~Of Silver and Gold~

Chapter 40: Tips and Invitations

Entering his dorms, he basically floated in, as if he was showing just how happy he was. Everything had worked out, and Harry felt like for once there was something good coming his way. Sighing in relief, he closed the door behind him only to be surprised by the scene. He seemed that he wasn't the only one who had a good time. Neville was basically dancing around, his shoes around his neck and he was simply barefoot dancing around.

"Neville?" he called out confused.

Neville looked up at him and smiled brightly. There was no embarrassment in his frame at being caught, instead his pudgy friend looked relieved to find someone who was also happy.

"The Ball was smashing Harry, absolutely smashing!"

Harry nodded happily, glad that he wasn't the only one that had such a good day and he patted him on the back.

"Good for you Neville"

Neville smiled back.

"So have a good time with Parvati?"

Harry looked at Neville confused for a second, and soon he immediately remembered who he was supposed to be going out with.

"O-oh yeah!" he said rubbing the back of his neck.

Neville gave him a look that Harry had never seen. He sighed and plopped on the bed beside him.

"I'm not stupid" he murmured.

"What?"

"Harry I know you….I'm not Ron..I'm not judging you" he said. "But I saw Parvati dancing out there with a Bulgarian guy…where were you Harry?"

Harry was shocked that Neville was so insightful, and not only that, but he showed himself to be a true and loyal friend. Somehow he felt that he had insulted Neville in the way that he was belittling his deduction skills.

"You know…I saw you with a girl..she looked a lot like…but I don't think that's right" he heard Neville add.

Whipping his gaze towards him, he looked shocked.

"Who?" he said.

"You know who I'm talking about" Neville said putting his dancing shoes under his bed, his mind not leaving the conversation.

"Look Angel and I would like to keep it a secret and-"

"Angel? Wait... Angel as in Angel Malfoy?" Neville said wide-eyed.

Harry copied his look and wondered if he messed up.

"Who did you think I was spending time with?!" Harry exclaimed.

"Hermione!" Neville said.

He ran his fingers through his hair and soon Neville felt his suit to be too constrictive and tugged his tie more trying to breathe. Both of them seemingly didn't know how to react.

"Merlin are you two dating?!" Neville whispered out shocked.

"Shh!" Harry said red faced. He looked around nervously but noticed that no one had shifted in their beds.

'Merlin I'm an idiot' he thought.

Silence loomed over them and both avoided eye contact. Harry felt like the walls were beginning to close in and looked around nervously. He had messed up, he had gotten fooled by Neville, Neville! He wanted to slap himself at his idiocy.

Neville on the other hand could not really think clearly. He didn't want to be judgmental but he wanted him to know that he did care. Harry was a good chap, he helped save them many times over and he felt that he owed him something. Looking curiously at Harry, he noticed how nervous he looked and he knew he should try.

"I...is she nice?" Neville asked.

Harry lifted his gaze and shrugged.

"Most of the time" he replied after a while.

"Then why are you with her?"

"Well..um I...she...she's worth it." Harry began. "I kind of love her" he replied embarrassed.

'Now I was not expecting that' Neville thought wide eyed.

Silence loomed over them once more. Neville looked at Harry and saw him gripping his hear holding on for dear life, trying not to pull it out. He wasn't expecting such honesty from Harry, but after the shock, something in him calmed him down and he smiled placing a hand tentatively on Harry's shoulder.

"That's great then" he said softy.

Harry looked up and was surprised to see Neville trying to actually deal with it. But Neville just smiled reassuringly, like Harry, he had a hard time imagining what I'd be like to be in love, but Harry had it, and while Neville felt a bit jealous, he was glad Harry was lucky enough to find love.

"I won't tell a soul" he said and walked towards his side of the room to get a towel and walked towards the common bathroom.

"You won't?" Harry asked.

Neville froze for a sec and turned to face Harry once more.

"Won't what?" Neville said.

Harry smiled widely and Neville shared a small smile back and closed the door. The door soon opened to reveal Ron now in his pajamas and looking as grumpy as ever. Harry didn't say anything and simply began to change into his pajamas as well.

He didn't want Ron to start ranting about how he had reacted around with Hermione and his date being terrible. Personally, Harry felt a little bad about Parvati, but he wouldn't change the night for one bit.

"Stupid Hermione, bloody traitor" Ron muttered.

Harry said nothing and climbed into his bed and turned off the light beside him. Ron said nothing but kept muttering to himself while Harry pretended to sleep. Soon enough, he no longer had to pretend and fell into deep slumber.

Afternoon…

"Hoot.."

Angel was in deep sleep as she heard a soft hoot. She murmured unintelligibly and curled up more on her borrowed bed. The chilly wind was felt through her room and for this reason, all that people would be able to see would be the top of her head.

"Hoot" she heard once more.

"Coeur" she groaned lazily. "Get Fortis to get out of my room"

Coeur mewed softly and nudged her mistress trying to get her to wake up. Angel was growing annoyed and got up glaring at her cat. Her vision was blurry at first, and instead of seeing the giant owl, she saw a beautiful white barn owl.

"Hoot!" it said flapping her wings.

Angel got up and walked over towards the bird. She ran her fingers softly through the soft white feathers and the owl cooed.

"Hey Hedwig, sorry I look a terrible mess" she said softly.

Hedwig shook her head as if she was softly reprimanded her for her comment and stuck her talons out to give her the scroll. Angel thanked her softly and took it, and began to read the scroll.

Good Morning!,

I just couldn't stop myself from writing you a little something.

Last night was one of the greatest, and I just want

to wish you a great day. If you have free time,

will you be willing to spend some time

with me? 2:30 at the Quidditch pitch? I got something to tell you

Love,

H.J.P

She smiled softly and hugged the scroll like a fool that she was. She scrolled the scroll once more and blushed softly as Hedwig teased her as she hooted as if she was laughing.

"You bad owl" she said softly.

Hedwig cooed and Angel smiled picking up a piece of parchment paper and wrote a quick reply.

I'd love to! I'll see you there!

Love,

A

She tied it closed with a tiny blue ribbon and handed it to Hedwig.

"Give it to him and only him okay girl?" she said softly.

Hedwig cooed and flew off towards her master. Looking at the clock, she saw that it was 1 o' clock. She luckily had no classes, but knowing how long it would take her to get a stall in the common bathroom, she grabbed her towel and caddy shack and ran into the shower to get ready.

Once she got out, she returned to her room and got ready. She slipped on a pair of pants for the chilly weather and a long-sleeved blue shirt, and magically dried her hair. She placed a warm hat on and ran out of the door with a small purse. She hated being so anxious to see him, but it made her uncomfortable that she was so eager.

She slowed down and walked slower, acting more casual, after all she was not needy, at least that's what Pansy told her. Girls were never eager, boys were. She took the free time to think about all the things that Pansy had spent teaching her.

She chuckled a bit.

Flashback…

Angel was expecting to be able to really sleep in, but that wasn't the case especially when Pansy was reading Witches Monthly, a girl magazine that Pansy had said gave her all the knowledge as to how a girl should act to be a good girlfriend.

Angel blamed herself really for this torture because when she asked 'How exactly am I suppose to act. I don't want to mess up', Pansy looked at her incredulously and immediately brought out the stacks of magazines.

It had ranged from:

"Wear a color that accentuates your eyes it makes him notice you more"

To:

"Lipgloss is the magical seducer that makes your lips irresistible."

And her favorite that actually made her snort in amusement:

"Glamours are a must when sick, they cannot see your imperfection"

Currently Pansy was reading the "500 Rules to Keep your Wizard"

"Rule 301: You never rush to be on time, make him wait for you. The longer you are absent the more he'll want you because it shows you aren't as invested as they are. It'll be like a toy they can't have!"

Pansy raised her head and smiled.

"See! I'm telling you, Potter will want you more if you are nonchalant about it and –AGH!"

Laughter was heard as Pansy had rolled out of her bed and slammed on the ground from the pillow attack. Pansy lifted her head and glared at Angel who was still having her giggle fit. Pansy threw a pillow back to Angel and still didn't hide her giggles.

"You brat" she glared.

"Come on Pans, I don't want to…do these even work?" she asked pouting.

Pansy wiggled her finger and smiled widely. In her pajama glory she still managed to hold an are of elegance and femininity. She was currently wearing a light pink thing nightdress, with thing spaghetti straps and little fluffs all around and her hair in two braids with pink bows at the bottom she looked ridiculously feminine.

Angel on the other hand was wearing a pair of frilly shorts and a matching blue top and her hair up in a messy ponytail. It wasn't the most ideal look for her and if anyone saw her she's obliviate them in an instant but it wasn't her pajamas they were Pansy's.

"All of these work, or else Draco would still be chasing skirts, but now he's only chasing mine" she said smirking.

Angel made a face of disgust and Pansy laughed.

"Agh you guys are disgusting" she grumbled.

Pansy simply continued to giggle in amusement at her friend.

"Just trust me it'll work! When have I steered you wrong?" Pansy cooed.

Angel rolled her eyes.

"Are you done? So I can sleep?"

"No silly! 199 to go!"

All that Angel replied with was a whine.

End Flashback

Reaching the Qudditch pitch, she realized she was ten minutes early. She didn't care if she was early, nor did she listen to Pansy's advice, because despite the fact that she was early, Harry had just broken Pansy's rule. He was there before her.

She walked quickly towards him and when he noticed her, a wide grin appeared on his face that made her heart beat faster. As she reached him, they didn't really know how to greet one another, so he simply took the dive and grabbed her hands softly.

"Hey" she whispered.

"Hi" he replied.

He kissed her forehead and she smiled closing her eyes briefly.

"You're early" He said as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders as they walked towards the pitch.

This felt nice and overall not forced in any way making her feel against him, she smiled softly realizing how much taller he was getting as well. It was a quiet walked as they took in the empty field, it was nice to just be outside with no one there, no judgment in their gaze and they could just be them.

"How has your day been?" he asked.

Angel hummed thinking about it and smiled in amusement.

"I didn't have classes today…so I slept in" she replied. "You?"

Harry couldn't believe that she had managed to be so lucky.

"I had Potions, it was terrible, I swear Professor Snape is out to get me"

She laughed softly and kissed his cheek sympathetically. When she didn't say anything, he turned to look down at her raising his brow.

"Aren't you going to tell me that I'm paranoid?"

She shook her head and couldn't fight the smile.

"I'd be lying to you if I did. He dislikes you, it's incredible how much he hates you. I mean you're a Potter"

Harry frowned and pulled her closer.

"Is dating you adding to the thing?" he asked.

She pretended to be shocked at his question, but the coy smile would not disappear no matter she tried. "Perhaps…"

"I knew you were trouble" he commented with a grin on his face.

She hit his side and he laughed at her pouting. It was a new atmosphere between them, both wanting to be comfortable around one another both willing to work on it. It was a comfortable silence between the pair, she happy walking alongside him, and Harry trying to mull over how to tell her what happened with Neville and a letter that he got.

"Not that I enjoy this banter, and I do, but, what did you want to tell me?" she asked. "I mean in your letter you said you wanted to tell me something?"

Harry looked at her sheepishly and pulled her under the bleachers because it's where they talked comfortably, well not comfortably but gave Harry his first kiss on the corner of his mouth. He always remembered that. He sat comfortably on the floor with her beside him.

Her bright brown eyes were looking at him with so much curiosity he wondered if in a few minutes it would turn into anger. He really didn't want that but he didn't want to lie to her. So without further ado he began the conversation with the most awkward beginning that in the future would haunt him greatly.

"I really messed up"

At first both blinked at one another confused. What exactly did that mean? She tilted her head and looked at him confused.

"You what?" she took in a sharp breath "Did you-did you-"

Oh Merlin did he change his mind and go with Cho at the end. Her eyes were not of anger but of confusion and some insecurity. Her expression was an immediate clue for Harry that he needed to keep talking and he definitely did.

"I was tricked, well I wasn't trick. Well you see Neville, he- well you know how he is? Of course you don't, well he confronted me about being with Hermione as if we were a couple, can you believe it, and I got confused and well, you know how he can be confusing and I-mph"

"Stop" she interrupted his rambling with a firm tone and her hand motioning him to stop.

His mouth was covered and he looked at her confused.

"Just take a deep breath and start from the beginning." she said.

Merlin he rambled when he was nervous. At least from what little she caught on from his first comment he was tricked by Neville. While humorous she found it confusing as to why she would care.

"Ready to try again?" she asked.

He nodded and she happily removed her hand from his mouth.

"I accidentally told Neville we were dating"

The moment he said that her eyes widened and she looked at him shocked. She didn't know how to feel about it, mad that he spilled, frustrated at his stupidity, but nothing came. She was okay with it and that scared her. Oh Merlin if her brother found out she'd be dead, she tried not to hyperventilate and she looked at him.

"I'm sorry, I made him promise he'd be quiet" he finished softly.

Those words replayed twice in her head and she sighed in relief. He'd be quiet, oh she would definitely make sure that Neville was quiet but she looked at Harry and she began to think about this as logical as possible. She had Pansy, she told everything to Pansy and she kept her secrets and gave her advice as well. Harry had no one and she felt that while she thought he was a sniveling little baby, Neville would help Harry at least try to vent.

She took no notice that Harry was wringing his fingers nervously as if he was waiting to be yelled it. He had noticed that her brown eyes had glazed over and she was biting her bottom lip which meant she was thinking.

'I think that's a good sign' he thought.

She was a hothead and many times unpredictable but he figured that is why he loved her, because she never minced her words and expressed what she felt. And while others would be frustrated at her hot and cold act, he figured he offered her stability. He was the same for the most part, and in turn she offered him comfort and emotionally stability.

His thoughts were soon cut off as he felt her lips on his. He was confused as well but as soon as his mind yelled at him that he had a willing girl to kiss him he immediately responded back. He placed his hands on her back gently and pulled her closer so she sat on his lap in an awkward but acceptable way. When they pulled back from the kiss, they pressed their foreheads together and both were blushing.

"It's fine Harry" she whispered and kissed his nose. "Now you have someone to talk to."

"I figured it was fine with that kiss" he murmured.

She smiled the smile that he loved so much: her brown eyes had a trace of honey in them that sparkled for him and the smile was slightly crooked, a mixture of a smirk in it and it summarized her perfectly. She was so mischievous and sweet and he simply gave her a peck. Their little conversation turned to a light kissing session not that either minded. He took off her hat that was preventing him from running his fingers through her soft brown hair. She laughed softly but soon turned to a soft coo as he kissed her neck. He knew she was ticklish and he loved that more than anything.

His hands supported her back as she sat atop of him and he hummed in return as she ran her thin small fingers through his messy hair. She said that she preferred it messy and he believed her when she played with it as they kissed. Their kisses were light and innocent but were full of love. It wasn't the snogging sessions like they had seen/heard the day before, but it fit them. Little pecks, short kisses, soft kisses, tickling kisses all these were their form of affection.

"I love you" he whispered as they parted.

"Ditto" she whispered and kissed his nose.

He held her close as they warmed each other up. They were currently laying over his cloak with his arms around her and her head on his chest. She didn't bother putting her hat back on especially when he played with her hair. Her eyes were closed and she relaxed beside him. She briefly remembered that he had to tell her more than just Neville.

"Harry?" she called out.

"Hm?" he replied.

"Didn't you say you had to tell me something else?" she asked.

"Two things more actually" he said.

She lifted her head from his chest and looked at him curiously.

"Well?"

"It can wait, I'm a bit occupied at the moment"

She slapped his chest lightly and he groaned soon slipping out a chuckle. She rolled her eyes and pouted. Seeing her expression he smiled and kissed her softly.

"Oh well for one thing Sirius sent me a letter, and it mentioned you"

That soon brought her out of her light dazed state. What did Sirius want with her? Last time they had met, he barely said anything as she helped Harry save him, in fact as usual it was all about Harry. A pang of pain ripped through her chest ,but she said nothing instead waited for him to keep going.

"Here, give me a sec I brought it with me"

With his shuffling he found the wrinkled up letter, she immediately opened it and began to read:

Dearest Harry,

I have many things to tell you. For one thing my freedom

Comes with a lot of privileges, for one thing being

That I am currently undertaking your custody hearing.

I went to the Minister of Magic, which connects to the muggle

part of the government and it was decided that with a signature

You will be under my care! I know that this is what we wanted and

I cannot wait to have you here.

Another thing I wanted to talk to you about is the relationship

that you are trying to initiate with Miss Malfoy? Is it working

I know that I shared my opinions before, but now I see

that she will fit you nicely. After all she helped me gain

not only my freedom once but twice with

the legal affairs. And while I don't know

What she did to do this, I am nonetheless grateful.

I was thinking, if you succeed, why not bring her over

And spend the summer with us, you two with Remus and I.

The old goat is living with me now, I guess I'm a bit lonely in this house.

You can invite your friends too. Wait do they know?

Merlin don't I feel like a gossip, oh well you tell me once you get this.

You probably haven't, having to deal with a lot such as the tournament.

As I have been telling you, you will do great and you will win

And bring pride to our family.

I just wanted to tell you and I'm good and all

And support anything you do.

Remus says hi and he sent you a box

I don't know what it is, I tried to peek into it and

Failed, the bastard caught me red handed.

Anyways we both care about you and write to me soon

You forgetful tot.

With love,

Sirius

As she finished reading the letter she looked at him shocked. Had Sirius actually offered to socialize with her? Did he actually want to be around her and get along with her? She felt her eyes water a bit and felt something she hadn't felt since they met: hope.

He looked at her and noticed her happiness. He leaned down and kissed her cheek showing that he was happy too.

"Are you serious? Is he serious?" she whispered.

"He is"

A noise of excitement came out of her mouth and she tackled him in excitement. She hugged him tight and didn't let go of the letter as if, if she let go it'd all be a lie. She kissed all over his face and murmured things like. "You're fantastic!" "I love you" "Merlin I should snog you" "You're the sweetest"

He laughed and gripped her waist happily.

"Does that mean yes?" he managed to ask before she kissed him squarely on the mouth.

She pulled back and reality set in: the contract. She had forgotten about it, but it was true, she was trapped in the house unless she had permission. How would she even be able to do it? And how would she hang around Sirius without letting it slip that she was her daughter? She felt a shudder run through her at the consequences of the agreement. She'd lose her surname, and have her magical core locked.

"I don't know if I can" she sounded miserable.

He sat up and looked at her expression. She looked so forlorn, like Cinderella, when she found out she couldn't go to the ball. He waited for her to explain but seeing her pout and her sadness had to ask.

"Why not?"

"The contract" she blurted out.

She closed her eyes and immediately remembered his comment:

Flashback…

"What would it state?" she asked.

He sat down trying to cool down, while Angel tentatively scooted forwards her table to see the documents clearer.

"Scourgify" he muttered and the desk immediately was clean of ink and everything was placed and in order.

Angel felt her chest constrict as to what will be asked from her, but she knew that it wouldn't be that cruel considering it was indeed her father, at least in her eyes. She studied him as he began to write on the scroll and wouldn't even look at her. She was overcome with silence and she took the time to try and compose herself. She wiped her cheeks and tried to calm herself down. She nearly jumped as she heard the words she was dreading.

"Sign here" he said pushing the scroll towards her.

She grabbed the quill that was pushed towards her and she looked at him questionably.

"What is….what am I agreeing on?" she asked.

"Simple." He began. "You will not be able to leave the Malfoy Manor nor abandon the Malfoy name without permission. Also you may not confess to Sirius Black, or anyone in general of where your true roots lie. You are a Malfoy by name, and will remain a Malfoy till the day of your nuptials. The moment you decide to break this contract then you shall be left with no surname, thus making you a bastard in our society for it will be of great shame. Not only that but then your magic shall be locked as your magical core will be dimmed, dos thou understand?"

She nodded scared but couldn't help but ask. "And what do I get in return?"

"I shall persuade the Ministry to try and eliminate the charges towards Sirius Black and try to return his reputation. I shall remain anonymous of course, not wanting to soil our surname."

She frowned slightly at how she would never be able to tell Sirius the truth. She lost her opportunity, but was this worth her freedom? She immediately looked down at the scroll and signed her confessions away.

"Cut your finger and sign with blood as well, this will truly be binding" Lucius added.

She slipped her thumb in her mouth and she bit it with her canine teeth hard enough to taste the metallic substance. She then placed her thumb on the contract and it immediately started to glow.

"Accio scroll" Lucius said.

The scroll rolled itself up and landed directly into his hands once more.

"This contract is sealed, you shall no longer be able to take back what you have promised. I just hope that you don't regret it. Now leave my sight Angeline, I have no wish to see you at this current moment" he dismissed her.

End Flashback…

She remembered that she could not tell anyone that she was Sirius daughter, but Harry knew because she told him before the contract. She also found a loophole in the contract, small but it helped her explain it to Harry clearly. It never stated she couldn't tell people about the contract.

"Remember how I helped Sirius?" she asked.

He nodded and hugged her close, as if thanking her once more.

"I had to give up a few liberties" she whispered to him.

"Like what?"

"He can never know about me…and our blood relation" she explained. "I'll be a Malfoy till the day I marry, and if I ever tell him…I'll become either a weak witch, or a Squib"

He held her tighter to him at the thought of that. She had sacrificed so much, her liberty really, for now she depended on their permission not only now, but till the moment she said 'I do'.

"Why can you tell me though? How did you manage to tell me?"

She caressed his face and sighed.

"I told you before I signed the contract. Harry it doesn't matter anyways, I don't regret a thing, in fact he's free and he's going to be your guardian." She hugged him tight. "You will be out of that horrid Muggle home and be with a real Wizarding family and people that love you like I do"

He kissed her cheek at her nature, it was selfless and he loved her more for it.

"What if you lied?" he asked.

She tilted her head in confusion so he continued to explain.

"Well what if you told him you were spending time with Pansy somewhere, for a week or so? And in reality be with me. I mean then you get permission, Pansy will hopefully go along with the scheme and then well…you'll be with me?"

She looked at him and thought about it before nodding.

"I'll try, but I make no promises Harry"

He grinned widely at her and knew that it meant yes. She was cunning she'd be able to do anything in his eyes. Her excitement began to grow once more and he liked that. He wanted her to be happy, he wanted her to enjoy Sirius and have time for him.

"And they call me cunning" she said trying to lighten the mood.

He laughed and vibrated his tongue to make some snake noises, like in Parseltongue. She laughed as he did this in a girlish glee and he smiled immediately rolling her over and making the noise against her ear making her wiggle and try to get away because of her ticklish nature.

Their playfulness ended as she had tears on her eyes and panting heavily. He stopped and chuckled beside her.

"Hey Harry?" she asked.

"Hm?"

"What's the third thing?"

"I found out about the Second task and I might need your help"