Harry Potter and the Supreme Animagus
Chapter 25
Comparisons Between the British Changeling's Mating Dance, and Other Species' (Bulgarian Short-Faced Bear, French Firebird, and British Badger)
Please Read and Review.
I'd like to know what I'm doing right (to keep doing it), and what I am doing wrong (to correct it).
Hogwarts
Gryffindor Common Room
Harry kept an idle watch on Ron Weasley, who stayed well away from him. His former friend was extremely self-conscious of his dreadful formal robes, cut in a style even their respective grandfathers would have mocked as outdated. Ron has made some inept attempts to cut off the lace cuffs, but the results were awfully uneven, there was more lace and less sleeve than there should be…
Eventually, Parvati Patil (1) walked down the stairs, and practically dragged the redhead away.
Finally, Hermione appeared at the top of the stairs, wearing a beautiful dress that tastefully enhanced her still developing figure. Harry smiled at her, she returned a slightly awkward smile.
"You look amazing." Harry said when he took her hand. He was almost breathless at seeing her now. Her usually bushy mane of brown hair now rested on her back, carefully braided in complex patterns, no wonder it had talent her so long to be ready. She wore a beautiful dress, blue in colour, with discreetly placed gems.
She blushed cutely. "Thank you, you look very handsome." She covered her mouth with her other hand, and whispered, "I should have asked Madam Pomphrey to shrink my teeth too…"
Guiding her to the door, Harry whispered back. "You could ask her tomorrow, but…"
"But?"
Awkwardly, Harry scratched the back of his head, "I… I know you're a bit self-conscious about your teeth, but, to be honest, I like them. They look cute in you."
Hermione blushed even more, and slapped him on the shoulder, "Harry!"
"It's true, I'm gonna miss them." He winked, "If you want to shrink them, I'm no one to tell you to not do it."
"I…" she hesitated, "I like your fang."
Harry's smile grew even larger, showing the fang in question. "Thank you. Now, let's hurry up and meet the others."
Hogwarts
Great Hall Entry
Harry and Hermione were the last Champion couple to arrive. They found Cedric, Fleur, Viktor and their respective partners in an animated discussion about magical environments of their own countries. Neville and Luna participated actively, while Cho Chang seemed… bored, despite Cedric's attempts to draw her into the conversation. She had been one of the group of bullies that tormented Luna, and consequently, hadn't been warmly received in the group. However, as Luna was not one to carry a grudge, Chang was in an informal probation. Cedric wasn't completely convinced she had learned her lesson, but his father had insisted on Cedric treating her with care. So their current relationship could be described as 'tense'.
Luna added an ocassional question about Bulgaria's magical animals, while Neville worked out the equivalent names of some magical plants common to two or more countries.
"…there's a magical algae in the Mediterranean coast, that actually changes your body into a water breathing form. I found it in 'Magical Plants of Europe and their Most Common Uses'." He said, thoughtfully, as if unsure of how his offering would be received. "You just have to eat it, and after a little while, you grow gills, membranes between your fingers, and your toes grow longer, like a frog or a toad."
"Interestink." Viktor mused. "But me haff worked out anodder vay. Gut show ov magic, me sure. Ekstra points fer shur."
"So 'ave I." Fleur said, a mysterious smile on her lips. "Not very flashy, but I'm sure it weel be enough."
Cedric and Harry exchanged a look. "Well…" Cedric said, "I'd like to know more about that plant, Neville."
"Me too." Harry nodded, Hermione squeezed his forearm, taking advantage of her hand's position at the crook of Harry's arm. She knew Harry wouldn't actually need any method to breath underwater, except as a cover. He had the whole catalog of water-dwelling animals at his disposal, mundane and magical. The only real restriction he had was to not show his power in view of the public.
"And me!" Luna chirped happily, ignoring Cho's facial expression. "It would be a great help for Daddy and me if we could follow some elusive creatures down into their lairs. We haven't had an underwater article published in The Quibbler for ages, since Daddy interviewed the Norwegian Mermaids about the Rotfang Conspiracy Connection to deep sea drilling."
Neville took a couple of seconds to try to process that, and gave up. "I'll see if I can buy some. Gillyweed is supposed to be a bit scarce now. It's a seasonal plant and it must be eaten fresh or the effect last much less time."
"We'll be very thankful, Nev." Harry smiled. He had his left hand in his pocket, touching Moody's Sneakoscope, it was starting to warm up in his fingers. The coast was definitively not clear anymore. "Ahem. I think it's almost eight o'clock." And he signaled the other Champions discreetly. 'Somebody is watching us.' The signal meant. The others changed subject.
"Ve should muff to de doors." Viktor took Luna's hand, and opened the way for the group. Fleur and Neville followed the pair, then Cedric and Cho, and finally, Harry and Hermione.
He looked around, and breathed deeply. He put his right hand on Hermione's own, and without anybody noticing, he tapped the word "Skeeter" in Morse code over her hand. Hermione nodded. The reporter had been a frequent annoyance since the Weighting of the Wands.
Looking around, Hermione saw Malfoy and Parkinson at the edge of the group, arguing with, who else, Ron Weasley. Malfoy seemed to enjoy needling Ron, while Parvati tried to drag him away from the Slytherin contingent. "Seems like Ron is about to punch Malfoy."
"If he does, he will be sent to scrub cauldrons with Snape." Harry noted, not at all worried about that.
"Yeah." Hermione sighed. Just as Professor McGonagall's voice imposed order in the hall. "Mr. Weasley! Mr. Malfoy! Five points from each, your behaviour is outrageous! Now, go back to your own groups!"
Ron and Draco looked at each other with barely disguised hostility, but obeyed, to Parvati's relief and Pansy's disappointment.
Once the commotion had passed, Professor McGonnagall clapped twice. "Champions over here, please."
The four couples moved next to the doors. "You'll enter last. Once everybody else has taken their seats."
The doors opened by themselves, allowing the students to enter. Victor's fan girls threw angry looks towards Luna, Malfoy and Párkinson did the same to Harry and Hermione, Crabbe and Goyle didn't have a partner, either they had been rejected, or hadn't asked any girls; while Roger Davies looked wistfully at Fleur, before his partner elbowed him sharply on the ribs.
Took a few minutes until they were allowed to enter. Being the only female Champion, Fleur would be the first to enter, along with Neville; after Professor McGonagall. Neville looked a bit flustered, but managed to keep control through an impressive effort of will. Fleur's allure had flared for a moment.
Then, Cedric and Cho; followed by Viktor and Luna, and finally, Harry and Hermione. Without being noticed, Rita Skeeter flew along the rafters, ready to sneak into the Great Hall after the Champions.
Harry's ears twitched, following the sound of an insect that shouldn't be around. 'Found you.' He thought with a small smirk. Now that he knew the type of animal that was Rita's alternate form, the Champions could notice her presence without Moody's Sneakoscope.
When their turn came, both Harry and Hermione entered the Great Gall with their heads held high. The place looked very different from its usual aspect, the walls now looked as if they were covered with frost, and every corner and rafters had garlands of Ivy and mistletoe. Perfect places for a beetle to hide and watch. Instead of the four long House tables, there were about a hundred smaller tables, with lanterns lit at the center, the light was warm and welcoming.
They walked slowly towards the big round table where the judges were already seated. There was only a couple of seats left, two cards with their names had been set on the table. Harry pulled Hermione's chair, under the approving look of Madam Máxime, and the slightly disconcerted look of Dumbledore. At the staff table, Moody smirked, though everybody else but Harry and Hermione would swear that the former Auror was grimacing in disgust.
Once seated, Harry looked around the table while making small talk with Hermione. He knew she was doing the same. They ignored the occasional flashes of Bozo's camera. The Daily Prophet would publish a few of those punctures in its next printing.
Karkaroff looked as if he had swallowed a rotten lemon, his angry eyes jumping from Viktor to Luna, and back. It was very clear he didn't like his Star student to fraternize with the local students to this grade. Ludo Bagman seemed as excited as a kid in a toy store, talking animatedly with anybody around. Madame Maxine seemed proud, Dumbledore smiled benignly to everybody around, apparently lost in his thoughts. Barty Crouch Sr. tapped impatiently at the lapels of his robe, Harry knew the man would have preferred to be somewhere else, as he would be expecting his murderous son to be planning something, and dreaded what it could be. Moody was watching him too. Alert in case the convo of spells the man had been subjected to would hold (2). Barty jr had done a very good job at manipulating his father, and Moody had reinforced the instructions according to Crouch's personality. He would keep on as a Tournament official to the best of his capacity.
Satisfied things were proceeding according to the scenario, Harry and Hermione followed Dumbledore's example, and ordered their choices from the magical menu.
There was some small talk during dinner, but nothing of real consequence.
To Rita Skeeter's chagrin.
Hogwarts
Great Hall
After dinner, the Yule Ball proper began.
A space was cleared on the middle of the Great Hall, the lights dimmed around the dance floor, getting brighter at the center, so the dancers could be clearly seen. At one side, another space was lit brightly,as a series of musical instruments appeared, followed by the musicians.
The Weird Sisters appeared on stage, they seemed to Hermione like the wizarding equivalent of a punk band, with long hair and beards, and their robes had been carefully ripped in ways simple wear and tear wouldn't be. They began a slow, almost mournful tune.
Harry rolled his neck a bit, and taking Hermione's hand, the four couples opened the dance. Madame Maxime's lessons were put to the test. The eight dancers followed the rhythm perfectly, each step, every spin, every movement perfectly synched. Almost as if they were reading each others' minds. Ocasionally, there was a bright flash of light, always coming from the same place.
The piece concluded to thunderous applause, and the next one began, this one a bit faster. The first couples arrived to the dance floor, some with more enthusiasm than technique, like Fred Weasley and Angelina Johnson, along with George Weasley and Padma Patil; some with more technique than enthusiasm, like Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson; and in the case of Ron Weasley and Parvati Patil, she had technique and enthusiasm, while he… lacked both. He spent more time scowling at Harry and Hermione than paying attention to Parvati.
As they wandered over the dance floor, Harry accidentally heard Viktor whispering to Luna, "No, aktually, I can speak correctly. I just pretend I kan't manage the pronouns. I like being underestimated! Cave man speak fun!" She giggled cutely, but Harry didn't hear her answer, as they danced away from his range. Harry couldn't help but snigger.
"Harry?" Hermione looked around, trying to locate the source of his mirth.
"I'll tell you later. It's not really important, just a bit of gossip I overheard." She nodded and the two continued to dance.
"Karkaroff and Snape are leaving." Harry whispered into Hermione's ear. "And they look worried."
She followed his eyes, and almost missed the two Dark Wizards leaving, only Snape's robe last swirl gave them away. "Let's follow them."
The couple pretended to go out for some fresh air in the Rose Garden. And they kept a reasonable distance from their prey. They raised their eyes to the sky, pretending to look at the starry sky.
Actually, Harry was eavesdropping their conversation.
A minute later, Harry took Hermione's hand and led her back to the Great Hall, keeping his other hand firmly into his pocket. "They are scared. Their Dark Marks are getting darker. They know Riddle is getting stronger. They want to flee, but won't dare. And Snape is in a really foul mood. Let's not give him any pretext to come after us."
Hogwarts
Great Hall
At the Main Table
"It's been time enough?" Crouch growled. "I'd rather go home and sleep, I have a very busy day tomorrow."
Dumbledore nodded, "Enough time, Barty. Our trackers have already compiled the list. Whomever each Champion has spent the most time since they entered the Great Hall will be their treasure during the Second Task. (3).
A scroll on the table shower eight names:
Cedric Diggory; Cho Chang
Fleur Delacoeur; Neville Longbottom
Viktor Krum; Luna Lovegood
Harry Potter; Hermione Granger.
"Hmph." Crouch grumbled, right as Harry and Hermione walked back into the Great Hall, putting him and Dumbledore into Harry's hearing range, "Of course the half-blood had to pair with the Muggleborn. Well, better than the alternative. Though Potter should have chosen somebody with a better breeding. The Granger girl won't ever amount to anything. A wife at best."
Dumbledore raised an eyebrow. "Miss Granger is one of the best students in the whole of Hogwarts. It's very rare an intellect of her caliber is even seen in our society."
"Doesn't matter." Crouch dismissed her with a gesture of his hand. "She'll never amount to anything, unless she marries well, of course. And who in his right mind would want to sully their bloodline with one of her kind? No, Potter will need a proper, pure-blooded wife. If Potter is so interested in her, he could keep her as his mistress, or even better, a concubine."
Neither man noticed Harry's look of anger, directed at them.
Hermione did notice.
OMAKE (it follows immediately after this chapter's ending)
When Harry shared the conversation with the rest of the anti-conspiracy group, everybody had the very same look of anger.
And Dan Granger was right at the top of the scale. "Sirius. Silver Age Joker. Tomorrow."
"But you said…"
"I know what I said. That was before your world's leaders decided my little girl was to be nothing but a brood mare. That's a line I won't let them cross." He exhaled. "I want them humiliated, not dead. That's the Silver Age Joker limit. Bronze Age or Golden Age? That's for Death Eaters."
"What's this Joker you are speaking of?" Moody grunted. "Are those Weasley Twins entangled with this?"
"I've been letting Sirius read my comics, this place is kinda boring unless you have something to do. The Joker is a comic book character. He was disfigured into looking like a clown. You know, white skin, green hair, blood red lips, that kind of thing. Once he was disfigured, he became a crook with an obsession with clowns, playing cards, jokes and pranks. In his earliest appearances in the 1940s, he was a sadistic murderer. But layer on, during the 1950s and 1960s, the character was changed into an eccentric thief, still using jokes and pranks as weapons, but no longer immediately deadly. From the 1970s on, he has been back to a sadistic criminal." (4)
"And you want Black to read that because..?" Moody growled.
"He is a prankster, and I bet he can get a lot of ideas."
Sirius cackled nastily. He even went "Bwa-hahaha!" He looked back at Dan, "Did I do it right?" (5)
Emma Granger rolled her eyes, while Dan rubbed his hands together. "Perfectly."
Author Notes
(1) Without Harry around, Ron kept postponing asking a girl to be his partner for the dance. It was George who set him up with Parvati Patil, but she asked for George to ask her sister, as she didn't have a partner yet.
(2) Barty Jr. had cast Imperious on his father, ordering him to help with Voldemort's preparativos. Once Jr. Was neutralized, Moody simply reinforced the orders with Confundus and Obliviate; the instructions were carefully prepared to fit into Sr.'s usual behaviour, so he is not resisting so much. In canon, Sr. struggled to break free from Jr.'s control, until he managed to do it.
(3) Personally, I think this would be a good reason why Ron was Harry's hostage, instead of Hermione, or even Parvati. Both Harry and Ron spent more time together than with their respective partners! I acknowledge that Fleur's sister being her hostage is a hole in my theory, but Fleur discarded Roger Davies rather quickly. Maybe she went back to the Beauxbatons carriage and spent the time with Gabrielle?
(4) A somewhat tangled recount of the Joker's publication history. The character debuted in Batman, issue 1 (Mar, 1940) without an origin (he received one in Detective Cómics issue 168, Feb, 1951). By 1942, the murderous tendencies of the character had been toned down, and with the introduction of the Comics Code in 1954, the Joker became an eccentric thief for the next few decades. This version lasted until Batman issue 251 (Sept, 1973), the issue that revamped the Joker as a serial/mass murderer, a portrayal that last to this day.
(5) The Justice League/Justice League International was not an utterly serious (sorry) title, and a couple of the heroes liked to joke around. One of their favorite jokes was to affect a stereotypical evil laugh.