Chapter 35 - Chapter 35: Fourth Year (Part 5)

First Task - November 24, 2004

As much as the four champions might wish for more time the date of the first task arrived. They were all nervous as they made their way down to the champions tent together.

Just before they had left James had given Hadrian a huge hug and made him promise that he would be fine. Hadrian had done so, but he knew his parents were both still terrified, but then again, so was he.

In the tent the headmasters explained everything to them like it was supposed to be one big shock. Just like last time Fleur drew the Welsh green with the 2, Viktor got the Chinese fireball with the 3, Cedric got the Swedish short-snout with the 1, and of course, that left Hadrian with the Hungarian horntail with the 4.

It seemed like fate was enjoying repeating herself this year.

As the task started, the three remaining in the tent wished Cedric good luck before he left. Then, they waited. But not alone. Viktor, Fleur, and Hadrian were just sitting silently together when the back wall of the tent started moving, before lifting up so Fred and George could roll in under the wall.

Hadrian instantly went to them, not bothering to hide his kissing them from the others. They had seen it often enough over the weeks of studying together. Fleur often cooed at them whenever she saw them. She thought they were the perfect couple.

Hearing the whistle, They wished Fleur good luck as she walked out. Viktor took a deep breath and relaxed into his seat.

"Are you ok Viktor?" Hadrian asked his friend.

"I am ok. Just sick of waiting. I have always hated the wait before you take the field." Viktor said.

"Ah yes, that moment where the worst flashes through your mind." Fred nodded in understanding.

"The calm before the storm." George smiled at the other boy.

Then there came the whistle calling Viktor out. He shook Hadrian's hand, thanking him for his idea, after the twins wished him luck, he was gone.

"Are you ready for this?" Fred asked looking to the smaller boy between him and his twin.

"As ready as I'll ever be. I have a plan, I know what I'm going to do. I've got this." Hadrian said, trying to convince himself just as much as the twins.

Fred and George both knew what Hadrian was really trying to do but they weren't willing to call him on it. They were both hoping beyond hope that this worked out. They knew Hadrian knew what he was doing, but they couldn't help but worry. This was their soulmate and a dragon after all.

When the whistle came, both twins gave Hadrian another good luck kiss before they all left the tent together. Just before they reached the arena, Fred and George slipped away to go and wait for him by the medical tent just in case.

Walking alone into the large area, Hadrian was stunned at the dragon in front of him. He was amazed at just how big she was. Looking around, Hadrian saw his fathers sitting in the stand holding each others hands. Sending them a small smile, he turned to the dragon.

Taking out his wand, He amplified his voice, hoping that it would get through to the mother dragon.

"Peace great mother. I mean your hatchlings no harm." Hadrian said, knowing that no one else in the crowd would understand.

The dragon actually shook her head like a dog trying to get water out of its ear. Then, she dropped her head down until she was close enough to look Hadrian dead in the eye. She just looked at him for a moment, judging his honesty before she lowered her head the rest of the way down so they were looking right at each other.

"You speak my language little two legs. I have heard tales of ones like you that can speak with the great dragons, but I did not think I would meet one in my lifetime.

If you mean me and my young no harm, why are you here?" The dragon questioned in an imperious voice.

"I am not here by choice." Hadrian shot a glare to the judges table. "I was forced into this. They have hidden a golden egg amongst your young and demanded I retrieve it."

"Foolish two legs. You are smaller than the others that have faced my cousins."

"I am younger than them. I was not supposed to be involved in this, but the choice was taken from me. My fathers are very angry about this."

"As any life giver should be. Tell me young dragon speaker, if I were to allow you to take this golden egg you claim is in my nest, will you be safe?"

Hadrian smiled. Of course he would end up dealing with a mother dragon that would end up worrying about his safety.

"As safe as I ever am. My life has never been one of safety, but my life givers do what they can to protect me from the worst of it. I know that they will protect me from whatever comes next."

"And was it you that taught the one with fire on its head the noble tongue of the serpents?"

Hadrian had to think for a moment, then he almost laughed. She was referring to Charlie with his red hair. "Yes. I met two young dragons over the summer that he was with and taught him so that he could better feed and care for them."

"But that is the job of a life giver."

Hadrian sadly shook his head. "These to hatchlings were stolen by egg thieves before they even hatched. Their life giver could not be found after the egg thieves were caught. The two legs have been doing what they can to care for the young ones. They have had five hatching days now and are happy with the two legs that are caring for them."

The mother dragon was furious hearing that eggs had been stolen, although she was slightly mollified that the thieves had been caught and the eggs saved, there was never a punishment bad enough for an egg thief.

Tilting her head to the side, she examined the two legs. This two legs spoke her language. He had shown nothing but kindness. He taught others the serpent tongue so that they could better care for two young ones alone in the world. He did not wish to be here, but had been forced by other, older, two legs. If it had not been for his kind words about his life givers she would have invited him to join her clutch for his own safety, but no, he just wouldn't fit.

"I shall allow you to find your golden egg. But understand this little dragon speaker, if I feel you wish harm upon my young I will eat you."

"I understand great mother."

Hadrian slowly walked forward until he reached the nest. It was easy to spot the golden egg. Reaching forward he grabbed it, making sure not to touch any of the other eggs before walking back to where he had stood before.

"Thank you great mother. Might I also ask that you and your cousins are kind to the two legs in the robes. They mean you no harm and only wish to help."

"We know they mean us no harm dragon speaker. If we thought they meant harm they would have been eaten long ago. It serves no purpose for us to let them grow complacent. Like all young, they must be taught how to survive, that is all that we do. We may not be their life givers, but we still see them as ours. Sometimes, a life giver must teach a hard lesson, but that does not mean they wish harm, only that they will do what needs to be done."

Hadrian couldn't help himself. He laughed.

"Thank you again great mother, now, I shall take my leave if you have no further questions."

"You may go your way dragon speaker, but I would ask you not tell the two legs. Sometimes young are easier to teach when they do not realize they are learning."

"It shall be our secret great mother."

With that, Hadrian turned and walked towards the tent. Not paying any attention to the cheering, yet extremely confused, crowd.

"What was that?" Tamsin demanded as soon as he came into sight, she had been standing near Fred and George near the medical tent.

"What do you mean Ms. Dove?" Hadrian asked in a charming voice.

"That, what just happened?" She replied.

"I must ask the same thing. You seem to have caused quite a stir my good man." Ludo said as he bound over.

"I have all speak. I can speak to magical creatures. Dragons are magical creatures." Hadrian said simply.

"So you just asked to go and get the egg?" Tamsin asked, still stunned.

"Well, I had to reassure her a fair bit. She was more than a little distressed by all this, which I completely understand. I honestly don't know who planned this task, but that was monstrously cruel." Hadrian glared at the ground.

"Cruel?" Tamsin questioned, catching the hint of a story.

"Well just think about it. How would any of us feel if we were bundled into a crate with our children. Taken to a strange country. Put in the center of an arena, surrounded by people. And then, someone tried to get past us to our children. She isn't just a dragon, she is a mother. They are all mothers. They were terrified for the safety of their children. And all this was done to them for entertainment. Yes, I consider that cruel." Hadrian huffed before turning away.

Ludo shrugged it off before bounding back to the judges to explain how the boy got the egg, completely forgetting what he had just said. Tamsin however, wrote down every word he said. That would make an excellent story in her opinion. After hearing it described that way she too thought it was just awful.

As Hadrian walked away from the reporter he was ambushed with hugs by his parents. Both were near tears now that their son was safe. While he had been standing face to face with a dragon they had been to afraid to move, like if they startled her it would cost them their son. But now, they needed to ensure he was ok, even having seen that he hadn't been harmed in any way.

They both quickly guided him into the healers tent to get him scanned, just in case. Neither were able to breath properly until Healer Forsythe gave Hadrian a clean bill of health.

Hadrian looked around the tent. Cedric had burn paste on his face, Viktor seemed to be nursing a healing broken arm, and as he watched Fleur limped out from behind a screen with wraps on her legs.

"We did it." Fleur announced happily.

"We did." Hadrian agreed, smiling.

Hadrian didn't even bother to pay attention when his points were given. He honestly didn't care. He was just glad it was over.

Hadrian waited until the others were cleared to leave before they all left together. They had been given the information about the egg, and everyone wanted to get to work.

They had until February to figure it out, but the others wanted to figure it out as soon as possible so they had more time to figure out a plan. Hadrian wasn't about to try and stop them. Now he just needed to figure out how to get them to open the egg underwater.

He was just going to have to play it by ear. And, if all else failed, lie.

They really didn't manage to get to even open the egg that night. As soon as they left they were all but dragged off to a party.

Ron, Ginny, and Hermione rushed down from the stands as quickly as they could, which wasn't very quick at all. They had been up at the very top of the stands and none of the other students were getting out of their way. They needed to get to the healers tent to congratulate Harry.

Hermione also wanted to learn more about this all speak thing. When Ludo Bagman announce Hadrians points he let them all know that he had used all speak to talk to the dragon. She didn't understand that. How had he learned that?

There was still so much that Hermione didn't know, and she didn't like that. One day she was going to be in charge of this world, and no one was telling her what she needed to know. Even working through the library wasn't helping her as much as she thought it would. Almost all the books were just directly connected to what they learned in lessons, she needed more.

Ginny was happy. Harry had proven himself to be great, even getting the highest score in the first challenge. Sure, she wished he had done something more heroic than just talking to the dragon, but at least he had succeeded. She would have loved watching Harry fight a dragon for her. Her mind was off and running through different fairytale scenarios that came from the stories her mum had told her when she was little.

Ron, wasn't really thinking about Harry at all. In truth, his obsession had been slowly fading ever since he had started seeing his mind healer. That, and he had never really liked the other boy. Sure, he liked Harry's fame and money, but the boy himself was just so boring. The only thing they really had in common was quidditch, and since quidditch was cancelled this year there was nothing to bring them together. Ron hated that Harry was getting to compete when he had been denied, but he was also glad it wasn't him.

Although he was sure he could have managed that task, it was probably for the best that he hadn't had to. Ron could only imagine what his mum would do if she learned he had been forced to face a dragon. Right now, he was more focused on Krum and Fleur.

Being friends with a world famous quidditch player would be great. Ron was sure of it. No one would dare tell him he couldn't join any quidditch team he wanted to join. They could play together on weekends and give each other pointers on how to improve their skills. Ron knew all about different moves so he could give plenty of recommendations on how Krum could win more games.

Then there was Fleur. She was just so beautiful. Ron wanted her to be his. Having a girlfriend like her would make him the most popular guy around. Having a girlfriend like that, and being friends with Viktor Krum would be even better. Then even Harry would hang off his every word, like he was supposed to.

Now he just needed to figure out how to make his daydreams come true.

December 4, 2004

Lily made her way down the hall towards the office Sebastian had been given to use while he was there. She was dressed perfectly. Her perfectly tailored blue silk top matched her eyes exactly, she had had her skirt hemmed so that it ended well above her knees, perfectly displaying her toned legs that were covered with sheer stockings. Her legs looked even better than normal since she was wearing 6 inch heels.

Albus had told her that he had called Sebastian in to go over something, she really hadn't listened to whatever it was. But, that meant Sebastian was alone in the office. It was the perfect opportunity. So far he had been able to avoid being alone with her, it was like he had some way of knowing when she was coming.

She needed to get that man in her bed.

James sighed as he saw Lily making her way to his office. He had known that Dumbledore had had an ulterior motive for calling him in. Thankfully, as soon as he had been called in he had put in a call to Kings. The other man was getting ready and was going to join him soon.

He was ready to kill the woman. Not just for what she had done in the past, but also what she was doing now. It seemed every time he turned around she was there trying to throw herself at him.

She just wouldn't accept that he wasn't interested.

The door opened without a nock and the woman flounced in.

"What can I do for you now Ms. Mathews?" James sighed as he turned the pages in a book he was looking at.

"I just came to spend some time with you." Lily fluttered her eyelashes flirtatiously.

"I have work to do." James said coldly before he turned his attention back to the book.

Lily decided that she had had enough, it was time to force the issue. Spotting the tea cup sitting on the desk, she slipped forward and added three drops of amortentia. Then she circled behind the man to wait for him to take a sip. She knew that as soon as he even sipped his tea he would be madly in love with her and instantly throw himself at her. She did wish that their first time would be a little more romantic than in an office in her old school, but she was sure Sebastian would make up for it in years to come.

James glanced up when he heard the floo.

Kings stepped through, seeing Rose Mathews all but stalking his friend he grimaced. James just rolled his eyes in exasperation to the man.

"Good afternoon Sebastian, Ms. Mathews." Kings said, keeping his voice calm.

"Thanks for coming in Kings. I got a rambling floo call from the headmaster and wanted to hurry through this so I could get home." James told the man.

"It's no problem. I think we're all getting used to the headmasters odd demands. What is it this time?" Kings just shook his head as he hung his cloak.

James withheld a grin as he just caught an acid green beetle flying off Kings's cloak and on to one of the desks across the room. "Apparently he suggested that the issue that allowed for Hadrian's entrance into the tournament has something to do with the schools wards."

"How in Merlin's name did he come up with that?" Kings asked in confusion. "The wards have nothing to do with the age line he drew. I swear, that man is losing it."

"Oh, it gets even better. He wanted us to examine the wards, but has absolutely refused to allow us near the ward stone. I've been looking up some way we can do a full examination of the wards without access to the ward stone." James showed him the books he was looking at.

Kings shook his head. "I don't think that's even possible. Do you know when the wards were last updated?"

"That's another issue, I've been looking and can't find any information on when it was last done. I think I'm going to have to bring this up with the school board and force him to give us the information." James said in exasperation.

"Albus is a great man, you can't talk about him like that." Lily snarled from behind James.

James turned and gave her a cold look. "It doesn't matter how blindly allegiant you are to the man. It is the job of the headmaster to maintain and update the wards every year. If he hasn't been doing so it is an incredible dereliction of duty.

Maybe he is just spread to thin. With the Wizengamot, advisory position to the minister, ICW position, headmaster position, and everything else he does. He isn't as young as he once was after all. But that is no real excuse. This school houses a majority of all magical children in this country. It is unacceptable for any headmaster to endanger them for the price of powerful positions. The safety and security of the students of this school should come before all."

"I agree." Kings had nodded along as James spoke.

James started gathering his things, he needed to get away from that woman. As he reached for his now cold tea his Prince consort ring started to heat up. He knew that there were enchantments on the ring that would warn him if there was a potion near it.

That bitch had spiked his tea. He had no doubt that it was a love potion. Picking up the tea cup he turned to head for the window to dump the tea out, almost running into a grinning Lily.

"Sebastian, darling, why don't we forget about all this and go somewhere more private to get to know each other better." Lily said in her most sultry voice. She had seen him pick up the tea and gotten excited.

"No." James said coldly, stepping around her and going to the window to dump the tea in the flowerbed below, only after he secretly spelled a small sample into a potions vile he had secretly grabbed from his desk.

Turning back after tucking the vial in his inside pocket he gave Lily a pitting look, knowing that Rita was around and watching everything. "I really don't know where you got the idea that there could ever be anything but a working relationship between us Ms. Mathews, but if I have given you that idea somehow then I must apologize. I am happily married. I will ask you, again, to please stop throwing yourself at me. I'm sure you will be much happier if you turned your attention to someone that is available.

Kings, I'm going to go and check if the warding professor is around to get his opinion, if you wouldn't mind coming with me."

"Be there in a minute." Kings waited until Sebastian had left before he turned to the woman. "Ms. Mathews, I really think you need to back off and leave Sebastian alone. As he said, he is happily married."

"And what makes you think you have a say in what I do?" Lily demanded in a nasty voice.

"I am an auror and what you are doing is called sexual harassment. If he files a formal complaint you risk losing your job, or, if you cross a line you could even be arrested.

You are an educator. Just think about the types of lessons you are teaching your students when you do things like this."

Turning away, Kings walked out of the room, leaving a fuming woman behind.

James was waiting at the end of the hall.

"What did you do?"

"Just gave her a warning about not crossing any lines."

"I think she already has." James pulled the vial from his pocket. "When I reached for my tea the Prince ring got hot. It's spelled to detect potions. I can't prove anything, but it was fine before she arrived."

Kings took the vial and tucked it in his pocket. "I'll have the guys in the office check it and open a file."

"Thanks."

Both carried on down the hall. James had known that was the best that could be done.

That was the problem with love potions. You could only charge someone if you caught them in the act. It wasn't enough to just have the potion, you needed proof of it being used or else charges wouldn't stick.

Study Nook

Hadrian was sitting in the study nook once again with the others. They were all going through books on different charms that would allow them to go under water for an hour.

When they had been at the party Fred and George had arranged for them they had opened the egg at the request of those around them. But, this time, rather than hearing the screeching, Hadrian was able to make out the song. It seemed with the gift of all speak things were a lot easier.

The next time he had gotten together with the others they had all been going on to try and figure out what the screeching was. Hadrian had just asked them what screeching. When they had explained the egg he just told them what he had heard.

It had been easy for the others to figure out that that sound must have been some kind of magic creature. It was Fleur that figured that 'we cannot sing above the ground' must mean underwater. A few days of looking through books on water creatures led them to mermaids.

Hadrian was pleased that it had been the others that had done most of the work, giving him cover. Other than translating the mermaids song, the others had figured everything else out.

They were all sitting chatting happily when the secret door opened and James walked in.

"Hello everyone." James smiled at the students there. Happy to see that Fred and George had joined Hadrian. He liked how devoted to his son they were. Having them there made him feel better about his son's safety.

"What can we do for you Lord Peverell?" Cedric asked formally. He had come to greatly respect him last year. He had been a little sad that he couldn't work with the school board this year, but he had figured studying for the tournament and his NEWTS would take up most of his time. The headmaster may have said that the champions were exempt from end of year exams, but the NEWTS were required for any student to get a job so he still had to take them, he just didn't have to do in class tests.

"I actually had a slight issue earlier today and it made me realize something." James said as he took a seat.

"What happened?" Hadrian was concerned for his dad.

"There was a slight issue of someone slipping a love potion into my drink, thankfully my rings let me know. But that made me think of the four of you.

As I am a target for my position, you four will be targets due to being champions. I know that I am not supposed to say anything, but given that it is readily available information to anyone who looks at the history of this tournament, there is always a Yule Ball held during the tournament. Being on your arm during that ball would be a desirable position, and I would just rather those there are not there due to trickery."

James pulled out four bracelets. Three thicker, male, designs, and one delicate one for a woman.

"You wanted to protect them from love potion," Fred started in confusion.

"So you got them bracelets?" George finished.

"I rented these from the goblins. These are enchanted goblin made bracelets that will heat up and tighten based on what potion is in the food or drink. The hotter and tighter they get the more powerful the potion." James explained.

"The goblins let you buy their jewelry?" Cedric asked in fascination. Everyone knew that the goblins were very protective of their crafting.

"I rented those. On the last day of school they will just disappear from your wrists and return to the bank." James smiled. "And, as for convincing the goblins to part with their craftwork, I just mentioned it was for Hadrian.

This darling boy managed to charm the goblins so completely when he was a child, not only did they allow him to learn their language, they declared him a goblin friend."

The other three just stared at Hadrian in shock. James, Fred, and George just smirked at Hadrian's blush. Everyone that knew anything about goblins knew just how rare it was for someone to be declared a goblin friend.

James left happily after thoroughly embarrassing his son while also ensuring his protection.

Ravenclaw Common Room - December 10, 2004

Hadrian slumped onto one of the couches in the Ravenclaw common room with a huff. Today had been the announcement of the Yule Ball. Almost everyone was looking at him expectantly.

This was something Hadrian was not looking forward to. He had already gone to Professor Flitwick to ask if he was able to go to the ball with the twins, but Flitwick had sadly told him no. He was only aloud to have one date, not two.

This left Hadrian at a loss. He couldn't decide between Fred and George. It just wasn't possible.

Luckily, the twins had been more than understanding. Other than a fair amount of kissing, they were all still taking things really slow. The twins had already made their formal request to his fathers for permission to court him. And, being the overprotective parents they were, it took over a week of intense questioning before they gave their permission, much to Hadrians annoyance. They just told him that as his fathers it was their job to embarrass him.

Now, they got together for a small date every weekend. It was only little things, generally it involved just talking, but it was giving him a chance to get to know them even better. Hadrian hadn't thought it possible, but there was still plenty that they didn't know about each other.

Other than a few close friends, their relationship was still secret, and that was how they preferred to keep it. None of them were ready to read about it in the paper just yet, and Rita was reporting on everything she could right now. They had decided they should wait until next year to go public since she wouldn't be at the school so much then.

But that left Hadrian with another problem. Who was he going to go with.

As Hadrian was sitting there, bemoaning his fate, Luna floated over and sat down next to him happily, letting Nem slip onto her lap for a good petting.

"Relax Hadrian, everything will work out. You'll see. Things are right on track."

"You couldn't just tell me what you see could you little moon." Hadrian sighed as she smiled and shook her head.

Hadrian just dropped his head on her shoulder as he heard her bell like laugh.

Across the room Cho Chang watched the scene with annoyance. She really didn't like that Luna girl, there was just something about her that made Cho uncomfortable.

"Why does he even waste his time with a girl like that?" Cho's best friend, Marietta questioned, her voice just as disgusted as Cho felt.

"Who knows. Maybe it's charity." Cho answered as she cast a charm around them that would stop any evesdroppers.

Once the spell was in place Marietta looked over with a vicious smirk. "So, who are you going to go after?"

"I can't decide." Cho smiled at her friend, she was so glad that Marietta was so much like her. "I want both Potter-Black and Diggory. They're both good in their own way. Potter-Black is rich and powerful, and gorgeous in his own way. But, Diggory is just downright perfect. Sure, his family isn't as wealthy or titled, but he looks like a god."

"THere's no denying, in the looks department Diggory wins, hands down. Potter-Blacks fun to look at, but he's more beautiful than handsome." Marietta contributed her opinion. "But, what are you going to do?"

"I was thinking I might just dose them both. Which ever one asks me to the ball first is the one I go with. It will also give me a fall back plan if the one I end up with is a total bore. What about you, who do you want."

"Davis." Marietta looked to the current head boy. "He's titled, rich, smart, and gorgeous. I might not get to open the ball, but I'll have much less competition for him."

"Looks like we have potions to make." Cho smiled at her friend before they quickly went up to their dorm.

Gryffindor Common Room

Ginny danced around her dorm room humming to herself. She was so excited. This was the ball her mum had told her about.

A Yule Ball.

It was just so perfect. Ginny just couldn't wait. She knew that Harry was going to ask her.

It was going to be the perfect night. Dancing around the ball room, Harry would only have eyes for her.

Ginny was so glad that her mum had made sure that she had the perfect dress.

In his dorm Ron was making plans about how he was going to ask Fleur. He needed to sweep her off her feet. He also needed to move quickly. Everyone was going to want to ask her, he needed to get there before the rush.

Ron was glad that his mum had taken them shopping for robes. He had gotten great, pure black, dress robes that would put even the likes of Harry to shame. Ron smirked as he thought of the other boy. He was sure that, since Harry had no idea about the ball, he wouldn't have proper robes.

Going to bed that night he imagined what it would be like if Harry wasn't able to find dress robes in time. It would be so funny.

While Ron and Ginny were dreaming about their plans for the ball, Hermione was making her own arrangements. She needed to make everyone notice her. She needed to force people to see her as more than just the brilliant girl she was.

Thanks to the beautification potion she had gotten years ago, Hermione was well on her way to being gorgeous. Now she just needed people to notice.

She also needed to put herself in a position of power. That meant she needed to go with someone influential and powerful. That really left her with only three options.

Harry, Cedric Diggory, or Viktor Krum.

Harry was already out because she knew the plans for him. That left her with Cedric or Viktor.

Hermione decided that Viktor was her best bet. Cedric was gorgeous, but Viktor was already famous.

Linking herself with a world famous quidditch star would make her the envy of girls all over the world. She didn't plan on keeping him forever, but it would be fun to have him for a little while.

Going up to her dorm she grabbed a few books out of her trunk before closing the curtains around her bed to block out the silly giggling of the other 5 girls she was forced to share her room with.

Flipping through the potions books she found all the different types of love and lust potions that she could. Taking a quill and some parchment she started making notes on each to help her determine which one was best.

Krum was in the library all the time, so it should be fairly easy to dose him.

Hermione smiled as she worked. It was good to be brilliant.

December 11, 2004

Marie made her way down the hall a little confused. She had made plans to meet Hadrian to go for a walk and talk. Since Hadrian was her honorary cousin Marie was taking her role serious. She wanted to make sure that he was ok and that if he needed to talk about anything he knew she was there.

But Hadrian had been late.

His friend, Luna, had told her where to go. Now, Marie was walking down the hall in confusion. There was nothing but a blank wall there. Then, a door started to appear in front of her. Going in, Marie froze, then broke out in a massive grin.

Hadrian was happily losing himself in Freds lips when a loud wolf whistle brought him back to reality.

Pulling back in shock, Hadrian turned to see Marie grinning at him.

"Marie?" Hadrian was confused. How had she found this room?

"We were supposed to meet 10 minutes ago. Your dear friend Luna told me where I could find you. Imagine my surprise to find my dear sweet innocent cousin locking lips with not one, but two guys.

I am so proud of you." Marie just grinned as Hadrian's face went bright red while the twins broke out in identical grins.

"Shut up Marie." Hadrian huffed.

"Not gonna happen cuz. We're family now, you're not getting rid of me." Marie just continued to smile. "Now, sorry to do this to you boys, but I'm stealing my cousin from you. It would seem we have a lot more to talk about than I first thought.

Well, what are you waiting for, get going mister."

Hadrian really couldn't help himself, he liked Marie. Smiling, he gave Fred and George one last kiss. "Sorry, but I don't think I'm going to get out of this."

The twins just kept smiling before sending him off. They had things of their own to do.

Walking down the hall Hadrian cast a quick muffliato charm before he started to explain the ROR to Marie. But, she was more interested in his relationship with the twins.

Hadrian just couldn't help himself. There was just something so…pure, about Marie that drew him in. She was honest and loyal but more than willing to call him out on his crap. In truth, she reminded him a bit of Sirius. But, while Sirius took the form of a wolf hound, he figured Marie would be a chocolate lab.

As they left the school and walked out onto the ground Hadrian found himself telling her about what was going on with him and the twins. His worries about who he was going to invite to the ball, then having to explain why he wasn't going with the twins. He even found himself explaining his fears that the twins would find someone they liked better at the ball.

Through it all Marie just listened. Letting him spill his heart to her without any judgment. That was what he liked best about Marie, her simple acceptance.

Just as he was finishing, feeling about 100 pounds lighter having gotten to tell someone what was going on in his head, he felt his heart sink as he saw Hermione and Ginny making their way through the snow towards where they were sitting by the lake.

"Great." Hadrian groaned silently.

"What's wrong?" Marie, who had been completely focused on Hadrian hadn't noticed the others yet.

"My stalkers have found us."

"Yeah, what's the deal with those two, and the other boy they hang out with? The way they stare at you is just creepy."

"The two red heads are actually the twins younger siblings, but all three of them have been obsessed with me since I started here. They refuse to call me by my name. Insult pretty much everything I say or believe in, and are just an all around pain in the ass."

"Don't worry about them. Leave them to me." Marie sent him a vicious smirk, making Hadrian question his lab comparison, because that look was pure protective doberman.

Hadrian took down the muffliato charm.

"Hi Harry." Ginny chirped, not even sparing the other girl a look. She really didn't like how close that girl seemed to be getting with her Harry.

Hadrian just ignored her and kept talking with Marie, changing the topic to the last letter he had gotten from Dudley.

Hermione huffed once she and Ginny were directly in front of the other two. "There is no need to be rude, Ginny said hi, the least you could do is acknowledge her."

"No, she said hi to someone named Harry, neither of us are Harry." Marie sent the girl a vicious smile. "I'm Marie and this is Hadrian. How are we supposed to know you are talking to one of us if you don't say our name. You could have been talking to someone else for all we knew."

"His name is Harry." Hermione challenged.

"No, his name is Hadrian." Marie said back calmly.

"And just how would you know that?" Ginny demanded. She needed to get this other girl away from her Harry.

"Because he's my cousin. And, everyone who knows anything about him knows his name is Hadrian."

"You're not his cousin." Hermione said, what was with all these so called cousins Harry had?

"I think I would know who is my family and who isn't. Hadrian is my cousin by marriage. Not that it is any of your business given the fact that you clearly don't know anything about him since you are to stupid to even figure out his name." Marie sent the other two a sweet smile. "Hadrian, darling, why don't you head back to the school. You promised your Uncle Sirius you would meet him before lunch."

Hadrian smiled. He didn't really have a meeting, but Marie was giving him the perfect opportunity to get away while she dealt with the others. Nodding, Hadrian leaned down and kissed her on the cheek before quickly walking away.

When the others went to follow him, Marie stepped in their way. "If I could give you little girls some advice. No man likes stalkers that can't even learn his name. It just makes you look pathetic."

Ginny glared at the older girl. "You know nothing. Harry and I are going to the Yule Ball together, you'll see."

"Oh sweetheart, don't delude yourself. Maybe, you need to aim for someone more your speed." Marie really did wonder about the girls mental health.

"Like you would know what he's looking for in a date." Hermione sneered.

"I know exactly the type of person he wants to take to the ball given that was what we were just talking about. He just described his ideal date, and I can promise, it wasn't either of you.

Like I said, maybe you should go for someone else. I'll tell you a secret all girls need to learn, if he's not interested in you, then he isn't worth your time obsessing over. Find a guy that treats you like a princess and obsess about him, because that's the kind of guy that's worth your time. If you spend your whole life chasing someone that doesn't want you, all you'll get is a wasted life, and that's what you'll deserve." Sending the girls a look, Marie turned and walked back to the carriage.

After leaving Marie, Hadrian found himself losing himself in the schools corridors. He had no destination in mind, he just wanted to wander. Somehow finding himself up in the bell tower.

"I was wondering when you would get here." Luna's voice drifted down to him from the floor above.

Walking up the final set of rickety stairs, Hadrian found himself sitting on the edge that overhung the bells. He was slightly surprised he had made it all the way up here, normally this area was warded off with spells that wouldn't allow a student to pass.

"Were you waiting for me little moon?"

Luna pulled two sugar cookies out of her pocket, handing him one with a smile.

"Don't worry Hadrian, it's going to work out. Your fears will come to nothing in the end, only serving to feed the wrackspurts."

Again, Luna reached into her pocket and pulled out a piece of fabric.

Hadrian unrolled an ice blue tie.

"What's this for little moon?"

"It matches my dress. And, it will work well with your robes for the ball. We'll meet in the common room and go from there."

Luna gave him a dreamy smile.

"I figured you would be going with Neville."

"No, it isn't time quite yet. Soon, but not yet. Besides, he is going to need to be there for some friends. The ball will be interesting."

"What do you see my little moon?" Hadrian looked at the girl he had come to love like a sister, her eyes were even more unfocused than usual as she tried to make sense of the swirling world and voices in her head.

"The world will turn. Some shall make the right choice, going with who they are meant for, but many others will choose wrong out of fear. It will be up to you and I to give them the push they need to find their truth. Without that push, the night shall end in tears and lost love, but with a push, the world will wake to a better day than the one before."

Luna came back to herself and smiled at Hadrian.

"It's time for lunch." Luna said with a grin, starting to get up. "I think we should have pudding."

"As you wish my lady."

Linking arms, Hadrian made his way down to the great hall with Luna, much calmer now.

Gryffindor Common Room

After dinner that night Ginny joined Hermione and Ron on one of the couches in front of the fire. All three of them had plans to make.

They had been sitting together for about half an hour, going over how they were going to arrange their dates when Lavender and Pavarti came through the portrait hole.

"We have bad news!" Lavender announced to everyone.

"Two of the champions have their dates." Pavarti gave an exaggerated pout before she went back to smiling.

"Who?" "Who are they going with?" Was questioned by a few. The chance to go on a date with one of the four champions was actually of great interest to much of the student body.

"The lovely Fleur Delacour will be going with Ravenclaw seventh year, and current head boy, Roger Davis." Pavarti announced to the many groans of boys nursing their broken hearts.

A lot of the boys had been secretly planning to ask the beautiful french girl. The chance to even be close to a girl that beautiful was enough to fill fantasies for weeks.

Ron just glared from his place by the fire. Fleur was supposed to be his. Now she was going with some other guy. He had never really payed much attention to the head boy, he was going to have to start to see if he could see what it was that drew Fleur to him.

"And the other taken champion?" Third year Romilda Vane asked, hanging off every word of the two older girls.

"None other than our own dear Hadrian Potter-Black." A chorus of groans echoed from the younger girls. "Hadrian will be attending the ball with none other that third year Luna Lovegood." Lavender announced in the same tone Pavarti had used.

Ginny just stared. That wasn't possible. Her Harry was going to the ball with LUNA. He was hers. He was supposed to ask her.

Seeing the impending blow up Hermione grabbed hold of Ginny's arm and dragged her up to the girls dorms. Only managing to throw up a silencing spell on the door before Ginny started screaming.

Study Nook - December 15, 2004

Hadrian was sitting in the study nook talking with Draco. Hadrian had wondered what Luna had meant when she said that some would end up going to the ball with the wrong people due to fear, and that they would need to help them by giving them a push. That was, until he had sat down with Draco.

Draco was trying to figure out what to do. He knew what a lot of people thought he should do. He had already been encouraged by more than a few in his house about asking Pansy Parkinson. Pansy herself seemed to always be tracking him down and getting in his way.

But, Draco actually wanted to ask Autumns friend, Fey Dunbar.

Draco had developed a massive crush on the Gryffindor during their charms classes the year before. The two had been seated next to each other and often been partnered during practicals.

"Draco, you like Fey, you have liked Fey for a while. Just ask her. If she says no, which I doubt, then you can settle for Pansy if that is what you want."

"I know, but she's a Gryffindor. I understand that things are better between our houses, but there will still be a lot of people that aren't going to like the two of us going together."

"Then just ignore them. Look, I am your friend, so I say this with love. Stop being an idiot. Don't be one of those people so pathetic that they live their life following the expectations of others. You are Draco Malfoy, not some weak willed follower. And, if you don't ask Fey I'm telling your mum."

Draco just stared for a moment. "Did you just threaten to tell on me to my mum. Low blow man, low blow. Fine, I'll ask Fey, but how do I do it? She's never alone."

"Leave it to me." Hadrian grinned at his friend.

About an hour later Hadrian was leading Draco through the school. Fey, Autumn, and Lily were sitting down by one of the windows that overlooked the lake. Hadrian couldn't stop smiling while Draco was silently panicking.

Leaving Draco around the corner, Hadrian walked forward to see the girls.

"Hey Hadrian." Lily called when she saw him.

"Hey girls." Hadrian's smile grew impossibly bigger. "Lily, Autumn, can I talk to you two privately for a moment?"

Lily and Autumn were a little confused but they agreed, getting up while shooting Fey confused looks.

Turning the two away from Fey Hadrian whispered. "We need to run away, now!"

Hadrian shot a slight sticking charm at Fey so she couldn't go anywhere before he grabbed the other two girls and all but dragged them down the hall and around the corner opposite to where Draco was waiting.

"What the hell Hadrian?" Fey demanded as she stared in confusion.

Draco just shook his head at his stupid friend, but this was his chance. Walking forward, he went to where Fey was still sitting. Clearing his throat, he got her attention.

"Hi Fey."

Fey turned, her confusion becoming excitement. She had just been talking with the others last night about how much she wished Draco would ask her. Now he was here, an adorable pink flushing his cheeks.

"Hi Draco."

'I was wondering… I just thought... Would you go to the Yule Ball with me Fey?" Draco forced out.

"Of course." Fey broke out in a smile so big it actually hurt her cheeks, but she didn't care.

Both looked down the hall when they heard squealing. Three heads were peaking out around the corner.

Seeing that they had been caught, Autumn and Lily dashed down the hall to congratulate their friend.

"You're an idiot, you know that right?" Draco said to Hadrian as he walked up.

"Yup." Hadrian just smiled.

Study Nook

After dinner, Hadrian met the other three champions for a quick study session in the study nook.

When Cedric came in he was clearly agitated.

"What's wrong Cedric?" Fleur questioned.

"It would seem Lord Peverell was right. I've found two of my drinks spiked today. I didn't think anyone would do something like that." Cedric had always looked for the best in people. It had never really occurred to him that there were people that would try and use him like that.

"Yup." Hadrian just nodded, he had found love potions in his food and drink since

"Me too." Viktor just nodded. He was glad for the bracelets. He was going to have to see about getting one of these after this year, love potions were nothing new to him.

"Even I've found them in my drinks." Fleur was annoyed by that. Thankfully, due to her veela heritage she had some level of protection from love potions. The bracelet just made her even safer.

"I really had thought better of the other students." Cedric sighed.

It was a little while later that Viktor looked to Hadrian and smiled. "So, I heard you were a bit of an idiot earlier today."

"I was not an idiot, he was." Hadrian shot back before explaining to the others about his helping Draco get a date.

The others all agreed that Hadrian had been a bit of an idiot, but so had Draco. They were all just laughing when Hadrian caught the thoughtful look on Viktor's face. He thought he knew what he was thinking about.

"Will I have to use another sticking charm on one of those three?" Hadrian questioned with a grin.

"Maybe." Came Viktor's voice, but it was surprisingly joined by Cedrics.

"Uh oh." Fleur said as the two older boys looked at each other.

Cedric was slightly surprised, it hadn't occurred to him that Viktor would be interested in one of the three. Taking a deep breath he made a choice, if he and Viktor liked the same girl, Cedric would step back. All there was left to do was check.

"I kinda wanted to ask Lily. Her mum is friends with my mum so we've known each other for years."

Viktor smiled. "I wanted to ask Autumn. Hadrian introduced us this summer."

"Oh, good. I was worried we were going to have some issues." Fleur was relieved, but now she was making plans to get to know the girls. She wanted to make sure they were good enough for her friends. She had already known and liked Luna, so she hadn't had a problem with her going to the ball with Hadrian.

"So, will you help us?" Cedric smiled at Hadrian.

"What am I, the designated wing man? Sure, I'd be happy to help." Hadrian grinned at the others.

Over the next few days, Hadrian tracked down the three friends two more times. Each time taking the other girls aside before they ran away, leaving their friend alone.

By the time it came for Cedric to ask Lily, they all knew exactly what was happening. They all laughed together as Autumn and Fey ran away from Lily, who hadn't even tried to follow them knowing that someone was going to ask her to the ball.

Luna had just smiled at Hadrian whenever he returned. She was glad that he was helping her give people a little push. Things weren't working out as well for her, but she knew it would in the end, she just needed to be patient.

Lion's Den - December 18, 2004

Ron, Ginny, and Hermione were all practically vibrating in anger as they walked into the restaurant on their Hogsmead weekend. All three of them were furious their plans had come to nothing. Before they had even really gotten to put them into actions they were to late.

"What's wrong my babies?" Molly questioned as she rushed forward as the kids came into the restaurant.

"Nothing is working right mummy." Ginny whined as she went into her mothers arms.

"What do you mean sweetie?" Molly hugged her little girl.

"Harry asked Loony and not me. He was supposed to ask me. You promised he would." Ginny pushed away to glare at her mum.

"But he was supposed to ask you." Molly was shocked. How stupid could that boy be to prefer that Lovegood girl to her own baby? Ginny was perfect for him. She said as much, making Ginny beam with pride before she remembered why she had been angry.

"I know." Ginny glared down at the food her mum placed in front of her, only picking at it. She needed to keep her figure for her dress.

The afternoon was spent talking through the kids anger at not getting the dates they wanted. Since most of the students had already partnered up, Ron and Hermione both had decided to settle for each other. All that was left for Ginny was to find someone she decided was worthy of her.

Her standards lowered significantly when Hermione pointed out that, as a third year, she wouldn't be able to even go without a date.

Hogwarts - December 21, 2004

Just as the students were heading to lunch, Luna smiled. Turning, she walked away from the crowds.

Hadrian was quietly talking with the other champions, Draco, Neville, and the twins with them, when Luna walked up.

"What's going on little moon?" Hadrian was the first to notice the joy in her eyes.

"I have to go home, but don't worry, I'll be back in time to do what needs to be done at the ball." Luna said in her dreamy voice "Oh, I always find it best to avoid caffeine on Tuesdays. Especially if you don't want to fall in love with another."

Cedric, Viktor, and Fleur just looked at Luna in complete confusion. All looking at her like she was crazy. But, all the others were thinking through what she said.

"Why do you need to leave?" Hadrian wondered.

"My little brother needs me." Luna practically glowed.

"You don't have a little brother?" Draco said in confusion.

Before any of them could say anything else Professor Flitwick walked up to them, a huge smile on his face. "Miss Lovegood! I have wonderful news. Your parents just flooed me. Your mum has gone into labour and they want you to come home for the next few days."

Luna just smiled at the others before she turned to follow their professor.

"Seer?" Fleur asked when Luna and the small professor turned the corner. This wasn't her first experience with one with the sight.

"What?" Cedric questioned in confusion, looking to Hadrian and the other boys.

Hadrian just smiled. "I think we should get to lunch, and watch out for caffeine."

The others just accepted. Having gotten used to weird things happening around Hadrian.

The Rook

After arriving home Luna carried on with her day almost normally. She read and she danced, the only real difference was that she was at home with her parents. Her mum had decided to have the baby at home.

It was just before midnight when Luna first got to see her baby brother. He was everything that she knew he would be.

"Well, what do you think little moon?" Her dad said as he walked up behind her.

"He's perfect." Luna smiled.

"He is." Xeno smiled at his daughter. "Hmm, I must agree with your mum. He just doesn't look like a Constantine."

"Well of course not, that's not his name." Luna gave her dad a look, she had always known that wasn't going to be her brother's name.

"Well what do you think his name is my little moon."

"Apollo Constantine Lovegood. As I am your little moon, he is your sun." Luna giggled at her little joke.

Xeno looked at his son and couldn't help but agree with her, his son was an Apollo. There was just something in his eyes.

"You're right my little moon. Let's go tell your mum." Xeno picked up his new son to take him to his wife who was just following up with her midwife.

Ravenclaw Common Room - December 25, 2004

Hadrian smiled as Luna walked towards him. She was wearing a simple white celtic gown with an ice blue cover. Her makeup and jewelry were both simple, yet still had the flair Luna was known for.

It wasn't what Hadrian would have figured she would wear. He figured Luna would dress in her typical fashion. This dress was much tamer than he had ever considered Luna could be. And yet, Luna made it look perfect. What would make most women look plain, made Luna look stunning.

After only getting three days at home with her new baby brother, Luna had come back to school only a few hours before. As grateful as Hadrian was that he wasn't going to have to go to the ball without her, he still felt bad that she wasn't with her family.

Luna had just brushed his concerns aside. She would be going to the ball and then going home for the rest of the holidays the next day. When Hadrian had asked why she, and her parents, hadn't told anyone about the pregnancy she once again laughed it off. Luna explained that they had agreed to just keep it to themselves. There was already so much going on in the world they had wanted to keep Apollo to themselves for just a little bit longer. Once everyone knew, he would belong to the world, but if no one else knew, then he was just theirs.

Hadrian could only smile. Luna was just so… Luna. And it would seem she came by it honestly, her parents were the same.

But in the end, he was just glad that she was there. There was a chance that this night might be ok if she was there.

Hufflepuff Common Room

Neville grinned at Susan and Hannah as the two girls came from their dorm room to meet him. The three of them had decided to go together. Each had wanted to go with someone else, but had ended up deciding to just play it safe and go with each other. There was nothing any of them feared more than being rejected by their crush.

From the moment he had first heard about the ball, Neville had been trying to work up the nerve to ask Luna, but he just hadn't been able to do it. When he had heard Susan and Hannah talking softly about feeling the same way about their own crushes, he had suggested the three of them go together, just as friends.

It was only a few hours after Neville had asked Susan and Hannah to go to the ball with him that he heard that Luna was going with Hadrian. Neville was trying to be supportive of his friends, but there was still a small part of him that was jealous of Hadrian. He already had the twins practically worshiping him, and now he had taken Luna from him.

But he wasn't going to let it get to him. Nope. Not even a little bit.

Gryffindor Common Room

Ron was annoyed as he sat on one of the overstuffed chairs in the common room. The ball was set to start in less than 20 minutes and both Hermione and Ginny still hadn't come down from their room. The one time he actually managed to show up to something early and there was no one there to see it, or at least, no one that really mattered.

Huffily lounging on one of the couches was Zacharias Smith. While Ginnys attempts at seduction had failed miserably on Hadrian, Zacharias had fallen for it almost instantly. It also helped that he hadn't managed to convince any of the other girls he had asked to go with him.

Zacharias had a less than desirable reputation with the girls at Hogwarts. On the few dates he had gone on all he had done was talk about himself. Zacharias was extremely self centred and was sure he was Merlin's gift to women.

But Ginny didn't care about any of that. She just needed a date. The fact that Zacharias was decently hot just made it better. She was sure she could use Zacharias to make Harry jealous. When that thought had first come to her it occurred to her that maybe that was what Harry was doing, using Loony to make her jealous.

Ron glanced over at the other boy. When they had been in first year they had tried to be friends, but it hadn't worked out. Both of them wanted all the attention and praise, and they just couldn't reconcile that with one another. While Ron had turned to Hermione, Zacharias had turned to a few Puff's in their year that he was able to manipulate well enough. They would never be friends, but they still got along with each other better than they did with any of the other boys in their dorm room so they didn't go out of their way to antagonize each other.

Now, they just needed the girls to come down so that they could go.

Up in the girls dorms, Ginny and Hermione were locked in the girls bathroom. They hadn't been locked in by the annoyed other girls, they had locked themselves in. Now they just kept the door locked because they hadn't realized the other girls had already left.

Ginny had decided to get ready with Hermione. Only Romilda Vane had been invited to the ball from her dorm mates, but all the other girls felt they had a right to an opinion on what the girls should wear and how they should do their hair and makeup. Ginny had found it annoying while Romilda had reveled in the attention.

When Ginny had left her dorm all of the other girls had been in the bathroom with Romilda helping her do her hair and makeup, chattering the entire time. The only person Ginny felt she could trust to help her get ready was Hermione. She knew just how jealous of her the other girls were, she didn't trust them not to try and make her look bad.

Hermione's room had been even worse. All of the girls in Hermione's dorm were going to the ball so they were all getting ready. But, Hermione had figured out how to out smart them to make sure that they got the bathroom.

The other girls were all working on their makeup before they put on their dresses so they wouldn't get it on their dresses, spills happened to the best of 'em, and the last thing anyone needed was dumping foundation or eyeshadow powder down the front of their dress. Hermione and Ginny took up positions on either side of the bathroom door before Hermione called out that they only had 10 minutes left before the ball started. As soon as the girls all rushed from the bathroom in a panic to get their dresses on, Hermione and Ginny ducked into the bathroom and sealed the door.

Hermione was thrilled. She hated that Autumn was going to the ball with Viktor, when she knew it should be her. Now, Autumn wouldn't be able to finish her makeup. Maybe Viktor would ask her to stand in and help him open the ball since Autumn was going to have to be late if she wanted to finish her makeup.

Since the other girls had left their makeup in the bathroom when they had rushed out they wouldn't be able to finish getting ready. Hermione and Ginny had agreed that they would stay in the bathroom until the last possible moment. What they hadn't realized was that, after a few minutes of trying to get in the bathroom, the other girls had gone to the upper years to ask for help. Since they couldn't get the door open since it had been sealed from the inside, the upper years pooled their makeup and jewelry to help them. The other fourth year girls had finished getting ready with the help of the others before they had left, not wanting to be late.

With only a few minutes left before they had to go, Hermione and Ginny put the final touches on their looks. They were ready.

Hermione looked practically flawless. At first, when they had gone shopping, she had joined Ginny and her mum, Hermione had seen a beautiful simple silken periwinkle blue dress, but she hadn't gotten it. Molly and Ginny had convinced her that she should go with something more enticing. Having never really grown up, Hermione had been convinced to agree with their choice. Hermione now wore a vivid Gryffindor red silk dress. It was much tighter than Hermione would normally have wanted, and there was also less material.

The sleeves hung low on her shoulders, and the neckline dipped low in both the front and the back. The woman that had sold her the dress had actually tried, in her own way, to talk Hermione out of getting it because the dress was meant for a more full figured girl. Hermione was still developing and only had a few slight curves so the dress didn't really accentuate her body, instead it showed what she lacked, but Hermione had been convinced she needed it. Her hair was smoothed straight and cascaded down her back. And her makeup, as per Ginny's instructions, was plentiful and far darker than normal. Hermione had to admit, the make up helped her look older and more interesting.

Ginny, much like Hermione had ended up choosing a dress that was meant to entice that just didn't really work for her. Her hair was glossy and sleek as it framed her face and was pulled up at the back. Her makeup, much like Hermione's was dark and dramatic, making her look older than she was. Her dress was a bright fuchsia pink strapless hi-lo. The front of the skirt stopped well above her knees while the top cut low in both front and back.

The main issue was that, much like Hermione's dress, this dress just wasn't designed for a girl like her. With her dieting, Ginny had managed to slim down her already slim form. At 13, Ginny was as flat as a board. Without magic, there was nothing that held up her dress. All the dress really did for her body was to show how thin she was, and that thinness was starting to look unhealthy.

Smiling at each other, the two girls finally unlocked the bathroom door and stepped out. But, none of the other girls were there like they had expected. Looking out the dorm door, they looked around and didn't see anyone.

Ron sighed in relief as Hermione and Ginny finally came down the stairs. Both girls looked good enough to him.

"What took you so long?" Zacharias demanded when he saw them.

"We were getting ready." Ginny snapped back. "Where is everyone?"

"They already left. The ball officially opens in 5 minutes. We're going to have to run if we want to get there in time since you two took so long." Ron said angrily. He had finally been on time, just for the girls to be late.

Great Hall

Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Zacharias slipped into the ball just in time to hear the end of Dumbledore's speech opening the ball. The champions were then introduced, walking in with their dates as their names were called.

Everyone took their seats so they could eat. After the meal was done, the dancing was ready to begin.

Ginny practically snarled as she shoved another person out of her way to see Harry looking perfect as he danced with Loony. That should have been her. Loony was wearing a completely boring dress. Nothing about her was designed to get attention, but even Ginny couldn't deny that she looked beautiful, how was that even possible?

While Ginny was glaring at Harry and Loony, Hermione glared at Autumn. How could her roommate do this to her? Viktor should have been hers tonight. Sure, she wasn't going to keep him, but she had wanted him for that moment, and Autumn had stood in her way.

Ron was watching Fleur as she danced with the Ravenclaw boy. Ron had forgotten his name. She looked perfect, although, Ron would have had her wear something that accentuated her figure more if they had gone together. Her dress, although pretty, was to plain for Rons taste.

Zacharias was ignoring the other three as he looked around for his friends. He really hadn't wanted to ask Ginny, but there hadn't been anyone left that was even slightly worth his time. He was sure that this wouldn't have happened to him if the Longbottom's hadn't stolen the Hufflepuff title. If he had been the Hufflepuff heir there would have been girls lined up around the great hall for a chance to be his date.

Up at the head table, the feast passed enjoyably. Since they were friends, all of the champions divided their time between their dates and teasing each other. It was plenty of fun.

The adults around them were all a little dubious about the developing friendships between the champions. Both Karkaroff and Dumbledore didn't like them becoming friends. Sure, the stated purpose of the tournament was to foster bonds between the students, but it really wasn't what they were aiming for.

Watching their students laugh and joke with each other was annoying to them. Dumbledore hated seeing Harry so happy. The boy didn't have any understanding of suffering or pain, how were they supposed to convince him to sacrifice himself for the greater good if he only knew happiness. Then there was the Lovegood girl sitting next to him. That should have been Ginny. How dare the boy ask the wrong girl, he had had to deal with Mollys fury over it and the boy didn't even seem to care.

Throughout the meal, Hadrian had felt the headmasters eyes boring into him. It gave him joy to know that seeing him happy drove the old fool so crazy. Luna had been perfect company for that because she always seemed to know when the fool was watching them and would say something to make everyone smile and laugh.

As the meal ended, the dancing began. This was something that Hadrian really wasn't looking forward to. He was surprised as he thought back, but he had never really been dancing. He had attended the few basic lessons that the students had gotten after the ball was announced, but that was really it. Luckily for him, Luna knew what she was doing, even if it wasn't technically perfect, it worked for them.

After a few more dances, Luna looked to Hadrian with a devilish grin. "It's time to start pushing."

When she turned away, Hadrian saw Neville quickly look away from Luna before he sighed and walked outside. Hadrian nodded, heading after Neville, while Luna headed in the other direction.

"Neville. Hey Neville. Wait up." Hadrian called as he followed his friend.

Neville sat down heavily on one of the benches to wait for his friend. Could this night get any worse. He had had to stand by while the girl he was crazy about smiled and laughed with his best friend. He was really struggling. He had already decided that he would support their relationship, but he couldn't stop the jealousy. He really didn't understand what was going on with the twins letting Hadrian go to the ball with Luna.

"Hey Neville." Hadrian sat down next to his friend. "Why aren't you at the ball?"

"Just felt like getting some fresh air." Neville said in an attempt at a nonchalant voice.

"So it didn't have anything to do with seeing Luna and I dancing?" Hadrian gave him a look. "If you wanted to go to the ball with Luna, why didn't you just ask her?"

"You were already going with her." Neville said coldly.

"No. Luna suggested we go together as friends after you had asked Susan and Hannah. I know for a fact that if you had asked her she would have said yes, but you didn't." Hadrian looked to his friend.

Neville froze. Luna had only decided to go with Hadrian because he had already decided to go with the other girls. This was all his fault. If he had just had the courage to ask her he wouldn't have spent so much time hating himself for hating his friend for taking his crush to the ball.

"I'm an idiot." Neville sighed.

"No, well, a little. You just need to work on your confidence a little. You're a great guy Neville. Luna would have to be crazy not to like you, and, as you know, no matter what others say, Luna might just be the sanest person here."

Neville laughed at that. "Yeah, she's great."

"Well, not that I don't enjoy the company, why don't you go back in there and ask the girl of your dreams for a dance?"

"Yeah, Yeah, I think I will." Neville got up, straightening his cloak, shooting Hadrian a grin, he went back inside.

Hadrian got up to go back in when he saw none other than Fleur rush out of the hall nearly in tears. He quickly followed her.

"Fleur? What's wrong?" Hadrian walked over to sit next to the upset girl. "Did Roger do something, because I swear…"

Fleur let out a watery giggle. "No, he's great. Too great really."

"Then what's wrong?"

"It's just… I heard some girls talking about me. I don't think they realized that I was getting a drink and was right behind them." Fleur sighed.

"What were they saying?"

"The usual. People only like me because I'm beautiful. If I wasn't pretty I wouldn't have anything. I don't deserve all the attention I get." Fleur started to explain.

"All right, all right, I get it. But so what? Fleur, I know you. Yes, you are beautiful, but you are so much more than that. You are smart, kind, compassionate, loyal, caring, funny, but most of all, you are a genuinely good person.

The goblet didn't select you as champion because you are beautiful, it doesn't have eyes, it chose you because it sensed your power. You aren't in the top five students in your school because of how you look, it's because you work and study hard. You aren't a good big sister because of it, you're a good big sister because you love Gabriel and spend time with her.

You are an amazing person, and not because of how you look, but how you act. If people lash out due to jealousy that is their problem, not yours. Now, why don't you allow me to escort you back inside so that we can dance?"

Hadrian got up and held out his arm. With a grateful smile, Fleur got up and, linking their arms, they went back inside.

Neither of them noticing the lime green beetle that had been following Hadrian around the garden.

While Hadrian was out in the garden with Neville and Fleur, Ron Ginny and Hermione were all inside. All three looking around and trying to make sure they were noticed.

Ron was trying to get people to pay attention to him by talking loudly about things like quidditch, hoping that others like Krum would come over to talk to him about it, it wasn't really working. Most actually just thought he had been drinking.

He had tried showing off Hermione, the girl cleaned up nicely, but Hermione hadn't been willing to just stand at his side. She was going all over talking to other people. Didn't she understand that she was his date, she was supposed to stay with him, not go running off in all directions.

When he had first seen Harry dancing with Loony he had been annoyed. Why did Harry get everything? He was rich, famous, a Hogwarts champion, had an attentive date, and he had even managed to get dress robes that looked better than Rons. Why wouldn't things just work out for Ron, he deserved all those things, not Harry.

Hermione was more concerned with ensuring that everyone was following the rules than actually just enjoying the Yule Ball like the rest of the students. Although, lecturing other students was what made her happiest, so she actually was enjoying her night. There were only a few things that were annoying her. She didn't like how Ron was constantly trying to get her attention. Then there was how Harry was behaving. The stupid boy wasn't what she was promised he would be.

She had just gone to get a drink after ending up with a dry throat due to yelling at a few students that weren't dancing properly when she heard a few other girls talking. Glancing over she saw that it was Cho Chang and her friend Marietta and a few others from their year. At first Hermione was going to tell them off, but then she heard what they were saying. It would seem none of them liked that Fleur girl much. A sentiment that Hermione fully supported. She hated how that girl must float through life on her looks.

When she had noticed the other girl walking towards the drinks table Hermione had made sure to raise her voice a little to make sure she heard. She wanted to make sure that the other girl knew that she wasn't fooling anyone. When Fleur had quickly run off Hermione couldn't help but smile. She wasn't the only one either, both Cho and Marietta had turned to see what had gotten Hermione's attention just in time to see the blonde dash out of the hall. Both girls joined Hermione in her smirking. Hermione found herself actually wishing that the other two were in her house, she actually thought she would get along with them. They were both intelligent and Hermione liked how they thought.

After making sure Fleur knew what others thought of her, Hermione left the others to their gossip. She needed to find Harry and make him ask Ginny to dance. Harry needed to start behaving properly. Didn't he understand that Loony was crazy and that Ginny was meant to be Lady Potter? Maybe she needed to talk to the headmaster about compulsion spells and potions. The boy needed a push in the right direction.

Ginny was actually having fun with Zacharias, which surprised her. At first, when he had said that he wanted her to stay by his side she had been a little annoyed, but then she realized it was because he wanted to show off to his friends. He was proud to have her by his side. As he should be in Ginny's opinion. Why couldn't Harry behave like this? Ginny smiled happily from beside Zacharias as he talked with others, making sure that they could see how beautiful she was.

The only times that Ginny was less than happy was whenever she caught sight of Harry with Loony or any of the others he had danced with so far. He had danced with that Marie girl as well as a few others, and Ginny was furious every time. She had been particularly furious when she saw Harry come in from outside, arms linked with Fleur, and then led her out onto the dance floor. Why was he wasting his time on girls like that when he should only have eyes for her? Why wasn't he more like Zacharias?

When Hadrian went after Neville Luna smiled. It was time to push a few people. The wrackspurts needed to be cleared from a few people.

Theo was a little confused as his dreamy housemate walked towards him, but he wasn't going to risk being rude. "Hello Luna, you look lovely tonight. What brings you over here?"

Luna looked to the boy with a smile. Theo had asked Tracy Davis to the ball, just like he was meant to. Then, her eyes drifted to the other two sitting at the table with them. Blaise Zabini and Daphne Greengrass. The two had come together, but they weren't meant to be together. They had only decided to go with each other because they had been to afraid to ask who they really wanted. They had both feared rejection and had received pressure to stick to those in their house.

"Hello Theo, it is good to see that you didn't let the wrackspurts make you afraid to ask Tracy. You two will do well together. It is so unfortunate when people let their fears blind them to what, or who, is best for them. Wouldn't you agree?" When she asked the question, Luna's eyes snapped to Blaise and Daphne.

Blaise and Daphne just glanced to each other, they had never really even spoken to the girl and were slightly confused by what she had said. They were also a little unnerved with her look.

"I agree." Theo said in slight confusion, but he also kinda got it.

He had been friends with Blaise since they were kids, so he knew that Blaise had a crush on a girl. But not Daphne. He had also heard from Tracy, who was best friends with Daphne, that Daphne had agreed to go with Blaise even though she wanted to go with someone else. He figured Luna was talking about them.

"It is such a shame when people miss a chance at something great because of fear of rejection, especially when they wouldn't have been rejected." Luna smiled.

"Luna." Came a slightly shaky yet strong voice from behind her.

"Hello Neville." Luna smiled, not even turning around to see who it was.

"Will you dance with me?" Neville asked, a little of his bravado fading.

"Of course." A glowing smile overtook her face as she turned and kissed the older boy on the cheek. "I was so hoping that you would ask. It was nice of you to come with Susan and Hannah as their friend since their crushes didn't ask them, and they were to nervous to ask them themselves, but I think things are going to work themselves out soon enough. Yes, it is unfortunate when we let fear stop us from going after what we want.

But, luckily, it isn't to late for any of us here… Yet." Luna gave everyone an eerie look before she smiled and took Neville's arm to lead him away.

"Well?" Theo looked expectantly to his two friends.

"What in Merlin's name was that?" Daphne asked in confusion. Blaise just nodded his agreement.

"That was Luna being Luna." Theo just waved it away, he was semi used to the girls odd behaviour. "So, are you going to take her advice?"

"What advice?" Tracy asked her new, possible, boyfriend.

"Look, I'm not saying anything, I'm just saying that when Luna speaks, you should always listen. Because every word she says has meaning." Theo explained.

"You know her better than us, so what do you think she meant?" Blaise tried. He had a slight idea what she was referencing, but he was still worried about being rejected.

"Well, I know that the both of you wanted to go with other people but were to chicken to ask so you decided to come together. I know that Neville wanted to go with Luna but, like the two of you, didn't ask. My guess is that Luna thinks there is still a chance for you."

"What?" Tracy was still a little confused. "It's not like she's a seer or something."

Theo smirked at her. "Says who. She's never said, and I've never asked. But, when Luna suggests I do something, I do it. She hasn't lead me wrong yet." Theo smiled as he twined his fingers with Tracy's before bringing them up so he could kiss her hand.

Daphne and Blaise glanced at each other with a shrug. They really didn't have much to lose. Besides, if things didn't work out they could blame Theo and his airy little friend.

"We're gonna go walk around for a bit." Blaise said as he and Daphne got up to leave, both looking around.

After looking around for only a few minutes, Blaise and Daphne spotted who they were looking for. Wishing each other luck, they split up.

Blaise walked towards the drinks table. Angling his path so that he would cut his crush off before she reached the table. She was looking down, so when Blaise stepped in front of her she didn't notice, bumping into him.

Looking up, Susan Bones felt her cheeks flush red. She hated how easily she blushed. "H… Hi Blaise."

Blaise smiled down at the small red head. He thought her pink flushed cheeks were adorable. "Hi, Susan. I was just... I was just wondering if you might want to dance with me?"

Susan stared at him for a moment. Was he serious? She had hoped with all her heart that Blaise would ask her to the ball, but then she had heard that he had asked Daphne Greengrass.

He was just so perfect. He was smart and handsome. He was normally pretty quiet, so she didn't know much about him. But, from the little she had managed to get out of him during their shared classes, he seemed really nice and thoughtful.

The only reason she hadn't asked him herself was because of who they were. There had always been suspicions about his mum, and then there was her family. She didn't want him to think she was just trying to get information for her aunt.

Susan realized she had been staring silently for a little too long, but her voice seemed to have abandoned her. Giving up trying to speak, she just nodded.

Blaise grinned hugely as he led Susan towards the dance floor. Happy he had taken a chance, but also kind of wishing he had done so sooner. Even if it was only one dance, it was more than he ever thought he would get.

Daphne threw her shoulders back as she all but marched towards one of the table. She knew what people thought about her. She was the ice queen of Slytherin. Her father was the Chief Warlock and that ended up putting a lot of pressure on her and her little sister, so she always tried to maintain her mask. But this was one time she needed to let it down, and she was terrified.

Reaching the table, she tapped the only person there on the shoulder.

Hannah Abbot looked up at the most beautiful girl in the school, her mind completely blank. Daphne Greengrass was slim and perfect. Her jet black hair which she usually kept up in a pony tail currently fell in waves down her back. Her dark blue eyes held Hannah captivated.

Cursing herself slightly, Hannah felt a flush creeping across her face. "Hi." was all she managed to squeak out.

"Hi, Hannah. I was wondering if you would dance with me?" Daphne didn't see any point to wasting her time and decided to get right to the matter at hand.

"You… You want to dance with me? Are you sure?" Hannah said before she could stop herself, flushing an even deeper red as she realized what she had just said.

"If I wasn't sure, I wouldn't have asked." Daphne said, not even trying to suppress her smile.

"Yeah, yeah, sure. I mean… I'd love to."

Hannah couldn't believe what was happening as she walked to the dance floor with Daphne.

On the dance floor, Luna smiled. She didn't really know just why it was so important for those couples to exist, but she knew that she had done her job correctly.

ROR

About half an hour before the ball ended, Hadrian slipped away and made his way up to the ROR. He felt himself truly relax for the first time that night as he entered the room, seeing Fred and George were already there, waiting for him.

Hadrian went directly into their open arms. He had hated that he couldn't dance with them. But they had agreed that it would be to dangerous. They had all already been told by the few that knew about their relationship that anyone with eyes would know they were together if they danced together during the ball. Hadrian hated having to keep their relationship a secret, but he also knew it was for the best.

The last thing any of them needed was Rita finding out, she would go out of her way to destroy them they were sure. Then there was the reaction of Dumbledore and his followers. They would not respond well to another one of Dumbledore's plans failing. The last thing Hadrian wanted to do was have that old man paying any more attention to him. Plus, Ginny. Ginny was barely sane on the best day, if she saw them together at the ball everyone was sure the girl would spontaneously combust in fury.

They had compromised with this. They would dance in the ROR. Sure, it wasn't the same as dancing together down in the great hall, but in some ways it was better for them. This wasn't for anyone else to gawk at, this was for them.

Without any of them saying anything, they danced. Sometimes two at a time, other times one twin would stand in front of Hadrian and the other would take up his position behind.

Something about the quiet just made it seem so much more intense to Hadrian.

Eventually, when they only had a few minutes left before they had to go back to their dorms the three started talking. Telling each other about how their night had been.

Fred and George had gone to the ball with Marie. The three had had a lot of fun, but they had missed having Hadrian between them. Thankfully, Marie had understood how they were feeling so she had gone out of her way to make them laugh.

But, eventually, their night had to end. Hadrian received a mind numbing kiss from each twin before they had to leave the ROR. Each making their way back to the dorms with their minds filled with each other.

December 26, 2004

The day after the Yule Ball the upper year students all slept in. Most didn't make it to breakfast and ended up not getting out of bed until lunch.

The elves had done amazing work, switching the great hall back to its regular set up. If a student hadn't been there the night before they never would have thought anything had changed.

Hadrian was just sitting down to start eating his lunch when he heard stomping footsteps coming up behind him. He didn't even care. The thing that did make him happy was that the twins, who had just walked into the hall, quickly moved to his side.

Hearing a familiar huff, Hadrian rolled his eyes. He just didn't have the patients to deal with Hermione Granger this early in the morning.

"Well." Came the demanding voice.

"I am trying to eat Granger, please, just go away." Hadrian didn't look at the girl.

"What was wrong with you last night? Why didn't you dance with Ginny? You two are meant to be." Hermione huffed.

Hadrian sighed as he turned to look at the girl. "Granger. Let me make myself clear. You do not get to dictate my life. You do not get to make decisions for me.

I didn't dance with the Weasley girl because I am not interested in stalkers. We are not meant to be, she is a creepy stalker that, in my opinion, needs a great deal of help." Hadrian said, starting to turn back to his food.

"Don't talk like that about her." Hermione shrieked. "Ginny is perfect for you. How can you not see that? Once you stop being so foolish and the two of you get together you will see.

So, where did you go last night? You just disappeared before you danced with Ginny?"

Hadrian rolled his eyes. "And again, you don't get to dictate my life. As to where I was, I was with my friends. And, it really doesn't matter to you, you have no part in my life. Now, please just go away."

Hermione was like a tea kettle that was about to boil. Everyone that was watching could see her building up her steam. But, thankfully, both Sirius and Severus walked in, seeing the girl near Hadrian, rushed over to them.

"I think it is time you return to your table Ms. Granger." Sirius said.

"Did you hear what he said?" Hermione demanded.

"No." Severus said blandly, holding up his hand to stop the girl. "I would recommend you listen to Professor Black Ms. Granger. The fact that you are standing at the Ravenclaw table shows that you were the one that came over here and started it. He didn't go to you. My guess is that he, once again, stated the fact that you do not get to dictate his life. Which is the truth. Now, go and eat your lunch Ms. Granger."

Hermione huffed and stomped her foot, but went back to the Gryffindor table.

Hadrian shot his papa and Uncle Siri a grateful look before they went up to the head table to get their lunch. He was really going to have to figure out a way to ensure that that girl learned she wasn't in charge.