Chapter Nineteen: The Fudge Ball

(i) The characters and world of Harry Potter are the property of J.K. Rowling. I make no money from this unfortunately.

(ii) Thank you for the wonderful, thoughtful reviews. Please do continue to let me know what you think of the story. It means so much to hear from you, my dear readers.

(iii) And finally, a big hug of gratitude to my beautiful, brilliant beta, Queen_of_Stars.

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The constant whirl of parties and outings continued, and Hermione, who had never been part of the wizarding society social scene, was swamped with invitations. Most she wanted desperately to avoid, but she had been informed sternly by Cissy that she should make it a point to be seen at each and every one of them.

"You need to get yourself known, not just as a heroine of the battleground or the brains of the Golden Trio, but as a person in your own right," explained Narcissa. "It is only then that you will be able to use your position and hard-won fame effectively. If you stay an unknown entity, your ability to bring about real change politically and socially will be lost."

Hermione heeded her friend's advice. She realised that if nothing else, Cissy understood the importance of appearances and networking. Thus, when an invitation to the ball being held at the Fudge residence arrived for the following Saturday, the thirteenth of June, despite her dislike of the odious politician, Hermione accepted and insisted that Harry do so as well. It was well known that Cornelius Fudge was trying, currently unsuccessfully, to win back his position as Minister for Magic in the elections that were to be held in the coming spring. He was trying to gain the approval of the Boy-Who-Bested-He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. And as Hermione said to Harry, "The best way to ensure he doesn't get up to mischief is for us to keep a close eye on him."

Harry agreed. He was adamant that Cornelius Fudge never come back into office. So despite Harry's reluctance, he too accepted the invitation. The newspapers, of course, made a big deal about the acceptance of the Golden Trio, information obviously leaked by a very smug Mrs. Fudge.

Ginny was, of course, very keen to attend. When Harry spoke of his misgivings and reluctance to keep accepting the long list of invitations, Ginny said passionately to her boyfriend, "Harry, you must go. Besides, I've always wanted to be a part of high society. Please, Harry, you're my ticket into a world I could never be part of otherwise. I couldn't go without you. If you didn't go, the press wouldn't be interested in covering the ball, and I won't be photographed. You owe me after the way you were seen with Luna."

Harry was starting to feel extremely uncomfortable with Ginny's mercenary ways. He realised that even though she did understand him, she was very keen on the public adoration that was directed at her as the girlfriend of Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived. He, on the other hand, wanted to vanish into Auror training and concentrate on leading a quiet, private life. He was tired of being in the gaze of the public and the media. He knew how fickle society could be and how easily they could turn against him.

What Ginny really wanted was to be the fiancée...in time, the wife...of Harry James Potter, saviour of the Wizarding World. She had realised after the press conference that Harry was by no means assuredly hers. She was desperate to rectify that situation as quickly as possible. Using all of her charms, Ginny was, without much subtlety, pushing Harry for an engagement ring. She kept bringing up the topic of how she would love to be a June bride. She even let Harry know that a year-long engagement would give them plenty of time to get to know each other better. Knowing how reluctant Harry was about the whole sex situation, given Molly's stance on promiscuity, Ginny even boldly informed Harry that she would be able to sleep with him openly once they were engaged. "Harry, darling, I could even move into Grimmauld Place if we were engaged. Mum wouldn't stop me, not once we were betrothed."

Harry was appalled. He did love Ginny, but he was still trying to come to grips with all that he had done during the war. He had used the Cruciatus Curse and meant it. He had Imperiused; he had wanted more than anything to kill Voldemort. After the many hours he had spent in discussion with Kingsley and the trainers in the Auror Programme, Harry understood the consequences of his exposure to Dark magic. He had much to reconcile, much to learn. Even though the lure of easy sex with the woman he loved... wanted... was tempting, Harry had finally grown up enough to realise that he was not ready for marriage. Hoping desperately that Ginny would understand, Harry said gently, "Ginny, it wouldn't feel right. Let's wait until you finish your seventh year. There's no rush, surely."

This, of course, didn't please the red-head, but she was smart enough not to push Harry too far. Instead, she smiled, but put down his reluctance to the meddling of Hermione. That bitch, thought Ginny irrationally. It's her fault Harry won't sleep with me. She didn't sleep with Ron, so now Harry thinks it's wrong for us to get engaged and move on. Cow!

Luna had returned the previous week from her holiday in Sweden and had made her first outing to the much acclaimed Malfoy picnic. It had been a brave move, for she had not forgotten how she had been held prisoner in the dungeons of the Manor. But Luna and Hermione had maintained a spirited and almost daily correspondence since the day following the Battle of Hogwarts, and Luna had heard in great detail how Hermione had been adopted into the Slytherin circle. Though Luna had vanished almost immediately into the bosom of her Swedish cousins with her father after his release from Azkaban, she was perfectly aware of her promise to Kingsley. She and Hermione had discussed and analysed everything that Hermione had learned about pureblood concerns and politics. That Luna's cousins shared many of the concerns so well expressed by Headmaster Snape and Narcissa Malfoy had strengthened the Ravenclaw's desire to return to England and aid her friend in her quest to reconcile modern Muggle-born values and old, traditional pureblood customs and rituals.

Luna's father, although he was not yet completely recovered, had finally put some of his ghosts of Azkaban to rest, and she had been able to persuade him of the need for them to be in England. She wanted to finish her education at Hogwarts. Although moving to Sweden, the land of her mother, was tempting, Luna loved Hogwarts.

Pleased that she could now finally be with her friends, Luna gladly accepted the invitation to the Fudge Ball too. Fudge was being extremely conciliatory and had even invited Xenophilius, which greatly pleased Luna.

On the night of the ball, Luna wore a simple white silk dress, which had belonged to her late mother, with daisies in her hair. She had on no make-up and no jewels. She did, however, look like an angel with her halo of pale blond hair framing her tanned and healthy face.

In comparison, Ginny had dressed in the latest of fashion finery. She was using her position as the girlfriend of Harry Potter to wear the latest of designer labels on loan, assuring the fashion houses that having her seen in their creations was sure to boost sales. That she was completely correct in her assumptions only went to up Ginny's confidence and fame among the readers of the glossy wizarding magazines. For the Fudge Ball, Ginny wore a stunningly sexy ball gown in black silk, bedecked with glitter and beading, which did nothing to hide her ample curves and creamy skin.

Unfortunately, although Ginny did look ravishing, Luna's simplicity, for Harry, was breathtaking. He was male enough to appreciate all that was on display, but after his quiet chat the day before with Severus, Harry's understanding of Ginny's desperation for publicity had taken on a sinister and unpleasant undertone. How odd to call him Severus, thought Harry with an internal grin. Who would have ever thought that the bat would lower himself enough to extend his hand half-way through the conversation and say, "I'm no longer your professor, Potter, just call me Severus."

Severus had come into the Ministry to speak to Kingsley about the Weasleys, and Harry had been invited into the meeting due to his close association with the Weasley family. Kingsley and Severus had wanted Harry to use his influence to get Molly and Ginny to visit with Auror Fran Warrington to participate in exercises to control or better manage their Darker tendencies. When Harry had learned the details of how Kingsley, Minerva and Severus had already tried speaking to the Weasleys as a family after the last meeting of the Order of the Phoenix, he realised the problem was much more acute than he had ever imagined. For although Hermione had mentioned the meeting with the Weasleys previously, Harry had at that point really not fully comprehended the gravity of the situation. Now, though, the young man had been made fully cognisant of the state of affairs and realised that something had to be done to help the people he loved.

However, his concerned musings were interrupted by the sight of Luna and Neville. Harry couldn't help but smile broadly as he watched Luna dance with Neville. They were both laughing and having a lovely time, completely ignoring the many photographers lining the periphery of the ballroom. Once the song ended and Neville wandered off to get himself a drink, Luna continued to twirl around on her own, uncaring of the press. She was having fun, and to Harry, Luna looked the way a girl of sixteen should look. Ginny looked far too adult, and her mature style of attire made Harry rather uncomfortable. He had been forced to grow up sooner than he should have, but thankfully, his maturity had come with a sense of understanding of what was going on. He was really grateful that Kingsley had called in Severus. Despite Severus' aloof and cold demeanour, Harry had come to admire and trust the taciturn man. Hermione's obvious respect and admiration had rubbed off on Harry, and Harry could not deny the fact that Severus was very well-versed in the Dark Arts. If the Order of the Phoenix's Dark Arts expert was worried, then Harry knew things were not getting better. Besides, Harry knew that Severus and the Malfoys had stepped in to help Hermione, who Harry now thought of, not as a best friend, but as his very own sister. Thus, the conversation with Severus and Kingsley had been, to Harry, extremely enlightening. He had known about his own changing magic, but learning about what was going on with the Weasleys, as well as his other friends, had helped him put things even more into perspective. Harry now understood why Hermione was adamant about going back to finish her final year of school. He, of course, was doing much the same thing, but instead of Hogwarts, he was entering Auror training, as were, thankfully, both Neville and Ron.

As Harry stood on the sidelines thinking and observing both Ginny and Luna, he realised that his fight against Darkness had only just begun. What Voldemort had signified was merely the tip of the iceberg. The problem was much more insidious. He could now also appreciate Hermione's tirade about the need to learn about the old ways, about the need to understand the Dark Arts.

Thinking about Hermione made Harry look towards his friend. He found her giggling in a corner with Luna. Harry was glad that Hermione and Luna had become close. As Harry watched, Luna walked away from Hermione and went up to Severus, who stood alone by the punch table. Standing up on tip toe, the brave Ravenclaw gave the stunned Slytherin a peck on the cheek before wandering off again. Harry observed the amazement that graced Severus' face before noting how the stern man looked not towards the retreating Ravenclaw, but towards the grinning Hermione. Harry watched as the Potions Master raised his eyebrow inquiringly at his now blushing friend. Harry had not really thought about the dynamics of that friendship, but as he watched Hermione blush furiously and Severus smirk in response, he realised that that was something else he would have to think of later.

Harry could not help but evaluate his relationship with Ginny much more seriously. It hurt him to see the way in which Hermione was being treated like a pariah by the Weasleys for breaking up with Ron. Just because he understood what drove their irrationality did not mean he had to like how it affected his truest friend.

Deciding that he had stood and brooded for long enough, Harry pasted a smile on his face and walked over to Hermione. "Hey, pretty sister, care to dance with your dunce of a brother?"

Hermione grinned back. "Of course, Harry. How could I refuse such a gallant request?"

Bringing up the topic that was foremost on his mind, Harry asked Hermione, "Seriously, 'Mione, what do you think of my relationship with Ginny?"

"Oh, Harry," said Hermione gently. "It all depends on what you want. But know this. I'll be your friend no matter what you decide and whom you end up with."

Harry smiled, "I know I can always count on you."

Hermione smiled back and gave his arm a squeeze.

Harry continued, "I don't like the way you're being treated by the Weasleys, though."

Hermione responded, "Don't worry about that, Harry. You know Molly always was ready to believe the worst of me. Remember the fiasco after the Triwizard Tournament."

Harry did remember the silly story in the newspaper and laughed.

Hermione smiled too. "My mother always said: when a door closes, a window opens. Just because Molly, Ron and Ginny are being difficult doesn't mean I'm without friends, Harry. I've found wonderful friends in Luna, in Professor Snape, in Cissy, Astoria and the rest of the Malfoys. Even Draco's being decent, which still shocks me more than being on friendly terms with Lucius."

Harry relaxed. He knew Hermione spoke the truth. She was glowing with happiness and did not seem to be alone or depressed.

After the dance ended, he kissed Hermione on the cheek and left her in the company of Cissy as he went to get himself a drink. He was just returning when he overheard Molly speaking to Ginny.

Molly was saying, "I told you that girl is up to no good. Look at the way she's dressed. First, she pushed Ron away so that she ended up camping with Harry alone in the forest, and then, after the battle, she told us all to leave Harry alone while he rested. What right did she have to bar us from Grimmauld Place? You are his girlfriend; you should have comforted him, and you should have stood with him in front of the world media on the day of the Victory of Hogwarts, not her and that Lovegood girl."

Harry waited with deep interest for Ginny's response, but her reply disappointed him greatly. "You know, Mum, I never really liked her. I only put up with her because Ron and Harry clung to her. Thank goodness Ron's broken up with her. An uptight cow, she thinks she's always right. She's nothing but a bookworm. She is so horrendous to live with. She does nothing but read and then stuff what she has learned down our throats, trying to show off how clever she is."

Harry was appalled. He knew he was more than a bit naïve at times, but he knew that despite whatever else, however much he had hurt Hermione in the past, doubted her in the past, she had always done what she thought was the best for him. She would risk his anger and hatred if she thought he needed to be told something or protected. Looking over to Hermione, who was now speaking to Neville, Harry could see nothing provocative about Hermione's dress. It was a pretty peachy-apricot gown with a golden belt that seemed to be of the Grecian style. Compared to Ginny's dress, even Harry could see that Hermione's single bared shoulder was very modest indeed.

He decided to seriously rethink his decision to propose to Ginny. She had been hinting so constantly that she wanted an engagement ring before returning to finish her seventh year that Harry had, in the decision of appeasing his girlfriend, thought that it was one possible solution. Now though, he realised that it would be a monumental mistake.

Deciding that he needed time and space before confronting his girlfriend, he turned the way he had come. As he made his way back towards the punch table, he spotted Luna, who was once more twirling by herself to the orchestra. With a grin, Harry approached Luna.

"Hey, Luna," said Harry with a smile. "Would you like to dance?"

Luna was entranced and she replied happily, "I'd love to dance, Harry. Isn't the music lovely?"

Harry agreed. The Fudges had spared no expense and had hired a wonderful orchestra to perform for their guests. Smiling, the two friends danced with much frivolity to the happy tune. Harry though was quiet as they jigged around the room and Luna, who was as perceptive as ever, noticed at once that Harry looked lost and thoughtful.

In blunt honesty, Luna said softly, "I don't think you're enjoying all the public attention, are you, Harry? I think you should do your best to avoid being photographed so very often."

Harry smiled at his friend's ability to cut to the heart of the matter. With a nod, Harry replied, "I do hate it, Luna, but Ginny insists on being seen at all the parties in her nice dress robes."

Luna nodded and said serenely, "Then Ginny should do something to be famous. She shouldn't rely on you to take her places."

Harry watched Luna in fascination. He could not help but agree with Luna's pronouncement.

Luna went on peacefully, "Remember, Harry, people love you for who you are, not what you are or what you do or have done. That's beside the point."

As the dance ended, Luna kissed Harry on his cheek, much in the same way as Harry had watched her peck Severus on his cheek, before wandering away to look out of the balcony.

Harry realised that Luna was right. He was going to give Ginny and himself some real time and space apart. There was no need to rush headlong into a marriage just because he was starved of a family and felt afraid of being alone. He smiled at Hermione, who was once again dancing with Severus. What an odd couple, he thought fondly before he choked at the realisation. A couple. Bloody hell! Is Hermione going out with Severus? No, it can't be, said Harry to himself. Trying to calm his suddenly agitated mind, he reasoned, It's like Hermione said: Severus is just being polite and kind because she went to retrieve his body.

But then Harry got to pondering why Hermione was thinking of Severus at that most crucial of moments. That disquieting thought forced Harry to consider why the bat of the dungeons, the man most unlikely to be polite and kind, was acting so out of character with Hermione. Not too comfortable with the conclusions he was drawing, Harry decided to firmly place the puzzle of Severus and Hermione out of his mind for the time being. He would instead focus on enjoying the ball as best he could and think about how he was going to explain to Ginny his desire for distance in their relationship without it backfiring on both Luna and Hermione. The new, more aware, Harry was not foolish enough to be ignorant of the fact that it would be his two female friends who would bear the brunt of Ginny's wrath.

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