AN: Here is the next installment. Also if you would like to see the outfits described in the ball scene delete all the spaces. Go to cedricslove . livejournal


Harry stood alone at the top of the Grand Staircase, waiting for the rest of his party to join him. He'd enjoyed his birthday so far, but was dreading the evening before him. He knew the only reason the Victory Ball was being held this evening was so the Ministry could use him as their poster boy, something he highly disapproved of. He had wanted a celebration that would honor everyone who had fought in the war, but instead he was getting a birthday party. He sighed in anger, grateful that his closest friends would be at his side. He was waiting for his honored guests, who would be announced before him. Luckily he didn't have to wait long for the first pair to arrive. Draco and Astoria walked over to him arm-in-arm. Draco was wearing traditional wizarding robes with the crest of the House of Malfoy over his left breast, signifying that he had taken up the mantle of his House's lordship. Astoria was wearing a silver, floor length, traditional ball gown that matched the outline of the crest of the House of Malfoy. Together Harry thought they appeared a very fine couple. "Lord Malfoy, Lady Astoria," he bowed in greeting. "I'm honored you could appear by my side tonight."

Draco and Astoria returned the gesture, but even deeper. "The honor is ours indeed Duke Black."

With the necessary formality out of the way Harry smirked at his former rival. "I can't wait to see the look on Weasley's face when he realizes that you are my guest."

Draco laughed, "The Weasel has no idea what he's in for. I'm just glad you came to your senses and realized who the better wizard was." He struck a pose reminiscent of the time he had offered Harry assistance on the train. Neither man could keep a straight face and burst out laughing as Astoria admonished them for their childish behavior.

The pair walked away, still smiling, as they were the first to be announced to the party. Harry didn't have to wait long before Neville and Pansy appeared by his side. Neville was wearing traditional robes but Pansy was in a green dress, not matching the trim around the Longbottom crest. That in itself was interesting to Harry, but her dress was quite revealing, showing part of her midsection and barely covering her left breast. He thought it was quite embarrassing to Neville and himself as well, as she was there under his name. They exchanged the necessary formal greeting before the two men embraced like brothers. "This night should be to honor you as well Nev," Harry remarked, his dismay evident in his tone. "Everyone should be honored for what they did throughout the war, not just me."

"You're our savior Harry," Neville quipped, no awe present in his tone. "But to be honest you deserve the recognition. People don't know everything you sacrificed and you deserve this." Harry shook his head, but knew there was no use in arguing. He'd already had this discussion with his friends several times. After several moments of silence Neville turned serious. "I don't want to ruin the good mood of the evening, but I need to meet with you this week Lord Potter."

Harry momentarily froze, feeling his frustration with his best mate mounting. "Tuesday is when I receive callers of a business nature Duke Longbottom. Will that work with your schedule," he ground out, fighting to keep his tone polite. Neville nodded, hating the formality in Harry's behavior. An awkward silence hung over the trio and finally Neville and Pansy walked down the stairs to be introduced.

Harry sighed, unsure about which way the conversation with Neville would go. He didn't want to push Hermione off on Justin; although the two were friends they had only just begun courting. Knowing he couldn't focus on the issue tonight when he had so many other things to think on he pushed it out of his mind when he saw his two aunts approaching. He smiled at them thinking they looked beautiful, Narcissa wearing a blood red dress with Andromeda in deep navy, and both women were wearing pearls, thus completing the crest of the House of Black. "Good evening aunts. You both look beautiful." He bowed over both of their hands, kissing them softly.

"How are you holding up so far Harry?" Andromeda questioned gently, careful to keep a smile on her face.

"I'm surviving. I wish the Ministry would have allowed me to host a smaller ball at Potter Manor for this, but I can deal with it as its allowing people a reason to celebrate." Narcissa and Andromeda smiled at his words, glad that he had finally accepted everyone's need to acknowledge the end of the war and Harry as their savior. The group chatted for a few more minutes before the two women walked down the stairs to be introduced together.

Harry directed his gaze upwards once again, anxiously waiting on his sister. He wanted to observe her with Justin throughout the night so he could decide what course of action to take when it came to speaking to Neville. Finally he saw her walk down the stairs towards the landing he was on and he couldn't help but smile at her, thinking her beauty now only rivaled herself at the Yule Ball. Hermione was wearing an elegant one shoulder, gold gown. It was form fitting enough to show her off but not tight enough to be inappropriate for the venue or her class. Justin wore an all-black, traditional muggle three piece suit. Harry was glad to see that they had each dressed for their roles, Hermione as the daughter to a Noble and Ancient House and Justin as the unspecified escort of said daughter. Hermione fulfilled her part of the Potter crest beautifully and Harry didn't refrain from complimenting her on it. "You look every bit a beautiful daughter of the House of Potter tonight my dearest sister."

Hermione blushed at his words but slid into an elegant curtsey. "Thank you milord. May I present our classmate Lord Maidstone."

The two men bowed politely to each other. "Thank you for allowing me the pleasure of escorting your sister here tonight Lord Potter. It is an honor that I shall not take lightly."

"It pleases me to see my sister with someone so cognizant of the old ways." Harry replied diplomatically. The political niceties having been observed he clapped Justin on the shoulder. "I apologize for not being home on Saturday when you visited, it's been a while since we've been able to talk."

"That's quite alright. I understand that you were in Paris for the weekend. Did you enjoy your visit?"

"I did indeed; it was my first time there." He replied with a smile. Quickly becoming serious again Harry inquired, "Are you free on Tuesday for tea?"

Justin paled a bit at Harry's tone but maintained his composure. "I am. Shall I call upon you then?" Harry nodded and with a slight bow sent them down to be introduced. As they were walking away Hermione turned around and smiled at Harry, lending him the confidence she knew he needed.

Harry stood alone for several minutes in silent contemplation. He still was unsure of what to do during his speech, but as with most things in his life, he decided to wing it. Using these brief moments he pondered his plan, until all thoughts were stripped from his mind at the sight of Daphne descending to him. Her blonde hair fell in loose curls around her, accentuating the coldness of her brilliant blue eyes. Her dress was made from a nude illusion material with a white lace overlay which gave her an intense sex appeal without truly revealing anything. The dress was a mermaid style and the nude fabric became fuller drifting towards gold at the bottom. Harry smiled at her choices in color, the white symbolizing her purity and the way it drifted into a soft gold showing how she was giving it up to join his house. Harry took her hand and bowed deeply. "You look absolutely enchanting Daph." He whispered, staring into her eyes as he kissed her hand.

She smiled at him, "I was hoping you would approve of the color choice. I was uncomfortable making the choice without you but I wanted to surprise you."

"I love it." He assured her, wrapping an arm around her waist.

Daphne glanced appraisingly at him. He was wearing traditional Acromantula silk robes with the crests of both of his Houses over his left breast. His robes were hanging open over a black, narrow fitting suit he had purchased in Paris; he had a white shirt, with a red tie. "You look very nice as well Harry. I think we shall be the most attractive couple at the ball."

"As we should be; we're going to be the main focus of the entire evening you know."

She smirked slightly, "Well it is a ball in honor of you." Harry just laughed and the two stood in companionable silence for several moments. "Have you decided what you're going to do about your speech yet?"

"Not at all. There are just so many factors."

"I think you should do it Harry. It will show that you don't hide from the past but that you also won't let it dictate you."

Harry considered her words. "You are correct of course. I'm just afraid to anger members of the Wizengamot by appearing to turn my back on the old ways. They distrust me enough as it is with my age and inexperience against me." Daphne nodded in acknowledgement that his worries were legitimate. When she was about to respond they were summoned by a Ministry employee to make their entrance. Harry took a moment to steel his nerves before offering his arm to Daphne and leading her down to where they would be introduced and then make their walk into the atrium.

"Announcing Lady Daphne Greengrass, escorted by her intended and our guest of honor, Lord Harry Potter!" The applause was deafening as Harry led Daphne down the grand staircase, the eyes of what felt like the entire wizarding world upon them as they stood there. When they reached the bottom of the staircase they had to pose for the photographers and Harry immediately froze. Luckily Daphne sensed his panic and moved herself into his embrace, smiling reassuringly up at him, causing him to smile back. They smiled at the photographers until Minister Shacklebolt broke through.

"Lord Potter, it is an honor for the Ministry to host your birthday party and the celebration of the end of war tonight here at our Victory Ball. The evening will begin with light cocktails and mingling before we move on to speeches, dinner, and then dancing. You and your intended, Lady Daphne, are invited to sit at the head table while your guests sit at a table of their own."

"Lady Daphne and I thank you for the honor Minister. We will be delighted to join you after cocktails." The couple bowed slightly to the Minister and went around the room; speaking to the various people they knew. They spent a bit of time speaking to Daphne's parents and Harry vowed to be better about getting to know them. Eventually cocktails ended, and they had to make their way up to the head table where they took their seats. Everyone else sat at round tables which each sat eight people.

Kingsley stood and made his way to the center of the head table which had a podium in front of it. "Good evening and welcome to the Victory Ball!" There was thunderous applause as everyone looked towards Harry. He tensed but feeling Daphne's hand squeeze his under the table reminded him he wasn't alone and he smiled back. "Tonight we are here to recognize the efforts of Lord Harry James Potter along with the auror corps in defeating the terrorist Lord Voldemort. We are gathered here on this specific day in celebration of Lord Harry Potter's birthday and in recognition that from now on this day will be known as National Harry Potter day! We will also be awarding Lord Potter the Order of Merlin first class." The noise from the back of the room where the common people were sitting was deafening, and his fellow nobles applauded at an appropriate level. Harry glared at Hermione, who was smirking knowingly at him. His glare promised a conversation later, but she simply smiled at him. The applause continued, turning into a standing ovation, and Harry blushingly stood in recognition, waving at everyone. "Now I would like to introduce Lord Potter."

Harry made his way to the podium, the applause continuing around him, and the people only quieted when he was behind the podium. He looked around the room, smiling when he made eye contact with his old friends from Hogwarts. Finally he took a deep breath and began in firm voice, "Thank you Minister for both of the awards you have so kindly bestowed upon me. However it is impossible for me to accept all of this credit. Voldemort was in power long before I was born. During the 1970's many of the wizards and witches in this room fought against his evil. Without the efforts of the Auror Corp and many simple civilians his evil would have grown to unknown proportions. Although his defeat in 1981 has been attributed to me, it was my parents who truly deserve this credit. It was a long time before I learned of the extent of their love for me, but it was this intense love that caused them to sacrifice their lives so that I could live. When my parents died they were barely older than me, they were both twenty-one." Harry took a shuddering breath holding his emotions back. His eyes met Hermione's once again and he smiled at her. "If you fast forward to my entrance to the wizarding world, I found out so many others had fought and helped in the war. I owe so much to my Hogwarts professors, for allowing me to learn the skills that would prove invaluable later on." He smiled at the table where McGonagall and Flitwick were smiling back at him and vowed to speak to his professors soon. "Until my fifth year I always thought the students were divided, but everyone managed to surprise me. Some of us were able to unite around a similar cause of ousting a corrupt professor and teaching ourselves what we would need to pass our O.W.L.s. We called our club Dumbledore's Army, or the DA, and it continued through last year. The DA was invaluable in Hogwarts, they were able to keep younger students safe, and led a rebellion against the Carrows. Duke Longbottom, Lady Ginny Weasley, and Miss Lovegood were the leaders of this rebellion, and faced enormous consequences for their actions. I'm sure everyone will join me in thanking these three for keeping our younger students safe, and for helping to expel this evil from our school." Harry began clapping, everyone quickly joining in.

Harry subtly waved the three to stand and approach him. Luna stood, looking unfazed by everything that was happening and floated up to the stage. Ginny blushed, both delighted and embarrassed by the attention, but mostly glad that Harry was recognizing her. Neville stood and glared slightly at Harry, the two friends had argued about this often in the preceding days but Neville had thought he had won. The three joined Harry on stage and stood beside him during the applause. "It is my honor to help the Minister in awarding all of you the Order of Merlin, first class." Harry laid the large medals around their necks and gestured them back off the podium, subtly grabbing Luna's hand and holding her on stage with him. "During the war 'The Quibbler' was the only news source unaffected by the pressure that Voldemort exerted over the press and in honor of that I would like to present Miss Lovegood with Mr. Lovegood's Order of Merlin, second class." There was more applause as Harry laid the medal around her neck and then sent her off stage. "There are very few people left to explicitly acknowledge. I would like to mention those that were brave enough to go against Voldemort by avoiding the pressure of their parents to join him. I would once again like to recognize the Dowager Lady Black for lying to Voldemort and allowing me to survive. That being said, there are two extremely special people left to thank. Would Mr. Ron Weasley and Lady Hermione Potter please join me on stage?"

Hermione stood, smiling graciously up at Harry. Although she hadn't been informed of his plans, and she was skeptical that there had been a plan at all, she had expected him to call her up. She squeezed Justin's hand gently and glided up to the stage to stand beside Harry on his right. Ron awkwardly ambled towards the stage, his face burning red, both surprised that Harry wanted to share his spotlight, and expectant of the award he knew was waiting for him. He was upset that Hermione was on Harry's right, and begrudgingly took his place on Harry's left side. "From my first day on the train Mr. Weasley has been by my side. He supported me through thick and thin, always standing by me. He was the logic behind our trio, and without him our plans would have lacked finesse. This is a man I can always depend on, and without him, Voldemort wouldn't have been defeated. On behalf of the Minister I would like to award my very good friend the Order of Merlin, first class." Harry placed the medal around Ron's neck and then stepped back to the podium.

"Although we didn't immediately become friends, the woman beside me has never abandoned me. She has always been the brains of the operation, and she never once doubted me. She has been loyal, and the most amazing friend a person could ask for. She was tortured at the hands of Bellatrix Lestrange," a large gasp went through the audience, "and she managed to keep my secrets until she could be rescued. Being my friend has put her through more pain than it ever should have, and I can never express my gratitude enough, the closest I can come is by announcing her to all of you as my elder sister, Lady Hermione Potter. I love her dearly, and without this woman, I would certainly be dead, and I wouldn't have stood any chance against Voldemort. Please join me in honoring and thanking this amazing woman who has endeavored for equality in our society and was indispensable in this war." Harry began applauding, prompting the rest of the guests to applaud as well. Then, placing one hand on his lower back and one hand on his stomach, bowed at the waist towards his sister, a courtesy from him only necessary for the Queen. This prompted several of the nobles to bow to her as well. Tears began to well in Hermione's eyes and she turned to her brother, dropping into a curtsey until she hit the floor and bowing her head to him. Harry waited until she stood to embrace her and then sent her back to her table. He embraced Ron as well, and whispered, "We need to talk soon. I'll owl you," before sending the redhead back to the Weasley's table.

Alone at the podium once more Harry made a split second decision. He simply felt that more needed to be said. "I hope that everyone can see that so many people, many more than I could possibly name, aided in the destruction of Voldemort and fought in the war so that we could enjoy our freedom. However, it is important that we continue in this fight. If we allow things to remain as they were we are only opening ourselves up for the same situation to happen again. We must forget the house boundaries that divide us for our entire lives. I am proud to say that I now have friends from every Hogwarts house, and the overwhelming majority of people sitting at my guest's table are Slytherins. We must remember that everyone fought in the ways they could during this war, and that we can't know anyone else's situation regardless of what we think. I hope that we learn from everything and can come out of this a stronger nation. As most of you know my intended is currently a Slytherin, and if a Gryffindor and a Slytherin can make it work during marriage then I see no problems for this country." He chuckled lightly, drawing laughs from the audience. "I would like to thank the Ministry for throwing me such an amazing birthday celebration, as well as celebrating the Victory we all experienced in May. I look forward to a quiet life with Lady Daphne Greengrass, and the peace that lies in front of us." He bowed towards the audience and turned towards Daphne.

There was a loud bang, smoke filled the room, and loud screams were heard. Harry stumbled and waved a hand in front of his face, trying to clear the smoke. He pulled his wand and quickly cast a shield around himself, just in time to see a yellow light dissolve against it. Deciding that he was better off protecting the large group of guests behind him than worrying about Daphne who was next to the Minister and his security, he spun around casting a high power shield at the table of his guests. He saw several people in black robes, with their faces hooded. Most of them were fighting with the people around them and the ball guests were dropping quickly. Harry saw three of them standing in the middle of the room, obviously trying to get towards his friends. Chaining spells together he threw himself from the stage and jumped onto the nearest table, allowing himself a better sight line even though it placed him into danger. Harry quickly made his way to Hermione's side, who was fighting with one of the leaders in the center, trying to force guests behind her as she sent offensive spells between her shields. Neville was also battling in the center of the room, covering his grandmother and Harry's aunts although he was more engaged in firing offensive spells.

The person in the middle opened their arms to Harry in invitation to begin fighting. Harry cast several low impact spells to try to figure out the fighting style of his opponent. The other wizard didn't move at all, choosing to shield and conjure instead of dodging. Harry quickly banished the dishes from the table next to him towards his opponent, catching the man off guard and allowing him to send several cutting hexes in chain. Large gashes appeared on the man's arm, causing him to growl and begin firing unforgivables at Harry. He summoned a large granite wall in front of him as a shield and dodged several other spells. Harry began moving quickly, firing spells as he danced away from the other man's attempts to hit him. He got several more cutting curses through his opponent's shields, and began firing chains of debilitating spells at his enemy. However his opponent wasn't going away without a fight and Harry saw a sickeningly familiar spell fly towards him. He managed to dodge the spell but a scream from behind him told him someone else hadn't been so lucky. Enraged that someone else had died for him Harry shot sectumsempra at his opponent, and the groan of pain told him he'd been at least partially successful. He shot another spell to stun and bind the man. However the person dueling with Neville saw their leader taken out and quickly grabbed Harry's downed opponent, portkeying from the room. Pops from all over signified the mass exodus. Harry knelt and took several deep breaths before turning to survey the damage.

The walls around the ballroom were severely scorched from the spell fire. The room was mostly empty but there were many guests lying on the floor, in what state Harry knew not. He looked for Hermione and ran to her, gathering his sister in his arms. She was bleeding from her arm, but looked well enough. "Are you injured?" He demanded, fear creeping into his tone.

"I'm fine Harry. I took a cutting hex to the arm but was able to injure my opponent before they portkeyed out. Are you alright?"

"Mostly disoriented," he explained. "Do you know who all fell?"

"No," she shook her head sadly. "We need to check on our friends.

Harry agreed and hand-in-hand they walked to the guest table. Neville was sitting with his grandmother being fussed over, but he rolled his eyes at Harry letting him know he was fine. Harry smiled back, glad to see his best mate uninjured. Hermione spotted Justin on the floor beside the table and ran to his side, Harry not far behind her. She gathered his head into her lap as he lay coughing profusely, blood pouring from his chest. "Can you breathe?" she questioned, panic evident in her voice.

"Yes…" He managed shakily. "I need St. Mungo's though."

"I figured when I saw the large stake buried in your chest," Harry quipped gently. He quickly called the closest auror to him and sent the man to order the healers be brought in by house elf immediately. Harry patted Hermione on the hand, leaving her to comfort Justin and keep him calm. She smiled wearily at him, but nodded her consent at his leaving her momentarily. Harry quickly stood and scanned the room; he spotted Astoria hugging Draco's limp body, crying hysterically. He quickly approached her, asking about their injuries.

"Draco was hit with the cruciatus and he needs medical attention." Astoria cried. "The stupid git shoved me under the table, and immobilized me so I couldn't help him. He screamed so painfully until he passed out." She began sobbing again, shaking from the violence of her tears. "His mother jumped in to stop the attack and oh Harry…it was awful. I think it was Lucius that attacked Draco."

"That's impossible! He's locked away in Azkaban."

"Harry, he took Narcissa!"

Harry stood abruptly, anger coursing through his veins. "Mipsy," he called. The small house elf appeared in front of him with a small pop. "Please take Draco and Astoria to Potter Manor and call my personal healer directly. I don't want my family in more danger tonight. Then come straight back to me."

"Yes Master Harry." The elf responded. With a crack the three people in front of him were gone. Harry sat in the closest chair to wait for the return of his elf. If Lucius had truly captured Narcissa she was in a dire situation. Lucius had been extremely mad when Harry had arrived at Malfoy Manor demanding their divorce and that Narcissa leave with him immediately. He'd had no option but to give in to Duke Black but Harry had wondered if he would try for revenge. He'd been so stupid to believe they were safe with Lucius in Azkaban. Obviously Voldemort still had supporters unwilling to stray from their path. Concern for the rest of his adoptive family speared inside him and he stood impatiently glancing around the room. Mipsy appeared in front of him once again. "Master's friend is secured within the green room next to Mistress Cissy's. Healer Davis is already with him. Does Master need anyone else taken back to the Manor?"

"Can you help me find Aunt Andy and Daphne please Mipsy? You may be able to sense them while I cannot."

The elf nodded, closing her eyes and allowing her magic to course through her. When she reopened them she was crying slightly. "Master Harry I cannot feel Mistress Tonks."