*Twisted 28*

The Yule ball lead up

It was early December when the Yule Ball was announced, Harry asked Pansy in the middle of the Great hall in front of everyone.

"Pansy" Harry said as he dropped to one knee, "would you do your humble servant the great honor of attending the Yule Ball as my Date?"

The girls were all swooning; the boys were looking at him in horror and hatred (Now they would need to do something similar or better)

Harry then Conjured a dozen roses half white and half red, and placed them gently in her arms. Pansy knew they would go together but never expected this. Harry never moved he stayed on one knee awaiting her answer.

Pansy stood stunned this was a romantic side of Harry neither she nor anyone had ever experienced. Dumbledore could not believe his eyes or ears, where was the shy boy who would not chance rejection.

Pansy finally relented and gave her answer. She reach down took his hand guided him to her then passionately kissed him in front of the Great Hall and Uttered one word "Yes". It was said softly but since the hall was totally silent, everyone heard her. The silence was broken when Neville began clapping. When things quieted down Neville did the same with Hermione, He also received the snog of a lifetime in front of the great hall.

Ron Weasley was completely pissed. Harry was off with that Parkinson bint, Now Longbottom the stupid squib gets Hermione, and life just did not make sense. 'I'm Ronald Weasley I deserve the smartest witch and all the accolades.' Ron was about to make a fool of himself again.

Ron walked directly up to Fleur, The Beauxbattons champion. "Fluer, I give to you the honor of attending the Yule ball with me!"

Fluer looked At Ron with a grin, reached up a hand and touched his face. "Leetle Boy, I'm Afraid you must look to some one more appropriate." As she pointed toward Eloise Midgen laughed and walked away. Again, the volcano that was Ron Weasley was ready to explode as everyone in the Great Hall was laughing.

Ron ran out of the hall the red of his skin rivaling his hair.

Harry and Pansy invited Neville and Hermione to their quarters to discuss the ball, and to enjoy an evening with friends.

Lords Marriage Quarters

Neville and Harry had explained they had no clue as to dancing and really did not want to make fools of themselves at the ball. Therefore, each night they got together and practiced. During this time, they became even closer friends. What had been once known as the golden trio was gone. They were now known as the mighty Quartette.

During this time, Harry was called to the headmaster's office. He went having an Idea what Dumbledore was going to say.

Harry reached the Gargoyle guarding the headmaster's office and it moved and rode Harry up to the door that was standing open in wait for him.

"Ahh, Harry my Boy come in. Have a seat. Lemmon drop?"

Harry shook his head. "Why did you summon me Headmaster?"

Dumbledore's Eyes were twinkling and Harry felt his mind shields being hit. Harry followed the trail back to the headmaster and pushed hard. Dumbledore retreated instantly. Then he thought where did Harry learn Occlumency and become this proficient.

"Yes Harry, I'm afraid since you have been with Miss Parkinson, you have been headed down a dark path."

Harry looked deep in the headmasters eyes with no hint of fear. "Sir, I think you have no reason to say I'm following a dark path. I am following my own path. Certain people have chosen to keep me in the dark, see to it I was malleable to manipulations. I would say that person was on a very dark path himself.

Why have you never told why Voldemort is after me?"

Dumbledore was floored he was not at all ready to divulge the Prophecy.

"Harry when you are ready"

Harry cut him off and started reciting.

"The one with the power to destroy the dark lord approaches.

Born to those who have thrice defied him.

Born as the seventh month dies.

He will have the power the dark Lord knows not.

The Dark Lord will mark him as his equal.

Either must die at the hand of the other.

For neither can live while the other survives.

The one with the power to destroy the dark lord approaches.

Might that be the reason Headmaster?"

I do hope I got it right."

Dumbledore's face turned white as all the blood left him.

"HOW?" was all the old wizard could say.

Harry looked at him with distain. "How long had you planned to keep me in the dark, with no special training. You tell me forgive everyone. Forgiveness is predicated upon that persons willingness to change, to repent of their past actions. You were going to berate me for my actions with Malfoy. He attempted to murder me, I only did what was called for within our laws…how was that wrong?"

Dumbledore thought he had Harry. "He was just a boy he deserved a chance to change."

Harry grinned, "He has had four years of tutelage in this school, during that time he was not reprimanded for his bullying or bigotry. He was not taught there are repercussions for his actions. I feel the responsibility for young Malfoy resides with you and his parents. You can not blame me when I took an action which could have been less if handled by the authority in this school or his home. He has never even had his hand slapped for his crimes in this school, what do you expect when you allow such actions with no punishment? Just another Tom Marvolo Riddle in the making isn't that true headmaster?"

Dumbledore was now with out words, he knew Harry was right. He waved Harry out of the room, sat back and started thinking.