Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, Supreme Mugwump of the ICW, winner of Order of Merlin- First class, defeater of dark lord Grindelwald, one of the most powerful wizards to have walked on Earth sat behind his desk with his head in his hands at his most recent discovery.
His usually pristine office was currently in disarray. Books were strewn about, Quills were lying of the floor, the waste basket was upturned the visitor chairs were broken and the bowl of Lemon drops was lying shattered against a wall, its contents spilled on the floor. The cause of this was the headmaster himself.
Albus Dumbledore massaged his temples with his fingers feeling a huge headache of epic proportions coming.
Tom Riddle had made Horcruxes.
Merlin-be-damned Horcruxes.
More than one.
Horcruxes were a use of magic so vile and obscure that only a few people would have even heard of them in history. It was first created by Herpo-the-foul made by combining Soul magic, Necromancy and sacrificial magic- three branches of magic which were banned by most magical nations and even by the ICW. Only those at the department of mysteries or its equivalents were legally allowed to study it, that too, under strict oaths and binding magical contracts.
The normal public had no source of information on them, save perhaps ancestral books and family grimoires- a resource very few families had.
Thankfully, being Albus Dumbledore had its perks.
Albus had been searching answers for the phenomena of Tom Riddle's survival on the fateful Halloween night especially since the fiasco with the Philosopher's stone. It was only a year later that he had gotten his first lead in form of Tom Riddle's diary which housed his 16-year-old form and was used to open the Chamber of secrets. Fortunately or unfortunately, the diary had been destroyed by Harry Potter to kill the 16-year form of Tom Riddle with basilisk venom.
Basilisk venom was one of the most destructive magical materials in the world. It burned through anything and everything including high level enchantments, leaving no trace of their existence. It was the same with Fiendfyre. It left no trace of the magic that it had destroyed.
It was the same with the diary.
Whatever magic Tom had done on it, was no more. Not even a miniscule trace. But, Harry's account of events that had transpired in the chamber of secrets had given him a direction to look into: Soul magic. Since that very day Albus Dumbledore had started searching in that direction. He read through countless books to find an answer to what it was.
That was when he stumbled upon a line in a famous, rather infamous book: Magick most Evile. A book which contained the worst possible uses of Magic to be ever invented and used. And to his immense shock, there was only one line written on the subject of something known as Horcruxes in it:
"Of the Horcrux, wickedest of magical inventions, we shall not speak nor give direction"
A book literally titled 'Magick most Evile', refused to speak of the Horcrux due to its evil nature. He immediately understood that Tom Riddle had most likely researched and dwelled in the branch of magic. To most, the amount of information available on the subject would be frustrating. But, a single word was enough of a lead for Albus Dumbledore. He had immediately taken out a few books on myriad subjects from the ICW restricted library using his position as the Supreme Mugwump and today he had finally found of what the Horcruxes exactly were.
An Horcrux was an object which housed a fragment of the soul of a witch or wizard in it. As long as the Witch or Wizard had a Horcrux, their soul was tied to the living plane instead of passing on to the next great adventure.
The process of making one was itself evil. It involved the sacrifice of a soul... A cold blooded murder for the sole purpose of conducting a ritual which would tear an individual's soul in half and tether the torn half to an object while the other half stayed in the body itself. The ritual, according to the book, was very painful to do and complex to understand. One mistake and the doer would suffer a fate worse than death. Also, the soul... the cold blooded murder- wasn't the only thing the doer needed to sacrifice while making a Horcrux... It even took away a part of their identity and sanity. That certainly explained the changes Tom Riddle underwent to become Lord Voldemort- The terror of Great Britain.
One of the greatest advantages, according to the book, of making a Horcrux was that the object turned into a Horcrux became neigh indestructible. Not even high level blasting charms could put a scratch on the object. The only things capable of destroying the Horcrux was fiendfyre and basilisk venom that too because of their capability to destroy anything including magical enchantments. Also, a Horcrux could possess a human- muggle or magical, if one came into contact with it for a prolonged time.
The same thing that had happened with Ginevra Weasley which led to opening the Chamber of secrets. Thankfully, Harry Potter had yet again, saved the day with the help of Fawkes and the sorting hat killing a Basilisk and destroying one of Voldemort's Horcruxes in the process.
Albus didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the boy's luck. The first time Harry had (unknowingly)encountered a Horcrux, he had been facing a 1000 year old basilisk at the same time, and had enough instinct to destroy the diary with the Basilisk fang instead of anything else available in the room.
Harry Potter was another enigma in his own right. The boy before the chamber incident was an average student at best. But, after that, he had seemingly changed. He became the top student in his year and became what one could only term as a prodigious wizard. When he had returned in his third year, he had already mastered the Patronus charm and saved his friends from the dementors. Then, he had managed to get Filius to train him in the art of dueling and proceeded to go and win the World Dueling league.
After that there was the whole fiasco at the Quidditch World Cup where Harry had managed to single-handedly capture eleven death eaters who were tried and sent to Azkaban.
Now, the boy had been entered into the tournament and was facing mortal peril again. But, Albus had seen Harry's performance in the first task and was in awe of the boy's skills. He had managed to single-handedly kill a Chimera in the third round of the first task. And what a show it had been! Of course, it begged to question how had Harry gotten so skilled. Skilled enough to not rely on luck, rather pure skill and power to kill a Chimera of all creatures.
Of course, the boy had two huge, old libraries of his ancestors at his disposal. And Filius was an excellent teacher. But, what the boy had shown was on another level.
The transfiguration and the conjurations Harry had used in the first task were flawless. Albus Dumbledore had always thought that out of all his achievements, his achievements in the field of Transfiguration would always remain unparalleled. Not even Lord Voldemort and Gellert Grindelwald could match him in that field. But, now he could easily see Harry Potter surpassing him. And he was proud of the boy. If James and Lily could see him, they would have been equally proud of him especially James Potter.
Even Minerva and Filius were gushing about Harry's performance at the most recent staff meeting, much to Severus Snape's chagrin.
Severus Snape... was another concerning matter. His dark mark- the symbol of being in Lord Voldemort's servitude, was darkening. It was becoming more and more prominent showing that Lord Voldemort was gaining power again. After the Halloween night of 1981, the mark had almost faded to the point of being non-existent. It had again darkened at the end of 1991 and for the first few months of 1992, before it had faded again after Harry had defeated Quirrell and Lord Voldemort's spirit had fled.
So, Albus Dumbledore was becoming worried. The death eater attack at the world cup... Appearance of the dark mark at the world cup... Harry Potter's name being put into the Goblet of Fire and the dark mark on Severus's arm darkening again... And Horcruxes.
He was sure that Tom had made more than one. Or else, he would have died in 1993 when Harry destroyed the diary. But, he was most definitely alive. The mark proved that much as it was tied to Tom's magic.
All in all, things were looking concerning. Very concerning.
War was coming once again to the British isles. Unless by some miracle, Tom was banished again, war would be on British isles again by 1996 at the latest by his estimates.
He needed to begin preparations. He had to find who put Harry Potter's name in the Goblet. And start finding about Tom's Horcruxes before he began destroying them. All of Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes needed to be destroyed before Harry confronted Lord Voldemort for the final battle. All in all a lot of work.
'Perhaps, I could involve Harry in my plans too.' Dumbledore mused. 'An equally capable wizard with me would do wonders and the mind of the youth is always better than an old man's mind. But... not yet. The boy had a deadly tournament to go through. Once that was over, I would brush the boy up on my plans and start training him personally. But, first I needed a stiff drink now.' Albus thought to himself.
With a wave of his wand the office returned to its pristine state and he opened his cabinet and pulled out a bottle of Ogden's century-aged Fire-whiskey before he poured out a generous amount of the amber liquid and gulped it in a single shot.
"Come on ladies you can do better!" Harry shouted, as he dodged another jinx from Daphne and sidestepped a stunner from Susan.
Harry was currently dueling Susan and Daphne, two on one in the Room of Requirement. The girls had improved by leaps and bounds since the first time he had dueled them. Both were excellent learners and powerful witches. He could easily see Susan and Daphne being at par in skill and power with likes of Amelia Bones, Rufus Scrimgeour and Bellatrix Lestrange a decade or so down the line.
He swatted aside a bone breaker and a piercing curse before dodging a barrage of advanced stunners from Susan, simultaneously shielding from a blasting curse from Daphne. That was when he decided to end the duel. He unleashed a barrage of spells against them.
They erected a Protego Aegis, an advanced shield charm but they broke against his barrage within a few seconds. They deflected and dodged the next few spells but eventually Daphne fell victim to an Expelliarmus and Susan soon followed with a stunner.
Harry enervated Susan and she groaned.
"You both are getting better." He complimented.
"You still defeat us though." Susan grumbled.
"I have a lot more practice and experience than you both. But, I think you would be easily able to take on a seventh year student now and are at the level of trainee aurors. Now, let us focus on spell casting. Today I will be teaching you the lightning-whip spell. The same I used against the Chimera in the first task. I have already taught you the fire whip, right? So, this is similar, only made of lightning and much more dangerous and even deadly, if is held for a prolonged time for the opponent."
"Oh. Like it was with the Chimera." Susan said.
"Exactly. Now, the incantation is Fulguris Flagellum. The method of casting is similar to the fire whip but, needs more will to control. Have you being progressing in Occlumency as I asked you?"
"Yep. I am still working on my mindscape though. I estimate that I will complete the third stage by February end at the latest." Daphne said cheerfully. She had been taught basics of occlumency by her father even before she came to Hogwarts. So, it was much easier for her to learn the art than Susan who hadn't been taught at all.
"I completed the second stage... the first shield a week ago. I have started with the mindscape. I will definitely have that down by next Halloween." Susan replied.
Harry nodded.
He had noticed that the girls took much longer to learn anything than he had. He could usually learn to cast a high level spell in three or four tries. Daphne and Susan took anywhere between 10 to 20 tries to get the same spell properly.
"Good." Harry said. "Continue doing so. Occlumency will help you to cast spells as it helps you direct your will and intent properly in a spell properly. Now, Let me demonstrate the lightning whip. Fulguris Flagellum."
A lightning whip about five meters in length arced from his wand and with thundercrack, the whip snapped around the dummy the room of requirement had produced. After a few seconds, Harry let go of the spell. The dummy fell to the ground, scorch marks covering its torso due to the lightning.
"Painful." Daphne remarked.
"Obviously."
"But, you look hot while wielding it."
"I look hot all the time Daphne, now, start doing the spell. I want you both to get it down by the end of the session." Harry said rolling his eyes.
Daphne pouted and Susan giggled before they started trying the spell out.
It took them about an hour to get the spell down perfectly. Both the girls were tired by the end of it.
"Harry, I wanted to tell you that my Father wants to invite you to dinner on the boxing day." Daphne said as they packed up. "He will be sending a formal invitation in a couple of days."
"No problem."
"Ooohhhhh... meeting the parents already!" Susan exclaimed. "You sure move fast."
"If you remember, I have already met both of your guardians... except for Daphne's mother that is... The dinner would be a good opportunity to meet her."
"Yeah... She would love to meet you. Even you too Susan... but, currently they want to meet Harry."
"Oh, thank Merlin. I seriously don't want to be facing awkward questions."
"You bet."
"Ron... That's ghastly. What are they exactly?"
"My Dress robes."
"Dress... robes for the yule ball?" Harry questioned slowly, not believing his eyes.
They were currently in their dormitory and Mrs. Weasley had just sent Ron his dress robes for the yule ball. Truth to be told, those weren't dress robes but more like a dress that an old grandmother would wear to formal functions in the mid-seventeenth Century.
"Yes." Ron gloomily replied.
"Well... they are fashionable atleast... if we had been living in the 17th Century at least."
Ron shot him a glare before grumbling inaudibly.
There was a knock on the door and Hermione walked in.
"Have any of you seen- What the hell are you wearing Ron?"
"Dress robes. For the Yule ball."
Hermione met Harry's eyes for a moment before they both cracked up.
"Oh- merlin." Hermione wheezed between laughs. "You look like- a seventeenth Century witch-Ron."
"I told him the exact same thing." Harry remarked before he continued to laugh.
"Don't laugh people! Help me." Ron said exasperatedly.
"Just out of curiosity, why did Mrs. Weasley send you these? Like you guys have enough money now to buy new robes. Fred and George got theirs."
"According to mum, I am a growing boy. I would be able to wear these only once and then, they won't fit me. Plus, they're vintage."
"Sure... Vintage." Hermione nodded.
"Come on! Do something! Harry, you can kill a Chimera, you can definitely help me out."
"Yeah- yeah. Don't worry. I'll transfigure the robes like I did with Hagrid's the other day. And secondly how does killing a Chimera co-relate with solving your problem?" Harry asked.
"Thanks and Shut up." Ron said. "Speaking of Hagrid, do you think he will bag the Beauxbatons headmistress for a date?"
"I hope so. But, he was mighty nervous when we met him last Monday."
"Yeah. Poor Hagrid. He can handle dangerous creatures but gets scared of asking a girl to a date."
"I think, girls are more dangerous than even Dragons."
"What did you say Ronald?" Hermione asked sweetly.
"Err... I was wondering how will Hagrid's and Maxime's children look like." He hastily said.
"They'd be huge." Harry supported him, if nothing more than to prevent a rant from Hermione.
Thankfully, they all had already gotten dates. Harry was taking Susan, Ron had been set up with someone named Luna Lovegood from Ravenclaw while, Hermione had a secret date whose name she hadn't told them yet but, Harry knew it was Viktor Krum by the use Legilimency on her. She was extremely nervous to be the date of a Quidditch superstar. One would have thought that spending four years in Harry's company would have gotten her a bit used to it... but apparently not.
The Day of the Yule Ball
24th December 1994
Harry looked over his attire one more time. He was wearing a white undershirt with a royal-blue tie and a Black acromantula silk robe with a silver trim and the Potter-black crest on it. He checked that his gold cufflinks were properly in place, before he picked up some cologne and sprayed it wherever he found fit. He checked that his wand was in place and easily accessible bye flicking his wand out before returning to to the holster. He tried and failed to tame his hair once more... but that was a part of his charm. Giving himself a nod, he exited the Gryffindor Dormitory, waving Ron and Neville goodbye on his way.
Of course, No girls had been there in the common room yet. All of them were getting ready... since the past three and a half hours.
He had transfigured Ron's robes about half an hour ago into something acceptable for a ball with foreign guests. Neville was also dressed smartly wearing a robe with the Longbottom crest. He was taking Ginny to the ball, much to Ron's chagrin. Of course, all the Weasley brothers tried to have a 'talk' with Neville, but Ginny had shooed them away, with a warning to hex them if any of them troubled Neville and they surprisingly listened to her.
Harry made his way towards the Hufflepuff common room, after he apparated to a secluded corner of the first floor. He reached the barrels which were the entrance to the Hufflepuff common room and tapped his wand in the pattern of Helga Hufflepuff on the Barrels and they slid open. Their password had been the same since centuries.
He could also have gained access by the Hogwarts ring but, he didn't do so, choosing to do it the traditional way.
Harry stepped into the Hufflepuff common room and looked around.
The room was cozy. A fireplace was burning merrily and the Christmas cheer could be felt in the room. There were several couches and seats around. The walls were filled with personal effects too like drawings and posters for various clubs.
"What are you doing here, Potter?" a snide, nasally voice asked. Harry turned and saw that it was Zacharias Smith who had asked the question.
"I am here for my date, Smith." He replied calmly as he saw that no girls had come down yet.
What was with girls taking so much time to get ready? He had taken a complete bath and got ready in a grand total of twenty five minutes. Okay... girls had more things to do while getting ready but anything more than an hour was plain ridiculous.
"How did you know the password?"
"The password to the Hufflepuff common room has been same since centuries Smith. You tap the Barrels in the pattern of Helga Hufflepuff. If you get it wrong, you're sprayed with vinegar."
"Hey Harry!" Cedric called and gestured to the seat next to him. He was sitting with three other boys already.
Harry waved back and made his way towards him, ignoring Smith's gaping face.
"Hey Cedric. You well?"
"In excellent condition now thank you. Harry, this is Benjamin Bradley, Henry Clarke and Edward Hopkirk." He introduced his friends to him and Harry shook their hands.
"Where're the Ladies, Gentlemen?" Harry asked as he sat on a plush armchair
"Still getting ready."
"So, it is universal."
"Yep." Cedric agreed to Harry's sentiment. "But now, since we need to wait and it is your first time in the Hufflepuff common room, let me show you our pride."
"Your pride?"
"Yep, come along." Cedric said as he pulled Harry towards a corner of the room and showed Harry their pride. It was something that Harry had never expected to see in the wizarding world.
"I introduce you to the Hufflepuff Vending Machine!" Cedric said dramatically.
Inside the vending machine was every type of chocolate and wizarding drink imaginable(except the strictly adult variety alcohol). There was butterbeer, several types of fruit juices, sodas, all Honey-dukes special chocolates, Bertie beans, Chocolate frogs, Pumpkin pasties, liquore wands, Sugar quills... you name it!
"WHOA!"
"Amazing, isn't it? An Hogwarts Alumni made it and donated it to the Hufflepuff house about four years ago. Professor Sprout has the responsibility to ensure that everything's stocked and in order with the machine. You get everything on the same price as you get in Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley. Of course, you need to pay an extra of 2G every year if you wish to use it. That plus the profit from selling these things total is used to buy the next batch of things."
"That's impressive." Harry complimented.
"Let me buy you a drink." Cedric said and immediately pushed two sickles into the machine and punched a few numbers. A bottle of butterbeer fell down into the box and Cedric picked it up and handed it to Harry before repeating the process and taking one for himself.
"Cheers!" Cedric said clinking his bottle to Harry's and they returned to their seats and started drinking the Butterbeer as they waited for their dates.
"So, how's your preparation for the second task going on Cedric?" Harry asked after a few moments of silence.
"Good. I am yet to solve the clue of the egg but, I am reading up on wards. I seriously don't want to repeat the mistake I made last time of missing something out and falling prey to it. But, I am seriously not getting how to break wards. Putting them is still okay... but I am not getting how to break them."
"There are three ways to break a ward which has been put on something. One is the lengthy way in which you detect and identify the wards, figure out the ward scheme before starting to systematically dismantle each and every ward. Second is identifying the wards and erecting a counter ward scheme to nullify the exiting ward in a particular area, creating a hole of sorts through which one can enter in. And the third way is overwhelming the ward with excessive magic."
"Okay... I don't know anything about the second way and only have heard about the third."
"Well, the third is just shooting a hell lot of powerful spells against the ward dome to break them. Usually five to six people do this together, but, if you're powerful enough or have a very powerful spell, you can do it singlehandedly too. Tell you what? You live near the Weasleys, right?"
"Yes, I do."
"Do you know Bill Weasley?"
"Yeah... he was the head boy when I was in my first year."
"He's a curse breaker for Gringotts. Go to him during the holidays. He will help you out if you ask nicely. You can get a crash course on the topic."
"Thanks Harry, I will."
"Also, Federick Luftkin has authored several books on the topic. He has good work."
"Thanks a ton Harry. Luftkin, Right? I'll remember. Oh, looks like the ladies are almost ready. Now excuse me, I have to go to get my date." Cedric said chugging down the rest of the butterbeer, as the first girls started appearing from their rooms, all dressed beautifully in gowns of Myriad colours.
"Who's your date?"
"Cho Chang from Ravenclaw."
"You're still dating her then." Harry stated, remembering their conversation when he had came to collect Susan for their first date the previous year.
"Yes I am. Bye. See you later Harry!" Cedric said, walking out of the common room.
Harry, sat there waiting for Susan to come down, occasionally engaging in conversation with someone else in the room and ignoring the number of girls who were ogling him while conversing with their dates. Soon, Hannah Abbot, Susan's best friend came down the steps, wearing a beautiful yellow gown. She was going with Ernie Macmillan to the ball.
"Hey Hannah, where's Susan?"
"She's almost ready. She was wearing her heels when I left." She replied before going towards Ernie.
Soon, Harry's eyes fell on Susan as she descended down the steps and his breath hitched.
Susan was wearing a royal blue coloured gown with a silver trim, high heels and pearl jewelry which perfectly complimented her attire. Her hair was tied in an elegant bun with a few curled strands falling on her face. The gown hugged her body perfectly making her look smolderingly hot. She was also wearing makeup today.
She shot Harry a dazzling smile as she neared him. Harry, who was still speechless, extended his hand almost mechanically towards her and kissed her knuckles.
"You look good Harry." She complimented.
Harry broke out of his stupor and gave her a charming grin. "Not as good as you, Susan. You look exquisite."
"Thank you. Now, shall we go?"
Harry just extended his elbow towards her, which she took and together, they walked towards the great Hall.
Arriving outside the Hall, Harry saw that several students were already present there, waiting for the doors to open. Professor McGonagall gestured them towards where Cedric and Cho were standing and Viktor Krum was waiting for his date... which was going to be Hermione. Apparently, champions were going to make a grand entry, have an opening Dance, then have dinner with the Judges while the others dined in a buffet and finally dance again when the ball began.
"Looking good Susie." Cedric said to his god-sister.
"Thank you. You don't look bad yourself Ced."
"Miss Chang." Harry greeted, kissing her knuckles.
"Please call me Cho."
"Very well Cho. I must say, Cedric is playing above his standards by dating you." Harry said mirthfully. Cho giggled and Cedric and Susan laughed.
Out of the corner of his eye, Harry saw a few boys looking at Susan. He shot them a glare and they hurriedly looked away. Unknown to him, Susan did the same for the girls who were ogling Harry and Cedric.
Harry saw Ron arrive with a little blonde girl who was wearing outrageously colourful robes and... radish earrings and a butterbeer cork necklace? Hermione was still nowhere to be seen.
"That's Luna Lovegood." Cho replied seeing whom Harry was seeing. "She is... unique."
Harry nodded.
Dumbledore, despite being one of the most influential and powerful wizards in the world wore outrageous coloured robes which were an eyesore and had an obssesion with muggle sweets.
So, it wasn't exactly strange.
Harry then excused himself from Susan for a bit and went towards Viktor and gave him a light slap on his back.
"Harry." He greeted.
"Viktor, nice to see you. I heard you are taking Hermione to the ball?" He asked conversationally.
"Da. I am taking Hermy-own to the ball." He replied. It took a moment for Harry to realize that Krum couldn't pronounce Hermione's name properly.
"Yeah. Good." Harry replied, hiding his amusement and taking on a sterner tone instead. "Now, Hermione has been my best friend since I was eleven and she is like a little sister to me."
"Da. She speaks a lot about you."
"So, you may know that I am very protective of her. So, if you try anything..." Harry trailed off, making his eyes glow and magic flare up, "... I will show you how exactly I killed a Chimera. Am I understood." He said in a dangerous tone.
Krum gulped and nodded. "Da. Hermy-own will be safe and I won't do anything to her without her consent."
Harry smiled at him and thumped his back. "That is all I ask for Viktor. Have a good ball and make my Hermione happy." Harry said went to rejoin Susan who was waiting for him.
"What were you talking about?" She whispered in his ear.
"I was threatening Krum to be a gentleman for Hermione. She is under the protection of House Potter."
"He's taking Hermione then. That is bound to turn a few heads." Susan hummed.
Harry nodded in agreement.
Harry's eyes were then drawn to Fleur Delacour who walked in with Roger Davies, who was busy trying not to drool at her. She was wearing a stunning gown of silver-gray satin, looking beautiful.
"She's hot." Susan whispered to him. "I won't mind sharing you and Daphne with her."
Harry resisted to roll his eyes at the girl. Susan was exceedingly bi-sexual and kinky as hell. Daphne didn't mind girls but preferred boys but, she too had her own kinks. But... Susan wasn't wrong. Fleur Delacour was Hot. And Susan couldn't be Lady Potter or Lady Black as she had to continue her own line- The Bones line. She would have to be Lady Bones.
She had already started talking to her aunt about a signing line-continuation contract with Harry. If they did so, Harry will be her Husband in all but name in the future and the father of her children. Daphne had already convinced her father to sign a Bethoral contract with Harry for her which was going to happen soon, perhaps the boxing day as Harry had been invited for dinner on that day or in the Summer.
The wizarding world, unfortunately still followed a lot of old traditions. Most pure-blood girls and Heiresses of sacred 28 were entered into a Bethoral contract with another person by the time they completed their OWLS, or NEWTs at the latest. It was only in recent times that most were told to choose an 'appropriate partner' of their choice to get bethored to before they turned fifteen so that they could have a choice to whom they married. If they failed to do so, they were put into a Bethoral contract for a political alliance by their parents.
It was the same for the pure-blood males and the Heirs of sacred 28, but they had a little more leeway than the females.
Some families... the conservative lot, still didn't give their wards a choice to choose their own partner, entering them into Bethoral contracts even before they started Hogwarts. Draco Malfoy was an example. The ferret had been bethored to Pansy Parkinson when he was nine years old by their parents. They all learned to live with it.
'Atleast most girls from Neutral families and the Liberals get a time limit to choose whom they want to Marry, like Susan and Daphne are doing.' Harry thought to himself. 'On that topic, I still need a Lady Black if Daphne's going to be Lady Potter or vice versa. Susan will only be Lady Bones due to Wizengamot inheritance rules. Hmmm... Fleur isn't a bad option. Powerful, intelligent, skilled, talented and a Veela to boot.'
Harry's attention was drawn to Fleur again as she neared them, looking at Harry and Susan, before she gave them a smile. Harry smiled back and kissed her knuckles as tradition dictated. "Ms. Delacour, you're looking lovely."
"Merci. You're also looking 'andsome Monsieur Potter and your date is looking beautiful." She complimented Susan, looking over her. Fleur Delacour certainly had competition in the department of hotness today. Susan was looking equally beautiful.
On another note, Roger Davies was still busy, trying not to drool over Fleur. Cedric was looking only at Cho, avoiding Fleur. Krum was standing there looking bored. Krum would obviously be immune to the Veela allure as the Bulgarian cheerleaders were Veelas. So, Fleur wasn't a problem from him.
"Susan Bones. Nice to meet you Miss Delacour. Your performance in the first task was spectacular." Susan said, shaking Fleur's hand.
"Not as good as 'arry's." She said winking at Harry, much to Harry's amusement. She was meant to be his competitor after all. "But it won't last long. I'll win ze next task."
Ah, there was the competitive spirit in her.
Harry chuckled. "You said something similar before our duel Fleur, didn't you?"
"But, zis time I'll win."
"We'll see my dear." Harry replied before he engaged Susan in a conversation.
Soon, Hermione descended down the steps. She had done something with her hair; it was no longer bushy but sleek and shiny, and twisted up into an elegant knot at the back of her head. She was wearing robes made of a floaty, periwinkle-blue material, and she was holding herself differently. She looked like a Disney princess.
"Hi Harry! Hi Susan!" She said with a smile as she took Krum's elbow after he kissed her knuckles. Harry knew that she was expecting him to be shocked.
"Hey Hermione." Harry casually replied.
Some girls around were gaping at Hermione in complete shock and unflattering disbelief as they realized who exactly was accompanying Viktor Krum. So were some boys. Ron had still not seen Hermione and was talking with Dean.
That was when a group of Slytherins came up the steps from their dungeon common room. Malfoy was in front; he was wearing dress robes of black velvet with a high collar, which in Harry's opinion made him look like a vicar. Pansy Parkinson in very frilly robes of pale pink was clutching Malfoy's arm. Crabbe and Goyle were both wearing green; they resembled moss-colored boulders, and neither of them had managed to find a partner.
Daphne was with them wearing a emerald green gown. She shot Harry and Daphne a quick smile before slipping back into her ice queen persona. The boy from Ravenclaw joined her while another boy(the Hufflepuff one) joined Tracey.
Then Professor McGonagall's voice called, "Champions over here, please!"
They quickly moved aside with their dates waiting for everyone to move in. McGonagall reminded them that they were to move into the Great Hall in procession when the rest of the students had sat down and have their first dance before joining the judges at their table for dinner.
Harry caught Parkinson's and Malfoy's reaction to Hermione being Krum's date and resisted the urge to laugh at their faces.
"Is my dress still okay?" Susan questioned looking over her dress once more, smoothing non existent creases on her dress.
"Perfect. Don't worry Susan. You'll be good."
"Yeah, but I am still nervous."
"You're going to be my date to the ministry ball too. If you're so nervous right now, what will you do there? I am going to be the chief guest there." Harry said with amusement.
"We'll face it that day Harry." She said, putting on her smile and hiding her nervousness.
"Just enjoy yourself Susan. Don't worry." He reassured her and she nodded.
Once everyone else was settled in the Hall, Professor McGonagall told the champions and their partners to get in line in pairs and to follow her. They did so, and everyone in the Great Hall applauded as they entered and made their way to the dance floor.
The walls of the Hall had all been covered in sparkling silver frost, with hundreds of garlands of mistletoe and ivy crossing the starry black ceiling. The House tables had vanished; instead, there were about a hundred smaller, lantern-lit ones, each seating about a dozen people.
Fleur and Roger entered first, followed by Cedric and Cho, then Krum and Hermione and finally Harry and Susan, all wearing smiles on their faces as Cameras flashed and took their photos.
They took positions for their opening dance and the music started playing. The Weird sisters, one of the most famous music band in the magical world had been called to give the music for the event. The music started and Harry and Susan started dancing as they had practiced.
Harry was seriously glad for practicing how to dance and that was the only reason he wasn't making a fool of himself or hurting Susan's feet.
It took four minutes for the dance to end and the four champions, with their date proceeded to the large round table at the top of the Hall, where the judges were sitting with their dates.
Sirius was sitting with Amelia Bones. Karkaroff was sitting with a woman Harry didn't recognize. Madame Maxime and Hagrid were sitting together while Ludo Bagman was with his wife. Dumbledore was sitting in the middle with the chair next to him empty. Harry seriously wanted to see who was Dumbledore's date.
He pulled out the second chair to Sirius's right for Susan to sit on and then, Harry immediately took the seat next to his godfather and they bumped fists under the table. Hermione sat next to Susan who was sitting on Harry's right. Harry was directly across Dumbledore himself.
Dumbledore beamed at the champions and stood up and announced that the dinner had begun.
Harry saw that the glittering golden plates in front of him were empty, but small menus were lying in front of each of them. Harry picked his up uncertainly and looked around - there were no waiters. It looked that the rest of the champions and judges were equally confused. Surely, they won't have to stand in line for the buffet? Dumbledore, however, looked carefully down at his own menu, then said very clearly to his plate, "Pork chops!" And pork chops appeared.
'Ah, house elves. I should have known.' Harry thought to himself as he looked at the menu himself to select a dish and said, "Shepherd's pie."
Getting the idea, the rest of the table placed their orders with their plates too. And struck up idle conversation with those at the table.
Sirius and Harry started speaking about the recent game between the Harpies and the Puddlemore united. Amelia was speaking about some matter in the ministry of magic with Bagman's wife, Cedric and Cho were listening to what the others were speaking. That was when Professor McGonagall joined the table beside Dumbledore. Dumbledore and McGonagall? Now, this definitely was interesting. Even Cedric and Cho were staring at the two of them as they both started speaking about the latest article in 'Trials of Transfiguration' magazine.
Hermione was listening as Krum spoke animatedly about Durmstrang.
"Well, we have a castle also, not as big as this, nor as comfortable, I am thinking," he was telling Hermione. "We have just four floors, and the fires are lit only for magical purposes. But We have grounds larger even than these - though in Winter, we have very little daylight, so we are not enjoying them. But in summer we are flying every day, over the lakes and the mountains -
"Now, now, Viktor!" said Karkaroff with a laugh that didn't reach his cold eyes, "don't go giving away anything else, now, or your charming friend will know exactly where to find us!"
Everyone's attention was drawn to Krum and Karkaroff as the Durmstrang high-master had interrupted their conversation from across the table.
Dumbledore smiled, his eyes twinkling. "Igor, all this secrecy... one would almost think you didn't want visitors." Though by the gleam in his eye, Harry could tell Dumbledore knew exactly where the school was... and so did Harry but, to most normal public, except the students of Durmstrang, the location was a secret.
"Well, Dumbledore," said Karkaroff, displaying his yellowing teeth to their fullest extent, "we are all protective of our private domains, are we not? Do we not jealously guard the halls of learning that have been entrusted to us? Are we not right to be proud that we alone know our school's secrets, and right to protect them?"
"Oh I would never dream of assuming I know all Hogwarts' secrets, Igor," said Dumbledore amicably. "Only this morning, for instance, I took a wrong turning on the way to the bathroom and found myself in a beautifully proportioned room I have never seen before, containing a really rather magnificent collection of chamber pots. When I went back to investigate more closely, I discovered that the room had vanished. But I must keep an eye out for it. Possibly it is only accessible at five-thirty in the morning. Or it may only appear at the quarter moon - or when the seeker has an exceptionally full bladder."
Susan and Harry coughed into their goblets. Both knew that Dumbledore had found the Room of Requirement. Dumbledore winked at them.
Meanwhile Fleur Delacour was criticizing the Hogwarts decorations to Roger Davies.
"Zis is nothing," she said dismissively, looking around at the sparkling walls of the Great Hall. "At ze Palace of Beauxbatons, we 'ave ice sculptures all around ze dining chamber at Christmas. Zey do not melt, of course . . . zey are like 'uge statues of diamond, glittering around ze place. And ze food is simply superb. And we 'ave choirs of wood nymphs, 'oo serenade us as we eat. We 'ave none of zis ugly armor in ze 'alls, and eef a poltergeist ever entered into Beauxbatons, he would be expelled like zat." She slapped her hand onto the table impatiently.
Roger Davies was watching her talk with a very dazed look on his face, and he kept missing his mouth with his fork. Harry had the impression that Davies was too busy staring at Fleur to take in a word she was saying.
"But, Miss Delacour," Harry interrupted her. He won't hear anyone demeaning his first home. "Those ugly suits of armors, as you called them, are for the protection of the castle. In the past, they have successfully protected the school from many sieges by invading armies and dark lords. They are one of the reasons why Hogwarts has never fallen to an invading force. Hogwarts is also regarded as one of the safest places on Earth by the ICW and also as a magical heritage site unlike Beauxbatons. Also, your school's founder, Nicholas Flamel, if I am not mistaken, is a Ravenclaw Alumni from Hogwarts." Harry added.
Hogwarts, being one of the safest places on Earth was not untrue despite whatever had taken place in the past few years. If Hogwarts went under its war-time wards, to attack the castle was practically suicide even if the person had an army. Neither Voldemort, nor Grindelwald had ever attacked Hogwarts directly even at the height of their powers. Hogsmeade village, yes. But, never Hogwarts itself. The school had never been conquered in history by an invading force.
Durmstrang had fallen to Grindelwald during late 1930's. Beauxbatons had fallen during the French Revolution. But, not Hogwarts.
That shut Fleur up.
Dumbledore shot him a smile conveying that he appreciated what Harry had said.
Some time later, Harry even heard Hermione trying to teach Krum how to say her name, much to his amusement.
"Her-my-oh-nee," she said slowly and clearly.
"Herm-own-ninny."
"Close enough," she said, catching Harry's eye and grinning. Harry grinned back. It was excellent teasing material.
When all the food had been consumed, Dumbledore stood up and asked the students to do the same. Then, with a wave of his wand, all the tables zoomed back along the walls leaving the floor clear, expanding the area of the Dance floor.
The Weird Sisters trooped back up onto the stage to wildly enthusiastic applause; they were all extremely hairy and dressed in black robes that had been artfully ripped and torn. They picked up their instruments.
Harry got up and extended his hand to Susan who gracefully took it and stood up.
"Will you honor me with another dance, my lady?"
"Of course."
He led her to the dance floor once again following Sirius and Amelia who had already started dancing. Soon, Cedric and Harry exchanged partners after two dances and Cedric danced with his god-sister while Harry danced with Cho Chang. By the way Cho danced, Harry could tell that she had professional training in the field. Her moves were crisp and perfect that could only be attained if one had professional training.
Neville and Ginny were dancing nearby - he could see Ginny wincing frequently as Neville trod on her feet - and Dumbledore was waltzing with Madame Maxime. He was so dwarfed by her that the top of his pointed hat barely tickled her chin; however, she moved very gracefully for a woman so large. Mad-Eye Moody was doing an extremely ungainly two-step with Professor Sinistra, who was nervously avoiding his wooden leg. Fred and Angelina, were dancing so exuberantly that people around them were backing away in fear of injury, giving them a wide berth.
Next, after Harry and Susan took break for a single dance, Sirius led Susan to the Dance floor while Harry did the same with Amelia. Harry was seriously glad that he had grown so much in the past couple of years. Or else, his face would have been in a very awkward position. Amelia was an inch taller than him... but she was wearing pencil heels which increased her height.
"So, Harry. How is it going on between you and Susan?" She asked as Harry twirled her around.
"Excellent."
"That's good. Have you done it yet?" She asked with a gleam in her eye.
Lesson number 63 to avoid embarrassing questions from relatives: Tell the blunt truth to one of the questions. They would get too flustered to ask more. Caution: it may backfire if the parent was like Sirius or make the situation worse in some cases.
Well, Harry was going to do just that.
"We haven't gone all way, but she gives excellent Blowjobs." Harry whispered in her ear and Amelia choked on her spit violently. Harry spun her, continuing their dance. "And there is this thing she does-"
"Stop! I don't want to hear." She hissed in his ear.
"Then why did you ask if you don't want to hear?" He asked with a shit eating grin. She didn't ask anymore questions and they continued dancing peacefully.
Harry saw that Sirius led back a completely flustered Susan after the dance ended. So... they had planned it. Sirius had succeeded but Amelia had failed. Harry couldn't blame her. Madame Bones was a rule following, down to earth woman while Sirius was a Marauder- a prankster. Of course he was going to succeed.
Both the ladies sat down and removed their heels, massaging their toes.
Harry sat beside them while Sirius went to get some drinks. He saw Fred and George dancing together in a comedically exuberant way. The Weasley twins were one of a kind. Hermione was dancing with Cedric. Cho was sitting down on the big table, rubbing her foot. Ron was still dancing with Luna Lovegood, looking quite happy. Professor Dumbledore was dancing with Professor Sprout, Ludo Bagman with Professor McGonagall; Madame Maxime and Hagrid were cutting a wide path around the dance floor as they waltzed through the students, and Karkaroff was nowhere to be seen. When the next song ended, everybody applauded once more, and Harry saw Ludo Bagman kiss Professor McGonagall's hand and make his way back through the crowds, at which point Fred and George accosted him.
"Monsieur Potter?" Harry turned and saw Fleur standing behind him. "Can I have a dance with you?"
Harry shared a brief look with Susan who gave her assent to him. Harry smiled at Fleur.
"Of course Miss Delacour. I will be honored."
And he led her to the dance floor for a dance. Fleur was quiet happy to dance with someone who wasn't drooling at her. After a dance, Harry went back to where Susan was sitting, but her chair was empty and instead, Hermione, Ron and Luna were sitting there as Amelia and Sirius sipped their drinks in a corner.
Harry cast a questioning glance at Amelia and she pointed in a direction and Harry saw Susan was dancing with Cedric. He took Susan's empty seat, directly beside Hermione.
"How's it going?" asked everyone in general.
"It's hot, isn't it?" said Hermione, fanning herself with her hand. "Viktor's just gone to get some drinks."
"Ron is an extremely good dance partner. He doesn't have a Wrackspurt infestation in his head like most do." Ron's date, Luna Lovegood said.
"What's a Wrackspurt?" Hermione asked.
"A Wrackspurt... They're invisible. They float in through your ears and make your brain go fuzzy." She replied.
Hermione frowned. "I have never heard of them."
"We haven't heard about all the creatures in the wizarding world Hermione." Harry said placatingly. He realized that Luna Lovegood was probably the daughter of Xenophilius Lovegood, the editor of Quibbler, which usually printed about imaginary creatures in their magazine but their rune puzzles were very good.
"And I think we haven't met." Harry continued, turning to Luna "I am Harry Potter"
She shook his hand across the table. "Luna Lovegood. I think our mothers were friends."
"Really?"
"Yes. My mother and your mother have some photos together."
"Then I would like to meet her someday." He said with a smile.
"I am sorry, but you can't."
"Why?" Harry frowned.
"Because she and your mother are already together. She died while she was making a new spell when I was nine years old." She said sadly. Ron patted her back and she gave him a smile.
"Oh... I am sorry." Harry replied feeling bad for the girl.
"It's okay."
Soon, Susan returned as the song ended.
"Hey, do you want to go out to the gardens for a bit?" Harry asked her and she nodded.
They left the table, edged around the dance floor, and slipped out into the entrance hall. The front doors stood open, and the fluttering fairy lights in the rose garden winked and twinkled as they went down the front steps, where they found themselves surrounded by bushes; winding, ornamental paths; and large stone statues. Harry could hear splashing water, which sounded like a fountain. Here and there, people were sitting on carved benches.
Susan and Harry set off along one of the winding paths through the rosebushes, walking hand in hand, but they had gone only a short way when they heard an unpleasantly familiar voice.
"... don't see what there is to fuss about, Igor."
"Severus, you cannot pretend this isn't happening!" Karkaroff's voice sounded anxious and hushed, as though keen not to be overheard. "It's been getting clearer and clearer for months. I am becoming seriously concerned, I can't deny it _"
"Then flee," said Snape's voice curtly. "Flee - I will make your excuses. I, however, am remaining at Hogwarts."
Snape and Karkaroff came around the corner. Snape had his wand out and was blasting rosebushes apart, his expression most ill-natured. Squeals issued from many of the bushes, and dark shapes emerged from them.
"Ten points from Ravenclaw, Fawcett!" Snape snarled as a girl ran past him. "And ten points from Hufflepuff too, Stebbins!" as a boy went rushing after her. "And what are you two doing?" he added, catching sight of Harry and Susan on the path ahead.
Karkaroff, Harry saw, looked slightly discomposed to see him and Susan standing there. His hand went nervously to his goatee, and he began winding it around his finger. For him, Harry was an extremely dangerous wizard with a vendetta and Susan was the niece of the head of DMLE.
"Having a walk Sir. I hope it is not a problem." He said, keeping the irritation out of his voice and resisting the urge to antagonize the two Death Eaters.
"Keep walking, then!" Snape snarled, and he brushed past them, his long black cloak billowing out behind him. Karkaroff hurried away after Snape, trying to put as much distance between Harry and himself as possible.
Harry glared at their retreating backs.
"What's got Karkaroff all worried? And since when are Snape and Karkaroff on first name basis?" Susan muttered.
"Both are Death Eaters Susan. Pure Death Eaters. Karkaroff brought his freedom by naming a few other Death Eaters while Snape was vouched for by Dumbledore. They never said that they were forced or anything. Why do you think Snape hates me? Cause I offed his master of course." Harry said exasperatedly.
'But, whatever they were speaking about is concerning. What was darkening? And why did Karkaroff had to flee? Did it have something to do with Voldemort? Or putting his name in the Goblet? I need to talk to Salazar and Helga about this.'
"I will speak to auntie when I get home about this. No need to worry her today."
Harry nodded in agreement and they continued walking, enjoying the beautiful night. Other things could wait for now.