That evening at a quarter to eight James arrived outside Dumbledore's office, the summons dropped off earlier by a very stern looking McGonagall. James had smirked as soon as her back was turned, reveling in the fact that her attitude was surely the product of his actions with Miss Granger. He had skimmed the note for the time and settled back to the letter her was writing, making sure to mention his recent activities.
Now, however, it was the time scheduled, and though he would have preferred arriving late simply to irk the elder man, James had a distinct distaste for not being punctual. He had been given a password for the gargoyle, but as he neared it the creature simply jumped aside without him having to vocalize it. He paused and tilted his head a bit as he examined the stone creature before he went up the staircase, knocking at the door at the top.
When called to enter, he did and quickly took in the room and its many trinkets. After his quick perusal his gaze, however, did not rest on the headmaster but on Fawkes. "You have a phoenix," he said to the headmaster as he slowly stepped closer to the bird in question, who also happened to be watching him in curiosity.
"Yes, I have had Fawkes for many years, he's been my constant companion." James nodded, the fondness in Dumbledore's voice something he understood well enough.
Dumbledore, watched as James approached the phoenix slowly but without hesitation. It was curious for him to see such humanity and curiosity out of his newest teacher, and as he thought on that he realized that this was indeed a first.
He stared as James and Fawkes stared at each other before Fawkes lowered his head slightly. James, catching on tenderly stroked the phoenix's head before finally training his eyes on the headmaster.
"So, Albus, to what honor do I owe this meeting?"
Dumbledore motioned to the seat across his desk, waiting until James sat to speak. "I have been made aware that you took Miss Granger from the school earlier today. I am under the distinct impression that no permission was given for such an occurrence."
"I didn't believe I needed permission. I have been given the right to leave the school whenever I need, and I was not missing any classes."
"But Miss Granger did have class and did not obtain permission."
"But she is of age, surely you cannot truly believe that it is lawful to keep a student here indefinitely when they are of age. She had as much right to leave as I did. Besides, I asked Severus about the class she would be missing. He informed that she wouldn't need to attend."
Dumbledore stared at the young man in front of him is disbelief. The way he said these things, which were undoubtedly true, so easily, almost as if he were reading a text from memory. He mentally sighed, unwilling to betray such a reaction to the youth before him.
"The points you made are quite valid, however I would appreciate some type of notification before your next sojourn." Albus tried for somewhat stern, but merely ended up sounding reserved.
"If that is all, Albus? I need to return to my planning."
"Of course, my boy," he waved James off, not having any other choice.
"Oh," Albus narrowed his eyes as James stood in the doorway, poised to close the door behind him. "I guess I should inform you that I escorting Miss Granger from the school on Saturday evening as well." With that he left, the door clicking shut behind him, leaving Dumbledore staring at his office door.
The rest of the week passed quickly enough for James as he dealt with the new experience of teaching several classes daily. He spent the time watching the students and was interested to see that Hermione had yet to reconcile with her two friends. He even caught sight of her and Draco interacting several times when Hermione carried Wyn with her, the little dragon seeming to like spending time exploring with the witch. James noted that as these encounters progressed there seemed to be less and less open hostility between Hermione and Draco, and he wondered if perhaps they might before tentative friends in the long run.
In no time it was Saturday, and at almost half-past five James was standing in the Entrance Hall dressed in flattering green robes. Students hung about and stared, wondering what he could be waiting for dressed so formally. At five-thirty exactly Hermione made her way into the Hall, walking down the Grand Staircase for all to see. And a sight it was.
People stared at her in shock as she descended the stairs, and those that remembered the Yule Ball during the Triwizard Tournament recognized her and spread the news to their fellows. For Hermione had truly done herself justice with her preparations and it was truly reminiscent of that night.
"Professor," she said, smiling as she reached James.
"Please, Miss Granger, for tonight you must call me James."
Hermione grinned, the situation giving her confidence. "Then please call me Hermione, James."
He bowed to her slightly, chuckling quietly.
The two swept from the Hall just as those who were early were arriving at dinner, and James briefly caught sight of Ron and Neville staring gob smacked in the crowd that had gathered. He hid his smirk as they walked to the Hogwarts gates towards the carriage he had arranged for, knowing that they couldn't travel by anything else.
"After you," he said, helping Hermione into the coach before stepping inside and closing the door.
"Where are we, sir?" Hermione asked as she stepped out of the carriage.
"Malfoy Manor, Lucius has such space that it was quite a no-brainer."
Hermione nodded, forcing her face from the worried look it had taken. She was here with her professor, for a Ministry Ball: she would be physically safe enough at the Malfoys'; she had no doubts there would be word plays and political games happening on the mental front.
They were announced as they entered the ballroom and heads turned in their direction. Whispers broke out as they advanced into the room and they were soon surrounded by people, the witches and wizards practically falling over themselves to talk to James. Puzzled though she was, Hermione made sure to keep her face pleasant, all the while searching the room for Victor's familiar face.
James, it seemed, beat her to it. "Excuse us, my good people, I see someone who I must greet."
They moved smoothly towards a small group of people, the same size as the one that had surrounded them only moments prior.
"Victor!" James announced jovially, and the crowd parted instantly to let him and Hermione through.
Victor Krum looked up instantly and his face broke out in a smile. "James, it's good to see you again." As he spoke his accent was almost nonexistent.
James merely smiled and pulled Hermione forward so that Krum could see her clearly. The stunned look on his face was more than enough proof that James had made the right choice in bringing her along.
"I believe you mentioned to me a Miss Granger, and it just so happens that Hermione is one of my students this year."
"Student? You're teaching, James?" Krum asked, eyes never leaving Hermione.
"Oh yes, Prof- sorry, James is our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher this year."
"What fun," he said sarcastically. "How have you been, Hermione?"
"You got my name right!" She smiled in approval.
"Of course, I've been practicing." Was the last thing James heard as he slipped away from the pair, leaving them alone. He made his way to the bar where he'd spotted Lucius moments before.
"James!"
"Hello Lucius," he said, turning to the blond, his mouth upturning in a smile. "Where is Marvolo?"
"I'll take you to him." James fell into step with Lucius as the blond began weaving them through the people on the dance floor. "I saw you brought Miss Granger," Lucius finally said, voice even.
"Yes, you said I required a date," James said drilly.
Lucius sighed. "I suppose I did, but really, Longbottom's best friend?"
"She's been helpful to me so far, and in bringing her I could ditch my date."
"You brought her just so you could leave her by herself?" Lucius actually turned to look at him.
James rolled his eyes. "I left her with Victor, don't worry. He's been wanting to see her, I merely provided and opportunity. They're both quite happy with the arrangement, I assure you. Besides," he started when Lucius turned around again, "I had no wish to entertain a date. I would have come alone had you not specified that I must have one."
"It's for your benefit, I assure you. You have grounds to refuse whomever may ask for your attention."
James snorted as they approached a partition of heavy curtains, barely tied back so that they effectively hid those behind it from view. It was, he noted, the place where those of highest power could reside while they evaded the other guests. They stepped hast the partition and James glared at the guard who had the gall to head towards him. A few steps were all the man managed before he caught sight of James's look and he quickly backed off, whether in fear or through recognition of his person was unsure.
"James," came a silky voice from a particularly lavish corner of the room, one which sported additional curtains for privacy. They approached the cordoned area, Lucius taking up guard outside as James walked right in.
"Hello Marvolo." James sat in a chair to the man's right, leaning to one side on the padded armrest.
"You arrived with an unusual adornment on your arm, the least of which because it was female."
James sighed. "Lucius made it very clear that it was required I bring a date, and Draco was already going to be here."
"Longbottom's best friend, how did you manage it?" Marvolo actually sounded interested.
"It was actually Wyn's doing."
"The little dragon's made a friend, how sweet," he said blandly.
James rolled his eyes. "Just because you're the Dark Lord does not mean you get to be condescending to me."
Marvolo smirked. "Then let's talk of appropriate matters. I spoke to the French Minister today, he was unyielding. Wrapped up in platitudes though it was, it was clear that for now he's remaining neutral."
"Hmm. I suppose I'll need to go have a chat with Richard."
"Just a chat?" Marvolo asked disbelievingly. James just smiled and Tom shook his head. "I don't know why I'm the Dark Lord but you have this glowing reputation wherever you go. Are they completely unable to see beneath the surface of your smile?"
"Because you are the Dark Lord, of course. Don't try and make me believe that things would be easier if people knew about me, just look at how easily I got to Longbottom. One of his closest confidants is currently here brought by none other than me. How could you possibly suggest that this isn't the most effective strategy?"
Marvolo sighed at the predatory smile that ended James's proclamation. "I am forever glad that you are on my side in this war."
"As you should be," James replied flippantly, grinning widely.
Hermione,
I hope you don't begrudge that I left you with Victor, I'm sure you enjoyed yourselves more due to my absence. I find myself tied up in obligations and explanations, and therefore unable to escort you back to the castle after the ball. Therefore, I hope you won't mind if I ask Victor to accompany you. If anyone asks, I will return to the castle by class Monday morning.
-James
Hermione read the note twice before handing it over to Krum, who read it quickly and then nodded to the server who had brought it to them, dismissing the man.
"It seems he's playing political games again."
"Again? I wasn't aware that James had any involvement with politics." Hermione looked genuinely shocked at the notion that her professor was anything more than a professor.
"Oh yes," Victor started, handing the note back to Hermione since it was addressed to her, "James is quite the deciding factor in certain matters. Yet somehow he always manages to keep himself out of the limelight."
Hermione thought this over, her forehead creasing in thought until Victor spoke again. "The ball is essentially over, however…would you mind terribly if I asked for another dance before I escorted you back to Hogwarts?"
Hermione's answering smile was breathtaking.
A/N: So here Voldemort and Krum are brought into the story. I tweaked things a bit, obviously: Marvolo is beyond civil with those he deems worth the effort, and Krum doesn't have an accent merely because I don't think I'd be able to portray it without it seeming completely off the mark. As always, tell me your thoughts! (That means please, please review.)