A/N: Sorry for the delay, real life and my muse haven't been cooperating. Hopefully after the New Year the publishing will even out again.
Thanks once more to Kaystar742 and Karasunova for keeping my ramblings coherent.
20 Yule
The changes in Gryffindor tower over the next few weeks was not nearly as drastic as anyone had hoped, but still better. Harry and Hermione settled easily into their new quarters, the attacks had been severely curtailed, and several people had tried to apologize. Most notably the former 5th year prefects. The pair weren't particularly forgiving, all things considered, but the ones that understood and agreed it would take time to show their change of heart were at least allowed to try. They agreed however that the former prefects had a much longer road to forgiveness.
The other champions met them Wednesday, as planned. They expressed amazement at the first task and all agreed that working together was the best way to survive the Tournament. Everyone agreed to share any information they could gather, and to help each other train. They decided to meet once or twice a week, to train and to just talk. It seemed that being a champion had elevated them to a point where even normal conversation was hard with their schoolmates. Victor commented that it was even worse than when it was announced that he was to play seeker for the national team. He also mentioned he had a small wish Hermione was single as she was one of the few people not interested in his fame.
The first week of December saw a new revelation, the announcement of the Yule Ball. It was during their Transfiguration class that it was announced. Once McGonagall had finished warning everyone that they were expected to be on their best behavior, for they were representing the school, Harry acted. Pulling out a spare quill, he concentrated hard, focusing hard as he transfigured it into a single red rose. He then turned to Hermione and presented it to her.
"Hermione," he projected without yelling, "would you be my date to the ball?"
"I would love to go to the ball with you Harry." Hermione smiled as she accepted the rose.
"Of course you would, you're dating him, which is good since no one else would take you," Ron murmured low enough that McGonagall didn't hear it.
"I would never presume Ron," Harry declared, turning to the redhead, "Hermione is her own woman and you never know, someone might ask her before I could and maybe she'd accept. I would never assume she would be my date, hence why I asked."
"Who'd ask her?" Ron battled back, "No one, that's who."
"Well, that may be true of you, however I know of at least one other that would have asked her, though he knows we're dating and would not do that in this instance." Harry replied evenly, "Maybe you've heard of him? Victor Krum?"
"This is not a conversation for class, gentleman." McGonagall cut in, hiding her grin at the rebuff that had just been delivered, "You may finish it after class, or in detention, your choice."
"Sorry professor," Harry told the teacher, "It won't happen again."
"See that it doesn't Mr. Potter," she scolded, "And see me after class. You as well Hermione."
As their classmates left after finishing the assignment, Harry and Hermione held back. As they had finished early in the period, they were engaged in a quiet discussion of the aspects of human transfiguration for their other project. They were so engrossed, that they failed to realize the bell had rung and they were alone with Professor McGonagall.
"I believe that you are on the right track Mr. Potter," McGonagall interrupted them, "However, we can discuss that more on Saturday when we meet. For now, may I have your attention?"
"Of course, Professor," Hermione answered for them. "What did you need to see us about?"
"While I had intended to merely inform Mr. Potter of this," She began, "However, as he has made such a grand gesture, I shall inform you both. As Champion, you and your date are expected to open the ball and dance the first dance."
"You mean to say," Harry gulped, "We'll have to dance in front of the whole school, alone?"
"Well, the other three champions and their dates will be there as well, but yes Mr. Potter."
"I'm sorry Hermione," Harry looked at her in a panic, "I'm sorry I did this to you."
"It's ok Harry," Hermione reassured him, "It's one dance, I'm sure it'll be fine."
"Hermione, I don't know how to dance," Harry admitted, "I figured I could learn some, and you'd accept that, but if it's in front of everybody…"
"Oh," Hermione paused, "You're right, it's more important to me to be there with you, but we'll figure something out Harry. We can learn the dance together and show everyone what they're missing."
"Wonderful idea Miss, sorry, Mrs. Potter." McGonagall cut in, "I'll help as well, Saturday, 6pm, this classroom. There will be general dance lessons offered as well, but I shall set aside several times over the next weeks to work with you expressly on the Wizarding waltz, which is the dance you'll be expected to dance for the first dance."
"Thank you professor," Harry thanked her, "I really appreciate you taking the time to help."
"Of course Mr. Potter," McGonagall replied, "Which brings up on more issue I wish to discuss with you. Hermione; by tradition, I should be addressing you as Mrs. Potter. If you've noticed I haven't referred to you as such, nor as Miss... Granger, as I have forgotten to discuss this with you. I realize that calling you Mrs. Potter will give your situation away, but I need your permission to continue calling you by Miss... Granger."
"Why? You know we wish to keep this a secret," Harry asked, "You actually looked pained saying Miss Granger."
"It's part of Magic Mr. Potter," the Scotswoman explained, "The magical society has been so patriarchal for so long, to knowingly refer to a witch by other than her proper name is… is difficult. I know you two are married, so I'm influenced by magic to refer to you properly. Most people don't notice it, but depending on your position in society and the individual's position, it gets stronger. As a very old family, the Potters are very deeply imbued in magic, so harder to refer to improperly. I'm an Educator, have been for many, many years, and that effects the magic too."
"So basically what you're saying is because Harry is from such an old family and you're an educator, you find it difficult to refer to me, his wife, as anything other than Mrs. Potter?" Hermione asked, "That's why you've been using my first name so much in public, since it's not an incorrect name, it's easier for you to use?"
"Precisely."
"I see," Hermione paused, "In that case Professor McGonagall, I formally request you call me Miss Granger in public until such time as my marriage becomes common knowledge."
"Thank you Miss Granger," Minerva sighed, "That is much better. Now hurry on, before you're late for your next class and I'll see you this weekend."
Wednesday brought the weekly Champions meeting, hosted in an unused classroom on the third floor. Over the last two weeks, all four champions and Hermione had taken moments out of their days to add touches to the room. It had been cleaned, old desks stacked out of the way, and a couple of comfy chairs and couches added.
"Zo," Fleur began, "does anyone else have a clue on ze egg?"
"Else?" Cedric asked, "You're saying you know?"
"I do," she confirmed sadly, "But I'm curious eef anyone else does too."
"I might," Hermione said softly, "It's obviously a message, but the scream is hard to translate. I was wondering if it needs to be muffled or something. Or maybe it's just a sirens screech."
"Close," Fleur said softly, "It is a Mermaids call."
"Mermaid?" Cedric cut in, "But aren't they supposed to have beautiful voices?"
"Zey do," Fleur confirmed, "But only underwater. Ze Egg is their voice above water."
"Zo ve haf to listen under de vater?" Victor asked, "Den we can hear de clue?"
"Oui," Fleur confirmed.
"Fleur, how do you know this?" Cedric asked, "And why do you look so terrified?"
Harry looked at the French Champion, she did indeed look afraid. Her normal glow was muted, her skin pale and dull. It was almost as if she were trying to become a ghost without dying.
"Ze merfolk and ze veela are ancient enemies," Fleur explained, she held out her hand and a purple flame came to life in her palm. "Ze Veela are creatures of fire, we control ze passionfire. Ze merfolk are people of the water, our opposite. Ze two are always at odds."
"How bad would it be for you to enter their waters?" Harry asked, "I think I remember something about some treaty the merfolk had with their enemies. The veela?"
"Zere is an ancient treaty," Fleur confirmed, "If one of us were to enter the ozzers territory, eet would be war."
A great splash sounded behind them, along with a gasp. Turning quickly they found Hermione had conjured a large tank, placed an egg inside, and had been listening to it. They could see the golden glow from the inside of the egg through the glass. A muffle talking could be heard, probably the message repeating itself.
"I've got it!" Hermione explained, then recited:
Come seek us where our voices sound
You shall not find us above the ground
An hour to find the life at stake
And travel this trip you must take
Face the hurdles upon this track
But when the hours done, it won't come back
Hermione looked around at the distraught faces, confused. Every one of them looked crushed, and turned to look at Fleur.
"Mon Dieu," Fleur exclaimed.
After explaining the issue between Fleur and the merfolk, they sat trying to figure out what to do. She confirmed what Fleur had said, though pointed out that no one knew if that treaty was still valid. It had occurred 1500 years ago after all.
"So three problems," Cedric summarized, "First, if Fleur enters the Merfolk territory, she starts a war. Second, we all need to be able to last an hour under water in order to rescue, we guess, a hostage. And third, the hostages themselves. They'll likely be unwilling, and unknowing of the danger they're in."
"Plus even if Fleur does compete, she'll be seriously disadvantaged underwater." Hermione pointed out, "A fire creature underwater would be fighting just to maintain themselves."
"Oui," Fleur confirmed, "I'm ok at a beach, but even if I'm in the surf I feel the water affecting me."
"Sounds like we have some homework," Hermione declared, "Find a way to last for an hour underwater. Then figure out how to help Fleur."
"Agreed," Harry said, "No matter what, we work together on this and no hostage gets left behind."
They all agreed.
"Now since next week is the end of term exams, then we're on winter break after the Yule ball," Harry continued, "This means the next time we'll meet is the first week back in January. That should give us plenty of time to brainstorm."
"About zat," Victor interjected, "I vas wondering eff I may ask a favour."
"What do you need?" Cedric inquired.
"Vell, zer are many, as you call them, fangirls here at Hogwarts," he started, then turned to the couple, "I vould prefer not to take von of dem. I was hoping I could convince you to allow me to escort Hermeon to ze dance." He saw the look build in Harry's eyes, and quickly continued, "I haff no desire to court her, or take her from you, it is just because she is the only girl I know who is not a fan."
"I see," Harry calmed slightly as Hermione placed a placating hand on his shoulder, "I understand, however I have already asked Hermione rather publicly, so you showing up with her would be, no offense, very bad."
"Of course, I only vished to not have a fangirl on my arm," Victor said quickly.
"I too have need of a decent date," Fleur cut in, "I have had many offers, ze redheaded clown was most amusing to watch try to speak with me. I vould suggest helping each ozzer out, but that vould not vork."
"At least Ron tried to ask you," Harry quipped, "His sister simply gave me a color swatch and told me it was her dress color and get my accents to match."
"She learned her lesson though," Hermione grinned, "The tears in her precious dress could've been on her… more's the pity."
"I've already asked Cho," Cedric informed them, steering the conversation back on track. "Or I could have worked something out with her to help you two."
"I have an idea," Hermione said softly, "but it'll be tricky. I know who I would choose for you Fleur, he's a good guy, one of the few we trust anymore. I think he's intending to ask someone soon, but if I'm right, it can still work."
"You thinking of Neville?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, I think he's going to ask Susan, but if they agree, she can go with Victor."
"Dear, Susan is going with Hannah." Harry informed her, "He asked her last night and she told him she had already agreed to go with her."
"With Hannah?" Hermione floundered for a second, "But… oh…. OH, ok, that's out then."
"Maybe not entirely," Cedric said, "I was there when he asked her, and it was pretty much as you said. The whole of Hufflepuff knew about those two but I don't think anyone else did. Anyway, he said he understood and that maybe he'd try… not loony... Lunar?"
"Luna?" Harry tried.
"That's it. I'm not that familiar with the younger classes but would she be acceptable?"
"Luna… well, I'd say she's just Luna, but that's not helpful." Hermione grinned, then turned to Victor, "She's third year, and more than a bit odd, but loyal to a fault. If we arrange this properly, you will dance a couple times with her and for the rest of the night she's Neville's, is this acceptable?"
"Da, I understand." Victor confirmed, "I can alvays dance with Fleur, or you."
"Fleur, same with Neville," Hermione turned to Fleur while blushing, "Neville is a sweet boy, lacks confidence until it shows like a lion; and he's our friend."
"I understand," Fleur agreed, "'e eez ze sweet one oo blushes like a strawberry vhen I say 'allo isn't 'e?"
"That's him," Harry confirmed, "But at least he can still speak."
"True," Fleur admitted, "And 'e eez cute, but not az cute az you."
"Ok, sounds like we have a plan," Hermione saved Harry from blushing too much, "Harry, find Neville, I'll find Luna. Fleur and Viktor, meet us in the antechamber off the entry hall before dinner and we'll discuss it with them."
"Ok Harry, what's this all about?" Neville demanded as they waited for everyone else in the antechamber.
"Well, let me ask you this," Harry inquired, "I understand you got turned down by Susan, sorry about that. I also understand that you intend to ask Luna Lovegood. So, assuming both said yes, who would you rather go with; Luna Lovegood or Fleur Delacour?"
"Fleur? I…." Neville paused, then considered, "Assuming they both said yes, Luna. Fleur is nice enough, but it would likely be just for the dance. With Luna, I kinda hope there may be more there."
"Zat is good," Fleur told him as she entered with Victor, "It eez good you are thinking beyond the night."
"H-H-Hi," Neville stammered. "W-What are you d-d-doing here?"
"She's here, because she needs our help," Hermione answered, entering with Luna, who appeared to be studying the ceiling. "Now, Neville, not to put you on the spot, but isn't there something you wanted to ask Luna?"
"I… what?"
"She's encouraging you to ask me to the ball Neville," Luna's dreamy voice told him, "They want to show me you really want to do it before they ask us to help."
"Help with what?" Neville asked frustrated, "What is going on here?"
"It's ok mate," Harry reassured him, "Here's the deal. We know you intend to ask Luna to the Ball, which I think is a great idea. The issue however, is both Viktor and Fleur need dates that aren't either fangirls or drooling idiots. Since both myself and Cedric have already gotten dates in a rather public way, we aren't available. That's where you come in."
"Me?" Neville inquired, "But I'm nobody."
"No, you're someone who stood by both me and Hermione when everyone else turned their backs, and who doesn't turn into a drooling idiot. Who else do I know that could approach a date with Fleur and still be coherent? Ron tried to ask her and could barely shout "You, Me, Ball" to her before running off. The idea is for you to escort Fleur and Luna to be escorted by Victor. They'll open the ball with you two, and maybe a couple other dances, but for the most part, you'll be with Luna. This helps them out, they don't have idiots for dates. This helps you two out because it's a public statement that you two are the best Hogwarts has to offer in their eyes. And you two get to spend the evening together, at the head table and showing everyone that you are worthy."
"So let me get this straight," Neville asked, "Instead of the girl I want to take, you want me to take one of the most beautiful girls at school, then let the girl I want to take, be taken by an international quidditch star. To top it off, you want us to snub them both, publically, and have me steal Luna back?"
"Ooooh, I like that plan," Luna cooed, "Can we do that plan? I suggest rescue by blimp."
"I'm not sure I'd say snub," Hermione temporized, ignoring Luna's addition, "but essentially yes. And Luna? No blimps."
"Oh poo" Luna pouted
"Luna?" Neville asked, 'What do you think, do you really like this idea?"
"I like it, even if there's no blimp," Luna agreed, "but I expect pudding."
"You know what," Neville grinned, "I think I like it too."
"WHY DOES IT HURT SO MUCH!" Harry's yells of pain ripped through their suite as he felt like his skin was melting off.
Hermione had felt the now expected and much muted effects of the moons rise fifteen minutes ago. December was her easiest change yet. Harry had done his normal bit of pulling her discomfort to him… or he'd tried at least. Shortly after the moon had fully risen, Harry had felt his own pain explode. Hermione had immediately tried to comfort him, but as soon as she saw the hair start to grow, she knew she needed help.
Activating the emergency rune Madam Pomfrey had installed in case of something dire happening, she'd simply had to wait and try and comfort her husband, who was writhing in agony.
It would be fascinating to watch, her mind noted, if it wasn't Harry in pain. Watching the hair grow over his entire body was bad enough. The ears and the tail were cute too. But the real hard part, was watching the physical size change he went through. When she changed, she stayed relatively the same size; as Harry changed, he grew over a foot. His chest swelled to rival a bodybuilders, and his legs were thick as tree trunks. If it wasn't so painful for him she'd probably be drooling. He had also joined her in growing a muzzle and stubby, almost paw like hands. His muzzle was a bit more prominent than hers, more squared and protruding about 3 or 4 inches from his face. His new cat ears were smaller than hers, and more rounded like a lion's, where hers were pointed like a housecats.
"What in the…" Madam Pomfrey's voice trailed off as she finally made it to the couple's suite.
"I think our bond shared the change with him, but it's worse," Hermione told the mediwitch, "He seems to be calming down, I think the shift is almost over, but I don't know what to do to help."
"Have you tried physical touch?" she asked, waving her wand over the panting Harry.
"Physical contact during the change is extremely painful," Hermione pointed out.
"Normally yes, but for you two?"
"Oh," Hermione said startled, "Are you thinking the bond might help?"
"It's worth a try."
"I hope this works," Hermione muttered, looking down into Harry's pain wracked eyes, "If it doesn't I'm sorry ok?" And she placed her hand on his shoulder.
Harry immediately stopped thrashing. His breath steadied and he managed to close his eyes and let his muscles relax. Seeing this change, Hermione immediately sobbed and crawled next to him on the bed, wrapping him in her arms.
"I'm sorry Harry, I thought it would hurt you more."
"It's...Okay…" Harry gasped, "I… did...too."
"Well Mr. Potter, there is some good news for you," Pomfrey said with just a hint of mirth, "We already have some idea what to expect, based on Miss, sorry, Mrs. Potter's experiences."
"I'm not so sure," Hermione said skeptically, "I didn't grow a foot or become a world class bodybuilder… not that I'm complaining."
"You're going to make me start working out after this aren't you?" Harry groaned.
"No, while it is pretty, I love you for you, not your body."
"As I was saying," Pomfrey cut them off, "It seems that you'll be joining your lovely wife on her monthly changes. From what we are able to guess, this will be the most difficult, though the physical stature changes will likely still make your changes harder than your wife's. You seem to be almost completed in your change, any complaints?"
"Other than it hurts like hell?" Harry quipped, "The pain is very manageable now, and seems to be easing. Not much you can do now is there?"
"No Mr. Potter, there really isn't," the healer admitted, "Ironically, the best medicine is that which only your wife can provide."
"Wonder if I'll keep the ears and tail too."
