Title: Truth behind the name and the lies pt.4
Pairings: DracoxHarry, twincest, OliverxPercy, RemusxSeverus, CharliexBlaise,ViktorxHermione, future BillxFleur. Future Stalker Ginny! Seamus and Colin *hides*
Fandom : HP
Notes: An abused boy finds out he's a wizard and a hero; his tormented mind rebels. One person sees through the misconceptions to the real Harry and treats him the way he deserves. How does this change them both and those around them.
Chapter 26- Christmas parties
The start of December brought wind and sleet to Hogwarts. Drafty though the castle always was in winter. Harry was glad of its fires and thick walls every time he passed the Durmstrang ship on the lake, which was pitching in the high winds, its black sails billowing against the dark skies. He thought the Beauxbatons caravan was likely to be pretty chilly too. Hagrid, he reluctantly noticed, was keeping Madame Maxime's horses well provided with their preferred drink of single-malt whiskey.
XoooooX
"Potter! Malfoy! Will you pay attention?" Severus' irritated voice cracked like a whip through the Potions' Dungeon on the first Thursday of December.
Harry and Draco both jumped and looked up blushing guiltily.
It was the end of the lesson; they had finished their work; the potion they brewed today was sitting on Severus' desk.
Goyle's and Crabbe barely managed half marks today.
Draco and Harry had copied down their homework from the blackboard, 'Describe, with examples, reasons and instances when the Dreamless Sleep potion maybe used.'
The bell was due to ring at any moment, so Harry and Draco, who had been having a sword fight with a couple of Fred and George's fake wands at the back of the class, looked up. Draco was holding a tin parrot, while Harry ended up with a rubber haddock.
Severus looked at the pair of them as the head of Harry's haddock drooped and fell silently to the floor, Draco's parrot's beak had severed it moments before, "I have something to say to you all. The Yule Ball is approaching which is why a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament and an opportunity for us to socialize with our foreign guests. Now, the ball will be open only to fourth years and above - although you may invite a younger student if you wish."
Daphne Greengrass let out a shrill giggle.
Pansy Parkington nudged her hard in the ribs, her face working furiously as she too fought not to giggle. They both looked around at Harry, Severus ignored them, which Harry thought was distinctly unfair, as he had just told off him and Draco.
"Dress robes will be worn," Severus continued, "and the ball will start at eight o'clock on Christmas Day, finishing at midnight in the Great Hall. Now then," He stared deliberately around the class. "The Yule Ball is of course a chance for us all to relax a bit and have fun" he said, in a disapproving voice.
Daphne giggled harder than ever, with her hand pressed hard against her mouth to stifle the sound.
"But that does NOT mean," Severus went on, "that we will be relaxing the standards of behavior I expect from my House. I will be most seriously displeased if a Slytherin student embarrasses the school in any way."
The bell rang, and there was the usual scuffle of activity as everyone packed their bags and swung them onto their shoulders.
Severus called above the noise, "Potter - a word, if you please."
Assuming this had something to do with his headless rubber haddock, Harry proceeded gloomily to the papa's desk.
Severus waited until the rest of the class had gone, and then said, "Harry, the champions and their partners -"
"What partners?" said Harry.
Severus looked suspiciously at him, as though he thought he was trying to be funny. "Your partners for the Yule Ball, Harry," he said coolly. "Your dance partners."
Harry's insides seemed to curl up and shrivel. "Dance partners?" He felt himself going red. "I don't dance," he said quickly.
"Oh yes, you do," Severus said irritably. "That's what I'm telling you. Traditionally, the champions and their partners open the ball."
Harry had a sudden mental image of himself in a top hat and tails, accompanied by a faceless girl in the sort of frilly dress Aunt Petunia always wore to Uncle Vernon's work parties back when he lived with them and shivered. "I'm not dancing," he said, he didn't want to go with anyone besides Draco.
"It is traditional," Severus said firmly. "You are a Hogwarts champion, and you will do what is expected of you as a representative of the school. So make sure you get yourself a partner, Harry."
"But I don't know how to dance…" Harry said quietly.
Draco chuckled, "Well I do. Mother insisted I have lessons. I've been quite the exceptional dancer since I was seven."
Severus smirked, "Don't have to look far for a date do you? I don't think Draco would let you take anyone else."
Draco snorted, "No one is going with my Adder but me."
Harry had never known so many people to put their names down to stay at Hogwarts for Christmas. This year, however, everyone in the fourth year and above seemed to be staying, and they all seemed to Harry to be obsessed with the coming ball - or at least all the girls were, and it was amazing how many girls Hogwarts suddenly seemed to hold; he had never quite noticed that before. Girls giggling and whispering in the corridors, girls shrieking with laughter as boys passed them, girls excitedly comparing notes on what they were going to wear on Christmas night…
XoooooX
Draco remembered Father speaking of Professor Slughorn, Uncle Sev's predecessor and his Slug Club. The mingling of handpicked students destined for greatness and with the cream of political and Professional circles. He smirked, the day after Uncle Severus had told Harry about having to dance. He was going to start his own little club of pets, Dragonlings if you like. If he was supposed to have something to do with the Wizarding World's future he should start created debts…
He flooed home, entered his mother's music room with a swagger. "Mother, I just had the most wonderful Idea."
Narcissa beamed, "Really Dragon? Do tell."
"I want to start having an annual Christmas party on Boxing Day. We used to throw the best parties when I was younger and I want to do so again. I have some prospects whose acquaintances I choose to cultivate. I want to invite powerful people and introduce them, you remember what Father said about the Slug Club. This will be my pet project, anyone who will be anyone will make my list. I expect Bondings, job offers and the like to come from my parties. Perhaps, I may decide to have monthly get-togethers but for now I'll be satisfied with my Quidditch Exhibition Match and this party. I'll take care of the guest list if you will deal with the decorations and the refreshments."
"Any decoration requests Dragon?"
"Red lions for Harry and green dragons for me. If we nudge Charlie, perhaps, he'll propose."
Narcissa grinned, "Does that mean I get to plan a Bonding?"
Draco chuckled, "Mother, you know very well the Bonding is planned by the couple. You would be allowed to plan the reception I am sure."
"Of course, how silly of me."
"Don't forget, we're technically Uncle Sev's only family. I am sure Remus is getting ready to propose himself."
"What about you and Harry, Dragon?"
"I plan to marry young like you did Mother but I'm not planning on proposing until Harry and I are fifteen."
Narcissa chuckled, "You'll be a big brother by then."
Draco was glad to find her so happy, she had quite the matronly glow. Mother was quite satisfied, Father was solicitous and they were expecting their second child. Even though she was about eight months, his mother was not the sort of woman to stay in bed. Narcissa Malfoy preferred to stay busy, with an army of House elves to boss around there was little she would actually have to do but organize. "Well, you have barely three weeks to plan so I better let you start. I'll be inviting the Minister for Magic for Percy and various Quidditch managers for my list of mostly likely to make a splash flying professionally. The Malfoy name has enough power that if we give just enough support to certain talented youths there is no reason they can succeed and owe us a little."
"Indeed, quite the Slytherin you are my Dragon."
Draco disappeared into the Floo, calling Dobby.
"Yes young Master Draco."
"Go at once to Amanuensis Quills in Diagon Alley, I want Emerald green ink and set of invitation self-addressing quills also a set of dictating quills. Then go to 94 Diagon Alley, to Papyria, the paper shop. Order me 200 sheets of fine linen paper. I will need them for party invitations that must be addressed tomorrow. Be sure to mention you are a Malfoy elf." he handed the house elf a bag of just enough gold to cover it. "Here is a note for the Post office in Hogsmeade securing the services of two hundred owls two days from now.
"Yes, Master Draco." Dobby bowed taking the bag of money to pay for his errands and
Draco sat down to make a list, Harry was napping so he was writing quietly at the desk in their room.
Amelia Bones - Minister for Magic
Kingsley Shacklebolt - Head of Magical Law Enforcement
Rufus Scrimgour- Head Auror
Arnold Peasegood- Head Hit Wizard
Madam Edgecombe - Head of the Department of Magical Transportation
Minister Bones was for Percy's benefit since it was the Malfoy family's intention to get the young man into her office as a secretary. Percy had the intelligence and currently the support to go far in the Ministry. He might become the youngest department head. He nearly wrote down Bagman but decided the man wasn't worth his time…
Arthur Weasley- member of the Misuse of Magical Artifacts office
Arthur may not have much standing in the Ministry but for Blaisé's offsprings' sake he was willing to see if father could get the man promoted. Besides, if Charlie decided to propose the more family that was present the better.
Bill Weasley, he remembered hearing the man was Curse Breaker for Gringotts. That was a dangerous and well paid position that promised a decent sized vault for a future Bonding. The eldest Weasley also had inherited a house in Cornwall, a decent sized place from rumors.
Gwenog Jones- Special Quidditch Correspondent, Daily Prophet and Captain of the Holyhead Harpies
Thomas Laughlin- Chudley Cannons
Keiran Branagh- Puddlemere United
Darien Ambrose- Appleby Arrows
Jake McKean- Quidditch World
Draco smirked, thinking about Colin Creevey's attachment to his camera. Perhaps, the exuberant little Gryffindor might have some use. He wanted access to every single photograph the boy had taken. He intended if he suspicions were correct to exhibit them…
Barnabus Cuffe, editor in chief of the Daily Prophet went on his list, surely the Daily Prophet could use a skilled photographer.
Janus Cronkite- Editor of the Evening Prophet
Celestina Warbeck- singer
Okay that one was mostly a Christmas gift for his mother…
Adrian Janson- a famous photographer
Damocles Belby- the potioneer who created the Wolfsbane Potion
He wanted Uncle Sev to met him, perhaps, Severus could brew a more intricate potion to help Remus if he could talk brewing with a moderately talented Potions Master. Though Damocles' current position as of head of Werewolf support services made him quite interesting.
He reread his list
Amelia Bones - Minister for Magic
Kingsley Shacklebolt - Head of Magical Law Enforcement
Rufus Scrimgour- Head Auror
Arnold Peasegood- Head Hit Wizard
Madam Edgecombe - Head of the Department of Magical Transportation
Arthur Weasley- member of the Misuse of Magical Artifacts office
Gwenog Jones- Special Quidditch Correspondent, Daily Prophet and Captain of the Holyhead Harpies
Thomas Laughlin- Chudley Cannons Scout
Keiran Branagh- Puddlemere United Scout
Darien Ambrose- Appleby Arrows Scout
Jake McKean- Quidditch World
Barnabus Cuffe, editor in chief of the Daily Prophet
Janus Cronkite- Editor of the Evening Prophet
Celestina Warbeck- singer
Adrian Janson- a famous photographer
Damocles Belby- the potioneer who created the Wolfsbane Potion
For comic relief he added;
Xenophilius Lovegood- Editor of the Quibbler
Though the Quibbler published little of actual importance, the Lovegoods were an old family. Anastasia Lovegood, Xenophilius' deceased wife worked for the Ministry's Experimental Charms Department. Lovegood maybe a bit daft but he was said to be a magizoology expert.
That would do for the special guests, now for his special students.
Adrian Pucey- Slytherin sixth year Prefect, Head Boy Candidate, Quidditch Captain
George Weasley- Gryffindor Quidditch Captain, Beater, Prankster Extraordinaire
He had been impressed by the fake wands and the Canary creams…
Fred Weasley- Gryffindor sixth year Prefect, Head Boy Candidate, Beater, Prankster Extraordinaire
Katie Bell- Gryffindor Chaser, Golden Trio
Angelina Johnson- Gryffindor Chaser, Golden Trio
Alicia Spinnet- Gryffindor Chaser, Golden Trio
Rodger Davies- Ravenclaw Quidditch Captain, Chaser
Though he didn't think much of Rodger's personality, he had to admit the Ravenclaw had talent.
Jeremy Stratton - Ravenclaw Chaser
Grant Page- Ravenclaw Keeper
Cho Chang- Ravenclaw Seeker
Cedric Diggory- Hufflepuff Quidditch Captain, Seeker, Triwizard Champion
Maxine O'Flaherty- Hufflepuff Beater
Anthony Rickett- Hufflepuff Beater
Draco reluctantly added the most eligible heiresses to the list…
Astoria Greengrass- Second Year Slytherin
Cassandra Goyle- Third Year Slytherin
Daphne Greengrass- Fourth Year Slytherin
Pansy Parkington- Fourth Year Slytherin
Millicent Bulstrode- Fourth Year Slytherin
Hippolyta Blishwick- Fifth Year Slytherin
Drusella Rosier- Fifth Year Slytherin
Jaclyne Blishwick- Sixth Slytherin
Imogene Crabbe- Sixth Year Slytherin
Desdemona Melflua- Seventh Year Slytherin
Luna Lovegood- Third Year Ravenclaw
Padma Patil- Fourth Year Ravenclaw
Morag MacDougal- Fourth Year Ravenclaw
Mandy Brocklehurst- Fourth Year Ravenclaw
Lisa Turpin- Fourth Year Ravenclaw
Marietta Edgecombe- Fifth Year Ravenclaw
Pari Patil- Sixth Year Ravenclaw
Susan Bones- Fourth Year Hufflepuff
Sally-Anne Perks- Fourth Year Hufflepuff
Leanne Moon- Fourth Year Hufflepuff
Megan Jones- Fourth Year Hufflepuff
Anna Smith- Sixth Year Hufflepuff
Ginny Weasley- Third Year Gryffindor
Lavender Brown- Fourth Year Gryffindor
Faye Dunbar- Fourth Year Gryffindor
Parvarti Patil- Fourth Year Gryffindor
It was a rather short list, purebloods were rather small in number these days. In a school that had around one thousand students, there were only twenty-six pureblood heiresses who were currently not promised to anyone. That was a very small number…
Perhaps, his guest list would be smaller then he though…
He focused on other talented students now…
Hermione Granger
Harry Potter
Not that Harry really needed an invitation but if he didn't have one it would look bad.
Blaisé Zabini
Neville Longbottom
Though the Longbottom heir seemed unexceptional, he was shockingly talented at Herbology though he couldn't brew to save his life. Longbottom also seemed to have a good sense of humor, after all Fred and George's Canary Cream turned him into a canary. Draco would have to be blind not to notice Adrian watching him. That would be an interesting pair, there seemed to a succession of Slytherin and Gryffindor relationships; first himself and Harry, then Remus and Uncle Sev, Blaisé and Charlie, now perhaps Adrian and Neville.
He scribbled down more names…
Fleur Delacour
Viktor Krum
Severus Snape
Lucius Malfoy
Not that he needed to invite them but he would anyway, he wanted to keep the by invitation only impression- though the invitations would admit invitee plus one.
That brought the guest total to 53; perhaps his little soiree would be more small and intimate then he expected, if they all brought a date and not each other then he might have nearly a hundred.
XoooooX
The last week of term became increasingly boisterous as it progressed. Rumors about the Yule Ball were flying everywhere, though Harry didn't believe half of them unless confirmed by papa or Draco. There was a rumor that Headmistress McGonagall had bought eight hundred barrels of mulled mead from Madam Rosmerta. It was a fact, however, that the Hogwarts' Governors had booked the Weird Sisters. Apparently, Draco's cousin Nymphadora Tonks had gone to school with them and had strangely enough remained friends with bassist Donaghan Tremlett. Interestly enough most of the band were Hufflepuffs…
Some of the teachers, like little Professor Flitwick, gave up trying to teach them much when their minds were so clearly elsewhere; he allowed them to play games in his lesson on Wednesday, and spent most of it talking to Harry about the perfect Summoning Charm Harry had used during the first task of the Triwizard Tournament. Draco had taught him the Summoning Charm a long time ago. Other teachers were not so generous. Nothing would ever deflect Professor Binns, for example, from plowing on through his notes on goblin rebellions - as Binns hadn't let his own death stand in the way of continuing to teach, they supposed a small thing like Christmas wasn't going to put him off. It was amazing how he could make even bloody and vicious goblin riots sound as boring as a paper written by Crabbe or Goyle.
Remus insisted they work hard but they also had fun too. Remus conned Fred into making a ticking smoke bomb, they played a game where they had to say a magical creature they had learned about or a location one could find them and hand it off quickly. No one wanted to be the one holding the bomb when it when off. It would reset itself immediately. A rather remarkable piece of magic…
Papa wouldn't let them play games in class willingly anymore than Sirius would adopt Draco. Glaring at them, he informed them that he would be testing them on poison antidotes during the last lesson of the term. Draco chuckled, Slytherin and Hermione
would do well of course…
The shocking dates to the Yule ball kept coming.
XoooooX
Adrian walked right over to the Gryffindor table and ran a canary feather over Neville's bare neck.
The Herbology loving Gryffindor yelped, spinning around and blushing when he saw the Slytherin Quidditch captain.
Adrian chuckled, "Do you have a date to the Yule ball Neville?"
Neville shook his head, he hadn't had the courage to ask anyone.
"Good, I hope your gran remembered to send you dress robes. I want you to come with me."
There was some irate hissing at the Slytherin table.
Neville asked quietly, "Is this a joke?"
Adrian took his hand and kissed it, "I would never do that to you, canary. I'll pick you up on the seventh floor?"
Neville nodded dumbly, his cheeks flush. He had a date to the Yule ball? With a Quidditch captain?
Seamus chuckled, "Good for you Neville. I don't think he's ever asked anyone out before. Sort of keeps to himself." he glanced at Colin, "You'll go with me right?"
Colin giggled, "I was hoping you'd ask."
Dean gulped, "Finnigan, you're gay?"
Seamus shrugged, "You got a problem with it?"
Dean shifted nervously, "No."
Fred caught George's eye, "We're going stag. Why tie ourselves down?"
George didn't really want to go…he'd have to act like Fred's brother and not his lover. He mumbled, "Sure but events like that aren't my thing."
Draco chuckled, he loved being right. He knew who they would be taking to his little soiree.
Owls arrived.
There were squeals.
"Oh no! I only brought one set of dress robes."
"Me too."
"Did you get an invitation?"
"Yes! I can't believe Malfoy invited me."
"Who do I take as date?"
Adrian opened his invitation after the owl landed on his shoulder, he smirked and turned back to Neville, "I would appreciate your company here as well. I'd like to take you out shopping,"
Neville blushed, "You can't be serious." taking him to a party at Malfoy Manor? He wasn't even sure gran would let him go. "I don't think gran would let me go there.
Adrian chuckled, "We'll see. Because I plan on taking you to that party. You and no one else. So plan on going."
Colin and Seamus both had invitations.
Seamus leaned over to whisper, "Come with me?"
Colin blushed nodding. "Wouldn't go with anyone else."
Seamus chuckled squeezing his hand and bring it to his lip, "I'm glad. I would be very jealous if you did."
Dennis giggled, "Colin's got a boyfriend."
Seamus smirked, "I intend to be more then that."
Ginny Weasley was surprised to be invited…she stared over at Harry Potter and felt her heart beat faster and her mouth went dry. What was so special about Malfoy? She wanted to be the one at Harry's side, she knew deep down he wanted a women. Even Professor Sirius admitted he was attracted to guys but was satisfied by a woman. There was supposed to be a Lady Potter, every one knew that. Besides, Malfoy already had a title, what did he need another? She needed to get close to Harry Potter, to make him fall in love with her.
George shivered, he had a bad feeling.
Fred pulled him close, "You're safe."
George let him hold him, "I am. I just think someone else isn't."
Exceeds Expectations? Outstanding? Troll? What do you think? I wanted the celebration to be cute...and to include as many of Harry's two houses as I could.