Yes, it's a new title! More appropriate, I believe. To address some queries i received via PM i have gone back and added a couple of things in back chapters, specifically POA 1 and World Cup. Nothing much, just a sentence or paragraph to explain where things were heading. Will let you know if i go back and change anything else. I am always open for constructive criticism, and love to hear all your guesses and theories. Right now, im being bombarded with queries as to who Harry is going to the Yule Ball with. Let's find out, shall we. My dear readers, I give you the next chapter...

Ginny was walking down to the school grounds when Hermione and Ron caught up with her. "So, how's Harry this morning?" they asked her.

Ginny shrugged. "What do you reckon? He's nervous as hell."

Hermione smirked and looked knowingly at Ron. "I hope you and Neville helped him learn lots of spells. Merlin knows what he's facing. Of course, Ron and I could have helped him, if he had asked."

Ginny shot her a dirty look. "He knows what he needs to know, Hermione."

Hermione looked around, then gasped. "Is that Sirius? What is he doing here?"

"We call it 'supporting Harry'," said Ginny. "You two should try it sometime. Actually, Dumbledore convinced Snape to give up his memories of Pettigrew and Sirius in the Shrieking Shack last year. The Minister had no choice but to pardon Sirius. He's a free man. You can read all about it in the Prophet this weekend."

Hermione gasped as Ginny walked off. Sirius caught sight of her and opened his arms. "Ginny!"

"Sirius!" she said, hugging him. "You look good. Have you seen Harry?"

"Thanks, Red!" She shot him a dirty look, to which he chuckled. "Nah, Harry and the other champions are in a tent. I couldn't get to see him, but I went to the side and let him know I was here. How's his preparation been?"

"Good, I hope. I thought Harry was going to pass out when he found out about the dragons. Did you know he told Cedric about them? Thought it was only fair, particularly when he found out the both the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang champions already knew," said Ginny.

"Sounds like something Harry would do," mused Sirius.

Ginny nodded. "Moody found out and Harry thought he was going to get in trouble, but instead Moody asked him how he was going to tackle the dragon. He told Harry to use his strengths."

Sirius thought about it for a minute. "Flying?"

Ginny nodded again. "So me and Nev have been practicing the Summoning spell so he can summon his broom."

"Moody? Alastor Moody, the Auror?" asked Sirius, surprised.

"Yeah, he's our DADA professor," said Ginny. "You know him?"

Sirius was about to reply, when Mr Bagman announced the first task was about to get underway and for everyone to take their seats. Sirius and Ginny hurried off to find Neville, who had saved them seats. Sirius ignored Ron and Hermione. Ginny pointed out her brother Charlie, who was down on the ground, tending to the dragons.

"And now, our first champion, representing Hogwarts is Cedric Diggorryyyyyy!" announced Mr Bagman.

The Tri-Wizard tournament was under way.

XXXX

Harry exited the tent after having been checked over by Madame Pomfrey. He was immediately pulled into a hug from Sirius.. "Harry, that was bloody fantastic!"

Harry grinned and hugged Sirius back. Over Sirius' shoulder, he could see Ginny grinning at him, and Neville waiting for him too.

Ginny leaped into his arms when Sirius released him. "You were amazing," she whispered in his ear. He shivered at her nearness, but hugged her back.

"Well done, Harry. That was awesome," said Neville, patting his back. Harry grinned at him and pulled him into a hug. Neville laughed, and hugged him back.

Charlie Weasley came over to him and shook his hand. "Hi Harry. I've got to say, you are an amazing flier. You did great, congratulations!"

"Thanks Charlie," said Harry. "These two were a big help." He nodded toward Ginny and Neville.

"Hey Harry, that was great, well done," said Hermione, as she and Ron came up to them.

"Thanks," said Harry. He was in such a good mood he felt he could be friendly towards them.

"Party in the Gryffindor common room, Harry," said Ron. Seamus and Dean who were walking past cheered.

"Sorry, I'm celebrating with Sirius and my friends," said Harry. "Hey Charlie, want to join us in Hogsmeade?" Hermione and Ron frowned.

Charlie gave him a thumbs up. "Just got to help secure the dragons. I'll meet you there."

Sirius clapped him on the back, and they headed off with Ginny and Neville.

"I'm sorry, Mr Potter, I cannot allow you to leave the grounds," said Professor Dumbledore, stepping in the path.

"Why not? I am now his legal guardian and I want to take him to celebrate," said Sirius.

"I cannot allow you to take Miss Weasley and Mr Longbottom too," said Dumbledore.

"That's fine, Albus. I give Mr Black my permission," said Augusta Longbottom from behind him. When Neville had written her that he had befirended Harry and was helping him prepare for the first task, she had decided to come and visit. Neville had been pleased to see her, and had warmly greeted her, escorting her to sit with him, Sirius and Ginny.

Neville smiled gratefully at his grandmother. "Thanks Gran."

"And I'll accept responsibility for Ginny," said Charlie, coming over to see what was going on.

Dumbledore sighed and looked into Sirius eyes. "Very well." He didn't sound too happy about it.

"Actually, while you're here, I can let you know that Harry will be living with me when school is out for the summer," said Sirius, smoothly.

Dumbledore shook his head. "No, I cannot allow that. He needs to go to the Dursley's for some of the time, to ensure the blood protection continues."

"No, he doesn't, my house is under the Fidelias," said Sirius.

"I assume Remus is the secret keeper," said Dumbledore.

"You may assume all you want," replied Sirius, haughtily.

Dumbledore sighed. Harry and Ginny exchanged a look. Ron and Hermione looked on between the two men.

"Sirius, we must remember that Harry's welfare and protection is both our concerns," said Dumbledore.

"He shouldn't have been left with those bloody Muggles for so long. Did anyone bother to check on him? I don't like the things I've heard about them," snapped Sirius.

"Sirius, please," said Harry, pulling on his arm.

Sirius looked at him. "I'm sorry, Harry. Come, we have some celebrating to do. Dumbledore, we'll talk more about this another time. Come on everyone," said Sirius.

"Yeah!" said Ginny and Neville, trying to cheer Harry up. It seemed to work. Harry perked up and he and Sirius threw an arm over each other as they headed for Hogsmeade.

XXXX

After the first task everyone's attention turned to the upcoming Yule Ball. Harry hadn't been too bothered by it, until he was told by Professor Mcgonagall that, as a champion, he was expected to lead the dancing. Harry paled, he had no idea how to dance. In desperation he turned to Ginny for help.

They used the same classroom that they'd used to practice the Summoning spell, and practiced a couple of times a week. Harry found himself humming the waltz on his way to lessons. He wasn't as bad as he though, although he was pretty sure it was because Ginny made it look easy. He had lots of fun with her, and so he decided to ask her to be his date. Really, there was no-one else he'd rather take. He'd heard Cho Chang was going with Cedric, and he'd been in the library when Viktor had asked Hermione, although he didn't think Ron knew that yet. Fleur was going with Roger Davies, the Ravenclaw captain.

He waited until they had finished their fourth lesson. "Honestly Harry, you'll be fine. You dance really well. I don't think you need any more lessons," said Ginny, using her wand to move the tables and chairs back in place. They had moved them aside to give them room.

"I dance really well with you," amended Harry. "So, I was wondering, er, if you wanted to go to the ball ... with me?"

Ginny stared at him in shock. "What?" asked Harry defensively.

"You just...asked me?" asked Ginny.

Harry nodded dumbly. "Well yeah, you're my best friend."

Ginny looked crestfallen. "Oh Harry, I would love to, but I already told Neville I'd go with him. I really thought you'd ask Cho or Susan. What about Daphne?"

"Cho's already going with someone. Susan? Susan Bones, you mean? I hardly know her," said Harry, confused.

"Susan really likes you, Harry. She's quite pretty, and I'm sure she'd say yes if you asked her," said Ginny.

Harry shrugged. "All right, I'll ask her."

Susan had blushed and giggled and immediately accepted. She'd joined Harry and Ginny for a dance lesson and Harry had to admit, she was a fun girl.

Professor Mcgonagall seemed surprised when Harry told her that yes, he had a date, and yes, he would be fine opening the dancing. Sirius had sent him some dress robes, so he was all set.

The Yule Ball was a turning point for many in their men dressed in fine clothes suddenly were looked on as 'potential'. Young witches, dressed up in their finery, suddenly revealed what was under their cloaks. The Professors had their work cut out for them that night, making sure no shenanigans were going on.

Harry actually had a good time. He'd surprised a lot of people with his dancing, then chose to sit out a bit, watching the others. Fred and George were hilarious, dancing like crazy. Fred dragged Ginny out and picked her up, her feet dangling off the floor until she begged laughingly to be put down.

Harry had scowled when he saw Neville and Ginny dance past him, and he didn't understand why. They were both good friends, and he'd been sort of happy that, if Ginny wasn't going with him, she was going with Neville. But now, seeing the two talking and laughing, made him feel left out.

"Harry, shall we go find our seats for the feast?" asked Susan.

"Sure," said Harry, offering her his arm like Ginny had told him to. Susan beamed, and they found themselves at a table with the other champions and their dates. Harry had Susan on one side and Hermione on the other.

"I thought you would have brought Ginny," whispered Hermione loudly, causing Susan to blush.

Harry was angry. She didn't have to be so rude in front of Susan. He shot her a dirty look, before turning back to Susan. He didn't talk to Hermione the rest of the night, even though she looked at him apologetically.

After the feast, they announced the Weird Sisters rock group was going to be playing. When Harry heard the music, he apologised to Susan, saying he didn't know how to dance to that kind of music. He told Susan to go ahead and have fun. She kicked off her shoes and joined her Hufflepuff friends.

Harry's eyes wandered to the crowds around the dance floor. He wasn't surprised to see Ron sulking in the corner, downing a drink. He followed Ron's gaze to see Hermione having fun with Viktor. He kept looking around, seeing Fleur talking with Madame Maxine and Hagrid. He grinned at Hagrid's attire, wondering if there was a clothing shop, 'Giants-R-Us'. Then his gaze fell on Neville. He followed his eyes, to see Ginny out on the dance floor, having fun with Michael Corner.

Ginny was a good dancer, and moved fluidly in time to the music. She grinned at Michael as he said something to her, and nodded. He took her hand and led her out to the grounds. Harry watched them go, then his eyes went back to Neville. Their eyes met, and they kind of shrugged to each other.

Susan came bustling over to him, all flushed and panting. "Hey you, the night's nearly over."

"Oh?" asked Harry. He checked the time, to his surprise it was close to midnight. "Would you like me to escort you back to the Hufflepuff common room?"

Susan smiled. "No, that's fine. My friends are waiting for me. I just wanted you to know that I had a really good time tonight. Thank you." She kissed him softly on his lips, then, flushing, pulled away. "Goodnight."

Harry put his hand up to his lips. "Night," he said, distractedly.

He looked around to see most of the people had left. He nodded to Professor Mcgonagall, and prepared to leave the dance. He bumped into Ron and Hermione who were having a fight.

"-next time, ask me before someone else does," screamed Hermione. She caught sight of Harry, who was trying to get past them unobtrusively. "What are you looking at?"

"Geez, get a grip, Hermione," said Harry. Ron grabbed him and they quickly left Hermione, sinking on the steps.

"You've ruined everything, Ron," cried Hermione, kicking off her shoes and rubbing her heels.

It was as they were on the way to Gryffindor tower that Cedric pounced on Harry. "Hey Harry, have you worked out your egg yet?"

Harry had packed the golden dragon egg away, planning to look at it in the new year. The only time he tried to open it, it had let out a loud screeching noise.

"Why?" asked Harry, suspiciously. He could see Cho in the shadows, waiting for Cedric.

"Listen, I owe you one for telling me about the dragons. Look, just take your egg and submerge it in water. Better yet, take a bath with it. You can use the prefects bathroom on the fourth floor. Password is 'pine-fresh'. Anyway, I've got to go. Night, Harry."

Ron stared at him as he left. "Well, that was bloody strange. Take a bath with it. Is he mental or something?"

Harry shrugged, and they continued heading up to Gryffindor Tower. Ron shrugged at the lace on his old dress robes. A piece of lace around his neck came off, and Ron threw it away.

"What a lousy night," he said.

Harry didn't answer. His mind was still filled with thought of what Cedric had told him, of seeing Ginny dance with Neville, and with Susan kissing him like that.

Before he knew it, they were in Gryffindor tower. "Night Harry," said Ron.

"Night," said Harry, settling himself down in his favourite chair in front of the fire. He had a lot of thinking to do.

XXXX

The next few weeks had passed quickly. Harry had messaged Sirius when he had seen Barty Crouch's name appear on the Marauder's Map. They'd met up in Hogmeade the next visit, and Sirius explained all about Karkaroff being an ex-Death Eater. He was also concerned about Barty Crouch's supposed illness that had kept him away from the Yule Ball and his office at the Ministry, yet appearing on the Marauder's Map. He was also surprised thad Ludo Bagman had taken Harry aside and offered him help. All in all, it was quite a frustrating visit, with Sirius as clueless as Harry. Plus, Harry was missing Ginny.

Neville had confided in Harry that Ginny and Michael Corner were now a couple. They had danced a few times together at the Yule Ball, and had snogged when Michael had taken her out onto the grounds. Ginny had returned to Neville for the last dance of the night, but she and Michael had been together ever since.

Harry decided to take Cedric's advice and went to have a bath with his egg. Unfortunately, Moaning Myrtle decided to pop in, which made Harry really uncomfortable. However, it was Myrtle's advice to put the egg in the water and listen to what it said. Harry had to go under a few times until he got the message memorised, then he came back up.

"We've taken what you'll sorely miss? An hour long you'll have to look, well, that's clear enough. We cannot sing above the ground? What the hell does that mean? Myrtle, any ideas?" asked Harry.

"Slow, aren't you," said Myrtle happily. "It took the other boy ages too." She giggled.

"Seek us where our voices sound. Underwater? Myrtle, are there creatures that live in the lake. Merpeople?" he asked.

"Clever, aren't you," gushed Myrtle.

Harry slumped on the side of the bath. He couldn't swim, he'd never learned. He supposed the lake was quite deep, and if he had an hour to find his...thing, well, he'd have to be down there for a long time. The question was-how?

He made a vow that, new boyfriend or not, he needed Ginny's help.

XXXX

"Well, that's it, I'm sure we've looked in every spell book in the library. Short of asking for Hermione's help-" Harry snorted at that- "I just don't know what to do." Ginny slammed the book shut.

Harry lay his head on the desk. "It's hopeless. If we haven't found anything by now, we never will. The task is tomorrow, Gin."

"I know. Oh, hey Nev, how are you?" asked Ginny, seeing Neville come over to their table.

"Good, good. Say Ginny, Professor Dumbledore wants a word with you," said Neville.

Ginny checked the time. "Damn, I'll probably have to return to the dorm when I'm done. Nev, be a mate and help him, please. Harry, I'll see you in the morning." She brushed a kiss on his forehead and ruffled Neville's hair as she gathered her bag and left.

"Good to see you two together again. So, how can I help?" asked Neville, sitting down.

"If you can find a way for me to breathe underwater for an hour, that would be brilliant," said Harry, gloomily.

"Is that all? I'll get you some Gillyweed first thing in the morning," said Neville. "Anything else?"

"Gillyweed? And it will let me breathe underwater for an hour?" asked Harry, sitting up to stare at Neville, who nodded.

"Neville, I could kiss you! Wait, are you sure it won't be a problem getting it?" asked Harry anxiously.

"No, Professor Sprout trusts me in the greenhouses. You shouldn't need much, for just an hour. I'll meet you at nine thirty by the lake," said Neville.

"Thanks Neville, you're a good friend, you've been a big help," said Harry, clapping him on the shoulder. He sighed in relief.

Hermione and Ron went past at that moment and Ron snickered. "Neville Longbottom, a help? Please!"

Neville flushed. Hermione shooshed Ron and looked almost apologetcally at Neville and Harry. Harry scowled at them both, and they hurried off.

"He's a prat, don't listen to him, Nev. I meant what I said, without yours and Gin's help, I'd be nowhere," said Harry.

Neville nodded, still embarassed. "I think I'll go to bed. I'll see you in the morning, Harry. Night."

Harry sighed as he watched his friend walk away, his head down. Damn Ron for putting him down. Neville was doing so much better in his classes, and Harry was sure if he just had his own wand, and not a borrowed family one, he'd be better.

He quickly gathered all his books and put them away. He decided to get a good night sleep. The second task was the next morning!

XXXX

Harry gasped as he made his way to the surface. He heard the sound of cheering. "You're the first back, Harry, congratulations!" said Percy.

"Great job, Harry," said Fred, leaning over to pull Ginny out of the lake. George held his hand out for Harry, and he took it and pulled himself out. The twins quickly placed blankes around their shoulders, and Madame Pomfrey was heading for them both, a determinded look on her face.

"I can't believe our ickle sister is the thing you'd miss the most," quipped Fred.

Harry blushed, and turned back to Percy. "Where's Mr Crouch?"

"Still out sick. Please stand over there, as we wait for the other champions to return. Oh, here's Viktor Krum, with Hermione. Mr Krum, well done, you finished second..." Percy left Harry and ran over to them.

"Harry, well done. Good going on the Gillyweed," said Sirius, slapping him on the back.

"I've got Nev to thank for that. Gin, are you okay?" asked Harry worriedly. Her lips were turning blue, he noted.

"Ginny. Ginny!" shouted Michael. He ran to her and hugged her. "Are you okay?" He shot Harry a jealous look. Sirius looked on with interest.

Ginny nodded, shivering. "I'm fine."

"Ginevra."

Harry, Ginny, Michael and Sirius turned to see Molly Weasley standing nearby. "Mum, I didn't know you came today."

Molly sniffed, beckoning her towards her. "Let's talk, over here."

Ginny nodded, confused. She smiled uncertainly at Harry and Sirius, and told Michael she'd see him after, at lunch. She then went to her mother, and they walked away from the crowds.

Sirius and Harry kept an eye on them. They could see Ginny stiffen, then shake her head. Molly seemed calm, but Ginny seemed to be getting angrier and angrier, then started to walk away. Molly grabbed her arm and spun her around. Ginny made a comment, and Molly slapped her across her face.

Ginny brought her hand up to her stinging cheek. She tried to fight down tears of embarassment and anger.

Sirius quickly came over. "That's enough. Molly, step away." His voice was hard.

"This doesn't concern you, Sirius, this is a family matter," said Molly, her cheeks flushed.

"I don't care, nothing gives you the right to assault your daughter," said Sirius. He put his arm around Ginny. "Come on, Red, let's get you out of here."

"If you go with him, Ginevra, then...then," Molly tried to think of something big to punish her with. "Don't expect to come home for the Easter break."

Ginny turned her back on her mother and walked away with Sirius.

"Young lady, you are making a grave mistake. Of course, what do I expect, you are Slytherin, through and through," sneered Molly.

"Don't listen to her, Red," said Sirius, gently. He led her back over to Harry.

"Is everything okay?" Harry asked Sirius, his eyes on Ginny's pale face. Sirius shook his head to Harry. Neville stood nearby, watching anxiously too.

"Harry, you need to come over to the stage for the placement announcement," said Percy pompously. "Ginny, are you okay? What happened to your face?"

Sirius didn't let her answer Percy, he just led her away. He nodded towards Hagrid's hut to Harry. "We'll catch up with you soon."

Harry nodded, still looking at Ginny. "Look after her," he said. Sirius nodded, and led Ginny away.

Ginny seemed in a bit of a daze as Sirius led her to Hagrid's hut. He wasn't there, he was still over by the lake celebrating Harry's win. Sirius sat her on his step. "You okay?" he asked her.

Ginny shook her head, looking away as she let a tear or two fall.

Sirius sighed and sat next to her. "I know what it's like, being different in your family. Mine was the opposite, my brother Reg was the golden boy, and my family have all been Slytherins for generations. I was a big stain on the family name when I got put into Gryffindor."

"So what did you do?" asked Ginny, patting her face carefully. It still stung. Sirius conjured a wet rag for her and she put it against her cheek, wincing at the coldness.

"Escaped to the Potter's house every chance I could. James' parents were older, and he'd be the first to admit they spoiled him. Mrs P, she took me into their home and made me feel like another son to her. Merlin, I miss her and Mr P," sighed Sirius.

"You should tell that story to Harry, he'd love it," said Ginny, smiling. She rested her head on Sirius's shoulder. "What am I going to do, Sirius?"

"Get a new family, trade that lot in," chuckled Sirius. Ginny didn't laugh at him.

"Actually, I did have an idea, but I have no idea how to go about it. Would you be able to help me?"

"What did you have in mind?" asked Sirius.

When Ginny told him, he whistled. "Whew, are you sure, Ginny?"

Ginny lay her hand on her stinging cheek. "I'm sure. So, will you help me?"

Sirius kissed her forehead. "Of course I will."

Harry found them sitting on Hagrid's steps not long after. "Gin, you okay?"

Ginny stood up and smiled at him. "Never better. Come on, Harry, we need to celebrate. I'm starving."

She walked off, heading for the castle where a lunch feast was being held. She caught up with Luna, threading her arm through Luna's. Sirius and Harry watched her go past Molly, Ron and Percy.

"So, Ginny Weasley is the one thing you'd miss the most, Harry?" asked Sirius, with a twinkle in his eye.

"Shut it, Padfoot," said Harry, smiling as he watched Ginny and Luna happily join Neville. "Not a word."