Hello everyone. Here is the next promised chapter, setting us back on track for this month. I hope you all enjoyed the previous chapter. My update schedule might get a little hectic for a month or so just because I am about to be starting a second job. So there might be more updates coming this month but currently that's up in the air.

All rights to Harry Potter belongs to J. K. Rowling

Hope you enjoy the chapter and remember I love reading reviews on what you guys think.

Is The Dark All Dark?

Chapter 17

Harry was silent as he stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the dress robes Narcissa had sent him as an early Yule gift, stating she figured he would be in need of them. He reached up to pull one of the blue strands in his hair into his line of vision, biting his lip as he thought about how it probably clashed with the deep purple robes.

"Hey Tonks…could you help me with that charm on my hair?" he called, hoping his voice would carry throughout the tent. After several minutes of waiting he gave up, picking up his wand to attempt to charm himself.

"Don't even think about it. We don't need you having Weasley red hair again." Tonks teased, walking into the room. She was dressed in a midnight blue dress that Harry guessed probably complimented whatever color dress robes Narcissa had sent for Remus to wear.

"That was one time and I was still learning the charm." He groaned as he thought about one of the first attempts at making his hair look different from Draco's. The thought of looking identical to his twin had given him a sick feeling in his stomach, only thinking about the amount of bad blood between them at the time. Tonks rolled her eyes before she raised her wand, waiting for Harry to tell her exactly what it was he was wanting to change.

"Anyways. I need the blue…changed to a dark purple? I don't want to cause any issues tonight. Merlin knows that I don't need a fashion lecture from Draco or Daphne." He muttered, crossing is arms in frustration. Tonks raised an eyebrow, clearly about to say something else to tease him about the ball but remained silent when he gave her a frustrated glare. She laughed before muttering the charm, her own hair flashing a dark purple for a moment before Harry's mirrored it.

"You two ready? Or are you both causing more mischief?" Remus questioned, stepping into the room. Harry and Tonks shared a look before looking at the Marauder.

"Did you tell me stories about you, James and Sirius playing pranks on stuffy lords and ladies at the parties the Potter's threw while you were all still in school?" Harry remarked, teasing his honorary uncle. Remus only offered a small smile before gesturing out of the room, hoping Harry would understand that they needed to leave. Harry quickly nodded, following them both out of the tent. He remained lost in his thoughts as they walked towards Hogwarts, already seeing students from all three students heading towards the Great Hall. He didn't fail to notice the looks he received from quite a few Hogwarts students as they passed, figuring they still thought him to be a cheater and that he had stolen the attention from the real Hogwarts Champion.

"Just ignore them. Tonight is just about having fun. Although, remember not to make a fool of yourself during the opening dance." Remus stated.

"Hopefully he's practiced enough both with his instructors and with me that that shouldn't be too much of a problem." Daphne's voiced suddenly sounded from behind them. Harry turned around, a light gasp escaping his lips as he stared at the Slytherin Beauty. Daphne was dressed in a dress that seemed to reflect the night sky, shifting from deep purple and midnight blue as star-like sparkles shined with each step. Her blonde hair was half up in a bun, with the rest falling in water like curls, framing her face. She wore light make that complimented her pale complexion, giving her a nature glowing look.

"You…look beautiful." he breathed, taking a step forward. She offered him a smile as she hooked her arm around his elbow.

"You don't look so bad yourself Heir Potter. I love the hair." She teased softly, a smile gracing her features. She reached up to pull at his bangs, laughing at his blush.

"Miss Greengrass you can head inside with the other students. Mr. Potter if you would please line up with the rest of the champions. And where is your date for the evening? I'm sure Remus informed you; you were going to be required to dancing in the opening dance." Professor McGonagall stated, gesturing to where the other three champions were already standing in wait. Daphne frowned at the clear dismissal from the Gryffindor head of house.

"Heiress Greengrass is my date for the evening Professor McGonagall." Harry stated, frowning. McGonagall stared at them for a moment, glancing at Tonks and Remus before once again gesturing to the others. Harry lead Daphne over to them, standing at the end silently. He glanced at Cedric for a moment, seeing the confused look on the Hufflepuff's face at the Slytherin on his arm. He couldn't help rolling his eyes, realizing just how bad the divide between the houses was. He really hadn't realized outside of Quidditch just how much the other houses hated Slytherin during his three years at Hogwarts.

"Miss Granger, Mr. Krum has been waiting for you." Professor McGonagall stated, offering a smile at her Gryffindor. Harry frowned as he watched Hermione step forward, taking Viktor's arm. She offered him a smile for a moment, seeming like she wanted to say something until she realized who his date was.

"Harry I didn't realize you were close with the Ice Princess." Hermione stated, no one missing the biting tone to her voice.

"I believe it is Heir Potter to you Granger. He does hold a title and last time I checked Granger wasn't the name of any of the noble wizarding families." Daphne stated a sneer on her face as she looked down on her. Harry couldn't help but frown slightly, biting his tongue to stop himself from jumping to the defense of someone he had once considered a close friend.

"Alright champions. Remember that you are representing your schools so do attempt to not doing anything that could cause embarrassment." McGonagall stated, briefly glancing at Harry during her instructions. Daphne frowned at the Deputy Headmistress, not missing the obvious jab she made at him. She hooked her arm through his, walking at his side once the Great Hall doors were open.

Draco sat at the table next to Theo and Blaise, a bored expression on his face as he leaned back with his arms crossed.

"Dude is that Granger as Krum's date? How did she manage that one?" Theo suddenly questioned, gaining everyone's attention. Draco frowned as he watched Granger flash everyone a smile, clearly knowing the attention she was receiving by being on the arm of an international quidditch player. He glanced around, slightly surprised she wasn't the Weasel's date.

"Your brother and Daphne make a decent date. Your mother must have had something to do with Harry's robes." Blaise commented, glancing at his oldest friend. Draco offered a small smile, his mask slipping for a moment when he caught sight of the relaxed look on his brother's face.

"Thank you Mr. Zabini. Harry was worried about clashing and getting a lecture from his brother so I figured I would lend him a small hand." Narcissa stated, stepping up to stand behind Draco. Lucius couldn't help smiling as he watched his youngest dance. Harry had a clear smile on his face as he looked down at Daphne.

"He was so nervous about tonight. I was sure we were going to have to drag him out of the tent." Tonks chuckled as she walked up to them. She trailed off as her attention was pulled towards Dumbledore. The headmaster was standing in front of the staff table, clearly watching Harry and Draco dancing. A worried feeling settled in her stomach at his clear interest in Harry. She frowned when another teacher caught her attention, seeing Mad Eye glaring at him from the shadowy corner he had claimed.

"Any one else get the feeling that there is something going on?" she questioned, glancing over her shoulder at Remus for a moment.

"I've been thinking that since Harry was entered into this stupid tournament." Narcissa stated, glancing at her niece with a raised eyebrow.

Harry glanced around as he led Daphne over to their friends, easily spotting Ron sitting off by himself with his arms crossed. He wore an annoyed expression as he glared at Hermione and Krum. Harry couldn't help wondering if things hadn't changed would he be sitting there with him, alone. He couldn't help wondering just how this year would have gone if he hadn't discovered the truth about his heritage. He took a deep breath before turning his attention back to his new group of friends, offering an unsure smile as he slowly sat down.

"You kids enjoy your night." Narcissa stated softly, gently squeezing Harry's shoulder as she walked passed. Tonks frowned as she continued watching Dumbledore, seeing the furious look that flashed across his face for a moment at the brief interaction. She worried about what the meddling old man was planning, knowing it wasn't going to be anything good.

Towards the middle of the ball Dumbledore finally walked over with Minister Fudge and another woman dressed in pink, a clear smirk on his face and the twinkle in his eyes as he watched Harry. The look on his face made everyone at the table know he thought he had won.

"Heir Potter, it's been brought to my attention that Headmaster Dumbledore is your magical guardian, but you've decided to ignore his directions that are meant to protect you as the wizarding world's boy who lived to instead stay with a known werewolf?" the minister questioned. Harry briefly glared at the meddlesome headmaster before turning his attention back to the minister and his undersecretary.

"I am also living with a member of the Aurors Corps. However, according to the goblins Dumbledore is no longer my magical guardian." Harry stated.

"Meddlesome creatures, goblins. You must understand they have were little actual say in the daily running's of the magical world outside of their bank." Umbridge stated, the sickly-sweet tone to her voice sending shivers down all of their spines. "And a werewolf is not a suitable guardian for a young wizard such as yourself. He's dangerous and could very easily cause you harm." She continued, casting a look at Remus.

"Goblins have far more say in legal terms in the wizarding world than you seem to think ma'am. And need I remind you that a werewolf is only dangerous during the night of a full moon and Remus takes all of the necessary precautions to ensure my safety those nights. Given the fact the Dumbledore also had him employed as a teacher last year, so clearly he trusted him around the students here." Harry stated, refusing to allow this woman to slander Remus name. He took a deep breath, glancing at Draco for a moment, trusting his twin to come to his aid if he ended up needing it. While he had been learning how to be a proper lord in the wizarding world, he hadn't received nearly as much training as Draco, who had been learning since he was old enough to understand.

"However, in this case Albus Dumbledore is no longer my magical guardian because I am not in need of one. I am classed as an adult which means I am not only able to hold my titles as Lord but I also have say in my accounts." He continued, turning his attention back to the three adults standing in front of him.

"No my boy, you must be mistaken. You are barely 14 years old. You aren't an adult by wizarding standards quite yet and since your mother and father left you in my care I am still classed as your magical guardian." Albus stated, shaking his head as he attempted to make Harry feel guilty. Daphne gave Harry's hand a reassuring squeeze, attempting to give him the confidence he needed.

"You must be mistaken sir. Because both you and Minister Fudge sent me a letter stating that I was forced to participate in the tournament because my name had been entered and drawn." He continued.

"Which means that per the rules you created and magically binded to the Goblet of Fire, Harry is classified as a legal adult. And all the paperwork has been filed with the goblins and the ministry to classify him as such." Draco suddenly stated, drawing their attention to him. He held his head high, refusing to seem as anything less than the Pureblood heir he was. The twinkle disappeared from Dumbledore's eyes for a brief moment as the words seemed to sink in.

"However, I do have to wonder why such a matter had to be brought to your attention personally Cornelius. As well as why wasn't the information actually investigated before you decided to confront Lord Potter?" Lucius stated, stepping up. He had seen the minster and Dumbledore when he'd returned to the Great Hall after escorting Narcissa home, since he had permission to escort Draco home after the ball for Christmas break. When he'd heard the confrontation Dumbledore was attempting to force Harry into he had worried, hoping his training would give him some chance to stand on his own.

"He can't possibly be a lord. He's only 14 and shouldn't be able to claim those titles now whether he's classed as an adult or not." Hermione suddenly stated, drawing attention to her from where she was standing at another table, clearly having been listening to the conversation. Daphne glared at her for a moment, knowing that as a Muggleborn she couldn't possibly understand the way their Lords and rankings worked without proper research.

"Granger he's the last to his line as a Potter, therefore once he is classed as an adult he can take up the Lordship not that that is any of your concern." Blaise stated, rolling his eyes. He leaned back in his chair, glancing around the ball. By now their arguments had already drawn the attention of nearly everyone, especially those that came from prominent families in the wizarding world.

"Now Minister, Headmaster, I believe this matter is closed. Clearly you have no control over how I live my life any longer, so I bid you a goodnight." He stated, hoping they would take the hint. He sat back in his chair, crossing his arms. Daphne could see the stressed look on his face, watching as the minister and undersecretary make a quick exit, leaving Dumbledore standing there alone.

"My boy, I only want what is best for you. You're still too young to understand the responsibilities that come with taking up such high-ranking Lordships." He commented, ignoring the glares he was receiving from the others at the table.

"Than it is a good thing he is learning how to manage those properly from his account managers. Have a good night Headmaster." Lucius stated, his tone leaving nothing to misinterpret as anything less than a dismissal. After several more minutes of him awkwardly standing there he finally left, leaving Harry to finally relax back in his chair.

"You handled that rather well Harry. I'm proud of you." Lucius offered softly, placing his hand on his youngest shoulder. The Malfoy lord couldn't help but think about how he wanted to ask Harry to come to Malfoy Manor for Yule, worried he would panic at the request. Draco glanced between his twin and his father, not missing the look on his face. He could easily guess what his parents want but didn't know how to ask.

"Potter…we…would like you to attend Yule at our manor. You're welcome to stay the whole break or if you'd just like to attend during the day off. But it would make mother and father happy to have you there for our first holiday as a family." Draco finally questioned, watching his twin's expressions. Harry bite his lip, briefly glancing at Daphne unsure. She'd been trying to give the Malfoys a little bit more of a chance, to not hold them so far away.

"I'd…I'd like that. But I do need to talk to Remus and Tonks." He muttered, quickly excusing himself. He glanced around the Great Hall for a moment before figuring after that confrontation they had stepped outside. He knew that what Undersecretary Umbridge had made several jabs at Remus for being a werewolf, things he knew Remus worried about himself. He walked through the hallways, glancing around each corner for any signs of the two he considered part of his family.

"Look who we have here. Little Potter deciding to explore?" a voice he didn't recognize suddenly stated to his left. He jerked around, letting his wand slip from his holster to his hand. A heavy-set male stepped out of the shadows, the limp giving away his missing leg. The magical fake eye occasionally moving rapidly in any direction as he walked towards the boy. Harry took half a step back, glancing around for the easiest exit.

"You've been a hard one to pin down." The man continued, a terrifying smirk appearing on his face.

Remember to leave me a review on what you thought. However, remember that while questions and constructive criticism is always welcome, hate and flames are not.

I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe.

On a side note, I am currently looking for a couple people to read my original story Heirs Stolen Throne to give me any feedback. If this is something you are interested in please either leave a review so I can reach out or send me a private message.

"Don't need to know where I'm going, just need to know where I've been." – Tow Mater (Cars)

Until Next Chapter,

Snowbeam12