Christmas Spirit
The last week of the Fall term was spent mostly in play. Everyone was too excited about the tournament, Christmas, and the Yule Ball. Most of their teachers didn't even try to keep their attention. They just gave them busy work and hoped the week would go fast. On Wednesday, Professor Flitwick even went so far as to let the class play any game they wanted. Of course, Harry wasn't that lucky.
"Harry? Can I have a word with you about your last essay?"
Harry groaned, making Hermione give him a reprimanding look and Ron flash him a grimace of sympathy. But both of them turned around to begin playing before Harry had even reached the front desk. He shook his head ruefully and tried to school his face into something respectable. After all, Flitwick's sister had Neville's life in her hands and Harry wasn't about to piss off her older brother and jeopardize Neville.
"How are you, Harry?" Flitwick smiled up at him. He fluttered papers in front of him, but they weren't Harry's essay. "I didn't really call you up here to discuss your essay. It was good, by the way. Could have used more thought, but it was coherent and accurate. Anyway, I really wanted to ask you how Neville's doing? I know of his condition of course, but Mad Again won't tell me a thing!"
Harry snickered at Flitwick's nickname for his sister. "Actually, Neville won't talk about their lessons either, but I can tell you they're working. He doesn't seem near as miserable and he's actually engaging in homework and games and stuff with our friends. He's not so distant." Harry ran his hand through his hair and glanced back at the chubby boy in question. "But he still doesn't look forward to the lessons. She's making him come twice a week isn't she? Tuesdays and Thursdays?"
"I believe so," Flitwick murmured. "She told me that Neville will pull through, that he is a wonder and very talented. But I was still worried. Mad Again has always been known for being too optimistic. Her predictions tend toward exaggeration."
Harry nodded in understanding. "Things are better, not great or perfect, but better."
"Hopefully things will continue to improve." Flitwick sighed and shifted his papers again.
"Professor? Can I ask…?"
"About my sister? Go ahead," the little man smiled. He had a wrinkled face, a very long nose, and silver hair. His brown eyes were kind and happy.
"Well, how come she knows how to work with Earth magic?"
"Most dwarfs work Earth magic naturally," Flitwick smiled slyly.
"Dwarf? I've never…"
"We're pretty reclusive and secretive. I am the exception of course." Flitwick laughed. "We live in cities tunneled underground. Mad Again would never have come if there wasn't a young one in need. She's actually one of the most powerful and talented Earth workers we have."
"But… I thought you were a wizard…" Harry tilted his head curiously.
"I am," Flitwick nodded several times, reminding Harry of a house-elf. "I am a mutant. I was born with wizarding magic and not the magic of my people. There are a few of us and we keep our people in tune with what's happening on the surface."
"Wow," Harry stared at his teacher with new eyes. "I guess that means you're really important."
"We're all important, Harry," Flitwick patted his hand. "Why don't you go play with your friends? Class is almost over."
xXxXxXx
The rest of the week passed in a blur. Silas never spoke to him and whenever Harry got upset or lonely, he would go down to talk to Severus. He usually ended up either sparing with his mentor or playing his piano. They talked about the Flitwicks and Severus said he had only heard of dwarfs in fairytales, but that he would do some research on the matter.
Harry merely shrugged. He didn't really need to know about dwarfs. He trusted his professor and even trusted Madigan. The old woman was very kind and sweet, she would never hurt Neville. And she really was helping. They no longer feared Neville would die. The teen was going to make it through this.
As for Silas, the alter came out every night to do his own studying. He was researching mental links and bonds. He wanted to know how far these vision things of Voldemort would go. Would the Dark Lord be able to look out through Demon's eyes? He also wanted to understand Demon better.
He didn't miss talking to Harry. In fact, he felt much more balanced with the silence. It put things back into perspective. He wasn't competing against his Host. They were apart of the same unit. Severus spoke to him several times during the week leading up to Christmas, telling him he thought Silas' inclination to involve himself personally with people and events was a good sign. That it was a step in the direction of merging.
But Silas didn't want to merge. So he reevaluated his motives and released claim to things like being involved in the Tasks and having Draco as a friend. Instead, Silas studied in the library about Demon, and reaffirmed to himself that Draco was only useful to him because the blonde could give him information about Voldemort. Silas' purpose was to observe and plot. He would keep his eyes open for subtle plots against Harry, like keeping an eye on the headmaster and watching out for the person who put their name in the Goblet of Fire.
He had plenty to do and had been neglecting many of his duties while being caught up in the everyday drama that Harry dealt with. Slowly, his stress and nightmares left him and Silas took comfort in the shadows once more. He met Draco once a week, and though he knew the blonde sensed him withdrawing, Draco didn't ask about it. He also spent some time with Boy.
The oldest alter would come to him whenever he was his soul room. He'd huddle under the bed on bad days (and there were more of those than not) or on a good day he would curl up at the end of Silas' bed. He wouldn't talk much and if Silas gave him attention for too long, the alter would begin to tremble and whine like a beaten dog. On the very worst day, Silas had to endure watching the five-year-old have a flashback.
The child arched, begging as his back split open with ragged lashes. His screams were all the more horrible because the broken child tried so desperately to silence them. Silas could barely watch and as rage and hate rose in his throat like bile, Demon's chilling laugh echoed through the air. Silas smiled grimly and promised the psychotic alter that if they ever saw Dursley again, he could go Out and do as he pleased. He could have sworn that he heard Demon moan in pleasure at that, and Silas eyed his locked stone door warily.
xXxXxXx
A near silent pot sounded right near Harry and he sat up with a gasp, his wand at ready and his other arm up to block any blows coming toward his head. His sleep filled eyes quickly settled on the figure crouched at the end of his bed. Eyes narrowed he whispered a Lumos. "What the…?" Harry scowled at the unfamiliar house-elf staring at him with green tennis ball eyes, wringing his hands fretfully. He felt a tug in his mind a second before he began to slip backward into unconsciousness. "Hey… wait…"
"Sorry, but can't." Silas shook his head hard once and smirked. His arms lowered and he looked over at the baffled elf. His eyes narrowed and he snapped, "Well?"
"Harry Potter sir? Is you well?" the elf asked with worried eyes.
"I'm fine. Why are you here?" Silas twirled his wand in his hand threateningly and the elf cowered. Silas rolled his eyes. He shoved his wand next to him and crossed his arms. "Oh stop it. I'm not going to hurt you."
"Yes sir," Dobby straightened and pulled at his many shirts nervously. "You told me sir to come and tell you anything Winky does suspicious. Winky never be asking for stuff, sir. But yesterday Winky ask to be assigned the chore to go into the Forbidden Forest and gather herbs and ingredients, sir. I told her no and she asked if she could go tomorrow, that is to say tonight instead. I's not have a reason to deny her a second time without making the other elves upset, sir, so I told her it was okay. That's suspicious, isn't it, Harry Potter sir?"
"Very," Silas said thoughtfully. He looked at the little elf and saw how nervous he was. Silas couldn't have that. He might need the creature later, after all. So he offered a cool smile and said, "Thank you very much Dobby. You are being very brave and you're saving Hogwarts from a very big threat."
"Oh, yes sir. Thank you, sir!" Dobby cried tearfully.
"Go on and keep me informed," Silas ordered and the elf nodded frantically before disappearing.
"Harry? Wha's that?" came a sleepy voice from across the room.
"What?" Harry blinked in confusion. He was alone in his bed again. "Oh… Nothing! Go back to sleep." Then he turned his attention inward. Sy? What's going on? What are you up to? Of course, there was no answer. Harry sighed and rubbed his hands across his face tiredly.
"No way," Seamus said more clearly. "It's Christmas! Let's go open presents!"
"Someone say presents?" Dean murmured groggily.
"Look at this stuff!" Ron cried excitedly.
Harry opened his curtains to see five large piles of presents at the end of each of their beds. He looked across at Neville and grinned. His brother smiled back and the five teens dug happily into their gifts. Harry had gotten his brother some rare seeds, Severus some very high quality hot chocolate mix, Remus a new coat, and Sirius a large packet of food. As for his friends, he got Ron Quidditch tickets to see his favorite team this summer, Hermione a book on famous Animagi, Hagrid a fossilized dragon egg, and Fred and George got a book on the Marauders that Moony helped him with.
From his family, Harry found a beautiful obsidian hilt dagger and black obsidian chess pieces from Severus, and a folder of more sheet music from Neville. Remus got him a practice Snitch, and Sirius gave him a penknife spelled to unlock any lock and undo any knot. From his friends, Harry received a sack of dungbombs from Ron, Quidditch Teams of Britain and Ireland from Hermione, the twins got him a bag full of pranks to use as he pleased, Hagrid gave him a sack of sweets, and Mrs. Weasley sent him a homemade knitted green sweater with a Horntail dragon on it and some mince pies.
Overall, he got more presents than he ever had before and he realized it was because more people cared about him than ever before. A smile slowly bloomed across his face, and for the first time, he thought he might understand why everyone loved Christmas so much. Neville looked as shocked and happy as he did and they laughed together. Seamus and Dean shared a look before hitting them both with pillows. A huge pillow fight ensued.
The teens were still too full of energy and they tumbled down to the common room and challenged everyone there to a snowball war. The challenge was eagerly accepted and most of Gryffindor Tower tromped outside and into the snow. They picked up students from the other Houses and schools as they went. By the time they got outside, there were over a hundred kids wanting in on the game.
xXxXxXx
The Hogwart's staff had gone above and beyond when they decorated the Great Hall that afternoon. The walls were transfigured into crystal, deep and perfect and absolutely breathtaking. The floating candles were turned into ice sickles of all different sizes and lengths that reflected the thousand gentle fiery lights into a rainbow of pastel colors. The four House tables had been dismembered and turned into two dozen round tables covered in the softest white silk. All the plates and goblets and utensils sparkled, made out of a precious white gold/platinum mix. But the most impressive feet was the ceiling.
Usually the Great Hall perfectly reflected the sky above, but tonight it had been altered to magnify the heavens. The stars were twice their normal size; as big as apples, the stars twinkled and filled the room with crystalline light. The crescent moon alone took up almost a quarter of the ceiling. Looking up, it almost felt like you could reach out and touch it. It was surreal, like you were walking through a fragile dream. All the students dressed in their best, wearing gowns of beautiful colors and dress robes that made the boys stand straighter and move with more grace than the teens usually would, it reinforced the illusion of a magical fairy court, a majestic Winter Queen's favorite ball room.
Harry stood outside the Great Hall doors. He stood with all the other Champions, watching as the students glided past with bright excited eyes. Parvati Patil stood beside him. The Indian girl looked gorgeous. Her light coffee-colored skin almost glowed with a soft golden light, strangely complemented by the vivid pink gown she wore.
It wrapped around her in layers, small crystal beads dangling here and there, making her chime faintly when she walked. Her feet were covered in soft velvet sandals. Harry could ketch a peak at gold toe rings and pink toenails occasionally when she walked. Her almond shaped eyes were outlined in black, a soft pink glitter brushing across her eyelids. And her long, silky hair hung to her waist in black waves. Beads of crystal were strung throughout it, held in magically, and made Parvati's hair look like it was wet and they were just dew drops.
He was very glad he had asked her to the ball last week. He was tired of Ron pushing him to ask someone and complaining that they had no one, and had taken Fred's bold move as an example. With a shrug, he stood and strode across the common room to their year mate. She looked up with wide eyes and a giggle on her lips. And luckily, she had agreed to bring her sister for Ron.
Padma looked as beautiful as her sister. A perfect reflection in fact, except she wore a soft and bright orange that reminded Harry of a perfect sunset or a small, calm fire. Ron's mouth had dropped in surprise and he had turned a bright red. Harry laughed at him and that made the redhead snap out of it. He had offered his arm and guided Padma inside.
Ron, himself, didn't look half bad. The robes Molly had sent him had been hideous. Even Harry had winced when he had seen them. So he had asked Severus to help him get his friend robes when they ordered his from a rental place. Severus had reluctantly agreed, not caring for the redhead at all. But Harry had to admit that his mentor hadn't let him down. Severus had ordered the lanky teen dress robes the color of the deep ocean. The blue brought out his eyes and made his hair color look rich instead of painfully bright.
As for Harry, his robes were blacker than anything he had ever seen before. It was like wearing the night, itself. They made him look taller, older. He flashed a grin toward his date, knowing his green eyes were flashing, no longer hidden behind his glasses. Hermione had charmed his eyesight perfect and they tames his hair as much as possible. She had blushed and giggled (which she never did, so Harry knew she wasn't lying when she said he looked very dashing).
Speaking of… Harry smiled happily as he saw Hermione come down the stairs and accept Viktor's arm with a warm blush to her cheeks. She wore a beautiful sleeveless gown of a soft blue. It wisped about like fog, yet hung on her maturing frame very attractively. Her make-up was subtle and beautifully done. But it was her hair that was the most shocking. Instead of a wild, bushy frizz of brown that fell just beneath her shoulders, her hair was sleek and glossy, falling in gorgeous ringlets to mid-back. Viktor took her arm and swelled out his chest in obvious pride and Hermione blushed again, her eyes bright with pleasure.
"You look awesome, Hermione," Harry complimented her.
"Thanks," she laughed nervously. "I've been treating my hair with this special stuff for three days to get it to look like this."
"It is beaut-full, Her-mine-knee." Viktor rumbled and covered her hand with his own. She blushed hotter and Harry laughed.
Neville walked by next. He wore a tailored black robe with a pristine white undershirt. On his arm was Ginny Weasley. She wore a dress of ruby red, her hair held up in a bun with pearls strung throughout. Her lips were as red as her dress and her eyes were done with orange and blue. She looked, ironically enough, like a fire elemental come to life. She was perfect for Neville. Harry's eyes lit up with happiness at the flushed look of excitement and nervousness on his brother's face. Neville really was returning more and more to himself. He was very much alive and Harry felt tears of relief burn the back of his eyes as he watched him clumsily lead Ginny into the Great Hall.
"You look great, Nev," he called.
His brother smiled and waved as Ginny tugged him excitedly over to a table of her choice.
Fleur arrived with the Ravenclaw seeker, Roger Davis. They looked beautiful together. Fleur in a white dress that reminded Harry of angel feathers, her charm making her almost glow with beauty. Roger complimented her with his dark skin and black robes. He couldn't take his eyes off of her and couldn't even string a full sentence together. Cedric arrived wearing white and gold dress robes. Anyone else would have looked obnoxious in them, but Cedric actually looked like some charming knight in shining armor. Cho Chang was on his arm and wore deep purples, orchids in her hair.
"Are you ready to make your entrance?" Professor McGonagall asked. She wore a very modest maroon dress and her hair was still up in a bun. She looked very elegant.
The four champions nodded and their dates straightened, almost humming with nerves. Harry smiled at Parvati and she returned the gesture, her hand holding tightly to his arm. McGonagall nodded and opened the Great Hall doors. The champions walked slowly to the table at the end of the aisle, set aside just for them and right in front of the Head Table.
Dumbledore wore robes of white, pale blue, and soft purple. He stood and began clapping. Everyone followed his lead. The judges were at the Head Table as well as all the teachers, two reporters, and three cameramen, who had stood and were taking pictures instead of clapping. Harry pulled out a seat next to him for Parvati and she sat in it gracefully. Harry took his own seat and soon the clapping died and sat.
"Thank you for coming," Dumbledore spoke, looking proudly over everyone. "You all look fabulous. I can't remember a time that took my breath away as much as you all did tonight. In that spirit, Happy Christmas and I hope you enjoy the feast that has been prepared for you. Just speak to your plate what you wish from the menu's at the center of your table and it will appear. When the meal is finished, the Champions will lead us in a dance and the real fun can begin. Enjoy!"
"Isn't this spectacular?" Hermione asked.
"Wonderful, yes," Viktor smiled and put his arm around her shoulders. Hermione flushed and said nothing more.
Fleur and Parvati began a quiet conversation about fashion, while Harry joined the Quidditch discussion going on between Cho, Cedric, and Roger. The food was delicious, the plate offering up five courses. The champions and their partners finished sooner than most, having fewer people at their table than the others and were just talking and laughing to pass the time. Someone cleared their voice and Harry looked up to see Percy Weasley standing beside him.
"Hello, Harry," the redhead said as if Harry were the one to approach him and he was bestowing a favor.
Harry grinned and played along. "Hello, Percy. How very nice to see you."
"I bet you are surprised I'm here." Percy straightened his gray robes and stood taller. "I've been promoted to Mr. Crouch's personal assistant. When he got ill, he asked me to take his place tonight."
"He's sick?" Harry asked with a frown. He remembered Silas' suspicions about the man and wondered if this was important. He bit his lip, really wishing Sy would talk to him again.
"Oh, yes!" Ludo cried excitedly, moping at his sweating forehead. He wore horrible purple robes with yellow stars on it. "Poor Crouch… This tournament his knocked something out of him for sure, what with the attack on the World Cup and all. Hit him hard, but I dare say he'll be back soon. He better be, he's the best translator we have!"
Percy opened his mouth, no doubt to give a very long speech about how wonderful Mr. Crouch was, when Dumbledore stood up and waved his wand. Slowly, the tables in the middle of the room disappeared and the students hurried to the edges of the room. A raised platform of ice lifted in the middle of the now clear dance floor, and with a violent yank, the band the Weird Sisters flung off their invisibility cloaks and stood in gruesome costumes of ripped dress robes and artificial frostbite. All the students were cheering wildly, some girls were screaming and looked ready to faint. Harry was glad Parvati wasn't one of them, though she looked like she might start drooling any minute.
The champions all stood with their partners. Percy and Bagman returned to their seats, allowing Harry and Parvati to pass. As he led his date onto the floor and the Weird Sisters started up a low, mournful tune, Harry caught Draco's eye. The blonde was in black robes, outlined in silver. They had a high collar and beside him was a very pretty Pansy Parkinson in a pale pink gown. Harry flashed a lopsided grin and the blonde sneered in return.
Chuckling, Harry took Parvati into his arms and began the wizarding waltz that Draco had taught him. Parvati's eyes widened in happy surprise and she melted into his lead seamlessly. Harry was laughing by the end of the song and Parvati was grinning like a loon. This was much more fun than he thought it would be.
The band ended the song and instantly went into a much more upbeat tune that bordered on rock. An ecited cheer went up from the crowd and instantly the champions weren't the only ones on the dance floor. Harry caught sight of a flushed Hermione and Viktor and waved. Neville was being led through the dance by a laughing Ginny, and Fred and George were dancing around Angelina as if she were the sun and they were her moons. One minute she would be in the arms of one, and then she was in the arms of the other. It was surprisingly natural looking, but everyone was giving them plenty of space, afraid of being struck by one of the six flailing arms.
Harry danced with Parvati keeping up with him. It was the most fun he could ever remember having and the Weird Sisters were pretty good. It wasn't until after the third song that Harry caught sight of Ron sitting at one of the tables alone with a scowling Padma next to him. Worried, Harry made his way over. Parvati promised to follow after she got them some drinks.
"How's it going?" he smiled and took the open seat by his friend.
Padma sniffed and rolled her eyes. Ron didn't answer. He was too busy glaring. Harry turned his head and followed his line of sight. Immediately he saw Hermione laughing and dancing with Viktor, both of them often coming close so they could hear each other speak. Before Harry could ask what was wrong, Parvati arrived with four butterbeers. Harry accepted two with a smile and shoved Ron in the shoulder. The redhead scowled at him, but took the drink. The song ended and Hermione caught sight of them. She said something to Viktor and walked over, a swish in her hips and a happy bounce in her step. She sat down at the next table so she could face her friends.
She smiled and fanned herself with a hand, "It's hot, isn't it? Viktor went to get us drinks."
Ron's face went red and his eyes narrowed, "Viktor? Hasn't he asked you to call him Vicky yet?"
Harry stared at their friend in surprise, while Hermione frowned and asked, "What's up with you?"
"He's from Durmstrang," Ron said scathingly. "He's competing against Harry! Against Hogwarts! You - you're -" Ron waved wildly, obviously looking for strong enough words to describe his anger. Harry's eyes were narrowing and Hermione looked like she had been struck. "You're fraternizing with the enemy, that's what you're doing!"
"Ron! You're being a bloody prat again," Harry growled and shoved his friend hard to get his attention. "The enemy? Who the hell do you think you are? If I had a problem with it, I would have said something myself. And you had no problem idolizing Krum until now. You have a model of him in our dorm room for God's sake!"
Ron ignored this and turned back to Hermione, "I suppose he asked you to come with him while you were both in the library?"
"Yes, he did," she answered hotly. "So what?"
"He's just trying to find out information about Harry or get information to help him through the tasks!" Ron accused.
"I'd never help him work on the egg!" she yelled furiously and jumped to her feet. "And I'll have you know he's never once asked about Harry!" With that she stormed away.
"He wouldn't have to ask her about me," Harry growled, disgusted. Ron was his friend, but sometimes he was so stupid and pigheaded that Harry just wanted to punch him and never see him again. "I talk to him enough on my own. He's a friend of mine."
Ron gaped at him, sputtering.
"You're such an ass." Harry stood and grabbed Parvati's hand. "Come one, Padma. He's obviously not interested in having a good time. Let's go find you a better date." The twins stood and happily walked away from the table. Harry followed, but turned back to his friend. Ron was sitting with a very hurt look on his face. "If you didn't want Hermione to come with someone else, you should have asked her. You're a Gryffindor. You should have been brave. And then to accuse her of being a bad friend just to cover up your jealousy was even worse. Are you sure you're not a Slytherin?"
Ron turned purple, but Harry didn't wait to hear what he had to say. He turned and left him alone. He found Neville and Ginny standing at the edge of the dance floor by a table before he found either Hermione or the twins. He stopped and felt his bad mood disappear. Neville was laughing, his voice light and his eyes clear. Ginny was grinning up at him impishly.
"What are you two up to?" Harry laughed, stepping up next to them.
"Nothing," Ginny smiled sweetly, interlocking her arm with her date's. "I'm just coaxing Neville into dancing with me again."
"She's threatening me, Harry!" Neville said with mock horror.
"Would I do that?" Ginny batted her eyes. "Neville here thinks he's a horrible dance, but I beg to differ. And I hate begging. So if I did happen to threaten him with charming his shoes to dance forever whether he's in them or not, it would be his fault."
Harry laughed again. "Looks like you're outmaneuvered, Nev. I'd give her what she wants."
"I guess I'll have to," Neville smiled. "Where is your date?"
"Around with her sister. I'm looking for her now." Harry waved his brother off. "Go dance. Ginny looks like she's getting impatient."
"Alright." Neville took her hand and they slid into the crowd of dancers.
"Harry!"
He looked up and saw Padma. She was standing with her sister and a very upset Hermione. Harry joined them and quickly cheered his friend up. Viktor found them not ten minutes later with drinks. Hermione smiled at him and accepted the cool punch. It didn't take much for Padma to prod them into dancing and the five of them pushed their way onto the dance floor and began twisting and twirling in time with the band's pounding song.
xXxXxXx
Silas crept stealthily outside the Great Hall and out into the courtyards. It was ten thirty, about two and a half hours after the ball had gotten started. He had carefully switched with Harry and told his friends he needed to use the bathroom. They hardly acknowledged him when he slipped away, which is just what he wanted. He had told Dobby to come to him and inform him about Winky when he reached the rose garden.
There wasn't anyone visible, but he could hear the giggles and sighing breaths of those hiding in the shadows like him. He sneered and made his way to a relatively silent area. He cast a subtle silencing ward around him and waited. There was a soft pop and Dobby appeared before him.
"Has she left the castle?" he asked impatiently.
"Yes, sir!" Dobby nodded violently. "I followed her to see what she be doing, sir, but she put up a shield. No house-elf can get through. I came right back here instead of trying to break it because I felt you here waiting for Dobby."
"So she's there now?" Silas looked thoughtfully in the direction of the Forbidden Forest.
"Yes, sir, but there's a shield to prevent human spies as well. Do you want Dobby to break it?" The elf looked up at him with anxious eyes.
"No…" Silas finally decided. "But wait outside of it. When it drops, I need to know who Winky is meeting. Can you do that?"
"Dobby will do his very best for Harry Potter sir," Dobby said and bowed deeply before vanishing.
Silas stared at the spot the elf had been in, his eyes hard and cold, his face completely blank. Something was wrong here. Something very wrong. Voldemort was up to something and Crouch was apart of it. He was almost a hundred percent sure that Winky was meeting her former master. But what was Crouch using her for? Was she just gathering information for him or was she actually sabotaging the Triwizard Tournament for Voldemort? And if the tournament was rigged, how was Silas going to prevent Harry from walking into a trap?
A twig snapped behind him and he spun with his wand raised, a non-verbal spell ready to fly. Draco Malfoy turned the corner and walked up the path. His eyes were distant and his hands were in his pockets casually. When the blonde saw Silas, he froze. A look of confusion and surprise stretched across his features. Silas held his position, wand outstretched and pointing at the blonde, and waited.
"Silas?" the blonde peered at him in the dark. "That's you, isn't it?"
Silas inclined his head fractionally and gestured for the blonde to step closer. As soon as Draco was within the sound barrier that wouldn't let audio leave but let it enter, he spoke. "Dobby informed me this morning that Winky had asked to be allowed into the Forbidden Forest tonight. I came out here to meet with him. It seems Winky is meeting someone. Dobby doesn't know who. The elf cast a shield that prevents other elves or humans near where the meeting is taking place."
"I noticed Crouch couldn't be here tonight," Draco caught on immediately.
"Exactly," Silas smiled coldly.
"Why are you wearing the same clothes as your brother?" Draco cocked his head curiously. "I almost couldn't tell you apart."
"Why do you think?" Silas sneered. "If anyone sees me, they'll think I'm Harry."
Draco nodded and again changed subjects, "You're brother is tearing up the dance floor. I don't think anyone could drag him off… He's not half bad at it either," the blonde said casually, looking at his nails.
"He must have a good teacher then…" Silas drawled and crossed his arms over his chest. He didn't know why Draco was fishing for compliments, but that was all the acknowledgement the blonde was going to get from him. He moved on to more important matters. "Dobby will return here when he knows something more. You can return to the dance if you wish." He actually hoped the blonde would stay. As it was, Draco thought Harry was still in there dancing and if he went in now and saw that Harry wasn't, he could get suspicious of the truth. Thankfully, the blonde Slytherin declined.
"I don't prefer such large crowds. I think I'll wait with you."
Silas nodded and they stood in silence for a long minute. It wasn't broken until they both heard some quick steps coming toward them. They exchanged a glance and both hurried into cover, crouched behind a bush. Severus and Karkaroff came into view. The Durmstrang Headmaster looked distinctly nervous. He was looking around suspiciously and his hands were clasped tightly together.
"I believe we are safe to talk. Now what is it you wished to tell me?" Severus drawled, his face blank, but his eyes were dangerously narrowed.
"Severus, you cannot pretend this isn't happening!" Karkaroff's voice was distinctly desperate and anxious. "It's been getting clearer and clearer for months. I am becoming seriously concerned, I can't deny it."
"Then flee," Severus said curtly. "Flee - I will make your excuses. I, however, know there is nowhere to run and I am going to stay and see what can be done."
Karkaroff stared at him with a pale face, before turning around and leaving without another word. Severus watched him go and waited for several minutes before following him back into the Great Hall. Draco and Silas exchanged a glance.
"Karkaroff didn't seem that thrilled," the blonde pointed out.
"No," Silas agreed.
"So…" Draco stared at the path. "What about Snape? Do you think he was saying he was going to see what there was to do to help or hinder the Dark Lord's return?"
Silas eyed the blonde, but Draco was staring thoughtfully down the path and didn't notice. Looking away, Silas found himself handing Draco the truth. "Hinder. He said he knew there was nowhere to run to. Meaning he had considered running away before."
"Yes, but he could be saying that running is pointless and even if he doesn't like it, he will help the Dark Lord because it is inevitable." Draco looked over at his friend and met his dark green gaze. Silas had been so distant lately. Not giving him an inch, never straying away from business. Draco knew better than to ask why the renewed coldness in his behavior, but that didn't stop him from wondering. So he waited patiently for answers as to what was wrong with his friends and opportunities to offer assistance. He was pleased that he saw a bit of the more open Silas looking back at him now. Because of this, he put more weight on the teen's words and took them as fact.
"Snape is no friend to the Dark Lord, no matter his appearance." Silas looked back toward the path, his concern over the man overriding his determination to push Draco at arms length. He was worried. He knew Severus had once been a Death Eater and had turned to the Light, becoming Dumbledore's spy. He knew he had the Dark Mark. But why hadn't the Potions Master told him that the Mark was getting darker and more clear? Was it because he stupidly thought to protect him, thought Harry and Silas couldn't handle the truth? He really hoped not. His tolerance of the man hung by a very thin thread and that would be enough to snap it completely.
Dobby chose that moment to return and both teens stood and faced him. The elf looked like he had won a humongous prize. "Dobby be following your orders, Harry Potter sir. Dobby waited for Winky to drop the shield and then Dobby snuck very carefully to see if anyone was in the area. Dobby found Winky's old master, Mr. Crouch going back toward the apperation barrier. He be gone now, but Dobby heard him muttering Harry Potter's name and that Harry Potter was not ready, that Mr. Crouch would get things ready soon."
"Thank you, Dobby," Silas inclined his head. "Continue to watch Winky, please. Let me know if this happens again."
"Yes sir!" Dobby squealed with delight and disappeared.
"Well that sound promising," Draco sneered sarcastically.
"Doesn't it?" Silas smiled across at the blonde.
Draco laughed, "Only you would be encouraged by certain death."
"No, that would be Harry," Silas chuckled. "I'm encouraged because my enemies sound overconfident. That has always been a very good thing for me."
"I suppose," Draco shook his head. "We'll just have to keep our eyes and ears open for the sabotage."
"You should get back. The ball's almost over. I'm sure your groupies miss you," Silas nodded toward the Great Hall.
"Never a moment's peace," Draco sighed and put on a pious expression.
Silas snorted and walked away. When he was sure, Draco wasn't following, he stopped and closed his eyes, allowing Harry to back. The Gryffindor swayed and looked around in confusion. The cold December air burned his cheeks and his breath plumed in front of him. His frown deepened when he saw the bright warmth of the Great Hall was several feet away.
Sy, what's going on? He demanded hotly. Why do you keep coming Out?
When he got no answer, he was about to do something very unfortunate and probably gather lots of attention. He was stopped by Ron approaching from the side. The redhead had obviously been outside for a while and looked miserable. "Harry? Can we talk?"
Harry scowled and crossed his arms. "What?"
"Let's go for a walk," Ron said, his voice pleading. "I wanted to say I'm sorry."
Harry sighed. He let go of his aggravation of Silas and faced his friend. "You should be, but… Sure. I'll walk with you for a while. But I want to go in soon. The ball's almost over and I want to dance some more."
"Thanks," Ron smiled and they walked slowly back into the garden. "You were right… I… I think I have a crush on Hermione. But I didn't know it until tonight! And I was just so shocked and angry and afraid… I mean, we're friends. I know there's no chance she's going to like me back. How could I compare to someone like Krum?"
"Look, Ron," Harry smiled at his friend. "If Hermione likes you, she would like you for who you are and it wouldn't matter how many celebrates she knows or rich people she's met. She would like you for you. She's not shallow or anything. She's a true friend. Give her more credit."
"Yeah… But what if she doesn't like me?" Ron fretted.
"Then you have to accept that," Harry shrugged. "She'll still be your friend. Acting like you don't have a chance and being a prat certainly doesn't help, you know."
"Yeah, I know," Ron smiled. "Thanks, Harry. You wouldn't mind, right? Me and Hermione…"
"Nope," Harry grinned and squeezed his shoulder. "How bout we go back in now?"
"Alright."
The boys moved back to the Great Hall, but were stopped when they heard low voices coming from around the corner. They stopped and listened. Both of their eyes got wide as they overheard Hagrid's disastrous conversation with Madam Maxime.
Harry shook his head, "Looks like tonight isn't a good night for love." He looked over at his friend and frowned at the shocked look on the redhead's face. "What's up with you?"
"I just thought he… He had an accident or something. I never thought he was a half-giant!"
"So what?" Harry demanded, his irritation for Ron flaring again full force. "He's still our friend, isn't he?"
"Yeah, but… Harry, giants are really horrible creatures. They love violence and were the root of a lot of destruction during the war against You-Know-Who. They worked for him willingly, just glad to be able to cause mayhem!"
"I repeat… Hagrid is our friend. You know he's not like that, so who cares who his parents were? What's the matter with you?" Harry snarled and stormed back into the Great Hall. God, just when he thought Ron might have sense in that head of his… Harry shook his head hard and went to look for his friends. He wasn't going to let Ron ruin his night, twice!
xXxXxXx
An hour later, the Weird Sisters played their last song to very loud please of more. They bowed and thanked the headmaster for inviting them, and they disappeared under invisibility cloaks again. Everyone clapped loudly, hooting and shouting their approval. Harry was among them. He'd have to find a way to get a record of the band. He really liked them. Neville was at his side with Ginny. Hermione and Viktor were at his other side. The twins and Angelina were nowhere to be seen, and Harry had some lewd guess of where they went. Parvati and Padma were somewhere with a group of Beauxbaton boys the last he had seen.
"See you later," Hermione said as they got to the entrance hall.
Viktor smiled down at her and kissed her hand, "I had a vonderous time. Thank you, Her-mine-nee. I hope to see you again veal soon."
"Me, too," she blushed and stood on her toes to place a kiss on his cheek. Viktor smiled wildly, looking happier than Harry had ever seen him before. He turned without another word and left the castle to return to his ship moored in the lake.
Neville and Ginny laughed at Hermione's silly expression and they teased her as they began going up the stairs. Ron was waiting for them on the first landing, but Hermione and Harry gave him such a cold glare that he flushed and didn't try to join them. Ginny asked what her stupid brother did now. Harry just shook his head and Hermione said simply that he was being a prat.
"Harry! Hey, Harry!"
He turned to see Cedric waving at him.
"Come down here for a second, will you?"
"I'll be right up," he told his friends and turned to go back down the stairs. "What's up?"
Cedric grabbed his arm and pulled him to the side. "Listen, Harry. I owe you one for telling me about the dragons. You know that golden egg? I know yours wails when you open it. Mine does too."
"Ah huh?" Harry frowned. "What about it?"
"Well…" Cedric blushed. "Take a bath, okay?"
"What?" Harry blinked.
"Take a bath, and - er - take the egg with you, and - er - just mull things over in the hot water. It'll help you think… Trust me."
"Alright," Harry smiled and eyed the Hufflepuff strangely. "That's weird advice, but alright."
"Tell you what," Cedric grinned back, completely agreeing that this was unusual. "You can use the Prefect's bathroom. Fourth door to the left of that statue of Boris the Bewildered on the fifth floor. Password's 'pine fresh'." He looked over his shoulder and Harry saw Cho waiting for him across the way. Cedric turned around and his grin widened. "Gotta go… want to say goodnight to Cho!"
Harry laughed as the seventh year jogged away. His good mood took a nose dive, however, when he turned around to see Ron standing a few feet away with a determined and angry expression. Harry sighed and approached him. Ron didn't make him wait.
"Look, Harry. I admit I was being a prat about Hermione, but I wasn't at all saying Hagrid was a danger or anything! I was just worried about what others would think! Not everyone knows Hagrid, and his classes are famous for being dangerous. So yeah, I was worried about how it would look if everyone found out, because his mother's kind isn't highly regarded. I never thought he was bad or dangerous myself, and I think it's a really prat thing for you to do, to just jump to some assumption like that! So what kind of friend are you?"
Harry blinked and found guilt rising from his stomach. He lowered his eyes and shifted his feet. When Ron's breathing evened out, he looked up again with a tired smile. "You're right, Ron. I jumped to a wrong conclusion. I guess I was still upset over you and Hermione's fight and… other things," he explained, thinking of Silas. "I'm sorry."
Ron nodded, "Good." His arms came unwound and he offered a relieved smile. "Let's go to bed, mate. I'm bushed!"
"Me, too," Harry answered honestly and followed his friend up to the Tower.
xXxXxXx
The next day, Ron and Hermione woke with a silent agreement not to talk about last night. They became overly polite to each other, which had Neville and Harry snickering behind their backs. Ron went sour again, however, when after lunch Hermione said she was going to the lake to meet Viktor.
"And where are you two going?" Ron demanded when Harry and Neville got up after her.
"We have work to do in the library," Harry shrugged.
"I'll come," Ron snarled, glaring hotly at the Great Hall doors.
"Uh, Ron… I understand and all about Hermione, but I really have work to do and I don't think you'll be much help in the mood your in," Harry said tentatively.
"Come on, little brother," Fred grinned.
"You can take your frustrations…" George wrapped his arm around his brother's shoulder
"…out on us. We can have another snowball fight."
"Dean and Seamus and a few others…"
"…already agreed to go."
Harry and Neville made their escape before Ron could even reply. Soon they were in the quiet library. They were the only ones there. They got out their books in a comfortable silence and worked for almost half an hour when Neville spoke.
"Maybe we can study the Animagus Transformation when we're done."
Harry froze and stared at his brother. Never had Neville willingly studied how to be an Animagus since he had learned he was an oak tree. This was the most blatant proof yet that his brother was healing. Neville caught his shocked gaze and smiled timidly. Harry cleared his throat and asked carefully, "Nev… Could you… Tell me about your lessons with Mrs. Flitwick?"
"It's really hard to explain," Neville said softly, eyes back on his books. "And it's really personal."
"I won't tell a soul," Harry promised.
"Well, we do everything Rowena was doing with me." Neville leaned back in his chair and looked up at the ceiling. A tense smile stretched his face. "But instead of… falling into the heart of the Earth… Madigan has taught me to skim the surface, keeping myself as the center. If that makes sense?" He looked over at his brother anxiously.
"Kinda," Harry nodded. "It sound a lot better."
"It is." Neville agreed. "I don't lose myself this way. Madigan said I was doing way too advanced stuff too soon. The Earth is layered, and so is it's consciousness. As you get stronger you can try to advance to a deeper layer, but only one at a time. She thinks I might be a Master when I'm done studying. Granted that will take decades of learning, but…"
"That's great, Nev!" Harry beamed and gripped his arm excitedly. "I knew you could do it!"
Neville smiled back, peace behind his eyes for the first time in years. "Yeah. I think I might be able to do it too."
"Hey, boys." They looked up to see Remus walking toward them. "You are being very diligent today."
"We have a lot of work to make-up," Harry smiled ruefully, ruffling his hair at the back of his head.
"Do you think I could help or should I just leave you two alone?" Remus smiled warmly.
"Help would be nice," Neville grinned and Remus took a seat next to him.
The three worked happily and got a lot of work done. Afterward, they went out on the school grounds to have a picnic lunch. Hermione joined them and toward the end, Ron and the twins showed up too. Lunch broke out into a game of tag and they were tackling each other into snow banks amid peals of laughter.
Chapter end.
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