Disclaimer: I write when I can because I don't own Harry Potter or the characters except the few I create. Because of this I can only upload when time allows not to a schedule.

Two more points before we continue with our tale.

1. I'm not one for responding to reviews although I do read and consider them, A comment was made about my choice of Sirius's sexuality. I planned to expand on it this chapter.

2. I need to apologise for forgetting Crookshanks he will turn up here.

Old Friends New Friends and a Ball

Albus Dumbledore sat in his office and pondered. One of the portraits had informed him of an overheard conversation between Mr Potter and his friends. It seems he is very please to be spending Christmas in the castle with his girlfriend and friends. Apparently his guardians had wanted him to return home, the disgustsing Aunt would not be visiting this year and they had wanted him home to cook dinner. Dumbledore was in two minds he had hated forcing him back there each summer, but he felt he had no other option. Tom had decided the boys fate all those years ago and Albus needed to guide him to the inevitable. He had seen in Molly's mind what she was contemplating next year although he was not sure if he should intervene. Not being able to pop into the heads of the students and staff around him had shook him, he needed to get back on track. The ball could be moved forward a week allowing anyone wishing to return home could do so on the Sunday. That would also allow the visiting schools to spend time with their families. Every time he thought of Harry he wished that portion of soul had not attached itself to the boy, he could have had the life he deserved not the one Fate has assigned him.

In the lower levels of Gringotts Bank Throat Grabber the Potters account manager was scanning paperwork and checking all the investments were performing well. Sitting in his office he felt a change in the vaults he cared for. He penned a quick message, clicked his long claw like fingers and continued his work. Some time later the office door opened and King Ragnuk entered. It was believed that he travelled with a battalion of guards this is not the case. Goblins are warriors if a King could not protect himself he didn't deserve to be King. Throat Grabber stood and bowed to his King.

He waved his hand and the door shut.

"Thank you for taking the time to see me your highness."

The King waved of his platitude.

"What is it Throat, time is money"

The goblin smiled at his King and old friend.

"It seems the Potters are back"

The King fell into the chair behind him.

"Are you sure, what am I saying of course you are sure. What do you want to do."

"Pass it up to the next pay grade and make it their problem."

The King grimaced, he was the next pay grade. He pondered his next words before speaking.

"The Potter's vaults should be due a visit and check soon. Send a green envelope to them. I am concerned they did not visit here on their immediate return. Tell no-one about this we can not afford to alienate one of the few wizarding families that back our political values."

It was Throat Grabber's turn to grimace the problem had been placed back into his lap. He followed his Kings orders and headed down to vault 11.

Back at the Grangers the group had split slightly, Damon was sitting nursing a large glass of whisky. A large ginger cat with a squashed face was sitting in his lap looking at him. He didn't remember the cat arriving, or why he felt the need to scratch it behind the ear. He did find himself relaxing.

"I thought witches had black cats."

Crookshanks looked at him and shook his head, stupid humans. Why would he wont to be black, he decided to let the man get away with the insult after all he was performing an adequate ear scratch. Sargent Damon Granger had been on the Prime Ministers protection detail once, he had seen and heard things above his pay grade so he kept his mouth shut then. If his little princess was happy that was all he cared about. If the situation his family had found themselves in was serious enough that his brother was coming out of retirement then Damon would put his specific skill set at their disposal.

Sirius and Darren were in the garden talking, Sirius had lost a lot of time to Azcaban. Before he had met Darren he had enjoyed his life, yes there had been a war but the Marauder had lived his life to the full. There had been plenty of men and women who he had enjoyed and had enjoyed him. In some ways Darren had become the easy option not the best reason to start a relationship. The rest were planning their first step, they were unsure how to proceed Lilly and Emma were planning a shopping trip, the returned Potters need cloth's. The green envelope materialising on the mantle stopping them in their tracks. Lilly opened the envelope and read allowed.

To whom it may concern.

Your vaults have reopened, only myself and the one Goblin who's pay grade is higher than mine is aware of this.

This will bring you directly into your main vault. I will be the only one there, as you have not contacted me personally I assume the upmost discretion is required.

Your friend TG

"The only pay grade higher than Throat's is the King our secret will stay safe for now. The count down timer has just under an hour on it."

The Potters returned to the guest house to change. The shopping Lilly and Emma had planned would have to wait. As well as deciding if they would stay together or split and work separately.

The timer on the envelope had 20 seconds remaining when James and Lilly each placed a finger on it. Remus and Sirius had returned to Grimold Place, neither wanted to be there but both new it had to be done. They could not afford for Dumbledore to become suspicious.

Albus had finished his meeting the tournament committee, the heads of house and the visiting schools heads. All agreed it would be easy to move it by a few days and allow all involved to be with their loved ones. Albus would announce it at Dinner tonight.

Inside Gringotts vault 11 the Potters popped into existence. Throat Grabber had been sitting in a chair waiting patiently, as his old friends appeared he stood and bowed.

"Lord and Lady Potter it is good to see you."

Lilly dropped to her knees and embraced her old friend as James spoke.

"You can knock that pompous shit off, how the hell are you."

Throat laughed, no other witch would embrace a Goblin. This one was definitely worth her weight in galleons.

"Sorry to rush you Throat but as you know time is money, we have little time at the moment and no money"

The Goblin motioned to a small table, 2 wands and 2 black credit cards were waiting.

"I assume you wish your return to remain a secret."

The two Potters nodded so he continued.

"The cards are directly linked to your vault and the wands returned here on your original passing. I assumed you would be staying in the muggle world until you were ready to return."

Lilly had tears in her eyes as she spoke.

"You have always been a good friend but I fear we will be placing a lot of work on you in the near future."

The Goblins face split into a feral grin.

"you say work, I hear profit"

They all laughed. The two humans approached the green envelope and placed a finger on it. Before the Goblin touched it he had a passing comment.

"Be safe my friends."

At Grimold Place Sirius and Remus were talking.

"I don't think I can stay in England, I'm no good to Harry where I am and I worry he will try something reckless for me."

Remus pondered his response.

"I feel I have no choice but to agree, after the entire school discovered my monthly issue it will be almost and impossibility for me to find work in the magical world."

"So we are decided we will speak with Albus and see if he can do anything about a port key"

They had been told how the house was being monitored, the wicked grins they both sported showed their true intentions.

In his office Dumbledore was reading the clever piece of parchment, he felt terrible for keeping Harry from his godfather but it was for the greater good. Albus lifted himself from his chair and made his way to the great hall.

The three friends entered the hall and made for the Gryffindor table, they sat together and started to fill their plates. As Neville walked in Ron waved him over.

"watcha Nev, where you been."

The boy was as shocked as Harry and Hermione, Ron was never one to bring people into their group. Neville regained his composure.

"I was out in the greenhouses helping Professor Sprout"

Ron spoke through a mouthful of food.

"I'm not surprised you totally kick ass at that subject."

He then went back to his food that would probably be all anyone got our of him for a while. The slowly building friendship with Neville was interrupted.

"Hey scar head do you like our badges."

As Harry got up to face the blond boy he could see the others doing the same. A subtle head movement had them staying seated. He turned to face their visitors.

"Hello Malfoy, Pinky, Perky how are you all this evening. My that is a good badge where can I get one."

This was not how this confrontation was supposed to go. Draco decided he would increase his taunting.

"Do you want one for your Mudblood."

Harry was interrupted before he could retaliate. The voice he recognised, the words were new.

"Draco that will be detention with Mr Filch and 10 points from Slytherin. I'm sure I have mentioned before how I detest that word. Now get to your seat."

Draco was livid if he had used any other insult he would have gotten away with it. After the boy was out of ear shot. Harry spoke to Professor Snape.

"Thank you sir, I know its just a word but sometimes one wrong word in haste can destroy so much."

He then turned back and sat with his friends. The meal was as good as always although a bit high in fat and low in healthy. The potion master walked away deep in thought. The boy had changed, his statement was all Lilly and coming from her eyes it caused him to pause. After all were fed the Headmaster approached the podium.

"Good evening everyone I have a quick announcement. As part of the tri wizard tournament we will be hosting a Christmas Ball. This is usually held Christmas day. This year the ball will be held the week before Saturday 17th allowing all those 4th year and above to attend. 3rd years will have the option as well if invited by a 4th year. Do not fret all those who can not attend will have their own party in the common rooms. Also those who wish to will be able to return home."

The entire school was cheering at the news everyone gets a party and can still see their family for Christmas. Following this they were dismissed for the evening. Walking back along one of the corridors Harry pulled his girlfriend behind a tapestry.

"Miss Granger I have no intention of waiting and missing my chance, will you be my date for the ball. Before you answer consider that fact that you are as tall as me and therefore heals may be an issue"

Hermione's mega watt smile melted him.

"Mr Potter I would want to go with no one else, the fact I could wear my trainers has nothing to do with it."

She proceeded to give him a good old snogging and then lead the dazed boy back to the Gryffindor tower. A couple of days later Hermione found herself in the library righting home. Her letter needed to be worded carefully, she wanted to get the information to the group at home that their plan had worked. She was aware the letter may be intercepted.

Dear Mum and Dad

This beautiful owl is Hedwig, she is Harry's owl and loves bacon hence sending her on a morning delivery. Harry's my boyfriend, Harry's my boyfriend oh and by the way Harry's my boyfriend. I don't know if you can tell but I'm really pleased with this development, although the chat Mum is going to have with me has me cringing already. There is a ball on the 17th December so I can come home on the 18th. That must be the reason for the dress robes on the school list.

Harry has to go back to his aunt and uncles house and is not sure if I will see him. I'm not happy about this but must try to understand not every family is the same.

I am studying hard and getting my work done. My boyfriend is not too much of a distraction, had to slip that Harry is my boyfriend in there just in case you didn't realise from the start of my letter.

I'm still really missing you and want a hug from my mum and dad. I'll be home in just over 3 weeks. See you soon.

Your loving Daughter

Hermione.

As Hermione read through the letter in her head she was happy. They had been told the plan to get Harry out of the castle for Christmas had worked, the ball was still on and everyone was safe. She was just getting ready to read an interesting book on battle transfiguration when a throat clearing caught her attention. Hermione looked up at the newcomer and smiled.

"Mr Krum isn't it."

"Dah you may call me Victor, I will take you to the ball yes"

"Oh sorry Victor, that is not possible I will be attending with my boyfriend."

The boy leaned forward and Hermione felt he was invading her personal space.

"That was not a request, I am Victor Krum and you will be my date. Because I have said so."

Hermione could feel her rage this person was trying to intimate her. That was never going to happen again. The Boy stepped back as the young witch rose to face the taller boy, her hair was starting to crackle with magic. The rage she was about to unleash was stopped by a voice she handed expected.

"Step away from my friend Mr Krum or you will be forced to."

She had not seen Neville's arrival as it had been behind her. The Bulgarian was not looking impressed.

"You do not frighten me."

Neville shrugged "I wasn't trying to frighten you. But I did stop you doing anything stupid enough to get yourself hurt."

The bigger boy looked confused. "I do not understand."

"Let us educate you"

"He's Fred"

"And he's George"

"We were just passing and"

"and could see the delectable Miss Granger"

"in need of assistance."

"didn't want her getting herself into trouble."

"Messing you up."

"Ask your Slytherin friends about us."

"ask them what it's like to be on our shit list."

"Now let's play a game of Fuck off, you go first."

Both twins offered her an arm and the three marched out of the library. Neville collected his book and the one Hermione had been reading. Passing Krum he had some Passing words for the Bulgarian.

"Nobody messes with Hermione, you were lucky Harry wasn't here. He jumped onto the back of a mountain troll when he was 11 for her. What do you think he would do to you."

"I was told she would do as she was told."

"Then your a bloody idiot. Good day Mr Krum." Were Neville's parting words.

Ron slipped back into the shadows of the library.

Hermione was singing as she made the twins skip along with her.

"We're off to see the wizard. The wonderful wizard of Oz."

The laughing bunch reached the portrait hole, before she entered the common room she kissed all three boys on the cheek.

"Thanks lads."

"We just didn't want to have to watch you make Krum your bitch."

The three turned to Nev who shrugged at his own comment.

The twins grabbed the boy and dragged him into the portrait hole chanting Neville Longbottom is nobody's bitch over and over. The young witch followed them in smiling. Seeing her boyfriend she walked over and kissed him.

"Thanks for sending the twins"

Harry's response of "wha" confused her. So she told him the whole story. Then proceeded to sit in his lap so he could not turn a Bulgarian into burgers. After Harry had calmed down she took her usual position, she loved the way his arm dropped diagonally across her torso. She could hold his hand, or cuddle around his arm but just sitting and reading with him close was perfect. Dean strolled over with a deck of cards. Harry remembered a silly game they had played in the tent on long nights. He asked to Hermione to conjure a hat and placed it on the floor. He then showed them how they would flick the cards across the room and try to get them in the hat. The rest of their year started to drift over, the shock was Lavender and Neville they hit the target almost all the time. Ron strolled in.

"Nev its all over the castle You shot down Victor Krum."

The boy blushed. "He was trying to intimidate my friend."

Lavender nudged the boy next to her.

"don't be shy you stood up for one of your friends." She leaned closer to the boy and whispered.

"I don't want to embarrass you any more but if I asked you to the ball would you say yes?"

The blushing boy was looking down but managed to shake his head. Lavender's eyes started to tear when he stood up in front of his friends and shaking slightly he spoke.

"Lavender a beautiful girl like yourself should be asked to a ball properly. Would you be willing to go with me?"

The boys courage was waning fast. The whole room was silent when the girl leapt up and embraced the boy.

"yes Neville I most definitely will."

The smiling pair then sat down and tried to pretend that the whole room was not watching them.

Ron could see his sister sitting in the corner looking forlorn so he walked over.

"Hey Gin I think we need to talk."

"I'm not in the mood Ron."

Her brothers eyes hardened.

"Tough this has gone on long enough, what do you see when you look over there."

"I see my Harry with another girl." Ron shook his head.

"I see my best mate and his girlfriend. A best mate that risked his life to save yours even when the teacher that was trying to protect us was actually shiting himself. Now I can see you have 2 choices, 1 you can sit and pine for someone you don't really know. Option 2 you come with me to the ball as probably one of the only 3rd years there, have a good time and if your lucky get to dance and talk to the real Harry."

"won't people take the piss out of you for taking your sister."

"Fuck em, family comes first."

Ginny let out her first genuine smile in a week.

"Thanks Ron your a good big brother."

She kissed her brother on the cheek and left to write home.

The following morning Hedwig flew into the Grangers kitchen. Seeing Dan had bacon on his plate she landed next to him and dropped the letter. After reading the first few lines he chuckled and passed her a piece. The owl gratefully took her breakfast and flew into a tree in the garden. Dan called to his wife the kids plan had worked it was time for step 2.

4 Privett Drive two hours later. There was a knock on the door.

"Petunia pet there is someone at the door."

Opening the door she was not expecting to see her sister back from the dead with rage emanating off of her. The red head marched forward forcing Petunia to walk backwards. James followed his wife in trailed by the Grangers who gently closed the door behind them. Lilly's open hand came up in a wide arc slapping her sister across the face.

"You absolute bitch Tuni, he was my son, your blood and you let that fat fuck hurt him. Vernon leapt at the red head in rage, Dan moved like quick silver and had the walrus pinned to the wall. The cold snarl he heard stopped any protest.

"I don't know how child beaters are dealt with in the magical world but us soldiers kill the barstards."

His wife cleared her throat. Dan pulled the man away from the wall and tossed him into a chair.

"Sit there, shut up or I will make sure you do"

James stepped forward. " let me make something very clear, I would take great pleasure in turning you into a pair of animals and dumping you in the zoo. That will not help Harry so I'm going to give you 40 million pounds. You are going to disappear. We will take ownership of this house so Harry can call it home and maintain the protection. This is not up for debate. Am I understood. We will be back in one week you had best be gone."

Vernon tried not to smile, set for life and no freak. So he nodded. Lilly looked into her sisters eyes, started to cry and marched away from her and towards the front door. Turning before she left she spoke to her sister.

"If it had been you to die, I would have loved your son like he was my own. Good bye Mrs Dursley we will not meet again." She then left the house. The following 2 weeks passed quickly, the group had expanded to include most of the fourth year Gryffindor's and Parvati's sister Padma. Neville and Lavender were growing closer quickly, his passion and knowledge of Herbology was fascinating. Lavender having an unnoticed gift with potions was a surprise, the girl wanted to create her own makeup so the potion knowledge was obvious with hind sight. They talked for hours about specific plants and she would talk about how to use them in potions. The poor boy was oblivious to the fact the vibrant blond had claimed him, it took him a week to realise she would hold his hand when walking together. It took only 10 seconds after realisation took hold for him to decide he liked it.

Harry and Hermione had been a little concerned that Ron would get angry about the growth of their group. There had been the Ron, Ron situation in 6th year. But it was the opposite, Ron seemed almost pleased with himself and embraced the expansion of their group.

5 Days before the ball Ron was put to the test during lunch. Ginny was sitting enjoying her lunch with luna her friend from Ravenclaw, the pair had found themselves grabbing a quick bite and heading to class early.

"Hey Weaslet where is your date."

Seeing this Ron was getting to his feet closely followed by the other boys. They were stopped by Hermione.

"Lav, Pav, Padma we need more girls these smelly boys out number us."

The four made there way along the table.

"what do you want Granger?"

The blond was ignored.

"Sorry ladies didn't see you there we are all having lunch further down the table."

The younger girls looked like a pair of rabbits in the headlights. Hermione was unfazed, she picked up the girls lunches and waited for them. Realising they needed to follow the girls or go without lunch they followed. Ginny found herself between Lavender and Hermione, Luna was between the Patel twins. The third years were instantly accepted by the other girls and informed they would be getting ready for the ball with them. Luna spoke.

"I hope you have a nice time, I haven't been asked. I don't really have any friends who would ask me." Dean was the only one not having a date for the ball he had decided to go stag. His mind was changed by the way the girls of his year were looking at Ron, even Greengrass the Slytherin ice queen's face softened when he entered the hall. Dean decided he could kill 2 birds with one stone, help the obviously lonely girl and make himself look good.

"Luna I find myself without a date for the ball and would be honoured if you would accompany me."

The small blonde girls smile became radiant. She managed to squeeze out an OK.

Harry decided that he could ask what was on his mind after lunch they all made their way to class. Hermione didn't see her boyfriend until they were back in Gryffindor tower before dinner. Pulling her aside he had to ask.

"what's with Ginny."

Hermione smiled.

"Ron is a different person, if that can happen with Ginny then all is good. If not she will be close enough to watch."

Harry kissed Hermione and they continued on to dinner.

The day of the Ball arrived, they had agreed to sleep late, what's left of the morning was spent messing around in the snow. The couple took a gentle walk by the lake when they were approached by Krum. His attitude had confused them, the only conclusion they could come to is he had got what he wanted the first time so had not shown this side to his personality.

"Miss Granger it seems I was wrongly informed about you. I wish to clear the air as we will need to dance together tonight."

Harry stepped forward, it was Hermione who addressed him.

"Let me stop you Mr Krum, It is not compulsory for us to dance together and unfortunately my card is full. I hope you enjoy your evening."

She then turned a led her boyfriend up to the castle and lunch. After lunch the girls went up to the dorm to get ready. What they were going to do for 4 hours confused the boys in the group.