in between them. In the middle, just above the dance floor, a massive floating chandelier cast a glimmering sparkle over the room.
He continued to survey the room, trying as hard as he could to avoid eye contact with anyone in the room. It was all for not, though, as he still felt their eyes upon him but every time he would try to catch whoever was looking they would turn away. Harry closed his eyes and tried to push everything away.
'There's no way they could know. They don't know about Danny or Dad. So just relax.'
He repeated the thought over and over and slowly found some measure of calmness. He opened his eyes and settled as best he could into the situation. He took a few moments to listen in on the conversation at the table but didn't find it all that interesting. He gave a glance to Greengrass and saw that she felt the same but at least was hiding it better. She was more interested in looking around the room, no doubt scouting who she wanted…to do whatever she was here to do. He started to follow her eyes in the hopes of finding out who she was targeting and maybe find out her motives for being here. Who he saw though, broke all semblance of calm he had built up.
Sirius Black, his godfather, was seated a few tables to his left staring intently at him. For a moment, all the two did was stare at one another. Both displaying their shock and, for Harry, betrayal that the other was present in this room. The stare down was broken when Harry felt a sharp jab to his ribs from Greengrass. When he glared at her, she responded with her own over the way he was acting. Harry realized how he must have looked and collected himself but couldn't hold back one last scathing glare at his godfather.
'How could he be with these people?' He watched from the corner his eyes as Sirius rejoined the conversation at his table and looked very jovial with Bellatrix Lestrange and her husband. 'He always said he hated his cousin. He's been lying to us all this time.'
He was having trouble comprehending that his godfather, his teacher, his friend was a part of this world. That he was in league with the Circle. He tried to rationalize that he must be here for the Order and was just playing spy. At the same time, though, he doubted that an organization as secretive and protected as the Circle would allow such a thing. And if he was here for the Order, wouldn't his parents have known and told him before he came here?
The thought carried as dinner was announced and their plates were filled with the first course soup. Harry continued to ignore the conversations at his table as they continued through the five courses. He was still having trouble processing what he should do next. He could confront his uncle or leave now and warn his parents. He felt another nudge and looked to his left.
"What is wrong with you, why aren't you eating?" Greengrass's temper was evident and he realized that he had lost complete track of time. They are already on the third course and he had yet to touch a thing.
"I'm fine." He picked up his utensils and forced himself to start eating despite the gnawing pit in his stomach.
He made it through dessert without another word or incident, though Greengrass did send the occasional glare for not participating in the table's conversation. He knew it was rude but none of them could understand what he was going through. Talking about what everyone was wearing or who they wished would talk to them seemed trivial when faced with a family member's betrayal.
He scanned the room and noticed that all the exits were guarded. There was no getting out until the Circle let them out. Harry had to resolve himself that he couldn't do a thing about his godfather until the ball was over.
The food vanished from the table and the disembodied voice spoke again.
"This Circle invites its guests to the ballroom floor."
Around the room, all the couples rose from their seats and walked together to the center of the room. Those without a partner were forced to remain seated. They looked very uncomfortable, no doubt rethinking their decision to come solo.
Harry and Greengrass strode to the center and took position. Harry placed his arm around Greengrass's waist and took her hand.
"I do hope you know what you're doing."
"Don't worry. My mother taught me."
His words caused Daphne to pause for a brief moment which made him release his mistake. Harry couldn't comprehend what it must have felt like to lose a parent.
Greengrass soon brushed the comment aside to resume her business-like stare. "Good. Now if you'd just get your head out of your arse, this night just may be salvageable."
He was still getting used to her abrasive attitude towards him. He couldn't help but wonder what he had done to deserve it. It wasn't like she was overly nice to everybody but she seemed to hold a special kind of disdain just for him. She was increasingly becoming more of an enigma and Harry hated not understanding things.
A soft chorus of piano and violin began to play that launched the young dancers into a waltz. There was a brief moment where he and Greengrass fought to lead but she quickly gave way, though, begrudgingly. They moved in decent unison and once they reached a certain groove Harry pressed on with their conversation.
"Why do you care so much about this?"
"You couldn't begin to understand." She said pointedly as Harry led her into a spin.
"Try me." He said when they were facing each other again.
Greengrass huffed slightly and appeared to resign herself to the fact that Harry wasn't going to let this go.
"You-Know-Who is going to come back, right?"
Harry nodded. Voldemort's return was inevitable and this time the war was going to be different. There was still much Harry had to do before he and Danny were ready for that future. But what did that have to do with Greengrass and the Circle?
"Then I want out of Britain as soon as possible."
Harry hadn't expected that. Then again, there are a lot of things about Greengrass that he hadn't anticipated. One thing, though, didn't make any sense.
"You expect the Circle to help you?"
"I have to try." Her tone was more distant then before with a slight amount of hope. There were still something that she wasn't telling him. What that was Harry wouldn't find out as he felt a hand on his shoulder. Greengrass stepped away with a curtsy.
"Lord Malfoy, Lady Malfoy."
Harry had to turn and bow before he got his first real look at the patriarch of the Malfoy Family. Lord Lucius Malfoy was an averaged sized man with long blond hair and cold grey eyes. He was wearing fine custom-made robes and carried a cane with a serpent head. Harry couldn't help but notice the way he always kept his chin elevated as if he considered everyone beneath him. His wife, Lady Narcissa Malfoy, was also dressed in a custom evening gown adorned with a heavy amount of expensive jewels. Her pale blue eyes, long blonde hair, and similar posture provided little contrast to her husband. If Harry hadn't been familiar with the Black family tree, he would have thought two were brother and sister instead of husband and wife.
"Lady Greengrass, charmed," he said though his eyes barely left Harry's. It was clear that he had no intention of speaking to Greengrass.
"I was hoping to have a word with the Heir Apparent of House Potter." Harry didn't like the almost jokingly way he mentioned his status. He was about reply when-
"Of course, shall we move back to the table?" Greengrass latched herself to Harry's arm and stared expectedly at Lord Malfoy.
Harry could tell by his expression that Lord Malfoy had no desire to include Greengrass but didn't have a choice as Harry placed his arm around her waist.
"After you, your Lordship." He didn't know why he decided to go along with Greengrass. Perhaps it was because despite their feelings for each other she was still the closest thing he had to an ally in the room.
Lord Malfoy gave the pair a displeased smile before he took his wife's arm and led them back to the sea of tables. Harry looked to Greengrass and saw an appreciative look upon her face. As the two couples moved through the room, Harry noticed that other youths, some with their partners and some without, had been approached and were being led off to various parts of the room. It seemed that the casual part of the ball was over and it was time for families to get down to business. Harry felt momentary pity for the unfortunate few that remained on the dance floor who had yet to be approached. He could now understand why Greengrass was so quick to include herself in the conversation. There didn't seem to be anyone interested in speaking with her.
They took a seat at one of the center tables. Lord Malfoy waved his wand around their heads and a light dome encompassed the table.
"I must say we were all rather pleasantly surprised when we saw that you had accepted our invitation, Mr. Potter."
"How could I refuse? It's not every day that you get the chance to be among such esteem company." Harry put a little more emphasis on the end of the sentence as he gave a knowing look to Greengrass.
"Yes, well we couldn't contain our curiosity that a child at your age was already named Heir Apparent." Harry really didn't like the oily way Malfoy talked. "Our young son, Draco, insisted that he be given the same honor when he heard." Malfoy chuckled. "But any true Head of House knows that to do so would be irresponsible."
Harry remained impassive but in his mind he felt the jab at his father. He repeated his pervious mantra that his family's secrets were safe. He couldn't appeared rattled.
"Why, what kind of state would the family be in if the child was unable to maintain the level of decorum necessary for such an important position? Children, after all, are hardly the most rational of people." Malfoy paused as Harry visibly clenched his jaw to keep from responding. A superior smile crept onto Malfoy's face as he saw his words started to have an effect. "They are so often ruled by their emotions and are hardly mature enough for things of an adult nature."
Harry clenched his jaw harder and balled his fists tightly but still refused to take the bait. He was not going let Lucius Malfoy break him into saying something he shouldn't. Lord Malfoy seemed to notice so he decided to push it further.
"But, maybe, it couldn't be helped. After all, your father does lack the pedigree ever since poor Richard Potter was trapped by half-blood filth. At least Lord Charlus attempted to bring honor back to the Potter name before your father threw it aside for a commoner."
Harry was almost drawing blood as his fingernails dug into his palms and his teeth clamped down on his tongue. He wanted to lash out and defend his family but he didn't want to face the consequences. Malfoy was much too powerful and connected and Harry's family could ill afford the added attention.
When it appeared that Malfoy wasn't going to get the reaction he wanted, he took his wife's hand and stood. "Perhaps, though, you wish to follow in your grandfather's footsteps, hmm?" He then took his first look at Greengrass and smugly smiled. "Perhaps not." With that, he escort his wife away.
Harry had to take a moment or else he might have exploded, taken his wand, and curse that smug smile right off Malfoy's face. He loosened his fists and felt the sting of the marks he left in his palms. He took a deep breath as he tried to collect himself. He thanked Merlin that he hadn't given in to Malfoy's taunts. He tried not to let his mind wander but it couldn't be helped. What if he had given in and revealed something about his father's condition? Was that why he was really invited? All the uncertainty was starting to get to him.
Meanwhile, Greengrass wasn't appreciating being ignored and chose that moment to speak. "Thank you so much for defending me. You know you could've-" Greengrass stopped at Harry's blazing glare. She really didn't want push him right now.
Greengrass, though, just glared right back at him and continued on. "Oh what are you going to do Potter? Challenge him to a wizard's duel. He's right, you know? It was irresponsible for your father to name you Heir Apparent."
Harry couldn't take it anymore. He had to get away before he said anything he shouldn't. He got up from his chair to leave but before he do so he leaned down to Greengrass's ear.
"You know nothing."
He then walked off and ignored her protests that he couldn't just leave her there. He was in desperate need of a release or else the next person that talked to him would not find him to be pleasant company and he couldn't afford any outbursts. Harry, though, didn't have much luck as he ran right into Sirius.
"We need to talk," said Sirius as he grabbed Harry and pulled him to one of the private balconies.
"What are you doing here and what did Malfoy say to you?" Demanded Sirius as he closed the curtains and put privacy wards around them.
"What am I doing here? What are you doing here? What you doing acting all chum with the Malfoys and Lestranges? I thought you hated them, I thought you said that you would never talk to them again. But here you are." Harry's body started to shake as his voice got louder and louder. "How could betray us, betray your friends?"
Sirius came up to Harry and kneeled down beside him. "I did not betray you. I would never betray your family."
"Then why are you here? I-I don't…" Harry started hyperventilating slightly and couldn't continue. He desperately wanted everything to make sense but all night he found nothing but more and more questions.
Sirius pulled him into his arms and gave a firm hug. Harry only allowed himself a moment to take comfort in his godfather but he had to start getting answers. He pushed Sirius off him. "Please tell me what's going on, Padfoot?"
Sirius took a deep breath as he conjured two wooden chairs for them. He collapsed into his as he searched for the right words.
"Five years ago I did something that I never thought I would ever do. But when I saw what happened to James, I had to do something. So I went to my father and made a deal to get the bracelets for Danny."
"What deal?"
Sirius took another deep breath. "For the bracelets I had to make an oath to replace my father as the Head of the Black family once he died and to produce a worthy heir to continue the family name."
Harry had to take a moment to process what he just heard and how it explained his godfather's actions for the last few months. He recalled at the beginning of the summer when Sirius had announced that his father had died. It was well known that Sirius and his father had never seen eye-to-eye and it had confused everyone at how devastated Sirius had been when it happened.
"Why would you do that?"
"Because you, Danny, James, Lily, and Remus are my family." Sirius got up from his chair and softly grabbed Harry's shoulders. "And I'd do anything to keep you safe."
Harry felt his eyes water a bit and he threw himself into his godfather's arms. It was Harry's way of saying sorry for ever doubting his loyalty. When they pulled apart again, Harry commented. "But I don't understand, I thought your father hated you."
Sirius laughed a little and said. "He does, he did, but he wasn't stupid. He may have loved Regulus more than me but he always knew that my brother was an idiot."
"So all the mysterious rendezvouses…?"
"Quality time with the family." Sirius finished sarcastically.
He grew serious for a moment. "I also have to be here with the Circle. It's where I have to find my future wife." He brushed his hair back and stared pensively at the floor.
Harry couldn't help but empathize for his godfather. This was never the life Sirius wanted.
"I've been forced to play nice with my deranged cousin and her smug sister. Sure we seem like the perfect family but they know where my loyalties lie. But there can't be dysfunction in our completely functional and proper family."
"I'm sorry." Harry didn't know what else to say. Despite his uncle's unfortunate situation, he was glad that he wasn't actually alone here among the Circle. It helped a lot to ease his previous trepidation.
Harry observed his dispirited godfather. He had never seen Sirius this way and he wanted desperately to break him out of it. The only thing he could think of was to ask more questions about the Circle. The first was one he hadn't been able to shake ever since the owl first delivered his invitation.
"Why was I invited here?"
Sirius looked up for the first time and smiled coyly. "I'd of thought you'd figured that out by now." Harry stared imploringly at him so Sirius continued. "They want to know about your brother and father. They're curious to see what ten years of exile has done to the Potter family."
Harry had figured as much but had a sinking feeling that there was more to it than just his family's history or maybe it was just his overreacting nerves. His family was old. They were descendants of the famous Peverell family who were among the earliest magically families who founded the British Ministry and establish Magical Britain as a powerhouse in the world. So naturally, the Circle would be curious.
"But that's not all."
He knew it. "What are you talking about Sirius?"
"Malfoy. He personally requested your attendance."
Harry shook his head at the thought and puzzlingly asked. "Why would he do that?"
"I don't know. Malfoy's being acted very peculiar lately. He's been overly generous; throwing around money and favors everywhere he goes. It's very un-Malfoy-like."
"Do you think he's acting under orders?"
"It's probable. Malfoy was one of Voldemort's top lieutenants but I can't be sure." Sirius paused to sigh in frustration. "I had hoped that I could at least gather some intel because of all this but the Malfoy's don't fall under the Black family tree so I have no influence over him. Meanwhile, Malfoy is collecting more debts and gaining more power in the Circle. It's getting to the point where no one will have the authority to stop him."
"How do you mean, won't the other members of the Circle do something?"
"I guess we never needed to tell you how the Circle works," muttered Sirius to himself before he explained. "The Circle is the remnant of Arthur's Round Table. It's meant to protect the people and insure the safety of the ministries but it's been perverted into what it is now. Everything is fine as long as each region stays in check but every once and awhile somebody gets the idea to shift the balance of power to their side. It's actually not that hard for someone with the right resources to push their way to the top. But once they're there…" Sirius bit his upper lip and shook his head.
Harry understood what Sirius was saying. "…They lose it all."
Sirius nodded his head.
"So it's only a matter of time, then. Right?"
"I don't know, Harry. Malfoy may have the ego to back such a move but he's also not the type to risk it all without some kind of contingency plan." Sirius leaned back in his chair and put his hands together. "Inviting you was just another step up the Circle's ladder."
Harry looked down as he suddenly realized something else Lord Malfoy had done recently. "He's the one that got Greengrass her invite, too."
"I was wondering how she got here," said Sirius with a coy smile at who Harry's date was.
"Why didn't you tell me her family was originally a German House?" Harry looked up and finally noticed the look on his godfather's face. He immediately regretted bring it up.
Sirius's smile got bigger. "I didn't think you'd be having enough interactions for it to matter but clearly…" Harry glared warningly at him not to finish his thought. Sirius just kept smiling, "…I didn't realize how close you two were."
Harry continued to glare at his godfather which did little to deter him from continuing. "How long have you two…" Sirius finished by wagging his eyebrows suggestively a few times.
"There is absolutely nothing between me and Greengrass." Sirius sarcastically nodded his head which only made Harry more upset. He wasn't about to let his uncle have the last word. "She's bossy, she's stuck-up, she's rude. I can't stand her." Harry was about to continue to list the things he didn't like about his date when he noticed that Sirius had started chucking to himself.
"James thought the same things about Lily when he first met her." Sirius started laughing at Harry's dumbfounded expression. "I can't remember how many times I had to listen to James go on and on about how he couldn't stand Lily and then one day. Poof! He was in love with her."
Harry had never heard that part of his parent's story but it didn't matter. "Well, that's not happening to me." He crossed his arms stubbornly.
"Keep telling yourself that, Harry."
"Can we please get back to Malfoy?" Harry didn't like the sudden change in their discussion and desperately wanted to get off the topic of Daphne Greengrass.
"There's not much else to tell." Sirius paused for a moment. "Other than having to keeping his sister-in-law from going postal on everything that moves, he's just making deals and sitting pretty in the little throne he's made for himself."
"I saw you talking to her," said Harry sympathetically. He was, of course, talking about Bellatrix Lestrange. Sirius didn't often speak of her but Harry knew enough that the relationship wasn't exactly familial.
"It's the hardest part of all this." Sirius started laughing but without a hint of humor. "You should hear the things we're saying to each other. The only one she'll listen to is Lucius and he's barely capable."
"It's got to be Voldemort then, right?" It was the only thing that made sense. There were times when Harry could convince his parents to talk about the First War and there was one person synonymous with Voldemort and that was Bellatrix Lestrange. She was his fiercest and most devoted follower. Her marriage to Rodolphus Lestrange was just a front as her only allegiance was to her Dark Lord. When Voldemort had disappeared, she had lashed out violently and attacked a number of families. She was saved, though, with Malfoy's money and lack of evidence. She never made public appearances unless she was in Lucius's company which was why she was now wining and dining with the most powerful families in Europe.
"It's more than likely." Sirius rubbed his chin as he talked. "Voldemort was the only one who could control her and she never really did approve of Malfoy's way of supporting the cause. The only way she would follow Lucius's word is if Voldemort ordered her to."
The conversation halted so they could both mull over what had been said. Harry had gotten more than he had bargained for by coming here. Of course, he could never had known that his godfather would be present or that he would be in such a unique position. Nevertheless, it was still a lot to process. He wished that this was the end of all the reveals for the night but there was still one more question he had to ask.
"Why haven't you told anyone about this?"
"Dumbledore knows," answered Sirius. "And I asked him not to say anything," he quickly added when he saw Harry about to argue back. "The same goes for you too now. Your parents should hear it from me when I'm ready to tell them. Understand?"
Harry nodded his head. He still felt it was weird that Sirius trusted Dumbledore over his parents but he had to honor his wishes.
"Good." Sirius slapped his legs and stood up to indicate that that part of the conversation was over.
"Now, you need to tell me just what the hell made you think to accept the Circle's invitation. More importantly, why did James and Lily even let you come?"
Harry suddenly became very sheepish. "I thought we needed to know who was out there and what they knew about us. I was trying to help."
"You were trying to do too much," Sirius corrected. "James and I may have told you all we knew about politics but that," he pointed to ballroom, "is leagues ahead of anything we taught you."
Harry agreed but then again. "If I had known you were here then I wouldn't have accepted."
Sirius stared pointedly back at him but eventually dropped his shoulders. "You're right." Sirius dropped back down in his seat and rubbed his forehead. "If I had just been honest from the start then this would never had happened and Malfoy wouldn't have gained another chip to play with the Circle."
It was odd for Harry to see his normally confident godfather so stressed and unsure but that's when he realized that they were both in over their heads. He then decided that he needed to lighten the mood a bit.
"We've made a right mess of things, haven't we?"
Sirius laughingly huffed which spilled into uncontrollable laughter. Harry soon joined in as the two enjoyed a moment's reprieve from their situation.
Eventually, Sirius brought himself under control, stood up, and walked to Harry and placed his arm around his shoulder. "Come on. Let's go see how our mess is going."
Harry smiled and together they walked to the doors and pulled the curtains to see inside.
Inside the room was abuzz with activity. Dispersed around the room, small pockets of Circle members were conversing with their guests. It was clear that the night was going better for some over others. Some children seemed to be heavily involved in the conversations and were smiling and laughing along with the adults while a few awkwardly stood by. Even more depressing where the unfortunate few that were left seated alone away from anyone. Harry even saw a few of them in tears.
"It's sad really," began Sirius as they watched one group break up after it appeared one boy had made an inappropriate comment and was now left alone. "Some of these kids' futures will be determined based solely on what happens in that room. Say the wrong thing," the boy broke down in tears and ran to exit doors, "and you might as well throw away your wand and become a Muggle."
Harry took a nervous deep breath as he prepared himself to return to the ball. Sirius must have sensed his nervousness as he felt his hand on his shoulder. "Just keep your guard up and remember why you're here." Harry looked up at his godfather. "And if in doubt, just say nothing." He finished with a smile which Harry returned.
He looked back into the room and finally spotted the only person he had a reason to search for. Greengrass was standing just outside one circle of people but didn't appear to be included at all as she soon bounced to another one but with little luck. It seemed that no one wanted any part of her, especially the Germans who did little to hide their distaste. Harry quickly found Malfoy and saw a pleased smile on his face whenever he glanced her way.
Whether it was out of pity or spite, Harry had to do something and luckily he had an idea. "Sirius?" he said to get his godfather's attention. "The Blacks still carry a lot of weight in the Circle, right?"
"Sure."
"Can you help her?"
"Who…?" Sirius followed Harry's gaze before he smiled knowingly. "Can't stand her, huh?"
Harry just glared at him before he pointed out Malfoy. Sirius noticed the same satisfied smirk on Malfoy that Harry did and the looks the Germans were throwing at his date.
"Fine, I'll go help your girlfriend," he said with a smirk and left before Harry could get another word in.
'She is not and will never be my girlfriend,' he thought as he watched the awkward exchange between Sirius and Greengrass. From a spectator's view, it looked like Sirius was trying to court her which didn't interest Greengrass at all but at the same time wasn't able to dismiss. He figured that it was probably the first conversation she'd had since Harry had left her. Harry looked around and saw that the Germans had lost interest and turned their backs while Malfoy looked annoyed. Harry smiled a little at that but it quickly fell when he noticed that Sirius was leading Greengrass right to him.
They walked together slowly which gave Harry some time to think about what to expect.
'She'll probably be grateful,' he figured.
Harry looked back and saw that Sirius was taking a few detours to make sure that everyone in the room could see them. They only got a few intrigued looks and Harry noticed one boy their age among the Bulgarians give Greengrass more than a few glances.
He backed away from the door and stood by the railing as he waited. He took a few casual glances at the view and enjoyed the soft sound of the lake's waves against the shore. He stared up at the stars, closed his eyes, and allowed himself to think of home. He smiled softly at the thought of his Dad and Mum sitting on the porch with Danny telling Halloween stories by a campfire while Moony lurked in the shadows waiting to jump out at the story's climax. He could just faintly hear his brother's yelp of surprise and his parent's laughter.
That all went away, though, as soon as the door opened and in walked Sirius and Greengrass. Sirius was in front and blocked Greengrass from seeing Harry.
"What is it that you would like to speak to me about Lord Bla-?" She stopped speaking as soon as Sirius stepped aside and she got her first look at Harry. Her eyes narrowed angrily as marched right up to him and slapped him hard across his face.
Harry was knocked back and his hand instinctually went to his cheek. 'So much for being grateful.'
"Well, I'll just leave you two to talk things out."
Harry brought his head back in time to see the door close. 'Thank you so much Padfoot.' He rubbed his cheek a few times before his hand was ripped away and received another slap.
"Okay, I get it." He was pretty sure that his cheek was bruised. "You're angry."
"How dare you embarrass me like that, Potter!" she yelled.
"What?!" he replied disbelievingly.
"You just left me like I was trash in front of everyone," she said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "I can't gain an audience with anyone that I wanted to speak with tonight and it's all your fault."
"No, it's not."
"Yes, it is. Image is everything with these people and you made me look like a fool leaving me alone at the tables. Everyone had already grouped together and I was left out and without you I didn't have an in."
"So that's why you really wanted me to be your escort, huh? You thought people would notice you if you showed up with me."
"Don't be so naïve."
"Oh, I'm naïve. They weren't talking to you because they don't want you here. You're only here because Malfoy is using you to show off his influence. Otherwise, no one wants anything to do with you."
The yelling match ceased as Harry realized that he may have gone too far. He could see wells of tears begin to form in Greengrass's eyes as she turned and walked to the opposite side of the balcony.
Harry was at a bit of a loss at what to do. He felt bad for what he did and how it was said. He could hear her softly crying and see her shoulders shaking slightly. He wanted to do something but crying girls was not something he was prepared for. He slowly walked and stood beside her. Her hair masked her face but he could see drops of tears fall from her chin. It was an odd sight as Harry wasn't used to seeing any kind of emotion, especially this, from Greengrass.
"If it makes you feel better, Malfoy's using me for the same thing, too."
Greengrass sniffed and wiped her eyes. "Yeah, but it's different for you."
"You were sitting there when Malfoy basically called my family filth, right?" He said jokingly, hoping to cheer her up a bit.
There was a pregnant pause as Greengrass seemed to collect yourself. "It doesn't matter, you're still a Potter…" she said softly as she pushed her hair back and stared back at him. Harry looked into her deep blue eyes, still slightly red from her tears, and for a brief moment saw who Daphne Greengrass really was. She, much like him, appeared as if she had the entire world upon her shoulders and, despite everything, was unwilling to admit that it was too much. They both had a mask they wore for the world and they both had cracks. Just as quickly as Harry had seen into the real Daphne Greengrass, she closed up again and finished with her usually bite. "…and you have no idea what's it like for the rest of us."
Harry didn't know she meant by that but was about to find out.
"You don't know what it was like in the real world as you lived happily in your private sanctuary. You don't know what it was like to tremble any time there was a knock at the door because you didn't know if they had come back to take away what's left of your family." Her voice started to raise but still carried a sadness to it. Harry felt like he should say something but held back as it seemed that it would be better for her to let it all out.
"You never had to go through each day doing everything as perfectly as possible so just maybe your father would notice and say he was proud of you. To be a stranger to your own father but still love him because he's all you have left." Tears started to fall from her face again.
It was then that an incredible thought came to Harry. 'Is she jealous? Does she think my life is perfect?'
While it was true that Harry had the loving support of his parents, his life was far from perfect. But, of course, how could she know that. The stories of his family made it seem like that they were the perfect family, the heroes that would one day safe them all. They didn't know that his brother was just a scared little boy with a power that he couldn't control. That if Voldemort were to show up then there would be little Danny could do to stop him.
"You asked why I wanted to be here despite what they think of me and my family. It's because it's up to me to get us out of Britain because I'm afraid that the next time they come my father won't be able to say no."
"Why don't you just leave then?" It certainly sounded like Greengrass wanted nothing to do with the upcoming war and if her family was able to move before then why not do it again and be done with it.
She stared incredulously at him. "Are you that stupid? We wouldn't make it across the channel before we were hunted down and dragged back. The only way is if we have the protection of another house and the easiest way to get that is through marriage." She crossed her arms and pointedly stared at him. "And you say I know nothing."
Harry felt a little angry as his words were thrown back at him but she was right. There was still a lot he had to learn about the how the world worked. And yet, she didn't know what secrets he held and the weight they put on him.
"And now that you've come to Hogwarts that can only mean that next year your brother will come too which means I have even less time. So, if you'd excuse me I have to get back to saving what's left of my family. Good luck saving the world." She then flipped her hair and started heading towards the door leaving Harry in a bit of stupor. He had never expected that that was the reason the she resented him so much, especially since it was something that he couldn't control.
Harry didn't know what suddenly came over him but he had to say something. "I'll help you."
It came out softly but it was loud enough to stop Greengrass in her tracks. She slowly turned around and stared disbelievingly at him. "What?"
"If you can earn my trust then I'll help you." He said with more authority. He would not repeat the mistakes of the past. He would not trust blindly, he would not endanger his family. But he also wouldn't become the kind of person that would turn his back on someone in need. His family had raised him better than that.
"Why would you do that?"
"Because I'm not what you think I am." He couldn't change what had happened in the past. He already knew that he would spend his time at Hogwarts fighting his own nature because his family needed him to be hard and strong but there were some things and some people that deserved better than that. He wasn't yet sure if Greengrass was one of them or that he could trust her but anyone that is willing to go to such lengths for the sake of family deserved a chance.
His sincerity seemed to knock Greengrass a step or two. She stared quizzically at him for a moment as she struggled to make sense of what he had just done. It was then that there was a soft knock on the glass door of the balcony. The door opened and in walked the same boy Harry had saw staring at Greengrass as Sirius led her through the room.
"Excuse me, am I interrupting something?" The boy said with a heavy Bulgarian accent.
Greengrass still couldn't find the words to speak so Harry answered, "Not at all Mr…"
"Krum. Viktor Krum, Heir of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Krum of Bulgaria."
Harry bowed in respect. He stared at Greengrass to convey that she needed to do the same. Under different circumstances, he would have found it amusing to watch her whip around and give a hasty curtsy to the newcomer.
"What may we do for you, Mr. Krum?" Greengrass said softly, every ounce of bewilderment gone from her voice.
Krum bowed to both of them. "I hoped to have a vord vith you, Lady Greengrass."
"Of-Of course. Shall we?" She replied hastily. She seemed eager to get away from Harry. He, no doubt, confused her with his unexpected charity and welcomed the chance to escape.
It took a moment but Harry realized that he was now alone and had no real reason to remain on the balcony and should return to the ball. He checked his watch and noticed that it was still fairly early in the evening and the ball wouldn't end for a few hours. He blanched at the idea of spending more time among the Circle, he was exhausted. But he couldn't very well stay out here all night, could he? With a deep breath, he opened the doors and took in the scene before him.
Not much had changed. The room was still divided in groups of Circle members with their guests. There were a few more one-on-one's between some Lords and guests (and a few more lonely souls) at the tables but overall it still seemed like an open floor. Harry scanned the room and found Sirius standing with a mid-sized group though he didn't seemed to be too involved with the conversation. He caught Harry's eye and discreetly motioned to the far side of the room. Harry looked over and saw Krum and Greengrass sitting together talking cordially to one another. He was sort of pleased to see that perhaps his help wouldn't be required. He looked back to Sirius and shrugged it off. Sirius smirked slightly and motioned around the room.
Harry took that to mean to join his group but backed off when he saw Malfoy and Lestrange approach and joined the conversation. Harry looked around for somewhere else but didn't see anything that looked too inviting. As he wandered the room, he felt the hungry stares of Lords that wished for his company. It was a little disconcerting and Harry didn't like how he was being seen as a pawn in whatever political dance these people were playing. He was not going to be taken advantage of and these people were fools if they thought they could get to his brother through him. He ignored their dishonest smiles and gestures to join their groups and instead chose to head to the tables and wait for the evening to be over. He really was tired after all and didn't have the desire to avoid questions about his family.
He sat stoically and didn't pay much attention to what was going on around him. His mind was going over everything that occurred for the past few hours: the betrayal and then redemption of his godfather, Malfoy's manipulations, and the revelation of Greengrass's background and her resent towards him. It was Greengrass that was stuck in his mind. Here was a girl that had grown up almost entirely opposite of him. While he had the complete support of his family, she was on her own. He was preparing for war and she was trying to escape. They were completely different people and wanted different things and yet their motivations were the same: family. They were both fighting different battles for the sake of their families. For that, he had a newfound respect for his rival.
"Excuse me, Heir Potter." The unexpected voice interrupted Harry's thoughts as he looked up and saw a tall blond aristocrat with a French accent. Harry stood and bowed.
"Yes my Lord."
"May I seat with you?" Harry nodded politely and the two sat together.
"My name is Lord Augustin Delacour."
The name sounded oddly familiar but Harry couldn't quite place it. His confusion must have appeared on his face as Lord Delacour began to speak. "I believe you have heard of my sister, Abrielle, the seer."
Realization dawned on Harry that it was this man's sister that had made the prophecy that changed his family's fate. Mixed emotions washed over him as so much of his early life had been dictated by that prophecy. He felt angry but knew that there was nothing that could have been done to change what happened in the Leaky Cauldron that day. Seers had no control over when their visions took place. Again, he did a poor job of hiding his emotions and Lord Delacour began speaking.
"I wished for you to know that my sister deeply regrets how her prophecy was received and the effect it has had on your family. For that, please accept our sincerest apology."
Harry could hear Lord Delacour's sincerity and wished to appease the French lord. "There is nothing to forgive, it was beyond your control."
"And still, I would like to extend my services to you and your family in payment of this debt. If you are ever in need then the Noble and Most Ancient House of Delacour is at your service."
"Thank you." Harry really didn't know what else to say but since he was the Heir Apparent he was expected to handle these kind of exchanges.
Delacour shifted closer as if he thought someone would overhear him. "There are those here that would see you harmed. Lord Mal-"
"I know what Lord Malfoy is doing and why he invited me." Harry interjected. Lord Delacour seemed to ignore the interruption and Harry mentally kicked himself.
"Then how may I assist you?" Lord Delacour seemed determined to help in some way.
Harry thought about it and there was something that he could ask of the French lord. Something that was nagging at him since his talk with Greengrass.
"Could you tell me about the world? What was it like before…?" Harry didn't need to finish. Lord Delacour understood what he meant. He settled more comfortably in his seat and began to speak of the last ten years.
"It was a dark time. The Dark Lord held the advantage but when he disappeared it all changed. His army was leaderless and chaos ensued. Houses were attacked at random and without provocation, even some that were supportive of their cause were destroyed. It took some time before your Aurors were able to take back control, though, little good it did." Delacour paused and looked a bit uncomfortable speaking ill of the English Ministry. Harry beckoned him to go on.
"Forgive my imprudence, but your Wizengamot is composed-"
"-Of those it should be prosecuting." Harry finished the thought he knew to be true.
Delacour nodded. "A fact that is all too common today as well, though, there are still some of us who continue to fight for the world as it should be."
Harry observed the man before him and judged him to be genuine. Harry had not expected to find it among the Circle and it gave him hope for the future. The hope that his family wouldn't be alone in the struggle yet to come.
"And your family?" Harry knew the question was personal but his curiosity of how different families were affected was at the forefront of his mind.
"My consort and I have kept our children away from such things."
"Consort?"
"Forgive me. While here I must refer to my wife as such."
"Why?"
Lord Delacour didn't answer and Harry admonished himself for continuing to ask such personal questions.
"I beg your pardon, my Lord. I shouldn't have asked."
"No, no, no, it's alright Heir Potter." Lord Delacour stared off a bit and smiled softly. "My wife cannot be called so due to her Veela heritage."
Harry's eyes grew wide. He remembered Moony teaching him and Danny about Veelas and their power over men. And yet, he did not see Lord Delacour as the type of man who would fall prey to such a thing.
"And as I am the Head of my House, she is not allowed to my Lady." His voice was low and filled with a measure of sorrow. Harry was too young to remember but he was sure that his father had been the same when his marriage had to be dissolved.
"I understand," said Harry compassionately. He could see in Lord Delacour's eyes the love he carried for his wife. The same look he often saw in his father's eyes.
Lord Delacour smiled back at Harry as he was also aware of the sacrifice that the current Head of the Potter Family had made.
The two continued to talk and share stories of their lives and families, though, Harry never gave away too much. Lord Delacour explained how he had met his wife and how they had fallen in love after he had defended her when "lesser" men were unable to resist her allure. He then spoke of his children and suggestively mentioned how his oldest, Fleur, was the same age as Harry. That made Harry a little uncomfortable. He definitely wasn't ready for any kind of relationship of that sort. The conversation had then shifted to Harry's family though he mainly spoke of his parents and his training. Lord Delacour never asked once about Danny or his father which helped Harry feel more at ease.
Throughout the rest of the evening, no one bothered them, not even Sirius who looked worried that Harry was so engrossed with a lord of the Circle. Harry had just waved him off to indicate that he was alright. Eventually, the Ball came to a close. Harry bid Lord Delacour farewell and made his way to the portkey to take him back to Hogwarts.