A/N: I'm happy for every feedback and constructive criticism but I will not respect straight out hate or trolls in the comments.
DON'T LIKE DON'T READ! This is an M/M story with mentions of infidelity, violence and abuse (all of which I don't condone).
Thank you for all the reviews, follows and faves!
randomplotbunny: It keeps you all in suspense as well ;) Where do you want them to live?
thephoenixandthedragon4ever: Yeah that was fun writing :D I know that one and I really like it as well :)
Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling - I just played a bit in her universe.
Thanks to miu-sama95 for prereading, betaing and helping with the storyline ;)
Chapter 15: Victor's Banquet
Words: 3341
'Harry! We need to leave! NOW!'
'I'm coming!' Came the sullen voice of the teen just as he skidded to a halt in the living room. 'I just don't understand why I have to go.'
'We talked about this, son. You won the competition, so they want to celebrate you and thus are throwing a ball in your honor.' Severus explained again patiently while straightening out his son's tie and robes.
Harry was wearing his formal robes as he had done at the Yule ball just instead of the white shirt this time it was a deep burgundy red.
'So, better. Did you talk to Ronald?'
'Yes, I sent him a letter via Dobby. He's okay with it but a bit apprehensive about it as well.'
'You will be okay. Both of you. The summer holidays start in a few days and by the time you come back your relationship will be old news. Now let's get up there and show them who you are.'
Harry snickered at his father's attempt at a pep talk. Although he did feel less nervous all of a sudden.
Together father and son left for the Great Hall, this time both of them taking the secret passageway to the library to avoid the people in the Entrance Hall.
When they reached the last flight of stairs, the Potions Master steered right to get to the teacher's entrance, so he could watch his son's entrance.
Harry slowly descended the stairs, looking for Ron. He saw that the doors were already closed and only a few people were left outside. Viktor and Hermione had apparently decided to attend together although they had agreed not to pursue their relationship. Fleur was standing with a Ravenclaw seventh year Harry didn't know and right at the bottom of the stairs was Ron.
Just seeing his boyfriend made Harry smile. He looked dashing and a lot better than at the Yule ball since Harry had insisted on buying him new dress robes as a Christmas present. They were matching now although Ron's shirt was a nice deep green that complemented his red hair perfectly. When Harry finally reached Ron he was drawn into the arms of his boyfriend for a hug and a chaste kiss.
'You look great, Harry.' Ron whispered against Harry's lips.
'You don't look so bad yourself.'
'Oi!' the redhead just started to complain when he noticed the smirk on Harry's face and they both burst out laughing.
'Mister Weasley, you need to get into the Hall! Mister Potter, where is your date?' Professor McGonagall interrupted their moment when she came over to see what was happening.
'Professor, may I introduce you to my boyfriend, Ronald Weasley.' Harry stated formally while putting an arm around his boyfriend's middle.
Both of the boys had a really hard time to not burst out laughing at the shocked look in their Head of House's face.
'You… he… when?' she finally got out.
'Since Christmas. We kept it low key because of everything but decided we wanted to show everyone tonight.' Ron explained.
It took Minerva a few minutes to get her composure back and then she told them to step in line behind Viktor and Fleur and that they should wait a few paces before following them into the Hall.
After giving her instructions she left them alone, still a bit shocked at the revelations.
Harry and Ron got in line after deciding who would lead. Just as they got in place, the music started up and a few seconds later the doors opened to reveal the Great Hall.
A few things happened at once; all chatter ceased and all eyes turned at once to the entering champions.
When Fleur entered the hall on the arm of her partner the masses broke out in polite applause but when a pace behind her Viktor led Hermione into the Hall, they started clapping a lot more vigorously.
Three paces after that Harry and Ron walked into the hall and one could have heard a pin drop on the floor the silence was so instant. Even the orchestra stopped playing mid-song. After a few moments the shocked people started applauding tentatively again until the twins jumped on a table and started cheering loudly.
'Way to go, Harry!' screamed one twin while the other complimented his biological brother.
'Looking good, Ronniekins!'
Harry and Ron grinned at their brothers while the Gryffindors were finally broken out of their stupor and did everything in their power to live up to their name, making as much noise as possible.
When all of the champions had taken their place on the dance floor, Professor Flitwick turned back to the orchestra and conducted them to start the opening waltz.
The two Gryffs started dancing, both of them having a much more easier and pleasurable time than at the Yule ball. While Ron had always been a good dancer he had been distracted and was not used to dancing with any other girl than his sister.
Harry was feeling a lot more comfortable being led than leading, so he too was dancing a lot better.
While they twirled around the floor Ron murmured in Harry's ear.
'What do you think shocked them more? Us together or me leading?'
'I'm not so sure if they registered that we are together.' Harry smirked. 'Most surely think that we are here as friends.'
'Want to give them a show?'
'Thought you'd never ask.'
Ron stopped them in the very center of the dance floor and lowered his head while Harry'S tilted upwards and their lips met. The kiss sent shivers down Harry's back and he gasped against his boyfriend's mouth. The redhead used this to explore his mouth from the inside.
Hidden away in a dark corner stood Severus, his facial expression unreadable. Part of him was very amused at the crowd's reaction, while another part of him wanted to stride over there and rip the youngest male Weasley off of his son. How dared he kiss his only son in such an intimate way? Although he had to admit that the boys had been together for half a year already so kissing was normal - especially since they were hormonal teenagers.
Severus was pulled out of his musing when the headmaster stepped up on the dais and cleared his throat.
The teens had been obviously not noticed the music stopping and were still lip-locked. Both of them blushed deeply when they broke apart and realized all eyes were on them.
'Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the Triwizard Tournament's Victor banquet!' Dumbledore's voice boomed through the Great Hall. With his trademark twinkle he continued. 'I hope you all enjoyed the opening waltz that was danced by our three remaining champions.'
Many guests chuckled lightly while Harry and Ron looked rather smug and not at all ashamed about their display.
'Now to the order of today's celebrations! The elves will serve us a feast in just a few minutes and afterwards we will honor the champions and award the victor. So I suggest you all take your seats at your designated tables. A simple point-me spell will do the trick. Champions with you dates - come to me please!'
After his announcements the headmaster stepped away from the lectern and walked a few steps forward where the three couples were waiting for him. The Great Hall was full of the movement and whispered locations spells of the guests while the old wizard led the champions to a big round table with 12 chairs.
They all spotted their names along with their date's and sat down to wait for their other table companions.
It didn't take long until Madame Maxime, Headmaster Karkaroff, the Minister, Mister Bagman and Percy Weasley (filling in for Crouch) reached the table and took their seats.
As soon as the last person in the hall sat down, the first course appeared in front of everybody. Conversation at the table was rather forced and uncomfortable but Harry and Ron were lucky enough to be seated between Hermione and Fleur, so they were at least safe from their neighbours.
During dinner Harry had a nice talk with Fleur and she invited him, Ron and his family to her home in France. Ron had placed a hand possessively on his thigh and was in a deep discussion with Viktor and Hermione - surprisingly - about the methods used to manufacture brooms, specifically the Firebolt.
All of them ignored the inquisitive glances of the adults and chose not to engage in conversation with them.
After over two hours their seven course meal was finally finished and this time Fudge, Bagman and Percy stepped up onto the dais for the presentation ceremony.
'May I have your attention please!' Bagman's voice boomed through the hall with the help of a sonorous. 'The time has come to officially present the Triwizard Cup to the winner of the games.'
This got even the last person's attention and a few chairs could be heard scraping across the floor as people turned to get a good look at the ceremony.
'We now ask the three remaining champions to join us on the stage.' Bagman was apparently going to do all the talking while Fudge and Percy would be giving out the prizes.
Viktor, Fleur and Harry got up and moved to the stage, stopping next to the Ministry officials.
'Great. Now in third place: from Beauxbatons the lovely Miss Fleur Delacour!' Ludo announced and everybody started clapping while the witch stepped forward to receive a bunch of flowers and a pouch that contained 300 galleons.
'In second place: from Durmstrang we have Mister Viktor Krum!'
The applause was a lot more enthusiastic, especially from all the quidditch fans, while Viktor walked forward to stand next to Fleur. He received a silver present (instead of flowers) and a pouch with 500 galleons.
'And now in first place - the winner of the Triwizard Tournament: Hogwarts very own Mister Harry Potter!' Bagman announced with a flourish and the crowd went wild.
Harry just stood there, not making a move to join the others. He just watched the three men from the ministry with a derogative look on his face. When people started noticing this they slowly quieted down and waited with bated breath to see what would happen now.
When it was finally quiet and all the attention was on him, Harry spoke with a clear voice that carried to every corner of the Great Hall without a sonorous charm.
'I believe I made myself clear at the press conference? I will not accept any of this if you refuse to award Cedric as victor as well.'
While the guests broke out in murmurs, gossiping with each other, Harry's eyes had been searching the hall and now zeroed in on one man.
'Mister Diggory, would you please join me? Please allow me to accept the Cup with you together in your son's name.'
After a few seconds Amos nodded and moved towards Harry on the stage. Together they stepped up next to Viktor and Fleur and the Minister had no choice but to hand them the Cup. He was mumbling protests under his breath the whole time but Harry and Amos simply ignored the idiots. Percy stepped forward and held out the pouch with 1 000 galleons for them to take. After sharing a look the older of the two took it, they would be talking about the money later on.
Together they heaved the Cup up into the air for everyone to see while Bagman's voice boomed through the hall again.
'Ladies and Gents! I present to you the victors of the Triwizard Tournament! Hogwarts very own Cedric Diggory and Harry Potter!'
The crowd broke out in deafening applause and the Hogwarts students went wild. They whistled, screamed and hooted while climbing the tables and stomping their feet. Even the Slytherins joined the fun for once.
After ten minutes of noise with no end in sight, the headmaster stepped up to the dais and cast a loud boom into the sky while screaming.
'SILENCE!'
Immediately all noise ceased and everyone was watching the old wizard.
'Thank you.' he said in a much more moderate voice. 'Now I, as headmaster would like to say it has been a pleasure to host the other schools for the year and I am sure many of the students have made new friends. The orchestra will continue with their music now, so you can all enjoy the evening together. Have fun but those who still have exams tomorrow don't forget to head to bed at a reasonable time!'
At Dumbledore's signal Professor Flitwick raised his hands to instruct the musicians but before he could do anything there was an explosion outside the Great Hall.
After a moment the doors to the hall burst open and the Weasley Twins flew in on their brooms, shooting colorful sparks from their wands. While the students started cheering, knowing the two, some of the guests stared horrified at them or even screamed. One redheaded woman looked ready to start lecturing her son's when her husband laid a calming hand on her shoulder, stopping her from screaming through the Great Hall.
'Ladies…'
'And Gents!' the twins started in their typical twin speak.
'In honor of our little brother's victory…'
'And our brothers coming out to everyone…'
'We present to you…'
'Weasley Wizard Wheezes!' they called together.
The students broke out in applause again while the twins showed some stunts on their brooms before once again hovering in the middle of the Great Hall.
'May we ask you to…' on twin continued.
'Join us outside…'
'For a little demonstration?'
After sending another few sparks and booms they flew outside into the courtyard. The students ran outside while the adults followed at a more sedated pace, still wary and Arthur Weasley had his hands full, trying to keep his wife from blowing up in fury.
Harry and Ron grinned at each other and followed the students outside with Hermione, Viktor and Fleur following closely behind.
Just as they reached the entrance doors wizard's music started playing somewhere and the show began. There was what muggles would call a laser show and illusions mixed in with prank products being demonstrated and after half an hour of constant laughter and amazement the twins decided to launch their finale.
'And now for the grand finale!' Fred announced while George landed in front of his younger brothers. He got Harry's broom out of his pocket and enlarged it to get them to join him and Fred in the sky.
'This is for you guys. The view is better from the sky so come on up.' George told them quietly before flying off to his twin again.
'In honor of our two Hogwarts champions Cedric and Harry!...'
'And in honor of officially welcoming our youngest brother to the family!' the twins exclaimed before setting off an enormous firework. It was even more magnificent from Harry and Ron's perch in the sky.
Everyone was oohing and aahing and applauding but when the last set of fireworks displayed the words "Hogwarts' Victors: Cedric & Harry - Congrats!" the crowd went wild again.
It took a good quarter hour to herd the guests back into the Great Hall again while the first and second years were sent off to bed.
Harry and Ron enjoyed the moment of peace in the sky before joining the festivities again. It had not escaped their notice, that a red faced Molly had carted the twins off by their ears the moment they had landed to somewhere inside for "words". They would probably have a smarting backside when the came back.
'Would you like to dance, Harry?' Ron's question pulled him back to reality and he happily agreed and let himself be pulled onto the dance floor.
'This is an amazing night, Ron. Thank you for coming with me.'
Ron bent down and stole a kiss from his boyfriend before answering.
'Yes it is and you are welcome. Especially since I can now do this without pulling you somewhere hidden first.'
'Do what?' Harry asked innocently.
'This.' Without a pause the taller wizard captured his love's lips in a searing kiss. They only noticed they had stopped moving when another couple bumped into them on the dance floor. Quickly they fled the area to find a quiet corner but no such luck.
Before they could get far Amos Diggory stepped into their path. His eyes were red and Harry could easily tell he had been crying.
'Mister Potter. Before you… sneak out we still have something to discuss.' he said before turning to Ron and addressing him as well. 'Mister Weasley congratulations on your relationship. Could you do me a favor and thank your brothers for their display? It lightened the darkness in my heart at least for a bit.'
'Sure, Mr. Diggory. I'll leave you two to it.' Ron said and after a quick kiss he went in search of his yearmates.
'I do not need the money, Mr. Diggory. I'd like for you to have it. For Cedric.'
'Please call me Amos. After what you did today, you earned it.'
'Then I'm Harry.' the teen said with a small smile.
'Alright, Harry. Please take the money. I can't bear to take it after all it is the reason that my son is dead. This is blood money and I'll have nothing to do with that.' declared Amos vehemently.
'I insist you take it! If he hadn't helped me I would have never reached the Cup at all. I have more than enough money on my own.'
'I refuse, Harry. I just… can't.' Mister Diggory was near tears again and had to take a few deep breaths to calm his emotions.
Seeing this, Harry thought about what they could do with the money. He would love to be able to do something good or help someone… Slowly a mischievous grin spread across Harry's face, catching the attention of not only the wizard across from him but also his father's.
'How would you feel about investing the money in a new start up company? I know these two genius wizards who could do with a bit of funding.'
Catching onto the meaning behind Harry's words, Amos flashed him a small smile and stuck out his hand to seal the deal.
'Great idea, Mister Potter.'
'Thank you. I will see to it, that they get the money.' the teen promised after shaking the offered hand.
Mr. Diggory gave Harry the pouch full of gold and shortly thereafter went home, the wounds of losing his son were still too fresh to enjoy the celebrations.
Harry and Ron danced the night away, always together, exchanging kisses and endearments before sneaking up to the dorms earlier than any of their roommates. They thought no one noticed but of course nothing escaped the Potions Master's ever so observant eyes.
Usually Severus would have left the party as soon as possible but tonight he stayed. Hidden in the shadows he observed his son being completely carefree with his love for his boyfriend.
It amused him greatly when the two lovesick boys sneaked right past him without noticing that he was there.
At least now he could turn in as well, knowing that his son would be staying safe in the Gryffindor tower for tonight.
Severus swept out of the Great Hall and down into the dungeons, hoping to catch his husband on the mirror before catching a good night's sleep.
Tomorrow were the practical potions exams for the OWLs and NEWTs. He just hoped that the imbeciles were not partying until the break of dawn instead of getting enough rest for the exams tomorrow.
At least he would be rid of all these dunderheads for the whole summer afterwards.
With a loud bang the doors to the Potions Master's chambers shut and he found himself face to face with his husband. The night had just gotten a lot better.
TBC
Do you want them to live in the manor or the castle? Tell me because I haven't decided yet and I forgot to ask you last week but there is still enough time :)
First posted on: 11. June 2017
Next update planned: 18. June 2017