Chapter Text
(Great Hall)
The Great Hall was stirring but not for the Yule Ball, which was only a week away. It was stirring for the impending arrival of Harry Potter who would be making his first actual appearance in the Hall since he ruthlessly called out everyone right before the first task. The reason for this appearance was due to the events of the last two weeks and how they changed everything around Hogwarts. After Barty Crouch Jr was arrested and kissed, a warrant went out for Crouch Sr who was waiting patiently in his home. Barty confessed to everything he did related to his son but that wasn’t all. Crouch Sr. revealed that Sirius Black, the man who the ministry had been hunting since his escape from Azkaban, never received a trial in the first place for what happened to the Potter’s. Crouch Sr worked with Dumbledore and Minister Bagnold to punish Sirius without any trial and send him away because there were already murmurs about many of the purebloods using Imperius Curse as an excuse, something that would prove true later. Dumbledore had been raked through the coals by the Prophet since it confirmed Harry’s story from the first day and the only reason the Headmaster was there now, was thanks to the rules of the Goblet of Fire forcing him to stay.
A few days after Crouch’s confession Sirius got his trial and was freed as a smiling Harry looked on. Harry told reporters that he would stay with Sirius as he recovers but once that was over, he would return to Hogwarts. That day was today and the students and the staff, including a recently freed Mad Eye Moody, were waiting for him.
Soon the doors to the Great hall opened and Harry Potter walked in wearing his uniform and Gryffindor tie as calm as ever. Unsurprisingly, the Gryffindors were first to rise to greet him as the Weasley twins and the rest of the Gryffindor team approached him to great joy. Harry smiled before he hugged all of them and enjoyed their company, though it wasn’t missed by Daphne and Fleur that Katie Bell gave a slightly longer hug than the others.
Next was a smiling Neville Longbottom who hugged Harry to the surprise of most of the school who didn’t know that Harry and Neville were supposed to be godbrothers before things went to shit. Harry made a point to reach out to Neville during his hiatus with Sirius. As the Quidditch team left the moment of truth arrived, as Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger approached.
“This should be good.” Draco smirked from the Slytherin table.
“For once I agree.” Daphne smiled. The Golden Trio’s actions, and in the case of Hermione inaction, played a massive role in the way most of the school looked at Harry after that infamous Halloween night. Considering that Harry was no longer the person he was before, these two would likely have hell to pay.
The two looked at each other and Hermione went first, “Harry I’m sorry. I messed up and I should’ve had your back.” Hermione said solemnly. Despite the silence Hermione’s soft voice managed to carry throughout the hall and everyone could hear how upset at herself she was. For those who knew the normally brash Hermione this was a humbling experience.
Harry grabbed his wand and cast a Sonorous Charm before speaking to ensure everyone knew how he felt, “I can understand why you would think that Hermione. Over the years we’ve done some crazy stuff and frankly sneaking into a deadly tournament wouldn’t be close to the top. I forgive you because I understand why you’d be hesitant to get involved in everything going on.” Harry acknowledged.
Hermione was thrilled, “Thanks Harry.” Hermione said before giving Harry one of her traditional massive hugs and Fleur and Daphne noticed how it lingered a bit also.
Then Harry focused on Ron, “You however are not forgiven Ron.” Harry said firmly.
“What! Why!” Ron protested in a loud voice that the whole room heard even without a charm.
“Out of everyone in this school you should know the most about the life I’ve lived prior to Hogwarts. You’ve been to my home and dealt with the Dursley’s on more than one occasion. So you know what I dealt with before coming here and the type of absolute monsters I dealt with.
As my best mate you should’ve known that the last thing I wanted after everything that happened to me was getting involved in the tournament but no. Instead of having my back you called me a glory hog and a fame seeker. In those moments I could’ve confused the way you treated me for how Snape has been towards me since I met him. Then to make matters worse, the person who called me is best mate wore one of Malfoy’s Potter Stinks badges. You might be the only person who hates Malfoy more than me and Daphne and yet you still took one of his badges and wore it proudly. You’re my roommate and I can’t do anything about that, but as far as friendship is concerned we are done.” Harry said firmly.
“That’s not fair.” Ron protested.
“You have absolutely no right to complain Ron. You weren’t forced to do anything you chose to. Still, in a backwards way I do owe you one since you’re the reason my life is a whole lot better now.”
“What do you mean by that?” Ron frowned.
Harry smiled because this was going to be fun, “Sirius Black sat in Azkaban for 12 years for a crime he didn’t commit and endured day after day of Dementors. Yet for some reason he escaped right before my third year. Has anybody ever asked why.”
“You’re clearly going to tell us so go on then.” Ron huffed since Harry had basically just dismissed him in front of the entire school. Everyone was silent including the teacher’s as they waited for this.
“Here was Sirius minding his own business when Cornelius Fudge walks over and shows him a photo of the Weasley family on vacation in Egypt. To Cornelius it’s just a photo of a family whose close friends with Harry, though why he’d show that was another story. The thing is to Sirius that photo was everything. After all Sirius Black was many things during his time at Hogwarts. He was a good student in class. However, outside of class he was a playboy who loved taking various witches to broom closets and also a member of a group of the greatest pranksters in Hogwarts history. A little group of unregistered Animagus known as the Marauders.” Harry explained as the whole school looked on in shock. McGonagall groaned in annoyance recalling all the trouble they caused, and Snape seethed with rage due to his history with the group.
“Are you saying that Sirius Black was a Marauder.” Fred and George shouted with joy. The Marauders were their heroes and an inspiration to them prank wise.
“Correct. Sirius Black was Padfoot a wolf. James Potter was a stag named Prongs. Our Former Professor Lupin was an actual werewolf, so he didn’t need to transform, but he was Moony. Your former rat Scabbers was Peter Pettigrew who unfortunately escaped last year but that's a whole different story. Now if you don’t mind, I’m kind of hungry.” Harry smiled as he walked over to the Gryffindor table and sat down nonchalantly. Off to the side, Fleur and Daphne just smiled.
(Scene Skip)
It was the day of the Yule Ball, and a smiling Harry got dressed in Grimmauld place for the big event. “You ready for the ball pup.” Sirius smiled happily. Thanks to Harry, Peter was captured and got a trial where he confessed to his role in what happened to the Potter’s that night. Peter was sent through the veil and for Sirius Black watching Peter go through the veil was one of the happiest days of his life.
“The ball itself, No. The afterparty, absolutely.” Harry said happily dressed in Dark Black robes with a crimson shirt underneath and navy pants with black dress shoes. The outfit was a gift from Sirius for the ball and Harry wore it with pride. The plan for the Yule Ball was simple as far as Harry was concerned. Dance with Fleur and do everything he was supposed to do as champion for the event. The moment he no longer had any obligations to handle. He and Fleur were heading back to her carriage where Daphne would be waiting, and he’d ravish both girls the entire night.
“Fair enough pup. You’re the Lord of two houses and I’m sure those ladies will be happy to enjoy the festivities with you.” Sirius said with a grin. He was so proud of Harry for landing the two beauties. Cyrus was an unofficial Marauder back in the day so it was a match he knew that his parents would approve of.
“They sure will.” Harry smiled. After he was freed Sirius named Harry Heir to House Black, but he was practically the Lord since Sirius was sterile after his time in Azkaban. The role of Lady Black was given to Daphne, and her younger sister Astoria happily took a mistress contract from him. Fleur was Lady Potter and while Fleur warned him that Veela children are usually female, he didn’t mind at all. He would deal with all of that later. Nobody was going to start going for kids until all of them had graduated and gotten their careers established.
“Regardless have a good time and make sure to show up and show out.” Sirius smiled.
“Will do. DOBBY!” Harry smiled.
Dobby appeared with a smile, “Yes sir.”
“Time to go to Hogwarts.” Harry grinned.
Dobby grabbed Harry and vanished in a pop.
Harry appeared right in front of the Beauxbatons carriage and smiled as he waited for Fleur to arrive. He did see quite a few admittedly lovely witches heading out with their dates, but none of them could compare to his Fleur and soon she walked out in a silver dress with very thin straps that highlighted her amazing body,
“Are you ready ‘Arry.” Fleur smiled.
Harry smiled, “I’m ready to take that lovely dress off you later. However, we do have to dance for a bit.” Harry smirked.
“What a shame. You ‘ave to put your ‘ands all over me.’ Fleur teased.
“Then let’s go.” Harry smiled as the two walked over to the ball. Truthfully neither of them cared for the ball and were only going long enough to do their dancing and get some food.
“You know ‘Arry. If you told me zat we would be going to ze ball together a few months ago I would’ve laughed at you.” Fleur replied.
“Maybe so but a lot has changed.” Harry smiled.
“Indeed it ‘as. Lord Potter.” Fleur smiled.
“Shall we go. Lady Potter.” Harry grinned.
The two walked in and soon ran into the other champions. Cedric was going with Cho Chang which admittedly did hurt a slight bit since he harbored a crush on Cho for quite a bit. He was pleasantly surprised to see Krum with Hermione but considering they’d been on the mend he had no right to complain about who she went with.
‘Harry you look amazing.” Hermione smiled. Hermione was in a pink off the shoulder dress that was cut right above the start of her breasts and flowed all the way down her body with plenty of ruffles.
“You do as well Hermione.” Harry smiled before focusing on Viktor.
“Krum I trust you’ll treat Hermione with all the respect she deserves tonight.”
“I swear on my honor.” Krum smiled.
“Good. Now let’s have a good night.” Harry beamed.
“Cheers to that.” Cedric said happily
“I don’t know who’s the best dancer among our group, I just know the best seeker is with me.” Hermione said in a cheeky tone. The fact that three of the four champions were also seekers was an amusing parallel and she couldn’t help but focus on it
“I should be more offended, but Krum is pretty awesome.” Harry smiled.
“Thank you.” Krum smiled.
“So if Krum is number 1 who’s number 3.” Cho smiled adding to the fun.
“I know you’re not saying that you’re second best since you couldn’t beat Harry even with Malfoy’s little stunt and the reason that we’re together now is because of our bet on the Ravenclaw Hufflepuff match last year.” Cedric teased. In the lead up to the Ravenclaw Hufflepuff match at the start of the year, he and Cho made a bet on who caught the snitch in their match. If he won, Cho would go on a Hogsmeade date with him. If he lost, he’d ask his dad to help Cho’s family push through laws to make it easier to import magical creatures between China and England. He did that anyway once he and Cho started dating so it all worked out for him.
“Really Cedric.” Cho blushed since that wasn’t exactly something she was comfortable telling people.
“Yep. I’m pretty sure I would’ve lost out to Harry in both Quidditch and love had I not done that.” Cedric teased.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Harry chuckled bashfully since Fleur was right there and it was slightly bad form to talk about his former crush.
Cho saw an opening and bounced, “And here I thought you couldn’t keep your eyes on me when I walked around” Cho teased.
“He couldn’t. It was obvious he liked you, but Harry’s confidence vanishes when he’s not on a broom or doing something reckless.” Hermione added with a smile.
“’Arry’s feelings towards Ms. Chang aren’t ze only ones zat are obvious Mademoiselle Granger.” Fleur pointed out getting some payback for Harry..
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Hermione blushed as Krum simply shook his head.
“Hey Ced remember at the end of the second year when Hermione practically sprinted over to hug Harry in the middle of the Great Hall when she got back from being petrified” Cho smirked.
“Oh yeah. It was pretty awesome. I actually thought they were going to kiss right there.” Cedric smirked.
“Come on guys.” Hermione blushed and everyone had fun together.
“Well luckily for Moi. Neither of you got ‘arry and I know he’s quite good wit his broom already.” Fleur teased.
Harry watched as Hermione Cho and even Cedric all blushed at that while Krum simply chuckled, not bothered by his dates obvious feelings for Harry. This was just something he had to do, and Hermione was the most reasonable of the witches he ran into.
Professor McGonagall picked that moment to walk towards the group, “Champions are you ready.”
“Yes.” they all said together, and it was time for the Yule Ball to begin. After everything that happened the Yule Ball would be a pleasant night for all involved, and for Harry his night was just beginning.
END