Hello everyone, sorry for the long delay. Unfortunately I'm taking a break from Fanfiction at the moment, but since it's been over a year since I last updated this story, I thought I better write a few more chapters. This will probably be the last chapter I write for a while, but don't worry, I haven't forgotten Slytherin Stand, and it will get finished. Actually, if I get a chance it could even end up getting a re-write to correct any mistakes both spelling and continuity wise that have probably crept in.
Enjoy.
Chapter 23: The Newt Ball
Harry found himself with quite a lot on his mind leading up to the Newt Ball. However, little of his problems had to do with the Ball itself. The two big ones both involved Ron. The first one solved itself rather quickly; Harry had been dreading starting Quidditch training again while being on such unfriendly terms with Ron, and the rest of the team had asked Harry just how he was going to manage practices with such a wall in place.
Fortunately, Harry was able to stop agonizing over the problem on the day of the Hufflepuff-Ravenclaw game. He received a letter from Ron at breakfast, saying he was quitting the team. It hurt Harry to see his friendship with Ron unravelling, but after all the tension it was somewhat of a relief to be able to not worry about the Quidditch situation. In fact, Harry quite enjoyed the all-night game that saw Hufflepuff win with a narrow final score of 610 - 580.
In any other time, the high scores Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw had been able to run up would have been a major worry for Harry; however he still had bigger problems.
The other problem on Harry's mind was where to spend the holidays. He still hadn't replied to Mr. Weasley's invite, and he still had no idea what he was going to do. He tried to distract himself with preparing his first DA lesson, but his stress must have been obvious to his friends; the day before the first lesson Luna, Neville, Ginny ambushed him as he was finalizing his lesson plan in the library, trying to work out what was bothering him so much. Soon they were joined by an over-eager Blaise.
"Okay, Hermione's taken Theo to some Prefect thing" Blaise said, "Harry, and you guys, now's the perfect time to start planning."
"Planning what?" Harry asked.
"I want to throw a surprise party for Theo" Blaise said. "Preferably I'd rather it be on his actual birthday, but since that's also Christmas and people generally have other plans. I need to know what everyone's doing."
"Oh, I see" Harry said. "Where's the party going to be?"
"At my place" Blaise said. "Theo usually stays with my family during the holidays. Though we're thinking we might spend a few days with Xanthe and Hermione's families afterward. So, what are you doing these holidays?"
"I... I have no idea" Harry admitted.
"Sorry Harry, I should have realised this would be a tricky situation" Ginny said.
"It's okay" Harry said. "And even if I do go home with you for Christmas, I don't know whether things would be better at the Burrow or Grimmauld Place."
"I think there's something you should know" Ginny said.
"What?" Harry asked.
"Mum and Ron had a fight" Ginny said. "They've been sending some pretty angry letters to each other; I'm actually surprised Ron hasn't received a howler yet."
"They've been fighting?" Harry asked.
"Yeah. I don't think Mum realises just how serious this is. Ron wrote to her saying that if you were coming home for Christmas then he was going to stay at Hogwarts. And then Mum wrote back telling him he was being childish... you get the picture."
"I sure do" Harry said. "And that pretty much settles it. It doesn't matter if Ron's being a total git; if I spend Christmas with his family, then there's no way I'll be able to fix things."
"I'm still trying to understand just why you want to fix things" Blaise said. "From what I've seen, he hardly seems worth all the trouble."
"Watch it Blaise" Ginny said. "Ron may be a big git at times, but his still my brother."
"Yeah. You wouldn't be saying that if you were with us in the Department of Mysteries Blaise" Neville said. "Ron's been with Harry through everything; it's a friendship worth trying to repair."
"But one impossible to repair if one friend is a total dickhead" Blaise said. "And I would have been at the Department of Mysteries if I knew what was going on."
"Can we just focus on the problem at hand?" Harry asked.
"What problem?" Blaise said. "You're welcome to stay at my place. Oh, and I don't live that far away from your place either. We can go blow up your aunt and uncle's letter box if you want."
"That sounds awesome" Harry said. "But I don't think spending the holidays with you will make Ron realise I'm not trying to betray or replace him."
"You can spend Christmas at my place" Luna said. "I live in the same village as the Weasley's, so you can see them. However you'll have to sleep on the floor in my Dad's room. We only have the two bedrooms, and I'm not sure he'd be too happy with you taking Mum's place on the double bed."
"Erm, thanks Luna... but no thanks."
"Why don't you just spend the holidays with Hermione?" Neville asked.
"Hmm... that could work" Harry said. "Though, she's never invited me around to her place before."
"I'm not sure that's the best idea either" Ginny said. "Mum isn't looking too kindly on Hermione after this."
"Well why does your mother even need to know where Harry is spending his holidays?" Blaise asked. "Harry, you could just tell her your staying at Hogwarts and then go spend the holidays with whoever you want."
"I'm not going to lie to her" Harry said.
"Well, you could spend the holidays at my place" Neville said. "I'm sure Gran won't mind, and we usually erm... go out all day on Christmas, so you can go to Theo's party too."
"Hey, that sounds perfect" Harry said.
"Yeah" Blaise said. "Why don't you stay the night too Harry? Then we can go pay a visit to your aunt and uncle in the middle of the night. It's not like your spending the entire holidays with me."
"Yeah, that sounds good" Harry said. "You don't mind Neville?"
"Of course not" Neville said.
"You should come too" Blaise said. "Maybe Harry can stay two nights, and you can stay the second you could help Harry and I blow up a letterbox!"
"Thanks for the offer, but I don't think my grandmother would approve."
"We're not going to tell any adults that we're blowing up muggle properties. Well, I guess Theo and Hermione will count as adults then, so... well, no parents."
"She'll figure out that we're up to no good" Neville said. "She always does."
Harry's lesson plan was soon forgotten as they planned the holidays out. It was decided that he would spend most of the holidays with Neville, but after Theo's party he would stay a few days at Blaise's place before returning to the Longbottom's. Also in the plans was an afternoon lunch at the Weasley's, and a day at Hermione's place. Ginny thought it would be a good idea for her to visit Hermione at least once despite what her mother thought, and soon Blaise was organising a party at Hermione's place on the last day of the holidays.
"Well, I hope Hermione is okay with this party" Harry said once all the plans were decided upon. "So, I'm sorted for the holidays, Theo's party is sorted, and now we've got another party arranged. Guys, I think the only thing left to do is plan tomorrow's DA lesson."
Eventually the lesson did get planned; and the next day after dinner Harry was standing in the Great Hall with Professor Zabini and Hermione watching as students gathered around. There were students of all ages and from all the houses; however Harry noticed that Slytherin uniforms were the most common in the crowd.
Harry divided the students into groups; making sure at least one original DA member was in each group. All of the original DA members were present; except of course for Crabbe, Goyle, and Ron. During the hour they went through basic defensive spells, with the older students helping the younger ones.
It was rewarding to watch his new students getting better at the spells, but at the same time Harry was disappointed; this was nothing like the first DA, and after all the build-up seemed rather anti-climactic. At the end of the hour Harry congratulated the students, and promised to see them all again next Thursday.
"That was very good Harry" Professor Zabini said as people began leaving. "You probably could have my job one day soon."
"Thanks Professor" Harry said. "But hopefully I won't need to take over from you any time soon."
"Well, given the average time a Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher lasts here, you might."
"I bet you will be here next year Professor" Hermione said. "Someone has to break the curse, and I think you could do it."
"Thank you Hermione" Professor Zabini said. "If the course can be broken, I'll be happy to break it. Now you two, there is something serious we need to talk about."
"Serious?" Harry asked.
"Dress robes" Professor Zabini said. "Have you got any?"
"Yeah, I've got some green ones" Harry said.
"Harry, those would be way too short for you now" Hermione said.
"Nah, I'm sure they'll be good."
"You've grown a lot since Fourth Year" Hermione said. "Mine are even getting a bit small, and I haven't grown nearly as much as you."
"Do you need new ones too Hermione?"
"No, I was able to adjust my old ones without them losing their shape" Hermione said.
"Okay, now what colour are they?"
"Really bright blue. Why?"
"I'm taking Blaise and Theo into Hogsmeade to get new dress robes on the weekend. I wanted to get Theo something that would look good with your robes."
"Oh, of course" Hermione said. "Do you want me to go get them now so you can have a look at them?"
"Tomorrow after class would be fine. Now Harry, would you like to come with us on the weekend? Camille will be wearing red and black dressrobes, and I saw this really regal black and dark-green set that I think will look good on you."
"Yeah, sure" Harry said.
"Excellent. On Saturday just go with Blaise and Theo to the Hogsmeade Gate after breakfast and I'll meet you there."
"Okay, thanks Professor."
"Your welcome Harry. Now just make sure you're a real gentleman for Camille."
"I will Professor."
"Okay. I'll see you two later. Goodnight."
:Later:
Theo didn't know why he felt so nervous; after all, they were just going to buy dress robes. Mrs. Zabini would probably end up picking out robes for him, Blaise and Harry without too much input from the three boys anyway. Why was he so uneasy about this? True, last time he and Blaise had needed to try on dress robes together Blaise had ended up looking rather snazzy while Theo ended up looking like a skinny fourteen-year-old boy in a dress.
Maybe he was just nervous because tomorrow night he would be dancing with Hermione and still had no idea what he was going to wear. Mrs. Zabini had originally planned to take them to Hogsmeade two weeks ago, however she had gotten swamped with exam setting, Christmas decorating, and helping Harry with the DA lessons.
Today was the 19th of December; and instead of having a fortnight to prepare for things they were rushing out to Hodsmeade after class, desperately trying to find decent robes before the shops shut.
"Theo, seriously, just calm down" Blaise said. "You look like you're about to go into battle."
"Give him a break" Harry said. "I'd probably be just as scared if it was me getting - "
"Shh!" Blaise said.
"Oh, okaaaay" Harry said.
"Wait, what am I getting?" Theo asked.
"Dress robes" Blaise said. "You are getting dress robes just like us. Nothing else."
"But -" Harry started.
"Just. Dress robes."
"What aren't you two telling me?" Theo said.
"Nothing" Blaise said. "Well... oh alright. It was going to be a surprise -"
"No-one said anything to me about it being a surprise" Harry said.
"Did you really think he would go along with it if he knew?" Blaise said.
"Why not?" Harry asked.
"Go along with what?" Theo asked.
"A haircut" Blaise said.
"A haircut?" Theo said. "That's it? Why would I be so against that? Though, I'm not sure if I need another one so soon; I did get a trim just before we left for Hogwarts."
"Yeah, but you barely let them touch your fringe" Blaise said.
"So?" Theo asked. "I've been trimming that myself; I can still see fine."
"We're not just going to have your fringe trimmed" Blaise said. "Ma has specifically instructed the barber to cut it all off and to shorten your hair at the sides. Hermione is going to have her first good look at your face."
"What?" Theo asked. "No! My face is perfectly visible; but my acne doesn't stand out so much and I'd like to keep it that way."
"You won't have any acne after this" Blaise said. "We're taking you to a beauty spa -"
"No!" Theo said. "No, no hell no. And anyway, I've tried every potion imaginable."
"Not this one" Blaise said. "Ma's sure this lady knows what she's talking about."
"I'm not sitting around in a beauty salon like some old witch desperate to avoid going wrinkly" Theo said.
"We'll do it too if it makes you feel better" Harry said.
"What?" Blaise said. "But both of us have good... oh, sure. We'll get the works. We'll be right with you every step of your make-over."
"I don't want a make-over" Theo said. "Remember last time you convinced me to trim my fringe? I had people coming up and commenting on it for months; and Millicent Bulstrode wouldn't leave me alone. I don't want that kind of attention!"
"Theo," Harry said. "We just thought that well, maybe if you actually liked the way you looked a bit more, you might like, gain enough self-confidence to tell Hermione how you feel."
Theo paused a bit. He had never wished to be more attractive or for that matter cared much about his appearance; however he had also never really had that much self-confidence. Miss Io had often advised him to trim his fringe and 'stop hiding', but it was one bit of guidance that he had never been prepared to take.
Though, it would be good to look as snazzy as Blaise tomorrow night. He was already planning to tell Hermione how he felt, and any confidence boost would be handy.
"Okay" Theo said. "I'll do it. But you two better do the beauty salon thing with me. And do it every step of the way!"
"Of course Theo" Blaise said. "Every step of the way."
It was at that point that Mrs. Zabini arrived. She looked a bit worn out, but still happy. She smiled at the boys as she approached; especially Theo.
"Sorry I'm late boys" She said. "I got caught up with marking the First Year's assignments. Now let's go; we've got a lot to do and need to be back in time for the DA lesson. Especially you Theo; I've actually lined up a few surprises before we get the robes."
"A make-over, I know" Theo said. "Harry told me."
"I didn't know it was supposed to be a surprise" Harry said.
"Harry! Oh, fine" Mrs. Zabini said. "Well, how do you feel about it Theo?"
"I'll give it a go" Theo said. "Though Harry and Blaise are coming into the beauty treatment thingy too."
"Perfect" Mrs. Zabini said. "You'll all be new men for the ball."
New men... Theo felt himself getting nervous - what would he look like after today? And would he get any unwanted attention from his new look?
:Later:
Theo had skipped the DA lesson, and was now in his Dormitory examining his reflection in the mirror.
For the first time in a long time, he really liked what he saw. His hair was shorter and neater, and whatever had been in that bathtub at the beauty salon, it worked. His skin was nice and smooth... except where the hairdresser had left some classy sideburns. It was strange seeing his face free of pimples, and also strange seeing his jaw line and ears clearly, rather than through long stringy hair.
He briefly wondered how he would look with a goatee or something. He had started growing facial hair recently, but had always done his best to banish it quickly. Thoughts of experimenting even more with his appearance were quickly dismissed as he remembered that encounter with Millicent Bulstrode and the other Slytherin girls he had had after returning to the Entrance Hall.
It didn't help that Harry had been talking about the manicure Blaise and a young, curvaceous witch from the salon had talked them all into getting. The Slytherin girls had been walking past and heard them, and Parkinson and Greengrass had proceeded to tease Harry and Blaise on their perceived sexuality. Whilst they, Moon, and Davis burst into giggles, Bulstrode noticed Theo's new look. At first she just stared, wide eyed and open mouthed. Then the insults started to get directed at him.
"Look girls, Nott thinks his hot shit" Bulstrode said.
Daphne was the first to look at him, and her mouth fell open.
"Shut up Bulstrode" Blaise said. "Theo always looked nicer than you."
"Nott if you wanted to look nice for Granger, you're wasting your time" Parkinson said. "Mudbloods have no taste."
Theo had his wand out in seconds, and Blaise and Harry were right behind him. Unfortunately the rest of the Slytherin girls also had their wands out. Theo wished Mrs. Zabini hadn't already left them alone; he Blaise and Harry were good duellers, but they were outnumbered.
"What do we have here?" The cold voice of Professor Snape said, approaching from seemingly out of nowhere.
"They're threatening us Professor" Daphne said, sounding as scared and weak as she could.
"Tough Potter" Snape said. "You're such a big man, threatening girls. You and your friends have each lost ten points for your respective houses. Well Nott, it looks like your new look doesn't make you a bigger man either. All three of you better move along."
"Yes Professor" Theo said, lowering his wand and heading off. Blaise and Harry followed reluctantly, and Bulstrode got off one final comment.
"You still have ugly teeth Nott!" She said. "No proper Pureblood girl would ever find you sexy!"
They left the Hall as the girls started giggling. Once away from them, Blaise nudged Theo in the ribs and smiled.
"See?" He said.
"See what?"
"They think you look good."
"That's not what I heard" Theo said.
"Of course not" Blaise said. "They hate you, they aren't going to admit they think you're sexy. Especially not Bulstrode. Read between the lines Theo; no 'proper Pureblood' girl would find you sexy... but that doesn't mean you aren't sexy."
"That makes no sense whatsoever" Harry said.
"It's not meant to" Blaise said. "We're talking about girls. Girls don't make sense!"
"Hermione does" Theo said.
"Is she your girlfriend?" Blaise asked.
"Well... kinda. I think" Theo said.
"See? Even Hermione makes no sense at all."
"I just wish Snape made more sense" Harry said. "How could he not figure out that the larger gang were the ones throwing insults... well, I guess this is Snape I'm talking about. Anyway, do you two want to help me go set up the lesson?"
"I... I need to go do some stuff" Theo said.
"Theo... come on, you can't let them get to you" Blaise said.
"It's not that... I really need to do stuff" Theo said, before heading off without another word.
And that was how Theo ended up in his Dormitory, contemplating his new look in the mirror. Yes he liked what he saw; but when he smiled, he saw that gap, and those missing teeth. The gap he could live with, possibly, but those teeth - lost through a combination of bad dental hygiene and rough childhood play - would always bother him. He still was the same scroungey looking kid as he was before.
He knew there was something he could do about his teeth. Madam Pomfrey had offered him the skele-gro like potion that would regrow his missing teeth overnight. He had previously declined the potion, due to the pain that went with it. However...
He left, heading for the Hospital Wing. If he took the potion now, his teeth should be regrown and his mouth recovered enough for speech in time for the ball. He was determined to look his best for Hermione.
:The following night:
Hermione was in the Entrance Hall, all dressed up and waiting for Theo.
She wore the same blue dress robes she had worn to the Yule Ball, but had adjusted them to fit her more adult figure. She had spent all day getting her hair right too... and now she realised that no-one had seen Theo since yesterday evening.
"It'll be alright" Harry said. "He'll be here soon."
He sounded doubtful, but Hermione appreciated the effort. Harry was also waiting with her for his date; Blaise and Professor Zabini had gone off to wait for the rest of their family, and had not yet returned. Even though he knew Camille would show up, he looked scared.
"Thanks" Hermione said. "And don't worry, Camille won't bite."
Harry just laughed at that. Hermione was sure that not only would Camille not bit, she would be very impressed with Harry. His new dress robes were black and dark green, and went perfectly with his hair and eyes.
Also waiting with them were Ginny and Dean, Neville and Luna, and Xanthe. Xanthe looked to Hermione like a character from some sort of gothic romance, however with her make-up kept to a minimum she still looked quite nice. The rest of her friends looked rather elegant and beautiful. Maybe a bit too much so; Hermione couldn't help but notice how often Harry kept looking over at Ginny. Fortunately Dean hadn't noticed. Yet.
"Oh look" Neville said, "It's Blaise and... wow."
Wow was right. Blaise was walking down the stairs, looking very dashing in black pinstripe dress robes with dark purple edges that matched up with Xanthe's ... outfit very well. Walking next to him was Camille, looking gorgeous.
Hermione had only briefly met Camille a few times before on Platform Nine and Three Quarters and in Diagon Alley, and knew from these encounters that she was a rather attractive looking girl, with shoulder-length smooth black hair and facial features that looked like softer, slightly more Mediterranean versions of her brother and mother's. And of course she was tall with the shape that drove most teenage boys crazy.
However that body was draped not in casual muggle clothes or a W.A.D.A uniform like any of the other times Hermione had met her, but in a form fitting red dress (technically a dress robe Hermione supposed, though it looked like a muggle dress) with black trimmings. Her hair was also not tied back in a simple ponytail like any other time Hermione had seen her, but was unrestrained and teased, and decorated with what liked like little red flowers, but that Hermione recognised as being enchanted clips.
"Wow indeed" Harry said, his eyes glued to Camille as she and Blaise made their way towards the group.
"So that's Professor Zabini's daughter" Dean said. "You sure did get lucky Harry."
"And you didn't?" Ginny asked.
"What I... um, of course, it's just that um... yeah, I'm lucky."
Dean was saved from further Ginny wrath by the arrival of the Zabini twins, and Blaise making exaggerated introductions for everyone. Everything in Camille's voice betrayed the fact that she was excited to be at Hogwarts, and she was so genuinely interested in everyone that even Ginny quickly warmed to her. Once they were done with the introductions, Hermione noticed Camille look behind the group with a puzzled expression.
"Whose that boy over there?" Camille asked. "The one in the Navy Blue dress robes? He looks familiar."
Blaise and Harry looked at the mystery boy, and then started snickering. Hermione couldn't tell why, but she had to admit, there was something familiar about that boy.
"I don't know" Hermione said. "But I think his coming over to us."
This for some reason caused Harry and Blaise to laugh harder, and Camille to gasp.
"Oh Merlin" she said, "Is that Theo?"
"No" Hermione said. Though the more she looked, he was the right size, and had almost the right coloured hair, but still... "It can't be."
But then those green eyes looked right at Hermione, and she knew it was. Her hands shot to her face as her mouth tried to simultaneously smile and gasp. He looked amazing.
"Hello" he said as he approached the group. Hermione assumed his greeting was directed at everyone, however his eyes stayed on her.
"Wow Theo" Hermione said, moving closer to him without even noticing. "You look amazing!"
"Thanks" he said, smiling that big, face-filling smile of his. "You look so, so amazing yourself."
Hermione thanked him for the compliment, but couldn't help looking at that smile. He still had very noticeable diastema, but that was the only gap in his smile.
"Your teeth!" Hermione said. "You, you regrew them!"
"Yeah" Theo said. "That's why I haven't been around; it was a hard night, and I only regained the ability to talk about twenty minutes ago. I'll be able to get that gap in the front fixed in a couple of weeks too."
"You don't have to do that" Hermione said. "I mean well, you could if you wanted to. I just think well, it... kinda suits you. You have a nice smile already; you don't need more dental spells."
"Thanks" Theo said. "I... I'm glad you like well, everything."
Hermione realised that she was standing close to him and on her tip-toes... bringing their faces close together.
She wanted to kiss Theo.
Shallow she thought now that he looks so much nicer, you want to kiss him. So shallow Hermione.
But no, she reassured herself I have wanted to kiss Theo before... I'm not just being shallow.
Before she could properly debate the pros and cons of kissing Theo, Neville suggested they go into the Great Hall and find their table. Whatever was happening between her and Theo ended, and they followed the group into the Great Hall.
They walked hand in hand; Hermione had grabbed Theo's hand, and it felt so natural that neither one of them noticed.
:A little Later:
Greg couldn't take his eyes off Lilith. Her hair was looking amazing, and her black dress robes only added to the effect. His mother had brought him new dress robes, but they were the same ugly shade of green as his Yule Ball robes and were not very well fitted to him, making him look like a boulder in a green tablecloth.
Eugenie Crabbe was beside him, laughing at some joke of Vince's. She was by far the youngest girl here, and had plain robes the same colour as Greg's. He felt rather self-conscious being here with her, even if they were likely to be betrothed one day.
Vince was sitting on the other side of Eugenie, scoffing his dinner down as the two of them made jokes about non-purebloods. Greg wondered if he would feel better if Eugenie didn't look so much like Vince. Probably not.
On the other side of Vince was not Tracy, but a pretty seventh year called Ally, who seemed easily impressed by the tales Vince told of hurting mudbloods. Next to her were Guy Deschamps and Millicent, and Brad Harper with Daphne. Next to Daphne sat Pansy, who had refused all invitations from any potential partner out of respect for Draco. Lilith and Tracy were sitting next to her; Lilith looking more beautiful than ever, and Tracy, seated between Lilith and Greg, looking like she wanted to hurt Ally.
Suddenly the conversation in front of him stopped, and Greg saw Harper glaring at someone behind him. Greg turned, and saw Professor Zabini with her husband.
The shock of seeing an actual muggle at Hogwarts was enough to make Greg almost not notice how beautiful the teacher looked tonight. Her husband was a shorter, happy looking man, with heavily tanned skin and thinning black hair. There was no mistaking him for anything but muggle, with that strange suit he wore.
"I can't believe they actually let a muggle come here" Deschamps said. "What a disgrace!"
"Yeah" Harper said. "Ah look, their filthy half-blood son isn't too far behind. With that freak girlfriend of his and all the Gryffindor... wow."
Greg had a pretty good idea what that 'wow' meant. also sitting down at a round table with Zabini and Rivers was Potter and a beautiful girl who just had to be Zabini's sister. She looked almost as beautiful as Lilith.
Also with the group was the Weaslette and her boyfriend, Longbottom and Loony Lovegood, and Granger with some tall guy Greg didn't recognize. For a second, Greg envied that table of blood traitors. None of them had been expected to date their twelve-year-old cousin over the girls they really loved.
"Filthy blood traitors" Eugenie said.
Greg wished he could be a blood traitor.
:Meanwhile:
Harry felt happier than he had in ages. The food was good, the music was good, and he was surrounded by his friends. Even not being with Ginny didn't seem so bad; she was still his friend, and Camille was an absolutely fascinating person. She was certainly one of the few people who had been able to show a lot of interest in him without coming across as being obsessed with his celebrity status.
She was also, of course, drop dead gorgeous.
"So, The Wizarding Acadamy of Dramatic Arts" Harry asked. "All I know is that it's a small magical school in London that focuses on theatre and stuff. What's it like going there?"
"Oh it's a great school" Camille said. "But it's not small at all. I have classmates from all over Europe. Though English is the official language thankfully. I'm no good at learning languages; I'm failing French at school, and Dad hasn't even been able to get me fluent in Italian yet. I'd be so lost if I had to communicate in a different language for school. I don't know how some of my friends do it."
"I don't think I could do it" Harry said. "Though, I've never really attempted it."
"You don't have language classes at Hogwarts?" Camille said.
"No" Harry said. "Though, I heard you can do one by correspondence for extra credit. Hermione signed up for one once; but she said it was pretty pointless since they didn't require any verbal tests and they never sent an instructor to help."
"Wow... now I feel really bad about Blaise becoming fluent in French, since that's all he really had."
"Blaise speaks fluent French?"
"Yeah. After I wrote to him saying I had to learn French, he made it his mission to learn the language before me. His been so competitive with me ever since I was accepted into W.A.D.A and he wasn't."
"Blaise auditioned for W.A.D.A?" Harry asked.
"Nope. So, he didn't mention that? Can't say I'm surprised. Though I'm sometimes glad he didn't; otherwise I wouldn't really get to know so much about Hogwarts. Oh, sorry. You asked me about W.A.D.A, and somehow I've gone and turned the conversation towards Blaise and Hogwarts.
'Anyway, it is a nice school; though it's more modern than Hogwarts, and since it's in London, it just doesn't feel as well, magical. There's three theatres, as well as an art gallery and music rooms. The name may be Academy of Dramatic Arts, but really there's a strong focus on all the arts. And all the normal magic stuff like Potions and Charms of course. We also have a large garden and an indoor Quidditch Pitch."
"You have Quidditch?" Harry asked. "Cool. How many teams at your school?"
"Four teams, just like Hogwarts" Camille said. "Though, we don't have houses like Hogwarts does, so we're divided by what art we specialize in. There's Visual Art, Drama, Music, and Literature. I play Seeker for the Drama team."
"You play seeker!" Harry said, loud enough for everyone at the table to briefly look his way. "Wow, Blaise never said you play. I'm Seeker too."
"That's awesome" Camille said. "Though, I can't believe Blaise didn't say anything. Oh, and I've played for Great Britain too."
"No you haven't" Harry said.
"I have. Though, not the Great Britain professional team of course. We have an unofficial league between students from Britain, Spain, France and Germany; most of the students are from those four countries. The teachers don't encourage it, because they think it eats into our studies too much, but they still let us do it."
Harry realized that Camille probably got to play more Quidditch at W.A.D.A than he did, and suddenly found himself wishing he had some sort of artistic talent.
"That sounds so wicked" Harry said. However, before he could launch into a conversation about Quidditch, another thought occurred to him. "So, you don't have houses? So, no Slytherin? Do you still have trouble with Pure Blood bigots and all that?"
"Well, not really" Camille said. "We're a modern school, established by a well known half-blood, and we learn about muggle arts as well as wizarding ones. Therefore, the really over-the-top purebloods don't usually send their children to W.A.D.A. Though, on the other hand, since you have to apply and audition to be a student, most muggleborns never hear about us until they've already started at another school."
"So you don't get many of them either" Harry said.
"Not really. which, I guess is a bit unfair. Though, blood purity is just not an issue at W.A.D.A. From what Blaise has told me about what happens at Hogwarts, I guess that's a good thing."
"Yeah" Harry agreed. "Lots of Quidditch and no Draco Malfoys. I wish I had some sort of artistic talent."
"Hey, Hogwarts is still an amazing school. I mean, there's so much history, and magic. What was it like when you first saw the castle?"
"It was so well, amazing" Harry said. "I'd really, really never seen anything like it before."
Harry continued talking about Hogwarts. At times he worried that he may be rambling on, but Camille seemed enthralled by everything he had to say.
After dinner, couples started to trickle onto the dance floor, and Harry wondered if now would be the best time to ask Camille for a dance. As he was wondering about the timing though, Ginny and Dean, and then Blaise and Xanthe left for the dance floor. Camille then asked Harry for a dance, and he was only too happy to accept.
:Later:
Theo and Hermione were the last to leave their table and head off to the dance floor. They had sat talking for so long that Theo had barely noticed their friends get up. Now though, there was a lull in the conversation; should he ask Hermione to dance now? He didn't want to rush things, what if she wasn't ready?
"Soooo..." Hermione said, beginning to blush a little "shall we erm, ah, want to dance?"
Oh crap, things are awkward again Theo thought. He tried to keep his voice as calm as possible as he accepted. For some reason, he found himself hesitating as he took her hand.
Come on Theo he thought, you're not being too forward; you were holding hands with her before. Stop over thinking it; that's what's making it awkward now.
Theo smiled as he firmly held Hermione's hand closer to his chest. She smiled back.
They made their way to the dance floor, and Theo was determined that tonight, he would tell her how he felt.
:Meanwhile:
Lilith was sitting at a table near the dance floor with Tracy, watching Greg dance with Eugenie. She was so tiny compared to him; it would have been funny if Lilith didn't know they were being forced together.
"Sorry Lil" Tracy said. "I just don't get it."
"Get what?" Lilith asked.
"What's so special about Gregory Goyle" Tracy said.
"What do you mean?" Lilith asked. "His a good friend."
"Yeah, but you're looking at him as if you wish you were Eugenie."
"Well... is there anything really wrong with that? I mean, apart from the fact that it could never happen."
"Well, I guess there is nothing wrong with it" Tracy said. "It's just, if you want to get all worked up over someone that you can never be with, why Greg? He doesn't seem like he's worth the risk."
"Risk?"
"Well Lil, I didn't really want to worry you, but some of the other girls don't like the fact that there is obviously something going on between you and Greg."
"There isn't really anything between us. It's just... I think we'd both like it if there was, but we know it can't happen."
"I understand. But still; why Greg? He's like, the least appealing guy in Slytherin."
"More unappealing than Zabini or Nott?" Lilith asked.
"I mean in matters apart from blood status" Tracy said. "Like, just pure sex appeal. I mean, to us, liking Nott or Zabini would be almost as bad as liking a boy from our own side who was above us. Pansy would be pretty pissed off either way. And of course there are so many other guys on our side; Brad, Guy, Draco before his accident... why Greg?"
"Why Vince?" Lilith asked her friend. "He is just as lacking in 'sex appeal' as Greg, and he is also quite cruel at times. Why do you want to be with him so badly?"
"Because he's a realistic option" Tracy said. "Not only is it highly likely that we will be together - as long as he doesn't get a better girl on his own - but being with him would mean that my children will well, they wouldn't be purebloods, but, they'll still be considered acceptable. Having Vince as a father will really help any children I'll have."
"As long as he doesn't treat helpless children the same was he treats helpless animals" Lilith said.
"Well he's the best pureblood I'm going to get!" Tracy said. "My father was a mudblood and my mother is a squib. Boys like Brad or Guy aren't interested; I'm not pretty enough for them to overlook my heritage. And if they were, their parents would never allow it."
"Not pretty enough for boys to overlook my heritage?" Lilith asked.
"Not you in particular" Tracy said. "Though, if you were more like those erm, slutty half-bloods you probably could."
"My mother is an unrepentant blood-traitor and my father is a muggle" Lilith said. "It doesn't matter what I look like."
"Sorry I said anything" Tracy said. "But Lil, if you could have any boy in the school; pureblood, mudblood, any house even... who would you choose? And remember, it doesn't matter if they'd choose you too; even boys who have girlfriends or wouldn't look at a half-blood. Who would you want?"
"Greg Goyle" Lilith said, shooting a glance at Greg as the song ended and he and Eugenie started walking off the dance floor.
"I know you have a little thing for him" Tracy said "but I mean like, if you could choose anyone!"
"I'd choose Greg" Lilith said. "He may seem dull and stupid, but he isn't. There is so much more than meets the eye, and he's just a wonderful person. He's also one of the few people I know who really accepts me. He well... he really doesn't seem to care that I'm a half-blood. I... I think I love him Tracy."
"Wow, really?" Tracy asked. "I guess... that's good. Shame about Eugenie though; maybe if she wasn't around there well, would be a chance for you two."
"I'm pretty sure Mr. and Mrs. Goyle would have found someone else to match Greg up with" Lilith said with a bitter chuckle. "Hey, maybe you would be betrothed to him."
"I think I'd like that better than being betrothed to Vince to be honest" Tracy admitted. "Oh, don't worry; I can't realistically have him, and if I could choose anyone, he'd still be at the bottom of the list."
"Who'd be at the top?" Lilith asked. "If you could have any boy in the school, regardless of blood-status or house, or if they were already taken. Who?"
"Ermm..." Tracy said, going bright red. She was saved from having to answer however by Greg and Eugenie approaching. Greg had a smile on his face, while Eugenie had such a bratty pouty face that for a second Lilith thought she looked nine rather than twelve. Lilith felt herself cringe; she had long ago embraced pureblood culture as being better than muggle culture, but even so, there were some things they did that made her reconsider. After all, Greg was pretty much a man, whilst Eugenie was still a little girl.
Greg was a decent young man, but after all Lilith had gone through at the hands of those filthy muggles, she could imagine Greg being older and more lustful. And having a completely different face of course.
"Hello girls" Greg said as they approached. "Hey Lilith, I was wondering if you wanted that dance I promised you yet?"
"Sure" Lilith said, ignoring the worried look on Tracy's face. "As long as that's okay with you Eugenie."
"Go ahead" Eugenie said, her voice full of spite. Lilith just smiled at Eugenie, determined to put the young girl at ease. Greg held his arm out, and she took it. together they walked to the dance floor, and Lilith felt like she had butterflies in her stomach - except it was a good feeling.
A new song started. Greg seemed to have no idea how to dance, but neither did Lilith. It was just fun being together and moving. Then the next song came on, and it was one of Lilith's favourite songs.
"I love this song" she said.
"One more dance?" Greg said. "I don't think Eugenie would mind."
"Oh, alright."
They danced throughout another song. And then another. The next song to come on was a slow one, and Lilith found herself moving even closer to Greg as they slowly swayed around.
"Lil" Greg said "I need to tell you something."
"What is it?" Lilith asked. Greg then moved his face even closer to her, and she had a very good idea what he was about to say.
"No Greg" she said, pulling away from him. "We can't."
"I could talk to my parents" Greg said."They'll see you're a good half-blood... and they wouldn't have to wait until you've grown up for us to get engaged. And even if we never get married... we're sixteen. I just... I love you Lilith."
Lilith let go of Greg's hands, and slowly backed away.
"Lil?"
"I love you too Greg" she said, feeling tears streaming down her face. "But even if your parents didn't mind... our friends would. I'm sorry."
"But Lil -"
"I'm sorry Greg" she said. "For everything."
Lilith turned and ran away, wiping the tears from her eyes. She left the dance floor, but didn't return to her table. Instead she left the Great Hall, sat down at the base of the staircase in the Entrance Hall, and started crying.
She wasn't sure how long she sat there, but eventually she heard people approaching. She looked up, and saw Vince, Pansy, Daphne, Harper and Deschamps standing over her. They all had their arms folded and their expressions were stern. Had Tracy been right; were they really that angry with her? But they had been her friends for years; surely they would understand.
Lilith got up, and tried to smile.
Vince grabbed her by the collar and threw her back down.
"Don't you dare smirk at me you bitch!" Vince said. "Not after what you just did to my sister!"
"I didn't do anything to your sister!" Lilith said.
"She's so excited about having a boyfriend, even if it is Greg" Vince said. "Until she decides otherwise, no half-blood is going to ruin her relationship!"
"Relationship?" Lilith said, trying to get up. "She's twelve, his almost seventeen. And they're first cousins!"
Lilith was pushed to the ground again, and saw Daphne pointing her wand at her.
"So now you're going to judge our customs?" Daphne said. "Do you honestly think your father's filthy muggle customs are better than ours? I thought you were on our side, Moon!"
"I am on your side!" Lilith said. "But I love Greg, and I can't help that!"
"So what you're saying is that you can't control yourself?" Pansy said. "That's no surprise; it looked like you were going to fuck him right there on the dance floor. What a little muggle animal you are."
"I'm not a muggle!" Lilith cried. "Vince, I'm not going to take Greg from Eugenie. I know my place!"
Vince's face remained expressionless as he kicked her in the side. Lilith felt like all the wind was kicked out of her, and after struggling to catch her breath again, all she could do was cry.
What were they going to do to her?
"You don't know your place" Vince said. "If you did you would never have tried to drag down the Quidditch team, and you wouldn't try to seduce a pureblood."
"I didn't mean to" Lilith cried. Vince kicked her again. And then again before she could even catch her breath. And then again.
"You've crossed the line this time Moon" Daphne said, fighting back tears. "I guess we shouldn't have expected better... but I did you know. Even though you're a useless half-blood!"
"Yeah" Harper said. "Why don't we take her back to the Common Room and show her what happens to half-bloods that aim too high."
"Yeah" Vince said, picking Lilith up by the shoulders. She was always painfully aware of how tiny she was, but had never considered just how tiny she was compared to Vince. "Well Moon, there is one thing you can do right I bet. I think I might give you a bit of pureblood cock since you want it so much!"
"Um, Vince" Daphne said "that's a bit too far - "
"She's just a half-blood honey" Harper said. "Don't worry about it. She'll thank us for the privilege."
You're a witch not a Muggle! Lilith thought, reaching for her wand. She was a witch; she was not defenceless!
"Expelliarmus" Pansy said, sealing Lilith's fate with a voice as cold as the frozen Black Lake. Once Pansy had Lilith's wand, she snapped it over her knee just as dispassionately. "If you're more muggle than witch, you won't be needing this."
"No Pansy. No Vince. NOOOOO!"
"Put her down NOW!"
Her attackers froze. Lilith strained to see over Vince's shoulder, wondering who the heavily accented man who had come to her rescue was.
"It's the muggle" Deschamps said.
"Zabini" Pansy sneered.
Any hope Lilith may have had vanished when she caught sight of the little muggle that had joined them in the Entrance Hall. He had a fire in his eyes, but what good was a stupid muggle against five wands?
"What are you doing out here muggle" Vince said.
"I came out for a smoke" Zabini said. "But now I'm here to help the girl. Put her down."
"Fuck off you.. you... muggle!" Daphne said.
Instead of fucking off, Zabini begun walking towards them.
"That's no language for a young lady" Zabini said before pointing at Vince. "Now you, grassone, let her go."
Vince did let Lilith go; then he turned his wand onto Zabini.
"Your son calls me that" Vince said. "I don't like it when he insults me, and I sure as hell aren't going to let a muggle insult me!"
"Not going to let me?" Zabini said. "And how are you going to stop me?"
"We're armed you idiot!" Harper said, pointing his wand at Zabini. Deschamps and Daphne also pulled their wands out, but Pansy kept hers pointed at Lilith.
"You have wands" Zabini said, continuing to move closer. "Good for you; but I wouldn't be scared of little ruffiani like you lot even if you were the spawn of Satan. Now let the girl go."
Daphne was shaking. Lilith couldn't figure out why; she was good at hexes and she wasn't queasy about hurting people.
However she wasn't a killer.
"They're going to kill you!" Lilith shouted at the short muggle. "Get out of here!"
Pansy slapped her across the face, however if Mr. Zabini was afraid, he didn't show it.
"Kill me?" He said. "What, have you all forgotten where you are? You're in a magic castle where the paintings on the wall talk!"
He gestured around the hall, and now Lilith noticed all the paintings that were looking on in disgust. Famous witches and wizards, sentient beasts, knights, nuns, dancers, a fat lady... so many witnesses.
Now Mr. Zabini was standing right in front of the group with his arms crossed. Lilith's 'friends' looked more unsure of themselves now. Maybe nothing bad would happen tonight after all.
:Meanwhile:
Hermione and Theo had stopped dancing, and had found a little table in the corner to sit down at and enjoy a butterbeer and milkshake. Behind them was a large painting of the Eiffel Tower - nearby were paintings of other famous landmarks; the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Great Pyramids of Gaza, and Uluru were the closest ones Hermione could see.
She had decided to tell Theo how she felt. Right now.
But getting the words out was tricky; especially since he seemed to have something big on his mind as well.
What if he isn't interested in you in that way? What if you ruin your friendship with him?
Come on Hermione, he probably does like you too. Yeah, he must feel something special for you.
What if he doesn't?
"Theo, can I ask you something?" Hermione said.
"Sure, sure" Theo said. "What do you want to ask?"
"It's just well, about times when we're together like this. It's well, I like it, but umm, I wonder - "
"HERMIONE! THEO! Thank god I found you!"
"DAVE!" Hermione shouted as she turned and saw the rock star looking down at them from the Eiffel Tower painting. She felt so angry at the poster that she couldn't think of anything else to say - but at the same time, she did feel a bit relieved. What if she had stuffed up or Theo turned her down?
"Dave you had better -" Theo started.
"Blaise's dad's in trouble!" Dave said. "Those Pure-Freaks have ganged up on him!"
"Where?" Theo asked.
"He's alright for now, and just in the Entrance Hall" Dave said.
"Thanks Dave" Hermione said. "Theo, there's Blaise and Xanthe over there. Get them and go; I'll find a teacher."
"Alright" Theo said. "Dave, go keep an eye on things."
"Sure, now hurry!" Dave said, before disappearing into the painted Parisian night.
Well everyone, I guess I'll see you all next year...
JUST KIDDING. The next chapter is nearly done, and I'll have that up before I go back on hiatus. I'm not that evil.