A/N - Hello once again everyone. I just want to confirm that after this chapter it will be THREE WEEKS before I post the next one. As I said last week I'm going on a trip and may not be able to work on the story as much as I'd like (although depending on my schedule while I'm away this might not be the case - just have to see about that). Better safe than sorry. On the other hand this will give me a little extra time to try to get out in front of the story again. The next chapter is finished and will be posted on Sunday, June 26th, but right now it's the last finished chapter so far. Hopefully by the time I post it I'll have gotten at least another one in the can so there won't be any schedule slippage just yet.
Now for the chapter you've all been expecting: The Yule Ball!
Disclaimer: The X-Men were created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and belong to Marvel Comics. Harry Potter was created by and belongs to J.K. Rowling. I make no money from this and the only thing that's mine are the original parts of the story.
Quotes taken from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
22) THE YULE BALL
Harry woke up on Christmas morning to a pounding on his door and his godfather calling for him to get up because "presents!" Of course that worked. Harry was soon downstairs with everyone else in the main livingroom where the Christmas Tree was. This year the whole team was there. Instead of some of the class going home over the holidays everyone had stayed at the school. As happened on Thankgiving, Bobby's, Warren's, and Jean's families would be joining them for Christmas dinner that evening at the mansion. In addition Hank's parents would also be there. Dinner was scheduled for 8 PM so that Harry would be back from Yule Ball in time for it. Remus would also be coming and there was even a possibility that Dumbledore would drop by for a while. Lastly Harry had invited Ororo to come too but she had to decline because her parents would be picking her up at Ilvermorny immediately after the Ball so they could go visit her father's family for a few days. Harry understood and said he hoped she had a good time.
But all that would be much later in the day. For now everyone sat in the livingroom giving out and opening presents. As usual Mrs. Weasley had sent Harry a new sweater. It was green with a picture of a dragon on it. Other than that Harry mostly received new CDs for his collection. Among the ones he received that had come out that year (and which he didn't already have) were Green Day's Dookie, the Offspring's Smash, and REM's Monster. The most unexpected gift he received was a guitar from Warren.
"I think you might like it" said Warren, "try it out. I fully expect you to form your own band by the time you graduate from highschool." That was not something Harry had ever considered doing but, well, it was true that he liked modern rock. There wouldn't be any harm in learning to play some chords, would there?
The morning passed quietly enough once the presents were all given out. There was no training that morning and Harry spent the time relaxing with his teammates. He only had a very light lunch because a banquet would be part of the Yule Ball. After that he got ready to go to Ilvermorny to get changed for the ball.
"Have a good time" said Bobby, "don't turn into a pumpkin when it's over."
"I'll try not to" said Harry as he picked up the expanded bag that had his formal clothes in it.
"We'll see you at dinner" said Warren, "I know you said there's a banquet happening but save some room for when you get back.
"I intend to" said Harry.
At 1:30 PM he took his portkey over to Ilvermorny and was shown to a room where he could get changed. Once he was fully dressed he was directed to the entrance hall of the school where the students who were attending the ball would be gathering. When Ororo joined him not long after two o'clock Harry was stunned when he saw her. She looked incredible. She wore a formal gown of royal blue which matched what he was wearing. She wore a sapphire necklace and diamond earrings. Her hair was done up in a bun and she wore a diamond tiara on top of that. All of the jewelry was real. She looked just like the princess she was and Harry took a long look at her without saying anything.
"Do you like what you see?" Ororo asked him with a hint of amusement in her voice. This snapped him out of his trance.
"Like doesn't even begin to express it" Harry said, taking her hand and bending down to kiss the back of it, "you are absolutely beautiful. I don't think I've ever seen anyone quite as beautiful as you."
"Thank you Mr. Potter" said Ororo with a full smile, "you look very handsome yourself."
"Thank you Ms. Munroe" said Harry, "I wish you a very Happy Christmas and I hope you'll accept this token of my esteem" He held out a small box. When Ororo opened it she found a silver bracelet inside that was patterned to look like a friendship bracelet.
"Why thank you" she said to Harry who smiled and put it on her right wrist where it shone in the light.
"You're very welcome" said Harry who looked over to see that Headmaster Pope had arrived along with his wife. Dr. Strange was with them.
"It looks like we're about to leave" said Harry offering his arm to Ororo, "may I escort you to the ball Princess Ororo?"
"You may Mr. Potter" said Ororo taking his arm. Harry, Ororo, and the other students heading to the ball gathered near the headmaster when he signaled for them to form up into a double line. He then introduced Dr. Strange to everyone and told them that he would be making the portal to send them to Hogwarts. He reminded everyone to be on their best behavior as while they were at Hogwarts they were representing Ilvermorny and not to do anything that might reflect poorly on the school.
When the headmaster was finished speaking Dr. Strange created a portal which was large enough for the two lines to walk through.
"We will return at midnight British time" he said to the group, "which will be 7 PM here. After you please."
Headmaster Pope and his wife stepped through first, Harry and Ororo followed them, the other students attending the ball followed them, and Dr. Strange brought up the rear. They all emerged in the front hall of Hogwarts which was filling up with students waiting for the ball to start. Professor McGonagall was there to receive them and greeted everyone once they had all passed through the portal.
"Welcome back to Hogwarts Headmaster Pope and Mrs. Pope" she said, "Dr. Strange it's an honor to have you here tonight."
"Thank you Professor McGonagall" said Dr. Strange.
"Mr. Potter" said McGonagall now turning to him and Ororo, "Happy Christmas. You and your date should line up with the other champions over by the door."
"Thank you professor" said Harry, "and Happy Christmas to you." He lead Ororo over to where the other champions were. Cedric Diggory's date was Cho Chang a girl Harry knew of but hadn't met. She was the seeker for the Ravenclaw Quidditch team but Harry had never played against her. Harry didn't know Fleur's date although whoever he was seemed to be completely under the spell of her allure. Finally Viktor Krum was there with –
"Hermione?" asked Harry when caught sight of her, "is that you? You look wonderful." And she did. She was dressed a beautiful periwinkle blue gown and her hair was straight for once instead of bushy. She looked back at Harry with a smile.
"Hello Harry" she said, "you look good yourself. Who's your date?"
"Ah" said Harry turning to Ororo, "Ororo I'd like you to meet one of my best friends at Hogwarts, Hermione Granger. Hermione, may I present my friend and classmate at Ilvermorny as well as my date for tonight Ororo Munroe, Crown Princess of Magical Kenya."
"Really?" asked Hermione, her eyes going wide. The other champions and their dates also looked on in surprise.
"Really" said Harry, "her mother is N'Dare the ruling queen and Ororo is the heiress to the throne."
"Wow" said Hermione who dipped her head to Ororo out of respect, "it's an honor to meet you your highness."
"There's no need for that" said Ororo holding out her hand, "you're Harry's friend and he's told me about you. Please call me Ororo."
"Thank you" said Hermione, "please call me Hermione." The other champions and their dates now met Harry's date and they were all suitably impressed.
"Say Ororo" said Hermione, "you look familiar. Were you at the Quidditch World Cup?" Ororo laughed.
"Yes" said Ororo, "Harry and I crashed into each other at the campgrounds."
"I thought that was you" said Hermione, "you were sitting in the top box near us. I remember now. Harry told me you would be at Ilvermorny. How is it compared to Uagadou?"
Ororo began telling Hermione about Uagadou and how it and Ilvermorny differed both from each other and from Hogwarts, Meanwhile Harry looked around the gathering crowd in the entrance hall. There were people here he knew and plenty that he didn't. Not far away he saw Neville Longbottom with Ginny Weasley at his side. Harry was glad that Neville had asked Ginny to go with him since it allowed Ginny to attend the ball. Draco Malfoy was standing with Pansy Parkinson over by the far wall. Harry briefly wondered why Malfoy was attending the ball since he was a third year before he remembered that Pansy was a fourth year and had probably invited him. Harry also saw the Weasley twins who were standing with Angelina Johnson and Alicia Spinnet but he couldn't tell which twin was with which girl. But no matter where he looked Harry didn't see Ron.
"Where's Ron?" he asked Hermione.
"I suppose he's still waiting for his date" she answered, "he asked Lavender Brown and you know how she is. She has to look perfect. Oh, here they come now." Harry looked over and saw Ron and Lavender coming down the main staircase. Harry had to admit that Lavender did look very good but, in his opinion, not as good Ororo.
"I'm a little surprised Ron didn't ask you to the ball" Harry said to Hermione in a low voice.
"He did" she replied, "but Viktor asked me first."
"Was Ron all right with that?"
"Actually yes" said Hermione, "he groused a little bit at first but he got over it. He told me yesterday that Viktor was lucky to have me as a date and I should let him know if Viktor did anything to upset me tonight." Harry was impressed by this. It sounded like Ron was becoming more mature about things than he used to be. His emotional range had to be larger than a teaspoon now.
At 7:45 PM British time the doors to the Great Hall swung open and Professor McGonagall directed all of the students except for the champions to enter the hall. They all walked past the champions as they did so and Harry had a good look at everyone. When Ron and Lavender went past them Harry nodded to Ron who grinned at him and nodded back.
Once everyone was in the Great Hall McGonagall directed to the champions to enter as well but she made a couple of specific choices about the order in which they would go in. As the champion for the hosting school Cedric would enter last with his date. Fleur entered first with her date. Viktor and Hermione were next. Harry and Ororo entered third in order and Cedric and Cho brought up the rear. Everyone in the Great Hall applauded as they entered and started walking up toward a large round table at the top of the Hall, where the judges were sitting.
The walls of the Hall had all been covered in sparkling silver frost, with hundreds of garlands of mistletoe and ivy crossing the starry black ceiling. The House tables had vanished; instead, there were about a hundred smaller, lantern-lit ones, each seating about a dozen people.
The champions and their dates were greeted at the top table by Dumbledore who gestured for them all to sit down. Harry pulled out a chair for Ororo and helped her into her seat just like a proper gentleman should. He then sat down in a chair next to her. She was on his right side. Hermione sat in the chair to Harry's left. Harry was fine with this arrangement because it meant that he had two of his best friends sitting on either side of him.
The table was large enough to hold 16 people. In addition to the champions and their dates Dumbledore, Karkaroff, Madame Maxime, and Pope were all there. Pope's wife was with him. Dr. Strange was sitting next to Dumbledore. The table was rounded out with Bagman and finally Percy Weasley whom, he said, had been assigned by the ministry to continue on as a judge for the rest of the tournament. He seemed to be very pleased about that.
There was no food as yet on the glittering golden plates, but small menus were lying in front of each of them. Harry picked his up uncertainly and looked around - there were no waiters. Dumbledore, however, looked carefully down at his own menu, then said very clearly to his plate, "Pork chops!"
And pork chops appeared. Getting the idea, the rest of the table placed their orders with their plates too. Harry ordered steak with potatoes while Ororo ordered broiled salmon. The food was excellent, just as it always was at Hogwarts but it was extra good this time. The house elves had put in even more effort than usual to make the meals as perfect as possible.
While they ate there was plenty of conversation around the table. Hermione asked Ororo some questions about magical Kenya and what it was like being the crown princess. Ororo's main answer to that was that "one learns to live with it and one does one's duty when required."
Later on people began talking about their schools. Uagadou generated the most interest from the others at the table as there was no one else there who had attended that school. Dumbledore had been there on occasion but he was the only other person besides Ororo who had been there. After that Krum began describing Durmstrang to Hermione and Harry listened too. Krum made it sound like a nice place, at least when the weather was warm. Karkaroff stopped Krum from saying any more so as to not give away where the school was located. That seemed to amuse Dumbledore.
Dumbledore smiled, his eyes twinkling. "Igor, all this secrecy ., . one would almost think you didn't want visitors."
"Well, Dumbledore," said Karkaroff, displaying his yellowing teeth to their fullest extent, "we are all protective of our private domains, are we not? Do we not jealously guard the halls of learning that have been entrusted to us? Are we not right to be proud that we alone know our school's secrets, and right to protect them?"
"Oh I would never dream of assuming I know all Hogwarts' secrets, Igor," said Dumbledore amicably. "Only this morning, for instance, I took a wrong turning on the way to the bathroom and found myself in a beautifully proportioned room I have never seen before, containing a really rather magnificent collection of chamber pots. When I went back to investigate more closely, I discovered that the room had vanished. But I must keep an eye out for it. Possibly it is only accessible at five-thirty in the morning. Or it may only appear at the quarter moon - or when the seeker has an exceptionally full bladder."
Harry snorted into his plate...[he] could have sworn Dumbledore had given him a very small wink. For some reason Dr. Strange had an expression on his face that Harry could only think of as "knowingly amused." He wondered a little of what that was about but soon put it out of his mind.
Dr. Strange mostly listened and didn't talk much. Occasionally someone might ask him about his work as Sorcerer Supreme but he wasn't very communicative about that explaining that it wasn't a subject fit for the dinner table. When he did speak it was mostly to Dumbledore. Occasionally he gave Harry a look as if he wanted to say something to him but refrained from doing so.
When all the food had been consumed, Dumbledore stood up and asked the students to do the same. Then, with a wave of his wand, all the tables zoomed back along the walls leaving the floor clear, and then he conjured a raised platform into existence along the right wall. A set of drums, several guitars, a lute, a cello, and some bagpipes were set upon it.
The Weird Sisters now trooped up onto the stage to wildly enthusiastic applause; they were all extremely hairy and dressed in black robes that had been artfully ripped and torn. They picked up their instruments and the leader turned to the crowd and announced the beginning of the dancing. She signaled to the rest of the band and they all began to play. Harry turned to Ororo.
"May I have this dance Princess Ororo?" he asked her with a smile.
"Of course Mr. Potter" she answered with a smile of her own. He took her by the hand and led her to the dance floor where they faced each other for the opening waltz. The other champions joined them on the floor, all of them ready to begin the dancing.
Harry was very thankful that he'd taken those dance lessons at Ilvermorny as he knew he'd have made an absolute mess of things otherwise. As it was he wasn't exactly a great dancer but he was passable enough that he didn't step on Ororo's toes and he didn't shame himself in front of everyone. Since Ororo was by far the more experienced dancer he followed her cues as to what he should do and when he should do it. Officially he was supposed to lead. In reality she was doing the leading but in such a way that she made it look like Harry was the leader. It was subtle and you would have to be looking for it to know it was happening.
When the dance ended Ororo took Harry's hand and led him off the floor.
"Are we done dancing?" Harry asked her in surprise.
"Not at all" she said, "in Kenya it's good manners not to dance a second dance until everyone has had a chance to take their first dance. The rule is that if you dance the opening dance you sit out the second one to give the people who didn't participate in the first dance a chance to have their first dance. You then return to the floor for the third dance. After that you may do what you like.
"I see" said Harry. He looked around and saw that the other champions were also sitting out the second dance. When he looked at Hermione she gave him a smile. He smiled back and nodded at her. Ororo noticed this.
"You like her a lot?" she asked Harry.
"She's one of my best friends here at Hogwarts" said Harry, "she's like the sister I never had,."
"Oh?" asked Ororo.
"I'm not attracted to her in that way if that's what you mean" said Harry.
"It's all right Harry" Ororo said, "I'm not jealous."
"Good" said Harry, "shall we dance the third dance?"
"Yes" said Ororo and they both headed on to the floor again. They danced the third dance and several of the dances following it. Harry was a little surprised that he was enjoying the dancing. Ororo was a very good dancer and she made him look like a good dancer too. As they danced Harry turned over in his mind what he'd said about not being attracted to Hermione 'in that way.' It was true. He didn't think of her as more than a best friend and a sister. The more he spent time with Ororo however, the more he felt that if he was attracted to someone 'in that way' it was her. The question though was, how would he tell her that?
"Shall we rest for a while?" Harry asked Ororo after several dances.
"Yes, let's do that" said Ororo and they moved off to the side of the dance floor and approached the drinks table where they both got glasses of punch from the punch bowl before going to a table and sitting down.
"Are you having a good time" Harry asked Ororo as they watched the dancing.
"Yes" she said, "thank you, are you?"
"Yes" he said as they smiled at each other.
Not long after that Hermione and Viktor came over to them.
"Harry" Hermione said, "would you mind terribly giving me a dance?"
"And since my date will dance the next dance with your date" said Viktor to Ororo, "would you honor me with a dance your highness?" Both Harry and Ororo glanced at each other and nodded. They both got up and joined their new partners for the next dance.
"You dance pretty well Harry" said Hermione as they moved across the floor.
"Only passably" said Harry, "they gave lessons at Ilvermorny and I'm very glad they did."
"So am I" said Hermione with a smile, "tell me more about Ororo. Do you like her?" Harry looked at her in surprise.
"Don't look so surprised" said Hermione, "the way you were looking at her earlier made it pretty obvious you feel something for her. Have you told her yet?"
"No" said Harry, "I, well I only realized it tonight."
"Don't wait" said Hermione, "tonight's perfect for that."
"Yeah but she's a princess" said Harry.
"And you're the Boy-Who-Lived" shot back Hermione, "what of it?"
Fortunately for Harry the dance ended just then. Hermione gave him a quick peck on his cheek and told him to "think about it" before going back to Viktor. Ororo came back over to Harry and they started the next dance. Harry thought over what Hermione said.
"Are you all right?" asked Ororo, "you seem a bit distracted."
"I'm fine" said Harry, "it's just quite a night, you know?"
"Yes" said Ororo as the dance ended, "do you want to take a walk outside?"
"I'd be happy too" said Harry. The two of them walked off the dance floor. Before they could get any further they ran into Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson.
"Well, well, well" said Malfoy with his usual sneer, "Potter actually has a date. How much did you have to pay her to go with you?"
"Good evening to you too Malfoy, Parkinson" said Harry ignoring the insult, "excuse us, we're just heading outside."
"What?" asked Malfoy, "oh, no you mustn't do that. You must introduce us. Come, come Potter, manners you know."
"Look who's talking" murmured Harry but low enough so that only Ororo heard him before sighing and speaking up again, "Draco Malfoy, Pansy Parkinson, this is Ororo Munroe. She's an exchange student from Uagadou who's spending the year at Ilvermorny."
Ororo held out a hand in the proper magical manner. Showing that he could be well mannered when he wanted to be Draco reached out and kissed her hand.
"Charmed" he said, "you must not go outside yet. At least not until I've had a chance to dance with you and show you what a real wizard is like."
"Do that Draco" said Pansy, "I'm sure she's tired of Potter by now and could use a real partner." Ororo looked at Harry.
"Are they always like this?" she asked him.
"I'm afraid so" said Harry.
"Let me guess" said Ororo, "they must be purebloods."
"Naturally we are" said Malfoy with a smug expression on his face.
"I was afraid of that" said Ororo, "thanks for the offer, but no thanks. I'm quite happy with my date. Harry, let's go outside." She and Harry began to turn when Malfoy reached out and roughly grabbed her arm.
"Don't give me the brush off" snarled Malfoy, "you should respect your betters."
"Let go of her Malfoy" hissed Harry. Ororo pulled her arm out of Malfoy's hand.
"My betters?" she said, "I know who my betters are and you're definitely not one of them. Now please leave us alone."
"A mudblood like you should be honored I would even notice you" snapped Malfoy.
SMACK!
"How dare you!" said Ororo as she lowered her hand after slapping Malfoy hard. She turned away and walked off in a huff.
"Why that little – " said Malfoy as he put his hand on his cheek where she'd hit him, "who does she think she is? When my father hears about this he'll deal with her."
"No he won't" said Harry, "congratulations Malfoy. You just insulted the Crown Princess of Kenya." With that Harry turned away to follow his date leaving a shocked Malfoy and Parkinson behind staring after him.
"Could it be true?" asked Pansy after a bit, "do you think she really is the heiress to the Kenyan throne?"
"Potter's not known for being a liar" said Malfoy slowly, "but I hope he is this time. My father is trying to make some business connections in Africa and Kenya is one of the countries he's making overtures to. If I really have insulted the heiress to the Kenyan throne – "
"Don't finish that thought" said Pansy
Harry found Ororo outside the castle at the edge of the rose garden.
"I'm sorry about Malfoy" he said to her, "don't take it personally. He treats everyone like that."
"It's not your fault" Ororo told him with a wan smile, "but I probably shouldn't have slapped him."
"He deserved it" said Harry, "I'm a little surprised though. Right after the first task he was completely civil to me. He complimented me and we even shook hands. I thought things might be a little different now. I guess that was a one time thing."
The two of them went walking in the rose garden where they found themselves surrounded by bushes; winding, ornamental paths; and large stone statues. Harry could hear splashing water, which sounded like a fountain. Here and there, people were sitting on carved benches. It wasn't cold out, no doubt the area was being warmed by magic. The night was pleasant although a bit dreary as the sky was completely overcast. After a little while the two of them found an empty bench and they sat down together.
"What a strange year this is turning out to be" said Harry.
"You mean because of the tournament?" asked Ororo.
"That, and other things – but mostly that" said Harry.
"I know you don't want to be in it" said Ororo, "everybody knows that, but it hasn't been all bad, has it?"
"No" said Harry, "if I wasn't in the tournament I wouldn't be here now with you. I'd be sorry to miss that."
"Thank you" said Ororo, "that's very kind of you." They sat in silence for a few moments. Harry gathered up his Gryffindor courage.
"Ororo" he said looking at her seriously, "I don't really know anything about relationships or love or any of that stuff. Would you believe that this is my first date of any kind?"
"Really?" said Ororo, "that's unexpected. I'm surprised you don't have more girls looking at you. You're very good looking you know."
"Maybe the way I look now" said Harry, "but if you'd known me a year and half ago you wouldn't think that. I was a scrawny little shrimp back then. Things have changed a lot in my life. I meant what I said when I asked you to the ball. There really is no one else I'd rather have come with."
"Thank you Harry" said Ororo, "I'm enjoying it, and I'm enjoying spending the evening with you."
"Would you, uh, that is" Harry stumbled over his words a bit but Ororo's expression seemed to encourage him to go on, "what I mean is, I'd like to take you on another date some time, and maybe more after that too?"
"Why Mr. Potter" said Ororo with a smile, "are you asking me to be your girlfriend?"
"Yes!" Harry blurted out, "that is, if you wouldn't mind having me as boyfriend?"
"Yes, I'll have you as a boyfriend" said Ororo.
"Thank you" said Harry looking happy but uncertain, "is there something we do now to make it official or – "
"It's usually common for a new couple to kiss" said Ororo.
"This is going to sound ridiculous" said Harry shyly, "but would you show me how to do that properly?"
"What's ridiculous?" asked Ororo, "just copy what I do." She leaned forward. Harry leaned forward to meet her and their lips brushed together in a chaste kiss. They separated a little for a few seconds and then leaned in to each other again. This time when their lips met it was a firmer, more committed kiss. Ororo put her arms around Harry who did the same to her.
As the kiss deepened something unexpected happened. It seemed to Harry as if he could feel energy in the air around them. He wasn't sure what it was. It seemed like he could feel energy coming from him and entering Ororo but at the same time he felt energy coming from her and entering him. It was familiar. He had a flashback to a certain moment in the Chamber of Secrets. For a moment he wondered if he was about to manifest a new power. That, however, wouldn't explain why he could feel energy coming from his date, and quite a lot of it too.
When Harry and Ororo broke apart they stared at each other for a long moment.
"Wow" said Harry.
"I know" said Ororo, "you felt it too?"
"Yes" said Harry, "what was that?"
"I don't know" said Ororo, "but I enjoyed it."
"So did I" said Harry, "may I have another?"
"Yes."
Their second kiss was nice too although not nearly as surprising. When they broke apart again they were both smiling. Harry happened to glance up.
"Look at that" he said pointing upward. Ororo looked up and her eyebrows went up. The sky was clearing so rapidly that, even though it was night, you could see the silhouettes of the clouds moving as they drifted apart and uncovered a beautiful starry sky.
Back in the Great Hall Professor Dumbledore and Dr. Strange were talking in low voices over at the side of the room away from everyone else. Dr. Strange informed Dumbledore of what had happened with Voldemort a few days earlier.
"That is concerning" said Dumbledore, "we'll all have to pay close attention to any unusual happenings over the coming days. It's my hope that when Voldemort does rise again he isn't able to keep it a secret, at least not for long."
"I agree" said Dr. Strange, "let's keep in touch and inform each other whenever something new occurs. The Ancient One also feels that we may face other enemies in the future besides Voldemort."
"Does he?" asked Dumbledore in surprise. Dr. Strange nodded and told him what the Ancient One had said.
"It's too bad he can't tell me more right now" said the Sorcerer Supreme, "I suspect that whatever it is will be obvious when it happens though. I just hope we learn about it before it's too late."
"So do I" said Dumbledore, "let's forget about it for tonight though. I don't often see you away from your work. Are you enjoying yourself?"
"Reasonably so" said the Sorcerer Supreme, "you're right. I don't often attend gatherings like this. Thank you for the invitation tonight Albus."
"It's my pleasure Stephen."
Harry and Ororo reentered the Great Hall to rejoin the dancers but before they could reach the dance floor they were intercepted by Malfoy.
"Yes Malfoy?" asked Harry a little annoyed that he and Ororo would have to deal with the third year again.
"I just wanted to apologize your highness" said Malfoy to Ororo while ignoring Harry, "I never would have acted like I did if I'd known who you were."
Ororo gave him a long, penetrating look.
"I know you think that's supposed to make me feel better" she said, "and possibly make it all right but it doesn't. It shouldn't matter who I am or who anyone else is. Whether a person is a pureblood, a squib, a king, a beggar, or anyone else no one deserves to be insulted. It's basic civility. If you can't understand that then I have nothing more to say to you. Good night."
Ororo and Harry left behind a rather nonplused Malfoy and returned to the dance floor. They danced a few more dances before taking a rest and sitting down at one of the tables. Right after they had sat down Ron and Lavender joined them.
"Hello Ron" said Harry to his friend, "haven't had a chance to speak with you all night."
"Likewise mate" said Ron, "are you having a good time?"
"Yes" said Harry who then introduced Ron and Lavender to Ororo. Both of them were suitably impressed to find out that she was royalty.
"How did you two meet?" asked Lavender.
"We literally bumped into each other at the Quidditch World Cup" said Harry.
"I remember that" said Ron, "Fred and George were teasing you about having a crush."
"No doubt they'll try and tease me even more when they see the two of us together" said Harry.
"You know how they are" said Ron with a shrug, "but I don't think you need to worry about that tonight. Fred and George do have some good sense. They usually know better than to try to prank an event like this – if only to avoid getting one of mum's howlers."
The ball began to wind down some time after 11 PM. The music became slower and more romantic as almost always happens at such parties as people relax and slowly begin to leave. Most of the people still dancing were committed couples who danced more closely than earlier in the night. Harry and Ororo did a couple of these but not too much as they didn't feel close enough to be intimate like that just yet.
At 11:45 PM Headmaster Pope put out the word to his students that they would be leaving soon. Harry took the opportunity to say goodnight to all of his Hogwarts friends as well as wishing them all a Happy Christmas one more time. He and Ororo joined the other Ilvermorny students in the Hogwarts entrance hall shortly before midnight. After making sure everyone was there Headmaster Pope turned things over to Dr. Strange who made a portal back to America and gestured for everyone to go through.
Even though Harry knew about the time difference between Britain and the eastern U. S. and had experienced going from one time zone to the other more than once it was still a bit disconcerting to go from midnight at one moment to early evening the next. It was already dark at Ilvermorny at 7 PM on Christmas Day but, as I'm sure everyone knows, the general atmosphere of a place at 7 PM versus midnight is very different and it was very noticeable if only because more people were up and about at 7 PM than would be five hours later.
To Ororo's surprise her parents were already at the school waiting for her.
"Mother, Father" she said, "you're early."
"I couldn't miss seeing my little girl all dressed up for the ball" said her father, "or meet your date whom you've been telling us about. I assume this is him?" He gestured at Harry.
"Yes father" said Ororo, "this is Harry Potter, Harry, this is my father David Munroe. You've already met my mother."
"A pleasure to see you again your majesty" said Harry giving her a brief bow of respect.
"You too Mr. Potter" said Queen N'Dare, "I trust you both had a good time?"
"We did, thank you" said Ororo.
"Did Harry treat you well?" asked David. Although he asked the question with a smile there was just a hint of a threat there too.
"Yes father" answered Ororo, "he was a gentleman."
"Good" said David who turned and shook Harry's hand, "nice to meet you Mr. Potter."
The four of them spoke for a few minutes before both Harry and Ororo left to get changed. Before they did that David insisted on taking a few pictures of the two of them in their ball attire. Ororo told Harry she would send him copies if he wanted any. As he felt that this was an occasion to be remembered he did want copies.
Harry went back to the changing room and changed back into his casual clothes. He carefully packed away his robe and his suit and shrunk down the bag he carried them in before heading back to the entrance hall to say goodbye to Ororo and her family.
When he got to the entrance hall Ororo wasn't there yet but Dr. Strange was and he motioned Harry over to speak with him.
"We haven't had much of a chance to talk in a while" said Dr. Strange to Harry in a low voice, "and I wasn't able to speak to you earlier. I want you to know exactly what's been going on with Voldemort's horcruxes." He quickly explained how many horcruxes there were and how many he'd destroyed.
"There are only two left now" the Sorcerer Supreme said as he finished up, "with any luck they'll be gone some time next year but that doesn't mean his threat is over. He's planning something. I don't know what it is yet but to hear him talk it will happen soon. You must be prepared."
"I'll do my best." said Harry.
"I know" continued Dr. Strange, "but that's not all. My master, the Ancient One, feels that something else is coming although he couldn't tell me what it would be just that it would be big. I don't know if it will affect you but I'd advise you to stay on your guard as much as you can in the coming year."
"Thank you for the warning" said Harry sounding uncertain now, "I'll keep my guard up."
"Good luck Harry" said Dr. Strange before turning away, making a new portal to his home, and stepping through it.
"It must be so nice to be able to do that" said Harry to no one in particular.
"I agree" said a familiar voice from behind him. Harry turned to see that Ororo had arrived back in the entrance hall now wearing more casual clothes.
"That would be a nice skill to have" said the Kenyan princess, "it's so much better than using either a floo, a portkey, or apparating."
"I'm glad he was there for us tonight" said Harry, "can you imagine how we would have looked if we'd taken a portkey to Hogwarts in our ball clothes?"
"I'd rather not" said Ororo, "thanks for tonight Harry. It was wonderful. Have a good rest of the holidays and I'll see you when next term starts."
"You can count on it" said Harry with a smile, "and thank you for tonight. I had a great time too and I look forward to next term. Have a good rest of the holidays and Happy New Year."
"You too Harry" said Ororo. She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek before turning around and going to join her parents. As she walked out the front doors of the school Ororo looked back at Harry one more time and the two of them waved to each other. The Kenyan Royal Family then disappeared into the night.
"Well" said Harry to himself, "I guess I should head home too. What a night. And it's not over." He took out his regular portkey, said "Xavier's New York," and was whirled back to his room in the X-Mansion. When he got there he took a moment to put his formal clothes away, straightened out his regular clothes, left his room and headed downstairs to see if anyone had arrived yet.
As it turned out almost everyone was already there. The professor and the whole team were all gathered in the livingroom along with all of their family members. Remus wasn't there yet but he was the only one who was definitely expected who hadn't yet arrived. He would then be staying at the mansion until the end of the holidays.
Warren saw Harry first.
"Harry" he called, "you made it back in time."
"Thank goodness for that" said Harry.
"How was the party?" Professor Xavier asked him.
"It was actually a lot of fun" said Harry, "especially for such a formal event."
"I hope you didn't eat too much at the banquet" said Sirius.
"I left some room" said Harry, "but I probably won't eat that much."
The front doorbell rang.
"I'll get it" said Warren who headed out of the livingroom. Harry followed him.
"You don't have to come with me" said Warren.
"I know" said Harry, "I want to ask you something." They reached the front hall and opened the doors. Remus was there and so was Dumbledore. Harry's eyebrows rose when he saw the headmaster. For the first time that Harry could remember Dumbledore was not wearing robes but had changed into a blue suit and tie. With his long hair and beard he looked like a dressed up member of ZZ Top. All he needed to complete the image would be some sunglasses and the right hat.
"Remus" said Harry to Professor Lupin, "glad to have you back here. Headmaster, thank you for joining us."
"Of course Harry" said Dumbledore with his usual twinkle, "I think your little gathering will be just the thing to wind down from a formal ball."
"Everyone's in the livingroom" said Harry, You both know where that is. Warren and I will be along in a minute. I just want to ask him something first." Remus nodded and led Dumbledore off to the livingroom leaving Harry and Warren alone.
"What's up?" Warren asked Harry.
"Well, um" said Harry, "I'd like some advice. Maybe later we can talk? Say like after everyone's left?"
"Okay" said Warren, "what's it about?"
"I have a girlfriend" said Harry bluntly. Warren looked surprised for a second and then he smiled.
"Congratulations" he said to Harry, "your first one?"
"Yes."
"That's always the hardest."
"I don't really know too much about what to do" said Harry, "you know what it was like for me growing up. I really like this girl and I don't want to mess this up."
"Just take it easy" said Warren, "we'll talk after dinner."
"Thanks" said Harry and they both headed back to the livingroom.
Christmas dinner at the X-Mansion that night was quite different from the previous year. There had only been six people at the mansion that time and dinner was fairly quiet. This year there were 19 people at the extended dinner table and it was a lot more lively. Harry found out that he had more room in his stomach for food than he had thought but he still kept his portions on the small side. He sat in between Warren and Sirius at the table and Sirius wanted to hear all about the Yule Ball, or as much as Harry could tell him without revealing magic to those present who didn't know about it. Harry told Sirius about the ball but left out that Ororo was now his girlfriend. He knew that if he said anything to his godfather about it he would make a big deal out of it. Probably he'd announce it to everyone at the table, simultaneously congratulating him and teasing him. Harry could do without that.
Harry and Warren met in the latter's room after dinner was over and the guests had left. Warren told Harry not to worry and just 'be himself' which he admitted was very vague advice and probably not useful by itself. He explained it by adding that what he meant was that Harry shouldn't deliberately try to change who he was just to keep this girl. If she couldn't accept him for who he was and tried to change him in ways he didn't like then Harry should get out of it quickly. It didn't sound like that was the case though as over the several months that Harry and Ororo had gotten to know each other no such demands had ever been made by either of them. Harry was probably safe. He should just sit back, go wherever the relationship led him, and enjoy it.
When Harry went to bed that night he felt quite content. It had been a great Christmas. As he fell asleep he smiled as he thought over how everything had gone. It was definitely one for the books.
(To Be Continued)
A/N - That's it for this chapter. Just a last reminder that the next chapter will be posted three weeks from today on June 26th. The X-Men will be going on a rather unusual adventure next time so I hope you come back for it. As usual please take a moment to leave me some feedback. Constructive comments are always welcome but no flames or trolls please. As always stay safe and well everyone.