Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or its characters
AN: This will be a lengthy AN but want to point some things out, skip past the writing in bold for new chapter. I realize that Harry isn't exactly acting like an 11 year old in my story. But the way I see it he's how I'd expect a pureblood to act. They make alliances and connections as soon as possible while searching out potential future partners and just to point out. The only adolescent purebloods we really see in the books in any real detail are the Weasley's, Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle, James Potter in flashbacks, not exactly the best examples. Also Harry is actively only putting effort to go after Pureblood girl's since they know to expect it as I stated in an earlier chapter.
Like just imagine if he did it to a muggleborn girl, what would the reactions be for all he's done up to this point to his three favourites? That could be a major reason why Lily hated James right up until 6th year if the boy was outrageously flirting with her from day one. By 6th year she understood pureblood customs better or maybe he toned down the more outrageous attempts and did something simple like ask her on a date. Lily realized what he was doing the whole time and not 'purely' trying to get between her legs.
As for Harry's training, I think I'll get him to learn some form of fighting since he has speed and strength he could take out death eaters later on the muggle way which would be entertaining. I might also have him learn sword fighting too once he obtains Gryffindor's sword, thanks for the suggestion Z-Breezy. Anyway for those who don't like my flirting I apologize, it's just fun to write. Oh and just in case I forgot to mention it, Harry doesn't wear glasses anymore.
AN2: Chapter edited 20th May.
Soon after breakfast ended they headed out with the Weasleys onto the snowy grounds. Harry refused to state what he did to anger the redhead so much to everyone's annoyance and her relief. The twins were almost completely certain it was a prank of some sort and had attempted to hound both the famous wizard and the redheaded witch.
When they didn't get the answers they wanted they started a snowball fight. Harry's hysterical cries and enthusiastic dives to save Susan from the Snowballs had everyone at the very least chuckling. He was acting as if they were the killing curse. It seemed Harry's antics had also quelled Susan's rage quite a bit as she kissed him on the cheek as a thank you for saving her from the killer snow balls. Once the game ended he blushed lightly that deepened when the twins started teasing him once they noticed it.
Lunch was a massive feast much more than anyone in the hall were expecting. Harry mentally chuckled thinking it was the elves knowing he wouldn't be there at Dinner that night. He wasn't the only one to go along this thought pattern as Dumbledore looked over at him curiously. Harry put on a shocked expression like the rest asking why it was so big just for lunch and the old man's eyes began twinkling merrily soon after.
Harry and Susan spoke with the headmaster to explain they would come to his office before 6 to leave for the ball once they had their fill. Dumbledore reluctantly gave them the password after being asked for it. The old wizard almost didn't as he wanted to know if Harry was indeed aware of his likely heritage. At the same time he didn't want to give it away if he didn't know so gave the password to them.
Susan said she was going to get ready and Harry looked at her like she was crazy since it was only 1.30 and they weren't leaving for another 4 hours. But he wisely didn't state his thoughts and merely nodded before going with the Weasley's back to Gryffindor tower.
Three hours passed and after a few games of Wizard chess and Quidditch model tournaments between each of the 5 people playing Harry finally decided he should go get ready. He shivered thinking of what reaction he would get if he was late to meet the fiery redhead. He told the Weasleys he was just having a quick shower and the twins gave him lecherous grins that he was confused at. He narrowed his eyes and left the room pondering whether the twins know far more than they let on to everyone.
Once he had the shower he decided to just wear the black dress robes he bought at the start of the year. It wasn't adventurous and it would compliment whatever colour dress Susan decided upon wearing. Knowing what was to come as soon as he went downstairs he briefly considered taking out his invisibility cloak and sneaking out of the common room but decided against it.
With a loud groan he put on an expressionless face and walked out into the room where those present all looked at him in surprise. Well the twins had mischievous eyes that worried him. "What's with the fancy robes Harry?" Fred asked curiously.
Harry shrugged "Going to the Ministry ball, thought it would make a good impression" He was expecting Ron to look angry or jealous by the fact he was attending the ball. However he noticed Percy seemed to be quite irritated and that made him curious to know why that was the case. George then chimed in "Oh and who might your date be Harrikens?"
After a light blush made its way onto his face he cursed his inability to control it before Fred stated "Well I think we just got our-" "-answer brother of mine" George finished before they both got massive grins and finished together "Susan Bones"
Ron seemed to now be trying to process what was being said around him and Harry decided it was time to leave. He quickly walked out of the portrait hole catching the "WHAT" from the youngest redhead just as it shut. Knowing there was a chance he might follow Harry took off towards the Hufflepuff common room. He actually froze once again as he got to the entrance.
Susan was already waiting for him and when she saw him, like that morning her face was as bright as her hair which was now wavy and hanging over her left shoulder. Harry couldn't help but eye her form and he inwardly smirked at the fact she was wearing a darker shade of red like her present. It was a tight strapless dress that curved slightly in the right places. This showed him that she had already begun developing at only 11, the dress ended just above her knees.
Harry began mentally cursing the wizarding world's fashion sense since robes hide their figures so well. Then again he came to the realisation that the wizarding world was a patriarchal society. If women were allowed to dress to show off their... assets then men could potentially fall for them much easier.
Although he would have to be lying to himself if he said he wasn't aware of his friends being well... equipped. Harry knew full well they were there from the tight hugs he gives his favourite girls. Eyes going back up he took note of a necklace with a lightning bolt that made him hold back a snigger remembering Hannah got her that as her second present. Walking over to her he stated "Wow, you look even more beautiful than I imagined Susan. I see I got the colour right didn't I?"
The young witch looked away trying hard to fight off the blush that wasn't leaving as she watched her date look her up and down and the first comment. She got her wish when she heard his second comment. The young witch turned back to him and sent a heated glare before she muttered "Well at least you won't be an embarrassment tonight. You look presentable"
Getting a big smile he taunted "HAH take that fangirls. Potter's mine tonight and he looks good" She smacked his arm and turned her back to him but couldn't keep the smile from making its way to her face as she had been thinking something along those lines if slightly more possessive then her date's comment.
Harry simply walked in front of her and bowed while maintaining an eye lock his green to her hazel and offered her his right hand "Shall we head out Milady" It was more of a command than a question, she couldn't help but let out a small giggle before taking his offered hand with her right. He then placed it on the inside of his left arm before they began making their way to the headmaster's office to floo out.
Reaching the Gargoyle he was very tempted to command it to move instead of saying the password. One look at Susan showed she wasn't about to say it. He restrained himself before stating clearly "Wand Suckers" Why exactly the headmaster chose that particular treat as a password for that day baffled him. When he asked Susan what they were when they were told the password earlier she had merely blushed and refused to answer before she dismissed herself to get changed.
Harry then asked the twins what they were earlier they began laughing hysterically. After a few more attempts they stated they were plastic wands that had a powdery treat inside that you had to suck out of the end. Due to the implication it usually gave the majority of teenager's living at a boarding school for nine months a year, only incredibly dim witted people or extremely bold people ever had the treats in public.
Knocking and entering the office they saw a surprised but eye twinkling headmaster awaiting them. Fawkes flew over and trilled a brilliant tune as he landed on the young wizard's shoulder. Harry was curious as to why the bird liked him so much. Every visit had the happy phoenix coming to greet him personally. Susan was fascinated by the office and was looking around in wonder, her eyes landing on the bird now resting on her date's shoulder. Dumbledore looked at what the two were wearing before he stated with a semi stern look over his glasses "Ah Harry, Miss Bones welcome. I hope you enjoy your night. Now I still require you to be back by 9 as per school rules"
Harry blinked at the time the headmaster stated. Was he trying to show some level of control over him or something? He tilted his head to the side and stated "Why's that sir? Since we are attending a Ministry function that has full security, has important members including the Minister and the board of governors there shouldn't be a problem lifting the curfew for the night right? Also as we will not be present in the school at the time I don't see how the curfew applies to us anyway. Oh by the why aren't you intending the ball sir?"
Susan squeezed his arm and sent him a glare for talking back but he didn't react to her attempt. He simply kept his eyes locked with the headmaster calmly waiting for a response. Dumbledore let out a slow sigh hoping that Harry would have just gone with it. The old wizard simply did not want harry to spend too much time with the fools at the Ministry that could reveal too much.
What is some fool reveals the existence of his ability to claim his title's at 14 or the prophecy? Then his plans to show Harry the right path could fail completely. However Dumbledore wasn't known as the wisest wizard of the known age for no reason. He knew full well he had lost this battle with the boy. He would simply just have to go to the ball later in the night and do damage control.
"Quite right my boy my apologies. I am merely trying to look out for my students but I see you are well versed in the laws so I cannot force you to return here. I shall have one of the elves present to get you both back to your dorms once you return. As to your last question I find I should at the very least spend Christmas dinner with the students before attending the ball. I hope you would consider staying for at least that Harry"
The boy shook his head and now Susan was watching the exchange much more seriously. It was obvious that the headmaster was trying to prevent Harry from leaving or staying away from the castle for long. She thought that Harry was just using that as an excuse to ask her to the ball but it was clear that he was being completely serious at the time. "Very well Harry I as well as a few of the staff will be attending after curfew sets in at 9pm. So I suppose I shall see you both there later"
Harry found what he heard interesting. The man was obviously trying to control him and keep him from the Ministry officials and fair enough on the corrupt people but why people who could potentially aid him. Did he wish to be seen as the only powerful person that can help him in the young wizard's eyes? The fact that he now wished to go to the ball when he stated his dislike for the corrupt officials pretty bluntly added to the point. Or for the Hogwarts to be the only place in the wizarding world Harry should wish to be?
Shrugging off those thoughts he tilted his head "Very well sir, we shall see you tonight. We will head off now" He offered Floo Powder to Susan first that she smirked at and say "What don't know how to floo Harry?"
Harry got a big grin on his face before he responded "Well I need something soft to land on the other side. Personally I'd much rather it be you than the floor" She got a blush and huffed before stepping into the flames and stating clearly "Blackcourts ballroom" and vanished in a green burst of flame. After telling Fawkes he would see him later the bird flew back to his perch after letting out a reluctant trill. Inclining his head to the headmaster once more Harry followed after his date.
Harry decided to try something this time and focused on boosting his speed. He remembered what happened during the Quidditch game and things seemed to slow down. Doing so he noticed it wasn't a pure light blur that he couldn't make anything out. Now he could see various coloured blurs. He wondered if in a few years he might actually be able to make out details behind each fireplace.
Harry reached his destination and since he didn't switch off the change in speed he was able to prevent himself from bumping into Susan. He noticed how close she was to the fireplace and he quirked an eyebrow before stating "Oh were you hoping I would land on top of you Susan?"
She sent him a glare with a light blush before huffing and turning away. Harry looked around curiously as he took her arm once more. The room was massive, looking to be at least three times the size of the great hall. Like Hogwarts it had a very old design but Harry had come to realize the wizarding world in general seemed to be stuck back in time. He briefly wondered what Purebloods would think if they were introduced to nuclear weapons or the advancements in technology that muggles had produced.
The entire place was decorated in Christmas themes, bringing an interesting life to the plain dark colours that seemed to primarily scattered around the hall. Many people were already there and looking at the newcomers curiously when they saw how young they were, without an escort. Round tables were scattered around a rather large what Harry assumed was the dance floor. There seemed to be an outside area that Harry thought would be a good place to take a look at later.
A burly man in dark red robes came up to Harry when no one followed them through after a minute and stated "Your wands please. It will be used to identify you and I will hold onto it for the night. I hope you were notified" With a nod he flicked his wrist letting his wand come out before handing it over to the guard. He couldn't help but think how stupid the method was though. What if someone stole another's wand? Would that mean that said thief could enter the ball too?
Susan pulled hers from Harry wasn't sure where as he wasn't paying attention and did the same. The man nodded back before doing a charm that told him who it belonged to. He simply nodded when he saw Susan Bones and sent her a respectful nod that she returned before he did Harry's.
As everyone else he just met the guard's eyes flicked to his forehead when he realized whose wand it was. Harry held back a sigh before he lifted his bangs to show the man his scar. Regaining his composure the guard stated "Ah welcome Mr Potter, Miss Bones"
He looked at some sort of list "Hmm let's see here. You appear to be at table 7 this evening but feel free to explore until dinner is served at 7. Refreshments can be found at the bar at no charge. Please enjoy your evening. I will be stationed over there when you wish to leave to collect your wands"
After dismissing themselves Harry led them to the bar indicated and got two butterbeers. After greeting a few people Susan saw her Aunt looking in their direction from the other side of the hall. She began to lead them over to her and they continued meeting and greeting people along the way. Harry was inwardly laughing at how so many of them had wide eyes and trying hard to maintain a neutral expression and calm voices when they introduced themselves.
Halfway there they were stopped by Draco who appeared out of nowhere "Harry glad you could make it. Bones" He inclined his to the redhead before smiling at Harry "Thanks for the present too Harry. I've been trying to get Mother and Father to take me to that shop there for some time. They keep making excuses for some reason. Now they have no excuse. Come I'll take you too them, they both want to meet you"
Susan sent Harry a pleading look but he just sent her a smile, kissed her on the cheek before whispering "Knew this would happen. Don't worry we'll see your Aunt soon enough. It's part of being my date I'm afraid. Everyone wants me" She simply rolled her eyes before walking with him after the quick Draco Malfoy.
As they approached the beautiful woman Harry assumed was Draco's mother, she whispered to an older looking Draco with hair reaching halfway down his back. The man cut the conversation he was having before turning to his son and his escorts. "Father, Mother this is Harry Potter and his date Susan Bones. Harry this is my Father Lucius and Mother Narcissa"
Harry took the offered hand "It's an honour Lord Malfoy. Thank you for passing the invitation through Draco. I likely would not have known about it otherwise" The man's eyes widened slightly at the boy's method of greeting. He had of course heard from his son that Potter wasn't what he expected especially considering he was raised by muggles. Then the young man just proved his theory that that meddling old fool was blocking the famous boy's mail. Voicing his thoughts he stated.
"The honour is mine Mr Potter. Please Lucius is quite fine. After all it isn't everyday that I meet the boy who defeated one of the greatest wizards of the time in his early years." Harry inclined his head in acknowledgement but he was irritated the man brought up his parents murderer. His eyes began to glow slightly as he saw the scowl dawning the older man's face when he mentioned defeated. "Very well Lucius but I insist you call me Harry."
Lucius eyes were wide at the obvious display of hidden power within the boy. He nodded "I see my suspicions were correct and your mail is being blocked." Harry merely scoffed before stating "Not blocked Lucius, filtered. I still receive some rare mail on occasion. I've already had a talk with my magical guardian and found only mail deemed important enough comes through to me. Apparently this event was not one of them. If it wasn't for my beautiful date here I might not have even been allowed to attend this event at all"
Lucius quickly recovered after seeing the obvious hidden power the boy held before processing the hidden meaning behind the boy's words. He came as the younger Bones date so Dumbledore wouldn't be able to prevent him from attending. Lucius couldn't prevent the smile from coming onto his face at the very Slytherin like tactic the young Potter heir showed. The boy truly was nothing like he had expected to see. Turning to Susan he kissed her the back of her hand "Then I feel I must thank you Miss Bones. I believe Mr Potter was quite correct you look lovely this evening"
Susan sent a small smile before stating "Thank you Lord Malfoy" Harry took that cue to turn to Narcissa. He couldn't help but feel some sense of familiarity towards her. Unsure of what he was feeling he kissed the back of her hand "Lady Malfoy or can I call you Narcissa or Cissy? I'm not sure why but I have a feeling we know each other somehow"
The woman's eyebrows shot up at the nickname she held during her youth. A flashback of her cousin came to her mind and suddenly it made sense why Draco wasn't stated as the Black family heir when they tested him before Hogwarts. Dorea Black was her great Aunt before she married Charlus Potter, Harry's grandfather. That meant Harry must have Black blood within his veins. Her Uncle Orion must have named Harry the new heir for whatever reason before he died. She smiled down at him "Cissy is fine Harry or perhaps cousin is more appropriate"
Harry's eyes widened in surprise but before he could ask the question that was now running through his mind Draco exclaimed "We're related to Harry Mother?" Narcissa didn't take her eyes off Harry now realizing the power he wielded. Three ancient and noble houses under one name. She was certain the Potters also had another ancient house integrated into theirs since they held two votes during Wizengamot sessions in the past. Possibly one of the Hogwart's founders since there is no public listing of what family it is, such political power in one so young. There was that display of power he showed briefly during her husband's exclamation. Narcissa had no doubt he would make him a very powerful ally in the future if they played their cards right.
"Yes dear. My great aunt is Harry's grandmother, he has Black blood in his veins" Harry suddenly realized what he felt before. As the heir to house Black he was feeling a member of the house he would one day claim if the current head died sometime after he reached the age of 14. He didn't notice anything with Draco because said boy was the heir to Malfoy not Black. Narcissa however if she were to ever leave Lucius would become a Black again so the magic informed him she was part of said family.
Lucius also quickly made the same deduction through his wife's statement and suddenly pieces began to fall together. This young wizard would indeed become a valuable ally to his son in the future and if what he had seen before was any indication not just politically. The young wizard also seemed very Slytherin which meant manipulating him would be no easy task. Realizing he would have to pass the word around to his 'friends' before they gave Harry a reason to be suspicious.
"Well now Harry I don't want to keep you here any longer. After all I'm sure there are many other people you would wish to speak too. Again it was an honour to meet you. You were not as I was expecting" Harry understood the dismissal perfectly and guided Susan away from the Malfoys.
Once out of earshot she exclaimed "Oh my gawd, Harry do you realize the hint Lady Malfoy just gave you? The only way you would be able to tell she was a former Black is if you were the Black heir. That mea-"
Harry cut her off by stating "It means that I am the heir to at least two ancient and noble houses making me a very strong political ally for the people here. Add to that the fact I'm the boy who lived that I'm sure carries weight" Susan nodded another mystery of her secret crush coming to light before she took charge and started to steer him towards her Aunt once more.
"I don't recall you saying you would be arriving with a date Susan" The stern voice snapped Harry out of his musing. He looked up in the direction of the voice to see a stern looking witch with grey hair showing her age and experience with a monocle over her left eye.
"That might be because you would have said no Auntie" The woman scoffed "And for good reason, you are only-" Harry interrupted by stating "Hi you must be Susan's Aunt. I'm Harry Potter" Harry was well aware that this woman appeared strict. Greeting her as he would normally greet a woman might not be the smartest idea in this case so merely inclined his head when her eyes snapped to his in surprise.
Susan looked over at him in complete shock for having the gall to interrupt her Aunt in the middle of a lecture. The woman's mouth twitched and she stated "Yes I can see the resemblance clearly. You also appear to have inherited James's personality too. I do hope you liked your gift I helped my niece make"
Harry ran his head through his hair and grinned brightly before he stated "It is the best gift I've ever received thank you for your help. Susan, do you want to talk to your Aunt for a while or tag along with me? I want to meet up with a few people to see how they reacted to my 'gifts'"
Susan flushed red remembering her own gift and sent Harry a pleading look to take her with him. Amelia watched them with narrowed eyes before stating "I think I need to speak to my niece for a little while Mr Potter" Harry looked at each in turn before shrugging and kissing Susan on the cheek and walking off.
Looking around he saw a few older students from Hogwarts that he greeted in passing but he couldn't see either Katie or Daphne anywhere so far. He let out a sigh just before he saw Daphne and a boy from her house. He racked his brain and eventually recalled the name, it was Blaise Zabini. They appeared to be talking, well more accurately he was talking but Daphne seemed bored and uninterested. Looking near them he saw Tracey with who he assumed to be her parents. Blaise's either brother or father and Daphne's parents watching the two talking as well.
Tracey and Daphne's sister were giggling and curiosity getting the better of him he walked behind them being as silent as he could and stated "So what's so funny Tracey?" Both girls squealed in surprise before they spun around.
Before she said a word Astoria shouted out "It's you!" Which of course meant everyone suddenly focus on them. The result was the 9 year old to flush red and hide behind Tracey. Said girl sent Harry a questioning glance that he simply shrugged his shoulders surprised by the reaction of the mini Daphne with black hair as well.
Harry snuck a glance around the adults who were looking at him with various expressions to see Daphne glaring at him with hidden passion behind her mask. He could tell she looked completely furious. She was wearing a simple black dress that fit her form perfectly. He simply gave her a bright smile while he waved, her scowl deepened at his carefree attitude.
Damien Greengrass saw this and narrowed his eyes at the newcomer. Thinking Harry had done something to his daughter to invoke that reaction he walked over before stating "And who might you be young man?"
Astoria having recovered enough exclaimed "He's Harry Potter. Daphne's boyfriend" Everyone's mouths actually dropped open in shock either from hearing the boy was the famous wizard or from the simple statement from the 9 year old. Tracey saw the look on Harry's face and looking over at Daphne she burst into laughter.
The adults all turned to her and she gasped trying to breathe before she got out "O-oh Merlin. Harry using Astoria was gold. How did you do it? Send her a note this morning?" Harry was in complete shock this 9 year old had just come up with something to not only embarrass Daphne but himself in the process.
Turning to Tracey he stated simply "I didn't even know Daphne had a sister I swear. I don't know how she rec-" Suddenly he realized that Astoria must have seen his present. He quickly looked at her to see the cheeky grin adorning her face. He felt a sense of danger and turned to see Daphne's father looking at him with an even more menacing scowl. Unfortunately before the man could utter a word Daphne appeared in front of him to block his view of her father.
"Harry James Potter. You are so dead" The statement was filled with so much raw emotion that Damien stared at the back of his daughter in shock. "Now Daphne, I didn't have anything to do with what your sister said"
Daphne stormed right up to Harry's face and he instinctively backed up a few steps when she hissed "Oh and just how exactly would such an idea pop into my little sister's head huh? If I had my wand on me you would be crying at my feet right now you prat"
Tracey had begun laughing once more and Astoria soon followed. Rosaline actually blinked a few times. This boy had not only made her daughter show raw emotion but had actually completely broken down her mask. "Wow you really are looking beautiful tonight Daphne" Harry tried to soften the glare he was receiving.
"Oh don't you even try that with me right now Harry. You won't get a dance even if you grovel at-" Harry simply moved in and gave her a kiss on each cheek freezing her in place this time in embarrassment.
Damien was about to yell out at the boy for daring to do such a thing to his daughter but his wife squealed "Oh Merlin they are so cute together. He is definitely the one that sent her that gift she didn't want to open with us. It must have been personal, oh we have to start plan-"
Daphne now spun around to look at her mother in shock before she could finish the statement "MOTHER" Astoria was struggling to breath and she managed to get out "H-Harry, she's wearing them now"
Harry blinked at the younger Greengrass. Daphne then turned to her sister "You saw them!" She exclaimed with wide eyes and Astoria ran to hide behind her mother this time "She likes them too Harry" Astoria stated loudly.
"ASTORIA" Everyone present was staring at Daphne in shock. She didn't just disregard her mask momentarily she had completely thrown it away for the last few minutes and few in the group had seen the very controlled girl like this. They were thankful they were in one of the corners so not too many people were paying attention to the group.
Harry walked up and put his arm around her shoulders before whispering "I swear I didn't tell her about them or to do anything tonight Daphne. Although I'm glad you like them, do I get a dance now?" Daphne just sent him a glare but didn't shy away from his hold and didn't say anything. Harry noticed the women, Tracey and Astoria were smiling brightly at him. Tracey's father didn't seem to care too much. Blaise, his father and Daphne's father were all glaring at him like he did something.
"Uh why is Blaise, his Father and yours glaring at me?" She shrugged before muttering so quietly that without his little extra features he was sure he wouldn't have heard "Father and Lord Zabini want me to one day marry Blaise. You obviously being able to break my mask so easily shows that you're a threat to that plan"
Harry let out a soft sigh before letting her go and stating "Well now that the drama is over for the moment let me introduce myself properly. I'm Harry Potter. A friend of Tracey and Daphne's from Hogwarts. It's nice to meet you all" After introductions were given out. Reluctant ones from Daphne and Blaise's father's Harry left to continue on to other people. It seemed that the event planner had put all the Hogwarts students together so he would be seeing them during dinner either way.
After a few minutes a man with a green bowler hat and a rather large woman making him think of his Aunt Marge wearing all pink approached Harry "Hello Mr Potter. I'm the Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge" Harry waited for anything more for a moment before inwardly rolling his eyes "Good evening Minister. I hear you were one of the people wishing me to be here. Thank you for the invite sir"
The man beamed before waving his hand in dismissal to the woman by him. The woman seemed quite upset by the action but took the command and left without comment. She did send Harry quite the glare and Harry remembered all the times that his Aunt gave him the same glare and his anger spiked causing his eyes to glow for a moment. The minister gasped snapping Harry out of his memories and he stated "Everything alright Minister?"
"Yes, yes sorry about that. I'm surprised Albus let you come without him. He's been denying the Ministries requests for your presence at the ball for years. Why he even didn't confirm you were even alive until 5 years ago" Harry was surprised to learn this but wasn't really surprised. After all it was clear Dumbledore wanted Harry to know nothing of the wizarding world until the last possible moment.
Harry looked up "I actually got the invite from another student Minister. I don't think the headmaster wished me to be here even now. He seems to think I might develop a big head from all the attention"
Fudge chuckled "Yes but if anyone deserves it is you Mr Potter. After all you ridded the world of a very evil man. Yes you of all people-" He began rambling and Harry tuned it out when he noticed Katie nearby wearing a dark blue dress. His eyes widened in disbelief at what he was seeing. He couldn't believe that he had picked out the three presents so well since he assumed that they would have decided on their dresses some time ago. Harry noticed the Minister stopped and was awaiting an answer.
Harry thought of the best way to approach the situation "Sorry Minister. I just noticed a teammate from the house Quidditch team and she looks stunning tonight. I got distracted by her. Can you repeat what you just asked?"
The man turned in the direction Harry was looking and chuckled "Ahh yes I'm sure a dress is quite a difference from a Quidditch uniform. I simply asked whether you would like to do a press conference so the public can get to know you"
Harry stroked his chin thoughtfully but dismissed the idea immediately in reality since he read some of the fabricated lies the Harry Potter book series produced before his arrival. They were far too impossible even for a fully trained wizard. So as it stood right now he didn't trust the Ministry until he could work out who specifically were behind the books. Getting an idea that might reveal the truth he stated.
"I'll consider it Minister but I won't make any commitments this early on. I think it would be best to wait until I'm better trained. After all those books about me paint a very different picture of who I am and what I can do. If I did a press conference now the public might start to distrust the Ministry for making such claims about me in the first place"
Cornelius Fudge's eyes bugged out and he spluttered before taking a few deep breaths "My word Mr Potter you are completely right. How silly of me to suggest such a thing, thank you for pointing that out. I think I should have a talk with some of my advisors. Well I best not keep you all to myself. I'll let you move on" Harry simply smiled at the man before bowing and leaving the Minister to his thoughts.
He made his way over towards Katie who by now noticed him and her eyes widened before narrowing and turning away. Harry got a massive grin at the reaction but before he got there a man blocked his path "Tobias Bell, how nice to finally meet the boy our daughter spoke of"
Before Harry could respond his wife appeared and smacked her husband lightly "Please be a dear and shut up sweetie. How will he get the courage to date our daughter if you are acting like that?" Turning to Harry she got a big grin ignoring his shocked face. He couldn't help but think it was what he looked like when he was about to do something and she stated "Meredith Bell dear. A pleasure to meet the boy who sent such a personal gift to our daughter"
Harry's eyes widened realizing they were fully aware of his present to their daughter. Shrugging he stated "The pleasure is all mine Lady Bell. I can see quite clearly where Katie got her looks from" He winked before kissing the back of her hand causing her to start giggling excitedly.
"Meredith Merlin, must you act like that?" Tobias pleaded but she ignored him completely. She then went to Harry and whispered "She's wearing your present" Before she grabbed her husband and walked a short distance away and began watching with a massive smile adorning her face.
Harry didn't even bother with a subtle approach to the likely angry girl and marched right up behind her and brought her into a hug "Why are you turning away from me Katie? Surely you haven't forgotten about me already". Completely ignoring her mutterings and attempts to get out of the hold, Harry clearly could hear her mother giggling and her father muttering about missing wands and a dead boy who lived.
After a minute Katie gave up remembering the past situations and stated "How did you get all my underwear out of my home Harry?"
Harry blinked before he stated "Uh I didn't. Although your mother might have done something, she is giggling like a schoolgirl right now after all. Hmm I think I understand why you hate fangirls, your mother acts like one"
Harry moved around so she could see her mother and she let out a groan "Great my own mother is a Potter fangirl, yay"
Harry didn't say anything just chuckled "I like the dress, matches my present well" She growled for a moment "Are you going to put me down Harry or do I need to make a scene?"
Harry laughed before stating "You really want everyone here to see you in the boy who lived arms Katie? I think you're enter every fangirls hit list"
Katie knew that would happen and began wondering what she could say to get him to put her down, she smirked slightly "Harry, can you let go of my breast" It was instantaneous he let her go with a bright blush and she began laughing "Don't worry you weren't. Trust me you would have known"
He scowled at her but it turned to shock when he was embraced from behind "Awww Katie you have done well darling" Meredith exclaimed while Tobias was eyeing off the boy suspiciously. After a fes moments she let him go.
A sickly sweet voice loudly exclaimed "Hem-hem, attention, attention. Dinner will be served shortly. If all guests can make their way to their tables" Susan came out of the crowd nearby and Harry smiled over at her, she looked at Katie and her eyes narrowed for a moment.
Looping her arm through Harry's she exclaimed "Here you are Harry. I've been looking for you, come on let's go to our table" Harry shrugged but before they left Katie looped her arm through his right arm and stated "Yes let's Harry" He looked between them both as they sent mild glares at each other before shrugging and walking off.