Chapter 13: We have a plan

Previously:

Neville had finally gotten Hermione out of the Library for two seconds to get his courage up. He turned to her.

"Hermione,"

"Neville?"

"I..I was wo...ondering if you wouldgototheballwithme." Neville was no longer looking at Hermione but very very fascinated by his hands.

"I'm sorry Neville but I didn't quite catch what you said there," Hermione was wondering if Neville might actually get the words out clearly.

Neville took in a deep breathe.

"Hermione, wo...would you lll...like to go to the ball with mmm….me?" Neville finally no looking up from his hands and directly in Hermione's eyes.

"Ah there you are Hermione," Luna turned a corner and found whom she had been looking for. Startled Hermione and Neville both gave a jump.

"I was looking for you as you misplaced your ink." Luna outstretched her hand with a black ink pot perched on her palm ready for the taking. Hermione took the pot of ink.

"Thank you Luna, I didn't even notice that I hadn't even placed it in my bag."

"Of course not, the Nargles are all around you," and with that she skipped and hummed away.

"Never really fully understand her talk, but one day I'm going to crack it," Hermione huffed to herself.

~O_O~

Blaise was watching Draco closely these days, the poor guy was avoiding Pansy like she had the black plague. Sure bloodline wise it was in Draco's best interest to marry into pureblood, unfortunately Pansy decided that she was the one that would keep the Malfoy bloodline going. What made it even worse was the dance that was coming up and making harder for Malfoy just to ignore Pansy and her annoying voice. Instead it was all the whiny little things like, what are you going to wear, when are you asking me to the ball, why aren't you getting the dress robes made yet, how come you haven't picked a colour yet. It would drive any man up the wall.

Blaise turned back to what he was doing, helping Dean Thomas with Ancient Runes, of all the people who seemed to not mind his company he didn't think a Gryffindor would be one of them.

Dean was learning fast and definitely catching up with the stuff he lagged behind on. He noticed though on occasion his friend Seamus watching them like a hawk. He never committed on it as he was never attacked and Dean never seemed to bring up the fact either. So did Dean know his friend was watching?

"So did I get the symbols in the right order this time?," Dean shoved the paper under Blaise nose.

Blaise looked at the parchment and the original question at hand, while the runes were in the correct order he could see that the runes themselves were not written clear enough to decipher.

"You need to show the Runes more clearly and precise, get one slightly wrong and the whole thing will collapse or be a weaker version of what you are trying to create. Other than that everything else seems to be in order," Blaise handed the parchment back and watched as Dean corrected the runes that didn't quite look how they were suppose to.

Blaise looked back to where Seamus would occasionally appear and watch them for a bit, but the boy wasn't there today.

"Who are you looking for?"

"Sorry," Blaise was taken aback by the comment.

"Who do you keep looking for, you've stared off to those set of bookshelves for ages." While Dean did seem to be questioning him it didn't seem he was all too happy about why Blaise looked off in that direction.

"Just wondering about Draco, not looking for anyone at all," While Dean didn't think Blaise was telling the truth he took the answer and carried on with his tutoring time.

Blaise wondered if maybe Dean did know about Seamus and was also just a tad protective of his friend. But like many things, that was going to have to be a question for another time. A less dangerous time.

"Ah Blaise this is where you are, I've been looking for you, I need your help with something and it's kind of urgent." Draco came round the corner with a letter in hand.

"I'm still tutoring Draco."

"That's fine but this can't wait, as soon as you're done reading it and fix it." Dracon thrust the letter in Blaise hand and walked away.

Dean didn't even bother looking up or getting involved,he knew just because he was being helped by someone in Slytherin didn't give you a pass to actually talk or acknowledge anyone else. Especially the Ice Prince Draco Malfoy, with a father who could ruin your life before it started.

Once Blaise was satisfied that Dean had made progress and that the full hour had be utilised properly, he decided it was time to move to a quieter section of the library to read the letter Draco had passed on.

Once he's read what was in the letter from Draco's father he realised why Draco needed someone to talk to.

"Draco, what the hell."

"That was my reaction, I don't even think that my father knows what to do with the information."

"At least it's only a contract and you can always just say no."

"I wish, except that Pansy has been after me since we were kids. I'm not sure her father will allow us to say no. Power or not, he's been the one to dip in everything unsavory."

"So you have to have the contract, could always find someone else to marry later right. The contracts can be broken."

"Tell Pansy's father that. Have you seen the man. Even father knows not to do dealings with that man, he'd do anything to make sure a deal goes through his way. There is a reason he was part of the bloody Death Eaters inner circle."

"You are not wrong on that front Draco." Blaise patted Draco on the shoulder and sat next to him on the couch.

"So what's the plan of attack then, your father surely has a plan."

"Not sure Blaise, I think he'd find a way out but at the same time he still has to appear like he's on their side."

Blaise leaned back on the couch and looked at his friend. It was a pitty that Draco's family got messed up with the whole Lord Voldemort. Blaise knew he was lucky when his mother decided to go back to Italy and sit it out, helping friends when needed but never Lord Voldemort out rightly.

"How about make another contract between you and another person who would be equally the same as Pansy in Pureblood standing and family name."

"I could bring it up to father in the winter holidays and see what his thoughts on it are." Draco put his hands up to his face as he thought about who would even be able to be in that position. Looking sidewise at Blaise he had a thought, maybe his best friend could help him out in this though political situation.

"Blaise," Blaise looked up to see Draco looking at him.

"No Draco, don't even go there."

"It would be helping out a friend, isn't that what good friends are for?"

"Draaaaco."

"Best friends Blaise, they help out."

"No."

"Come one, it's not like you'd ever marry me let alone have to sleep with me."

"God dammit Draco, what are you a goddamn idiot, because that is a stupid idea."

"It would work though, yes your mother has a reputation, but she's always kept the name in good light and she's well up there with what qualifies as competent competition."

Blaise whispered to himself "Can't believe I'm going to say this." Looking back up at Draco.

"If and this is a blood massive IF, if your father agrees to such an idiotic idea, and my mother is ok with such a scam then I will go with this stupid idea of yours."

"Good, it's now time for lunch and we have a lot to write." As Draco started walking towards the door Blaise realised something.

"You planned this outcome didn't you."

"Don't have a clue Blaise, you were the one who made the conscious decision."

"Sneeky bastard."

"My parents are married."

~O_O~

Richard finally made the choice to have a meal with his brother, he was finding that was getting harder and harder to be either alone or with his brother. It was almost like someone or a bunch of people were making sure that he wouldn't have efficient time with him. But not today, today he'll have lunch with Harry.

"Harry how are you?"

"I'm well Richard, are you joining us today."

"Yeh thought as we haven't seen much of each other I might have lunch with you."

"That's nice," Neville got up and made his way to the other side of the house table and sat next to Hermione to make some room for Richard.

"So I've heard through the rumour mill that Neville asked Hermione to the dance that's happening after Christmas."

Neville blushed and Hermione had a little giggle.

"He's still kind of recovering from asking her out," Harry looked up at Hermione and smiled. He was happy that his friends were happy.

"Neville was so sweet, he first asked it all in one go, I'm smart and all but even i couldn't decipher what he word vomited out." Neville was blushing harder and harder.

"You guys aren't going to be so lovey dovey that I'm going to have to go back to Gryffindor and ask the twins for some acid and the eyes."

"No, I doubt it, Hermione's version of lovey dovey is kind of different from the stereotype." Harry looked up from the table to see Ron looking over, he smiled at him slightly. He knew Ron was still holding a huge flame for his brother. Harry looked back at Richard and wondered if could ever be possible, but then again, Ginny was the one he seemed to be sweet on.

Before Lunch ended Dumbledore stood and mentioned there would be a big announcement during dinner.

While making his way to class Harry bumped into Draco, whom he had to keep from falling face first into the marble floor.

"You should be more graceful Draco, you'll get hurt without looking where you are going."

Draco looked into Harry's eyes, his cheeks turned a little rosy before side stepping Harry and walking off. Blaise walked by giving Harry a knowing look. Blaise then tapped Harry's shoulder and continued after Draco. Harry chuckled to himself.

"Hey Draco, what about Harry, Snape's son, wouldn't he do just as well. Snape may not have the money and power to his name like others, but was the most favoured Death Eater in the inner circle apart from your father and Aunty crazy."

"Are you insane Blaise, you know who Harry is right."

"Ok so he's the forgotten brother of the "Chosen one", but who actually remembers, he get's called Potter and Snape in class, and when people hear Potter they just think Richard."

"That would be the end of my family, Pany's father would destroy father in the blood Death Eater circle, we know have never actually disbanded."

"Ok then think of it this way, this of it as a political move to infiltrate the light side if anything were to happen in the future, it also means you could monopolise two of the greatest names in United Kingdom."

"I see your point and think it's still a risk that can't be taken."

"You are a spoilsport aren't you."

"Just go to class."

Draco stood in the hall for a while when he saw Blaise enter. What a thought, a marriage contract with Harry bloody fucking Potter. What a thought.

Meanwhile with Harry. Neville was watching his friend and wondered, if Harry would ever pursue what he wanted, or would he hide in the shadows like he's always done to not make trouble for his brother.

"Harry your face is kind of creepy. That smile looks weird on you."

"Oh, Hermione what an accurate observation."

"Harry, what are you smiling about?" Neville watched for Harry's answer while Hermione started taking out all the class material from her bag.

"I was just happy that I could have an undisturbed lunch with my brother."

"If that's the real reason Harry Potter, i'll eat my parchment." Hermione just dumped 16 inches of homework on the table. "I'll eat the whole 16 inches."

"Fine, I can't have you eating your homework, Professor McGonagall will have a heart attack and think you've been polyjuiced."

Hermione and Neville looked expectantly at Harry.

"Something interesting fell into my hands, made such a cute face."

"Dear lord, should i tell your father that Sirius is rubbing off on you."

"Fine by me Hermione, Sirius is the one that will cop the most pain, he'll be banished to the couch for a week for sure. But I'm not sure I'll live th week without being either seriously pranked or made ill by poison."

"Shhhhhh, Professor McGonagall is coming." Hermione sat up straight everything ready for whatever McGonagall would throw at them.

"Today's class will be a little different than normal." She was pulling her sour face. Neville was very concerned, nothing ever good came of Professor McGonagall's sour face.

"Headmaster Dumbledore has decided that as a ball is coming up that everyone should learn how to dance. We are going to be having half an hour of studies before moving back to the great hall to have dance lessons." She looked straight at the Hufflepuffs. "Do not think there will be slacking off. I will make sure that the full hours lesson will be taught."

Yup she's was majorly pissed, annoyed, cross, ready to flay Dumbledore's skin off. Even the Ravenclaws were a bit scared of what might happen in class today apart from serious study. Never had they seen Professor McGonagall ready to kill someone.

Professor McGonagall couldn't believe her lesson was going to be cut short, why couldn't it have been during the lunch time, a weekend or literally any other time than when lessons were on. She'll never understand why Dumbledore liked disturbing blass schedules. She knew Snape was just as annoyed. Kids with potions and now a seriously short time frame, Snape would probably send so many kid to detention.

Professor McGonagall was relentless, she has given the Ravenclaw Hufflepuff class so much extra homework to make up for the time lost teaching the class. Everyone complained the entire way to the Great Hall, although the closer everyone got the more excited people got to be able to have dance lessons.

"Ah Dean, Seamus, what is all that giggling for?" Dean was trying so hard to contain his laughter that he looked at Harry with a pained red face.

"Richard is being chased by the twins to be their dance partner. The teachers are not sure if they should get involved, or let it go."

Harry looked over where people were giving a wide berth to two people trying to dance with his brother is the weirdest form of a waltz he'd ever seen. Harry had to laugh that no matter what the twins could always bring a smile to the students, and a concerned look on all the teachers.

Hermione was standing close to Neville and waiting for instructions, while Neville just stood there worried that he might step on Hermione's feet or worse drop her.

Everyone was now gathered in the great hall, separated in their years. Dumbledore waved his wand and set music up around the hall so the teachers could use them when needed. When Neville realised that they would be getting the teachers Professor McGonagall and Snape he almost fainted.

"Boys on one side, girls on the other." McGonagall barked out. Snape looked like he wanted to be there less than the sour look on McGonagall.

"I'll show you the female parts to the dance while Professor Snape will show you the boys, those of you who know how to dance help the ones who are struggling. We will be practicing until dinner is served. This will be your one and only change to have appropriate time to practice and ask for help."

Professor McGonagall went to stand by the girls with Snape facing her. The female Third years followed her into the pose she held, while the boys followed Snape. And thus the invisible partner dance practice started.

When it was time to see if they could all behave and dance with a partner Professor McGonagall grabbed Dean and proceeded to show them how to, while Snape was "getting something to drink".

~O_O~

Dinner was an interesting affair with Dumbledore standing to make an announcement before dessert was surveys.

"Please hush," THe hall started to quiet down.

"I am happy to finally announce the great event of the year. Hogwarts is going to be hosting the first Triwizard cup Tournament since 1972. Next week we will be welcoming the two other schools who will be competing for the cup. But of course due to the nature of the game in the past there will be ministry personnel around to make sure nothing goes out of line."

Everyone started cheering, the prospect of actually meeting other people from other schools was like a one in a million chance of some fun.

"Of course for preparation for these, this year exams have been cancelled unless you are sitting your O.W.L.S and N.E.W.T.S."

Hermione literally mouthed the words "what the hell" and put her book down on the table. Harry looked up to see everyone but the fifth and seventh years cheering like they got their Christmas presents early.

Neville Looked down at his Herbology project for extra curricular and frowned. His poor little Wiggentree, at least there would be one extra tree around and some Bowtruckle's could move to a new tree.

The seventh years were the most upset, yes they knew they had to take the N.E.W.T.S but that didn't mean they like the fact that most of the school, while still learning didn't need to take an examination.

"Due to the game's previous reputation, the Ministry and the board have decided that an age restriction is needed on the name selection. Everyone from fourth year up are allowed to apply their name to cup, and don't try and cheat, we'll know." Dumbledore raised and cup and sat back down.

Harry now knew why Professor McGonagall was always in a more sour mood than normal. Dumbledore just made her life harder by making examination something she can't use against her students. Not like being the scary old professor who would more than happily sell your soul to Professor Snape.

Harry looked up to Severus to see his expression. To someone who didn't live with him they would think he just looked normal, to Harry he knew Severus's face. While it would seem he might be happy to not have to test his most hated students and risk another blow up in his classroom, the Tournament also meant meeting people that he didn't want to see again. Namily his and Richard's Biological father and potentially mother.

~O_O~

Harry was hiding out in his little tower when he heard the door open. Draco opened the door. Draco looked to the window sill and saw that Harry was sitting there.

"You look like you are hiding Draco."

"You could almost say that. Not really hiding more like try to get some peace and quiet."

"Well you have found that here. I'll just leave you be, Hermione might need some help with not studying herself silly because exams have been cancelled."

"No it's ok, you can stay."

"Very well." Harry looked at Draco as he joined him on the window sill.

"So….. who are you avoiding that needs you to hide out in a place very few people know about?"

"Pansy, she's getting insufferable, just because she thinks we are going to the dance together, which I never agreed to, she thinks next step is marriage." Draco leaned his head back and sighed. "She's gotten her father involved."

"Well that sounds very much like a you problem." Draco hit Harry's leg.

"How about I put it this way. When Severus, My Godfather, comes to our gatherings, you'll also have be in the same vicinity as Pansy for a minimum of a week."

"That sounds like a big situation. Is she coming over for Yuel."

"No, father may have put her father off for a time."

"Sounds like you have a plan."

"No, I'm trying to get a plan."

"Why not say you have a creature inheritance, that get most things postponed until you are of age."

"It's too diluted by now."

"True, but thrown back genes exist. From What Severus has told me both your mother and father have Veela blood in there family. Two coming together like that sometime make force a child to have a full blood effect, starting the whole cycle again."

"Are you sure?"

"Are you saying you haven't read up on all creature inheritances?"

"Not something we ever go into depth here."

"Well as far as they go, while yes you can breed it out, the gene still resides in the DNA, and as unpredictable as creature inheritances are, it has been know when two have the gene for a creature, their offspring could have the full blood effect, once they are of magical age." Harry sat up a bit. "It is similar in studies of normal genetics but of course made less predictable through magic and general things like that."

"So what you are saying is pretend I have it?"

"Draco you and I both know that you can't detect a creature inheritance easily, Veela is one of them. Some have the effects of the lure, while others don't have a lure and just spend their 17th birthday waking up realising that they are now in search of a mate."

"But it's rare for Veela not have lure."

"Yes, but when magic and genetics are involved, I feel like you could be a rare case."

"And here I thought I might have to go my route and go with having another marriage contract with someone with equal family standing as the Parkinson's name even if it was made just so I won't have to marry her straight away."

"Do both, you never know with the old bloods, they may try anything to make sure they are above anyone else, even ruining someone's family name. Have both and they have to wait until you turn 17, and then a contract can be made properly, you then get one year to find a way out. Or you can spend the rest of the time making sure when it comes to time and you don't have the inheritance that someone is a far better prospect than Pansy and her father can't say no."

"Sounds like a plan."

"Well, you can hide out here for awhile, I really do need to find Hermione, she may have ambushed my father and decided on an independent examination, and while I think he might like that."

"She gets carried away?"

"Yeh." Harry had just gotten off the window sill and walked a bit close to Draco. "Also, you should write to you father." Harry brushed a stray hair from Draco's face. "Tell him Severus may need a helping hand like say….Sirius, for the upcoming tournament." And with that Harry was gone before Draco could fully acknowledge that he'd brought his hand up to where Harry had brushed his hair away.