Harry Potter was a teenage boy and he wasn't ashamed to admit it.

Sure, he'd fought trolls, basilisks, dementors, dragons and a madman who wouldn't stay dead, but at the end of the day, he was still a 14 year old boy full of raging hormones. And all of those hormones were focused on the girl who was his best friend. He was lucky the trip to the castle's main entrance was a short one because he kept stealing glances at Hermione and not watching where he was going.

When did she start to look like this? He'd certainly seen her in more form fitting muggle workout clothes, not to mention sleep wear, but the formal robes brought out a certain dignity in the normally bushy haired witch he didn't see day to day. And in the soft, flickering torchlight of the entry hall, she was stunning.

"Harry? You're staring. Is something wrong?"

Jerked out of his daydream, Harry tried to smile. "No, I mean, it's nothing. Just…" he swallowed. "You really, and I mean this in all seriousness, really look stunning, Hermione."

A blush bloomed across her cheeks highlighting the delicate shimmer of makeup Andi had skillfully applied. "It's hair products and makeup, Harry. And Andi's skilled hand, nothing more. This time tomorrow, I'll be back to my old self and everyone will be convinced you actually showed up with someone else."

Snorting, Harry shook his head as he led them down the stairs towards the Great Hall. He was so caught up in trying to convince Hermione she was nuts, he missed walking into the sudden silence. He didn't miss Ron's brillant foot in mouth comment though.

"Harry, mate, who's the bird? You finally tired of the bookworm?"

That seemed to be the trigger for the wall of sound that blasted into them when they reached the bottom of the staircase. Whispers of 'It's Granger!' 'I didn't know she could look like that?!' and a few lewder ones reached their ears before McGonagall appeared and directed them to a small antechamber off to the side of the hall. The champions and their dates were gathered to walk in together, nibbling on appetizers and sipping something bubbly. It appeared Fleur had decided one of the upper year Ravenclaws should be graced with her presence and poor Roger Davies was glassy eyed and not quite drooling as he hung on her every accented word. Viktor Krum managed to find a date with someone from his fan club, an upper year Slytherin if Harry wasn't mistaken but the Blugarian's eyes kept darting back to Hermione whenever he thought she or Harry wasn't looking, and lastly Cedric stood escorting a smiling Cho Chang. The latter's smile led the duo over to them while they waited.

"Hermione, you look amazing! Who did your hair?"

Accepting a glass of bubbly from Cho, Hermione smiled. "Thank you. Harry's …aunt? It's hard to tell with the Black family, did my hair and makeup. She made me look like another person! Tomorrow people won't even know I was here."

The pretty fifth year laughed. "I think you'll be surprised. You two have caused quite the stir this year."

Harry, forgetting Remus' strict instructions, ran his hand through his hair. "It wasn't on purpose, believe me. I was hoping for a mostly quiet year. Playing Quidditch, maybe adding footy in there, actually getting decent grades for once, you know, that sorta thing. I hear that's what normal people do."

Cedric threw his head back as he laughed. "Right, Harry, normal. Somehow, you and that word don't seem to work together." He glanced over his shoulder at the other champions, who'd turned their way the moment they'd heard Cedric's laughter, before stepping a bit closer. "Did you figure out your egg, yet?"

Hermione shook her head. "I narrowed the language down to a water dwelling creature but not what type yet."

"You did better than me before I got some unauthorized help. You helped me out with the first task and even invited me to celebrate all of us just surviving that damn thing with you guys. I wouldn't be a Hufflepuff if I didn't help you out, too."

Surprised and more than a little grateful, Harry nodded.

"Take a bath with it. Use the prefect's bath, if you don't have one where you're staying, I'm sure Hermione knows where it is." She nodded. "The password is Pine Fresh. Trust me on this."

"Thanks Cedric, I appreciate it. I'm pretty sure we have something like that in the Vault but we'll keep the prefect's bath in mind."

"Now we're on level ground, it's only fair to keep you from dying."

"Hey, now, I haven't died yet!" Harry exclaimed right before McGonagall appeared to lead the procession into the Great Hall.

"Ah but is it luck or is it Hermione?" Cedric continued their banter as they lined up and moved into the now empty Entrance Hall.

"I'll have you know it's my devastating good looks. The bad guys just surrender to me."

Harry could have sworn he heard McGonagall snort before she entered the Great Hall and Lee Jordan announced Fleur and Roger to the crowd. Harry fidgeted with his bow tie nervously before Hermione took his hand and moved it so she was holding onto the crook of his elbow with one hand and his hand with the other.

"Don't fidget. And you look very handsome, remember that. Everyone is just jealous. No one below 17 would have survived let alone done half as well as you." She gave him a mischievous wink. "Or gotten as good looking a date as you."

"I agree with that one hundred percent. I'll have to take a beater's bat to all the males in the room to keep you as my dance partner."

"I might just escape you to save my poor feet. Though I did remember to cast a cushioning charm on them before we left!"

The pair entered the Great Hall to Lee's announcement arm in arm, smiles and laughter lighting up their faces, eyes on each other at first then glancing out at the crowd, skipping to the faces of friends and seeming to ignore those who'd shunned them. Harry snickered seeing Draco, Pansy, Crabbe, and Goyle did, in fact, all coordinate in black, green and silver and the thought of cutting into one of their dances entered his mind for a minute before his eyes almost automatically searched for the familiar shade of red hair in the crowd.

He found Ginny first, pretty in soft green robes and smiling at a nervous looking Neville. Next came the twins being led around by Angelina and Alicia both gorgeous in red and gold respectively. Their eyes met and both boys let out wolf whistles, catching the attention of MCGonagall and sending her speeding in their direction. Lastly, his eyes found Ronald Weasley who was standing at the front of the crowd despite his apparent hatred of Harry and the whole tournament. He was wearing…well Harry wasn't exactly sure what Ron was wearing. It looked like a cross between the crocheted dust ruffles on Mrs. Figgs furniture and a set of mouldy maroon drapes.

The look on his face was anything but second hand. Harry doubted the cross between anger and jealousy would find itself at home even on Draco Malfoy's face. It was an ugly expression and made Harry feel almost greasy inside when it hit him, the look on Ron's face was similar to the one Snape looked at him with everyday. Contempt mixed with jealousy and loathing. Harry could never understand the jealousy though.

"Harry?"

He gave Hermione's arm a quick squeeze. "Just looking around."

"You spotted Ron," Hermione whispered knowingly. "I looked for him, too. It's habit for us. I just wish I could understand why he's so angry and jealous. He's seen what the tasks are going to be like, it isn't as though you're getting a free pass, you're training for hours a day…"

"We're training for hours a day."

"Well, yes, as you are NOT leaving me behind, Potter," Hermione emphasized as they sat at the table which was normally reserved for the teachers, the plain waxed wood covered in ice blue cloth with gently moving snowflakes on it. Harry had maneuvered them carefully so he would have Cedric on his side and Hermione would have Fleur on hers. While he was unsure about the Veela, he knew Hermione spoke French and he doubted the witch would want to spend the entire meal with a drooling Ravenclaw at her side.

Dumbledore seemed disappointed Harry chose to sit at the opposite end of the table from him but simply sighed and picked up the menu from his golden plate and cleared stated "pork chops" and his meal appeared. Catching on, the rest of the hall soon followed.

To Hermione's surprise, Fleur leaned over to her before ordering.

"Excusez-moi? Do you think it possible to substitute? I am unsure if I care for dis choices?"

Hermione smiled. "I noticed you tended to stick with French dishes when eating dinner, at least the meals Harry and I ate in the Great Hall. English food can be a bit rich if you aren't used to it. You could ask nicely what you'd like and if the elves can prepare it, they will."

"Merci. I do not believe I introduced myself properly to you. I am Fleur Delacour."

Hermione smiled and took the offered hand. "Hermione Granger." She glanced next to her to see Harry had ordered and was in an animated discussion with Cedric and Cho about Quidditch. "I think Harry sat me next to you in the hopes we would get along so he could talk Quidditch all night with those two."

"Perhaps you and my escort should switch sides, yes? Zen we may be free to converse and Mr Davies can concentrate a bit for zee evening." The Veela let out a deep sigh. "I 'ad 'igher 'opes for zee evening."

"I've read about Veela, once it became known you were part Veela, but I've learned this year that books can provide such an incomplete picture."

"Oui. Some are more affected zan others. I 'ave been finding it difficult to keep the Allure to manageable levels while 'ere. Your Mr Potter and Mr Diggory are two who do not seem affected. Mr Potter especially."

Hermione snorted. "He's a fourteen year old boy. He's affected by every female here. I doubt he'd notice a magically enhanced one unless there were blinking lights pointing right to you! Or you play Quidditch." Hermione narrowed her eyes at the blonde. "You don't play Quidditch do you?"

Fleur laughed, drawing the attention of the nearest tables to the head and also Harry, Cedric, and Cho.

"Non, I enjoy flying but not on a broom."

"What's this about flying?" Harry leaned around to look at both girls.

Hermione snorted. "Sure, you pay no attention to your date and the ravishing blonde next to her but you perk up at flying."

Harry pulled Hermione into a one armed hug. "Promise, no more Quidditch talk after dinner, does that work?"

"Sure, you'll be dancing with me! Unless you ditch me after the opening dance for someone better?"

Fleur smiled. "I must apologise 'Arry. It was uncalled for to call you a leetle boy. It was such a shock to 'ear someone not of age was chosen to compete. You 'ave proven yourself a worry foe."

Shaking his head, Harry gestured to Hermione. "It's all Mi, here. She's the one coming up with the plans for keeping me alive. I just work out and try to keep up with her brain."

Hermione quickly swallowed the bite she took and shook her head. "Harry is working just as hard if not harder than I am. The Goblins classes are much more intense than what we are used to and Harry's physical training is much more difficult than mine. He's really quite brilliant when he wants to be."

Harry turned a lovely shade of red at Hermione's praise as the two Ravenclaws (Roger Davies finally breaking free of Fleur's Allure at the mention of classes) quizzed both of them on their classes. The discussion lasted until Dumbledore called the room to attention and announced the Champions and Participants opening dance.

Harry shook slightly as he led Hermione to the center of the dance floor. As the first strains of the Wizarding Waltz started Hermione smiled and nudged Harry forward. He soon forgot about the crowd and enjoyed the dance.

Neither noticed how many dances they had, both fast and crazy, flailing their arms wildly along with the Weasley twins (who snuck in a flask of Fire Whiskey and happily shared a few sips with all the Champions) as they danced to the Weird Sisters and slow and close, until Cedric broke in and asked to switch partners.

Cho smiled as Harry awkwardly held her in his arms as they danced to a slow song.

"It's okay to touch me, Harry, it's sort of expected with a slow dance. I don't bite."

"No, it's not you, it's just, well, you're going to think this is weird but nobody else really touches me but Hermione. So it feels weird to touch someone else. If that makes sense."

Cho tilted her head while she thought. "You know, I never noticed but you're right. Even your friend Ron just gave you slaps on the back, same when you win the Quidditch games, it's always slaps on the back or them ruffling your hair." Cho reached up and did just that.

Their song ended and another slow song began putting Fleur in Harry's arms. He checked on Hermione, then turned to try and enjoy his dance with the older blonde.

A few minutes into the dance a commotion by the tables drew their attention. Harry watched as an irate Ronald Weasley tugged Hermione's arm, trying to lead her farther into a darkened area of the Great Hall. Her hair was coming undone as she maneuvered her arm out of his grip, only angering him further. Harry excused himself and hurried over, not noticing Fleur gathering the other Champions as well.

"So you can suck up to the other Champions or their dates but you don't have time for me, is that it? Or are you putting out for all the Champions? Does the Veela chick swing both ways? Getting it goo-"

Hermione's fist connected with Ron's jaw before he could spew out anything else. "Why are you such an arsehole, Ron? Honestly, we have done nothing to you to deserve this. Especially Harry."

Harry chose that moment to grab onto Hermione's waist from behind, keeping her from further trampling the furious ginger. "She's right. So, what gives? What is so bad about Ron Weasley's life that he has to ruin our night?"

Ron shook his head from his position on the floor as he glared. "Nothing? You two have been horrible to me since this whole tournament started! First you lie to me about the Goblet of Fire, next you move out of the dorms without telling me, then you don't accept my apology after the first task, and now here you are with Granger dancing like you don't have a care in the world while I'm here sitting by myself because my so called best mate is too busy schmoozing with other Champions to sit with me."

"So, it's all about what Ron Weasley wants, is that it? Things aren't going your way so we have to change our lives around so Ron Weasley has everything he wants. Well, news flash, Ron, life sucks most of the time so enjoy what you have while it lasts."

"And when does your life or Granger's life suck? Dancing with the Veela bint and Chang must be a real hardship."

"Hmmm, oui, dancing with 'Arry was quite…stimulating but as you said per'aps I would enjoy dancing with 'Ermione more?" Fleur cut in from behind them.

Suddenly, a house elf appeared beside them with Professor McGonagall. Ron stumbled to his feet and pointed at Harry.

"She punched me! Just because I asked her to dance, she walloped me one."

"Mr Weasley, Mallow here has been assigned to keep watch on Harry and Hermione while they attended the Ball. She told me what happened when she came to get me. May I ask what began this?"

Hermione drew a breath and settled herself somewhat before answering. "Ron cut in while I was dancing with Roger Davies. Harry and I agreed to swap dance partners with all the Champions during slow songs. I thought maybe Ron was going to apologise for how he has been treating Harry and I. He started tugging me towards the tables saying he was getting whatever Harry was getting and it was only fair since he and Harry had been best mates for so long. I just got him off of me when Harry came over. The punch was due to some of the things Ron was saying."

"Oui, zese tings were not flattering to 'Ermione nor myself. I can only imagine what was said about 'Arry" Fleur added from beside the brunette as she was busily fixing her intricate hairstyle.

"I only said what everyone else was thinking! It's not my fault no one else will say it to your faces!" Ron screamed, his face and ears lobster red.

"Mr Weasley, regardless of what others are thinking, you need to learn to keep your opinions to yourself. You were warned to be on your best behavior or you would be escorted out of the ball. While I do not approve of Miss Granger's use of violence I will not be issuing her a detention when term resumes due to the extremely unusual circumstances we find ourselves in. You sir, will be removed from the ball for the remainder of the evening."

"WHAT! How is that fair! I didn't-"

"Mallow, if you would."

The house elf nodded and popped away with Ron. Minerva sighed and looked over at Hermione and Harry.

"Miss Granger, did you have to assault Mr Weasley?"

Hermione tilted her head. "Maybe not but have Mallow tell you exactly what Ron said and then decide if it was uncalled for. I know I shouldn't have hit him here at the Ball but if I would have waited, Ron wouldn't have known why I hit him. It was as much for what he said about Fleur as what he said about myself and Harry since the start of term."

Shaking her head, the Professor sighed. "Perhaps you and Mr Potter should step outside for a moment. We have provided an enchanted walkway of sorts for those who wish to cool down a bit. It is heated, so don't worry about being too cold."

Harry nodded and took Hermione's hand and led her towards the nearest exit. The courtyard looked amazing, with twinkling fairies and lightly frosted rose bushes scattered along the pathways leading to a gurgling fountain. There were benches scattered throughout the shrubbery allowing for privacy and a place to rest their weary feet. Harry pulled Hermione towards a bench past the fountain (and away from Hagrid and Madame Maxime) and gently tugged her down.

"You okay?"

"Yes, Harry, I'm fine. I'm more worried about you. That's the second time Ron's been struck, once by you and now by me. It can't be easy for you, especially because of…well…because of how you grew up. I'm a bit angry at myself for doing it."

He sighed. "It's not easy or it's too easy, I'm not sure which is worse. Ron acting like that, saying those things to you, it's almost like a red mist descends over me now and it's easier to do what I have to do to defend you."

"You don't think it's because of the spell, do you? I mean I felt almost the same way."

"I…I don't think so. I want to say the spell might have made me see you more clearly, if that makes sense. Ron has always been rude to you, made snide comments and tried to make you do his homework for him. I just rolled with it because he was my first and best mate and you didn't seem to mind all that much."

"I wanted friends so badly and you two were my first ones. I didn't think I'd have anymore if I lost the two of you."

"Yeah, well you don't have to worry about that anymore. Even when this mess is over and we have to move back into the dorms, I'm keeping up with what we're doing. I'm dropping Divination permanently and keeping Ancient Runes. I want to learn Enchanting and Warding. I don't want to get a job just because I'm Harry Potter, I want to get a job because I'm good at it and I enjoy it. So, you Miss Granger, are stuck with me."

Hermione lay her head on Harry's shoulder, a bit dizzy from the dancing and the Fire Whiskey in her system.

"Stuck with you is something I think I can handle, Harry."

"What do you say about going back in and finding the twins for another dance?"

Giggling, Hermione bumped his shoulder without lifting her head. "You just want another shot of contraband whiskey."

Harry shrugged, lifting her head before trying to look down at her. "You have to admit, fast dancing is way more fun after a shot of that. Plus, I think it will calm me down."

"I never thought I would say this but to the Weasley Twins!" Hermione rose and grabbed Harry's hand.

"To the Weasley twins and to dancing!"