Before this chapter starts i wanna apologize for the delay. Work and Home life took a major priority and i didn't have the emotional or mental stability to sit-down and write But in the end i feel this chapter came out beautiful. I hope you all enjoy it. Also if you wanna support me more I do stream and upload videos on Twitch and Youtube under BIG_Carl1. And I was wondering if yall would like to have a voice option for these and other fanfics you like. Basically I'd sit down on stream and read the fanfics you all like for a chapter or so and set up a playlist for the entire stories. Let me know for that and I'll see you all...alot sooner.
P.S. This would have came out yesterday as a special birthday thing from me but uh... yeah...time's mean to me.
He took a deep breath as the warmth of the fireplace filled the Gryffindor Common Room. Harry had not been here too often in recent times but as he stood there now he knew there wouldn't be anywhere else. He ran his hand down his clothing keeping it lean and nice. A similar ensemble to that which he wore during the practice dancing. Turquoise vest with rose-gold designs, and a white button down shirt , black dress pants, shoes, and turquoise tie with similar designs to the vest , he felt this way he honored both girls by having both their colors on his clothing but at the same time knew it would not be proper for him showing up in full pink…..though maybe as a gag if the Tournament Runners stuck their nose in he'd do it to throw them off. His cloak though had taken the star pattern that it had when he declared his position as protector of House Lovegood and even still had the design of the house crests of both Potter and Black on it. His cane once again sat perfectly in the palm of his hand. If he truly noticed he would have seen that the Basilisk had made a spot for his hand and curled around it so the head could remain seen.
His thoughts were on this and what was to come before the event. He had made sure to schedule this meeting with the Lord Patil before so he could make the night better for the girls and his friends. But due to it being so close time wise it was suggested they had been dressed already for the Yule. In a real surprising way he was excited for it. For some reason he felt that waves were gonna be made….Large….Waves….indeed.
"Hi Harry." A duo of melodic voices caught his ear and he turned gently and his smile grew soft and relaxed. There stood in outfits of turquoise with yellow and pink with orange sari style dresses were the twins. Their smiles showed they were waiting for his reaction. He almost slid over the floor to them and took one hand each before he leaned down and kissed both.
"I dare say Lakshmi would be jealous of you two" Harry complemented his girlfriends as they were as he would tell them later heavenly. "Thank you once again for this honor."
"Oh Harry…" One was exasperated, one was shy but both spoke at the same time. "Please get off your knee love." Parvati laughed gently and pulled him upward and looped her arm in his as her sister took his left side.
"We shouldn't keep father waiting…" Padma sighed as they started walking. Harry couldn't help but grow annoyed. This was supposed to be a happy night. Him, his girlfriends, dancing, relaxing, happiness. But once again the holidays must not permit Harry even the simplistic nature of a good evening. He squared his jaw as his hair tied back as it was most times nowadays. The weight of it keeps itself straight and not messy. He felt it loosen and fall beside his face on its own with a bit of wind blowing it back enough so it was out of his face but not where it was showing his power…at least for now.
The room that had been selected was transfigured from an old professor meeting room. A few quick transfigurations and cleaning spells and the room was turned into a meeting room fit for the Ministry itself. The rug had been transfigured to show both the Potter-Black sigil and that of the Patils. The curtains and glass were made to represent a mixture of both colors and the growth that could be done by the union of their families. However there was a clear message with the table itself being as black as the night. Anything placed on it would be seen by all.
Of course to still be within the ruling of Hogwarts Professors Flitwick, McGonagall, and Dumbledore had to be present. Flitwick and McGonagall as Heads of Houses and Dumbledore due to his unfortunate state as Headmaster and in this instance a "Neutral" party for them to convene near. Lord Patil who arrived with his wife the Lady Patil had been guided to the room where the three professors were waiting and had started with small talk between them. Discussing how their children were, the state of the Patil family, the state of Hogwarts and the Tournament…Then the doors opened again.
Each step was an echo in the doorway as Harry walked with purpose with his girlfriends on his sides. What the Patils, and the professors most of all Dumbledore, Standing behind the young lord was a Lawyer, an Auror, a young girl.
"Lord Patil…Forgive me for my tardiness it seems. I am the last to arrive….well…second to last it seems." Harry nodded to the man. "Allow me to introduce a few people. My lawyer who has requested her presence to me and I dare not ignore her counsel…Her daughter. Auror Tonks, and Luna Lovegood who will be keeping a detailed recount of this meeting for records."
"I dare say Mr. Potter." Lord Patil finally regained his voice after a moment. "I wasn't expecting so many but a man such as yourself….it is quite understandable why." Harry watched him as he went around the table with his entourage. As he sat he watched as the Patil Twins took a seat on both sides of their father. On his side in order sat Andromeda, Harry, and Luna. At one of the heads of the table were the professors standing there and at the other Tonks. "My girls…look at you so beautiful. And your taste is magnificent." Harry's eyes lazily moved to the Patils and watched as their father took their hands in his and squeezed them "You have both chosen oh so very well. Of course a contract will have to be formed before any bonds and furtherment of the relationship can go on obviously I mean imagine."
Harry felt the itch of his brow at the comment but kept his lips tight and silent. "You both have made me so proud. This is a great day for the Houses Patil and Potter-Black." Lord Patil reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper and the looks of aghast on the twins' faces told him what it was before it hit the table. A marriage contract sat in the middle of the table.
"Now hold up Lord Patil. Surely you know something like this can't be rushed into." Andromeda spoke up as her hand at first reached forward for it and then after a look from Harry retracted it. Something in Harry's eye said he didn't want her to interfere yet.
"Yes. Yes. I understand after all there are the agreements for the dowries and what we get out of the union besides the connection of our families in the Wizengamot. I hope you don't think you'll get double for marrying both my daughters, Lord Potter."
Andromeda leaned over and whispered in Harry's ear. "This man is a fool and a power hungry individual who does not take kindly to his moments being thrown aside." It was a warning but not one necessary. The doors opened once again and a man came in with hair almost as white as his skin.
"Ah Mr. Lovegood, thank you for coming." Harry stood and gracefully took the man's hands in his own hands, shaking them. "Luna, you may stop writing for now."
"Sorry for my tardiness Harrison. It seemed that every floo to Hogwarts was out so I had to apparate to Hogsmeade and make my way here the long way."
"Oh think nothing of it, good man."
"Please, you let me off the hook too much Lord Potter."
"Excuse me Lord Potter but. What is this?" Lord Patil's eyebrow crooked some.
"Oh Mr. Lovegood here is Luna's father and the editor of the Quibbler. After all it makes only sense that such a dialogue is communicated to the populace."
"Aaaaaaagreed Lord Potter especially the union of our two families but wouldn't Rita Skeeter have been better after all the Daily Prophet is much more popular."
"Well…I imagine by the end of this…the Quibbler will blow them away." Harry retook his seat while Xenophilius got a camera out and ready.
"Allow me to state then for the record that I look forward to us being family then my boy. After all, a boy should always have a great man to teach how the world is. You would even be able to call me Fath-
"UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Harry sighed and leaned his head back letting it out exasperatedly cutting off the Lord.
"I….I'm sorry Lord Potter is something wrong?"
Harry lifted his cane and the eyes caused the man to grow pale. He lifted it up and brought the bottom of it onto the table, splitting and pushing it apart in two. The contract floated in the air between them. "Let me ...make myself. Very clear." He rose and began to walk forward, his path not blocked by the table any longer straight till he was in front of Lord Patil. Albus got up to calm the man but Harry pointed at him.
"Do not interfere Headmaster. You have no ruling or power over these proceedings and I need to make sure what I say sticks." His eyes had grown fully gray. "Now. Lord Patil." He stared at the man. "I am not here to figure out any form of contract with you."
"Then good day!" Lord Patil stood while shouting. "And this courtship of my daughters and you will cease IMMEDIATELY!" He took their arms, causing Padma to yelp in pain, and was about to walk away when he felt the cane on his shoulder pull him back and the head push him down into the chair.
"I. Wasn't. Finished." Harry's voice was cold. Calm. Calloused. As everyone in the room felt a shiver run up their spine five people for different reasons than planned. "I at this time do not or plan to be entered into a contract of said meaning with anybody. It is not because I do not see their benefit." The lights were not dimming but yet the room grew darker as if the light was concentrated on Harry himself. " If I do ever enter into one it will be out of love and consent of the parties involved and not because of their egotistical father who thinks he can raise his gauge in the political climate. A marriage contract is meant to signify the combined love and benefit both Lords and or Ladies of the houses wish for their children. To boost their children's future together before it comes."
Albus grunted as he looked at Harry. "You are tearing apart one however now, you must be against it then. Something so ancient and honorable as the House of Black is built upon marriage contracts."
"I thought I told you to remain silent." Harry started.
"He is correct though…." The voice behind him caused him to glance back as the Auror Tonks comforted a sitting Andromeda. Her face grew more saddened by the memories that haunt her. Xenophilius handed her a handkerchief which she gratefully accepted.
Dumbledore's smile was smug and all signs pointed to him finally gaining something over Harry. Then the boy smirked.
"While that is an incredibly important part of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black history..I fully intend to speak to our head of house of…ah ... .moving forward specifically about the consent of contracts of these natures. Even looking back at the ones of past and living family members. In the meantime if you don't mind I'd like to treat my dates and guests to a lovely night of dancing." Harry reached his hands to both patils and with grace pulled them, helping them to stand. Their eyes glimmer in thankfulness at his actions. "Lord Patil." He nodded to the man. "Professors McGonagall and Flitwick. Can't wait to see you at the ball." His head turned back. "Mr. Lovegood I expect a free copy in the mail tomorrow." He smiled and gestured for Luna to come with him and the same for Andromeda and her daughter. They all noticed that Albus was not referred to in the slightest.
.
"Harry…."
"Harry, you didn't need to do that for us.." Parvati finished since Padma was too embarrassed to admit aloud even though they were a good distance from the room by now.
"Of course I did."
"Harry's right, girls." Andromeda smiled looking at her and the others for a bit. "It's something I'm glad he got from Lily."
"Better than anything I've seen there Pots." Tonks smirked
"Pots?"
"Trying some nicknames for you Harry. But like I was saying. You did more than what most Wizards would do for their other. I'm really impressed."
"It really wasn't too much. I just told the truth." He looked and saw McGonagall had recovered from the meeting and was walking over. "Keep working on that nickname though."
"Ah Potter, come now you and your dates are opening the ball." She smiled and as she led the three of them, after a moment to promise both Andromeda and Tonks a dance.
When they got to the steps leading to the Great Hall they didn't even notice it but everyone was staring at them. Some are jealous of the girls, but more jealous of Harry himself. He turned and took his spot looping his arms with the girls.
"Cedric, Cho." He smiled as they still had some time before the entrance. "Good evening so far?" Harry smirked as he saw the lipstick around the right corner of Cedric's face. An eyebrow raised at Cho who blushed told Harry all he needed.
"Yeah. It's actually really good. I've been needing a break."
"Well of course Cedric. You are taking your NEWTS the same year this is going on ... .actually makes me surprised any of you seventh years actually did that with the heavy studying you all do." Cho pointed out.
"I bet it's not the tests he's hating the most." Parvati mentioned.
"You're right ... .This was supposed to be the year that sponsors and coaches for teams would have come to the school to see me and see if I was gonna be good enough to make it on their teams or at least be invited to tryouts."
"You're not going into politics like your father?" Padme asked.
"Hours in nonsense meetings where no one can agree over anything?" Cedric wrinkled his nose, getting a small laugh out of all of them.
"Bonjour Cedric, Bonjour Ha-" A soft voice spoke and judging from the looks on the girls faces, Harry seriously needed to tell them to get over that, it had to be Fleur who was staring at Harry." Bonjour Harry."
"Fleur." He bowed his head slightly and took her hand bringing it to his lips gently and only for the briefest of moments before letting her hand return to her and he placed his hands around the twins causing them to smile a bit more. "How are you?"
"A bit burned on the back of my legs from when the dragon snorted fire while it was asleep but I should be good. I also had a question. If you could save a dance for me tonight?" Fleur asked slightly sheepishly.
Harry looked at the girls. "I gotta make sure I give them the most dances and a few to boot but I promise at least one."
"Thank you." She smiled and looked when she felt a hand on her shoulder. "Harry, I believe you know Miss Lovegood. She told me she wouldn't have been able to come and after a splendid talk I felt it was only right to give her this back."
"I was wondering why you were in that nice dress Luna." Harry laughed a bit which caused Fleur to look confused and so he explained. "She was part of a meeting I had earlier."
"Well it seemed only right. After all, I also wanna keep an eye out for the nargles that could hurt my friends."
Cho looked like she was about to say something when Padma gave her a small kick to the foot and a hard stare. "That's very noble of you Luna. Are you sure you're a lion?" Padma started getting a small grin from her boyfriend.
"Hey look there's Viktor." Cedric spoke up as he saw the man in all red slowly approaching them. "Evening."
"Likewise, Uh….Harry?" The Bulgarian asked the young lord to get his attention. "Did you by chance, how do I say again, know where Herminny is?"
"She should be down shortly Viktor, When I left for the meeting with Harry she was settling everything on her bed in order so she could not mess up when putting the dress on correctly." This alleviated the Bulgarian's stress.
"Thank you." Viktor sighed in relief.
"Remember my warning Vik." Harry glared playfully to the older man who shook his arms in the air in surrender before freezing and staring past Harry. Harry turned and his heart froze and a small part of him hated Viktor….no he wouldn't give it the admittance it deserved. There in a beautiful periwinkle blue dress that was floaty and matching shoes was Hermione. She looked as if she had just lept from a childhood tale's definition of a princess.
"She's beautiful…." Three or four people spoke in soft whispers as they watched her come down and with a shy smile laid her hand upon the top of Viktor's hand who leaned in and was whispering to her softly. Judging by the smile it was all good. It wasn't until Professor McGonagall coughed to the Champions did they all turn and notice it was time for them.
"Youngest in front." She told them as she headed in for the introduction of the Champions.
Harry paused though and smirked looking at the other Champions. "Y'all wanna stick it to them?"
"Harry!/Hell yeah!/Oh no…/Let's do it/ I'm in./Me too/ Aie." The four champions and dates all agreed…..except Cho and Hermione who shook their heads aghast."
"All of us enter at once ... .after all this was supposed to be about meeting new people from the schools." Harry grinned and Lined up with the others having Viktor and Fleur be in the middle as the main people to focus on since they were the guests.
"Alright on three."
"I will get you back for this Harrison." Hermione muttered but was grinning."
"Fair Mione. One."
"Is this normal for this school?"
"It's a development. Two."
"We didn't have yearly death threats before you showed up, Harry." Cedric jokes
"Wait what?!" Fleur and Viktor asked at the same time.
"AND Three!."
And just like that all nine of them entered the Great Hall at the same time.
"And introducing first the Younge-..." Ludo Bagman looked up as he saw all the competitors showing up at the same time. "I….mean introducing the Champions of the TriWizard Tournament!" His voice had a slight edge of annoyance but he'd make it work.
All nine of them walked unitedly until they all were seated. The Meal went by quickly. Luckily thanks to the number of individuals the Champions table was only theirs and had no room for anyone from either ministry or the schools. It was then that Percy got to know his fellow champions better. Viktor was actually taking some time off from Quidditch due to a shoulder injury and was actually taking this time to learn up on what he needed regarding the House of Krum in Bulgaria. Fleur was making waves in curse breaking over in France and it seems that she had even gained the attention of the Gringotts bank. Cedric was wanting to become a professional quidditch player as was discussed earlier but he also wanted to get a Mastery in Charms.
When asked, Harry had to admit that he wasn't sure. It was definitely something on his mind but he made a simple answer as a joke…but only one person at the table knew it was true. "Gotta make sure I make it to that age first." He smirked that joking grin….but only one knew how false it was.
Then it was time. The dancing.
Harry took Parvati up first with the promise to Padma that the last one of the night would be the three of them together. The dance was fast paced and energetic, perfect for her. Harry was actually surprised he kept up almost for the most part. His eyes stayed on hers through the entire time though. Never for a second did they slip from her making sure she knew at that moment. She was his. And He was hers. No one else's. In Fact It wouldn't be wrong to say that everyone else faded from their mind especially when the song ended and he had her in a dip, his hand on her hip as his other cupped her face looking down at her. He leaned in softly and kissed her pulling her back upward.
"Damn…..I forgot how good you were at that." She muttered her breath taken completely from her. It made him chuckle as he led her back to her seat and pulled Padma up with him. Luckily the very next one was slow. Sensual. Caring in a lot of ways. It focused on the here and now. The small moments. The almost audible sensation as you can feel your lover in your arms. Their breathing. Their heat. Their love. In many ways one could say they were all intruding on such a dance.
A few dances later Harry had Luna in his arms as the perfect way to thank for the help earlier. Unlike with the others there was almost free flowing in this dance. They were just doing what felt right. Have you ever watched that scene from the jungle book where Baloo and King Louie are dancing with each other? Yeah. That. Just having fun and not caring what was being said. Including an almost impossible spot where Harry threw Luna in the air and caught her after doing a flip. When the song ended everyone was looking at the two like they were insane but their group of nine, thirteen when the Redhead twins and quidditch mates joined, were all laughing their asses off.
Andromeda's thank you dance was more sensible. Infact one could compare it to the Mother and Son dances sometimes at a wedding. It was small casual and very similar to the same way he danced with McGonagall in the announcement of the Ball. Harry would admit though that Andromeda did not look a day over thirty and was very beautiful. Just like everyone he had danced with thai evening.
Tonks….well let's just say she wasn't expecting her Auror outfit to get shifted to a strapless knee length black dress that hugged her body, her boots shifting to heels as well, she told Harry that she'd kill him if they didn't return to normal afterward since the boots were her favorite. The dance was very small, since Tonks asked, but she did take the opportunity to tease the poor lad by making sure there was little to no personal space between the two. This meant when the dance ended it was a very red faced Harry that remet the girls.
Hermione was waiting for Viktor to return with a punch so she took the opportunity to dance with Harry. It was poetic the two best friends since either could remember now alone on the dancefloor. It actually made Harry realize that perhaps…perhaps in another time they would have done this together. Just them and this dance. No sharing…no major dancing. Just the two of them…a small part of him ached for it but acknowledged this wasn't the time for them. It was in the end with a heavy heart when he stopped and kissed her cheek gently returning her to Viktor.
The dancing continued before the last two songs were announced. Harry realized he hadn't had the opportunity yet to dance with Fleur and began to look around. He stopped when he saw her being pulled out by a guy. A seventh year he thought if he recognized them correctly. He turned and looked at Padma and Parvati and opened his mouth when they cut him off with a kiss.
"We'll make sure we get back to the rooms safely. I'm gonna stay in Gryffindor tower with Parvati tonight anyway." Padma admitted and mentioned she had gotten permission earlier today.
"Go on Harry. Go save people." Parvati smiled and kissed him again. "But I'm expecting a good date next Tuesday."
Harry grinned as he kissed the girls. "God I am a lucky man."
"We Know." They smirked as they put an arm around the other. And they watched as their boyfriend was off.
Harry rushed out the door and looked around before closing his eyes. Fleur's magic always reacted differently. It was warm…. Violent at times….intriguing. It felt like his skin was always on edge but never enough to fully lock his attention. He opened his eyes the moment he felt it and rushed out into the courtyard.
"This is what you get for not accepting my fucking offer. You damned Vella." Harry turned just as he saw a man push Fleur against the wall. It was Roger Davis. He remembered a couple days ago when he had tried to ask Fleur to the Ball and had ended up a dazed, and stuttering mess.
"I…I said I was sorry…. please stop" Fleur looked at the man in fear. "I don't wanna hurt you." She whimpered as he rolled his eyes.
"Hurt me please….I'll be doing worse if you don't just give me what I'm owed." Harry saw what she meant though. Her arms were beginning to sprout feathers and the area's snow was melting from an increase in heat. He rushed forward as if driven. The heat didn't just melt the snow…it caused a rush of anger to flood his veins. He roared as He thrusted his cane forward. The bottom of it jammed into the face of Roger.
"Ah fucking….Potter!" Rodger turned infuriated before watching the cane drop and disappear into the shadows. The room grew darker as he approached too which caused Roger to stutter for a bit. "Buzz off you fucking halfblooded idiot!" Roger jammed his wand forward sending a stunning charm at Potter who jumped in the air twisting to dodge it. When he landed and stood back up the cloak looked as if it was a thousand angry souls and hands reaching out and upward. "What the damned are you?!"
"Not Damned." Harry commented as he approached more until Roger was pressed to a wall. "Mad." He rushed forward and disappeared with Roger into the wall as his shadow took over both of them. Tomorrow when Roger is found in an abandoned classroom he'll be stuttering. The only thing he kept repeating was something about how sorry he was.
When Harry returned he placed his cloak around Fleur. "Are you alright?"
"Qui." Fleur sighed softly and leaned against him as he helped her up. "I'm so sorry to ruin your night Harry."
"It's fine ... .After All. I'm not gonna let some bastard like that do something stupid and you get in trouble." He gently ran his hand along a feather that was still sticking out of her. The others were slowly retracting as was this one.
"It's my heritage as a Veela." She explained to him and watched his hand be gentle with the feathers.
"They are beautiful."
"Thank you Harry." Fleur looked at the moon and sighed. "I am guessing the ball is ending…."
"Yeah…." He admitted but stood fully tall no matter what and offered her his hand. "But I still hear music." Her eyes widened and she looked at the hand and then back at Harry. She reached up and took it and let him pull her up. And there. In the middle of the moonlight they spun. Slowly. Carefully. In the circle of melted snow. Fleur leaned her head gently against his chest and let the tears slowly drip down her cheek softly. This. This was an amazing end to their night. They pulled away when the song that was playing in their heads stopped and stared into each other's eyes.
Fleur knew why she did it and had no regrets as she listened to her magic and leaned up kissing Harry Potter-Black in the moonlight.
And in that moonlight the night went from an amazing end …..to a perfect one.