Hello everyone, I hope everyone is doing well. I've finally seemed to find my want to write again so I am currently working on a couple one shot stories have had unfinished on my computer for a while as finishing up on chapters to start posting on other stories soon. I have to go back through and edit a couple things but I plan to have my other Harry Potter story updated here within the next week or so.

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I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO ANY OF THE HARRY POTTER CHARACTERS

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"Remember why you started down this path." – All Might, My Hero Academia

Chapter 22:

Yule Ball Disasters Part 2

Harry took a deep breath as he smoothed out the nonexistent wrinkles on the dark midnight blue dress robes he was currently wearing. He smiled thinking about when he'd made the trip with Narcissa to get them, remembering what she'd told him about not wearing the same dress robes so close together. She'd refused to let him seem anything less than the lord everyone was training him to be. He looked at himself in the mirror, moving to absentmindedly twist the rings that were once again on his fingers. He'd been forced to sit through another lecture from both Tonks and Remus once he'd returned from Gringotts with Sirius and Izzy had given him her motherly disappointed look all during dinner. He felt horrible for breaking their trust in him, honestly having made a mistake without really thinking about what the consequences could be. And because of that someone had managed to slip him more loyalty charms that had put a strain on the family he hadn't fully realized he wanted.

"You alright in here pup?" Sirius questioned, poking his head into the room. His godfather had decided against attending the Malfoy Yule Ball, using the excuse that after what had happened several days before he probably wasn't going to be welcomed back any time in the near future. Remus had decided to stay at the manor as well, using the excuse that someone needed to keep his dogfather out of trouble, though he figured it was also because there was going to be a lot of purebloods that wouldn't have problems making hateful comments about his condition. Harry glanced over his shoulder for a moment before turning his attention back to the mirror.

"Are we sure this is a good idea? I know they said I was still welcome to come but…what if they were just saying that? What if they're still upset with how I acted when we left?" Harry questioned, absently biting his bottom lip for a moment.

"You and I both know that is not something you need to worry about. The Malfoys want you there more and you are not going to stand in here and talk yourself out of going after acting like a girl and taking several hours to get ready." Sirius teased. He pulled out one of the Potter family wands that Izzy had managed to find that accepted his magic, waving it as he sent a charm to smooth down his godson's hair in an attempt to tame it. Harry managed a small smile, slipping his own wand into the holster strapped on his arm before he walked out of the room with Sirius. Tonks was standing in the family room that had a fireplace connected to the floo network, waiting for Harry.

"We will stay as long as you want Harry. Just let me know when you're ready to go and we will." Tonks commented softly, hoping to ease Harry's nerves.

"And between the two of us, I don't care what any of these stuck-up Purebloods think. We're going to have fun whether they like it or not." She added, her hair flashing a brighter shade of pink for a moment.

"You two have fun. I want all the details when you get home!" Sirius stated, grinning at the three of them. Harry managed a nod as he reached out and took a small handful of floo powder.

Malfoy Manor

Draco stood beside his parents, attempting to keep the bored expression off his face as he greeted each guest. He briefly glanced at his mother when she tapped his shoulder, seeing the unamused look she was giving him about his clear lack of interest.

"Lord and Lady Greengrass, welcome. I am so glad you were able to attend." Lucius stated, reaching out to shake the elder gentleman's hand. Daphne stood at her parents side, briefly glancing around for who Draco could assume was Harry. She met his gaze, raising an eyebrow as if to ask where his twin currently was.

"Thank you for the invite, Lord Malfoy. You know my eldest Daphne." Lord Greengrass stated, gesturing towards his daughter. She bowed her head in respect, allowing Draco to take her hand.

"I thought Heir Potter would be in attendance tonight. Daphne said he was spending the Yule Holidays with your family?" Greengrass continued, glancing around the receiving room for any signs of the boy that had taken his daughter to the school Yule Ball.

"He was feeling under the weather this evening so he's currently in his room. But he is planning on attending later this evening if he is feeling up to it." Narcissa easily lied. The floo flaring caused the Greengrass family to continue into the ballroom, preventing any further questions on the matter.

"Why don't you go and entertain your classmates." Narcissa whispered while Lucius greeted one of the lower ranked family's in the wizarding world. Draco simply nodded, silently slipping away from his parents. Inside the ballroom he easily spotted Crabbe, Goyle, Blaise and Daphne standing closer to the doors that led out into the gardens. He grabbed a drink before venturing over to them, hoping none of them would question him about where Harry was.

"So how has your holiday been so far since you've had the chance to spend more time with your twin?" Blaise questioned as he walked up.

"It started out great but than some things happened with Professor Snape and…well we all know how much those two actually hate each other." Draco sighed, shaking his head. The six Slytherins stuck close to each other, seeming to attempt to avoid the adults during the party. Narcissa couldn't help watching Draco throughout the evening, still holding onto a small hope that Harry would show up sometime during the evening. She wanted the chance to spend their first Yule together as a family but since it was nearly time for the meal to be served, she was beginning to doubt. Lucius making a surprised noise at her side caused her to turn her attention to the ballroom doorway, reaching her hand out to take his.

"I have to…I need to greet him, but it's been so long." Lucius whispered, not taking his eyes from his own godfather as the Dark Lord stepped into the hall. He gently kissed his wife's knuckles before slipping away from her, walking over at as fast a pace he could manage without drawing attention to himself from the guests. Marvolo glanced at his godson as he approached, feeling a slight pang at the unsure look on his face. He knew in the last few years before he was destroyed by the Potter brat he had lost his sanity and had caused the ones he called his family harm and hurt.

"Lord Marvolo we are honored that you could join us this evening for the Yule holiday." Lucius stated, bowing his head in a show of respect.

"I thank you for the invite, Lord Malfoy. Perhaps there is somewhere we could briefly speak in private before joining in on the celebration?" he questioned. He didn't miss the slight flinch that went through the young male's body before he raised his hand in a gesture to follow him. Draco watched his father leave with the other male that he personally didn't recognize, a frown on his face as he searched the room for his mother. Narcissa caught her son's gaze, briefly shaking her head before turning back to the conversation she was having with one of the other ladies in attendance.

"Who was that man that your father left with Draco? I don't recognize him as someone who has attended any of the other high functions your parents have hosted." Theo questioned.

"I'm not sure but if it's someone of any importance than I'm sure father or mother will introduce me to them sometime this evening." Draco stated with a shrug.

"I guess Harry is feeling better." Daphne suddenly commented, catching all their attention. Draco quickly turned around, following her gaze, seeing his twin step into the ballroom. Harry couldn't help rubbing his arm slightly, an unsure look on his face. Tonks entered behind him, gently placing her on his shoulder as she leaned down to whisper something in his ear. Narcissa gently tapped her wand against her champagne glass to gain everyone's attention to signal dinner was ready to be served. Draco easily slipped away from his friends, walking towards his brother with a bright smile on his face.

"I'm glad you decided to come. Why don't you sit with us during dinner? Daphne has been asking where you were." Draco commented, carefully grabbing his brother's arm so as to not startle him. Harry glanced at Tonks for a moment before managing a nod, letting his twin drag him into the dining hall without any objects. He offered a smile as he claimed the open seat next to Daphne, glancing around the room.

"I'm glad you're feeling well enough to attend this evening, Lord Potter." She commented, offering him a smile in return. Harry couldn't help glancing at Draco for a moment in confusion, not failing to notice how his twin was trying to discreetly shake his head. Blaise released a chuck as he raised his glass to take a drink at the brothers' antics.

Throughout dinner Harry wasn't oblivious to the looks he was receiving from many of the adults in attendance, wanting nothing more than to sink down into his seat. He didn't like the attention but knew that it was something he was just going to have to get used to and ignore because it just came with who he was.

"Draco where is…father?" Harry questioned, realizing the Malfoy lord's seat had remained empty. Draco faltered for a moment, taken off guard, surprised by Harry's choice of words. He couldn't help smiling, mentally cheering at the clear step forward.

"He left with another man right before you arrived. I'm sure he'll be joining soon. Mother won't let him miss dinner so I'm sure she'll send one of the house elves to get him soon." He explained. Conversations continued between the young Hogwarts students, the young magic users joking around while also making sure to remember their manners. Narcissa watched her sons interact, smiling at the joyful look on Harry's face. It wasn't a look she had gotten to see on him very often since he always seemed to make sure he closed himself off. She glanced up when the chair beside her moved, smiling as Lucius finally made an appearance. Marvolo offered her a greeting as he look the seat beside his godson.

"It is good you were able to join us this evening Lord Slytherin." She greeted, hoping her nerves didn't show on her face being so close to the Dark Lord after so long.

"After dinner I will introduce you to my heir." Lucius commented as he reached out to place food on his plate. He glanced at Narcissa confused when she suddenly reached out and grabbed his hand. She jerked her head towards the other end of the table causing him to turn his attention down to search for his son and his friends. His eyes widened when he caught sight of Harry sitting among the Slytherins.

"He came?" Lucius whispered, giving his wife his full attention. Tonks released a chuckle beside her aunt making the Lord realize the metamorphagus was sitting there.

"He nearly talked himself out of it the entire day. Almost had to just push him into the floo since we were already late enough." Tonks commented. She watched the man sitting at Lucius side, her magic flaring as she attempted to place just where she had seen him before. Her mind was drawing a blank at the moment so she simply shrugged and turned back to her meal. She kept her attention on her young ward, only occasionally participating in the conversations going on around her. After dinner, once everyone had gone back into the ballroom Lucius led Marvolo over to Draco. The Malfoy heir stood straight when he caught his father walking towards them. He carefully nudged Harry's arm, pulling his attention from Daphne.

"Draco, this is Lord Marvolo Slytherin. Lord Slytherin this is my eldest and heir Draco." Lucius introduced, hoping Draco would remember their conversation for the other night and know just who Marvolo was. Draco offered the man a bow as a sign of respect.

"It is wonderful to have you in attendance this evening. I hope you enjoy the yule festivities. May I introduce Heir Knott, Heir Goyle, Heir Crabbe, Heir Zambini and Heiress Greengrass." He stated, gesturing to each person as he introduced them. He reached out to grab his twin's arm, pulling him forward. Harry faltered as his eyes grew wide, recognizing the older version of the Tom Riddle he'd met in the Diary down in the chamber. His breath quickened as he stared at the wizard, he knew to be Voldemort, attempting to step away.

"This is my…friend Lord Potter." Draco introduced, noticing how panicked his twin suddenly seemed to be. Lucius couldn't help glancing at his godfather for a moment, seeing the brief look of fury that crossed his face before he slammed down his shields, schooling his features.

"It is lovely to meet each of you. Lucius if I could speak with Lord…Potter for a moment?" Marvolo questioned. Harry took a ragged breath as he looked at his father for some form of help, hoping he wouldn't let him go with the Dark Lord alone.

"Perhaps this is a conversation better suited outside? The gardens are lovely this evening. The house elves really out did themselves with the fairy lights." Lucius suggested. Marvolo glared at him for a moment before simply nodding, following the three males outside. Harry couldn't help dragging his feet, his anxiety spiking with each step he took. Once outside Draco took a protective stance in front of his twin, acting as a barrier between him and the Dark Lord.

"Can someone explain to me what is going on? Why is he here? HOW is he here?" Harry questioned, a hint of hysteria in his voice.

"The how is none of your concern. Why I am here is simple. I have kept my return a secret from even my closest followers and have not seen my family since that night." Marvolo stated, the tone in his voice making it sound like the answer should have been obvious. "Now the first thing I want to know is how did you know who I was as soon as you saw me."

"Your…the spirit in my second year. In the chamber. It was you. Well, it wasn't you, it was the diary, but it was you." Harry rambled, finding himself answering without really thinking. His thoughts ran rampant as he attempted to gain control over his anxiety. He tightened and untightened his fists, digging his fingernails into his skin hard enough to leave crescent marks in his palm. Marvolo jerked back as if he'd been slapped at the mention of his diary. He stared at his godson; the fury evident on his face. While he knew that Lucius no longer had his diary, he hadn't known exactly what had happened to it.

"I slipped it to the youngest Weasley during the boys second year. I cannot remember what caused me to do this and at the time I didn't know what it was." Lucius stated, hoping to ease the building anger.

"I will let that rest for now, but we will be speaking further about this so do not think I will allow this matter to drop." Marvolo growled before turning his attention back to the young Potter lord.

"My next question boy is what is going on? Why does your magic have a familiar touch to it? Why are you at the home of one of the widest known Dark families to be associated with my name?" he demanded, his magic flaring for a moment. Harry had to take a deep breath as he felt a calming magic suddenly seem to form a type of cocoon around him, easing his nerves. The calming magic gave him the small boost of confidence he needed to answer the man.

"Because they're my family too. They're my family just as much as you say they're yours." Harry firmly stated. Marvolo took a shocked step back, turning his attention again to Lucius. Lucius offered him a brief nod, smiling at Harry as he voiced that he did consider them his family.

"Marvolo…Harry is my youngest. Draco's twin that was taken from us. We discovered the truth from a letter from Lily Potter during the summer. He was placed under many compulsions and blocks that have since been removed and we have been attempting to figure out exactly what it was that happened to lead to him being placed with the Potters that night." Lucius explained. "We have figured that that is the reason your magic backfired that night…because of your Godfather's oath." Harry glanced between his father and Voldemort, his mind reeling as he slowly connected the dots. He took a stumbled step backwards as he realized just what it was Lucius was referring to. Draco quickly caught his brother's arm to keep him from tumbling to the ground, looking at him with a worried expression.

"This doesn't make sense. I don't understand." Harry whispered, repeatedly shaking his head. His mind went back to the few conversations with Dumbledore, thinking about how much the headmaster had spoken about just how dark and evil and hateful Voldemort had been, that he wasn't capable of loving or trusting anyone. Yet here he was calling the Malfoys his family, learning he had taken the godfather oath over Lucius. He didn't seem like a mad man who threw dark spells and unforgivables since he was standing there, angry but seemingly sane. Marvolo simply looked between the three males before he gave them a brief nod before walking inside without another word.

I hope you all enjoyed this update and continue to support it as the story goes on. Reviews are always appreciated and I do read every single one that I receive. If you have any questions or would like to make a request or suggestion, my inbox is open. I do try to send a message of thanks for every review to show my appreciation.

However, I want to remind everyone that flames are unneeded. This is just for fun for myself and my readers. If there is something that catches your attention that I might have made a mistake on please let me know so I can fix it put also please be mindful and respectful.

Keep Moving Forward

Until Next chapter,

Snowbeam12