A/N: Hi! (hides behind couch) So, it's been a while and as I cower behind my couch all I can say is…It's all Zachary Quinto's fault! I got distrac…look, it's Caesar! Okay, here is the chapter that took forever!

Disclaiming: Not mine!

Chapter 22- Pleasure and Action make the Hours Seem Short

"Pull that down a bit Hermione, there that's better. It's a wonder anyone could breathe in these things much less sing," Ginny said adjusting her corset and taking a hesitant breath before turning around and helping Hermione tie her costume up the back. Ginny, Hermione and Luna were putting the finishing touches on their costumes and makeup when a buzzer sounded, alerting them that the boys were waiting for them. Slipping on her soft ballet shoes, Ginny patiently waited for Hermione to lace up her sandals and then raced downstairs as fast as her full skirts allowed her.

"Ginny, we have all night," Hermione said, laughing at the 6th year's exuberance. Luna floated down in her usual absentminded way, glitter falling from the black and silver wings that were magically sprouting out of her back. Once they had joined Harry and Julian in the Gryffindor common room the 5 students made their way to the great hall to join with their Slytherin counterparts. They were an impressive sight as they passed through the halls and once past, the students left in their wake began whispering in earnest. Luna was dressed in a silvery shimmering material that flowed around her bare feet but dipped low in the back to accommodate her fluttering wings. Every time she moved glitter sprinkled into the air and drifted to the floor.

'That glitter is going to get everywhere Luna,' Hermione had first told her but the Ravenclaw had just smiled and pointed to the glitter as it hovered above the ground before slowly fading into the illusion that it was. Hermione giggled at the raised eyebrow Luna had given her as if saying, 'I am not in Ravenclaw for nothing.'

Hermione herself was enjoying her own take on Persephone from the tales of the Greek gods. Her dress was pure white and up one side flowed bright spring flowers while the other held a river of grinning skulls. She had relented to Ginny doing her hair and now tamed curls charmed black and red were cascading down her back, set off with a ring of flowers circling around her head like a crown. It was a stunning effect though Hermione knew that most students wouldn't get the reference. Julian simply smiled when she told him that and while he agreed with her sentiments; he knew that the brilliant girl was going to get a few more admirers today. He spun his wooden stake in his fingers and grinned over at Harry as the Boy Who Lived bared his fangs for the vampire. Harry's idea to play a vampire while Julian played a vampire hunter appealed to his humorous side. He was glad he had agreed, though when Harry and Hermione started calling him 'Giles', he wasn't sure it was a compliment or not. Seeing Hermione smile was worth it however so he donned the khaki pants, white button down shirt and tweed overcoat that the girls had picked out and strapped two stakes to either side of his belt. Joking that he hoped he didn't fall down, Hermione had gasped in shock and tried convincing him to take them off. Once she had been assured that as a 2 century vampire he couldn't die so easy, she hit him on the shoulder for scaring her and sniffed in distain. The memory still brought a smile to the vampires face.

Harry was truly enjoying himself as they moved closer to their Slytherin friends. His black cloak was drifting behind him and the red silk shirt Hermione had picked out made his skin look even paler then the charms he had used to give him a dead like look. While they were getting dressed Julian had pointed out that most vampires knew how to disguise themselves in order to fit into normal society but Harry scoffed and told him that his vampire was obviously too foolish to understand such things. Julian made no further comments as the dark haired youth made his hair grow to the middle of his waist before he braided it into a single cord and slipped into his Dracula type costume. From an esthetic point of view Julian was forced, to admit to himself that the entire getup made Harry look exotic and extremely alluring. He found himself hoping that Tom took notice tonight. The wizard had become his friend almost immediately and though they were on uncommon ground when it came to having friends, it was a welcome change. Grinning at the group of students before him, Julian couldn't remember a time where he felt more welcome and hope began rising in his heart that these young wizards and witches could change the world.

The entrance to the Great Hall was crowded with students as they waited for the doors to open. Teachers were milling about, sending younger students back up to the dormitories and older students to the restrooms to change their costumes into more decent attire. Vic kept glancing around the hall, waiting for Harry and the others to show up. She was already getting annoyed with Pansy's chatter about which designer handbag she wanted for Christmas. Finally she caught sight of Harry and Julian stalking each other through the crowd.

"Oy, Harry, we are over here!"

The black haired boy held his fingers up in a shushing manner and began tip toeing over to the group of Slytherins. Reaching the three snakes, Harry wrapped his arms around Pansy and Vic and kissed their cheeks. Vic as dressed as a snake charmer with a tan leather vest, white poet shirt and wide billowing pants. Pansy was decked out in cobweb like material and spiders were placed all over her body like delicate tattoos. Her hair was white and drifted around her like spider web strands.

"Hello my lovelies! I am overcome by your beauty and must have you as my vampire brides for all eternity!"

Vic giggled before elbowing him in the side and slipping under his arm, "Harry, if you upset Mortimer, I will be very cross. I just got him to stay on my wrist instead of hiding in my bra."

She held up a small garden snake that was now halfway up her sleeve and heading for her chest. She grabbed him by the tail and pulled him out to face Harry, "talk to him would you and make him see that I will not hurt him."

"Hello brother," Harry hissed to the young snake who looked as surprised as a snake is able to look when the two legger began talking to him, "please stay on Vic's wrist. She will not harm you nor allow harm to come to you. Her father taught her well."

"The young female is pleasant but others are not so kind. Must I stay visible?"

"Not at all times but find a different hiding place. She will tap your head when you need to be seen. Her costume needs your magnificence."

"Very well, I will follow my brothers request," the little snake said in a rather haughty hiss.

Harry grinned and relayed the message to Vic. Julian, Hermione, Luna and Ginny joined the group just as the doors to the Great Hall swung open. Draco stepped forward and offered his hand to Ginny. He was dressed completely in black from his knee high boots to his floor length cloak and a white half mask perched on his face as if he truly was the phantom of the opera. His outfit matched Ginny's costume of a full skirted, ivory, off the shoulder dress, ballet shoes, and pinned and curled hair. They were splendid as Christine Daae' and The Phantom of the Opera.

Draco bowed low over Ginny's hand, "My lady, you are radiant tonight and may outshine the stars themselves if they are not already dark with envy."

The girls all giggled at his compliment though Hermione simply huffed, grabbed Julian's arm and marched into the Great Hall. Ginny accepted his arm as Harry the other three girls followed everyone else through the entryway.

The teachers had gone all out for the event and every single faculty member was in mandatory costume. While Flitwick was happily bouncing along as a fat Puck, Snape hung in the shadows as the Grim Reaper (though Dumbledore had pointed out that the costume wasn't far from his normal garb).

The crowd turned to look at the students entering and a small gasp was heard as Draco brought Ginny to the middle of the dance floor and waited for the music to begin. The musicians hesitated only an instant before the soft strains of "The Music of the Night" began floating through the room. Leading Ginny across the dance floor, Draco pulled her close for a soft kiss and a much louder gasp was heard throughout the room. Students began talking in whispers and Hermione motioned for Harry and Vic to begin dancing as Julian led her out onto the floor. Neville asked Luna to dance and soon the dance floor was occupied with dancers though gossip still swirled around the friends.

"I love you Ginny," Draco whispered in her ear as they twirled about the floor.

She smiled at him and leaned closer, "I love you as well, my Slytherin Prince."

The music ended and clapping could be heard as the musicians began playing something more modern. Watching his ex-friends interact with their new friends, Ron felt a small rush of loneliness envelope him but he shook it off and glared in contempt at the companionship between Vic and Harry (who were currently chasing each other around the room as Vic had stolen one of Julian's stakes). Movement at the doors to the Great Hall caught Ron's eye and he stared at the three adults who had just entered.

"Dad!" Vic shouted and everyone moved aside as she raced towards the entrance.

Ginny, Harry, Draco and Hermione followed with Julian, Luna and Pansy watching with smiles.

"Victoria, what on earth are you dressed as?" Tom asked as he returned his daughters exuberant hug.

Giggling at his raised eyebrow, she held up her wrist where Mortimer was calmly curled, "I'm a snake charmer!"

Tom smiled and gave the small snake a pat on the head before Mortimer headed for cover. Harry and Draco arrived at the same time and they looked at the two other party crashers. Recognizing the Malfoy's in their Judas and Delilah disguises, the two ex-rivals nodded in their direction before jumping on Tom and pulling him to the ground.

"Dad pile!" Victoria shouted as she jumped on Harry while Hermione and Ginny stood to the side and laughed at their friend's antics.

"Please…get…off…me…" Tom managed to gasp out from underneath the heap.

Judas/Lucius bent down and pulled Victoria and Draco off the older man, leaving Harry to stand on his own. Looking down into Tom's teal green eyes, Harry couldn't stop the blush that rose to his cheeks and he stood up hastily; offering Tom his hand with a small smile. The older wizard was curious about the blush staining Harry's face but as they had drawn quite a crowd, he decided to ask him later.

"Hello there," Dumbledore said with a furious twinkling in his eye as they brushed themselves off and Draco gave a high five to Harry and Vic.

"I wasn't expecting guests to arrive tonight," the headmaster continued, "May I ask why you are here?"

Tom pulled Vic towards him and placed an arm across he shoulders, "I didn't think a parent needed to announce when they were visiting their child. I may make it a habit to drop in and check on Vic when I feel like it. I don't have the upmost trust in your abilities to keep her safe which I am sure you must understand."

Harry watched the exchange with concern but he was proud that Tom kept any malice out of his voice.

Judas/Lucius stepped forward and addressed Dumbledore, "when we heard about this party, it seemed like the perfect time to see how Vic was doing as well as collect Miss Weasley. We hope that this wasn't too much of an inconvenience."

Dumbledore didn't know what to make of the man called Judas but he simply smiled, "It's no inconvenience at all I assure you. Well, I see Mr. Thomas headed for the punch so if you will excuse me."

The headmaster walked off and the students wasted no time in dragging Tom, Judas/Lucius and Delilah/Narcissa towards a table.

"Thanks for tackling me by the way," Tom said, "I don't know how I lived my whole life without knowing how it feels to hit your tailbone on marble."

Harry and Draco grinned at the grumbling wizard, "You're welcome!"

Luna and Pansy were watching the whole scene and while Luna seemed to take everything in stride, Pansy was staring in shock at the sight of Tom Riddle laughing and joking. Harry soon saw her face and after fighting the urge to fall down laughing, he walked over to the dumbstruck Slytherin.

"Its amazing, isn't it?" He asked her.

Pansy glanced at Harry before turning her attention towards the musicians and the dancing students, "Amazing isn't quite how I would describe it. I know you have told me he isn't all bad but I was raised Slytherin and I haven't had the luxury of living with him like Draco. It's going to take some getting used to."

Harry nodded and patted her on the back before walking back to the crowded table. Ginny was sitting on Draco's lap next to Judas/Lucius while Hermione and Julian were in the middle of debating whether Professor Velka was going to do a practical test or a written test as the new teacher had warned them of an upcoming exam. The only available seat was between Tom and Vic so Harry plopped down and set his head on the table. Vic poked him and turned his face toward the crowd.

"What?"

"Professor Velka just asked Snape to dance."

"What?" Harry's head shot up and indeed the DA professor was pulling on Snape's sleeve while he shook his head and glared. The table watched as Velka crossed her arms and looked at the potions professor in expectation. Harry could hardly believe his eyes as Snape actually sighed and held out his hand. The two teachers moved to the dance floor and the students gave them plenty of room. No one wanted to risk Snape's wrath by standing too close.

Judas/Lucius snickered, "I bet she has him whipped in a week."

Tom laughed, "I will take that bet, and because I know Severus, I say he lasts at least three weeks before he follows her around like a puppy dog. He always had a thing for headstrong women but he is stubborn to a fault."

"I bet four days," Harry said with a sad smile, "he is too lonely to hold off longer than that."

Standing up, Harry walked out of the Great Hall and eventually into the cold October night. Sitting on one of the benches that lined the courtyard, Harry cast a warming spell on himself and leaned back to look at the sky. Stars twinkled down at him and he was vaguely reminded of Dumbledore which made him scowl. He turned his mind to the one person it seemed occupied with these days, his ex-arch-nemesis, Tom Riddle. The older wizard seemed to have no clue the effect he had on poor Harry. He was supposed to hate the man, the monster who killed his parents but his heart had other plans. Giving into the night and the solitude, Harry brought to mind Tom's eyes and smile which seemed to warm him more than the charm currently placed on him.

There he is Ron thought to himself as he snuck up on Harry as the dark haired boy mused about his feelings for a certain Dark Lord.

Taking his wand out, Ron pointed it at Harry and whispered," Expelliarmus."

Harry felt his wand slip out of his sleeve and turned around to find Ron twirling it between his fingers.

"Hello Harry," Ron sneered, "Where is your group of protectors? They decide to let the Golden Boy have some quality alone time?"

"What do you want Ron?" Harry asked, not showing that he was currently cursing at himself for getting distracted and letting his guard down.

"I want a lot of things mate. Mostly though, I want people to see you for what you really are, a traitor. Only a traitor would make friends with Slytherins; the whole lot of them can burn in hell as the evil creatures they are. You are going to burn too, right alongside another traitor to Gryffindor, Peter Pettigrew. You are just like him Harry, a worthless coward who turns on his friends."

Harry saw red and jumped at Ron but a swift motion from the red head stopped Harry in his tracks as he felt the effects of Petrificus Totalus hit his body.

"You think you are so smart, so powerful, and so special!" Ron shouted as he watched Harry sway back and forth before tipping forward. Harry could do nothing as his face planted into the ground, breaking his nose and collarbone. The pain was exquisite but he couldn't even make a sound. Ron sneered at the blood pouring out of Harry's nose and began kicking him in the side as Harry lay there unable to defend himself.

"Stupefy! Finite Incantatum!"

Harry felt his body relax as he regained control of his limbs. Moaning at the pain coursing through his body, he looked up to see a very angry Tom Riddle standing over Ron with his wand pointed directly at the red haired menaces chest. No wanting to know what the older wizard was contemplating, Harry let out a louder moan which seemed to catch Tom's attention for he instantly rushed to Harry's side and began helping him up. Harry yelped as a sharp pain coursed through his shoulder and down his arm. Tom instantly stopped pulling on his arm and made him sit down.

"You seem to have broken your collarbone Harry, I can fix it but you must hold very still," Tom cautioned as he looked over his shoulder to make sure Ron was still out of it.

Harry nodded and held as still as possible while Tom ran his wand over Harry's arm, shoulder, chest and face. Harry could feel the bones moving and attaching but it wasn't painful so he held still and tried to focus on breathing. Once he had finished his wand waving, Tom pulled Harry to his feet once more and smiled as the young man flexed his shoulders in amazement.

"Wow, it feels like it wasn't even injured!"

"I am capable of more than just harmful spells Harry."

Harry smirked, "Yeah, but who knew you would actually use them?"

Tom swiped at Harry's head before turning sober and looking over to where Ron was still stupefied on the ground, "I suppose you are going to say that I can't kill him?"

Harry grinned at the disappointment in Tom's voice but nodded in affirmation of the older wizard's question, "Slow torture is really much more satisfying then a quick and painless death."

"Who said it would be painless or quick?"

Harry hesitated before grinning again at the older man and shaking his head. Tom smirked in response and they made their way over to where Ron was laying on the ground unable to move. Harry silently released him from the spell and waited for Ron to gain control of his vocal chords. The minute Ron opened his mouth, Harry interrupted him.

"I know you think this is all justified for the "greater good" but trust me, you are on the wrong side," Harry commented calmly, "stay away from me Ron, stay away from my friends and family or you will find out just how Slytherin I can be."

With one last look at his former friend, Harry turned and walked back into the school where a small shadow that looked suspiciously like Vic was waiting for him. Tom watched his figure disappear into the school before turning his undivided attention back to Ron. He knew that the redhead was watching him with malice so he managed an encouraging smile and knelt to eye level with the Weasley.

"My name is Mr. Eldir, I am sure you have met my daughter, Victoria." Tom started out amiably.

Ron paled at the mention of Victoria but kept his mouth shut as Tom's smile turned wicked before him.

"I hope you understand how little I care for you so I say this with Harry's welfare in mind and not yours; stay away from the people I have come to care about and I will leave you to live out your pathetic existence. If you harm anybody I care for again, I will spend at least two weeks breaking every bone in your body, stripping your skin from your bones; hacking chunks of flesh off your body to feed my pets and you will be alive through every delectable minute of it. Enjoy the rest of the party Mr. Weasley."

Ron looked as if he would be sick but in a moment of rare wisdom, decided the best course of action would be to keep his mouth shut. Tom stood up, dusted his slacks free of dirt and followed Harry back into the party.

I bet anything that man is a Death Eater. If I can prove it then he won't be allowed into the school anymore. Harry will have to wait, I need to get rid of the Eldirs first. Ron thought with a shudder of revulsion. He finally stood up and moved back to the party before deciding that he didn't want to spend the whole night watching Harry having fun while he was left alone. Heading up to the Gryffindor common room, he failed to see two small shadows sneak behind him and begin stalking his figure down the hall. Caesar and Cleo had been tormenting Mrs. Norris before they saw Ron head off to the dormitories. Waiting until Ron was drawing close to the Fat Lady portrait, the two trouble makers began yowling as loud as they could and snagging his school cloak with their claws. Ron's high pitched scream echoed in the staircase and a group of Gryffindor third years poked their heads out to see who was in trouble. When they opened the door and saw Ron Weasley with a couple of kittens attached to his cloak, they burst out laughing. Ron turned beat red and moved to shake the kitten duo off but Cleo and Caesar simply turned around and headed back to the kitchen where Mrs. Norris was finishing off her milk in peace. Letting the older student in, one third year gave a soft "meow" before they all began laughing again. Shaking in fury, Ron slammed the door to his dormitory and fell on his bed with a sigh. It's not fair, he thought, even the stupid third years don't take me seriously. I will show them all I guess.

MEANWHILE BACK AT THE PARTY.

"Harry, please stop poking me."

"It's entertaining though."

"I'm not here for your entertainment."

"Yes you are. Who knows what I would be doing if this wasn't so enjoyable? Just think, you are saving the school."

"I will make you stop if you do not desist on your own. I do not want to be known as the Savior of Hogwarts from The Boy Who Was Bored."

"It's better than You-Know-Who. Honestly, sometimes I just want to say, 'No, I don't know who' and see how people react."

Tom bit his inner cheek to keep from laughing and sighed as a finger once again dug into his ribcage. As he felt Harry's sleeve move to strike again, Tom grabbed the offending hand and twisted it behind the boys back. Harry gasped before smirking and poking Tom with his other hand. Grabbing that arm as well, Tom effectively pinned both arms to Harry's back and muttered a swift sticking charm. Stepping back, the older wizard grinned as Harry tried to move his arms and realized that he was completely stuck.

"My turn," Tom said with a smirk to rival the green eyed menace.

Before he could start his revenge, Vic crept up behind her father and poked him in the back before disenchanting Harry. Looking at his daughter grinning and then back to Harry who was smiling, Tom felt a warm feeling spread over him and smiled in return.

"You win this time Mr. Potter," Tom said, sitting down in his chair and turning to watch the rest of the group finish dancing.

"Yay, I love winning!" Harry exclaimed. Deciding that Tom deserved a break, he grabbed Vic's hand and dragged her to the dance floor as the lead musician announced that this was their last song before the costume contest.

Lucius/Judas and Narcissa/Delilah were dancing together in the shadows so Tom was left at the table alone. Watching his younger companions enjoying themselves so thoroughly sent a wave of happiness through him followed by a pang of sorrow as he thought of all the heartache the strong group of students had already gone through.

Stop moping.

Tom grinned softly at the soft voice chastising him.

As you wish.

The glow on Harry's face gave Tom a jolt inside his stomach but he said nothing as the song ended and the group came back to the table to hear Dumbledore announce the winner.

"Hello students, professors and visiting guests. I hope you have all enjoyed yourselves immensely as I most certainly have. Perhaps we will make this an annual tradition but as I see Prof. Snape glaring at me, perhaps not. All of your costumes were wonderful but the staff has voted and we have decided to give the award to a duo costume that seems to have made the most impact tonight. Ginny Weasley and Draco Malfoy, please come and receive your award."

The whole group burst into applause and whistling as the couple moved to the front to claim their Halloween basket of candies and pranks.

Standing up, Vic shouted, "I was going to sick Mortimer on the winner while they were sleeping if it wasn't me so watch out Draco!"

Harry moved to pull the grinning girl down but Julian began talking in a voice loud enough for everyone to hear, "Leave Mortimer alone Vic, he doesn't need to be traumatized by the sight of Draco in his skivvies and beauty mask!"

The whole table burst into laughter as Draco threw back, "I do not wear a beauty mask Julian and Vic, keep that snake away from my bed or I swear I will flush him down the first toilet I find!"

"Better listen Vic," Harry told her, "I won't stand for snake abuse and I will send you to go fetch Mortimer from the sewers!"

Dumbledore decided the yelling match had gone on long enough, "Well, theoretical snake abuse aside, this has been a splendid night! Sleep well students."

Draco and Ginny pushed their way to the table as students began filing out of the Great Hall.

"Well, I guess this is good bye for now," Tom said as sad puppy faces looked back at him, "and stop looking at me like that! I will come back and see you when Ginny comes back. We can have a proper meeting and decide what you want to do for the Winter Holiday."

The group finished saying their good byes and Draco walked his parents and Ginny out to the entry hall.

Harry, Tom broadcasted to the raven haired boy as he followed behind the Malfoy's, be safe for me.

Grinning at the concern in Tom's voice, Harry answered the only way he could.

As you wish.

Yet another A/N: So this is a huge shout out to everyone who reviewed or added The Year of Discontent to their favorites. I love hearing that I am making people happy! Also, if there are any artists out there who love me (add puppy eyes…now!) I want a picture of Caesar and Cleo making Mrs. Norris's life miserable! I can't draw to save my life (My stick figures are crooked). Thanks again to everyone and keep reviewing! I need constructive input in order to make this story the best it can be.