CHAPTER SEVEN

The 31st was upon Harry quicker than the teenager had anticipated. He found himself standing just outside in the cobblestone U drive of Bartemius Crouch's elegant black stone manor. He was standing on his mother's side, dressed to perfection, his robes were emerald green based with lines of gold. His hair was down and the colour of the robes made his eyes stand out underneath the sleek blackness of his hair and the ghostly pale look of his face. His mother was smiling radiantly looking amazing in powder blue and his father was wearing dark solid blue robes.

Ministry officials were popping in and out dressed in their best. Harry saw the Minister of Magic and his wife tread the steps up toward the expansive manor doors. There was a fountain in the middle of the courtyard; it was large and black stone with white icicles along the edges.

The weather was beautiful, it was late evening but it had yet to turn dark but a soft dusk line swept itself primly across the rippling blue skies and the sun seemed to be slowly getting weaker and it would soon descend alone and the night would rise along with the stars and beautiful moon.

With a grudging sigh, he followed his mother and father up the marble black steps and slithered in with the rest of the best dressed crowd. The only thing Harry was looking forward too was the dance with Lucius. This was what kept him going, this was what allowed him to fake smiles to the pompous man at the front of the Entrance Hall dressed in black with his hair matted to his head. He was a large man with small pudgy hands.

What made shaking hands with Bartemius Crouch so unpleasant was the fact that when he grasped Harry's hand, it was sweaty and firm. Harry cringed inwardly as he greeted Bartemius formally.

No wonder Lucius wore gloves, thought Harry with disgust; he shuffled away from his parents after giving the invitation and made an ick sound when he was away from the host. He shook his hand and looked around for the nearest bathroom, when a scent so familiar washed over him and then a gloved hand came around and handed him a white handkerchief with the initials L.M. upon it. Harry looked up at the platinum blond with a tender smile gracing his features. "Thank you." said Harry with relief, as he accepted the handkerchief. Lucius was pressed into him, and a free hand came around and curled affectionately around his forearm, his cane was in the other and Harry could feel his breath against him. "That was disgusting."

"Hmm, you need a set of gloves." Lucius informed, "Now, you know why I wear them on a regular basis."

Harry grinned, and looked down at his hands rubbing his right one with the handkerchief, "Yeah, that was horrible." He laughed hesitantly, trying to keep the nervousness out of his voice. There were people sifting around them, moving along the halls. Harry's parents had already disappeared for a drink and then a dance.

"Are you still going to grant me a dance later in the eve?" asked Lucius, giving his other hand the cane, and pushing Harry's hair out of the way, exposing his gold earring, which was a straight gold piece with a small emerald ball at the end.

Harry's smile never wavered, "Of course, why would I turn you down?" asked Harry, lifting his gaze up to the blue eyed man. His whole mind and body was swimming as he did this. He was nervous and he wanted to blush, but he resisted. For some reason, he just didn't feel as shy or timid in front of Lucius as he had before.

"Severus!" called Lucius, over Harry's head, causing him to freeze up slightly. "I had wondered if you would finally accept the invite."

Harry turned around and saw Severus sweeping toward them, looking quite impressive, thought the teen. He was still wearing black but you could see faint traces of dark grey, and his hair was pulled back against the base of his neck.

"Lucius, Po- Harry." He looked to Harry, who looked up at him.

"Good evening." Harry didn't know what to call him, so he settled for addressing him nameless. The teen unconsciously, slipped Lucius' handkerchief into his pockets and shook hands with Severus. "My hands are clean now."

"Yours too, huh?" said Severus, with disgust as he glanced over his shoulder.

"Ick." Was all that Harry said, as Lucius' hand came to rest on the small of Harry's back.

"Such intelligent words, coming from a Potter." said Severus with a smirk.

"Hey! Least your hands are big enough to squeeze back." said Harry defensively. "Know what my hands felt like between his swollen, icky hands?" He shook his hand for affect. "Not pleasant."

"You have a point. Are we going to stand around here all day or go on in?" asked Severus.

We? Thought Harry. Surely, they didn't want him hanging around them all night long, but as he was about to mention that he would be at the bar, Lucius' hand gently guided him through the gorgeously decorated ballroom, where a band was playing a mix of muggle and wizard music. Harry recognized several from both sides of the world.

The décor was much darker than it had been at the Minister of Magic's Manor; the floors were dark blue with white swirls. The whole room seemed to have a dark blue sort of theme with another colour or two to accent it. Harry was standing between Lucius and Severus. The former with their hand touching him and moving him along with them.

They were moving along the crowds of happy aristocrats, Severus mentioned to Lucius about stopping off at the contribution table for a few moments. There was a large line with male head of households gathered around signing checks and shaking hands with a bright smiling Minister. Harry stared at him with a look of disgust, when James came running over. He blinked seeing Severus and Lucius, but shook his head and went to Harry;

"Harry! I forgot the check!"

"Typical." remarked Severus.

James flashed the Slytherin Potion's Master a dark look. "Shut up-" His cheeks were slightly red.

Harry snorted and shook his head, "Dad, you gave me the check a week ago." said the youngest Potter, pulling the black booklet out. "Remember?"

"Oh!" said James dumbly.

"Such wit from you James Potter." said Severus with a dark smile. "I sure hope you didn't pass it onto your son."

James rolled his eyes, "Get a life Severus."

"As much fun as it is to watch you two bantering like an old couple, I believe this is neither the time nor the place." said Lucius Malfoy, lowly.

"He started it!" complained James.

"How mature."

James scowled, and was about to say something when Harry slid a sneaky kick to the shins. "Owwww." He lowered his hand to his knee, and glared at his son. "What was that for?"

"For opening your mouth. Now, let me deal with the check, you go back over there before I tell mum."

James straightened suddenly, "No, please don't tell her, I won't get any tonight-"

Severus snorted, and Lucius' lip quirked. Harry arched an eyebrow, "Well then, get your horny arse back over there." He found himself saying, causing Lucius to bring a gloved hand up to his mouth to stop an embarrassing laugh. The Potion's Master's eyes glittered tauntingly.

"Harry! I am not a horny arse." hissed James indignantly, leaning in to his son so no one else could hear. "I'm just -"

"Desperate?" tried Harry, a look of mischief in his eyes.

"Exactly!" clapped James, "Wait! Desperate? No, no, I'm not desperate." Harry chuckled; James groaned, "Harry, this is no time to taunt me. Especially, around Slytherins." His cheeks were flushed, and it felt good to put his father on the spot for a change.

"That makes it more fun, daddy!" teased Harry as he tapped the end of the book playfully against his father's shoulder. "Now run along like a good boy and maybe mum will give you some tonight."

Lucius had to close his eyes briefly, his gloved hand still blocking his mouth, while Severus choked and looked down at Harry, with something akin to pride.

James sighed, "Fine, fine, I better." He looked up over a short witch, "Uh oh, she's tapping her foot to her favourite song. Gotta go!" He raced through the crowd, leaving Harry to laugh and shake his head.

"Remind me when we get back to Hogwarts to add twenty points to Gryffindor-" Severus said, lowly.

Lucius snorted, and ran his hand up to Harry's neck and squeezed it gently. "You do that often?"

Harry laughed, "Sometimes; I don't overdue it, cause then it gets boring."

They reached the front of the line, Severus and Lucius made their contributions, before it was Harry's turn.

"Good evening, young Harry! How are you doing on this fine night?" asked Cornelius Fudge, shaking Harry's hand furiously.

The teen once again wished he had gloves, as he greeted the Minister, with the widest of smiles, "I'm doing excellent, Minister Fudge."

"No, no, I insist, Harry you must call me Cornelius, what have you there?"

"A personal contribution." he said, kindly handing the black book over. The man's eyes gleamed with a greedy hunger. Lucius and Severus were standing just behind him. "However, I would advise that this check does not get cashed by anyone other than who it is made out too. I bought these new checks from Gringotts, no idea what they were for, they were just expensive, so I bought them." Cornelius smiled, but he looked slightly confused, "But the last time I made out a check the wrong person cashed it and well-" he winced for affect, "It wasn't pretty."

"Oh." Cornelius' Fudge's smile faltered slightly. "You mean, these checks, are bound?"

"I don't know, they were expensive and one of the goblins insisted that a family like us, ought to possess some." said Harry, with childish innocence.

"Yes, yes, well a wealthy family like yours, of course." said Cornelius straining a smile.

"I am sorry, if this puts you in a predicament, Minister. They are the only checks we have now."

"Oh, no, no, no need to apologise young Harry. Thank you for your healthy donation."

"You're very welcome, have an excellent night." said Harry, sweetly, before he turned and rolled his eyes to Lucius and Severus and walked off between the two of them.

Lucius glanced over his shoulder once, as Severus was staring at Harry, visibly surprised.

"Harry?" said Severus slowly.

"Yes, Severus?" said Harry, looking up at his professor.

"You just turned into a Slytherin." He stated, inquiringly. "How did you do that?"

Harry smiled cheekily, "I am not sure, what you are talking about. I have always been like this, some people only see, what they want to see."

Severus eyed him warily, and then glanced at Lucius who had a smirk on his face and a glow in his blue eyes.

"This has been a most eventful evening and we have not even been here for twenty minutes." said Lucius. "I have reserved a table, Harry? Are you joining Severus and I?"

Harry blinked surprise written on his face, "Oh, sure. If you want me too." He sniggered, "If Severus can tolerate me." He flashed a sweet smile to the Potion's Master.

"I believe I can manage it." said Severus, his lip quirking.

This ball had started so much better than the last one. He found himself sitting between Severus and Lucius, drinking a gentle, White Rose Wine. It wasn't a drink he was accustomed too, but it had a light flavour to it. He was sitting cross-legged and random people would come over shaking their hands.

It was about the third or fourth song in, when Lucius leaned into Harry, "How about that dance now?"

Harry's heart sped up, as he smiled benignly and gave a gentle nod, "Sounds great."

"Severus, we will be back in a moment."

Severus nodded indifferently, "I believe, I will head off to the bar."

Lucius took Harry's hand, and led the way out to the dance floor, where various witches and wizards could watch their every move. Harry for once, did not care. He felt protected with Lucius, even if they did cause quite the stir.

The older man gripped Harry's slender waist in a way that made him feel most comfortable. His right hand slid into Lucius' left; it was covered almost completely, and his arm lay gently across the former Slytherin, giving himself the advantage to touch and grip against Lucius' strong shoulder. There was about six or seven inches between them as they began to revolve.

It was quiet, between the two and at first; Harry wouldn't look up at Lucius out of nervousness. "Look at me, Harry." The command was like a tidal wave crashing upon his whole body it began rushing from his head straight down into his heart. He looked up, unblushing. "That's better." Harry smiled melodiously.

The more they revolved, the more Harry found himself unable to look away from anyone but Lucius, and soon he was drawn closer, until they were as close as could be. Harry was unaware of his mother and father staring in shock, or the rest of the hall glancing curiously over their shoulders. None of that seemed to matter at the moment. All that he cared about was staying like this, in this man's protective arms and dancing.

"You've stopped blushing." Lucius commented, pulling Harry closer, to speak to him without prospects next to them listening in.

Harry smiled, taking in the scent of Lucius; his mouth was almost touching the man's cheek. "Do you want me to blush?" asked Harry, his face almost completely concealed by Lucius' platinum hair.

"That's a curious question." said Lucius, guiding Harry smoothly along the floor. The teen followed him with every elegant step. "The colour is attractive, but you're not doing it as often anymore…"

The smile had never left Harry's face, he pressed his cheek against Lucius lower shoulder, "Maybe," The teen whispered, "I am not blushing as much because I'm getting used too you in certain situations."

"Ah, curious indeed. Would you like to continue dancing? This number is about to end…"

"I am just fine where I am." said Harry by way of answering.

Lucius said nothing, as they moved into the forming stance of a waltz. Harry reluctantly pulled back and was graced with Lucius' handsome face. The waltz called for a bit of space between Harry and his partner. They moved around on the dance floor the chorus that played overhead, a bit more colourful in taste rather than slow and moment inspiring.

The elder Malfoy was an absolutely amazing dancer, he had grace and born elegance. Harry was glad he was able to keep up and not trip over the man's feet and making a colossal fool of himself. Harry was twirled around twice; as he did this the teen caught a glimpse of his father and mother watching him. He smirked as he caught their eye and then moved back to face an impressed Lucius.

Yes, indeed this ball was so much better than the one he had attended two weeks ago.

When the two finally left the dance floor, to return to their seats Bartemius Crouch intercepted them, asking to speak with Lucius in private on a financial matter.

Lucius gave a formal nod, "I may be of assistance. We will have to see, Harry?"

"I'll go see Severus." said Harry, with a smile, as he drew back, hoping that Crouch wouldn't shake his hand.

"Thank you Harry. I will be sure to return with your date soon." insisted Crouch, with a quick nod. The redness in Harry's cheeks began to return in full force and they were burning red-hot. The only thing in response he could give to Crouch was a tiny bashful laugh, daring himself he glanced once at Lucius, who was smirking. He smiled hesitantly before he turned on his heel and he walked away, as fast as his feet could carry him.

Harry was heading toward the table, his head down and he was trying to force the blush to recede, but it was almost impossible. His heart was jumping up into his throat and he was trying not to shake.

What was going on here? He walked around the table and plopped down next to Severus, who was looking bored. Harry poured a glass of water on the table and took a long drink, hoping to douse the fire in his face.

"You seem to be enjoying yourself, Po- Harry." said Severus, casually.

Harry smiled, "Much better than last time." He said, sipping at his water.

"I believe your night is about to bust, however." said Severus. He lifted his gaze and they were staring straight ahead of him.

Harry looked over at Severus confused, "Bust? Why would it do that?" He then followed Severus' gaze and his whole body seemed to freeze up. His throat dried of the water he had been drinking and it was replaced by a chapped feeling that was sweeping all along his very body, right down into his heart.

Roger Davies was standing there conversing with James, over by the bar.

"Oh no." choked Harry, "What the fuck is he doing talking to my dad?"

"I have no idea." said Severus, his eyes going to Harry, who suddenly looked sickened and horrified.

"I don't want see him." scowled Harry in a cold voice. "I don't want him anywhere near me or my family." His hands were shaking slightly and his whole body felt stiff and tense.

"Might want to go find out what's going on." said Severus. "They might be in the middle of plotting something."

Harry wasn't sure if he could move. "But, what? Dad knows how I feel-" He broke off, and then shook his head. "No he doesn't." He corrected, "The man never listens to me." He cringed visibly, and lowered his gaze not wanting to meet theirs. He stared down at the velvet blue tablecloth, and glared hard at it. He was gripping the table until his knuckles turned white.

"Harry, get up and confront them." Severus told him.

"Not in front of people. I don't want a scene caused. No, I - I think I'm just going to leave… going to go before anything stupid can start." He scooted his chair back, "Would you tell Lucius, good bye for me?"

Severus nodded, and scooted his chair up as Harry slipped around him, but as Harry left the massive ballroom; Roger Davies had spotted him leaving and moved from James' side to follow.

Harry shook his head furiously as he slipped out the doors into the cool night air. The stars were twinkling brightly and the moon was glowing in a half daze. He scaled down the steps, passing several couples that were sitting along rows of benches. He didn't know where he was going, but he knew he had to get out of there, before anything stupid happened. Anywhere, even if it meant hiding until midnight, which was only three hours away.

"HARRY!" called Roger Davies, from behind the teen who stopped dead, his eyes widened, at the realization of being caught leaving.

The witches and wizards that were outside all made a murmuring comment about Harry Potter and then about the guy who called his name. They had easily recognized him from the papers. Harry stared straight ahead, hoping that if he was still, it would minimize the onlookers.

"Harry." repeated Roger, coming to a stop about three feet from him.

Harry's eyes flashed from surprise to cold, and he turned around and crossed his arms over his chest. The boy who had called his name was about three inches taller than him, with dark brown eyes and chocolate brown hair that was always spiked at the top.

"What?" asked Harry as neutrally as he could.

"Uhm - hi? How are you doing?"

Harry blinked and regarded the nineteen-year-old, "After being humiliated? You want to know how I am doing?" Harry hardly noticed those he knew most were there to hear every word of this conversation.

Roger winced, "I- I'm sorry, Harry." He said, lowly, "I - I was just talking to your dad." he said, hoping that this would brighten Harry's mood. "He has high hopes for us." Roger's voice was eager. "I mean, come on Harry. I still really care about you. Love you even-"

Harry felt sick, and he wanted nothing more than to kick Roger in his mouth for using such words. "How could you taint my name and the very air I breathe with such words coming from your vile mouth." Harry hissed, and as quiet as he was, everyone around heard.

"I-" Roger's face registered stunned, "Look, I know what I did was foolish. I didn't mean to hurt you-"

"You didn't hurt me, well, you did, but you also pissed me off and humiliated me, for what? Fifteen minutes of fucking fame?"

"No, nothing-"

"So you could be known all around the world, as the guy who fucked Harry Potter over and made him look like a lunatic in front of the world? Thought it would boost your career, huh?"

"No, Harry-"

"Don't even say my name." snapped Harry. "You don't deserve to say my name or even be in my presence."

"Harry - please, be rational. I said I was sorry, I made a mistake, now could we just-"

"No, we aren't doing any fucking thing." retorted Harry. "You are going to back up and get out of my face. Do you think I would be that miserable without you?" asked Harry incredulous.

"I thought maybe we could be repairable." said Roger, cringing at the disgusted stare. "I made a mistake, but I won't do it again."

"No, you won't do it again, because the next time you cheat, it won't be on me. I am so much stronger than you peg me to be. I don't need you and I do not want you. You can go back to your nasty whores cause they aren't worth half of me Davies."

"I know, and I realise that. I'll do whatever you want- just - come back to me?" begged Roger, he looked hopeless.

Why was he so fucking desperate? Harry left him well enough alone, getting the picture that the man did not want a committed relationship. It was more than over - and this - Ravenclaw just did not get it.

"No, I'm not. It's way too late for that now, Davies. Go back to the hole you crawled out of and leave me alone."

Roger sighed and rubbed his face, and he looked up as if he wanted to say something else, when someone tapped on his shoulder.

Harry whose vision had been so tunnelled had not notice anyone near them, or anyone approaching. He was seeing red and he was humiliated, again.

"I believe you are finished harassing my date." said Lucius Malfoy silkily. He was drawn up to full height, and his eyes were narrowed on Roger, who seemed to have paled.

"Date?" gaped Roger.

"I do not enjoy repeating myself, I believe Harry wants you to step away from him and it would do you some good to abide by his wishes before you are forced." Lucius' voice was to the point and even though it was low, those around them could hear easily, especially scribbling reporters with eyes of money.

"You- are with a Slytherin?" asked Roger Davies looking to Harry with disgust.

For once, Harry did not blush, he was too angry, "I believe that remains my business Davies, not yours. Now, be a good little Raven and go back to your nest of sluts…"

Roger Davies was completely shocked, no one had ever witnessed, sweet Golden Gryffindor boy, Harry Potter use such crude language.

Harry didn't wait for him to move; instead he walked into the open arm of Lucius' and was lead away.

Harry quickly said his good-nights to Lucius and then got a port-key back home before any reporter's had the gall to actually stop him and ask questions. Harry was furious, he growled and threw himself onto the bed, but he was so frustrated he rolled over and out again. His head was pounding and it felt as if it were haemorrhaging. How could this happen? How could his father be so damn insensitive.

His cheeks were flushed but it wasn't because of embarrassment. It was flushed out of anger, he felt betrayed; wasn't James supposed to do something about seeing the guy who hurt his only son? But, no, Harry had to have the most insensitive father Mother Nature ever created.

As he allowed his anger swell so did his magic and several things began to break along with the loss of light in certain parts of the house. Harry heard a 'crash' downstairs but he was hardly aware of it; he collapsed in an armchair, he was slouched and he brought his hand up to his mouth. His knee was trembling, the nerves unable to be soothed. He stared at the roaring fire in front of him.

Again, he was humiliated. He wondered if all Roger wanted was to get his name in the paper, again. It wouldn't surprise him. That was the only logical explanation Harry could think of for Roger showing up after almost a month of having absolutely no contact. Yes, that was it, he must be trying to get noticed by someone or something. He needed a name for himself and he was quickly building one, being in vicinity of Harry Potter.

Harry groaned almost painfully, as the headache pushed through his skull surrounding the temperamental parts. He rubbed his temples and he tried to get a hold of himself, when he heard a pop from downstairs. He then heard the steps being taken. He knew it was his mother and father. They were murmuring to one another, and then the inevitable. "Harry?" This was his mother.

He didn't look up at either of them as they entered his bedroom. His gaze remained fixed on the fire.

"Harry, honey, are you alright?" asked Lily, coming over and kneeling down next to her son.

"I was actually having a good time." whispered Harry. "One of the best times and it was ruined as it always was."

"With Malfoy?" This came from James.

Harry snapped his gaze from the fire and it narrowed on his father, a thousand different expressions flashed across him in that one instant, "You betrayed your own son."

"Wha-" James blinked in utter confusion. "What did I do?"

Harry slowly shook his head, "You just don't get it." Harry's voice was low and it had a raw edge. "Roger Davies cheated on me, he made a fool out of your only son and you have the nerve to stand in the middle of the ballroom talking to him as if you two were the best of friends. He humiliated me more than anyone else has ever done and you stand there laughing and talking to him, as if it had never happened." He swallowed, trying to keep his emotions out of it, but it was getting hard, his eyes had changed from cold to hurt.

"Harry, come on, now." said James, squirming under his son's gaze. "I wasn't doing anything! I was just talking to him. I thought - maybe you'd-"

"You don't get it." Harry repeated standing up abruptly and turning his back on his parents afraid of what would happen if he faced them again. His eyes were burning. "You - you never get it. You just, you don't care. You think that my life is all about fun and games. You think that just laughing makes it better." Harry turned and shook his head, "No, it does not dad. It doesn't make things better, when it is your life written out before you on paper, humiliation, devastation, and disappointment all wrapped up in a fine little emotion called pain. You ever felt that pain before father? You ever feel as though your heart has been sliced in two?"

James looked quickly to his wife; she was leaning against the arm rest and raised her hands, "I warned you." she whispered, "Leave me out of this."

"You haven't, you only ever been with mum. You wouldn't know what it's like to be cheated on and then pushed back down into the mud only to be struck at again. You never understood it, you always said, 'Oh, Harry its not that bad.' Well it is that bad. I wish you would just understand me for a moment, but you don't. You do not except anything negative."

"I do, Harry! Come on; give me a little more credit. I didn't know what I was doing was wrong." said the man helplessly.

"You were-" Harry stopped and he raised his hands up palms outward, "Forget it, I am not even going to try anymore. It's useless. This will go back around in a complete circle. I just want to be left alone now. I'm going to take a shower, I hope you're out of my room by then or I might floo to Remus's." He walked out of the room in quick strides, leaving a sad looking Lily and a confused James.

Real quick: Hello! I wanted to let you know that the site doesn't seem to be sending me my review thingies, but that hasn't stopped me from replying to your reviews. Especially, the really helpful and insightful ones. I have responded - and hopefully fanfiction site will send them through to you if you haven't received them. I just want you to know, I've definitely not ignored you on that. :) Thank you so very much.