Chapter 28--Yule Ball
As the sun rose Christmas morning, the snow had drifted toward the side of the castle in beautiful waves of white. The wind had been whipping all night and the morning brought much milder conditions. Hermione and Harry went to the window of their respective dorms at nearly the same time. They looked out at the beautiful scene below. Hermione went to her bedside table and pulled out the little package wrapped in shining silver and gold. She was so excited to give Harry the first Christmas present she'd ever bought for him. He had really liked the broom servicing kit that she'd gotten him for his birthday. She was sure she had outdone that this time.
Harry, too, was excited to get the little present he'd chosen when Harry had seen Fred and George at the demo early in December. He had hoped that Ron would be back by now. He had another brand new Firebolt in his closet for him. He had bought it before school and had sent it with Hagrid so Ron wouldn't see it. He hoped the gift he'd bought Hermione wouldn't be too much. He got dressed quickly, because he knew the rest of his gifts would be at the bottom of the stairs as they'd been each Christmas since he'd come to Hogwarts. He expected the usual crocheted sweater from Mrs. Weasley.
Harry waited for Hermione in the common room. He patiently sat near the pile of gifts that had been left for him and Hermione. Her parents had sent her gifts by muggle post to the Weasley's from the looks of the packages. This was the most difficult thing for Harry. He had spent so many years without Christmas presents or birthday presents that even at sixteen he felt like six. He was bursting to open them.
He looked toward the stairs to the girl's dorm as he heard footsteps coming down the stairs. Hermione had on a red Christmas jumper with white sleeves. Her brown eyes were sparkling. The smile melted his heart as he looked at the little package in her hand. "Merry Christmas, Hermione." Harry said as he kissed her on the cheek. He had hidden his little present in his pocket waiting for Hermione.
"Merry Christmas, Harry." She said after she kissed Harry on the cheek. "So why haven't you torn into those presents Harry. I never expected you to wait."
"No, I waited for you." He said.
"Well, go for it Harry." Harry and Hermione were two of only eight students staying in Gryffindor tower during the holidays. Many others had gone home because there was a week between classes and the Yule Ball. Harry and Hermione had found out that was the reason so many first-years had been allowed to go to Hogsmeade. The protection of the aurors and adult volunteers were able to monitor the relatively small number present at school. She watched the look on Harry's face as he went nuts over the sweater, a couple of used books about Quidditch from the Weasley's and great picture of him, Ron and Hermione the past summer. The note explained that Ron had planned to give him those books and that they knew he would appreciate the picture. Harry looked at it with fond memories, but a heavy heart.
"Hermione, why haven't you started?" Harry asked apologetically as though he'd hogged all the attention.
"I love the look of appreciation on your face when you open gifts. You react like everything you get is the best ever. That's the way it should be." She opened the gifts. There were a wide assortment of books including a diary, a photo album, and a beautiful new dress with lace. She also got the new sweater from the Weasley's and the same picture Harry had. She reminded herself how much the Weasley's had done for everyone under the circumstances. As she finished she turned to Harry.
"Harry, we absolutely have to go find the Weasley's straight away this morning to thank them for the presents. But first, open the one I brought you." She looked excited for Harry to open it.
Harry looked at the box. It was half the size of a shoe box and rattled when he shook it. "Careful Harry!" Hermione warned. She had no idea whether he could break the contents but didn't want to take a chance. Harry opened the package and then the box. Inside he found three music CDs and a walkman with two headphones and a splitter so they could use the headphones together. Hermione had put a note inside. That read:
To my love Harry,
You have given me so much to be thankful for. But you have never given me anything more important or special than your gratitude and affection. You remind me constantly to be thankful for friends and family. My parents want to get to know you. They would like you come with us on holiday this summer. I will be able to where a bikini, if you know what I mean. We can share our music together anywhere now.
Love and Friendship Always,
Hermione
Harry didn't even care what CDs he got. He loved it. She knew how much he loved to escape into the music. He also knew that she only listened to it because he liked it. He wanted to kiss her, but he thought she deserved to open his gift for her first. He presented her the tissue wrapped box with a red bow tied across the top. Hermione looked at Harry with a surprised look.
She opened the box by carefully untying the bow. Harry was beside himself with impatience. He hoped she liked it. He couldn't wait and she was folding the wrapping. He couldn't believe it. She opened the box as a wide smile crossed her face. She just sat and stared. Her expression was hard to read. She reached in and pulled out beautiful heart-shaped silver locket with sparkling stones arranged around the edges. Hermione had no idea how he'd gotten a picture of her and Harry leaning into each other lip to lip kissing like two lovesick teenagers. It must have been at Hogsmeade. Colin must have caught them. The reverse had an inscription:
To Hermione
Love Always,
Harry
He'd also put a tiny framed copy of his poem in the box. She looked at it with tears in her eyes. Harry finally figured out how stunned she must have been. She kissed him, smiled and brushed his hair from his eyes. She opened the clasp and turned her back to him as she handed him the locket. He pulled her hair back, put the gold chain around her neck and clasped it. He kissed her neck. "I love you, Hermione. Very, very much."
She turned and kissed him back. "I love you too, Harry." They tore into the CDs and pulled out both headsets and sat on the couch. Since breakfast was set for later that morning they just sat listening to music.
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The scene was much the same throughout the castle that morning. Little get-togethers among students and staff popped up all over. Harry and Hermione went to see Luna. They had combined to buy her some beautiful combs for her hair and a couple of books on magical creatures that she'd talked about. As Luna finished opening her gifts she noticed the locket around Hermione's neck.
"Harry, you devil. I didn't think there was anything you gave Hermione that I didn't hear about or get to see first." She smiled. Harry was slightly embarrassed; because up until now she was probably right…he'd been an emotional wimp up to now. "It's beautiful Harry. Where did you get it?"
"Fred and George brought a couple to choose from in early December. They gave it to Mr. Weasley last week with the inscription on it and he gave me it right under Hermione's nose the other night. You remember now, don't you?" He smiled.
"I thought it was odd that Mr. Weasley gave you something and you just tucked it away, but you played it pretty cool, I must admit."
Luna hid her sadness well today. She was like Harry. She'd hoped they would have found him by now. Harry looked around the room. She had a picture of Ron on the wall with a copy of the same picture he and Hermione received from the Weasley's. "Thank you." Luna looked at both of them, slightly misty-eyed. "I'm getting better because of you two and Ginny. I guess I have to say it…Draco, too."
Hermione turned to Harry and put her hand on his arm and took his hand. "Harry, I know you want to spend the day with me, but I need to help Luna get ready for tonight. And I have to get ready myself. It's going to be a lot of girl stuff…hair, nails, eye lashes…you'll be bored. Can we meet at four o'clock? We have to check on the house-elves getting things set up. Okay sweetheart?"
Harry had expected to be left alone sometime today. He hadn't expected it to be at noon. But he could use the rest. He would go and listen to his new CDs. "Sure, Hermione, I'll be listening to music in the common room if you want to join me."
"Okay, Harry. I'll see you later." They pecked each other a little kiss on the cheek and Harry walked back to Gryffindor tower.
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At three-thirty Harry was ready to go. He was excited. He knew that the last time there was a Yule Ball Hermione was the most beautiful girl there. Others might disagree with him, but no one could convince him otherwise. He sat down on his bed and listened to his new CDs. He loved the fact that he could get away like this.
Three forty-five. He was just dying now. He couldn't remember being so impatient. This was going to be a great night. He knew it. Once he started listening to the same songs over again he decided he had to go down to the common room. He needed to get there so he'd be waiting for her.
He was amazed. He saw her appear at the bottom of the stairs at precisely four o'clock. He was more beautiful than he'd remembered. Her dazzling eyes were gorgeous above her ruby red lipstick. The silk robe clasped to one side exposed her bare arms. He looked closely. He could see the magnificent outline of her figure against the robe and the beautiful dress beneath. It crossed just beneath her shoulders and arms leaving the upper part of her chest and neck bare except the locket. He wished Colin were here with the camera. But he was sure he could lock this picture into his memory forever. He took a deep breath as he admired her loveliness. "You look stunning, Hermione. I'll remember the way you look right now forever." They smiled at each other.
As the student hosts for the evening they were dressed in formal attire under their robes. Harry knew they'd be the talk of the Ball. "Shall we go?" They stepped through the portrait and walked toward the Great Hall. They were surprised at the number of people already waiting to get in, but they realized many people had come from Platform 9 and ¾'s just this afternoon. They were mostly waiting patiently in the reception area set up in the corridor. He looked around at all the young ladies from the other houses in their finest robes. Many were very attractive, but never had he realized how gorgeous Hermione was until this evening. He felt like a prince with his princess as he entered the Great Hall.
Hagrid had been working very diligently at putting up the signs. Ginny and Draco had volunteered to help put out the name placards on the tables. Professor McGonagall arranged the long table with the appetizers with Winky and Dobby. Hermione refused to let the other house-elves work. It was funny to see her working with the house-elves. She looked toward Harry and Hermione as they approached. "Oh, good, you're on time. I will be off to get ready. We just need to get the guest list together for Professor Lupin and Professor Snape at the door. Are Neville and Seamus ready to show people to their places?"
The question had taken Harry and Hermione off-guard. The last time they mentioned it to them had been last week. "Oh, yes Ma'am," lied Harry. "They'll be here rather shortly." He winked at Hermione. He wasn't sure if Professor McGonagall had seen him wink or not. She had a look of disbelief on her face.
"You know, the Professors agreed to wait at the door only if someone would do the escorting." She nodded and walked out of the Great Hall and turned toward her quarters.
"Whew!" Harry breathed a sigh of relief. "I saw Neville today, but I haven't seen him since after breakfast."
"Dobby can you help me?" Harry asked. "Can you go to Gryffindor tower and see if Neville Longbottom is on his way…Seamus Finnegan too?"
"I is happy to do it Harry Potter. Do you wants Dobby to come back and tell you if they is not there? Or do wish that Dobby finds them?" Dobby would do anything to help Harry.
"Please find them if you can, Dobby. Thank you." With his signature grin and a click of his fingers, Dobby disappeared in a wisp of smoke. "That should be taken care of. Dobby is nothing if not reliable."
Winky, Harry and Hermione continued preparations as Ginny and Draco left to get ready. Ginny's hair was hidden under a silk scarf. They would go and get Luna just before everything started at six o'clock.
Neville and Seamus arrived just ten minutes before Snape and Lupin. And they had just gotten in the door before Professor McGonagall returned. She returned to a fully prepared ballroom. The musical entertainment had arrived and the Weasley twins had set up their vendor booth in the far corner of the Great Hall. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had come in and sat down at the head table with the faculty. They had been accorded the honor out of respect to their helpful work at Hogwarts and for the loss of Ron. Bill and Charlie were sitting not far away in the first row of tables.
At six o'clock the guests entered the hall. The ooh's and ah's of the guests were a great feeling for Harry and Hermione. One of the first groups to arrive was Draco pushing Luna with Ginny on his arm. Harry pointed toward them. "Hermione, they are a cute couple, aren't they? And Luna looks magnificent, doesn't she?"
"Yes, they are. Let's have a toast to Ron's returning safely soon. Can we do that first thing?" Hermione said.
"Good evening." Harry shook Draco's hand and kissed each of the girls on the cheek. Hermione accepted the gracious nod and phantom kiss Draco offered to her cheek. Harry stood and offered the toast raising the glass of pumpkin juice that was at each place at the table. It was Ron's favorite. "To Ron whom we miss greatly. May he have God speed in returning to us safely." Harry felt like he was in one of those Masterpiece Theatre reruns he had been able watch behind the unsuspecting Dursley's. As funny as it was, he knew how serious the moment was. Everyone had a tear in their eye. To Harry's amazement, Draco put his head down in respect and maybe he even wiped a tear. Harry was not embarrassed that he developed a tear as he looked at Luna. They touched glasses all in turn. Luna looked at Harry and mouthed the words, "Thank you, sweetie."
Over the next few minutes the room filled up. Professor Dumbledore had arrived. He walked to their table and congratulated them on a job well done. He then proceeded to his spot in the center of the head table next to Professor McGonagall. Snape and Lupin closed the doors and took their places at the table. Once everyone's attention was focused at the head table, Professor Dumbledore stood and delivered a moving introduction to the Yule Ball. He introduced Harry and Hermione and gave them their due. He introduced the Weasley family. And, finally, he paid his respects to Crabbe and Dean. He also offered encouragement for all who were close to Ron. He hastened to mention that they all hoped to see Ron soon walking with Luna. Luna smiled with a tear and nodded a thank you to Professor Dumbledore.
"Let's begin." Dumbledore said as he sat down. The tables were now filled with a plentiful feast to rival the feast on the first day of school or any Christmas past. The room was abuzz with the complimentary comments on the food and decorations. Harry glanced over at Hermione to see if she heard what he'd heard. She had and, deservedly so, she glowed.
He was happy for her. She'd done most if not all the work. He leaned over and kissed her. "Brilliant, absolutely brilliant job sweetheart."
Harry noticed that Draco seemed preoccupied. The night grew longer and the laughter at Fred and George's brilliant show subsided. People had begun dancing and milling around in conversation, something was wrong with Draco. He could feel it. He met Draco's eyes as he looked up. He felt a strange sense of doom and sadness. He couldn't tell what made Draco feel this way.
Draco had slept the night before with the nightmares of being burned alive. He could not shake the evil feeling that no matter what that he would be killed when he'd finished his job here. He looked down at his feet trying to shake the unmistakable feeling of death that surrounded him. He had to decide. Could he face the consequences of telling Harry what was happening? Could he get Dumbledore's attention? He looked up and saw Harry looking at him. He looked around to see if anyone else was watching.
Harry could feel the despair. He felt fear and sadness coming from Draco. It seemed so uncharacteristic for someone who had just moments ago had kissed Ginny passionately as they danced to the music. Harry concentrated. He saw the dark visitor that had visited Draco. It looked like Snape. He listened to the words as he faded into Draco's memory. Hermione saw Harry. He looked like he was dreaming. His eyes were partially closed with his eyelids rapidly fluttering. Hermione looked around to see who he was connecting with or figure out what was happening. She saw Draco sitting as still as could be. He was expressionless. Hermione grabbed Harry's shoulder and shook him. Harry was startled to reality. Draco twitched slightly and looked at Harry.
Malfoy got up and started to walk toward the door. Harry got up to follow. "Draco, can we talk?"
"Stay away, Potter." Draco looked more upset than before.
"Malfoy, wait. Since when did we start calling each other by last names again?" Harry asked.
Malfoy couldn't do it. He couldn't leave and let them be hurt. He felt malevolent eyes coming from somewhere near. He knew that someone close had figured out that Potter had read his thoughts. He didn't want to die. "Harry, there is someone here who is controlling me. He wants me to kill you all. I don't know who it…."
As the words passed his lips, Harry recognized the diminutive first-year sitting just two tables away. He had stood with his wand hidden inside the sleeve of robes too large for him. Harry couldn't think. He dove toward Malfoy and grabbed his legs and pulled him to the ground. He rolled to his right just far enough away to get a good look at the burning eyes of the evil little person holding the wand. Harry was enraged. He pulled his wand, "Crucio." The first-year fell to the floor screaming in pain. Suddenly, Harry had the sinking feeling of failure. He'd just done what he would never have believed possible after what happened to Hermione with the 'killing curse'.
"Chad. Chad. Potter, you are fucking crazy." Pansy Parkinson yelled. The center of the room cleared to the walls as Harry sat on one knee with wand at the ready. "Professor Snape, Professor Dumbledore! Potter just cursed Chad."
Hermione had just risen from her chair as Harry dove to take Draco to the ground. She ran toward them. Neville held her back against her will. The aurors had moved in toward Harry with Snape leading Dumbledore to the scene. A circle had formed around him and a path opened for them to come in. "Potter, what are you doing?" Harry still had his wand out and pointed it toward Snape as he approached.
Professor Snape was unfazed by Harry's actions. He continued to close. "Professor, you of all people will not believe me. Do not come any closer." Draco lay staring at the scene in front of him. Harry had found out who it was and had protected him. "Professor Dumbledore…I don't know who that is, but he was about to curse Malfoy. I only did to him what he had done to Malfoy."
"Harry, don't do this. I know you think you are doing what's right. Please put your wand down. You know you can't get out of here." Dumbledore had the familiar calm, kind demeanor Harry had remembered from the beginning of the year. You may still be able to be saved.
"I can't Professor. I will not let anyone take me away. I know what the penalty for what I've done is." Harry feared that he'd truly ruined his life now. Visions of Voldemort, Dementors and Azkaban filled his mind.
Hermione watched in horror. Harry was being surrounded by more aurors than she could ever remember seeing in one place. Even Mad-Eye converged on Harry. Her heart was pounding. The scene was surreal.
"Harry, this looked like an unprovoked attack. We have to take you into custody. You cannot be allowed to walk free. We have to find out what happened." Mad-Eye said. Dumbledore nodded at Mad-Eye. "I don't want to do this. Petrificus Totalus." Harry went stiff and fell forward to the floor. Five wizards converged and carried him off toward Dumbledore's office. Dumbledore quickly checked on the young student who Harry had cursed. Dumbledore could only guess what Harry had seen, but he knew Harry had not been wrong. How could he prove it?
Hermione was now being held by Ginny as Draco walked back toward them. With tears in his eyes, "Hermione…I am sorry…it's all my fault….Potter…the damn fool should have let him kill me…you'd have been safer…all of you…"
Ginny and Hermione looked at Draco in terror. What he was saying didn't make sense. "Draco, tell me what you mean." Hermione demanded. "Harry's life may depend on it."
She concentrated on clearing her mind to hear what he had to say. She was afraid that there were others who could use her thoughts against her. Now she had to do what Dumbledore had taught her. "Out with it, Draco." She said impatiently.
Draco gave her the short version of last night and his potions. The way the potion worked to intensify the last thoughts before sleep. He was still feeling the effects when his mind drifted from the here and now. That must have been when Harry had intruded into his thoughts.
Hermione looked up and saw Pansy Parkinson helping an unstable first-year. She recognized him from somewhere. She figured it out. He was the one sitting across from Draco and Ginny several nights that they were in the library. She walked over to Pansy.
"Parkinson, I will make sure you spend the rest of your life in Azkaban if I can prove what I'm thinking is going on here. That's no first-year. I don't know who he is, but you had better hope I don't find out." Hermione threatened.
"Oh, shut up you little mudblood. Go take that traitor Malfoy out of my sight. You're in way over your head. You're dead Malfoy." Pansy had unadvisedly confirmed their complicity in this event.
Mr. Weasley had heard the conversation. He knew if there was truly danger here that all of Harry's friends would need protection. They would be targets and it would be done tonight. "Bill! Charlie! Take Parkinson and the other one!" There was slight movement from some of the Slytherin in protest, but no one wanted to challenge the Weasley's. "Percy, take Hermione, Ginny, Draco and Luna with your mother to our quarters. Molly put a charm on the door to keep it closed once you are in."
"We'll take these two to Dumbledore." Arthur told Bill and Charlie.