Disclaimer: I own nothing of the Harry Potter characters.
Chapter Nine:To Dance With Death
The day preceding the World Cup Ball was a hectic one as Harry first made an early visit to the Chang Family.
He found Mrs. Chang a charming, graceful woman who strived to make him welcome in her home, more so when she learned the topic of his visit.
Kwai Chang,( Cho's father), was cautiously polite at first, but Harry managed to win him over by making his visit first about business and secondly about the man's family and the tying of the two together in a mutually agreeable, if not highly beneficial pact that would benefit both the Chang and the Potter families, once Harry outlined what he personally would garnish from the arrangement.
" I have many concerns for which , regrettably, quidditch must not take precedence over. If Cho agrees to what I have planned, and I believe she will, given your approval? What I plan has risks, but they are my own and to a certain degree, Cho's,… at worst, her lot will remain, her future tied to an unhappy, perhaps even, abusive marriage. For what I have planned you and your family will not suffer by our decisions. I have taken pains to secure your family's return to the prominence you once enjoyed, however, it will be prudent for you and yours to return to England ,or at the very least the European theatre ,for the foreseeable future. If you agree to our arrangement, I will have the Goblins contact you by the end of business hours today with contract in hand to secure a mutually beneficial business arrangement between our two families."
Kwai Chang studied the young man before him with a calculating eye. In principal Potter's offer not only would return his family business to the prominence it once enjoyed, but would increase it's standing tenfold or more. It seemed too good to be true, thus his skepticism. It was hard for him to accept that a foreigner would harbor the same dedication to one's family and that family's personal honor that was held sacred in the Eastern lands.
Everything he had ever heard regarding Harry Potter indicated that he was not only an honorable man, but one that was sorely misunderstood by his contemporaries and was subsequently underappreciated by his homeland.
He knew his eldest daughter's opinion. Had she not once confided in her father that the single greatest tragedy of her young life was the day her love, Cedric, was killed, a wrong that she herself had only worsened by an ill fated romance with the man who sat before him. A relationship that may have taken wing had she not made the same mistake as the rest of fellow students, and all of Europe for that matter, by under appreciating the heart of the man who'd showed her more than a passing interest. Had she treated that man as he had deserved, how different might have all their lives had turned out in retrospect?
"Forgive my hesitation, Mr. Potter." Kwai Chang returned in perfect English. " But I cannot help but wonder why you are doing this? What motive you possess? Certainly their other concerns who could provide a similar service , not only expand upon it but perhaps even be more profitable? My future son in-law is not a man to be trifled with. He is as ruthless as he is cunning. Any move to dissolve his intended marriage would be deemed an insult to his personal honor. I cannot fathom that such a man would take such an insult lightly, no matter the source. He has powerful friends. His uncle being minister places him as next in line as his uncle is without issue. I do not delude myself as to Cho's importance. Our families business was his primary target. He covets our trade contracts which would greatly expand upon his flagging manufacturing concerns which be all accounts are due to the poor quality of his products. He hopes to expand into new markets that will return him to prominence, albeit at the expense of the consumer and our family's good name, but what was I do? My daughter was for him, nothing more than a bonus. One that he demanded lest he destroy the company I spent my whole life building. Though we have fallen on hard times since our self imposed exile from Britain the loss of our business would ,at this point, be the ruination of our family. We'd be destitute and the poor people of China know what it is to suffer. It was a life that I and my good wife left behind many years ago and swore that our children would never know such hardship. Tough it crushed me to do it, I was forced to sacrifice the happiness of my eldest daughter to save the other two. Lui promised that he would treat Cho well. That she would be protected and cherished. In retrospect, I was a fool to believe that he had any sense of honor, he proved that when he used his position to extort control of our business. Now he holds my daughter hostage while he runs our trading company as if it were his own. I see by your expression that you are already aware of these things. Knowing what you do, I must ask; Why us, why now?"
" A fair question. Were I in your shoes I too would be extremely skeptical. The answer is a simple one, though I'm not sure you will share my view point? I'm doing this for purely selfish reason in that I'm doing this for Cho, because she asked it of me." Harry vaguely intimated.
Kwai Chang gapped momentarily.
"You seek to improve her family's lot merely because she asked it of you?"
Harry shook his head. "No. I do this to improve her lot, you and yours is wholly secondary at present." He answered truthfully.
The man appeared shaken but intrigued by Harry's candidness.
"Then we come back to my original point. Why do this at all? I see no benefit for my daughter only her immediate family?"
Harry grimaced, but resolved himself to place all his cards on the table.
"Despite the fact that what I'm about to say may be insulting, I feel I must be truthful and I no doubt risk the ruination of all. I find what you did to your eldest daughter-monstrous."
Harry held up his hand to staunch the outrage from his host. "Allow me to finish. While I understand the difficulty of the decision, I myself could never knowingly sacrifice the welfare of a child of my own, not even to save the rest of my family as a whole. The idea is anathema to me. I know what it is to have to survive without parents or a parent's love. I have good friends that were by all accounts desperately poor, but they grew proud and strong, supported by the love of their parents. I find destitution infinitely preferable over the loss of family, any family. It is not my place to say nor judge, I realize, but you asked me for the truth, and this is part and parcel of the whole. Cho asked me to intervene on her behalf, Such intervention requires that I assist her family because for what I have planned, you would surely suffer in the aftermath, and Cho would find herself just as trapped as she is now, with no recourse available to her. You all would suffer and I cannot improve the lot of one without improving the whole. To be blunt, sir, Cho has asked me to save her from a life as no more than a slave, a brood mare to an abusive man in love only with himself and his own designs for power. I cannot in good conscious leave her to such a fate when it is within my power to assist her."
Kwai Chang's face held a knowing covetous look of anticipation. "You love her."
"No" Harry returned with dead certainty.
Kwai Chang was startled by honesty of Harry's response, he could not fathom…?
"Why then? Why would you even possibly consider helping her? It makes no sense?"
"I do not do this solely for Cho's benefit, nor yours by proxy. "I do this for one who I could not save, though I've wished many times that I could have. I do this for Cedric's sake because he would want me to. I owe him this much. He was my friend. I could not save his life, but I can at least try to save the life of the woman he loved." Harry wiped a sleeve across suspiciously wet eyes.
It had always been difficult for him to divulge his personal feelings, some events of his youth were more difficult than others, Cedric's fate was one such occasion.
Kwai Chang was visibly shaken by Harry's admission.
Several long moments passed before he found the courage to address his waiting guest.
"I ask you're forgiveness, young knight? Your honor is without question, though I find that I have myself fallen into the same trap that so many others have undoubtedly done before me? I have misjudged you, and in so doing have shamed myself and my family. You have come into my house with the intention of righting a terrible wrong and in so doing, salvaging not only my daughter's future, but that of her family's. I humbly ask your forgiveness of my slight against your character?"
"Don't trouble yourself. I'm used to people misunderstanding both myself and my intentions. Were I you and had a daughter as lovely as Cho, I too would have reason to be wary of Greek's bearing gifts."
Mr. Chang smiled toothily at that in appreciation of Harry's willingness to forgive thereby, salvaging the man's honor.
"You are most generous, young Knight. My daughter has spoken often of you, I am heartened to see that her admiration was well placed." he complimented.
Harry nodded his thanks. "Cho was and remains a good friend. If all goes according to plan, it will be a pleasure seeing something more of her in future."
Mr. Chang quirked an eyebrow. "Forgive my forwardness, but do you think it possible that your friendship could one day blossom into something more?"
Harry took a long moment to consider his suggestion. "Honestly, I doubt it? I don't seem to have much luck in that area. Events seem to have a way of conspiring against me, however much I might wish it were otherwise."
Mr. Chang's face fell slightly in disappointment, though he quoted sagely in understanding.
"With great power comes great responsibility, Lord Knight. Though you may wish it were otherwise, you do wear the mantle well. The magic races are well represented in you."
"T-Thank you." Harry returned in solemn appreciation. "I hope you will always feel that way. I myself have doubts at times."
Mr. Chang shrugged unconcerned. "If you did not harbor such doubts you would not be the man you are. Only an arrogant fool would not harbor such doubts, and I think you far from fool, Mr. Potter."
A small blush crimsoned Harry's cheeks further confirming Mr. Chang's suspicions assumptions.
A knight should know humility.
"Are we, that is, do we have an agreement then?" Harry asked hopefully.
Mr. Chang nodded appreciatively. "We do, sir, and thank you. I shall strive to be worthy of your trust and to prove our venture fruitful to all and will gladly take a magical vow to prove my troth."
Harry offered his hand to the man. "Your hand will do to be going on with."
Mr. Chang eyed the proffered hand curiously. He was both surprised and humbled by such a display of trust between two persons entering into a business venture, let alone one with connotations directly effecting their family's names and well being.
Mr. Chang hesitantly took Harry's hand feeling unworthy to do so, but silently vowing to make himself equal to the young man's trust and more.
With much prodding, Kwai Chang talked his new business partner into allowing him the privilege of introducing the young knight to his remaining two daughters.
Harry dubiously agreed, hoping the man was making a veiled attempt at matchmaker.
Cho's younger sister, Suu, was sixteen, not the beauty of her older sister but her eyes held the same hint of intelligence and he found her both charming and graceful, much like her mother, Tai.
The youngest Chang, Mishu, was a sprite if ever he saw one in human form. Impishly cute, with a mischievous gleam in her black eyes that had the young knight both charmed and wary.
When Mishu brazenly asked if she could have his autograph; he thought Mrs. Chang was going to have a stoke and Mr. Chang was the picture of mortification.
Both parties apologized profusely, but Harry waved them off with a chuckle, allaying their concerns.
"I expect there will be ample occasion for us to get to know one another better, in the months to come. You'll see that I'm just like anyone else, Mishu. Don't let the rumors sway your opinion. I have the same hopes and fears as any man."
"B-But even Cho says you're the bravest man she's ever known." Mishu argued.
"There are all kinds of bravery, Mishu. A man may take a sword to hand and stand against a ravening beast, that is perhaps the simplest form of bravery. Another man, such as your own father, fights to provide for his children. He worries over them; always there, always vigilant to keep his children safe from harm. To see them grow healthy and strong. To one day part with those he loves and cherishes most. He sacrifices to see them happy beside their chosen companions. I would to God that I possessed that sort of courage. Honor your father and mother always, for they deserve your utmost respect."
Mr. and Mrs. Chang were stunned to silence while their daughter contemplated Harry's words.
Mishu nodded her head. "I will Harry-chan." she agreed using the familiar affection in saying his name.
Harry smiled brightly as he reached out and brushed his fingertips over the young girl's soft cheek eliciting a red glow from her temple to her neckline.
"You are as wise as you are beautiful, little one."
Harry turned his attention to her parents, "With your permission?" he asked their trust.
Mrs. Chang curtsied and returned graciously. "With our blessing, Lord Knight."
Harry nodded his thanks before turning back to the awestruck young girl.
He pulled a gold galleon from his pocket, held it in his closed fist and closed his eyes in concentration.
An intense golden light glowed out from between his clenched fingers and the air filled with Phoenix song.
The Chang's stood gaping in wonder. Their heads swiveling back and forth trying to find the source of the soul calming music, their eyes settling on Harry, finally realizing the song was echoing from the very pores of his body.
The glow faded and Harry's eyes snapped open. He opened his hand to reveal a delicate golden dragon pendant on a fine golden chain.
He offered the bit of jewelry out to captivated young girl. "For you."
The young girl's hand hesitantly reached for the pendant, her fingertips reverently closed around the fine chain and held the gift aloft toward her widened eyes to scrutinize it more closely.
"It's so beautiful." She whispered, more to herself than the people around her.
Harry quirked a pleasant half smile.
" In time of darkest need; grab your family's and as many loved ones hands as you can manage and say " Knight's vow" to activate the port key, and it will carry you and yours to a place of safety.
Mishu nodded her head, unable to find her voice as she stared reverently at the pendant still glowing in her out stretched hand.
Mr. and Mrs. Chang gasped appreciatively, both thanking him profusely for his kindness.
He waved off their gratitude stating. "The children are the future. Though I am not blessed with such, I can at least strive to protect that legacy. I shall be gratified if it serves its intended purpose one day, though I pray it is never needed."
Harry made his excuses and Mr. and Mrs. Chang walked him to the door while their two daughters gushed over his gift as Mishu's older sister fastened the chain around her giggling sister's neck.
"You've made our daughter's year, Lord Knight." Mrs. Chang pointed out appreciatively.
"It was my pleasure."
Harry was about to exit the residence when he turned back in afterthought.
"I assume that you're coming to the Ball tomorrow?"
Mr. Chang nodded. " We wouldn't miss it for the world."
"And your daughter's?" Harry asked if their girls would also be attending.
"Sadly, no. My future son in-law was unable to procure enough tickets for the entire family. Could you perhaps…?" Mr. Chang ventured hopefully.
"I could." Harry agreed, before dashing their hopes. "But I choose not to. They are young and impressionable. I would rather they remember our first meeting as I am and not as I'm sure I'll be painted in the days ahead. Grant me that small consolation as well. I am here today in earnest, do not let my actions tomorrow sway your opinions at least not until I've had a chance to defend my actions?"
"O-Of course, Lord Knight." Mrs. Chang stammered her agreement, her husband nodding along with her.
"But what are you…?" Mr. Chang began to question.
"It's best you don't know so that your reaction will be genuine." Harry cut him off before saying a last good bye and apparating from their door step, leaving the puzzled couple behind to ponder his vague parting words.
Harry returned to his suite of rooms and made several international floo calls, the first of which was to the Goblin Director himself.
Ragnok had not only been easily enlisted, but eagerly sought the opportunity to exact a measure of just vengeance against the Chinese Ministry who's opinion of Goblins and Goblin kind was even less than that of British homeland, though the Chinese did too covet the Goblin's financial expertise .
They were about to get a reminder of just how formidable said expertise was.
"Was our hurried business venture successful?" Harry asked the Goblin director hopefully.
Ragnok cocked a bushy eyebrow. "Child's play, my friend. You are now sole owner of all outstanding shares of Tang International and Gringotts' has further procured all outstanding debts of said business in your name. You need only give the word and we will call all debts immediately due."
Harry nodded his head but warily asked." Does he have sufficient funds to cover his debts?"
Ragnok chuckled cruelly. "Even if all his concerns were liquidated at top market price, he would still fall short by nearly a million galleons."
Still skeptical, Harry added: "Could a family member or friend float him sufficient funds? His uncle perhaps?"
Ragnok sneered in such a way that the hackles on Harry's neck rose up in trepidation.
"His uncle survives mainly on his Ministerial salary. His own businesses are as failing as his nephew's despite the policy's he's endorsed over the years that not only profited his own concerns, but lined his pockets with graft. He is as poor a minister as he is a man of business. A street vendor shows more savvy than that fool. Any friend that family may have, has long since tired of the folly of dealing with the Tang family. Even if it were otherwise, Gingott's would take longer to process the transaction than the debt collection division would be willing to wait, er, did I mention that the collection service is also a branch of Gringotts?"
The goblin director smiled evilly, making Harry glad that he wasn't on the receiving end of such dire attention.
Harry nodded his appreciation and returned stoically. "Call outstanding debts of Tang International due, by up all shares liquidated to try and staunch foreclosure until we hold controlling interest. Once we achieve fifty one percent of shares, sack all upper level supervisory personal and replace them with our own people. Investigate all avenues of potential revenue, especially of interest is the Chang Trading and Supply. Their company was once the foremost supplier of rare and expensive potion ingredients to the west. I've undertaken measures to see the British Ministry relinquish the trade tariff with Eastern Asia. That done, we can press forward with expanding the Chang concern in the west. Kwai Chang is to retain sixty percent share of his business and return to his post as executive chairman. Have our people only assume an advisory role in the business as I'm confident that Mr. Chang will return our joint business venture to its former prominence. All other aspects I leave in my personal managers capable hands. Gringotts will of course be reimbursed its usual fees with a bonus of say, two percent of net profit over the next five years, if that is acceptable?"
Ragnok nodded appreciatively. "Most generous"
He paused a moment in contemplation before reluctantly asking. "Thou it behooves me to turn away any profitable business, I would be remiss if I didn't at least suggest an alternative. Harry,… would it not be simpler all around just to purchase the woman's marital contract? "
Harry scowled at the suggestion. "Simpler, yes, but she would be dishonored, while the arrogant swine to whom she is unwillingly betrothed would not only salvage his business but might even return it to some bit of success with the money he would most certainly command for releasing Cho from her marital contract. I will not knowingly harm an innocent whilst aiding the corrupt solely for the sake of expedience, not when with a bit of effort I may right several wrongs and still profit from the venture."
Ragnok beamed a toothy smile. "Spoken like a true goblin. You do us credit, my knight. It shall be as you say. We will proceed withal expedience on our joint venture. Anything more?"
"Are you coming to the Ministerial Ball tomorrow?"
"And miss the show?" Ragnok grinningly returned.
Harry smirked at his friend's response. "Remember your lines."
"I always wanted to be a thespian."
"You mean you're not?" Harry returned incredulously.
"You should see me play poker." the director growled predatorily.
Harry grinningly ended the floo call.
The night of the Ball arrived with all its anticipated fanfare. Most notably in attendance was the worlds only living Magical Knight. As expected the Chinese Ministry took the opportunity to try and boost their own public image by presenting Harry with yet another unwanted award. Rather than humiliate the Chinese public by refusing said award, he asked instead, as was his right by ancient law, to name his own reward by asking for the hand of a maid in marriage.
The Chinese Minister readily accepted his request as this placed his government in a very favorable light in that such a powerful political figure sought to marry into Chinese society.
Thus the Minister proclaimed: You may choose the hand of any as yet unmarried witch who is of age." Too late the aged fool realized his mistake.
Harry pounced.
"I request the hand of Cho Chang" He spoke in a loud clear voice.
Whispers filled the Hall as all eyes turned to a beaming Cho Chang next to an infuriated vice Minister, Tang Lui.
The Minister immediately tried to control the damage his hasty proclamation had elicited.
"I apologize, but Ms. Chang is already spoken for by our own esteemed Vice Minister. She and her family have already signed a binding magical contract of betrothal."
Harry appeared extremely disappointed, a stunning contrast to his immaculately adorned Knight's uniform that radiated confidence.
Almost in desperation, he asked the Minister. "What if the Vice Minister was willing to relinquish said contract?
"That of course, is a different matter, but such matters are best discussed in private, yes?"
"No." Harry denied flatly. "Such a rarity as Ms. Chang, should not be kept waiting in matters that affect her future?"
Harry strode confidently toward the Vice Minister's table, ignoring the gasps and looks he received from the audience as he passed by, including: an infuriated, Ginny Weasley, a stunned Weasley family, many swooning and devastated young female witches and a madly grinning Gringott's president.
Harry bowed respectfully to the Vice Minister, who was glaring in contempt.
"I ask you to relinquish the betrothal contract for Ms. Chang to myself? As a show of my good faith and appreciation; I offer you a million galleons for the honor of Ms. Chang's hand and pledge to match in fair value any and all other requirements said contract may account for."
Gasps of shock and surprise echoed around the Hall. No one had ever heard of such an exorbitant bride price before.
Despite his infuriation over Harry's audacity, the greedier side to the Vice Minister compelled him to ask in an oily tone. "Such a rare flower is worth ten times that. Don't you agree?" he asked in perfect English.
Harry nodded. "Ten Million then." he offered flatly.
The Vice Minister paused as if considering carefully, Cho kept her eyes averted respectfully to the floor, trying her best to feign disinterest.
Just when Harry thought things could be settled amicably, the Vice Minister refused.
"The fact alone that you want her makes her invaluable to me. I shall delight in the knowledge that I possess that which you can never attain and she will pay for your audacity ten million times over." he threatened.
Cho was visibly shaking in dread fear of what her future held.
"I suggest you reconsider, my offer is both genuine and generous?" Harry suggested peaceably.
Tang Lui scoffed at the suggestion, taping his ceremonial sword hilt meaningfully.
"Ask again I will slit your throat like the craven dog you are." he threatened
People throughout the Hall gasped at that.
Harry sighed in resolution. "Alright then,.. The hard way it is."
He turned and shot Ragnok a meaning look.
The Goblin leader snapped his fingers and fully armed Goblin warriors entered the Hall, sealing all exits.
Frightened gasps echoed throughout the audience.
Harry called out reassuringly to calm the crowd. "No one will be harmed, please remain calm."
Ragnok strolled merrily up to the apprehensive Chinese Minister. He snapped his fingers and a packet of legal documentation winked into existence, which he presented to the startled Minister.
Ragnok spoke in a loud clear voice that was translated to Chinese by a nearby subordinate.
"As of the close of international commerce, Gringott's International has bought out fifty one percent of all Chinese Magical Ministerial stock and assumed responsibility for all of its outstanding debt's. By you own laws of commerce signed in the Goblin Pact of 1586, we now effectively own controlling interest in your government. As such you are now relieved of duty. In such an event, your Vice Minister would then be elevated to Minister.
Tang Lui puffed up expectantly at that and made a move to turn toward the dais.
Harry tapped the hilt of his own sword meaningfully, stating. "You should have taken my offer."
Ragnok continued. "Potter International has acquired all outstanding shares and debts incurred by Tang enterprises. As the magical Knight is an honored member of the Goblin Nation, the same Pact of 1586 applies and as such, Tang Lui is hereby relieved of duty. Gravenrod of Gringott's International is appointed Minister forthwith and Harold James Potter shall assume the role of Vice Minister. You and your cabinet shall remove yourself from the premises forthwith-Guards!"
The Goblin guards moved forward to expedite the removal of the former Ministerial staff.
Tang Lui stood quaking in fury. He grasped a startled Cho Chang's arm roughly and pulled her towards him.
"You may think you've won today Potter, but it is she who will pay for your foolish actions. She is mine, now and forever." He spat venomously.
Harry shook his head, now grinning cunningly. "Weren't you paying attention? " I own all of your outstanding debts,… that includes the Betrothal Contract for Ms. Chang, which you neglected to pay in full. The contract is mine. She is mine. You,… are mine."
Tang goggled in sudden understanding.
With an inarticulate growl of primal rage he drew his sword and slashed it toward Harry's exposed neck. Harry side stepped the impulsive strike and drew his own blade with lightning quick reflexes, swinging the blade up from its scabbard with a well honed efficiency that would make most sword masters green with envy.
The roar of a dragon filled the Hall stunning the already aghast crowd.
Harry's blade cleaved off the former Vice Minister's sword arm at the elbow and returned to its scabbard in the blink of an eye. Most people would swear it was a wandless severing hex as no human could possibly move that fast.
Tang looked down in abject disbelief at his still twitching appendage as it sprayed blood across the Ballroom floor.
"Guards, Guards, seize that man for attempted murder on the person of a Magical Knight and Vice Minister of Magic!" Ragnok howled.
Two burly guards snatched up, the now wailing in pain and misery, Tang, and dragged him out of the Hall.
"M-My arm… My armmm?" he begged in despair as they heaved him off the floor.
"It belongs to me as does the rest of your retched hide." Harry spat. He bent down till he was eye to eye with the simpering ponce.
"I offered you a generous out that could have stabilized your own business ventures. In return all I asked was for the chance for Cho to choose for herself. You took advantage of both her and her family. Despite that you could have treated her with the dignity and compassion she deserves, but instead you chose to brutalize and torment her for your own sick wants. Look what your greed and malevolence had gotten you?"
Harry waved the guards away without bothering to wait for the man's reply, if he was even coherent enough to articulate one given his shock and blood loss.
Harry waved his hand, vanishing the arm and all evidence of bloodshed, leaving only the gleaming ancient blade behind. Harry stooped to pick up the sword.
He carried the blade over to Abigail Vance and presented her the blade as a gift.
"I don't think he's going to be able to honor your duel, Abby."
Abby accepted the gift in wide eyed disbelief, however, Draco mouthed a silent "thank you" to Harry, who winked his acknowledgement.
Harry walked purposely to the Chang patriarch and with a snap of his fingers, the Betrothal contract appeared which he gave to Kwai Chang who accepted it with trembling fingers.
"The contract has been paid in full. There is a receipt of deposit from Gringott's certifying payment to your account. I withdraw my claim. Cho is released from said contract forthwith."
Kwai Chang nodded his acceptance, his wife crying tears of gratitude on his arm.
Harry walked through the silent Hall, consciously aware that all eyes were upon him. He assumed the dais and addressed the crowd, changing history as he did so.
"The Magical Chinese people have suffered one dictatorship after another and will do so no longer. The barbaric laws and customs of the pass will no longer hold sway. People must be free to choose in all things, especially in how and where they will live their lives and to whom they will love and build a family with to enjoy the fullness of those lives. Gringotts and I pledge to see this become a reality for the Magical people of China. It is in this spirit that I am proud to announce that the trade tariff's with the United Kingdom have been repealed."
A cheer went up from the stunned audience.
Harry held up his hands to quiet the excited crowd. "Both myself and some associates will work with your peace keeping forces to repeal laws that are constricting and unjust, while enacting laws that protect your people and hold their personal rights and freedoms inviolate. Thus in six months time, I and my esteemed colleague will resign our offices pending election of both a new Minister and Vice Minister. One that is voted upon by the people of China, not purchased through a greed mongering privileged class, nor substantiated through nepotism. Gringotts and I intend to show you another way, one where peace and prosperity are the rule, not the exception."
A great cheer erupted through the Hall.
Harry held up his hands and finished. "I am saddened that it took an act of violence to usher in a new era, but ,.. What cost is freedom?"
Another even more exuberant cheer erupted and continued unabated for some time. Eventually the crowd quieted enough for Harry to suggest they resume festivities in a twofold celebration.
Harry led out the first dance as was originally planned. He approached a teary Cho Chang celebrating her new found freedom with her ecstatic parents.
Harry bowed respectfully to her father. "With your permission ,sir?" He asked politely.
"You must ask my daughter, good sir, " he motioned to a beaming Cho. " She is free to choose for herself, after all."
Harry chuckled at that. "Miss Chang?" He enquired hopefully.
Cho curtsied, blushing prettily. "I should be honored, Sir Harold."
Harry quirked an eyebrow at the use of his full name,.. he never did like Harold.
Harry extended his hand which she gratefully accepted and led her out to the middle of the floor.
Cho was trembling nervously awaiting the first chords of music.
"Relax," Harry coaxed. "They're all watching me, not you. They're wondering how I managed to land a dance with the most eligible maiden in China." he intimated with such sincerity that her breath caught in her throat.
The music began and the couple glided elegantly across the dance floor with many an appreciative, albeit jealous eye upon them. The two never noticed.
One pair of eyes was far more jealous than the rest as Ginny Weasley glared at the two as they glided by, seemingly oblivious to the scathing look she shot their way.
"She glaring daggers at us." Cho muffled into Harry's shoulder, secretly relishing in the feel of being in his powerful arms.
"I assume you mean, Ginny Waesley?"
Cho nodded, snuggling deeper into his embrace.
"I know and don't care." he returned calmly.
Cho pulled back, searching his eyes. "I thought you cared about her?"
" I do,… or did. It's complicated,… too complicated. I'm tired of fighting that battle at present. No matter what I do it always ends up being a "no win". This last time was the last time. Before I only got my nose bloodied, but this time I was knocked out in the late rounds, excuse the boxing metaphors." he apologized.
"I'm sorry." Cho returned, though inwardly she felt like her feet were floating off the ground.
"Are you?" Harry was skeptical.
"No" she admitted.
Harry chuckled knowingly. The song ended, but neither were willing to part, so they drifted along for another round.
At length, he asked curiously. "What about Cedric?"
Cho stiffened slightly, but soon relaxed knowing he wasn't accusing, just maybe curiously hopeful?
"He was my first love, but he won't be my last." she answered honestly.
Harry nodded at that. "You've grown since we were,.. Well, whatever we were?" he commented appreciatively.
Cho blushed slightly at the compliment. "We were too soon." She answered, surprising him by the wisdom of her statement.
She hesitated then asked… "Did I,.. did I ruin our chance?"
"I'm not sure that we ever had one. I was too young and inexperienced and you were still grieving Cedric." Harry found it surprising that he could actually think of Cedric now without feeling guilt and remorse.
He thought a silent prayer of thanks to his fallen friend, feeling a great weight having finally lifted from his shoulders, wondering if he had finally made amends, or just realized it wasn't his fault to begin with. Either way, he was grateful.
"D-Do you think we could… could…" She began nervously, blushing in embarrassment before he rescued her.
"I doubt it." Her face fell and he immediately clarified to spare her feelings.
He pulled her chin up with his free hand and brilliant green met glassy black eyes.
"Not because of any lack of interest on my part. You're still the prettiest girl in school, perhaps even more so now that you've fully grown."
Cho flushed brilliantly, trying to lower her eyes, but he held her gaze and continued,
"But we're going in two different directions. You're coming into your own as a quidditch player and I,… well let's just say, I've had to rethink some plans and what I need to do is going to entail having to move out of the continent for an extended period. It's just a matter of logistics, Cho. Don't read anything into it more than that." he reassured her tenderly.
She scrutinized his expression and once convinced he was being hoest she nodded her understanding.
"Too Bad." she sighed, snuggling against him a last time before their dance ended.
"I think so too. After the match, we'll need to discuss some things. I have an offer that may interest you?" he suggested being intentionally vague.
"I look forward to it" she brightened curiously at that.
The song ended and Cho stepped back from his arms, clasped both hands and brought them to her lips.
"My knight in shining armor. Thank you, Harry."
"You're welcome." He smiled and they parted company.
He'd barely made it three steps before a tap on his shoulder drew his attention.
He turned to find Fleur smiling warmly, holding her arms out, beckoning that she wanted to dance.
He sighed and flowed into his friend's arm, elegantly steering her across the floor.
"Ginny is very upset." Fleur commented in perfect English.
He knew he should be on his guard as Fleur only put in the effort to speak fluently when she was angry.
"Something Ron said?" he inquired innocently, earning himself an incredulous look from his partner.
"The twins, then?"
She snorted at that. "You are not amusing."
Oh, I don't know?" he drawled. "Some people find me quite charming at times."
"This is not one of those times." She clarified coolly." What are you doing?"
"I'm dancing with you, obviously." He returned obtusely.
"I do not like these games." She warned him.
"I'm not playing games and what exactly I'm doing is none of your business." he returned irately.
"What are your intentions with that woman?"
Harry glared at his companion surprised by her audacity. "My intentions are my own affair. You've no right to ask me that. Such a question is insulting to me and to Ms. Chang. I thought better of you." He growled under his breath.
Fleur held her chin aloft indignantly. "You are trifling with Ginny's affections and that is most certainly my affair and I'd like an explanation?"
Harry's eyes flashed emerald fire. He tightened his arms around Fleur and fire traveled them away from the Hall, startling the other couples on the floor. One moment Harry and Fleur were dancing among them, the next they disappeared in a flash of flame and smoke.
Harry and Fleur emerged in a back alley of Buenos Aires lower slum district. The air was sour and stale with sweat and grime A woman was pressed against a crumbling brick wall struggling against a drunken man who was so busy trying the rape her that he never noticed the flash of flame nor burst of heat that heralded Harry and Fleur's arrival.
Harry's fist shot out knocking the man from his feet. He was unconscious before he hit the grime covered pavement. Harry waved his hand and roped appeared and secured the unconscious man. Another wave and the woman's cloths instantly repaired themselves. In fluent Spanish he reassure the terrified woman. He passed her a few coins and sent her on her way.
He waved his hand again and the woman's assailant vanished. Harry turned back to Fleur, grabbed her forearm and they disappeared in another flash of flame. The whole incident probably lasted no more than twenty to thirty seconds.
Fleur barely had time to process what had just happened before they emerged in a school yard somewhere in Eastern United States.
Two large boys were selling some form of drug to a much younger child. Far too young, and too frightened to be of his own volition.
Harry dispatched the two drug dealers with record efficiency and the scene concluded in nearly an identical fashion to the last one she'd witnessed.
Twenty minutes later they arrived on the observation deck of the Eiffel tower, after her having witness Harry intervened in another dozen such crimes, all in the nick of time.
She'd barely begun to process what just happened when he spoke to her in a low deadly tone that chilled her blood to ice.
"For every life I've just spared, every wrong brought to justice, thousands more have occurred across the world that I am powerless to divert. For all my gifts," He drawled contempt, "I cannot be everywhere at once. I am but one man."
She nodded her understanding, but that wasn't enough for him.
Harry grasped Fleur's hand and dropped his Occulomency shields, letting his empathic senses flow unbidden.
It was like a whirlwind in her head: Thousands of voices crying out in pain and terror all over the world.
A mother cradled the corpse of her son, struck down by a drunk driver, a jealous husband beating his wife to death in a fit of rage, a child playing with fire inadvertently sets his home on fire with his baby sister asleep in the next room, an old homeless man freezing to death in a waste strewn alleyway.
On and on the images poured through Fleur's mind until they stopped as abruptly as they began.
Her mind was still reeling from the onslaught of so many negative emotions, but Harry still wasn't satisfied.
He took her hand and held it against his chest. Harry's eyes bore into her own.
"Use your empathy, I won't resist you." he instructed.
Fleur let her empathic senses flow into her friend. All that she had ever wanted to know about Harry Potter was laid bare before her.
His hopes, his dreams, his desires, fears…. All of it. It was all there for her to feel and experience- raw and unfiltered.
The pain and guilt he felt over being unable to effectively change all the hurt and discord in the world around them despite the depth of his prodigious power.
His passion and deep set longing for a woman who would seemingly be forever out of reach. No matter what he did, no matter how much he gave.,.. She would always be there tempting and tantalizing him, but seemingly never his….
The intense pain he felt from friends who never seemed to understand him, never wholly trusting or believing in him no matter how many times he proved himself worthy of their trust and friendship.
Despite the torrent of emotions buffeting her, Fleur sensed there was something deeper that he was hiding from her. She immersed herself in him.
She felt the intense pain that he was in, even now, from his many past wounds in various stages of healing, many would never fully heal.
She felt his joy, for which there were many, but always overshadowed by some new threat on the horizon.
In that one moment she understood for the first time… he would never be free. The weight he bore from the Voldemort Prophesy was as nothing compared to the weight of responsibility that now rested on his shoulders.
She recalled the quote "With great power comes great responsibility." and realized how truly accurate a description that was for Harry, and always would be
She gasped and tried to pull away. She could take no more.
Harry clamped his hands around her and pulled her into his powerful embrace.
"Now you know what it is to be me, but that is not enough. Let this be the last time you question….Legillamens!"
Harry entered her mind and pulled her consciousness into his own. He showed her what he planned to do.
Fleur gasped and wrenched herself from his grasp. She wrapped her arms around herself, shuddering violently as she struggled to rein in her own scattered emotions.
"Are you satisfied now? Have I finally answered your questions and assuaged your curiosity?" Harry rasped wearily.
Fleur just stood there gaping at him with the most profound look of respect and admiration. That and deepest shame for herself.
Harry turned away from her and cast his arm across the breadth of the horizon. "They call Paris the city of lights. It is truly beautiful is it not?"
"T-Truly." Fleur agreed struggling to guess where he was going with this or if he was just trying to distract her from dwelling on the wonder of the ages that she had just be held within his mind's eye.
"Beauty, culture, romance…it is perhaps the one such possible beginning of what the rest of the world should be? A shinning beacon to light the way toward a brighter tomorrow while still embracing the beauty of the past. Humans, both muggle and magical are striving to move along the path toward a brighter tomorrow, perhaps a bit too slowly. I intend to nudge them a bit. That is the WHY that you are wanting to ask me."
Harry felt her arm wrap around his waist as she molded herself against him resting her head against his strong shoulder. She was grateful for the fact that he didn't stiffen at her touch, but readily accepted the contact.
"It is a beautiful thought, but you are just one man." She reminded softly.
"Dumbledore used to say that only one man, the right man can change the course of history."
From anyone else that would have sounded arrogant, but from Harry?
"Do you think you can?" She asked hopefully.
"Maybe"
Fleur smiled to herself. She would take one of Harry's "maybes'" over anyone else's affirmations, any day.
"Can I tell the others?" She asked, knowing already what the answer would be.
"Do I need your oath against it?"
Fleur sighed and shook her head. With a sigh, she gave him her witch's oath to remain silent, even though she knew he would have accepted her word. She had looked into Harry's soul and had been humbled to learn that she was one of the few people he trusted implicitly.
After a comfortable silence enjoying the view below them, Harry suggested they return to the Ball. He was about to gather her into his embrace to fire travel them away when she placed her palm against him ,halting him for a moment.
"When?" she asked curiously.
He didn't need to ask what she meant. "Soon"
She hesitated then asked the reason he was even making the attempt sensing there was more to it, a deeper reason behind the obvious.
Harry scrutinized her for a long time before answering. "You're right, there is another reason besides the obvious, though you may not believe it?"
"Please tell me?" she begged softly, sensing this was something truly worth knowing.
Harry shrugged. "Besides the obvious that it needs to be done, I'm making the attempt for wholly selfish reasons. I've learned that I can never change enough for the world to accept me, therefore, I intend to change the world. I'm doing this for the chance to love and be loved."
Fleur's eyes grew suspiciously bright. "And is there someone you've set your sights on?"
"There is." He responded vaguely.
"Does she have red hair or black?"
"Yes" he smirked facetiously.
Fleur smiled demurely. "Your plans could take many years to come to fruition. Can you wait that long for her?"
"I could if I really believed it would all work out as I hope, but personally,… I think I'll probably lose in the end. I don't think she'll wait, or even want to. She doesn't understand me and I'm tired of trying to explain myself. Besides, no woman wants to share her love with a third party and any woman foolish enough to try with me would have to share with the rest of the world."
Fleur shook her head in disagreement. "Non, your heart would always belong to her and her alone. The rest does not matter."
Harry chuckled appreciatively. "Would that you hadn't fallen for, Bill. He's a lucky sot." He complimented.
leur colored slightly, nodding her thanks. "There is another at home that would love the chance to win your heart?" She intimated her sister, Gabrielle.
"Don't tempt me. I'm already struggling with my bachelorhood, adding a veela to the mix has intriguing possibilities." Harry seemed quite tempted by her half hearted offer. Fleur cocked an eyebrow. "All you have to do is say the word, Harry and I could arrange a date between you two like that!" Fleur snapped her fingers.
"Weren't you the one who was confronting me about trifling with Ginny? Now you're throwing your sweet, innocent sister at me." he responded incredulously.
Fleur rolled her eyes. "Gabby is anything but sweet and innocent."
Harry's eyebrows went up slightly. "I..ah,..er…?"
Fleur laughed melodiously. "It appears that I have found the one thing Harry Potter fears- my sister!"
Harry scowled slightly, but didn't debate her assumption either.
"I could apparate us to my family's villa from here. It's still early?" She offered with a smug grin.
Harry cocked an eyebrow shifting his gaze from the city stretched out below them to watching her out of the corner of his eye.
"What I'm about to undertake could very well take years to complete, if I'm able to make a significant impact at all…?" he tried to dissuade.
"I think anyone who truly cared about you would want to come with you and work by your side." She suggested knowingly.
Harry shook his head. "No, it's going to be dangerous, especially at first. I'm not going to be well thought of in Europe for quite some time."
"Many people love you, Harry."
"Many more do not and I'm not going to increase in popularity what with what I've got planned. I'm sure I already made an impression on the powers that be in China tonight? I think I better go it alone, for now? he sighed in resignation.
"That is, of course, your prerogative. Let me know if you change your mind, or better still if you'll give Gabrielle a chance to change your mind, oui?"
Harry nodded half smiling.
Fleur closed the distance to him in a fond embrace.
Moments later they emerged in the center of the dance floor, appearing as if they had never left.
Harry escorted his partner back to a rather put out, Bill Weasley, who stepped past his wife and confronted Harry straight on, demanding an explanation..
"Where were you two, you've been gone nearly two hours already?" He spat irately.
Not liking his tone or his jealous assumptions Harry, being Harry, responded in kind.
"That long?" He feigned surprise. "It only seemed a couple of minute ago we were shagging atop the great wall. Knocked a few bricks loose in our zeal, we did." Harry chortled.
Bill's face soured. Fleur behind him rubbed her temple as if warding off a headache, swearing under her breath in French.
Ron snorted nearby and Hermione shot him a disproving look but otherwise remained silent, still trying to puzzle out what Harry was up tonight.
"Don't push me, Potter." Bill growled warningly.
"Then don't make stupid assumptions based on unfounded jealousy. Ask your wife what we were up to. I'll stand by Fleur's answer.
Bill turned his glare on his wife whose expression was less than conciliatory at this point.
"Well?" Bill growled.
Fleur cocked an irate eyebrow. "Harry was being facetious. We made violent love atop ze Wall and then paid our respects to France by christening the Eiffel Tower. He was so good zat I asked if he would consider servicing my sister as long as we were in ze neighborhood." Fleur stomped her foot and walked away from her gob smacked husband.
Ron sprayed his champagne, whilst Hermione shot Harry a withering glare and went after her sister in-law to offer her support.
Bill looked about ready to take a swing at a grinning Harry Potter, who disappeared in a puff of smoke, leaving behind his smoking visage who rasped in parting. "Actually it was twice above the tower…She didn't count the second one because she passed out from pleasure before we could finish…."