Chapter 391
Remus harrumphed. "Fine, then. You all stay away from Voldemort, keepyour
packs neutral and do not help him in any way. My pack won't come after youand yours."
"Excellent!" Giovanni declared as Otto and Robert beamed. Gregor saluted Remus with his glass and knocked back the spirit.
"And what about us?" Sian snarled.
"I will…discuss with Sirius and Harry opening up our pack to give sanctuary toother werewolves." Remus said.
"You don't need to discuss it!" Sian argued. "You are the Alpha!"
"And I will do nothing to hurt my pack!" snapped Remus right back at her. "Weneed to consider the politics and how we can offer sanctuary without lookinglike we're creating a werewolf army to threaten those that oppose us intodoing what we want! I won't have Sirius or Harry put in that position!"
"Sian, if you accept he is Alpha then you accept his position on this." Robert
said calmly. Sian grimaced but she subsided.
Robert gestured at Remus. "The Potters own a chateau in the South of France?Why not offer a werewolf sanctuary there for any in England who wish toseekyour protection? I will agree to your pack occupying my territory on thoseterms under the neutrality."
"There are two farms in the Balkans I believe – one that Black owns andanother Potter has?" Gregor noted. "I will also concede to your pack occupyingthose places within my territory." Otto and Giovanni added their agreement. Remus sighed and massaged his temple. "Thank you. I will speak with Siriusand Harry to see which of the properties we will use and send you word."
"You do realise that if you should offer sanctuary to his pack, Fenrir will takeit
as a challenge regardless of whether you wish to challenge himfor the
leadership directly." Otto said.
"Since Fenrir has rejoined Voldemort, it's safe to say he'll be dead sooner or
later." Remus responded without thinking, his mind too caught up in the list of
political difficulties and complications of the sanctuaries to consider what hehad just revealed. Sian bristled again. "So you'll kill him for the boy but not for your pack!"
Remus's temper ignited. "The thing that you have never understood, Sian, isthat Fenrir's pack, your pack, is not mine!" He held up his hand sharply whenshe would have argued back. "NO! Enough of you berating me! I was five yearsold when Fenrir bit me! Five! My pack was always my mother who comfortedme; my father who stood by me; and my friends! My friends who did
everything they could to help me every full moon and accepted me without
question! It was Sirius who tended my wounds for years, Sian, not you! It wasJames who made me an honorary uncle to his son, and Lily who placedHarryinto my arms without hesitation and called him my cub! They are pack!" He snarled, anger coating every word.
"You are not pack! You, who were stupid enough to ask to be bitten at
eighteen because you fell in love with the idea of being a werewolf as thoughwe're cuddly pets and not dangerous creatures! You who realised your folly
and expected me to fix it! If you dislike Fenrir as a leader, you could challengehim if you have the courage you seem to have always found lacking in me." Hestabbed a finger in her direction. "Know this: I will kill for my pack and I will kill
any who dares to harm my cub but you are not pack! You want sanctuary withme and mine; fine, but you'll keep your opinions about my actions and my
pack to yourself. Understood?" Sian bowed her head in submission and scurried from the room. Collette sent Remus a chiding look and went after her. There was a twinge of guilt curdling in Remus's belly but the wolf in his head
was satisfied.
"Well," Gregor said dryly, "perhaps now you will believe you are Alpha." Remus stared at him for a moment before he burst out laughing.
"A round of drinks! We should celebrate!" Gregor said with a grin.
It was another hour before Remus was able to extract himself fromthe
gathering. A somewhat abashed Sian had turned up with Collette midway
through. She had joined in the discussion on how they were going to get wordinto Fenrir's pack of the sanctuary sites (Robert agreed to pass word toSian)
but otherwise remained quiet. Collette offered to escort him out and Sian followed them as Remus was
ushered back through the bar which had filled somewhat in the hours he hadbeen ensconced in the back room. They hovered outside in the cold, Remus hurriedly pulling on his gloves asSian and Collette shivered beside him. Sian hesitated but hugged him goodbye and he hugged her back, remembering the young girl she had been. "I'm sorry for pushing, Remus. We're just…we're just scared."
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Chapter 392
Remus tightened his hold for a moment. "I'll send word as soon as I can." Sian nodded. She moved out of his arms and hurried back into the warmthof
the bar. Collette smiled softly at Remus and took Sian's place, wrapping her arms
around him. "Next time you come to Paris, old friend, you will have dinner withRobert and I, and we will talk of nothing but our lives and loves since the last
time we met."
"I'd like that." Remus said cautiously. He indicated the bar with a flick of hishead in its direction. "You and Robert?"
"Married." Collette confirmed. "Three years. We are happy." She patted hischest as she stepped away. "You should try it, Remus." She tossed her ownhead back towards the building. "Sian would make a good mate."
"We'd kill each other," Remus joked, "and besides; I'm too busy right nowfor…"
"For love and romance?" Collette teased. "There is always time for love andromance, Remus."
"That's very French of you, Collette." He waved a hand at her as she laughed. "Maybe when I meet the right girl." He smiled wistfully. "Robert is a lucky
man." Collette's smile widened. "I make sure to remind him every day." He laughed at that and pushed her gently toward the bar. She disappearedinside with a final wave. Remus shook his head and apparated to the Plaza, hurrying toward his hotel
as soon as he got his bearings. His mirror call with Sirius was going to takeawhile; they had a lot to discuss.
..... 29th October 1994
It was freezing. But then the end of October in Scotland was typically cold, wet
and dreary, and just because that Saturday heralded the arrival of the
Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students for the imminent Tri-Wizard
Tournament, it didn't mean the weather was going to accommodate themwith a sunny warm day. Harry pulled his outdoor cloak tighter around him. He noted he wasn't theonlyone huddling into his outerwear as he looked around the gathered Hogwartsstudents. The notice at dinner the night before that they had to welcome thevisiting schools hadn't met with any kind of school spirit fromanyone, eventhe Professors had looked less than chuffed at the thought of spendingtheir
Saturday afternoon on the lawn in front of the Black Lake. At least the schoolswere coming in daylight though, Harry mused, if it could be called daylight; he
squinted up at the grey overcast sky.
"Do we really have to be out here?" moaned Ron beside him.
"Oh, for…" Hermione tapped them both with her wand as she muttered thespell and instantly Harry felt warmer. She grinned at him. Her brown eyes sparkled and Harry found himself smilingback at her.
"Thanks." He said, nudging her. Hermione nudged him back. "You're welcome." Harry tore his eyes away from her with difficulty but determination. He wasalmost certain that Hermione liked him. There had been the hug after theQuidditch match; a lot more touching in the last week since the match. Shesmiled at him a lot. It all agreed with the signs of attraction that had beenmentioned by his Dad in the memory of The Talk. He had concluded somewhere around the time that practice dating suddenlybecame The Thing To Do for the rest of Hogwarts that he really liked
Hermione. He liked her smile; her eyes. He liked holding hands with her. Heliked being well read enough in their subjects so that he could debate withher
and see her come alive with animation; hands flying in descriptive ways asshe made her point. He wondered at odd times what it would be like to kiss
her. He felt the blush rise on his cheeks as he thought about that again. Hehad also decided that he liked Hermione too much to ask her on a practicedate; he wanted a real date.
There were only two things stopping him from asking her; the Tri-WizardTournament and Ron. Harry glanced over at his redheaded friend. Ron's jealousy about Neville
joining their group had abated since the start of school. Some of it was that
Harry and Ron got to spend time together alone during Quidditch practice, andit was clearly 'best mate' alone time that Ron valued. Some of it was that
Blaise and Neville had developed a friendship that meant Neville paired
himself with the Slytherin more often than not in class. And finally, Nevillehaddived into practice dating with full enthusiasm, spending a lot of time withHannah (and Harry cast a quick look toward where Neville stood chattingaway to her). It all meant Ron couldn't exactly complain that Neville was
bogarting Harry or trying to steal him away. Ron had also warmed up totheidea of being friendlier to Neville and had even attempted to inveigle Nevilleinto chess matches, which were very amusing to watch because Neville
turned out to be much better at chess than Harry. What concerned Harry was whether Ron would be OK with Harry dating
Hermione. He didn't think Ron liked Hermione that way or thought of her asapotential girlfriend, but he wanted to check his assumption with Ron
personally, along with getting Ron's permission to change the dynamic of thefriendship the trio shared, because if Harry and Hermione dated, it wouldchange things, Harry wasn't naïve to that. Not that either Harry or Hermionewould drop Ron but they would naturally spend more time together without
Ron – or at least Harry thought they would when he let himself dreamwhat it
would be like. Really, Harry had been hoping that Ron would have askedLavender on a date (because it was so obvious that she was interested that
even Harry had figured it out) and provided Harry with roomto date himself. There was also the added issue that if things didn't work out…he didn't want tothink that way but he knew it was something he and Hermione should talkabout. Maybe, Harry mused, they could make some kind of promise that theywould stay friends. He probably from a protocol perspective should talk toSirius and confirm that the Head of the House of Black was alright with hisHeir courting a daughter of the House – and that just made his head hurt. Andmade him a little nauseous. But Sirius would be fine, Harry thought candidly; infact, he'd probably be delighted at Harry's choice. He'd have all the planned discussions after the tournament opening andtheselection of the Champions, Harry determined, his mind drifting to the
uppermost reason why he hadn't asked Hermione on a date. If he was placedinto the tournament somehow…he'd be in danger and he didn't want to put
Hermione in the position of being with someone who was in danger any morethan he already was. He just hoped the security measures were going to be enough. He glancedover at the Professors where a disgruntled Moody was glaring at BartemiusCrouch Senior.
"What's up?" Ron asked, following his gaze.
"Just thinking about the security for the tournament." Harry murmured. Ron's eyes widened briefly before he nodded in understanding. "Moody
doesn't look happy."
"Sirius said Crouch insisted that he do the identity checks for the incomingstudents and Professors." Harry explained, rubbing his gloved hands together
for extra warmth. "Because of diplomatic regulations, the checks are only tobe performed once and after that can't be repeated."
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"I can't see Professor Moody being happy with that." Hermione commented.
"According to Sirius he blew his top." Harry shook his head. "I don't trust
Crouch. I wish he was still at home with the flu."
"Percy'll be pleased he's back." Ron snorted. "Pompous arse!"
"Ron!" remonstrated Hermione.
"What?" Ron argued. "You can't deny Percy is a pompous arse and he's onlygotten worse since he became Chief Suck-up to Crouch. You read his last
letter to me instructing me on proper etiquette because I was friends withaLord! Like Harry's ever going to insist I bow to him every day."
"I don't know, Ron," teased Harry, "it is quite tempting."
"Oy!" Ron poked him. Hermione chided them both for their antics, but sighed and nodded. "Honestly, I don't know how Penny puts up with him."
"Oh, look!" The cry came from the press corp which was situated on the far side of thegrass. Harry believed they were probably the second reason why Moody wasunhappy. He strained to see what it was that had got themexcited and sawsomething in the sky.
"It's a gigantic bird!" screamed one girl in the front.
"It's a dragon!" yelled another.
"No," Hermione whispered in Harry's ear, "it's Superman!" Harry laughed and didn't protest as she tucked her arm around his. He smiled
at her instead. Eventually, the flying object got close enough that they could see it was anenormous blue and gold carriage being pulled by a dozen giant horses withwings.
"Oh aren't they beautiful!" simpered Lavender on the other side of Ron.
"Big." Ron declared.
"They look bigger than the elephants I've seen!" Hermione added. Something that was verified a moment later as the horses and carriage
landed with a thump. A boy jumped out of the carriage and arranged a set of
gold steps. As soon as they were in place, a woman, almost as large as oneof
the horses emerged. She was large, olive in complexion, with dark hair tiedback. She reminded Harry of the pictures of traditional Italian women he'dseen somewhere – only much, much, much bigger; almost Hagrid-sized, herealised. Dumbledore immediately moved forward to greet her. "Madame Maxime!"
"Dumblydoor!" Madame Maxime extended her hand and Dumbledore kissedit. Their conversational tone lowered and Harry struggled to make out the wordsthrough the noise of the wind and the distance. He thought they were talkingabout the horses but since he'd also thought he'd overheard the word whiskeymaybe he was wrong. He focused instead on the gathering students pouringout of the carriage.
"Oh wow!" A murmur went through the Hogwarts students as they assessed the newarrivals.
"What?" asked Harry irritated.
"Veela!" Ron elbowed him. "Veela, Harry!" Harry sighed and pushed his glasses back on his nose. All he could makeout
was a mass of blonde hair.
"Great," Lavender said bitchily, "like we need their sort here."
"Why don't we wait till we get to know them before we pass judgement?" saidHarry crossly.
"And it's only a couple by the looks of it." Hermione said. Across the lawn, Madame Maxine had been introduced to Natalie Warren, theHead Girl, and she was escorting them toward the castle with Crouch, whowas presumably going to do the identity checks. Some of the boys' gazesremained fixed on the Beauxbatons group until it disappeared fromview.
"Do you think Durmstrang are coming the same way?" asked Ron, stampinghis feet and clapping his hands. Hermione redid the warming charm. "I doubt it." As though the universe had heard her, a cry went up from the press corpagainand someone pointed at the lake. A mast slowly rose from the silvery water and before long an old-fashionedwooden ship emerged that reminded Harry of the pictures he'd seen in piratebooks he'd read in primary school. All it needed was the skull and crossbones, he mused. The Durmstrang Headmaster, Igor Karkaroff, clattered down a plank that
acted as a gangway. He was tall and thin like Dumbledore but with sleek silver
hair and a matching goatee beard. He greeted Dumbledore with a jovial
bonhomie that seemed entirely false to Harry.
In short order the Durmstrang students were handed off to Robert Ogdenwholed them back towards the castle. Ron suddenly clutched at Harry's arm. "Look! It's Krum!" Harry gently extracted his arm and mused there would be bruises. "I didn't
realise he was still at school."
"Krum!" Ron said again.
"He's just a Quidditch player, Ron!" Hermione said exasperated. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 394
"Just a…" Ron spluttered.
"Can we go inside?" begged Harry, already moving back towards the school. "It's freezing out here." They fell into the flow of the other students. Harry tuned out of the argument
between Ron and Hermione over the brilliance of Krum and whether it wasagood thing or a bad thing that he was at Hogwarts. Harry's thoughts weremore occupied with Karkaroff. Sirius had warned him that the man was an
ex-Death Eater; one who had turned on his fellow Death Eaters in exchangefor
a minimal sentence. After they'd stowed outerwear back in the tower, it was time for dinner. Theymade their way to the Great Hall bubbling over with curiosity about the likelydecorations and the visitors. Harry ignored the bright banners and shining Hall, leaving others to 'ooh' and'aah' over them. He sat down and reached for the napkin in front of him. Hegave Hermione a pleased smile when she slipped into the seat next to him. Ron sat on his other side; Neville took the seat across fromhim, flankedby
Dean and Seamus.
"Nice of you to return to Gryffindor." Dean teased Neville lightly.
"Hufflepuff must be thinking about making you an honorary member." Seamusjoked. Neville simply smiled. "It's a shame we can't eat at any of the tables."
"You can except for feasts like this one." Hermione said. Everyone looked at her.
"What?" She demanded, tossing her hair back. "It's in Hogwarts: A History!" She gestured at them. "Haven't you noticed Luna eats with us regularly nowand she's a Ravenclaw?" Harry had a suspicion it was probably Luna who had informed Hermione of
the rule or lack thereof.
"Well, good to know." Neville said diplomatically. "Maybe I'll join Hannah at
breakfast tomorrow."
"Breakfast, huh?" Dean winked at him.
"Oh grow up!" Neville said laughing. "It's not like that."
"Yet!" declared Seamus.
"Ignore them, Neville," Hermione said firmly, "they're just jealous."
"Yeah, she's right, mate." Dean admitted. "I still can't get Hestia Wainwright togo out with me even on a practice date."
"She's in sixth year." Hermione said with a frown.
"And therein lies the problem." Seamus laughed. Ron nudged Harry. "Heads up! Snakes are approaching." Harry looked up and found Blaise, Theo and Draco who had just enteredtheGreat Hall, all heading to the Gryffindor table, Crabbe and Goyle scurryingaway to the Slytherin table without them.
"Wonderful." He muttered under his breath. "What now?" He shifted so hisbody was turned away from the table so he could face them. Draco stopped just in front of him. "Cousin." Harry's eyes narrowed at the familial term. "Cousin."
"May I, Nott and Zabini request an audience tonight after dinner?" Dracoaskedformally.
"About?" asked Harry bluntly, aware they were drawing attention. Draco smiled sharply. "I don't think you want us to raise the matter in quite
such a public forum." Harry rolled his eyes. "Hermione, Neville and Ron, you're all free tonight, right?"
"Yes!" They chorused.
"You don't need to bring them along!" Draco protested.
"Like we'd let him go alone!" retorted Ron, huffily.
"He's right," Neville said, gesturing with his napkin at Draco, "you knowhe'sright, Harry knows it too which is why he asked."
"Fine, but not Granger!" Draco said.
"Why can't I come along?" Hermione asked tartly. Harry raised an eyebrow. "Yes, why can't she come along?"
"It's…" Draco struggled to find an acceptable reason and darted a look for helpat Theo.
"It's a sensitive subject for Draco." Theo inserted.
"It is not!" Draco protested, glaring at Theo. Theo stared at him. Draco grimaced and turned back to Harry. "Can we just go with I would prefer
to discuss it without a female audience and leave it at that?" Hermione crossed her arms. "You're banning me because I'ma girl?" Therewas a dangerous quality to her tone that Harry knew well. Ron apparently heard it too because he jumped in. "We need someone
sensible left behind anyway to raise the alarm if we don't return."
"And that can't be you because…" Hermione pressed with a stubborn tilt toher
chin.
"I'm not sensible." Ron said. Hermione opened her mouth to argue and closed it again. Her eyes skatedto
Neville. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 395
"Don't look at me!" Neville said cheerfully. "I swore fealty to Harry." Hermione huffed out an exasperated breath.
"We'll meet by the library after dinner then?" Theo said, sliding Hermione anapprehensive look. Harry nodded. He was about to turn back to his original position when theDurmstrang students arrived, streaming through the door and heading for theSlytherin table. Viktor immediately changed direction as he caught sight of
Harry, causing many of us fellow students to come to a sudden halt in
confusion.
"Lord Potter!" Viktor smiled at him. "It is good to see vou." Harry stood up and shook the outstretched hand as the Gryffindors aroundhim scrambled out of their seats too. "Mister Krum."
"Viktor, please." Viktor said.
"Call me Harry then." Harry gestured around him. "You remember my family
and associates? Hermione…" Viktor kissed the back of her hand and Hermione gave hima measured nodinresponse. Draco glared at Harry behind Viktor's back and Harry rememberedwith a wince that protocol wise Draco should have been first.
"Draco, my cousin." Harry said. "My godbrother Neville, best friend…"
"Ronald Weasley." Viktor smiled. "I remember. Have vou joined Quidditchteamnow?" Ron's grin was almost as wide as the Hall. "Yes, I play Keeper now."
"You remember Theo and Blaise from before," Harry continued a little
desperately as he took in how much attention they were gaining, "and theseare my other friends, Dean and Seamus." Viktor gestured at the one student that had followed him over. "May I
introduce my cousin, Erik Juggen." There was another round of handshakes and Harry tried not to squirmas Erikstared at his forehead, trying to see the scar.
"I hope we can further our friendship while I am here at Hogwarts." Viktor said.
"I would like that." Harry replied. "We have a training session tomorrowat
eleven if you'd liked to join us on the Quidditch pitch?"
"Excellent." Viktor said. "I look…"
"Viktor," Karkaroff appeared behind his celebrity pupil and shot Harry a coollydispleased look, "do you wish to sit here with…Lord Potter. I'msure it couldbe…"
"I will be fine with the others at the Slytherin table as has already been
arranged." Viktor said testily.
"Draco will be happy to host you there. He, Theo and Blaise are all in Slytherin." Harry offered. Draco beamed at him happily as Ron's smiled dimmed. "I would be delighted." Viktor nodded. "My thanks, Lord Potter. It is good to know that I can be vithfriends." He gave a short bow and allowed Draco to lead himand Eric away, Theo and Blaise going with him. Karkaroff sent Harry another cool glare andwalked away. Harry slid back into his seat and the rest of the Gryffindors retook theirs. Ron
immediately began a spirited conversation with Seamus and Dean about
meeting Viktor at the World Cup. Harry focused on his meal, trying to ignorethe stares from the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students as they realisedwho he was. Hermione coaxed him into a discussion about runes eventuallyand with her distracting him he managed to eat something. Dumbledore stood up at the end of the meal as the desserts disappearedfrom the tables. "Thank you all. Firstly, a warm welcome to our visitors! Wehope you have a marvellous time here at Hogwarts. Please do take advantageof the Inter-School Common Room available near the library. Part of what wehope to accomplish is to build lasting ties and friendships among us all!" Hesmiled at them. "Now, onto the matter of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Tomorrow, after being displayed in the atrium of the Ministry of Magic, theartefact that will be used to select the Champions, the Goblet of Fire, will bebrought to Hogwarts by Mister Crouch, the Head of the Department of
International Cooperation." There was a polite round of applause.
"We will formally open the tournament at that point and request eligible
students of age enter their names if they wish to be considered for selectionas a Champion. I will reiterate to you all that such an undertaking is a seriousmatter. The Goblet will enact a formal binding on each Champion which
essentially creates a magical contract so please do not enter if you are not
certain of your courage and ability to face the three tremendous tasks that will
constitute the tournament itself." He smiled benevolently around the Hall. "And now, I believe we should all enjoy the rest of the evening!" Harry remained seated until the Beauxbatons and the Durmstrang studentshad gone. He didn't catch sight of Draco but figured he should showup for themeeting. Hermione walked with them, claiming she wanted to spend timein
the Common Room. She slowed as they neared it and saw the Slytherins already waiting for them. "I don't understand why I can't come along."
"Me either but look at this way," said Harry, "we're even numbered and haveyou as our secret back-up weapon if it turns out they've got something other
than talking planned." He waved a hand. "Well, less with the secret, but youknow."
"I know." She gave a long-suffering sigh. "If you're not back in an hour, I will
come look for you." Harry nodded and they took the last steps that drew themlevel with Draco. Hermione gave a wave and disappeared into the Common Room.
"Finally." Draco complained.
"Where are we doing this?" asked Neville.
"There's an empty classroom up by the DADA room." Blaise suggested. Ron motioned for him to lead the way.
Five minutes later, Harry sat on the professor's desk at the front of the
classroom with Ron and Neville flanking him, the Slytherins sat across fromhim, perched on the first row of student desks. At Draco's request, Harry
erected a privacy bubble.
"So, what is this about?" asked Harry impatiently. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 396
Draco cleared his throat. "Due to current gossip in the school, it's come toour
attention that you might be thinking of making a move which will not enhanceour political alliances in the House of Black but may instead hamper your
ability to extend and grow the alliances which we already have, and possiblyprevent us from cultivating new ones." Harry blinked at his former rival and wondered if that had made sense toanybody. He turned to Neville.
"He thinks you're about to do something that will be politically stupid." Nevilletranslated before he frowned. "I think."
"I told him to use small words since you're all Gryffindors but would he listen?" Blaise winked at them. Draco pinched the brow of his nose. "Yes, you're about to do somethingpolitically stupid."
Harry folded his arms and regarded Draco crossly. "What amI about to do?" If
Draco thought he was about to enter himself into the tournament, Harry washappy to set him right.
"You're focusing on an existing relationship which is already deeply loyal anddeeply committed to the House of Black while ignoring other tentative andnewer…"
"Oh for Merlin's sake!" Theo interrupted Draco sharply to gesture at Harry. "Everybody knows you're about to ask Granger out on a real date." Ron burst into laughter. "Harry and Hermione? That's funny!" Harry frowned and turned to glare at Ron, ignoring how Neville had placedhishead in his hands and how the Slytherins were looking at Ron with
ill-concealed astonishment that Ron had apparently not clued in.
"What?" Ron asked. "They've gone mental if they think you're seriously goingto ask Hermione out on a real date. Maybe a practice one, yeah, but a real
date?" His expression invited Harry to share the joke and laugh with him. "I
mean, it's Hermione." Harry sighed and fidgeted with the edge of his robe. "I was going to talk toyouabout it on Tuesday."
Ron's blue eyes went wide.
"It's just…" Harry said hurriedly, wishing that he and Ron were alone and not infront of an audience, "so…OK, I know this might change things between thethree of us but…I like her and I think she likes me, genuinely likes me, and….and they're right; I want to ask her out on a date."
"Hermione?" Ron said. "Our Hermione?"
"Yeah, Ron," Harry said a little tersely, "our Hermione."
"But why?" asked Ron, plaintively. "I mean, there are literally thousands of girlsout there! Why her?"
"I like Hermione!" Harry retorted. "She's smart and funny and pretty. Why
wouldn't I want to go out with her?"
"But…" Ron made a flapping motion with both hands towards the outside of
the room, "thousands of girls?!" Harry felt his heart sink. "Do you…I thought…I didn't think you liked her that
way but if…"
"I don't!" Ron immediately declared, shaking his head furiously.
"But then…" began Harry confused.
"This is excruciating!" Draco exclaimed.
"Oy!" Ron said, scowling at the Slytherin. Theo shook his head. "No, Malfoy's right; excruciating!" He pointed at Harry. "Look, Potter – Harry, Weasley doesn't like Granger that way because he
hasn't yet noticed she's a girl."
"Oy!" said Ron again before he froze and turned to Harry with a sheepishexpression. "Well, actually that's kind of true which is why I don't get why youdo, I guess. I mean, she's Hermione!" He poked Harry's arm. "She nags usabout homework and complains when we don't study enough and makes surewe eat right and complains about slavery and…and…Hermione things!" Harry rolled his eyes. "She's also brilliant, Ron!"
"Yes, as a friend." Ron stated firmly.
"As, you know, a girl!" Harry argued, forgetting momentarily that there wereothers present. "I don't know why you don't see it! She gives really great hugsand her eyes are really pretty…and she does this thing when she's debatingwith wrinkling her nose that's so cute and…"
"Merlin!" Ron interrupted. "You like Hermione!"
"Now he gets it!" Draco threw up his hands. Ron glowered at him. "Shut it, Malfoy!"
"So, are you OK with me asking her out?" Harry asked nervously. "I mean, youand I would still spend time together and we'd still spend time all of us asfriends, it's just…"
"You'd be dating Hermione and she would be dating you." Ron completed, asmall frown on his face that Harry knew meant he was unhappy.
"Well, she still has to say yes when I ask her." Harry said, trying not to showhow uncertain he was that she was going to say yes.
"Like she's going to say no!" scoffed Draco. They all looked at him.
"What?" Draco said, flinging his hands out. "It's perfectly obvious to anyonewith eyes and a modicum of sense," he threw Ron a sneering look, "that
Granger is going to say yes." He made another flappy hand gesture. "Whichiswhy, getting back to the point of this meeting, you shouldn't ask her."
"Huh?" asked Ron, patently as bewildered as Harry felt.
"This isn't going to go well." Neville predicted with a sigh.
"Why shouldn't Harry ask Hermione out if he wants to?" Ron snapped at theblond Slytherin. He turned back to Harry. "You go for it, mate."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 397
"No!" Draco said, standing up. "He can't go for it!" He waved a hand at thedoor. "Not with Granger anyway." Harry felt his anger start to stir.
"Just where do you get off telling Harry who he can go for it with?!" Ron
retorted furiously, always quicker to anger than Harry.
"I'm a member of the House of Black." Draco said just as snootily as he'dalways proclaimed to be a Malfoy."I'm perfectly entitled to raise my concerns
with the Heir!"
"But he's the Heir!" declared Ron. "He outranks you!" Harry glanced at Neville who sent him 'I knew this was going to disintegrateinto a Ron and Draco shouting match' look of sympathy. Harry sighed andstood up which immediately brought a halt to the shouting match.
"Right," Harry said irritated, "someone – not you, Malfoy," he stopped Dracowith a look, "is going to explain why I shouldn't ask Hermione out."
"Politics." Blaise said succinctly in an altogether too cheerful voice.
"Look," Theo held his hands up in a placating gesture, "you're the Head of your
House, the Heir of another. Hermione is a member of the House of Black. She's completely loyal to you already and is never going to be anything other
than an ally for you."
"And this is bad for Harry how?" demanded Ron crossly.
"It takes him off the market." Blaise said bluntly.
"In trying to finesse a closer relationship with some of the other important
families, it would be good if Harry was available." Theo expanded. He met
Harry's furious gaze. "If you dated a few eligible girls, it would do wonderstohelp foster goodwill and bring people into your corner. Keeping people
thinking you're available is a good way to draw them in."
"Girls want to go out with you, Potter." Draco drawled. "Why is a mystery but it
presents an opportunity."
"Which is lost if you take up with Granger." Blaise added. "Everyone will
consider you naïve because you've focused on your inner circle and there'll beresentment and hurt feelings among the other girls." He caught Neville's
disapproving glare and sighed. "Don't look at me like that. You knowI'mright." Harry cast a questioning glance in Neville's direction. Neville grimaced and nodded. "They have a point." He shot the Slytherins
another disapproving look. "Although how they've made it is not exactly
brilliant and hasn't considered everything." Harry pressed his lips together. "Well?" He asked impatiently, because heknew Neville would be honest with him.
"If you date Hermione, it takes you off the market," Neville explained, "they'reright about that."
"Even I get that." Harry muttered. He wasn't quite that dense.
"Right," Neville said hurriedly, "what you're missing is that currently withinthemany, many admirers you have there are a number of girls who would liketodate you because it would benefit them politically; all fromprestigious
families; all who are in families where an alliance would be useful and
advantageous to your Houses, either Black or Potter." His expression turnedconsidering. "I'm guessing that as it's this lot who've raised the issue, probablymore advantageous to Black? Probably pureblood and traditional families?" Theo nodded while Draco made a huffing sound and crossed his arms. Blaisegrinned at him.
"A date with you," Neville raised his hand preventing Harry fromprotesting, "just one date with any of these girls or boys even will make themfeel special
and their families will rethink their position on you. It'll make you and your
agenda more accessible. It gives them hope that if they agree a political
alliance that with continued exposure, they'll have the opportunity to influenceyou. It also does give you and Sirius an angle to get closer to themand
influence them; bring others over to us." Harry's jaw tightened with anger with every word Neville said especially ashecould see Theo nodding along in the background. Maybe, in hindsight, Theohad had another motive in suggesting the practice dating thing, he mused.
"If you do go out with Hermione, then some of those families will probably
think that you've decided against them already especially as Hermione is amuggleborn. They'll resent you for not providing them with the opportunity tocourt you and believe you entrenched in your position and therefore determinethat you're not worthy of spending the time trying to get you into any kindof
alliance with them." Neville continued.
Harry slumped back against the desk, took off his glasses and pressed theheels of his hands to his eyes.
"We're not saying you should never date Granger…" Theo offered
apologetically.
"Just give us the opportunity to take advantage of your bachelor status first." Draco said almost soothingly. Harry looked up at that with a frown.
"Bollocks!" Ron declared. "You date who you want, mate."
"Like you're really all that happy if he dates Granger!" Draco returned, annoyance colouring his tone again.
"I am!" Ron protested. And, OK, Harry knew Ron was lying with that one.
"You so are not!" Draco pointed at him victoriously. "You're going to hate them
being lovey-dovey around you! Snogging all the time and making kissy faces!" Ron flushed and his eyes darted to Harry with a faint air of regret. "It's just…"
"I know, Ron, it would probably be uncomfortable at first," Harry admitted, "but
can you honestly see Hermione and me snogging in front of you all the time?We wouldn't; you know that." He nudged Ron's shoulder. "Besides, who's tosay you don't go out with someone yourself?" Like Lavender.
"Well, I guess." Ron conceded, glared again at Draco.
"So I'm going to go with the notion that you still want to date Granger, Potter." Blaise commented, idly picking off lint from his robes.
"Yes, I still want to date Gran…Hermione." Harry retorted. He folded his armsand tried hard to see past the knee-jerk reaction of them simply doing thistoannoy him. He could believe that of Draco, maybe of Blaise, but not really of
Theo. And Neville had pretty much confirmed that there was a real issue
under the posturing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 398
"OK, so thank you for bringing this to my attention," Harry said formally andhiswords caused everyone to shift position, realising that the discussion part of
the meeting was definitely over, "and I appreciate your concern. However, I
think the Head of the House of Black has already made his position on thisquite clear when he declared that we can find our own life partners." He
looked at Draco. "If he wanted us to broker alliance deals in that way, you'dstill be arranged with Pansy Parkinson instead of being free to choose who
you wish." Draco winced.
"Good point." Blaise declared with a grin, ignoring the sneer Draco cast inhisdirection.
"An interesting point." Theo said suddenly, standing and staring at Dracowitha renewed spark in his eye.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Draco demanded. Neville's face brightened with realisation. "Of course!" Draco's head snapped to him. "What?"
"We need a single unattached male associated with the House of Black tooffer up for potential future alliances," Theo pointed at him, "we have you."
"Me?!" Draco whirled around to glower at Theo.
"You." Theo confirmed.
"I am not being pimped out like some cheap floozy!" Draco snarled. Harry raised an eyebrow and folded his arms over his chest. "So, it's alright if
I'm pimped out but not you?"
"He has a point." Ron said cheerfully. Draco sent him a disgruntled look.
"Actually, it's a much more believable move to offer up Malfoy." Neville saidcalmly. "You're a pureblood, traditional, and much closer to their politics. Youhave the whole 'I know your way is best but I'm subject to primacy' thingtoplacate them with and yet you can still get them close to Harry and Sirius for
potential influencing purposes." He made a circular gesture.
"Nobody is going to believe I'm close enough with Potter with our history for it
to be believable." Draco pointed out derisively.
"So, spend an hour every Sunday together discussing House business or
debating politics or something that you can both say you were ordered todoto build a closer relationship." Blaise suggested. "Somewhere public but
private like the new Common Room."
"You can also always say that a date comes with at least an introductiontoHarry." Neville added.
"Your idea may have some merit." Draco allowed and sneaked a look towardsHarry.
"If it gets me out of dating a whole bunch of girls who just see me as a meal
ticket, I'm all for it." Harry said. Not that he looked forward to the whole
spending an hour thing but maybe it would be useful if for no other reasontoquiz Draco on how the things Sirius was putting in place were going downwith the pureblood families in Slytherin.
"On the plus side," Theo said to Draco, "if you're dating a whole bunch of other
girls, Pansy may actually get the message that you're not with her anymore."
"I was never with her to start with." Draco said tersely. He took a moment tothink it over, his jaw working as he reviewed the idea. "You'll owe me, Potter."
"I don't owe you anything," Harry rejoined briskly, "you're supposed to be aloyal and contributing member of the House of Black; we'll consider this your
contribution." Draco's eyes blazed. "Fine but we do the first Sunday meet tomorrow."
"Well, it is Sunday." Harry sighed. He figured Draco had agreed because it
benefited Draco to agree rather than any because it benefited the House of
Black or Harry really but that was fine. At least he knew where he stoodwithDraco.
"Speaking of which," Ron said suddenly, "why Tuesday?"
"What?" asked Draco bewildered, turning to stare at Ron like he thought theGryffindor was crazy.
"Not you," Ron dismissed him with a flappy hand gesture, "Harry. Why wereyou going to talk to me about Hermione on Tuesday?" Harry sighed heavily and shot Ron a 'you couldn't wait until we were alone' look. "Because of the tournament." He sent Ron a 'please remember what I
told you about someone trying to get me into the tournament' look and waspleased when Ron got it and went red and white in order under his freckles.
"You do know we're Slytherins and caught that really not very subtle 'get aclue' look, right?" Blaise pointed out dryly. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 399
Harry blushed and rubbed the back of his neck, aware that he and Ron werenow looking completely guilty. "It's nothing…it's just…." he sighed again andcaved when Neville stared at him in confusion, "Sirius has reason to believethat Voldemort is trying to get me into the tournament." Everyone fell silent for a long moment as they absorbed that.
"Well, it will be an easy way to kill you without him lifting a finger or whatever
he has as a finger these days." Draco said bluntly.
"Thank you, Draco, for summarising the situation so well." Harry said
sarcastically. Neville nodded slowly. "It makes sense." He sighed. "The tasks are
constructed for students of seventeen. He has to think you're going to
struggle with them at fourteen no matter how powerful you are."
"So, you were going to wait until Tuesday before having the conversationwithRon because you're waiting until after Monday night to see if you're beingentered into the competition." Theo stated with far too much understandingfor Harry's liking.
"What does that mean?" asked Ron tersely. Theo looked at Harry.
"Well, if I'm in the tournament, I can hardly ask Hermione to go out with me." Harry pointed out with enough briskness that he hoped they'd drop the subject.
"Why not?" Neville questioned with genuine bemusement written across his
sturdy features. "It's not like you're not already in danger."
"Because it's not fair on her!" Harry protested.
"Mate," Ron slapped a hand on Harry's shoulder, "if you like her, you shouldask her and let her decide. She'll kill you if you don't give her the option andyou know what she's like; she's scary when she's angry."
"And violent." Draco said, a hint of amusement creeping back into his voice.
"Yes, he has the handprint on his face to prove it." Blaise drawled, jumpingoff
the desk. "My vote goes with them by the way; I think you should ask her
whether you're in the tournament or not."
"Knowing Granger she'll stick by you," Theo chimed in, "which I'msure is oneof the reasons why you like her enough to ask her on a date in the first place. You should ask her." Everyone but Harry turned to look at Draco.
"What?" Draco said. "Do I need to point out the irony that we brought Potter
here to talk him out of asking Granger out? I'm not entirely certain howwe'vecome round to encouraging him instead!"
"I could draw you a diagram." Blaise offered cheekily. Ron snorted with laughter. His hand tightened on Harry's shoulder. "Ask her, mate. And you know," he shrugged a little self-consciously, "maybe it'll beweird at first but I'll get used to it." Harry scanned Ron's determined expression and nodded slowly, a pleasedrush of warmth filling him up as he took in Ron's sincere blessing. "Thanks."
"So, when are you going to ask her?" Blaise asked pointedly. "Some of us mayhave money riding on the outcome."
"Tuesday." Harry said.
"I thought we just agreed…" Ron began.
"Tuesday being also the day after the anniversary of my parents' death, Ron." Harry interrupted him sharply.
"Right." Ron winced. "Sorry."
"I take it Sirius is working on the security with the Goblet and making sureyou're not entered?" Neville asked.
Harry sent him a grateful look. "Director Bones has the Aurors on guardwhileit's on display at the Ministry and they're sealing it behind some protectiveglass when it's in public. Dumbledore says there'll be a professor on watcharound the clock for the twenty-four hours that it's at Hogwarts and opentopeople putting their names in."
"Maybe we can set-up our own watch." Ron mused out loud.
"He has a point." Neville said, worried. "It's not like you haven't been targetedby professors before."
"Sirius said Moody was in charge at Hogwarts so…he's comfortable that it'll beOK." Harry said firmly. He suspected though that Sirius had other plans thanjust leaving it to Amelia or Moody. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 400
Which was OK with Harry. The look Neville gave him made Harry think that Neville also suspected Siriuswould be sneaky.
"Right," Harry declared, "I think we're finished?"
There was a chorus of agreement and the Gryffindors and Slytherins
dispersed in different directions once they got out of the room. Harry led Neville and Ron back to the Inter-House Common Roomand they all
piled into the chairs in the seating area where Hermione was curled up
reading a book on a sofa. She didn't even look up as Harry fell into the seat
next to her, Ron and Neville taking the chairs.
"Did your boys only meeting go OK then?" Hermione asked, turning a page.
"It ended up being House of Black business." Harry said. "Draco and I aregoing to meet up every Sunday for an hour to show solidarity." Hermione's eyes flicked up from the page to meet his. "Seriously?" Harry shrugged and checked around the room to see who was listening;
surprisingly they were almost the only ones in the Common Room. "Pretty
much."
"What are you going to talk to him about?" asked Ron, raising his head fromthe back cushion of the chair he was sacked out in.
"Politics and House stuff mostly, I guess." Harry propped his head up withhishand.
"In some ways it's a good thing." Neville commented. Hermione nodded. "Maybe Neville, Blaise and I can come along occasionally." She suggested. "Under the guise of that we're all allied or associated withtheHouse of Black."
"Good idea." Harry agreed because he wasn't really looking forward to
spending time alone with Draco. He debated for a moment whether to tell her
about the tournament; it didn't sit right with him that Draco knewhe might beentered and Hermione didn't. He sighed. "We also discussed the possibility of
someone entering me into the tournament." Her brown eyes widened momentarily before she nodded briskly. "Well, withthe death threats I guess it isn't a surprise that someone would attempt it." She flipped her book shut. "I assume Sirius is trying to make sure it doesn't
happen?" Harry nodded.
"But you're still worried?" guessed Hermione, scanning his face carefully.
"The guy who attacked us at the World Cup is..." Harry searched for the right
words.
"Scarily nuts?" offered Ron bluntly.
"Powerful," Neville suggested with a grimace.
"And smart." Hermione mused, her nose scrunching up as she came to thesame conclusion as Harry. "That's quite a dangerous combination."
"Have they made any progress in finding out who he is?" asked Neville. "Thelast time we talked about it you said Sirius had a new lead."
"Everyone thinks it's someone connected to the LeStranges and Barty CrouchJunior." Harry said. "But as they're all dead…" Hermione bit her lip. "We could look through the old school-year books inthelibrary. Maybe we can come up with a list of suspects based on his educationand abilities."
"It's a plan."
"I'm thinking we put our own watch on the Goblet." Ron said grumpily.
"We'll be in class most of the day." Harry pointed out.
"So, we'll get the alliance together and draw up a plan," Neville said, "thosewith free periods can help." Harry opened his mouth to protest.
"Leave it with Neville and me." Ron said brightly. "We'll sort it." Harry subsided. He didn't think it was going to make a difference (or wouldwork as Moody was bound to spot the watch and send thempacking) but heappreciated the gesture. "Thanks, guys."
"Maybe you and Hermione can do the thing with the year-books together." Ronwaggled his eyebrows – and OK, Ron was just not subtle. Harry blushed as Hermione turned toward him with a hopeful smile. "Yeah," hesaid, "if that's OK with you, Hermione?"
"Sure. Tomorrow?" Hermione suggested, opening her book and raising it alittle. "I'd like to get to the end of this chapter before curfew?" Tomorrow sounded good. Harry nodded happily. It was going to be a goodday, he mused. He had Quidditch practice with Viktor Krum, research withHermione and…and an hour of having to talk to Draco.
It could be worse, Harry thought philosophically. He could be forced intospending time with pureblood girls on dates that he didn't want to go toinstead of planning how he was going to ask Hermione out on Tuesday. He was going to ask Hermione out on Tuesday!
Don't panic, Harry told himself sternly. He thought back to the advice he'dbeen given; a token, somewhere private and how he would ask her. He hadplenty of time to plan; he could do it. Harry closed his eyes as Neville and Ron started to discuss howthey'd put
together a watch on the Goblet. He could hear the faint rustle as Hermioneturned the pages of her book. He snuggled closer into the cushions, faintly
aware the move took him closer to Hermione. Contentment stole over himlikea blanket, and between one breath and another, he fell asleep.