Disclaimer: I still do not own Harry Potter.
Thanks so much for the reviews!
To my one reviewer: no, I won't forget that I wrote a jury if I write another trial. Honestly, I've never been to court before, so I'm not writing from experience. I realize I may not have written the trial quite like how court should be written, but I'm just trying to write from what I know of court cases.
As for the dementors, they were out of the room during the main part of the trial, so that's why Vernon didn't much react to them.
As for wizard-muggle relations, believe me, I'm tackling that in a later part of the story.
Please enjoy this chapter!
Chapter 32: Christmas Day
It was a slow process, but things gradually began to go back to normal for Harry. The evening when he arrived back at Hogwarts, he and his friends went into the Room of Requirement, and Harry explained reluctantly what had happened at the trial. He hated telling the part about the fact that he would have been murdered, and it resulted in the tears of Hermione, Cho, and Ginny and the furious faces of Cedric, Ron, and Neville. But he told them the same thing that he'd told Sirius: not to dwell on that fact. It hadn't happened, so there was no use being stuck on it.
When Harry explained about the Veritaserum, Hermione spoke up. "I always thought that law was a little messed up," she said. "I read about it. It always happens like that in the wizarding world. It's usually illegal to use that in court cases, but that is an exception. I always thought that they should use it on everyone, or no one at all."
"Yeah," said Ron. "They should make sure the antidote is nowhere in reach. I mean, if they used that stuff all the time, the Ministry would have caught all the Death Eaters from the First War."
"Yeah, that's true," Cho said. "I've never understood that either."
So Harry and his six friends had continued to converse in this manner until quite late into the night.
The following week before Christmas break swept by in a haze of studying and exams. Theodore Nott could still be quite a difficult customer in their Slytherin sessions, and had to literally restrain himself from referring to Hermione as a mudblood. It had been so ingrained in his mind to call Muggle-borns that, it was a hard habit to break. But the younger Slytherins were beginning to open up more, and it was pleasant just talking to them. They all shared what they would be doing over the Christmas break, and many other things.
Finally, Christmas was upon Hogwarts. Hagrid helped carry the usual Christmas trees into the school. Many students were staying this year because of the Yule Ball, so the dorms were much busier than usual. Sirius and Remus planned to come on Christmas Day to spend time with Harry, and then they'd chaperone the ball that evening.
On Christmas morning, Harry woke up to the sound of something bouncing on his bed. With eyes still clogged with sleep, he blinked and looked around. He put on his glasses and saw none other than Dobby the house-elf making a huge amount of noise on his bed.
"Dobby?" said Harry sleepily. "What are you doing here?"
"Harry Potter is awake, sir!" Dobby squeaked. "Dobby has come to wish Harry Potter a merry Christmas, sir! Dobby would like to give Harry Potter a present, sir, to thank him for his humble and honest kindness!" He held up a lumpy-looking package.
"Thanks, Dobby," Harry said, flushing. He took the present and opened it, revealing two mismatching socks. One had a picture of a Christmas tree on it, and one had a picture of a dragon. "Dobby knitted them all by himself!" the little elf said proudly.
"I love them, Dobby," Harry said, smiling at the little creature. "I bought you something, too." And indeed, he had. The last time he and his friends were in Hogsmeade, he'd bought him a pair of socks also. When Dobby saw them, he threw his tiny arms around Harry's neck, squeezing him tight.
"Thank you, thank you!" he exclaimed joyously. "Thank you, Harry Potter, sir!" His eyes were shining with tears.
"You're welcome, Dobby," said Harry.
"Unhh, what time is it?" grumbled Ron from the next bed. "Who the bloody hell's making all that racket?"
"It is Harry Potter's wheezy, sir!" Dobby squealed. "Mr. Wheezy is awake!"
"Oh, it's you," said Ron, slowly getting out of bed. "Merry Christmas. And to you too, Harry."
Dobby continued to shower praise upon Harry, but he finally disappeared with a POP! to go back to the kitchens. Harry then opened his presents from Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville, Cedric, and Cho. He received some wonderful things; he'd also got a parcel from Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. From them it was the usual sweater and chocolate fudge. He also received some rock cakes from Hagrid, which Harry couldn't help grinning at. Hagrid meant well, he knew that. The presents he'd received from his friends were an assortment of books, clothes, food, and many other enjoyable things. He was thrilled with all of them.
The Christmas celebration continued as Harry, Neville, and Ron trooped down to the common room to be met by Ginny and Hermione. Everyone exchanged grateful hugs and smiles of thanks for their presents. They sat on the couches and talked, and a few minutes later, Sirius and Remus came roaring through the fireplace. Harry opened his presents from them too after they'd swept him up in a hug. It was a truly wonderful atmosphere, and Harry promised himself that he wasn't going to think about Vernon Dursley today. Unfortunately, over the past week, he'd had several nightmares that were to do with him, depicting in horrible detail the murder that the man had described at the trial.
When the group of Gryffindors arrived in the Great Hall, they sat down at their house tables. Sirius and Remus sat on each side of Harry, delighted smiles on their faces. "I remember this well," said Sirius, piling his plate full of food. "Christmas was one of the Marauders' favorite times of year."
"Yeah, it was," agreed Remus. "Hey, Pads, remember the time we got Peeves to sing rude words to Jingle Bells?"
"Yes, I do," said Professor McGonagall, catching Remus's comment as she walked past the Gryffindor table at that precise moment. "The thing is, I could never prove it was you four, but I always knew it was. I should put you in detention. That was a very, very foolish thing to do."
"Oh, it's too late for punishment now," cackled Sirius. "And do you think detention would have stopped us? How many detentions did you put us in, O Humble Lady McGonagall? It had no effect on us, did it?"
McGonagall sniffed disapprovingly. "Black, what am I going to do with you?" she said in an exasperated tone as she walked away. But everyone could see that there was a tiny smile curling the corners of her mouth.
"Wow," said Ron from beside Sirius. "You actually got her to smile!"
"Oh, she's not all people think she is," chortled Remus. "She thinks she's all strict and no-nonsense, but deep down she agrees with some good, old-fashioned pranking."
Fred and George were staring at Sirius and Remus with amazement and admiration. "Cheers," they both said, raising their glasses in a toast. The two Marauders returned it, grinning.
Christmas Day was spent enjoying each other's company tremendously. Many games were played, and after the wonderfully-cooked Christmas dinner later that afternoon, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Sirius, Remus, Ginny, Cho, Cedric, Fred, George, Seamus, and Dean had a marvelous snowball fight out on the Quidditch pitch. They all felt happy and carefree, although Harry was starting to get a little nervous about the ball. Looking at Ginny, he knew she felt it too.
Hermione had been right about Cho going to the ball with Cedric. Neville was going with Hannah Abbott, Ron was going with Parvati Patil (he hadn't been too pleased about it because he claimed her nose was off-center), and Harry was of course going with Ginny. After their snowball fight was over, and they stopped their laughter from being pushed on to the ground and covered in the stuff, Cho said, "I suppose I should get ready for the ball."
"Yeah, 'cause you're a girl," Cedric laughed. "Girls always take forever to get ready."
"I do not take forever to get ready for anything, Cedric Diggory!" said Cho mock indignantly, punching him playfully on the arm. "Us girls just want to look good, that's all!"
"Oh whatever you say, Milady," Cedric grinned.
Ginny looked at Harry, saying, "I suppose I'd better get ready too." She gave him a shy smile, and he returned it.
So everyone agreed to go back to their dorms. As Harry and Ron sat on their beds, contemplating what the Yule Ball would be like, Ron said, "I feel so sorry for her, you know. She's probably all alone in her room, crying her eyes out."
"Who?" asked Harry.
"'Mione, of course!" said Ron in a "that should be obvious" sort of voice. "She hasn't told us who she's going with because she's too embarrassed to say she's going alone!"
"Yeah, that's too bad if she is," said Harry.
"I would've taken her myself if she wasn't so bloody proud," Ron admitted, his face flushing as red as his hair.
"You should've just asked her if she wanted to go with you!" said Harry.
"No!" Ron exclaimed. "I can't just walk up to Hermione and ask her that, it's impossible! And I don't see how easy it was for you to ask Ginny, Mr. I-don't-know-what-I'm-doing-and-I-can't-ask-a-girl-to-anything. And you'd better not mess around with Ginny. That's my sister we're talking about. If I find out anything about her not having a good time tonight, I'll pummel you one."
Harry sighed. "Ron, how many times do I have to tell you? Nothing's going on between me and her, it's just friendship!"
"Whatever," mumbled Ron. He then hurriedly got the subject off of Ginny. "It seems like every time I mention this ruddy ball, Hermione makes this face at me."
"Ginny told me I should tell you this," Harry said, a mischievous grin beginning to light his face. "She reckons you like her. Like, really like her. She thinks that she likes you too, and that she might be angry with you for not asking her."
"What?" Ron spluttered. "She's barking mental! I don't like Hermione like that!" But his face contradicted his statement very firmly, for it flushed so red that Harry couldn't even fathom it.
"Are you sure?" Harry teased. "Are you positive you don't?"
"Shut up, Harry," Ron grumbled. "I don't want to talk about this. I'm getting in the shower." Glaring at his friend, he stalked out of the room.
Wow, thought Harry. We've sure got drama on our hands. He would be surprised if Ron and Hermione didn't get into a row concerning the ball before the end of the night.
xxx
It was time. Extremely nervously, Harry walked down to the common room, dressed in his best dress robes. Ron grumpily joined his date, Parvati, who didn't seem too happy about going with him either. As Harry waited for Ginny to come down, he wondered what kind of music was going to be played. What kind of dancing was he going to have to do? Was he going to make a complete and total fool of himself in front of his best friend Ginny?
About five minutes later, the most beautiful sight came down the stairs. Harry's face broke into a sincere smile when he saw Ginny. She was wearing the most amazing dress, and her hair had been all done up for the occasion. "Wow," said Harry as she joined him. "You look ... uh ... wonderful."
Ginny blushed. "Thanks, Harry. You don't look so bad yourself."
"Why, thanks," Harry grinned. "Ready to head down to the Great Hall? McGonagall told me the champions and their partners have to be there a few minutes before the rest of the students."
"I'm ready whenever you are," said Ginny. "And if you worry one more time about being a terrible dancer, Mr. Potter, I'll hex you into next week!"
"Fair enough, if you stop thinking you're a nuisance," Harry said, falling into the banter they so often shared these days. "Shall we, then?"
"Let's," she said, and they made their way down to the entrance hall. Harry smiled as he saw Cedric and Cho, their arms around each other. Fleur Delacour was accompanied by Roger Davies, a great Ravenclaw Quidditch player. Viktor Krum was in fancy dress robes, and a girl in a blue dress was on his arm. Harry felt a strange sensation of recognition as he looked at the girl. Something about her seemed extremely familiar. His eyes were fixed on her for a moment, and suddenly, dawning, unbelievable comprehension was upon him. "Hermione, is that you?" he said in shock.
"Of course it is, Harry," beamed Hermione, totally unfazed by his shock.
"Her-mi-o-ninny vos charming enough to let me escort her to the ball this evening," said Krum. Ginny was also looking at Hermione in surprise.
"Hello, 'Arry," said Fleur. "'Ow are you thees evening? And who is ze young lady wiz you?"
"This is my best friend Ginny," said Harry.
"Hello, Fleur," said Ginny. "Congratulations for being the Beauxbatons champion. And to you too, Viktor, for being Durmstrang's. I also saw you at the Quidditch World Cup; you were amazing!"
"Why, thank you very much," said Krum.
"Are you excited?" asked Cedric, looking so proud to have Cho Chang on his arm.
"Yes, I am," Cho beamed, looking just as happy. "This is going to be great! I heard a rumor that the Weird Sisters are coming!"
"Who are they?" asked Harry.
"Zey are zis group zat likes to entertain people," answered Fleur. "I have heard zat zey are very good."
A little while later, Harry saw Ron come down the stairs. "Hey, guess what, mate?" Harry whispered as he came to stand next to him. "Guess who's with Krum?"
"Who?" said Ron confusedly, looking at the girl. "She looks sort of familiar."
"That's because it's Hermione," Harry told him.
"WHAT?" said Ron so loudly that Hermione turned to look at him. "Since when have you been friends with Viktor Krum?" he demanded rudely. "Here we go," Ginny whispered conspiratorially.
"We've been talking for quite a while now," said Hermione, still smiling.
"Yes, ve vere in the library when I asked Her-mi-o-ninny to accompany me to the ball." said Krum.
"Oh," said Ron, looking very sullen. As everyone waited for the doors of the Great Hall to open, he kept glaring at Krum. That was proof enough for Harry and Ginny, who gave each other knowing looks. It was amazing how quickly Ron could change his tune about Krum; one minute he was going mad and asking for his autograph, and the next, he was looking like his greatest desire was for the Bulgarian to disappear off the face of the Earth.
Suddenly, the doors opened, and Albus Dumbledore beckoned the champions and their partners to go in. "See you later, mate," said Harry to Ron. Ron gave Viktor another furious glare, and gave Harry and Ginny a long look. He was not paying the slightest bit of attention to Parvati, who looked very annoyed.
The champions and their partners sat down at the head table. The Great Hall was set up differently now, it wasn't in the traditional style. The teachers also sat with the champions. Dinner was served in a spectacular fashion, and Harry was stunned at the interaction he saw between Viktor and Hermione. It was like they had been best friends for ages. His gaze swept around the table; he could see Cedric and Cho exchanging smiles and words with each other, also chiming in to other conversations about different subjects, one of them being Quidditch. Karkaroff was looking very sour, sitting next to Dumbledore, who was enjoying eating his pork chops. Madame Maxime was also eating, along with Bagman, Fudge, and Percy Weasley. Harry had tried to talk to Percy, but Percy was acting very stiff and reserved. He talked nonstop about the Ministry, which the others at the table found quite annoying. Fleur was conversing with Roger Davies, who kept giving her lovesick smiles. Sirius and Remus also sat near them, making conversation and laughing like they always did. They exclaimed over how good Harry looked, and Harry blushed and smiled. As he looked around the rest of the room, he could see Ron at a seat a few tables away, his gaze fixed on Hermione. He also seemed to be watching Viktor's every move.
Once dinner and dessert was over, Dumbledore stood up to speak. "Ladies and gentlemen!" he said cheerfully. "I welcome you all to the 1994 Yule Ball! We have a very special treat for you tonight: the Weird Sisters will be entertaining us with their splendid tunes."
Wild cheers went up from the audience. Harry and Ginny exchanged glances, reassuring each other that this dancing business would be fine.
"At this time, I would like the champions and their partners to come forward," the Headmaster continued. So all the students at Harry's table stood up and made their way on to the dance floor. All three schools applauded as they saw their representatives before them. "I wish you all a very merry Christmas, and let the party begin!"
At once, a beautiful, slow song began to play. Harry looked at Ginny, and she looked back at him. "Let's get this over with," they both said at exactly the same time.
"Ahh! Get out of my head!" Harry couldn't help but chuckle.
"No, you get out of mine," laughed Ginny. She and Harry began to follow the example of the other three couples on the floor. Harry put his hands on Ginny's waist and began to dance with her. As the song went on, some of the nervousness Harry felt began to dissipate. He could sense that his partner was having the same feelings, for she was starting to relax as well. "We're doing it," she said as they took careful aim not to step on each other's toes.
As the song ended, the couple was amazed that it had gone so well. What did we have to worry about? they thought as a fast song began to come on. Harry saw Cedric whirling Cho around, and she was having the time of her life. So Harry followed Cedric's example and whirled Ginny around as well, causing her to scream with delight.
They danced like this for a few more numbers, joy filling their hearts. This ball was turning out way better than either of them had hoped. Harry glanced at Ron who was sitting at one of the tables. "Let's go see that brother of yours," he said to Ginny. She agreed, so they got some drinks and snacks, and walked over to the miserable-looking boy. He didn't look like he was having a good time at all. Parvati was gazing at him, appearing to be more and more cross as each second ticked by. "What's up, mate?" Harry asked as Ron once again glanced at Hermione, who looked flushed and happy in Viktor's arms.
"Nothing," muttered Ron. "I just can't believe Hermione's with Krum, of all people!"
"Oh, Ron," Ginny sighed as she and Harry began to munch on their refreshments. "Let Hermione do her own thing!" Ron glared at her.
"This is my favorite song!" Parvati whined. "I want to dance! Come ON, Ron!"
"No," Ron snapped.
"Fine!" Parvati hissed, jumping up from her seat. She went to the dance floor and proceeded to start dancing by herself.
"Get a clue, would you?" said Ginny. "Stop behaving like this! You're being embarrassing!"
"Well, if you don't want to be around me, Ginny, then go the bloody hell away!" Ron snarled. Ginny stormed away, Harry following. They went to another table, where Cedric and Cho were sitting; they were taking a break also.
"Hey, is everything okay?" smiled Cedric.
"Yeah, it's just Ron," said Ginny, scowling. "He likes Hermione and he won't admit it, and he's all jealous because she went with Krum."
"Oh dear, jealousy?" Cho giggled. "I knew those two liked each other. But boys will be boys," she said, and Cedric scowled good-naturedly at her.
After they had eaten, drank, and chatted for a while, Cedric said to Cho, "Let's go to the rose garden. Would you like to go for a walk? It's a beautiful night."
"Sure, why not?" said Cho. Harry and Ginny decided to do the same, so the two couples headed out of the Great Hall and to the spectacular-looking rose garden. It was quite chilly outside, but it felt good to be away from the hot, sweaty, dancing people.
The two couples separated after they got there, because it seemed like Cedric and Cho wanted to have a private word. Ginny whispered to Harry that she could just tell by the way they were looking at each other. "This is their moment," she said, smiling at him. "I'm really happy for them."
"Yeah, me too," said Harry. "I said before that I know nothing about dating, but I reckon they're good for each other." He and the pretty redhead walked around the garden, admiring the sight.
"I never really take much time to admire the beauty of this castle," Ginny admitted. "It's especially pretty at night, you know."
"You're right," Harry replied. "And look at the fairy lights and how everything looks so right." Indeed, everything looked very picturesque.
"There's no other word for it but magical. Cheesy, I know, but it's true," Ginny smiled. Harry wholeheartedly agreed.
They did several walks around the garden, and then they stumbled upon a sight which they'd both had a feeling they were going to see. Cedric and Cho were locked in a tender embrace near one of the rosebushes, kissing. Ginny winked at him, and Harry smiled. He could very easily say that the couple, who now had realized that they had fallen in love, were two of his best friends. He thought back to a year earlier; he hadn't even known them back then. But they'd made such a difference in his life now.
"Let's leave the lovebirds to it," giggled Ginny. "I'm ready to dance again, how about you?"
"Yeah, sure."
The rest of the night was wonderful. There was something about being in Ginny's arms which made Harry feel lighthearted and happy. He remembered back when he'd thought of Ginny as just Ron's little sister who'd had an obsessive crush on him. But ever since the summer, she had become so much more. Even though they'd had horrible experiences, they'd been able to bond over them, and it had brought them much closer.
The last song seemed to be a very emotional moment for everybody. "Don't let this magic die," the singer sang, and Harry could once again see Cedric and Cho dancing close, smiling softly at each other. Neville and Hannah were also on the dance floor, and Hannah was taking the fact that poor Neville kept stepping on her toes quite well. Ron still sat at the table, looking gloomy. Hermione and Viktor were swaying to the music, and she looked the prettiest Harry had ever seen her. He also saw some of the teachers dancing; Dumbledore was sharing a dance with Minerva McGonagall, and Madame Maxime was dancing with Hagrid. Even Alastor Mad-Eye Moody was dancing with Professor Sprout.
After the last note died away, there was thunderous applause from the crowd. Everyone began to leave. "I had a wonderful time tonight," Ginny confessed as she looked into Harry's emerald eyes. "Thanks for inviting me."
"No problem," said Harry sincerely. "I had a great time, too. Thanks for being such a great partner."
They embraced, and Ginny said, "You're welcome. I know you're going home now, so I'll see you in a week. I hope you have a happy new year. I'll let Ron and Hermione know you said goodbye. Ron seems to be off in his own little world, and Hermione's wrapped up in Viktor."
"Okay. Thanks. You have a great new year too." Harry smiled as Sirius and Remus walked over.
"Ready to go, kiddo?" Sirius asked, ruffling Harry's hair.
"Yeah," Harry answered. "See you, Gin."
"See ya, Harry. Thanks again, for everything." With a cheerful wave, she left him.
In the entrance hall, she waved at Neville, who looked hot and sweaty from dancing. She also bumped into Cedric and Cho. As she passed them, she said, "I'm happy for you," to them, causing them to blush in embarrassment because they knew she had seen them kissing. But their expressions were ones of gratitude as they said, "Thank you," as they walked away, holding hands.
xxx
Ginny returned to the common room feeling very, very happy. This was something she'd always dreamed about: going somewhere with Harry Potter. However, she no longer had that little schoolgirl crush on him. He was now her best friend, someone she could truly talk to. She now saw how silly her superficial crush had been, and was glad to know she'd met Harry the person, not just Harry the celebrity.
However, she stopped in her tracks as the portrait hole door opened, because she walked into a scene of total chaos. Ron and Hermione were standing up facing each other, screaming at the top of their lungs.
"YOU WERE FRATERNIZING WITH THE ENEMY!" Ron shouted furiously.
"THE ENEMY!" Hermione screamed back. "WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? IF YOU DON'T WANT ME "FRATERNIZING WITH THE ENEMY", YOU KNOW WHAT THE SOLUTION IS THEN, DON'T YOU? NEXT TIME THERE's A RUDDY BALL, ASK ME TO GO WITH YOU, AND NOT AS A LAST RESORT!"
"But ... but ... but ..." spluttered Ron. "I mean ... but ..."
"RON, YOU SPOILED EVERYTHING!" Hermione roared, almost in tears. She turned around and stormed to the girls' dormitory. Ron sank onto the couch, looking dazed and confused.
"Mental," he muttered. "She's mental."
"So are you, you dunderhead," said Ginny, sitting down next to him. "It's you who needs to get a clue."
"Not on about that again, Ginny, are you? Please stop it, I've had enough for one night," Ron moaned, his head in his hands.
"Oh, fine, fine. I'll leave you alone about it then," Ginny said exasperatedly.
"Well, how did it go then?" Ron demanded suspiciously. "How did it go with Harry?"
"It was wonderful," Ginny beamed. "And before you ask, Ron, no, we didn't get up to anything."
"Good, because I'll bloody kill him if he hurts you," Ron scowled.
"I don't think he will," Ginny replied. It was true that she got rather irritated at Ron's overprotectiveness sometimes, but she knew in her heart of hearts that he meant well; it was just a sign of how much he cared for her. "I promise I'll be fine," she reassured him softly.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Ron asked. "You know, with ... everything?"
"I'm getting there, Ron," said Ginny honestly. She knew she still wasn't completely recovered from the Tom Riddle trauma yet, but she felt that the words she had just uttered couldn't be truer. With the friendship of Harry Potter, the caring nature of Ron and the rest of her family, and the supportiveness of her other friends, things would eventually be fine. As she'd said, she was getting there.
And as she went to sleep that night, her dances with Harry still on her mind, that was all she needed to know.