Harry Potter and the Orb of Power

Chapter 32: The Vernal Ball

Harry awoke on the twentieth of March very groggily and, because of the lack of sleep, very grumpy. Feeling extremely exhausted, Harry got dressed and headed down to the hall for breakfast. Feeling a weird, blank buzzing in his head, his thoughts were blurry and extremely muddled. Harry tried to keep himself focused, but all he managed to do was make himself dizzy. Harry found his way to the Great Hall, and settled down at the Gryffindor Table next to Hermione and Ginny, who were deep in conversation.

"Your dress sounds lovely," Ginny gushed. "I just hope mine is just as good."

"By the way you describe it, I think it'll be perfect," Hermione said. "I just hope that the guys have found suitable dress robes." Hermione gave Harry a mischievous smile as he sat down.

"I already have dress robes," Harry said with a great yawn, helping himself to some bacon.

"You can't wear the same robes two years in a row!" Hermione gasped.

"Boys," Ginny muttered.

"I'm just joking, I'm getting some today," Harry said, giving Hermione a quick kiss on the lips.

"Jerk," Hermione replied.

"So what color is your dress?" Harry asked, taking a big bite of bacon.

"I'm not telling, you'll just have to wait until tomorrow," Hermione smiled. "Oh, there's Ron!" Ron had just entered into the Great Hall, and was busy staring at a parchment he was carrying.

"Hey mate," Harry said, as Ron took a seat at the table. "What are you doing?"

"I'm planning out our next Quidditch match. Slytherin's team is going to be tough to beat, so we need extra planning."

"I wonder what sort of team they've put together; they lost Flint and a couple of others."

"I'm sure Malfoy will think of a few ways to try to cheat their way to the top. They poisoned Hufflepuff's Seeker last game, that's how they managed to win."

"Terrible."

"You know, you'd think they'd be paying attention to the upcoming and very important ball," Hermione said dramatically. They all laughed appreciatively and continued to discuss Quidditch and the Vernal Ball. Hermione and Ginny were especially looking forward to it, discussing the band that was going to be playing.

"I'm just glad they've scheduled the ball so that it won't interfere with my studies," Hermione said to Ginny, who caught Harry's eye. Harry tried to hold down his laughter, sneaking a sideways look at Ron, who had not been listening and was still busily examining the Quidditch map.

"Are you coming to Hogsmeade today to pick out some dress robes?" Harry asked. "Neville, Dean, and Seamus are going as well; we figured we get it all done as soon as possible."

"Oh, I'm not going," Ron said dismissively.

"Ron, you have to come!" Ginny gasped.

"I have to plan for the Quidditch match, I don't have time to go to a ball," Ron said, tapping the Quidditch plans with his wand. Little X's and O's began to squiggle around the map, indicating how the team's formation would look like in the match.

"Can't you ignore Quidditch for one night and come?" Hermione asked, looking at Ron with an expression somewhere between anger and apprehension.

"I could, but I don't want to go. I don't have much fun at balls," Ron said neutrally. Hermione gaped at Ron while Harry felt a pang of guilt. Somehow, Harry knew this was coming. "I don't feel like asking anyone to go."

"Harry can do it for you!" Hermione volunteered brightly.

"Hermione, if he doesn't want to go," Harry began to say, but Hermione spoke over him.

"I'm sure we can find someone that doesn't have a date yet," Hermione said enthusiastically. Just as Hermione was about to start making a list, Luna Lovegood came by the table and sat next to Ginny.

"Hello," Luna said, her pale eyes staring fixedly on Ron. "Be careful around the orange juice, I think it might have some Odious Orange Oltoits in them. They stick onto the pulp and when you drink them they make you go blind." Hermione rolled her eyes, and Harry would have started to laugh if the situation between Ron and Hermione weren't on the verge of exploding.

"I don't want to find anyone," Ron hissed, his face beginning to glow beet red.

"Hermione, just drop it," Harry said, but Hermione ignored him.

"Come on, Ron, it's not that big of a deal," Ginny said, piping in.

"What isn't?" Luna asked, looking between Ron and Hermione with an expression of mild interest.

"It's just a stupid ball!" Ron shouted much louder than he had intended, because the entire school was starting to look.

"Oh no," Harry whispered, knowing that this was exactly what was going to set Hermione off.

"It's NOT just a stupid ball!" Hermione shouted. "We're your friends, Ron. We want you to come with us!"

"If you were my friend, you would let me not go in peace!" Ron countered angrily. "Why are you pushing this?"

"Look, Luna will go to the ball with you, won't you Luna?" Hermione asked, her pleading gaze fixed on Luna.

"I don't dance," Luna began to say, but she was cut off by Ron.

"I do NOT LIKE LUNA!" Ron shouted so loud that his voice echoed in the Great Hall. Harry saw Luna looking quite hurt. "STOP TRYING TO PAIR ME UP WITH SOMEONE!" And with that, Ron picked up his Quidditch plans and stormed out of the hall.

"...it's probably because the Mudblood chose Potter over him," Harry heard Draco Malfoy speaking from the Slytherin table. Harry saw McGonagall chasing after Ron, no doubt in order to chastise him for being loud at breakfast. Harry felt anger swoop in his stomach, and stood up.

"Shut up, Malfoy, before I knock the stuffing out of you!" Harry shouted. Instead of countering, Draco had a look of glee on his face.

"What did you just say, Mr. Potter?" a cold voice said from behind him. Harry turned and saw Lucius Malfoy, holding his usual clipboard and wearing a look of significant hostility on his face.

"I said, 'Shut up, Malfoy, before I knock the stuffing out of you', Mr. Malfoy," Harry spat, sick of having to entertain Lucius Malfoy's sadistic role as inspector of Hogwarts.

"My, my, your attitude is quite repugnant, and threats on a student? My, my, we are getting worse and worse in our manners aren't we, Mr. Potter? I'm afraid I'll have to suggest that you be suspended from Hogwarts."

"And I'm afraid that next time you try to take something that isn't yours, you try doing it yourself instead of having something else to do the work for you," Harry hissed. A dangerous look passed over Lucius Malfoy's face, and leaned in low so that no one else could hear him.

"Why don't you prove it, Potter?" Harry glared at him, until he saw Professor Dumbledore enter the hall. Lucius gave Harry one more evil glare, and then turned away to speak with the headmaster.

"Harry, sit down!" Hermione whispered urgently, pulling at his robes. Harry continued to stare at Lucius, and then sat back down at the table, ignoring the conversations around him and watching Lucius talking to Dumbledore. Luna Lovegood stared at Hermione for a second, and then left the table angrily. Ginny looked absolutely horrified and Hermione looked to be on the verge of tears.

"So much for a happy ball," Harry mumbled to himself, feeling the buzzing in his head becoming more and more pronounced.

***

Harry waited in line to be signed out for the Hogsmeade trip. Harry looked at his watch (ignoring the now familiar glow of the watch) and looked impatiently towards the entrance of the Great Hall. Dean and Seamus had not yet arrived, and Harry was sure that any trip with just him and Neville would not be a fun trip. Harry felt a slight pang of guilt as he thought of Neville, but shook his feelings aside. Harry checked his watch again, and thought about Sirius. Where could he be, Harry thought, wondering just what exactly Dumbledore was doing to find his godfather. Harry was distracted by Ron, who had entered the Great Hall and was still looking rather angry. Ron walked over to him, and grunted hello.

"You still angry?" Harry asked thickly.

"What do you think?" Ron spat, his face still a deep shade of maroon.

"I'm sorry. Look, Hermione did overstep her bounds, but she was only trying to help," Harry said.

"Of course you'd take her side," Ron mumbled.

"Ron, I'm not on anyone's side," Harry replied, trying to keep their discussion as neutral as possible. "I just don't want you two to start arguing again."

"I mean it's not a big deal if I don't want to go to some ruddy ball. It's just a dance," Ron argued. "And besides, anyone would get angry if they were just being paired with random girls."

"True," Harry said, feeling another pang of guilt. "It's just that you seemed to fancy Luna. I know you said you didn't," Harry said quickly, noting the furious look on Ron's face. "It's just your actions said the opposite."

"Well I don't like Loony Luna," Ron hissed, angrily signing the sign out sheet.

"Watch your temper there, Weasley, or I'll have you cleaning the dungeons," Filch yelled angrily. Harry signed too, and quickly followed after Ron.

"All right then, you don't fancy her," Harry said. "But I think you should still go to the ball. It won't be half as fun without you there."

"I won't have a date," Ron sighed.

"We'll find you someone," Harry said. "Let's just get some dress robes."

***

Harry and Ron spent the next hour at the Madame Malkin's Hogsmeade looking for dress robes to wear to the ball.

"I suppose you have to buy robes that will match Hermione's?" Ron asked. "What color is she wearing?"

"I have no idea, she wouldn't tell me. Are we supposed to match the girl's dress?"
"I don't know. I think Ginny said something about that the other day," Ron said, his brow furrowed. "Girls are way too complicated. Just get something that doesn't make you look like a prat."

"Of course, all of these do," Harry said, picking up a grey dress robe that had a frilly collar. "Who wears these, honestly?"

"Nearly Headless Nick would, when he was alive," Ron replied. "That's when this one was made. Look at this rubbish." Ron picked up one that was a combination of brown and purple. "They're mad."

"Maybe they were color blind," Harry said, rolling his eyes. He continued to go through the robes, and found one that looked interesting. He picked up the robe and immediately found what he was looking for. The dress robes were scarlet red, with gold buttons and a golden trim on the bottom and on the cuffs.

"Those look like our Quidditch uniforms," Ron said brightly.

"Exactly," Harry said. "This is perfect. Now let's find you some." After another ten minutes of searching, Ron found an inexpensive yet handsome white set of robes, with golden fastenings and a silvery-grey trim on the bottom.

"It looks sort of like yours," Ron said.

"Not really. They have a different overall look," Harry responded appraisingly.

"Not too expensive either. I guess this'll have to do." Ron sighed, taking the robes over to the counter to pay. "I was saving for a broom, but since you got me one for Christmas, I guess dress robes will have to do."

"Come on, I'll buy us some butterbeer the Three Broomsticks," Harry said.

"Wait, what time is it?" Ron said, looking at Harry's watch. "We have Quidditch practice tonight." Harry looked at the watch, and noticed that there wasn't enough time for butterbeers.

"Looks like we'll have to get some later," Harry sighed. "Let's go, the captain being late is not a good sign."

"Too right," Ron said, hurrying with Harry back to the castle.

"Wait, we have to buy flowers," Harry said suddenly.

"Flowers? Are you nutters?" Ron asked, absolutely confused.

"I thought you were supposed to get flowers for a date to a ball," Harry asked.

"Better safe than sorry," Ron sighed. "That's probably why they're selling some at Hogwarts."

"They are?" Harry asked. "I didn't see them."

"They're in the hall with the staircase of the Astronomy Tower," Ron said. "I should have realized they were for the ball. I just figured it was for flower lovers, or something."

"Then let's just go there, and grab some quickly."

***

' Ron and Harry returned to the castle half an hour later, running up the stairs. Winded from running up several staircases, Harry and Ron emerged near the stairway to the Astronomy Tower.

"Ok, where are these flowers?" Harry gasped, clutching a stitch in his side.

"Down there," Ron wheezed, pointing to a large amount of flowers down the hall. Professor Sprout was handling the transactions, looking thoroughly pleased that some of her more exotic flowers were being bought. Harry saw a fourth year from Gryffindor pick up a bright pink flower that looked rather pretty, until he touched the petals. The petals turned black; thorns sprung out of the petals and snapped closed on his fingers.

"I told you Mulligan, you can't just touch the petals! Only females can touch them!" Professor Sprout admonished the student. She stroked one of the petals gingerly, and the flower blossomed open into a golden yellow color.

"My fingers are swelling," Mulligan moaned. As Harry and Ron approached, they noticed that his fingers were a bloated green color.

"Go to Madame Pomfrey, she'll mend you an instant. And then come back for this, no refunds." As the boy turned away and headed towards the hospital wing, Professor Sprout shook her head.

"Boys, they'll never learn. Oh, Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, how may I help you today? Can I interest you in any of our specialties?" Harry looked with apprehension at another one of the snapping flowers, and another that looked rather innocent. Ron reached for it, and suddenly tentacles shot out of the soil. Ron recoiled, the tentacles barely missing him.

"Mr. Weasley, that's our security device," Professor Sprout said dryly. "You can't reach for the exotic flowers, you'll get yourself hurt." Harry looked at all the different types of flowers, and felt utterly lost. What was the difference between them?

"Honestly, just pick anything," Ron said. Professor Sprout was eagerly looking at the specialty flowers, hoping Harry would pick those. Harry noticed some red ones in the back that looked nice.

"How about those?" Harry asked.

"Well..." Professor Sprout said, looking at Harry with an odd expression on her face. "Are you sure you want those?"

"Well...why not?" Harry asked, looking at them.

"Well, it's just that...they're...well..." Before Professor Sprout could finish, Harry heard shouting coming from down the hall. Harry turned to look and saw that Lucius Malfoy and Mrs. Figg were arguing at the feet of the staircase to the Astronomy Tower.

"What's going on?" Ron asked, the shouting down the hall becoming more and more pronounced.

"Another inspection...when is he leaving anyways?" Professor Sprout mumbled under her breath.

"I'll take them," Harry said quickly, wanting to get down there so he could hear what they were saying. He quickly gave Professor Sprout some gold, not caring about the change, and led Ron further down the hall.

"I don't think they'll let us listen in on this," Ron murmured to Harry.

"There, behind that statue!" Harry said. Making sure that Professor Sprout wasn't looking, he and Ron hid behind a large statue of a trollish looking wizard.

"...and as you know, my authority was given to me by them Minister himself! I will not have you stand in the way of my inspections!" Malfoy roared, waving his clipboard dramatically. Harry was surprised; Malfoy usually kept cool and collected in situations like this. Harry wondered where Snape was, but his question was soon answered when he saw Snape and Professor Dumbledore walking down the hall towards them.

"I don't care who gave you the authority, I cannot allow you to enter the Astronomy Tower! It is not in use, and so therefore is beyond your bounds as inspector!" Mrs. Figg bellowed in response.

"Must be something important up there if Malfoy is so angry, and she's so desperate to keep him out," Ron said.

"Looks like Malagar and the Death Eaters have parted ways," Harry hissed back.

"Lucius, Arabella, do calm down. What is going on here?" Dumbledore said.

"Mr. Malfoy here would like to inspect the Astronomy Tower," Snape said to Dumbledore. "Mrs. Figg here barred the way."

"Too right I did," Mrs. Figg spat. "It's absolute rubbish that he wants to get up to a place that has been closed to everyone save for Professor Sinistra, who must arrange the Astronomy Tower for the O.W.L.'s."

"An accommodation never heard of before at Hogwarts," Lucius said icily. "What are you trying to hide here?"

"That's none of your business, considering that you're in league with..."

"Arabella," Dumbledore said, his blue eyes flashing in warning.

"Yes, Mrs. Figg? You were saying?" Malfoy snarled, a cold smirk plastered on his face. Mrs. Figg's hands twitched near her wand; Harry could tell she was ready to curse Malfoy into oblivion.

"Mr. Malfoy, you're edict as inspector of Hogwarts is to inspect the way the school is run. However, as the Astronomy Tower has been out of use, there is no sufficient reason for you to be up there. The stringent measures Professor Sinistra is taking to prevent any hassles during the O.W.L.'s cannot be halted, as the O.W.L. examinations are very close," Dumbledore said politely.

"Not good enough, Dumbledore," Lucius growled. "You're staff is attempting to hide something from me, and I intend to find out just what. Now as inspector as Hogwarts, charged by the Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge, I demand that you let me enter!" Mrs. Figg snapped her fingers, and there was a small flash of blue light near her hands. No one else had noticed, but she was suddenly smirking.

"You shall not enter," Dumbledore said, his temper clearly rising. "Unless Cornelius himself comes to Hogwarts in person and instructs that you are allowed to enter the Astronomy Tower, you will not set foot in the Astronomy Tower."

"Insubordination," Lucius glared. "You have been a hindrance to my inspection for quite long enough. I will be sending my preliminary observations to the Minister, and make no mistake, you will not be in charge of this school for long." He swept away, his cloak billowing behind him.

"Severus, please kindly alert the authorities to come to Hogwarts tonight. They will have one more for Azkaban," Dumbledore said coldly. Snape bowed, and headed to his office. "You have it, Arabella?"

"Oh yes," Mrs. Figg said coldly. She snapped her fingers again, and with a flash of blue light, a wand appeared in her hand.

"Excellent. With luck, Lucius will be in Azkaban by nightfall. Without him, Voldemort won't have financial sway in the Ministry," Dumbledore said grimly.

"A small victory," Mrs. Figg muttered, her eyes narrowing. "We must take overt action against the Dark Lord." Dumbledore shook his head, and smiled.

"Come, take a stroll with me so I can show you the upcoming decorations for the Yule Ball. I say we've outdone ourselves with the planning..." Mrs. Figg looked utterly contemptuous at the thought of surveying party decorations, and limped hesitantly after Dumbledore.

"That certainly was interesting," Harry said, emerging from the statue.

"Looks like old Figgy doesn't want You-Know-Who's followers in the Astronomy Tower. Probably because the old bat wants to get up there first," Ron said. "Lucius Malfoy in Azkaban by tonight? Maybe the ball won't be so bad!" Ron was looking as if Christmas had come again, but Harry couldn't help feeling doubt. It was only this year that Azkaban was let loose and hordes of prisoners had escaped. Ron looked at his watch, and groaned. "Now we'll definitely be late for Quidditch!"

"We better hurry." Ron started to trot down the hall, with Harry following closely behind. As Harry passed the Astronomy Tower, he saw a sentinel standing at the top, beckoning Harry to climb the stairs. The grey specter was carrying a flaming grey sword, curling his finger in an effort to entice Harry up the stairs.

"Harry, let's go!" Ron called. Harry saw the sentinel vanish. Shaking his head, Harry ran after Ron.

***

Quidditch practice was nothing short of exhausting. Feeling utterly spent, Harry decided to go for an early rest, retiring to his four poster bed in order to get his rest. Sleep did not come easily; anxious thoughts swirled through his brain. Harry was nervous about the ball the next day. Would he and Hermione have fun together? Would she still like Harry if the night did not go smoothly? And what about Ron? He was acting so strangely lately. He seemed almost bitter, somewhat hostile. Not that Harry couldn't blame him; he, Harry, hadn't waited long after Hermione and Ron broke up to say something to Hermione. Guilt gnawed at his insides as Harry turned over in his bed. He drifted into an uneasy sleep, filled with dreams of a certain secret passage in the Astronomy Tower.

He was so close. So very close...

***

The next day seemed to go exceedingly quickly. Most students were too busy preparing for the ball to do anything exciting. Harry sat in his favorite chair near the fire, watching the flames crackle and burn. Harry turned to look out the window, and saw dark, ominous looking grey clouds swirling in the sky, threatening Hogwarts with a storm. Fog descended on the castle, shrouding the grounds and keeping a secret that Harry did not want to know. All in all, he had a very nervous flutter in his stomach that he was sure was unrelated to his anxiety concerning Ron and Hermione.

Harry glanced at his watch and realized that it was time for him to get ready. Hesitantly, Harry rose from the chair and stole up the stairs to the dormitory. Dean, Seamus, and Neville were out picking out flowers at the last moment, and Ron, Harry assumed, was looking for a date. All alone in the dormitory, Harry quickly changed into his dress robes, sliding into the red and gold robes and taking a self-appraising look in the mirror. Everything looked all right, except for the fact that his hair was untamed, as usual, and he looked rather small and unimposing. Harry the hero, two feet tall, Harry thought sarcastically. Trying in vain to flatten his hair, Harry patted his head. He seemed to find fault with everything he was wearing, right down to the glasses he was wearing. Everything seemed inadequate. He shook his head, trying to banish the self-deprecating thoughts swirling around in his mind. Harry turned away from the mirror, grabbed his bouquet of flowers and, taking a deep breath, left the dormitory and headed downstairs.

Harry entered the Common Room to see Dean, Neville, Seamus, and Ron standing around. Parvati Patil was draped on Dean's shoulder, while Lavender Brown was eyeing Seamus dubiously. Ron looked incredibly bored and was looking at his watch. Harry felt another pang of guilt and saw that Neville was talking with Ginny animatedly. Harry swallowed, turning himself away from Neville. He couldn't feel guilty about that, not tonight. A door opened, and Harry turned to see Hermione coming down the dormitory stairs.

Harry felt his knees wobble a bit as Hermione walked- floated- down the dormitory stairs. She was wearing a beautiful dress of deep crimson, which seemed to match Harry's dress robes perfectly. Her hair was in an elegant knot, similar to the one she had done last year. She looked absolutely beautiful.

I'm in over my head, Harry thought nervously as Hermione reached the end of the stairs.

"Wow, a stunner two years in a row," Dean said appraisingly. Parvati nodded in agreement with a look of mixed admiration and jealousy. Ron's jaw dropped, and in an instant Harry could see some emotion flicker in his eyes, some flash of feeling that Harry understood quite well, but knew Ron could never tell Harry about. Harry turned back to Hermione, who had a nervous look on her face.

"Hi," she said softly.

"You look..." Harry started to say, but words utterly failed him.

"Thanks."

"Erm..." Harry mumbled, feeling himself getting lost in the moment. He had no idea what he was doing. Panic started to grip him; would he be a good boyfriend tonight? Feeling his heart beating a mile a minute, Harry started to say something, but he felt Hermione's hand enclosed around his own.

"Don't worry, I'm petrified myself," she said. Harry laughed, a laugh that seemed to shatter his insecurities in an instant.

"Great choice of words," Harry said. Hermione grinned, and turned to the rest of them. Harry gave Hermione the bouquet of flowers, and she smiled.

"Red lilies..." Hermione said softly. "Harry..."

"I didn't know what to get, I don't really know flowers," Harry said quickly. Hermione gave Harry a somewhat sad look, but she quickly turned it into a smile.

"They're...they're beautiful."

"Shall we go?" Dean asked, looking at his watch. Everyone murmured in agreement.

"You're looking very handsome, Ron!" Hermione said brightly.

"Yeah...you look great too," Ron said, biting his lip. He looked as if he was about to faint, and a look of relief passed over his face when Seamus opened the portrait hole and started letting everyone out of the Common Room. As Harry and Hermione left the room, he saw that Ron had met up with Luna Lovegood, who was wearing a dress of deep blue, with a butterfly clip in her blond hair. Harry was thoroughly bewildered when Ron kissed Luna on the cheek, and saw that Hermione too was just as befuddled.

"Let him have his fun," Harry said, noticing that Hermione was about to say something about this. She looked at Harry for a moment, frowned, and then continued to walk with him to the Great Hall. They reached the hall, and Harry was simply stunned.

The Hall had been transformed to look like a beautiful field during springtime. The floor, which was once stone, was now springy, green grass. Flowers bloomed all over, the sky was a bright blue and the sun was brightly shining. There was a stage set up where the teachers sat every morning, and a band was playing cheerful, upbeat music.

"It looks just like spring," Harry gasped, looking around at a few sparrows flying overhead.

"It's beautiful," Hermione agreed. White tables were arranged around an open space, which clearly indicated the dance floor. This open space was not grass, however, but polished wood perfect for dancing.

"Let's dance," Hermione said eagerly, but Harry shook his head.

"Let's eat first, I'm starving," he said quickly, leading her to the table where Ron, Luna, Ginny, and Neville were sitting. The four of them were looking at the menus.

"So many options," Ron said hungrily.

"I'll probably just have a salad," Luna said neutrally. At that moment, a large salad popped up in front of her. "That's just what I wanted!"

"I think that's the idea," Ginny said lightly. "I'll have the pork chops." Ginny's food popped up exactly how she pictured it, and she looked at Luna. "See, exactly what I want."

Harry looked down at his menu and ordered some steak and the food magically appeared in front of him. As they all ate, they had a cheerful conversation, filled with laughter and happiness that they had all missed for quite some time. This wasn't such a bad idea, this ball, Harry thought happily, contented to listen rather than to join in. He listened as Ron was talking to Luna, who was listening to him with a very interested look on her face.

"And I tried to curse Malfoy, but my wand was broken, and I was spitting up slugs for hours," Ron was saying. "It was repulsive."

"Wow. Something like that happened to me. I was thirsty at night and everything was dark, and I drank my father's Magical Bee Swarm elixir rather than the orange juice that I was aiming for. I got stung 32 times before my father could pull off the counter-curse to help me. He was so paranoid that I had gotten seriously hurt," Luna related casually, taking a bite out of her salad. Hermione looked horrified, and Harry could not decide whether he should be laughing or pitying Luna. Ron seemed to be thoroughly enraptured in Luna's pale eyes, but Harry noticed an occasional side glance at Hermione, who was now chatting excitedly with Ginny about the O.W.L.'s, which Ginny seemed to not want to talk about.

"I think I'm going to do some study sheets for Transfiguration, I mean, that's the most important O.W.L. Unless it's Charms; Charms is an important class as well. I'll have to make a study sheet for that too. The rest should be fine; I really have a grip on all of my subjects. Well...maybe Potions could use a study sheet..."

"Hermione...please," Ginny pleaded, but Hermione kept rattling on. "Can't you make her stop?" Ginny's pleading eyes turned to Harry, who was fighting back the urge to laugh.

"Hermione, let's dance," Harry said. Hermione's head snapped towards him.

"Really?" she gasped.

"No, not yet, I just want you to stop talking about O.W.L.'s, you're going to drive Ginny to suicide," Harry said lightly. Hermione laughed, and shook her head.

"Oh I'm sorry Ginny, it's just it's been on my mind a lot lately."

"No problem," Ginny said, laughing. The band suddenly struck up a slow song, and Neville turned to Ginny.

"May I have this dance, firefly?" Neville asked with overdramatic pose, sweeping his hand downwards so that Ginny could take it.

"Oh my, a gentleman," Ginny responded airily. She grabbed his hand and stood up. "Lead me to the dance floor, good sir." Ginny and Neville walked to the dance floor and began to slow dance, both of them chatting excitedly.

"She's really good for him you know," Hermione whispered to Harry. "She really gives him confidence." Harry nodded, watching how Ginny nimbly avoided Neville's clumsy feet without letting him know that's what she was doing. Harry smiled and looked at Hermione.

"How about that dance I've been denying you?" Harry asked.

"I'd love it," Hermione smiled, and walked up to the dance floor with Harry. As they got to the floor, Harry felt butterflies flitter in his stomach, a feeling that intensified when Hermione wrapped her arms around his shoulders and leaned her head against his chest. Harry nervously put his hands on her waist, and attempted with all his power to not step on Hermione's toes. The music was slow and melodious, and despite the relentless swarm of butterflies dancing in his stomach, Harry found that he was starting to relax. This isn't so bad, he thought contentedly as the two slowly danced to the music. Harry looked up and saw Ron talking to Luna, while she listened, enraptured by what seemed to be the sound of Ron's voice. Harry rolled his eyes happily; she seemed to hero worship him. Harry sighed, and Hermione looked up.

"What's wrong?" she asked with a curious smile on her face.

"Nothing," Harry said honestly. "Nothing is wrong. It's perfect. It's...too happy, I suppose. For me, I mean." Hermione looked at Harry for a moment, tears sparkling in her eyes.

"Nothing can be too happy for you," Hermione responded, and kissed Harry. Harry felt the whole world sliding away, until there was a loud crash, and shouting. Harry and Hermione broke apart; Harry saw Ron turn abruptly towards the source of the noise.

"YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME DUMBLEDORE!" a voice bellowed in fury. Harry saw three wizards in dark black robes enter the hall, carrying another in dark green robes, with unmistakable silver hair.

"Dad? Dad!" Harry heard a voice shouting. Harry felt someone shove him out of the way, and saw Draco Malfoy, dressed in his black dress robes, running towards the Aurors. Harry saw Professor Snape intercept Draco before he got too close. "Dad, what's going on?!"

"DUMBLEDORE!" Lucius screamed. "YOU'LL NEVER GET AWAY WITH THIS!" Dumbledore separated himself from the crowd that had gathered and walked up to one of the Aurors.

"Kingsley, this is his wand. If you trace his spellwork, you'll see that he took over a sentinel of a dragon and used it to attack my students."

"Very well, Dumbledore," Kingsley responded in a deep voice. "I'm sure the Minister will be interested in how this turns out."

"Perhaps he'll finally reconsider his view on Lord Voldemort's return," Dumbledore said darkly, ignoring the winces from those around him.

"You can't do this to him!" Draco started to yell. "You can't do this!"

"Draco," Severus said mutely, holding him back. Draco fought harder to get away. For the first time in his life, an emotion caught Harry by surprise. He was glad that Lucius was being taken away but, for some inexplicable reason, he felt a swell of pity for Draco Malfoy.

"You'll never get away with this, Dumbledore. I'll make sure I personally make you pay for this," Lucius growled menacingly.

"Say what you will Lucius. Perhaps the new guards at Azkaban will listen to what you have to say," Dumbledore said.

"DON'T TAKE HIM AWAY!" Draco yelled, fighting against Snape's hold. The doors banged, and Lucius Malfoy was gone. Draco turned and saw Harry, and his face contorted into an expression of pure rage and malice.

"YOU DID THIS! THIS IS YOUR FAULT!" Draco screamed, breaking away from Snape's hold and pulling out his wand. "I'LL KILL YOU!" Draco waved his wand, and before Harry could dodge, Snape grabbed Draco from behind. He escorted Draco out of the hall, leaving a stunned silence in the Great Hall.

"Oh my..." Hermione gasped, grabbing Harry's hand. Harry saw Mrs. Figg, in pure blue robes, smiling sickeningly at the sight of Lucius being dragged away. Harry felt a sickening swoop of anger at the sight of her. The imposter, the poseur, standing there victoriously; it was all too much for Harry. He led Hermione towards Ron and grabbed Ron by his robes. The three of them walked out of the Great Hall.

"What are you doing?" Ron asked as Harry let go and started walking down the hall.

"I'm sick of waiting. I'm going to the Astronomy Tower," Harry said determinedly.

"The three of us can't sneak up there," Hermione countered. "We'll be sure to get caught!"

"You guys are keeping watch. I'm going up alone. Something's up there, something that Mrs. Figg didn't want Lucius seeing. I want to know what it is."

"But Harry, the security measures," Ron started to say, but Harry wouldn't listen.

"I have a feeling I'll be able to get by them," Harry responded. The three of them walked in silence until they reached the stairs to the Astronomy Tower. The hallway was dark and empty; the stairs seemed to stretch forever.

"Are you sure about this?" Ron asked nervously, staring up at the stairs. "After you and Hermione got up there the first time they've surely added more security!"

"It doesn't matter, I have to get up there," Harry said firmly. Harry looked up, and took a deep breath, knowing that as soon as he took his first step up those stairs, his life would never be the same.