A/N: Now that I've sort have figured out what reviews are, please consider reviewing this work, so I can gauge if the extra effort of posting it here is worth it. I will still write it! You'd just have to read it on a different platform so no big deal. 3 However, I will update the rest of what I have here if it is wanted.

Chapter eight: The calm

Halloween came and went and so did the weeks after that.

During that time Harry's relationship with Snape grew considerably. It would have been impossible for it not to, as the two saw each other after and outside of classes at least three times a week.

Often, they discussed potions as Harry was quite adept with them and even expressed hypothesis with the professor on newer potions. Of course, the professor assisted on those hypotheses, Harry was brilliant, however; he was still a child and some concepts escaped him but he was learning and he understood a frightening amount.

When they weren't discussing potions; Snape would ask questions regarding his week or visions. The questions regarding his visions weren't self-serving questions that most would ask a seer. No, professor Snape did not ask of his own fortune, but he did often inquire after Harry's nightmares or he would give Harry the space to talk about his most ghastly visions or visions that he did not quite understand.

They would have such conversations in the professor's office and often they ended with the professor intimidatingly helping Harry meditate after drinking his favorite tea; mint with honey. As of late; upon entering the professor's office, a mug of said tea always awaited him at the chair he usually found himself seated at across from the professor's own and for some reason Harry hoped that that really meant something because he actually like spending time with the abrasive and curt man.

Another occurrence was the development of Harry's relationship with those of Ravenclaw.

His relationship with his peers was respectable to say the least. The older years often appointed him leadership positions among the first years and now he was often approached by the various members of his house for guidance or help with their homework. It was no secret that he was already considered the top student in their House. Some were jealous but most were excepting.

The upper years however, made him uncomfortable at times as they often took it upon themselves to do things such as; "straighten" his already straight tie, or remove lint from his robes and some would even move his bangs from his face while they spoke to him. Perhaps they assumed it would force him meet their eyes, but Harry stared at their nose or ear always. He was not one for much eye contact, but there was no sense in removing their sense of control to which they used as security, so he remained quiet on the matter.

Harry noticed that many of his first-year peers were jealous of him at times. In the beginning Harry misunderstood their emotions for anger but he rationalized that most other times his housemates were friendly with him. However; when Harry was with upper years, they would sometimes make discontented faces and whisper quietly to one another. Harry now knew it was because of how the upper years treated him with such care and sometimes even respect. His peers were never outright open with their jealousy most days, unless; it was one of the Prefect elect, Joseph Kama who chose to dote on Harry.

Joseph Kama was a rather popular student and Harry thought that he could be popular based on his looks alone. With his dark unblemished skin, short, and kinky yet soft black hair, soft round eyes and if Kama allowed one close enough; they could also see the lone few moles that existed across his face and neck.

Kama also seemed to be a reserved and quiet older boy while in groups but with Harry and a select few upper years and classmates, Kama was quite talkative. Harry did not know much about Kama—personally that is, but he knew that the older boy was intelligent as he was the top student among the third students last year, and he would no doubt be at the top again among the fourth years. Harry also knew Joseph had a soft spot for Harry but that soft spot did not extend to his brother and that did bother Harry. However, he knew that he could not force others to like and or tolerate others, so he did not comment on it as he found no need to because Kama was never rude or disrespectful toward his brother, just indifferent and sometimes even dismissive.

Kama often helped Harry with his extracurricular studies and even made remarks on his heir-ship. The remarks were never anything rude, however; he encouraged Harry to behave more openly, especially with other heirs of important families and Harry tried but he was beginning to learn and understand that his social skills were severely lacking.

He was not like the other children his age who shone under attention, nor was he rightfully childish due to his visions and upbringing. He even spoke differently and many times his peers told him to stop speaking so boring and pompously. When his peers said the latter, Harry knew it was because he used vocabulary that his peers did not understand. However, Kama has never demanded that Harry change his person, but the boy did however; consistently help Harry navigate mundane and childish conversations and even encouraged Harry on multiple occasions to "play" with his peers.

At first Harry scrunched his nose up at this, but for some reason he did not want to disappoint the other boy and on most days, Harry would give in and follow suit and when he did, his relationships with his peers became more informal. Harry found that he liked that quite a lot.

Some other upper years attempted to take Harry under their metaphorical wings, but Harry found them much too pushy and openly showed disinterest in their attempts. Harry also knew that those students only wanted to get near Harry in order to get closer to his brother. While Kama makes it a point to not mention Nathan even on accident unless Harry mentions him and even then, Kama clearly has to feign his interest.

Harry liked the how subtle Kama was, he also liked that Kama did not chase him about, Kama made himself a readily available resource to Harry but was a mystery at the same time. and Harry took the bait greedily and slowly but surely Kama wormed his way into Harry's daily life and therefore also into Terry and Hermione's who looked up to the upper year immensely and in some ways, Harry did too, he most definitely respected the older boy's ambition and found himself accepting of the upper year's advice and guidance. It only helped the boy's standing with Harry further, when Helena; the grey lady, advised Harry to become closer to Kama and not underestimate the other boy's uses. With all of that in mind, when the older boy politely asked Harry to write him during the winter holidays a month and a half later, Harry found himself assuring the older boy that he would. Harry found that he actually liked the relationships that he was developing.

Even the one with his head of house. Professor Flitwick had monthly meetings with all of his first, fourth, sixth and final year students and so far, Harry has only met with the man twice and each meeting had been rather insightful in regards to the man's person.

First; Harry learned that the professor was a talker. No, the man did not speak over Harry as Hermione, Sirius and his father tended to but nor did he prod Harry to talk more than he wanted or needed, unlike professor Snape and Nathan. The professor reminded him of Remus in a way.

Second; his head of house did not like when Harry tried to blend into the background and the man always made sure to greet him, bid him for well and inquire about his health in passing and Harry found that he did not mind it or feel bothered.

As they pulled into the station Harry was pulled from his thoughts of the year and instead found himself thinking that he will really would miss Hogwarts and its occupants very much during the holidays at home.

Harry noticed that his parents took great interest when Hermione excitedly hugged Harry goodbye. She was followed by Terry who took Harry into a one-armed hug demanding that he not forget to write.

As Harry continued to be approached by various students of his house and even other houses, he did not notice his parents wide eyed surprised stares and continued to politely nod and wave people away that was until Joseph Kama, followed by Hufflepuff Cedric Diggory, Slytherins Adrian Pucey and Peragrine Burke approached him directly.

"You said you'd write," Kama reminded him as he fixed Harry's collar which must have become disheveled after Hermione's rather physical goodbye.

Harry thanked him and said, "I will, I am not forgetful, Kama."

Kama smiled-when Kama smiled it was always so small and subtle just as Harry's were unintentionally. Kama's however, seemed practiced, "I call you, Harry, it's only right that you call me Joseph, don't you think?"

Harry looked away, but nodded, nonetheless. The smile Joseph gave this time was fond, "good. Now, perhaps I shall see you at the Malfoy's Yule ball. I know you've received an invitation thanks to my friend Burke here. Find me there before you depart that evening. I'll better introduce you to he and my other friends." With that Joseph departed but not before he gave a respectful nod toward the rest of Harry's family who were still openly staring at them in shock. Harry did not miss the kind wave from Diggory as the other boy followed his peers.

Harry was done with farewells and stepped closer to his parents so that other students would not attempt to speak with him. While Nathan chattered on with their mother, a firm hand was placed on Harry's shoulder. Why did so many feel the need to touch him?

He peered into his father's eyes and the man quirked an eyebrow and discreetly gestured toward the retreating backs of Joseph and co.

"You're popular." He stated. Harry grimaced slightly, "I believe that they think me more special than I actually am." Now it was James' turn to grimace as unbeknownst to Harry; at that moment James felt very ashamed fore he knew that it was his fault that Harry thought so lowly of himself. He did not speak on such thoughts. Instead he chose to simply guide Harry to his brother and mother.

Upon arriving home Harry immediately went to the sanctuary of his rooms after he greeted Remus, and Sirius quickly before he said hello to Mousy and the other few house elves located in their home before he finally escaped to his room. Later in the evening, his presence was demanded at dinner where they all ate in relative peace until the Malfoy Yule invitation was brought up by Harry. Who thought that it would have been most rude to not have mentioned it.

"Absolutely not!" Sirius all but yelled, "why would we go to some Death Eater Christmas gathering!?" Their mother, hissed Sirius' name and she must have kicked him too as the man hissed in pain and clutched his knee under the table.

"What's a Death Eater?" Nathan asked innocently. He had heard the phrase in passing at school, but it was always said with such contempt and venom that Nathan had always been too shy to ask.

"A follower of he-who-must-not-be-named, Nathaniel." Harry informed before he took a bite of his pasta. His father grimaced but there was no point in lying to Nathan now that he had heard the name from a member of his own family. "Personally, I am interested in going as the Potter heir but also because my classmates Ernest Macmillan and Susan Bones will be there. Susan has promised to introduce me to her aunt, Madam Bones," Harry said casually.

Lily perked up at this, "Susan and Ernest? Are these more friends of yours?" she asked, she was desperate to learn anything that the boy was willing to share and ever since she saw him be so sociable with his classmates she wanted to know so much more about those Harry was willing to associate himself with. Especially when he was so closed off and abrasive most days.

"No, they're classmates, associates if you will." Harry said bluntly to which Lily frowned deeply. Nathan kicked him under the table playfully and urged him tell them about Terry and Hermione. "He referred to them as his 'friiieeends' the other day! Hermione cried and hugged him! You should have seen his face," Nathan singsonged as he teased Harry lightly.

This time it was Remus who perked up, "ah, Hermione is the muggleborn you've taken under your wing, isn't she? You've mentioned her in your letters."

Harry nodded, "she is indeed, I would have invited her to be my guest, but I do not believe it would be a good environment for her. While the event is not limited to purebloods, no muggleborns from backgrounds deemed unimportant were invited—or so I was told by Draco Malfoy. So I would not like to try my luck and put her in a stressful environment that would not appreciate her."

Sirius took this moment to speak once again, "see!? Why would we go somewhere where muggleborns aren't invited!? They're just as magical as the rest of us!" Sirius directed his words at Harry, so it was Harry who responded.

"I do not disagree with you, however; I am not muggleborn and muggleborns like mother have been invited. Why should I not go because a select few were not invited themselves? Should I have not gone to Hogwarts because some muggleborn-who perhaps lacked, money or magical talent were not invited? I think it is an excellent learning opportunity, I would like to go, and we have all been invited."

Sirius grumbled childishly and angrily threw his napkin on his plate before he stood and exited, "I'll pass," he growled before he left. Remus looked at them apologetically before he excused himself and followed after the other man.

Harry frowned. He felt obligated to ensure of Sirius' presence as he had sworn to Mrs. Malfoy that he would do so.

After Harry had gone through the invitations, he was able to read a personalized note from Mrs. Malfoy that was contained in his invitation from the woman. In the missive she inquired him to write her further and Harry did so and quickly the two were exchanging letters as if they were old friends. Narcissa was respectful and graceful in her approach to him and not once did she make him feel childish but at the same time, she did not make him feel like an adult either. It was quite refreshing and perhaps it was due to that that he felt bad that he has not had the chance to relay Narcissa's various messages to Sirius, the woman really did seem as if she wanted nothing more than to reconnect with the man. This was not for lack of Harry trying, of course. Whenever Harry had tried to bring the woman up Sirius immediately tensed and would change the topic abruptly and Harry knew how to take hints and would not prod him any further.

Harry decided that he would not give up and would keep trying. In the meantime, he turned to his father who had been quiet for most of the evening.

"I personally am not one for fancy get togethers. Especially the ones of the more traditional variety," he paused and grimaced, "especially something hosted by the Malfoy's. I've always hated them growing up but coming out of hiding has taught me that there is no sense in hiding away from these things and they will at least allow us to get to know our community and I also made a promise to my grandfather as he died that I would try harder to learn of my own heritage and to teach it to you all-my family as well. So, I would like for us all to go." It was said so seriously and maturely that they all gaped at them in their own way. This caused his father to blush and laugh nervously, "think of it as a learning experience!" He said playfully.

Nathan groaned loudly, he openly dreaded the thought socializing with haughty traditionalist and his mother looked uncertain but all in all Harry deemed it a success on his part.

They arrived at the manner by floo. Sirius and Remus included. The group were very surprised upon being greeted, not by a house elf but by a human butler who proceeded to guide them into the elaborate Malfoy manor without preamble. Once they reached the ballroom, they were immediately greeted by Mrs. Malfoy who stood near the door.

"It's the Potters and Siri!" She said in welcome and Harry did not miss how she did not acknowledge Remus' presence at all. Mrs. Malfoy hugged Sirius elegantly and briefly before she quickly instructed two nearby servers to take their coats. She personally removed their mother's jacket before she elegantly handed the it to another nearby server.

She gestured toward the room, and they focused on the ballroom and all its occupants. Many were present and the various party goers were rather diverse. Not all were pureblood, but all had influence in some way or form and those with influence could bring their friends and families it seemed.

"Welcome!" Mrs. Malfoy said proudly, "do come in and mingle and of course there is plenty of food and drinks to go around." Her eyes zeroed in on Harry, and she approached him elegantly. In Harry's opinion she radiated what a powerful and confident woman could be, and he felt slightly ashamed that he did not hold his mother in such regard. Mrs. Malfoy took his hands and bended over slightly so that they are eye to eye, she kissed his hands and spoke to him softly, "thank you for convincing him to come, Harry. I know that my messages were not enough."

Harry blushed and closed his eyes briefly. If he concentrated hard enough, he could hear the voice of Mrs. Malfoy weeping. If he concentrated harder, he could see her clutching the hem of her gown that was covered in blood. As he continued to concentrate, he could hear her as she sobbed, "my baby, my baby, my baby." Over and over.

Harry opened his eyes and forced himself to smile at her kindly. How could the woman in his vision be the radiant woman before her if she were not strong? Harry didn't understand his vision, but he found himself respecting her even more.

He told her to think nothing of him convincing Sirius. Even though it had taken days of incessant pestering. Harry had even had to agree to commit a prank or two but that was of no matter. However, he did know that as a Malfoy, she would do no such thing as see it as a simple favor. She was a Slytherin after all and in some way, so was Harry, so he understood. Mrs. Malfoy left them upon convincing Sirius to speak with her in private. Harry bid her and Sirius farewell and If he had paid attention, he would have seen mother's green eyes light with jealousy.

Harry watched as their father immediately found colleagues from the ministry. He grabbed Remus by the elbow and pulled him along and the two were gone with a hasty goodbye from their father and an apologetic look from Remus.

Harry looked toward his mother and brother and the two looked quite uncomfortable, so Harry decided to not leave their sides until the two relaxed. Luckily, it did not take long for Nathan to spot Neville Longbottom who stood tensely beside his grandmother along with a tall and burly man who looked strikingly like Neville himself. Neville spotted them too and he desperately waved them over. Apparently, Nathan and Neville had become quite close over the term, and in the future, Harry could see he and Neville himself becoming good friends, especially after the events of Nathan's last Quidditch match.

"Hi, Nathan, hi Harry, good to see you. You remember my grandmother, right?" Neville spoke quietly and gestured toward the grandmother in question who he seemed to refuse to make eye contact with.

Nathan nodded enthusiastically and bowed sloppily, seemingly overjoyed that there were people he knew here, "of course! Long time no see, Mrs. Longbottom!"

Neville smiled but the smile was quickly replaced with a grimace as he introduced his Uncle, Carl Longbottom. Nathan was a lot shier in his greeting with the current Longbottom lord and Harry was reserved but the two acknowledged the man, nonetheless. Thankfully, Carl merely nodded before he saw a friend and or colleagues and excused himself.

"My, you boys have grown quite a bit, haven't you?" Mrs. Longbottom commented tersely. She then dismissed their presence and turned to their mother, "how goes the boy's home education? The last I heard they were focusing on charms."

Lily smiled brightly, "They have completed their home courses and now self-study in addition to their Hogwarts education. They still receive etiquette lessons and Harry has an abundance of heir duties and lessons that I still don't understand. I think he's much too young for them, but James insists."

Mrs. Longbottom nodded but did not physically express any further emotion, "you may not understand the importance due to your muggle upbringing, but it is a relief that your husband does and that you are not hindering Harry because of it. The boy seems to be a fine heir, if only Neville was as enthusiastic as he about his duties."

Neville grimaced and Nathan and Harry grimaced along with him. Harry discreetly watched his mother and when her hair began to slightly frizzle—as it so often did when she was angry, Harry hoped silently that she would just remain quiet. Luckily, however, Mrs. Longbottom didn't seem to notice or perhaps she just purposefully paid his mother no mind, but she spoke again before any response could be given.

"Well, Come, Lilian, I will introduce you to the other respectable women present. Your time in seclusion has done nothing for your social standing and it is time to mend that. Especially when the heir of your family has so much potential. Neville, mingle with the young Potters. Come along, Lilian." Mrs. Longbottom did not wait for a response as she elegantly walked away. She obviously fully expected their mother to follow. Harry could tell that his mother was planning to stubbornly refuse but he gently nudged her forward and when she looked at him in betrayal Harry discreetly pointed to Mrs. Longbottom and playfully rolled his eyes and shrugged. He didn't really understand why this soothed his mother, but it often did when Nathan did it when their father was being abrasive, so Harry decided to at least try. His efforts worked as his mother giggled at this and told the three of them to have fun before she began to slowly follow the older and pushy woman.

For a few minutes the three caught up before Harry excused himself and left Nathan and Neville to entertain one another. Harry was fine on his own and he wanted to find Macmillan, which did not take him long at all. He found the other boy in a corner near the desert table and he looked to be in the middle of what looked like a heated conversation with, Slytherin students; Theodore Nott, Blaise Zabini and Draco Malfoy.

Draco spotted him first and waved him over, "Potter, nice of you to come. Here, tell Macmillan that the Bone Crushing curse is the most painful curse. He thinks the cruciatus is the worse. What drivel."

Harry quirked a brow in amusement. If his father heard this conversation, he'd have an aneurysm, and would probably force them all to go home. Harry however, acknowledged that he was not James Potter and decided to indulge them, "I believe that the Cruciatus is the only one of the two classifieds as a curse and thereby wins by default."

Draco rolled his eyes, "of course, you'd agree with the Hufflepuff, Potter and of course, you'd give such a Ravenclaw answer too."

Macmillan looked at the white hard boy smug, "right is right Draco."

"Whatever," Draco muttered, "where are your manors, Macmillan, Potter's your friend but do not worry, I will introduce him on your behalf."

Macmillan looked put out but before he could speak Draco gently nudged Harry along as he introduced him to his fellow Slytherins.

"Potter, that there is Theodore Nott, heir to the most ancient and noble house of Nott and Blaise Zabini a name respected, for its pureblood traits in Italy. Guys, this is Harry Potter, heir to the most ancient and noble house of Potter." Harry did not miss how, Draco purposefully neglected to mention his other title; "the-boy-who-lived's brother." It made him feel more included and confident as if he was his own person in his own right. Harry acknowledged the other boys with a nod of his own when the two briefly nodded toward him.

"So, Potter. It's odd to see you lot at a traditional event such as this; I thought you and your family were blood-traitors." Nott said casually which caused Macmillan to sputter before he was hushed by a glare from Draco. Harry has heard the term quite a few times now. Specifically, when haughtier older pureblood students referred to the Weasley's and even Sirius on occasion. He had asked his father the true meaning in a letter and Harry did not fancy the answer that he received.

He knew that he still did not understand the complexities of the term and he was certain that neither did Nott, so Harry decided to respond vaguely.

"Hm. I suppose we are traitors in the sense that we do not deem ourselves above others because of our blood alone but otherwise we are rather traditional, I am being groomed as the Potter heir, after all." Harry said and he did not elaborate further, he wasn't sure that he would be able to.

Nott looked thoughtful in regard to his answer. It was Blaise who spoke next, he gleefully asked Harry how it was being the boy-who-lived's brother.

"Boring." Harry stated, once again refusing to elaborate. Blaise rolled his eyes, "well you're kind of boring yourself."

"Hey! Your questions are boring!" Macmillan said in Harry's defense, and Harry noted that it made him feel good. However, Macmillan's response caused Nott and Draco to laugh at Zabini's expense and Harry did not understand how but he noticed that such behavior eased the tension from the group. He did not join in on their laughter because he did not find anything funny at that moment. Once they got all of their laughter out of the way, they all moved on too much friendlier topics such as; Quidditch, classes, and even girls. Harry noted how the three of them blushed when discussing the girls at Hogwarts and the girls present at the ball.

As if summoned, a group of girls passed them by. Harry recognized one of the girls as Pansy Parkinson and another as Daphne Greengrass. Both members of Slytherin house. The girls looked at them briefly before looking away as they giggled and left as quickly as they came. Harry thought the behavior extremely odd.

The other boys must have thought it strange too as they made faces of disgust once the girls were far enough away. All except Nott, who looked extremely pale, "I'm to be married to Parkinson." Nott whispered he sounded as if he were being sent to the gallows.

"Oh? She is quite open in her enamor with Malfoy." Harry stated curiously as he thought of how Parkinson was often found with the Malfoy heir in school and even once or twice, Harry heard other students gossiping of a marriage contract between Draco and Pansy. At this time Harry did not take marriage seriously if it could easily be done by others his own age but another part of him understood it as serious. His mother and father were married after all.

"Pah! As if my father would marry me off to her. Her family has nothing to offer to the Malfoy line." Draco stated meanly, toward the end his voice became silkier and more refined, Harry was very certain that he was repeating the words of someone much older than he.

Harry frowned, why would Draco say such a mean thing-even if he were merely repeating someone else and what did Draco even mean by that? Instead of asking these things aloud, Harry asked, "she is a mean-spirited girl, but she is of a pureblood family. I'm sure by the time you two are older you will get on well." Harry did not understand the problem was, and the other boys did not really understand either but they pretended to. They just knew that the girl was near brutish and possibly had girl germs.

Nott groaned and without thought, he playfully nudged Harry, "you sound like my dad, mate. Lighten up!"

Harry almost smiled at their playful atmosphere, he's only acted this way with Nathan and Terry. It felt good to find another person who would not take him so seriously or call him creepy or deem him too cold and mysterious.

Just then Draco's father approached them, and he spoke sternly and with authority as he told them, " boys. You have been in this corner long enough. Disperse and mingle."

The other boys immediately dispersed and went on their separate ways. Harry began to move from the corner as well. He planned to follow Macmillan so that the two could go off and find Bones, however he was stopped by a firm hand that belonged to Mr. Malfoy on his shoulder. Macmillan saw this and promised Harry that he would find Susan and let her know that he was here before he himself scurried off into the crowd leaving Harry with Mr. Malfoy.

As the man's hand briefly met with Harry's neck, Harry began to see a hazy vision of the man behind him performing the cruciatus curse on a young woman in muggle clothing and beside the woman lay the body of an older man. Harry could not tell whether or not if the man was dead and he really did not want to know. The vision continued to plague him and distantly, he could hear the woman's screams as she begged him to please just kill her. Harry wanted to vomit, and he wanted this man to stop touching him, immediately.

He was broken out of his mind by the voice of the man who canted 'crucio' as if he were bored and as a young woman who Harry could not identify wailed and cried, "Mr. Potter, how are you this evening?" Mr. Malfoy inquired as he guided Harry through the ballroom.

"I am well. Mr. Malfoy, the festivities are wonderful. The decorations are my favorite." Harry said in a near whisper as he struggled to cope with what he had seen.

Mr. Malfoy did not seem to notice his inner turmoil as he continued to speak politely, "I will be sure to mention that to Narcissa, she personally chose the decor after all." Mr. Malfoy stated as he placed Harry in front of him gently and once Harry looked up, he saw that professor Snape and two other men stood before him.

"Gentleman, this is Harrison Charles Potter, heir to the most ancient and noble house of Potter. He is a brilliant young man with a knack for potions or, so I am told by Severus. Mr. Potter, this is Mikhal Greengrass, and Alekzander Avery both the lords of their respective houses and of course, you know potions master, Severus Snape."

Harry said hello but honestly, he felt very out of sorts with this situation, he did not understand what it was that Mr. Malfoy wanted from him.

"It really is a pleasure Mr. Potter. Severus here was explaining that you are the top student in his class." Avery said.

That was news to Harry as he was yet to know of his grades so far. The only reason that he knew that he was doing well was due to the confidence he had in his studies and how competitively Hermione treated him at times.

"Professor Snape has graciously challenged me. There have been many times that I have disappointed him." Harry said politely.

Lucius chuckled, "well, that is only to be expected, as long as you correct yourself, I am sure he will have little room to complain."

"Excuse me, Mr. Malfoy, professor Snape never complains. He informs me of where I can improve and expects no less from me. I am grateful to him." Harry amended quickly.

"Clever boy." Greengrass complimented, as he looked toward his colleagues and not at Harry. They then began to ask Harry questions that made him feel as if he were undergoing an interrogation. Questions such as inquiring whether Harry was learning Latin as most pureblood children did; he was. Or what his favorite subject in school was, if he had a favorite painter or book and even his plans for the future, Harry answered as honest as he could, but he did not understand the deep interest these adults had in his person. He was relieved when professor Snape changed the subject to his potion studies, which they all were able to join in easily but unlike professor Snape, the other three adults were not interested in the subject matter but interested that Harry comprehended it well. After a long while, Harry noticed an abrupt change in the music as it became slightly louder. Harry was even more surprised when Greengrass grasped him by the shoulders and gently but forcibly turned Harry so that he was facing the room at large. As the man stood behind Harry, he whispered into his ear, "do you see the short beautiful brunette across the room."

Harry looked toward where he was directed to do so and saw a young girl that looked like a much prettier and feminine version of the man behind him and nodded.

Greengrass chuckled, "that is my youngest daughter, Astoria Greengrass. She is only nine years old so the other boys deem her too young to dance with. However, you're a mature young man, aren't you? I implore you to offer her a dance and get to know her." And with that Greengrass gently pushed Harry forward and Harry was glad for his chance to escape the overbearing men. Professor Snape did not look like he was enjoying himself either, but Harry heard a puff of air-which was a laugh coming from professor Snape-leave the man's lips when Harry was told to go and dance with Greengrass' daughter. Harry noticed that his brother and Neville were nowhere to be seen but the other children present were finding partners at the persistence of their pushy parents as well. Harry calmly approached Astoria and introduced himself before he politely asked her to dance. The young girl seemed appropriately shy but took his hand, nonetheless.

After various dance lessons, Harry was able to lead the younger Greengrass just fine. She obviously had practice herself as she stepped in tune with him as elegantly as a growing nine-year-old could manage. He made sure to compliment her on her dancing as he had been taught, truly the girl danced quite well, she has yet to step unto Harry's toes. He was utterly confused when her face became even redder than it already was, but he dismissed it as she gave him a compliment of her own; "you are an excellent dancer yourself, Potter heir."

"You are very kind, miss." Harry attempted to say it as kindly and with as much emotion as he could. Children younger than him always thought that he was angry at them since he spoke to them like he did everyone else which apparently can come off as very biting.

As they danced, Astoria looked around shyly, and bit her lip. Something Harry's mother often did when she wants to ask him something but is too anxious of his reply. "I am not a mind reader, Ms. Greengrass. Ask what it is that you wish to ask." Harry was unable to keep his bluntness out of his tone, but the girl should really just speak her mind. Perhaps, he was far too used to Hermione's pushy personality now.

Astoria looked around once more before she leaned in, choosing to whisper her question into Harry's ear, "I've never danced at a ball before. I know this is an odd request, but could you spin me around like a princess? I've been practicing!" after she asked, she refused to meet his eyes fore if she did, she would have seen Harry's brief bewilderment. Harry felt apprehensive for all of two seconds before he received a vivid vision of himself spinning the girl, and she in turn laughed in open delight. It was not often that Harry received such kind and gentle visions and in the rare moments that he did, he made hastes in ensuring that they come true. "Be prepared, I will spin you now." Harry said in warning as he separated them slightly.

And Harry did, he helped the girl twirl in an elegant circle and the girl laughed with more delight than his vision had forseen, and only slightly did she lose her balance toward the end, but Harry caught her easily. She was a small little thing. Coincidentally the song ended and the two began to separate and Harry was caught completely off guard as adults nearby began to clap for them. Harry did not like the attention at all, which was most likely evident on his face as he could not help but to scowl slightly. He also did not know how to respond but luckily, he did not need to. Ms. Greengrass seemed to love the attention and she curtsied politely, and Harry focused on helping her stay balanced as she did so which seemed to only cause the adults to coo and clap more.

Harry wanted nothing more than to find a corner where he could be alone. Frankly he was done socializing and wanted to leave. Astoria seemed to be a perceptive girl and knew-possibly from her own etiquette lessons-that Harry could not simply leave her alone, she pointed to a girl slightly older than her, "that is my sister, Daphne Greengrass, could you please walk me to her." The younger Greengrass requested quietly as if she were trying to not startle Harry. Harry did not respond verbally but he did offer her his arm. Hopefully she would take no offense to his more abrasive behavior, but Harry could only wear his social pureblood mask for so long and he was just so overwhelmed with all the interaction.

As they approached the elder Greengrass, Harry grimace as he noticed that she was with several other Slytherin girls. They all stood in close proximity and seemed to be whispering among one another and as he and the younger Greengrass approached they all briefly pointed toward them and giggled. Harry felt the younger Greengrass tense, she was most likely assumed that they were laughing at her Harry guessed.

Harry politely extended the arm that the younger Greengrass was latched on to the elder Greengrass and he felt immensely less claustrophobic to have his space returned to him when Daphne Greengrass gently took her sister by the hand and out of his hold. He nodded to the group at large but bit out a forced, "goodnight, miss. Thank you for the dance." at Astoria Greengrass, it was not said kindly, but it was also not said meanly. The girl obviously took it kindly as she blushed and smiled kindly in return before Harry abruptly turned away and exited the ballroom altogether.

From the corner of his eye Harry saw Joseph. Luckily the older boy seemed to be engrossed in a conversation with Burkes and he took no notice in Harry's exit. Harry felt a tiny bit of guilt, but he was rather irritated and tired. As he found a door, he exited hastily and found himself on a terrace with an open roof. Harry was unsurprised to find Remus sitting at a lone table all by himself.

Remus did not look up from his glass when Harry had entered, he did however turn toward him after he took a sniff of the air and caught Harry's scent. "Hey, pup, finally exhausted your social battery, huh? Come, join me." Remus said through a smile.

Harry approached him languidly, "I guess I am… socially fatigued. How did you know?" Harry asked as he took a seat across from the man.

Remus laughed, "because I know you, pup." He took a sip of his drink and Harry stared at him intently as he did so. Harry knew that it was some kind of alcohol and because of his potions studies he knew about the various properties of it, but he also knew its dangers. He could not understand why the adults in his life drank it.

"Want a sip?" Remus asked playfully. He snorted when Harry's face contorted in distaste at his question. Despite that, Harry did nod in affirmation. Maybe the adults drank it because it tasted good.

Remus amusedly handed over his glass. Harry sniffed it and was surprised that it smelled rather nice. However, it still smelled like one of his mother's subtle perfumes which did not make him enthusiastic to partake in the drink but still he took a small sip. "Oh." He said in surprise as he processed the new flavor. It was unlike anything he had ever drank. It was sweet going in, however; it burned going down. He thanked Remus and handed the glass back over to the man who was laughing quietly at his reaction.

"Good, huh? It's a white wine, infused with cherry blossoms from Japan. Very fancy. Do you know what wine is?" Harry shook his head in the negative. Harry only knew of the more acidic alcohols, and even some beers as some forms of yeast used in potions could change the potions effects but otherwise, he did not know of many other forms.

Remus smiled at him fondly and began educating Harry in detail on wines, how wine was made, places famous for their wines and he even discussed how the Malfoy's were providing their finest wines from France in order to further show off their wealth. Harry then asked about Cherry Blossoms, and Japan and while Remus did not know much, he knew more than Harry did and was obviously willing to share that knowledge.

Harry listened intently as Remus spoke and only spoke up in order to ask a question or to express his thoughts or confusion which Remus dispelled as best as he could. Harry could speak with Remus for hours. Just as professor Flitwick the man did not demand that he speak more and seemed quite fine with speaking enough for the two of them and it was a bonus that the man was actually very well educated.

"Thank you, Remus, you've taught me quite a lot."

Remus fixed his hair instead of ruffling it which Harry appreciated as Mousy had worked very hard to style his hair for the evening. It was not as wild as his father's or his brother's, but it was nice to style it so that he would look more mature and sophisticated. "Any time, pup. Are you feeling better? Think you can face the masses once more?"

Harry grimaced, if he were to go back, he would be socially obligated to see Macmillan and Bones and then Joseph and whoever it was that Joseph wanted to introduce him to and he honestly felt quite overwhelmed and irritated just thinking about it and not to mention; the repetitive ballroom music agitated him IMMENSELY. It reminded him of times when Nathan would play his records very loudly and the boy's music taste was not very big, and he often listened to the same repetitive bands and songs by one band. A band that used a hand drum instead of a standard drum set and that would not be so bad if the drummer did not play such repetitive notes. Notes that grated on Harry's last nerve and would make him unreasonably agitated. Nathan had only stopped playing the records so loudly upon noticing that they seemed to upset Harry terribly.

"Perhaps, if you were to come with me…" Harry said stiffly through slightly gritted teeth at the mere thought of returning to the ballroom.

Remus smiled tiredly, "I think I am more cowardly out of the two of us. I was only invited because Sirius insisted as he would not have come otherwise but otherwise, I am not exactly welcomed here due to my lack of social standing and perhaps even what I am."

Harry frowned but he did not speak immediately. Remus was a werewolf, and it was the worst kept secret of their family. Despite that, not many people outside of their close circle knew of his condition. As for his social standing, he was a close friend of their family, surely, those attempting to get in their good graces would not openly insult, Remus. "Ah, however, Remus heard better than most humans." Harry thought to himself. Remus has probably heard every crude insult against his person since the moment he entered.

"We could go to the gardens. I am sure that that is where Nathan and Neville Longbottom have run off to. Herbology is Neville's favorite subject and Nathan has been following him around like a lost puppy." Harry offered because he refused to leave Remus alone and feeling unwelcome. Harry knew all too well what that was like.

"Let's go." Harry said as he stood without waiting for Remus' agreement. He took the older man by the hand and the vision that came to him stirred some unknown emotion within him, he felt awed, yet he wanted to cry.

In the vision Remus was holding a small child in his lap as he read from a children's story book. The child was obviously asleep but Remus did not stop reading until Mousy quietly popped into the room and Harry gasped when she spoke and said, "masters Sirius be's calling for master Remus, and it is masters Harry's time to be in his bedding so Mousy would like to takes him. Mousy can't read very well so she thanks you for reading to the young master." The vision began to escape from him as he could not focus on it as he led Remus through the ballroom and that made Harry feel rather melancholy, he is sure of it because he wanted to view a vision such as that once more.

As they reached the outside and nearer to the garden, Harry slowed their pace, "Remus," Harry called out without actually looking at the man fore if he did, he would become flustered.

"Yes, Harry?"

Harry cleared his throat before he spoke despite there being nothing to actually clear away, "when we return to the manor-back home, of course, could you read the last few pages of Arthur the Once and Future King to me? This is a childish request, of course, so feel free to ref-"

Remus approached Harry's side and casually held an arm over his shoulders and shook him gently, "pup, of course. I'd like that. We could make hot cocoa too, with real chocolate and all."

Harry still refused to meet the older man's face, but Remus could tell from the lift of his cheeks that he was smiling.

"Could it just be the two of us? Is that too selfish or too much to ask?" Harry requested. Nathan did not enjoy reading as much as Harry did anyway, and his brother always received everyone else's time whenever he wanted, and while Nathan did not have to share such time with Harry, Harry nearly never had alone time with anyone but his father and the majority of that time was training and discussion of his heir duties. While Nathan's alone time with their father included games of one-on-one Quidditch (on the very rare occasions that they flew,) shopping for new toys and games or even just going out for ice cream and the like. Nathan did try to include him, of course. However, often the adults would slightly voice their displeasure in such an arrangement, well except for Remus, of course. The man seemed to like spending time with Harry.

"Of course, pup! That's not selfish at all. We rarely have one-on-one time. I'm really looking forward to it." Remus said earnestly.

The two finally reached the gardens and just as Harry predicted, Nathan and Neville were there, crouched down near the Lilies of all places.

"Harry, Remus, come join us! Neville said that he knew more than one thousand plants and we are trying to find plants and herbs that he doesn't know." Neville blushed at the unintended praise.

When Harry and Remus were close enough, Neville greeted Remus and encouraged Harry to his side with a gentle hand to his back and the four continued the night in each other's company. Harry only slightly felt bothered by the nagging sensation of guilt he felt by not greeting Joseph as he should have. Hopefully once he explained himself, Joseph would understand. Joseph did not make Harry feel odd but Harry knew that he was odd and if anyone could figure out and understand what kind of odd Harry was; it would be Joseph.

It was only hours later that they were interrupted by the presence of a house elf that informed them that lord Potter was searching for his party so that they could leave. They walked Neville back to the manor before they bid him a goodnight. Harry did not miss the sad look he gave them as he said goodbye and went off to search for his grandmother.

Harry thought about Neville for the rest of that night, even as he sipped his hot cocoa as Remus read to him in his room. The man had insisted on that setting because it was very late into the night and Harry was obviously sleepy and sure enough it only took the reading of ten pages before Harry released a yawn. His yawns were very subtle, and most people did not notice when he yawned but Remus did. He tucked Harry further into bed and bid him goodnight with a kiss on his brow. He took the mug from Harry's nightstand and left him to rest and Harry fell asleep with tears in his eyes.

Why could he not have had these things growing up? He thought but quickly shook such thoughts from his mind. At least he had them now and he always had mousy, he should be grateful, he knew this and only cemented such thinking further as he drifted off to sleep as he wondered if Neville was the same as he. His last and final thought was the thought of Neville not having anyone to tuck him in as night.