Life is too fucking good sometimes, Harry thought as he sat with the softest towel he had ever used wrapped around him. A courtesy of the latest and second member of the House of Potter. I need to do something nice for Dobby and Winky.

Since the day Winky became a part of his daily life, Harry found out why Lucius Malfoy had lost all semblance of control when Harry freed Dobby. The comfort of knowing Winky was always there to help his needs was a privilege he promised himself he wouldn't take for granted ever. The female elf was everywhere; making Harry's meals, cleaning his clothes and altering them one by one to better fit him, reminding Harry of his schedule.

The boy was sure she was doing other subtle things he couldn't name at that moment, with this bliss making his brain all warm and fuzzy.

His bliss wasn't only because of a warm bath and soft towels. Even though he was tired, he stood straighter, with no conscious effort, like a weight lifted off his shoulders. I know, a cliche but true nonetheless.

He had never had more fun than during the tournament that ended forty-five minutes ago, but he couldn't deny it had been stressful. Now, with the tournament a resounding success, all he had to do was sit back and enjoy a lovely evening with two delightful ladies.

That was another reason for his bliss; he had a sort-of date with his partner and a playdate with a cute girl who brightened a room when she smiled. What more could a guy want?

Harry moaned in pleasure as he stood, his muscles stretching and aching just right after a hot shower. He dressed in lazy moves, wanting to enjoy the moment as much as he could. To smell the roses, so to speak.

Even with his lazy mood, it took him no time to get dressed and trek the snow-covered grounds, the cold winds of winter shocking his system into alertness. He cursed himself for not casting a warming charm on his cloak but still didn't cast it, even the bite of cold feeling good against his skin.

He smiled at passing people as he climbed the moving stairs of the school. His home's magic pulsed against his skin, congratulating him for making it proud and causing Harry to fall in love with it all the more. He navigated through the trip steps, tricky corridors and a whacky poltergeist without batting an eye before entering the common room to find it filled only with boys.

It took him a few, confused and scared, moments to figure out the reason for it. He had heard his uncle complain about his aunt enough to know it took women longer to get ready. What with the makeup and all.

He wondered briefly whether Hermione would take part in all that girly stuff and whether she found a date, and he found himself not caring. She's most beautiful when she's in the library, researching with that unholy gleam of thirst in her eyes. And she's mine.

He shrugged at the sausage fest in the common room and whistled a happy tune as he walked past the crowd and into his dorm room. Dean and Neville welcomed him with enthusiastic hellos before turning their attention back to their grooming.

Harry found it odd and funny to watch these smelly boys put such care in their appearance so he sat back on an armchair to have fun at their expense. An hour later, Harry left the room with a grin and two flaming cheeks on his face, a result of the revenge mock his friends threw his way.

He considered his options and chose to walk down to the entrance hall to meet his date instead of waiting for Hermione to come down. Today is Wendy's day, Hermione can have me tomorrow and after.

His step faltered for a moment as he considered how unlike him that thought was. Since when I am arrogant and confident?

That question brought his contemplation to another level as he considered how different he felt compared to five weeks ago. He was more confident, there was no doubt about that, and the reason was obvious. The fourteen-year-old boy had just organised the biggest charity event that spread over four days and hosted high ministry officials from five different countries. And he won! Well, he won the students-only part of the tournament.

Still, that's something when you remember Viktor fucking Krum was a part of it.

He also felt at peace, no longer so wrung up in public and no longer ready to blow up in anger like he used to feel.

With a brighter smile than anyone ever saw on his face, he walked past the entrance hall and excited to the courtyard, layered with environmental charms for the night. He found his date and her father easily enough, lifting Wendy in the air when the girl ran to her and giving a respectful nod to Jack. "You look beautiful, little girl."

"You don't look bad yourself, big guy," the bright-eyed girl answered with a grin that made her seem far older than she was. "That game was awesome!"

"But I lost," Harry complained, sniffing and pouting.

"You'll win next time," the girl consoled with so much conviction, Harry had to laugh at the cuteness she was exuding.

They talked and joked for half an hour until Harry felt Wendy shiver in his arms, pretending not the notice the dampness of Jack's eyes throughout the conversation. "Are you cold, honey? Do you want to go inside?"

"No! I want to see the stars!"

Harry shifted the girl, so she was at his eye level. "How about we get warm? We'll come out after we have some nice food in our stomachs and enjoy the starry night."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

The black-haired girl gave a wide grin before struggling in Harry's arms for him to let her down and running off towards the castle.

"I hope you realise she played you?" Jack asked with a mocking smile as two men hurried after the girl, who was hyperactive for once in her life. "Don't let her cute little girl act fool you. She's smart. Smarter than me in any case."

"I don't doubt that for one second," Harry quipped before turning somewhat serious. "I know she did but she deserves to be spoilt for a night."

The older man put a hand on Harry's shoulder to stop the boy and looked him in the eye. "I hope you know how much I appreciate all you've done and are doing for my girl, Harry. You gave her joy and hope for the first time in a long time, something I failed to do. And I will do my best to pay you back for the rest of my life."

Harry, even with his newfound confidence, felt awkward at the gratitude in the man's penetrating gaze and shifted from foot to foot. "It was nothing. Just doing what anyone would have done."

"No," the man disagreed vehemently and put a finger on Harry's chest. "You've done what no one has done. Don't blow off what you did."

Harry flushed and nodded, accepting the man's words. "She deserves it."

And that was that. They didn't discuss the issue anymore and Harry was grateful for it. It was one thing for the Weasleys to thank him for saving Ginny. He had put his life in danger for her, had almost died.

For Wendy, all he did was give money, money he couldn't find a better use for. While he understood the man's gratitude, he felt the amount of it was unnecessary.

Still, I won't begrudge the man how happy he is for her daughter's sake.

They entered the entrance hall to find Wendy talking animatedly with Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall and telling them how she would be the best student Hogwarts ever had. Pomfrey had a melancholic smile on her face like she didn't believe it would happen. McGonagall just looked excited as a ten-year-old discussed transfiguration techniques even Harry would have trouble talking about with such an understanding.

"She loves to read. There is not much she can do to spend time in the hospital," said Jack in the way of explanation, his voice thick with fondness.

"Great, another Hermione" Harry groaned jokingly, making the man chuckle.

"Speaking of, why aren't you going to the ball with her?"

Harry grinned at the man. "We had a little misunderstanding before I came to the hospital. Our lines got crossed."

The brunette man raised an eyebrow. "Does your misunderstanding have anything to do with why the Prophet thinks my daughter is a prostitute?"

"That was another misunderstanding all together," Harry said with a grin.

"I think you two need to learn to communicate better, boy."

Harry nodded, "We are normally so in-synch, it's scary. But these last few weeks have been hard on us."

The man smiled at Harry. "Hormones does that to ya. Make everything all confusing and complicated."

"Yeah, yeah. Let's mock the teenager for being a teenager," Harry complained good-naturedly before stepping forward to join the three ladies discussing why transfiguration could be useful in medicine.

"But think about it," Wendy insisted excitedly. "Magic can't heal every injury. Let's say you have to fix someone's heart but there isn't a potion for it. You have to cut open the patient and cast a spell directly at his heart. Instead of worrying about vanishing the rib cage and manoeuvring around the lungs and limiting your wand movements, you can transfigure the body parts smaller. It would give you easier access and you wouldn't have to worry about regrowing the bones. You always have to wait until the patient is almost fully healed before you can give them skele-grow. I know it isn't a priority concern in most cases but the rib cage protects the lungs and the heart. It's a win-win situation."

Pomfrey looked at the girl with an expression between surprise, fondness and exasperation. It was McGonagall who responded, though, "It's certainly a good idea but partial transfiguration is an imprecise branch. Not to mention you are talking about transfiguring complex living tissue."

"I think it's doable," the little girl huffed, folded her arms and stuck out her tongue.

"How about you conduct research and trials once you finish your healer training and get your masteries in transfiguration and arithmancy?" Harry asked as he put a hand on the excited girl's shoulder.

The glint in Wendy's eyes scared Harry a little, but he didn't show it as she nodded and pointed at McGonagall. "I will. I'll prove it is doable."

"And I will be the first to congratulate you when you do," McGonagall said with a proud smile before she turned her attention on Harry. She gave a small nod at his attire. "Acceptable. Are you ready for the ball, Mr. Potter? It was your brilliant idea to invite the press and the public. I hope you realise they will watch your every move."

"First of, acceptable? Really? I look hot as hell," Harry said before he opened his arms wide and whirled around, showing the goods. "And second, yes, as you no doubt expected, I'm regretting that decision."

McGonagall, in a move so unlike her, rolled her eyes. "You'll be fine."

"Do you, perchance, know today's numbers? How many tickets sold, money made and all that?"

The stern professor responded after only a second of thought. "Over eighteen thousand tickets were sold but I don't know about the finances. You must speak to Headmaster Dumbledore or Miss Granger."

Harry's eyes widened at the number and he hurried to calculate the money ticket sales brought in.

"Twenty-one thousand one hundred and seventy-six galleons," Wendy told him in a very Hermione-like manner.

"Bloody hell," Harry exclaimed as Jack whistled at the number.

"Language, Mr. Potter!" McGonagall warned but with a touch of amusement.

That brings us to a hundred and thirty thousand without the money from the concessions. That means we have to find another place to donate the money to.

A gentle jab to his left by the little girl next to him derailed his frantic thought process. When Harry looked down at the girl, she pointed to the stairs. Harry turned his eyes towards where his date was pointing, wondering if it had anything to do with why everyone in the hall went silent.

Harry's mind copied the hall's silence the moment he laid eyes on Hermione. She looked utterly gorgeous in a blue gown that hugged her hips, giving Harry a glimpse of her leg with a slit down its side. Her face held none of the stress and tiredness of her daily life and her hair was sleek and shiny, forming a knot at the back of her head.

She looks utterly gorgeous.

Harry walked towards her in a daze, not even aware his feet were moving. "You look utterly gorgeous."

She blushed cutely and smiled brightly, and when she spoke, her voice was but a breathy whisper. "Thank you, Harry. You look dashing as well."

Harry gulped down and shook his head to restart his thought process before grinning cockily. "I know. You are lucky to have me."

Hermione giggled at his joke as Harry held out his arm for her to take and lead her to where Wendy and her father was standing with Madam Pomfrey. "You look beautiful, Wendy," the brown-haired girl commented as she lowered herself to the girl's eye level. "I understand why Harry chose you over me for his date."

"I know," Wendy answered with a raised nose and a roll of her eyes before pointing an accusing finger at Hermione. "So I suggest you back off."

Harry's eyes bugged out for a moment before he realised the little girl was having Hermione on, then he had to work on keeping a straight face. Hermione was dumbstruck and speechless, looking at the smaller girl with wide eyes.

"I know what you are doing with this," she pointed at Hermione's attire and makeup, "thing. You want to seduce steal my Harry."

Hermione tried her luck speaking, but didn't make much headway as her brain refused to work. "I- But- Harry-"

Wendy raised her hand, her palm looking at the older girl and shook her head disappointedly. "I don't want to hear it. I can't believe you even fell for that. Harry said you were the smartest witch of your age."

It took a few seconds for Hermione's brain to finally kick in and her eyes widened even further as Harry, Jack and Poppy laughed their asses off. "You- would make one hell of an actress."

"I know," the little girl said haughtily and threw her hair to a side before losing her composure and falling victim to a giggling fit.

"Miss Granger," the headmistress cut into Harry's laughter. "Everyone except the champions and their dates needs to find their seats in the great hall."

Hermione nodded and followed orders after giving Harry a good luck kiss, followed by Jack and Poppy. Meanwhile, Harry took a deep breath and squared his shoulders, holding out a hand for Wendy to take. They joined the other champions and their dates in front of the great hall doors as they waited for McGonagall to send them in.

"You will enter by the order of points you received in the first task," McGonagall informed them. "You will take your seats at the head table and after dinner, you will open the dance." She looked right at Harry as she added, "I hope you brushed up on your dancing skills. We have many guests here tonight and I'm sure you want to do your schools proud."

"Don't look at me," Harry said with his arms raised. "I have an excuse for my inability to put two feet next to each other," he said with a grin and pointed his thumb at his nine-year-old date who grinned back gave him thumbs up.

"Smart. Use every advantage you can get and admit nothing," Wendy praised, sounding far older than she is and earning chuckles from the other champions and a small quirk of lips from McGonagall.

"Be that as it may, I expect you, Mr. Potter, to carry yourself with dignity," McGonagall warned after she wrestled control of her facial expression.

Harry patted her chest and pockets as if looking for something before smacking himself on his forehead. "Didn't think I would need it so I must have left it in my dorm," he joked, grinning cheekily.

"I wish you had left your cheek as well," McGonagall murmured before shaking her head. "I give up. Just- Please, don't embarrass us too much."

"Hey, why don't you say the same to Cedric? He's the real Hogwarts champion," Harry complained, milking McGonagall's patience for all its worth and finding the limit if the throbbing vein on her temple was a sign.

It was Wendy who kicked him in the shin and answered, "Just shut up, watch your feet and look pretty."

"My, my. Aren't you a little full of yourself today?" Harry asked with raised eyebrows. "I'm not Hermione, little girl. I don't get flustered so easily."

"We'll see how in control of your faculties you will be when you dance with her in that dress," the girl shot back with a grin.

Merlin, she'll be a handful when she comes to Hogwarts and starts dating. "You may have a point there."

"Anyway," McGonagall cut in before their banter could get out of hand. "Mr. Potter, you and Wendy will go in first, followed by Mr. Krum and his date, Mr. Diggory and Miss Chang, and finally, Miss Delacour and Mr. Davis." She pushed the wooden doors of Great Hall open and waved Harry in.

Harry did so with Wendy's arm in his, with the applause from the crowd accompanying them. He glanced at his date to see her bewildered and flushed and had to hide a smile as he patted her hand to remind her of his presence. The girl rewarded Harry with a shaky smile, her nerves at being the centre of so many people's attention plain on her face for anyone to see. Not that anyone would dare to say a word on the matter.

He saw Percy wave him to the seat next to the redhead but pretended not to notice as he sat next to his headmaster after giving the old man a nod and a smile. "Sir, allow me to introduce Lady Wendy Downes. My lady, this is Headmaster Dumbledore; Chief Twinklelock of Wizengamot; Supreme Oompa Loompa of International Confederation of Old People; Holder of Order of Grandpa's, First Class." The word-plays and the grand tone he used earned him a gentle smile from Dumbledore and giggles from Wendy.

"It's an honour to meet you, Lady Downes," Dumbledore played along as he bowed as deep as he could in his seat, his long beard falling to his water glass, earning another giggle from the girl.

"Nice to meet you, sir. I read a lot about you; about your duel with Grindelwald and your accomplishments in alchemy with Nicholas Flamel," Wendy answered with more than a little hero-worship in her tone.

"We wasted months to dig up that information," Harry grumbled under his breath but was ignored by both.

"You did?" Dumbledore asked Wendy in surprise. "It is rare to meet such a young book enthusiast."

"Just because I can't perform magic, doesn't mean I can't know magic."

That sounds tragically mature, Harry thought as his heart broke at the girl's suffering once again.

"That is a wise philosophy," the already-legend wizard said with sadness and admiration in his eyes. "I hope you can be a good influence on young Harry, here. He could use a little studying," he joked with a whisper, making the girl giggle again and Harry's heart soar at the sound.

Before Harry could rebuke Dumbledore's statement, Karkaroff butted in with a snippy tone from few seats away. "You allow a Muggle to enter this renowned institution, Dumbledore? Oh, how far can Hogwarts fall?"

Harry froze for a moment, not comprehending how someone could say something so awful, before he saw the broken expression and tears in Wendy's face and he flushed in anger. "Sleep with one eye open, Karkaroff," he hissed after he turned to the yellow-toothed bastard with furious eyes and all the venom he could put in his voice.

Karkaroff's look of surprise at being threatened by a student and the suddenness of it didn't last long. "Control your pupil, Dumbledore. He forgets his place."

Before Dumbledore could even open his mouth, Harry shot back, "I think it's you who forgets his place. You are a guest in this school, and while I can't speak for Headmaster Dumbledore, I won't allow you to disrespect my friend or my home," he snapped, his voice raising without his notice.

He ignored the people watching the exchange as he glared at the bastard, hoping against all hope for the man to do something stupid so he could cause him pain. Oh, he knew he couldn't do much against a headmaster of another school. A fourteen-year-old schoolboy had no realistic chance in truly hurting a man with Karkaroff's experience, but he was sure he could land a few painful blows while Dumbledore would protect him.

"Enough foolishness," Dumbledore hissed before Karkaroff could offer a comeback. "Igor, the boy is right. Need I remind you of your discretions during the war and their consequences?"

I'm honest enough to admit, Dumbledore can be one scary man when he wants to be.

Karkaroff looked as if he wanted to complain more but succumbed to Dumbledore's aura of power. "My apologies, young lady. I meant no disrespect."

Wendy sniffed and buried her head in Harry's midsection when the asshole turned to her, making Harry want to hurt the man all the more but a warning glance from Dumbledore put a lid to that idea. At least for the time being. "My apologies, Mr. Karkaroff. I hurt the mood of the table in such a wonderful evening." It wasn't an apology but it was all they would get from Harry and no one wanted to talk further on the subject.

Harry turned his attention to the upset girl hanging on to him with all she had. "It's okay, Wendy. The asshole doesn't know what he's talking about," he whispered soothingly to the girl. "Besides, didn't you see his face? He looks like a rat with a dental hygiene problem. How can you take anything coming from that mouth seriously?"

He felt the girl smile on his stomach but she didn't come out of her shelter so Harry moved his hand on her back in soothing motions. "Winky," he whispered to the air.

Winky arrived with a silent pop, somehow feeling the mood. "What can Winky dos for you, Master Harry?"

"Can you bring the box in my drawer?"

Winky nodded and left with a pop, returning a minute later in the same manner. Harry took the box from the sparkling house-elf and gently pried the cute leech off of his body. "Wendy, I'd like you to meet Winky, my... She's my family," he said with a small smile that got bigger when Winky grinned widely. "Winky, I'd like you to meet Wendy. She's a dear friend of mine."

"Nice's to meet you, little mistress," Winky said and curtsied with her cute yellow dress.

"Nice to meet you too, Winky." Wendy examined the house-elf carefully while trying to act polite for a moment before leaning into Harry and asking, "What is she?"

"Why don't you ask her? You won't be offended, would you, Winky?"

"Winky won't, sir, Winky won't," Winky denied and shook her head vehemently, making her ears flop around and causing an involuntary giggle escape from Wendy's mouth. "Winky bes a house-elf, missy. It be's Winky's job to take care of my family," she informed the little girl before puffing her chest in pride, showing off the Potter coat of arms. "Winky bes Potter family elf."

Wendy looked somewhere between curious and horrified. "Are- Are you a slave?" she asked hesitantly.

"No!" Winky exclaimed and shook her head more forcefully than before, her voice not raising enough to disturb anyone. "Winky bes family. Winky takes care of Master Harry and Master Harry takes care of Winky."

Wendy turned to Harry with questioning eyes, not judgemental but curious so Harry explained, "Winky is a member of my family. She takes care of my daily needs like preparing my food and washing my clothes. It's my job to take care of her and see to her needs if she has any. You are right to have doubts about this type of bond. Some people treat their elves like a slave, hurting them and insulting them. More often, like my bond with Winky, wizards accept elves to their family. Think of her like a mother-figure for poor me," he finished with a wink.

"Your mother is small," Wendy commented with a smile."

"All elves are, compared to humans." Harry glanced around in faux-fear before he leaned in and whispered, "Don't tell Hermione I told you this but she used to knit clothes for house-elves. Giving a house-elf a piece of cloth means you free them. To house-elves with happy homes, it's like kicking them out of their home and family. So, when Hermione did that, Hogwarts elves had refused to clean the Gryffindor tower in protest."

Wendy looked at Winky with wide-eyes for confirmation and giggled when she received it. "That sounds silly."

"I know," Harry agreed with a grin before he turned to Winky. "Thank you for your help, Winky."

Winky hesitated for a moment before taking a piece of parchment out of her pocket and whispering, "Master Harry, sir, Mistress Hermione asks Winky to give this to you."

"Thank you," Harry told her as he took the parchment. He was curious about the contents but his need to make Wendy forget all about the ugliness from earlier won. "I have a gift for you."

"You do?" Wendy asked with excitement and wonder. "Gimme!"

Harry did and watched as the girl tore into the wrapping paper to find a small box the size of a ring box filled with tiny books. She looked up Harry with confused eyes before she understood. "It's a library!"

"Your very own. There are over fifty books in there; Muggle fiction, psychology, human anatomy, charms, transfiguration, potions, runes, arithmancy, magical theory. All you need to do is have your father say the password and it will resize itself to regular size. When you give the password again, it will shrink back to this size."

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" She jumped on him, hugging him for all she's worth, with tears on her eyes.

"Thank Hermione too. She's the one who came up with the idea. I was going to buy you a doll to play with," Harry said after wiping his face on his sleeve.

Their conversation was cut by Dumbledore who leaned in to get a look at Wendy's gift and nodded appreciatively. "You should order your food before we have to clear the tables for the dance."

Harry and his date looked around in surprise to see everyone eating and both turned to Dumbledore with the same question in their eyes. Dumbledore snickered at the synchronised movements before explaining how they could order food.

Wendy wanted to try French food and Harry followed her lead, curious about foreign cuisine. They enjoyed their food and small banter until the headmaster rose to his feet and invited the champions to open the dance.

Harry offered his hand to his date with a bow and led her to the dance floor before turning around and lifting her up, not having a problem thanks to her smaller than normal stature. He held her to his chest, her hand snaking around his neck and swayed with music when the band started, doing his best to make it as real as possible for the smiling girl.

When the song ended, he bowed with Wendy still on his hands to the applauding crowd before going back to dancing, enjoying the happiness on small girl's face. They danced for a few more songs before Wendy ordered him to dance with Hermione in a stern voice followed by a giggle before she ran off to find her father.

Harry had no problems finding Hermione as he had kept a jealous eye on her from the moment she joined the dance floor on blonde French boy's arms. He walked swiftly and with authority towards her and her partner. "Can I have this next dance?" he asked in a firm but polite voice, giving a small bow to Hermione and ignoring the boy.

Hermione turned to the older boy and spoke with a broken French; the boy answering in his native language as he glared at Harry. The dark-haired teen raised an eyebrow at the French, daring him. His partner whispered at the glaring boy harshly.

"Prostitué!" the boy hissed before he turned around to leave but was stopped by Harry's hand gripping painfully into his shoulder.

"You may want to consider an apology," Harry said, his voice harsh and filled with venom, freezing the boy in his tracks. "I don't take kindly to some asshole insulting my partner."

The affronted boy whirled around and looked down at Harry with contempt, giving Harry the impression he was underestimated once again. "'oo do you zink you are, telling me zat to do, boy?"

Harry took a step forward, shrugging off the restraining hand Hermione put on his shoulder and got into other boy's face, not letting the height difference matter with his mere presence. "Apologise or you'll wake up in the hospital wing in a worse state than Malfoy did when he attacked my partner."

The boy hesitated but didn't budge. "'e was a foolish boy; I am a man." He turned to Hermione who was trying to drag Harry away from the French. "Are you sure you don't wanz a real man to show you zat a good night iz? I azzure you I can perform bezzer than thiz leetle boy."

Hermione's hands left Harry's body as soon as the boy finished, finding his cheek with a firm open hand. The slap vibrated around the hall even with the loudness, drawing the attention of a few bystanders as the boy's head whipped around. "How dare you, you disgusting pig? As if I would lower myself to spending a night with an ugly misogynist."

Harry smirked at the red-faced boy as Hermione dragged him away and winked. "I wasn't defending her," he yelled. He turned around and wrapped an arm around the brunette. "My girl needs no prince charming."

Hermione whirled around and glared Harry's smile away. "You weren't acting like a prince charming just now."

"I wasn't trying to," Harry said with a tilted head. "I wasn't trying to defend your honour either if that's your problem. You can do that fine on your own. I was correcting an asshole who thinks he can come here and insult a girl from this school with no repercussions."

Hermione huffed in her special manner, making it hard for Harry to not smile. "You should have ignored him."

"I could have but ignoring him would make him slobber all over and causing trouble for another girl," Harry answered with a shrug. "You know me, Hermione. I don't like it when people act arrogant and entitled. He needed to be taken down a peg and I was willing."

The brunette girl sighed and leaned into Harry. "This night is supposed to be fun with no fighting and stress. Don't think I didn't saw you with Karkaroff."

"That asshole had the gall to insult both Wendy and Hogwarts," Harry hissed, his anger from then returning. It's not the time for that, Harry. "I may not jump to your defence every time someone insults you but that's because I know you can take care of yourself. No one insults Wendy."

Hermione looked up in repulsed shock. "He didn't! Oh, that- that awful man!"

Harry chuckled as the tension left his body. "I love it when you talk dirty like that."

"Shut up," Hermione huffed, hiding her flushed face back in his chest. "Let's dance," she blurted and dragged Harry to the dance floor.

Dancing with Hermione is decidedly different from dancing with Wendy, Harry decided as he felt every curve of Hermione's body sway with the music. And I love it. While it was harder because of the effort it took to control his body's reaction to Hermione's and his impulse to steal her away to a secluded place, that made it even more fun. Harry thrived when faced with a challenge and he faced this challenge head-on; the challenge to stay a gentleman while his thoughts were not.

Hermione must have read his thoughts as she smirked and ghosted her hand on Harry's abdomen in a sensual manner, making it hard for Harry to breath and making it hard. The emerald-eyed wizard tried to glare at the maddening girl but failed, giving into the temptation her pink lips offered. The kiss was similar to those they shared before yet filled with new sensations, a new desire from both parties.

They parted after what felt like hours and seconds at the same time, panting, their lips swollen and eyes glazed over with lust. Hermione patted Harry on his chest and put a small distance between them. "We should get drinks and some air."

Harry nodded and turned to the drinks table but didn't move towards it. "Would you mind if we bring Wendy with us? Earlier, I promised her we would watch the stars and I don't think I could leave your side tonight."

The disappointment he feared didn't show in Hermione's face, in its place an adoring smile. "Of course," she sniffed dramatically. "I could never have you while she's in your life."

Harry shook his head in faux-sadness. "Oh, I love you, honey. I will leave her for you, I promise. But you know I have to think about the kids first."

Hermione snorted and pushed Harry towards the drinks. "You'd make a horrible cheater."

"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

"Good for me in any case," Hermione said with a self-satisfied grin. "I'd know the moment you are dishonest with me."

"I'd never lie to you," Harry claimed but amended when Hermione looked at him disbelievingly, "I'd never lie to you about anything important. I might tell a white lie once in a while."

"Don't worry. I know you well enough to not believe you when you say fine."

"It's all relative anyway," Harry said with a careless shrug. "Wine or something age appropriate?"

Hermione looked at him like he was crazy.

"Something age appropriate, it is," Harry said and made to pick a couple of butterbeers, only to be stopped by his partner.

"That wasn't what that look said. Tonight is a special night. We can make a small exception," she said as she picked up two glasses of red wine after she glanced around to ensure no teachers were around. "What? I might make an exception but I don't think they," she nodded towards McGonagall who was glaring at random students like they were about to do something silly, "might not."

Harry shrugged and accepted Hermione's logic and the wine she was holding out for him before he held out his arm for her to take. They found Wendy and Jack near the door, doing dance moves, each trying to out-silly the other. "You should both give up," Harry declared. "Neither of you can best Madam Granger, the ballet dancer extraordinaire."

"Hey, ballet is a serious dance," Hermione glowered.

"I know but you looked quite silly in that photo your mother sent me the other day," Harry answered with a straight face.

Hermione's eyes widened in horror and she flushed in embarrassment. "Tell me she didn't, please. Oh, how could she do this? I will kill that- that- that foolish woman."

"Wow. You kiss your mother with that mouth?" Jack joked as Harry and Wendy chuckled.

"Not anymore, I won't," Hermione declared, her voice muffled by her hands covering her face.

"Oh, come on, Hermione. You looked adorable."

"Wait," Hermione said as her head snapped up, her eyes narrow in suspicion. "Why would my mother write a letter to you? She couldn't have sent it on her own. She doesn't have an owl."

"I may have written her, asking for a list of books you had and your favourites," Harry confessed, hoping the book thread would distract his angry partner. It didn't work as her glare gained intensity. "And I may have asked nicely for an embarrassing picture."

The brunette poked Harry painfully in his chest. "You better had bought me one hell of a library or you'll be in a world of pain."

"Believe me, I hope so," Harry breathed out before he put on an over-enthusiastic smile on his face. "Wendy, we were just about to go out to watch the stars. Would you like to come?"

"Nah," the little girl answered with a wide grin. "I prefer to watch Hermione hex you."

"I've been betrayed," Harry exclaimed with his hand on his heart. "My revenge shall be long and my betrayer shall beg for release." He waited a moment as Wendy ran out of the hall, giving her a small lead before following with a wide grin. "Get back here, you scoundrel! Get back and face me like a man!"

He didn't need to look back to know Hermione and Jack were following the childish duo thanks to their chuckles. Harry caught the little runner in the courtyard, lifting her up and jumping on the snow, landing with Wendy sitting on his chest. "I win," she screamed, her grin painfully wide.

"I am bested by my betrayer," Harry moaned dramatically and waved his fist at the sky. "There is no justice in this cruel world. But I refuse to bow to my oppressors and those who would sit on a man's chest. I shall face my fate with my head held high and make my ancestors proud."

"I don't know which of them is the child," Harry heard Jack say with his smile obvious in his voice.

"I think they both are," Hermione said. "Harry had less than an ideal childhood and I think he's enjoying a chance to be one now that he got a chance."

He swallowed the thickness in his throat and pretended not to hear the 'old people' as he moved Wendy so she was laying against his chest as they settled to watch the sky. "Do you know why I love flying so much?"

"Why?" Wendy asked without looking at him.

"Because there are no walls in the sky. I can fly wherever I want to; I am free when I fly."

"Aren't you free on the ground?" the girl asked, looking at him from the corner of her eyes.

"I don't feel like I am. There is always someone who hates you, someone who wants something from you, someone who expects something from you. I learned long ago that people are loud, rude and demanding. Now, sun, clouds and stars, they are always welcoming, always listening and always supportive. Hogwarts is where I belong, but the sky is where I'm free to be me."

Hermione laid next to him a moment after he finished and snuggled up to Harry. "There are people here who love you, Harry."

"I know," the green-eyed wizard answered with certainty. "That's why I don't live in the air."

Wendy snorted, her breath tickling Harry's chest. "How would you live in the air?"

Harry shrugged, causing both girls' heads to move up and down. "I could figure a way out. I could become an animagus and live as a bird, flying wherever I want and hunt my food."

"But you won't, right?" Hermione asked, unable to hide the little fear she felt at the prospect.

Harry smiled at the girl and planted a ghostly kiss on her nose. "Of course not. How could I leave my girls without my delightful presence?"

Neither girl answered, which pleased Harry immensely and they spent the next hour laying there, watching the clouds move and catching the stars when they allowed. Wendy's soft snores rose them up and Jack insisted on taking her back to the hospital so the kids could enjoy the rest of their night.

It was a subdued but content couple that made their way to Great Hall, refusing to leave each other's embrace as they walked. They joined the dance floor without a word and danced the night away, enjoying the feel of each other's bodies and the smell of each other's sweat.

And as Harry gazed at Hermione's chocolatey eyes, he knew, without a doubt, he loved her. Loved her like he couldn't love anyone else, and wouldn't even if he could. Who could I love but my partner in everything? He didn't feel the need to share his newfound understanding of his emotions. Hermione knew just by the look in his eyes.

Hermione didn't voice it either. Harry knew just by the look in her eyes.

His jealousy over the way Hermione looked at Viktor was long gone; she looked at him better, with love and respect and adoration and all the assorted feelings.

They were lost in each other, and neither wanted to be found. They belonged to each other, and neither wanted their freedom back.

Bagman's voice interrupted their kiss as they spoke of their love for each other without words. "Ladies and Gentlemen, if I may have your attention." The chubby gambler cleared his throat and smiled, basking in the attention he received. Good for him, Harry thought. Bagman might be a degenerate gambler and a fool but he was, in his essence, a good man, wanting the simplest and shiniest things in life. "We end a great tournament with a delightful evening of dancing, and I'm sure we all would like to hear from the man who made it all happen. Well, okay, the ball would have happened either way but the point stands. Please, give a round of applause for Harry Potter."

Harry pushed down his irritation at the interruption to his time with Hermione and put an appreciative smile on his face as the noise level reached a new high. He tried to ignore Bagman waving him onto the stage but a push from Hermione saw him accept it begrudgingly. "Thank you," he said after he cast sonorous charm. He considered what he could say before chuckling to hide his nerves. "It was a great tournament, wasn't it? We all had fun as we raised..." he trailed off, remembering he still hadn't asked Hermione about the final numbers. He saw Hermione mime something and remembered the piece of parchment she gave Winky. He took out the parchment and looked at it in shock. "Holy shit!"

He cleared his throat, blushing at his reaction and faced the crowd with wide eyes and a big smile. "We raised a hundred and eighty-seven thousand three hundred and ninety-four galleons, four sickles and thirteen knuts," he whispered, his voice echoing across the room as no one made a sound. "That's more than twice our initial estimations."

"So, no, I can't accept your applause. This wasn't my success. This was all of ours. Everyone who helped with the tournament and everyone who watched it. The sponsors, the vendors, the cleaners, the builders, the ministry officials, the viewers, the players. This success belongs to our community. It is a reminder of what we can accomplish if we put our heads together. So, I don't want you to applaud me. I want you to applaud yourself and your community."

"This tournament may be over," he continued once the room silenced again, the applause still ringing in everyone's ears. "But it doesn't mean our work is done. We each have too much to offer to retire from community work. This month, we showed the world the good we are capable of. Let's not stop here. Let's aim higher, higher and higher." He breathed out and chuckled. "Let's aim for the stars and lead the magical world, not just ours but every part of the magical world, to a new golden era. Arthur and Merlin did it. Helga, Salazar, Rowena and Godric did it. Alexander did it. We can do it too if we come together. This," he showed the parchment to the crowd even though they couldn't read it. "This proves we can do what they did, and do it even better."

He looked around and grabbed the first glass he found after ensuring it was untouched. He raised his wine in the air. "To a world that will be the envy of future generations," he took a sip, joined by the crowd.

"And to new challenges."

Hello everyone. This is the end of this fanfic but I am considering a continuation that focuses on the effects new Harry and his idea of unification have on the war. I am still not sure how I would go about it and if you have any ideas, please comment and share. I hope to find inspiration.

And thank you for following through on one my my first attempts at writing.