Chapter 21: The Yule Ball P3

"You look gorgeous."

Daphne tried to hold in the blush that crept up on her cheeks but it was a vain effort. She had told Tracey she cared not whether Potter was impressed by her looks. Yet, she had spent hours preparing herself, far longer than Tracey did at the very least. It felt good to know that her long hours of preparation were not wasted.

Despite the outward aloofness she was projecting she remained a bit flustered as she struggled for a proper response.

"Thanks. You are not bad on the eyes either." Daphne managed to say without humiliating herself mid-sentence.

"Not bad on the eyes! You look very handsome Harry." Tracey intervened smoothly sliding next to her which made Daphne startle. "She was spending hours without break to prepare herself for the Ball. So, don't get swayed by her aloofness. It's all an illusion."

"Tracey!" Daphne hissed.

"What!? It's so true you were very much excited to go with Harry." Tracey, sporting her usual playful smile.

Daphne could feel mortification surging in her mind at how Tracey was exposing her to Potter. She had played her part as the perfect Pureblood heiress aloof to anything that happened around her with ease. She had presented the date as a business transaction before Potter. The last thing she needed was for Potter to realize that she was interested in him far more than she portrayed.

"I see. Interesting."

Daphne heard Potter hum from beside her.

"Tracey."

"Yes, Daphne."

"Shut up!" Daphne hissed. For emphasis, she pinched her childhood friend on her arm for good effect.

"Ow!" Tracey cried.

Daphne could feel Harry shake with laughter beside her. She wished something would happen that could turn the focus away from her present predicament. And that distraction came in the form of Michale Corner.

"Tracey. You look beautiful."

Daphne thanked her lucky stars for the Ravenclaw boy's arrival. But, her plan to tease Tracey melted away when Harry positioned himself facing her with a bright blue rose in his hand.

"May I?" Harry's asked.

Daphne was quite not sure what she did at the moment as her heartbeat soared and her mind froze. Whatever she did must have been positive as she felt Harry press the blue rose against her dress just above her heart. When Harry took out his wand she regained her bearings but it turned out he was just using a sticking charm on the flower.

Looking down Daphne looked at the blue rose stitched to her dress with a sense of awe and embarrassment. That was really a romantic moment and she could literally feel her magic sing in joy. The thrum of her magic, which she had so carefully refined to stay serene over the years, was now dancing all across her skin. It was surreal what the green-eyed boy was doing to her.

"Wow! That's romantic." commented Tracey, taking a good look at Harry's gift before rounding on her date. "Let's see. What about you?"

"Wha…? What do you mean?" Michael asked, taken back by Tracey putting him on spot.

"C'mon Michael. What have you brought for me? Harry brought Daphne a flower so what about you?"

Michael Corner looked stupefied by the turn of events before settling in to look helplessly around for some kind of escape.

"But…but…I gave you a present today morning."

"A box of Honeydukes chocolates." Tracey deadpanned.

Daphne barely suppressed a giggle at the flustered face Corner was making before the Ravenclaw settled for staring accusingly at Harry for his woes.

"Maybe Michael intends to surprise you after the dance with a gift." Harry sportingly suggested, no doubt to save Michael Corner from the hot water he jumped into unwittingly.

"Is that true?" Tracey asked rounding on Michael who could only nod in agreement.

"Well…"

Corner was saved by the front doors opening with a high pitched groan.

The Durmstrang students were the first to enter led by Headmaster Karkaroff. Then the Beauxbatons students followed in an orderly manner. Only then did Hogwarts students were allowed entry.

Daphne stepped into the Great Hall with Harry in her hand. Tracey and Michael Corner were just behind them. Inside the Great Hall, everything was bathed in a hundred different glittering lights. Little fairies carried small globes of colourful lights everywhere fluttering their rainbow-coloured wings. The Hall was decorated with flowers and statues. When her eyes fell on the statues her wondrous mood shifted to one of pure disinterest and bitterness.

"What's happened?" asked Harry from her side keying into the fact that she needed to school her features if Harry could read her mood with ease.

"Nothing."

"No. There is something."

Daphne pursed her lips eyeing Harry. "The statues…they offend me." she whispered.

Harry frowned at her before looking at the statues himself. "The Christmas Father…Oh! I see."

Daphne took it as a good sign that Harry remained unbothered by her dislike of Muggle religious icons. She had noted that bit about Harry lately. He seemed wholly unbothered by her dislike of muggle religions or their icons. She had thought Harry would classify her as a bigot but he seems more receptive and perhaps even understanding her dislike to some extend.

"Champions over here, please!" Professor McGonagall called them over.

"I guess that's our cue. Please enjoy the Ball Michael, Tracey." said Harry, while Daphne squeezed her friend on her shoulder before walking towards Professor McGonagall.

Professor McGonagall was wearing a blinding red dress robe reminiscent of Gryffindor house colours. She told them to wait near the side of the doors while everyone else went inside. Apparently, it was a tradition that the Champions enter in a procession only after the students of the three schools have sat down.

Daphne and Harry were the first to reach the doorside. A few moments later they were joined by Fleur Delecour and Roger Davies. She could see the vacant expression on Davies' face. It looked almost like Davies was in disbelief over the fact that he was the date for the French Champion, judging by the worshipping eyes Davies was making at his date.

Daphne would have thought Delacour had dosed Davies with a love potion if it wasn't for knowing the French Champion's Veela heritage. She could even feel the magic rolling off Delacour's body in waves. She looked around noticing how other students were not immune to Delacour's charms.

Well… not all of them, she thought eyeing Harry who remained unbothered.

"Delacour is looking our way." Daphne whispered to Harry.

She saw Harry eyeing the French Champion with a raised eyebrow. Delacour just continued to stare which turned into a frown and Daphne suddenly felt a shift in the magical output.

"That's an impressive piece of magic." Harry commented, before shifting his focus away from the French Champion.

Daphne was not the only one who was surprised by Harry's immunity as she could see Delacour also took notice.

"You can resist her charm?" Daphne asked, impressed.

"I'm special like that."

Daphne shook her head at his claim. "How long have you been practising Occlumency?"

"Long enough to recognize foreign magic trying to penetrate my mind." answered Harry, with a wink.

Before anything else could be said Cedric Diggory and Cho Chang joined them.

"Hi, Harry." said Cho. "Hi, Daphne."

Daphne returned the greeting and so did Harry but then there was an awkward moment between Cedric and Harry.

"You look good." Cedric said holding out his arm for a handshake.

"You don't have to worry. You still remain the pretty boy of Hogwarts." Harry countered shaking Cedric's hand making them crack up a bit.

Just like that the tension between them was lifted.

"Looks like there are three Seekers here." Daphne commented to lighten the mood.

"Huh! You are right. Four if you count Krum." said Cho.

"Speaking of which where is Kru…whoa!"

Daphne looked at what made Diggory reel back in surprise. Her eyes widened as she took in the person beside Viktor Krum. She managed to school her face back to neutral but she eyed Hermione Granger with disbelief. The entire fan club of Krum was looking at Hermione with the deepest loathing they could muster as they entered the Great Hall.

Once everyone in the Hall settled down Professor McGonagall told them to get in line in pairs and follow her into the Hall. Daphne stood beside Harry at the very front. Of the four pairs, they were the smallest so she felt it was good that they led the procession. As they stepped into the Hall everyone in the hall applauded.

The house tables have all vanished and instead the Great Hall was filled with round tables with candle lights. The walls were covered in crystalline frost with a blueish tint. Large chandeliers hung from the ceiling creating a stark contrast to the cloudy starless skies displayed by the enchanted ceiling.

Dumbledore smiled happily as the Champions approached the top table. Daphne took great care to never meet Dumbledore's eyes just as her mother warned her. She was nowhere near competent to withstand an assault from Dumbledore against her budding Occlumency shields. Instead, she kept her focus on the other two heads of the schools. Karkaroff looked like he was ready for murder owing to the fact that Krum took a Muggleborn as his date.

Madame Maxime looked rather happy and Daphne thought she was the only one among the lot whom she considered to be a non-threat. Ludo Bagman looked like a clown and he dressed that part as well with his robes displaying bright yellow stars. Mr Crouch on the other hand was absent which she found odd but not so surprising. She was frankly surprised the Ministry had yet to sack the man especially after all the scandals that came to light in the Prophet.

Instead of Crouch, it was Percy Weasley who stood in place for the absentee judge of the Tri-wizard Tournament.

When they reached the table, Percy Weasley drew out the empty chair beside him, staring pointedly at Harry. Harry in turn eyed her in askance and she just shrugged. She cared not where they sat and Percy was a former Gryffindor so Harry might be on good terms with him.

"I've been promoted."

That was the first thing that came out of Percy Weasley's mouth which made her roll her eyes.

"I'm now Mr Crouch's personal assistant and I'm here representing him." said Percy, in a smug tone.

Daphne hid the grin she was sporting with her hand but she was not sure whether she succeeded as she could see Percy Weasley frown at her.

"Congratulations. If you play your cards right you may even get his current position." said Harry.

"What! What are you talking about?" Percy asked.

"What do you think is going to happen after Sirius gets his trial? I won't let that man live the rest of his life in some warm retirement home. I'll see to it that he gets the same cell Sirius was locked in and that's the least of his problems. If I can I'll make sure he gets the Kiss."

That cleanly shut up Percy who for the rest of the evening stayed silent as a grave towards Harry.

Daphne didn't mind one bit. Turns out the most interesting conversation topics of Percy Weasley were Cauldron bottom thickness and flying carpets, which he tried to impose on a very disinterested Ludo Bagman.

Dumbledore took everyone's attention by clapping his hand and saying, "Pork chops."

The golden plates that remained vacant on their table were suddenly filled with food. Soon, others followed to place their orders.

"Broccoli Chicken." said Harry, and his plate was suddenly filled with his preferred food. "House Elves! You got to love 'em."

Daphne nodded at Harry's comment before she followed suit with Broccoli Chicken as well.

"Huh. One would think you are copying me." said Harry.

"I just have the good sense not to consume heavy food this evening. We've got to dance remember. Speaking of which I hope you know how to dance?"

"Oh, I'm no expert but I assure you, you will have your foot intact."

"I better be else I'll make sure you won't walk as you do Harry." she replied sweetly.

Harry merely grinned and nodded. "I was meaning to ask. Did you like my gift?"

Daphne's whole demeanour changed in an instant. She leaned in closer towards Harry with her eyes gaining an unnatural sharpness. "Where did you get that book?"

"So, you liked it huh?" Harry asked, without divulging anything while taking a taste of his food.

"Liked it? Harry that was a very rare book. How did you get hold of such a book?" she asked in a hushed whisper.

"Rare book? I would categorize the book as rarest of the rare seeing as no one possesses a written book of Salazar Slytherin especially about healing magic."

"Shhhhh!" Daphne hissed, afraid someone might hear their conversation. "Where did you get it?"

"Only those with Slytherin's gifts may find his knowledge as well. Consider the gift an apology for mentioning the Curse openly. Although, I doubt many of your Slytherin peers truly grasped the meaning."

Daphne stared long and hard at Harry trying to find some sort of clue but to no success. The book she received from Harry was indeed a copy of the original written work of Salazar Slytherin. She found it authentic because of the many advanced healing rituals and magic mentioned in the books emphasizing the use of Parseltongue to enhance its effects. She would still have to show it to her father to see whether the book was an authentic copy but seeing as it was Harry Potter who gifted her the book she was sure of its authenticity.

Her family had over the generations searched for Salazar Slytherin's works. While the fools of the British wizarding world would hail Slytherin as some evil wizard her family knew the truth. Out of all the founders, no one has contributed as much as Slytherin in the arts of healing. Even the famed Helga Hufflepuff paled in comparison to Slytherin's knowledge and skill in healing magic. His Parseltongue was a unique gift that set him apart from all other Founders.

When Slytherin split from the Founders he took all his knowledge and research away with him. Only bits and pieces of his knowledge that he shared with his favoured students survived the light of those days. Even those few bits that survived were jealously guarded by Slytherin's disciples.

Ever since the Blood Curse took hold in House Greengrass, her ancestors have searched for every piece of Slytherin's knowledge. But, anything that they could cobble together constituted a minuscule compared to Harry's gift. Daphne had seen her family's collection. There were only a few parchments of Slytherin's handwritten pieces in their library. The fact that Harry Potter of all people held an entire book written by Slytherin shook her. She had the urge to send the book straight to her father to see whether it was indeed a true version and not a fake. It was clearly a translated copy of the original work but there are ways to confirm the book's validity.

The only reason that she did not send it straight to her father was that she feared the book may get misplaced somehow. The book was too valuable to just send it away with an owl. She'd rather hand the book over to her father personally.

"You should tone down your cold stare. People will think you are about to attack me." Harry whispered into her ear.

Daphne was so far gone in her thoughts she had missed Harry moving close to her and whispering into her ear. She could feel his hot breath on her ear and once again she could feel her cheeks get warmed up.

"We need to talk…later." she whispered back after she took a moment to compose herself.

"Are you asking for another date Daphne?" asked Harry.

"What if I am?" she queried boldly, staring into those mesmerizing green eyes. If she looked carefully enough, she could read the undercurrents of magic thrumming inside Harry's eyes and that she found fascinating.

Harry gave her a lopsided grin and an accepting nod.

Daphne went back to enjoying her food while making small talk with Harry. They removed all serious issues from their chat and instead focused on poking fun at Fleur's snotty attitude towards Hogwarts. They were not the only ones to take notice as even the usually silent Krum was a little irked by Fleur's obtuse complaints. Soon all the food on their plates were consumed.

At that moment, Dumbledore stood up while tapping his wand on his glass. The clink could be heard across the Hall attracting the attention of all the attendees.

"I believe it's time for the dance to commence." said Dumbledore, his enhanced voice travelling to every corner of the Great Hall. Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling away as the Champions rose to their feet.

Daphne took Harry's offered hand taking to her feet.

Dumbledore vanished all the tables with a swift wave of his wand.

Daphne let out a shiver as the Headmaster's magic swept through the room. She could feel Dumbledore's magic which was refined but she could feel the potency of the magic. It was just as her mother said. There are some wizards who are gifted with a magical aura that makes you feel like you are nothing. Her mother had said she only felt that with one wizard. Although, her mother never divulged the identity of that wizard she was sure it was Dumbledore. She'd have also suspected the Dark Lord but her mother had some less than savoury opinions regarding Britain's Dark Lord.

She'd put Harry in the same category. If Dumbledore was refined Harry's aura almost felt primal. It felt like his aura was just waiting to burst out with a primal roar. That's why it was difficult for her to employ Occlumency when she was near Harry. Her senses always remained out of sync with her mind which affected her ability to construct barriers. It was almost fascinating and scary at the same time.

"What are you thinking?" Harry whispered.

Daphne nearly squealed when she felt an arm on her waist dragging her forward. Her right hand clasped with Harry's left hand and they slowly made steps on the floor with the Weird Sisters humming a slow mournful tune in the background.

She took notice that Harry seemed very careful in his steps almost as if he was concentrating on not stepping on her foot.

"Don't worry too much and relax. You look like you are trying to avoid committing murder." commented Daphne, in parts to switch the conversation away from her lapse of mind.

"Nice deflection. But, I'm all the more curious what's on your mind." said Harry, as he gripped her close to him which made her press into his body more.

This time she was ready for the onslaught of magical aura that was trying to creep into her. While Harry's magic remained very distracting she had her barriers ready to keep them out from interfering.

"You don't know Leglimency do you?" she asked, not minding the closeness as she twirled around with Harry on the dance floor. She hardly paid any attention to anything else as he sole focus was on her steps and her dance partner.

"You can relax. I'm not going to surf through your mind." said Harry, letting out a laugh.

"It's no laughing matter. And it's good to know you can't do that." Daphne said, with a huff.

"Yet." Harry was quick to remind her. "I can't do it for now. That doesn't mean it'd be the case forever."

"I can't keep you out for now. That doesn't mean it'd be the case in the future." she countered.

Harry grinned. "Competitive. I like that."

"Nice socks, Potter." Moody growled as he passed by, with a very uncomfortable Professor Sinistra on Moddy's hand.

"Thanks, Professor." said Harry. "You look good, Professors."

"That man is creepy. He should not be allowed that eye in Hogwarts." Daphne growled.

"I don't think anyone has a chance of convincing him to let go of that eye Daphne." said Harry, shrugging.

With a final quavering note, the Weird Sisters concluded their first song, applause filling the Great Hall once more.

"Well…that was fun." said Daphne, looking around in surprise as the song came to an end. She didn't even feel much time had passed at all.

The Weird Sisters started playing another tune, this one a bit more upbeat than the last one.

"Want to give it a try?" Harry offered.

Daphne could hardly suppress the grin gracing her lips.

And so they danced once again to a fast-paced song. When that ended they danced to the next one as well. It was a fun night until finally, Daphne had to call it quits as her feet were hurting her.

They invariably found themselves stumbling into Krum.

"Hi, 'arry. 'ave you seen Herm-own-ninny?" asked Krum.

"Oh no Viktor. We were just dancing you see." replied Harry.

"Vell, if you see her, tell 'er I 'ave drinks." Said Vi

"Hey, look! There she is." Daphne pointed to Hermione who was making her way towards them.

"She doesn't look happy." Harry muttered.

"Vat 'appened?" asked Viktor, concern oozing off from the Durmstrang Champion.

"Just an idiot trying to mess up my day." Hermione angrily growled.

"Does this idiot have red hair?" Harry asked sarcastically.

"Don't… let's just forget about that." said Hermione, before eyeing Daphne's tight grip on Harry's hand with a smile.

"I see you have Harry in your clutch. Just keep him that way throughout the evening, will you? Else he might be tempted to step into his 'saving people mode'."

"What?" Daphne asked curiously.

"I don't have a saving people mode." Harry proclaimed.

"Of course, you do. You were thinking about doing something to Ron. I suggest you forget him and enjoy this evening." said Hermione.

"For the record, there was no one to save, only a jealous red-head moron to be taught a lesson in manners."

They spent a better part of the night with Hermione and Viktor Krum on a table with some drinks. Even Cedric and Cho later joined them on the table before they once again took to the dance floor.

As the party started winding up Harry escorted Daphne out of the Hall into the open lawn outside. It was snowing but Harry flicked his wand, a ward quickly sprung up and the snow stopped bothering them. She took a good look at the night sky and took a deep breath of fresh air. It was one of the memorable nights, perhaps the best night she had ever experienced.

"Harry."

"Hmm."

"Thanks for tonight." she said before pressing a chaste kiss on his cheek. Thankfully, Harry was not too tall for her.

Daphne would have been embarrassed but she crowed with delight in her mind as she could see the surprise and embarrassment on Harry's face as well. Taking the momentum offered to her she decided to push her luck.

"There is a small ritual ceremony I am taking part in with some others. It's part of our Yule celebrations. Do you want to join me?"

Daphne could tell that her offer took Harry by surprise. But, even she did not foresee how quickly Harry would agree. This night was turning out to be a night full of surprises. It'd seem there was still hope for Harry to turn out alright instead of being another blind Dumbledore stooge.

XXXXXXXX

It was early morning and when the first rays of sunlight began to brighten the castle a select few people gathered around a runic circle in the Astronomy Tower. Several intricate patterns of runic circles spanned the floor of the tower. Even the ceiling of the tower was decorated in carefully drawn intricate runes.

As the sunlight rained on the tower the runes began to take a golden hue. Harry looked on in surprise as everyone began kneeling with their wand tips touching the runic circle.

He knelt beside Daphne and copied her position.

Opposite to him was Professor Babbling who was hosting the ritual. It came as a surprise to Harry that a Hogwarts Professor was leading this ritual. He had thought this was some secret gathering by a group of students.

'Surge, Domine, totius vitae!

Exsurge, Domine, vigoris!

Benedic animabus nostris et corpore o pater aequissime.

Munda nos a tenebris, et lux renascatur!'

Professor Babbling chanted in Latin and her wand lit up with magic. A surge of golden rays consumed Professor Babbling before travelling to everyone connected to the runic circle. Harry could feel the warmth surging into his body that immediately made him feel safe and relaxed.

One by one everyone else began to follow her example.

"Harry, please use Parseltongue." Daphne whispered to him after she finished the Latin chanting.

Harry looked curiously at Professor Babbling who nodded at him, giving her assent.

Picturing a snake in his mind he began to chant in the tongue of serpents.

" Rise, Lord of all life!

Rise, Lord of vitality!

Bless our souls and body oh impartial father.

Cleanse us of the Dark and let the Light be reborn! "

This time the magical surge was more discernible. The smell of ozone and earth filled the tower. Harry could even feel his magic surge with a bright green aura. He could feel his limbs become far stronger and his body far lighter. He felt as if he had the energy to run a marathon without breaking a sweat.

"I've never felt power like this before." Harry muttered in wonder as magic surged within him.

"The tongue of serpents is the language of life itself. It is one of the oldest languages our world has ever known. When uttered it connects with Old Magic. You have a wonderful gift, Mr Potter. Use it well." said Professor Babbling.

Harry merely nodded as he was still drunk on the magic that was coursing through his veins. Others were not faring any better either.

"For the next six days, we will perform the ritual in other locations. I will contact each of you with the time and place. If you miss one session then you won't be allowed to attend the rest. Am I understood?"

"Yes Professor." they all chorused.

"Good. Now, take your leave."

Harry exited the Astronomy Tower with Daphne, Tracey and strangely Theodore Nott who had so far kept a healthy distance from him.

"So, what do you think Harry?" asked Tracey.

"I think I'm going to show up on all six days." he said, looking back into the tower where Professor Babbling remained.

If he had looked carefully enough he could have seen he was being watched by the dark onyx eyes of his Ancient Runes Professor.

XXXXXXX

Once everyone left Bathsheda alone she flicked her wand closing down the Astronomy tower. The runes on the floor began to change shape and formed into a seven-pointed star shape with complex runes running around the outer contours of the star. The inside of the tower was suddenly bathed in a golden barrier.

Taking a deep breath she cleared her mind and began reinforcing her Occlumency barriers. Once she accomplished that task she removed the glove from her left hand. Plae skin greeted her eyes but only she knew there was more to her left palm.

Channelling magic to the tip of her wand she drew a perfect triangle on the centre of her palm. The triangle began to light up in a golden hue and the rest of her left arm began lighting up with intricate runes. From her fingers five golden lines connected to the three sides of the triangle.

"Evelyn Regensburg." she whispered.

The triangle in her hand began to blink slowly for some five minutes before it took a blue hue. A white bright light suddenly escaped the triangle showing a palm-sized projected figure of Evelyn Regensburg.

"Lady Greengrass, my greetings."

"Bathsheda, why have you contacted me?"

There was not even a hint of a German accent in her patron's sound. Then again, Evelyn had divested her German roots to fit in easily with the British aristocracy ever since she became the wife of Lord Greengrass. It was no surprise as most people often tend to forget the foreign roots of Lady Greengrass as she acts like a British witch.

"There has been a positive development in regards to Mr Potter."

Bathsheda could make out the sharpness in her patron's eyes at her report. While Potter remained an interesting person the last few years have shown there was nothing to be seen in the Potter boy. But, this year, things have changed. Ever since Potter's name came out of the Goblet of Fire Potter has been changing and Bathsheada had watched that change unfolds from the safety of her position among the Hogwarts staff.

While she did not know all the details, she knew Lady Greengrass and a certain common acquaintance of theirs was interested in Potter.

"This is good news. Tell me more."

And so Bathsheda began her detailed report regarding Potter and Dumbledore.