The New Year Ball and other revelations
The New Year's Eve Ball was a spectacular event. The Malfoy Ballroom was unrecognisable; Narcissa had changed the entire colour scheme of the room to fit with her whimsical romantic theme. She had created a pavilion with several hundred yards of fabric. The apex of the pavilion was at the centre of the room around the chandelier the rest of the fabric was attached to the cornices of the ceiling and draped down the walls, at the glass doorway the fabric was drawn back to allow access to the Terrace.
A string quartet played quietly as people arrived via the floo in the reception room and were greeted by the family. Harry stood proudly beside his brother dressed in his best dress robes, Draco had complained long and loudly about having to greet guests and escort them to the Ballroom. Harry however was delighted, it was further proof that he belonged with the Malfoys; he knew he did, yet he still clung tightly to every piece of evidence he was given.
In the Ballroom hors d'oeuvres were offered on trays carried by house elves, as well as glasses of champagne. There were tables set around the room for guests to sit and talk or order a different drink from one of the elves' waiting tables.
Harry was just starting to tire of standing, smiling and shaking hands; when a man he had never seen before stepped out of the Floo. Monsieur Maël Rideau was tall and handsome; his thick naturally wavy hair was parted to the side and was seemingly held in place by magic. His chiselled jaw was covered in dark stubble and he looked to be in his mid to late thirties. He was well dressed too and his robes did not disguise his toned physique; he was fit.
Harry had a moment of pure speechlessness as he stared at the newcomer. He did not realise he was staring until he got an elbow in his ribs from his brother and he suddenly realised the man was standing in front of him holding out his hand with a cheeky smile. Harry took the hand a shook it still staring dumbly. It was not until Mssr Rideau introduced his companion, Mr Augustus Rookwood, that the penny dropped and Harry realised the man was Tom Riddle. The realisation of the man's true identity caused Harry to flush and he was still pink-cheeked when Severus arrived.
The Ball began with formalities, Lucius greeted and welcomed his guests ensuring everyone knew where the amenities were and that the elves were at their service for anything they might require. Finger food would be served throughout the night and drinks orders could be given to the elves.
Then there was the opening dance, which Harry refused to partake in; he sat at a table and watched as Daphne danced with Stephen. The older man held her at an appropriate distance, yet there was an intimacy between them that Harry envied. Draco danced with Pansy, Theo, and Blaise paired up. Severus, Harry noted, also sat the dance out; instead, he sat at a table with Mssr Rideau and Mr Rookwood in deep conversation.
Harry had decided it was best if he stayed on the sidelines for the rest of the night; he was happy enough watching others float gracefully around the room. Dancing was a skill simply did not have the Durselys would never have paid for such lessons and it had not been taught at his school. He found a seat in the corner of the room from where he could watch proceedings without embarrassing himself or his family further.
Couples were not strictly male and female Harry noted, he had seen several couples of the same gender dancing very close together and he felt something ease inside of him when he saw that no one commented or looked disgusted by it.
He had been slowly coming to the realisation that he did indeed prefer men to women. He loved being hugged by Narcissa, her softness was just what a mother should be. However, when Severus hugged him the man's hard body felt right pressed against him. His reaction to Tom had been icing on the cake; in spite of his embarrassment when he learned the man’s true identity it had been the final proof in Harry’s mind.
At the conclusion of the opening dance, many people had returned to sit at tables and talk with friends. Most of Harry’s Housemates were at the party with their families and Harry watched as they danced together. Some pairs seemed to stick together like Pansy and Draco others like Blaise and Theo separated after the first dance and proceeded to dance with many different partners
Harry watched as Tom Riddle worked the room with what Harry could only assume was a borrowed face; he had certainly not looked like that the last time Harry had seen him. It felt a little surreal knowing that the man had been little more than a disembodied spirit just two years ago and now here he was mingling with the pureblood elite. He could not help wondering what the man was up to; he was not inclined to trust him but he was not about to make an enemy of the man either.
Daphne and her betrothed had not stopped dancing he noted with a smile. Stephen had turned out to be a cheerful character of medium height and build with sandy blonde hair and friendly blue eyes. He had shaken Harry’s hand and thanked him for taking care of Daphne.
Lucius had introduced Severus to Stephen at the same time and Harry got the distinct impression Stephen knew about the betrothal. Harry assumed there had been a conversation between the man and Lucius about Harry’s intentions toward Daphne.
Harry felt someone slide into the seat beside him and he turned his head to find Severus sitting there. “Having a good evening?” Severus asked him.
“Fabulous,” Harry replied.
The man turned to look properly at Harry “Are you alright, Harry?” he with concern. He placed his hand over Harry’s which was resting on his thigh, so their hands were beneath the table and out of the sight of anyone who might be watching.
Harry blew out a sigh, “Yeah, I just…there's a lot of people and well I…don't want to make a fool of myself,” he said softly an embarrassed flush heating his face at the admission.
Severus gave Harry a reassuring smile. “Balls are big events and they can be overwhelming especially the first time you attend one. I am sure you haven't made a fool of yourself,”
Harry gave Severus a side-eye. “You didn't hear about Mssr Rideau then?”
Severus smirked. “Oh no, I did. I have to say it was something of a relief when Lucius told me.”
Ice slid into Harry’s stomach. “Why,” he asked uncertainly. Why would Severus be glad Harry found another man attractive? Harry’s mind immediately ran away from him, imagining all kinds of scenarios where Severus broke off their betrothal.
Severus heard the edge to Harry’s tone and tightened his grip and the smaller hand. “I have been concerned, Harry, about whether or not you are actually attracted to men,” he said in a low even tone.
Harry’s lungs filled with air again at that comment. “Oh, I don’t think that's an issue,” he replied in the same even tone.
Severus smiled at him, Harry grinned back.
Before either man could say anything else Mssr Rideau sat down opposite them. “I do hope I am not interrupting,” he purred.
“Not at all,” Severus said immediately and if Harry wanted to dispute the point he did not.
“Enjoying the Ball, Mr Potter,” Rideau asked conversationally.
Harry made a show of taking a sip from his butterbeer before replying. “It's alright,” he said indifferently. “I have never been to such an event before, it's very…sparkly,” Harry told him.
“Indeed, the first time can be overwhelming,” Rideau said echoing Severus.
Harry was not sure if Rideau was still talking about the ball, or something else. “I suppose anything new can be,” he replied carefully.
Silence fell between the three men for several moments then Rideau put his drink down and looked across the table directly at Harry. “I wondered Mr. Potter, if you might have any information for me regarding the topic we discussed via owl.”
Harry nodded. “I might yes, not here though,” he said glancing at Severus.
The older man stood up and put out his hand to Harry. “If you would follow us Mssr Rideau I am sure we can locate a suitably private place to talk.”
Harry put his hand in the crook of Severus' elbow and the three made their way across the room to the withdrawing room. Harry had thought they would sit there but Severus continued through another door on the opposite wall and Harry found himself in a corridor he had never seen before.
“These corridors are mostly used by the elves to access the main rooms, they lead to almost every room in the house,” Severus explained.
“Almost every room,” Harry asked.
“Hmmm, the laboratory and dungeons cannot be accessed this way nor can the Family’s private wing. The elves apparate into those rooms,” Severus elaborated.
They walked for what seemed to be a long time though was only about five minutes before Severus opened a door and Harry found himself stepping out into an office. “Luicus allows me to use this office when I am here,” Snape explained. He took a moment to cast a locking and a privacy charm towards the door. “Please take a seat My Lord he said to Mssr Rideau. He indicated the chair near the fireplace while he guided Harry to sit beside him on the sofa.
When they were all settled with fresh drinks Severus led the conversation. “So My Lord how can we be of assistance?” he asked taking Harry’s hand again.
Maël Rideau smiled a wide smile as he took in the protective gesture, however, he did not comment instead he turned to Harry. “I was hoping, Mr Potter, you might have some news for me regarding the person we discussed via owl,” he said openly, now they were in private.
Harry shifted in his seat, he had expected Tom to ask about Pettigrew however he had hoped he might have a bit longer before the question came up. “I do, but it isn't good news I'm afraid,” Harry told him. “Your letter confirmed my theory that Peter Pettigrew is a rat animagus. I now know for certain that he has been living with the Weasleys for twelve years as a pet. He was Percy’s pet first, then he was passed on to Ron. Unfortunately, Sirius Black also knows about Pettigrew’s hiding place. He managed to get into Gryffindor Tower and he found Ron Weasley's bed; he pulled back the curtain terrifying Ron and the rat took off. We don't know where he is now, it's possible Black got hold of him, it's also possible he is concealed in the castle or he might have left the castle and be in the forest." Harry told him.
Rideau sat back in his chair looking annoyed. “That is unfortunate. Is there any proof the rat left the castle?”
“No, only that we haven't found him. Ron Weasely is convinced he has fallen foul of a cat. There is a particular half-kneazle he blames. I believe that particular cat somehow knows that Peter is not a real rat. It certainly does seem to have a vendetta against him.”
The man nodded thoughtfully. “Likely, our Peter would not smell quite right to such a creature, Nagini would know too,” he told them. “Rookwood has always believed Black escaped to go to Hogwarts. He has a similar theory to you regarding the rat and the Weasleys. He happened to be at the prison when Black was given the newspaper with the Weasleys on the front cover.”
Harry looked at Severus. “It was that story…can rats read? He asked.
Severus nodded. “Animagi can read, people retain their sense of self when they transform, even if Pettigrew has been a rat for twelve years, he should still have whatever skills he had to begin with,” he explained.
Harry tilted his head in the way Lily always had when she was thinking. “Right, well Ron said Scabbers started to get sick after they got back from Egypt which was when Black escaped.”
“Yes, it does fit the timeline. The question is what will Pettigrew do now? He is as far as we know unaware of your return, I suppose it depends on where his loyalies lie,” Snape mused.
Maël Rideau nodded very slowly, “Yes, that is indeed the crux of the matter,” he said cryptically.
Harry raised his eyebrow while Severus turned his full attention to the other man, his mask in place.
Rideau looked at them both for a moment and then he spoke. “I have a theory,” he began. “Severus, what do you know of Peter Pettigrew,” he asked.
Severus considered the question before replying carefully, “He was a Marauder, that is one of James Potter's group. He like Black and Potter could be cruel; however, he was only cruel while standing behind the other two. He laughed at their pranks, he taunted their victims but he never stood alone.”
“That is as I thought,” Riddle said. “So how would such a man come to decide that betraying his friends, friends who had always protected him, was a good idea?”
Snape’s eyes went wide and Harry had a sick feeling in his stomach. “He wouldn't,” Harry whispered.
“He might,” Riddle said. “If it were not entirely his idea. If perhaps a bigger bully made a suggestion?” he asked looking at Severus.
Harry frowned in confusion and it was Severus’ turn to feel ill. “No,” he denied. “You can't think…”
“Oh but I do,” Tom answered the half question, with half an answer.
“What?” demanded Harry.
“Dumbledore,” the two older men said together.
🐀🐕🐺
Christmas break ended and Harry still did not have his broom back. Severus had decreed that he wanted Filius to look at it just to be certain it was safe. Harry was not sure what to do. Their Quidditch match was scheduled for January 22nd which was two weeks away and Harry still did not have a broom.
He knew better than to bother Severus with questions about it; so when Flint barged into their compartment on the train to demand to know what Harry had done about getting a broom Harry told him the truth; that he had received a Firebolt for Christmas but that Snape had it and was running tests on it because they did not know who it was from.
Flint had been gobsmacked and left immediately after being told to take it up with Professor Snape. Harry had laughed when Flint finally withdrew from the compartment and went away to contemplate the risks of asking Professor Snape about Harry’s broom compared with the likely benefit of having a Firebolt on their team. The match was against Gryffindor after all.
Harry sat back against the seat and closed his eyes, he was tired and the term had not even begun. His friends had respected his need for quiet and had spent the trip engaged in their own conversations.
The conversation he had with the Dark Lord had been very interesting. Harry had assumed that if Pettigrew had betrayed his parents by revealing their location to the man who wished them dead then he must be on Voldemort's side. Tom however was not convinced and he was very keen to get his hands on Pettigrew.
Tom’s idea that Dumbledore had perhaps put Pettigrew up to betraying the Potters was not something Harry had considered. The old man was without doubt a master of manipulation. He certainly had his own agenda when it came to Harry; the idea he might have orchestrated the whole thing was mind-boggling.
Harry could easily see Dumbledore taking advantage of the situation, especially when it appeared that Harry had defeated the Dark Lord as little more than a baby. To think the man might have planned for his parents to die and Harry to be raised in an abusive environment was something else altogether.
Harry was glad Severus had been with him while he spoke with the Dark Lord, he knew that the man had told Luicus about what was discussed but Harry had been unable to give voice to any of it. Draco knew something was up but he was waiting for Harry to tell him on his own and Harry appreciated that very much.
His mind drifted to the task the Dark Lord had given him. According to Tom, there was a room on the seventh floor which was filled with hidden things. Tom had been particularly candid when he told Harry that as a young man, he had assumed he was the only one who knew about the room; since no one ever spoke about it. He had realised since then that for the room to be piled high with items, it meant many people must know about it.
Tom wanted Harry to find the room and when he got inside he was to look for a tiara. The Diadem of Ravenclaw. Harry was glad Tom had called it a tiara first or he would have no idea what he was looking for; he had never heard of a diadem. The day after the Ball Harry had scoured the Malfoy library for a picture of the fabled diadem. He had found a picture in ‘Hogwarts a History,’ the story with it told how the diadem had disappeared and been lost ever since.
The train began to slow down and Draco nudged him to get into his robes. Harry threw them on over his shirt and trousers. Narcissa never let them get on the train in casual wear; she only allowed jeans and trainers to be worn at home and only under sufferance. Lucius and Severus had both insisted the boys ought to have casual clothing for home and for weekends.
As the students began to disembark from the train Harry stood up and collected Bindi’s new wicker basket. It was significantly bigger than the old one; as he lifted the basket he whispered to Bindi to see if she was alright. The snake hissed that she was fine but that she was bothered by an unfamiliar scent.
Harry didn't think much of it until he went to step off the train and a rat ran in front of him racing for the door of the train pursued by a large ginger cat.
Harry scrambled off the train and saw that Hermione's cat hissing at a dark corner of the station. He was about to go over and investigate when a shout from Hermione drew the cat's attention and it trotted back to her. Harry looked at the place the cat had been but there was no sign of a rat. There was however an outline of a large dog lying down next to an empty luggage trolley. He blinked and looked again and the dog was gone.
Harry stood and stared at the luggage trolley until a conductor came and pushed the trolley away and Draco came back and took him by the arm guiding him to the carriage the others were already waiting in; he would have some explaining to do after the feast.
The term began and soon I was as if they had never left. Harry stubbornly refused to buy another broom insisting on training with a school broom. Flint warned him he would name the reserve seeker but Harry held firm; he wanted the broom he had been given for Christmas. Why he felt so strongly about it he would not say.
Somewhere in his mind, the idea that his godfather had sent it had taken root. He had asked Tom and the man insisted he had no reason to send Harry a broomstick, cursed or otherwise and Harry believed him. No one else had sent it, Aunt Petunia even if she had been inclined to send a present would never have gone to Diagon Ally alone nor would she have spent so much money. His parents and Seveus were not responsible - there was no one else.
Harry could not explain why it meant so much to him that Sirius might have bought him a broom. It made no logical sense. Draco had rolled his eyes and said it was clearly a Potter thing, the others were equally nonplussed at his obsession with the idea. Only Theo seemed to get it, though he didn't say anything, he also didn't laugh at Harry's thoughts.
Then on the Tuesday before the match, Severus appeared in the common room with the broom in his hand. Harry watched and held his breath, as his Head of House walked down the steps into the common room and made his way towards him. The teacher offered Harry the broom with an air of indifference. “Mr Potter,” he said mildly. “Your broom, I imagine you will need a chance to get the feel of it before Saturday.”
It seemed the entire population of Slytherin house also held its breath as Harry reached out and took the broom from his teachers hand. When he had hold of it he clutched it to his chest and whispered. “Thank you, sir.”
Severus nodded and left the room as he had entered it swiftly and silently.
There was silence for a moment and then the room erupted as the entire population of Slytherin House celebrated having a Firebolt on their team.
🐀🐕🐺
Harry trained himself to exhaustion at both training sessions before the match. The Firebolt was incredible. It was so fast and it moved at the slightest touch almost as if it was reading Harry’s thoughts. He won every battle against Harper and he knew that he would outfly the Gryffindor seeker easily.
Training had gone extremely well it was like having one Firebolt made everyone fly better; even Madam Hooch seemed buoyed by its presence. So much so, that she allowed the team to stay late after training so everyone could try it out. As a result, it was quite late when the team made their way back to the Castle.
Harry and Draco ended up behind the group and as they made their way towards the Dungeon entrance Harry’s attention was caught by a soft sniffling noise. He looked around and saw a cupboard which was not quite closed and he went to investigate, Draco close behind him. Hermione Granger raised her tear-stained face when Harry opened the door. “go away,” she whispered harshly.
Harry immediately stepped back to close the door again but then he hesitated. “Are you alright,” he asked pointlessly. It was clear she was not alright.
Hermione did not respond to his question so he tried again.
“Is this about Crookshanks?” Harry asked.
Hermione blanched “He’s gone,” she sobbed. “He ran away the night of the welcome back feast, I accused Ron of doing something to him and practically the whole House turned against me,” she said.
Draco huffed. “So much for chivalry,” he muttered.
Harry crouched down beside the girl and put his hand on her shoulder. “Is there anything we can do?” he asked.
“No,” she replied. “It’s not as if they would listen to anything you said anyway,” she told him. “It will be alright, I can stay out of the common room in the library until curfew and then go to bed. Lavender isn't talking to me but Fay and Pavarti don’t care for rats and they like Crookshanks so they have been kind,” the girl said with a sad smile.
Harry stood up and offered the girl his hand “Come on,” he said. “...let's go and see Professor McGonagall. She’s a cat right maybe she can talk some sense to the others.”
Hermione stared at the offered hand for a moment before she took it and Harry pulled her to her feet. The three turned towards Gryffindor Tower. Harry and Draco left Hermione with her Head of House and returned to the dungeons. They were both exhausted from their long practice session but it was not quite curfew so they decided to sit for a while before going to bed.
They had just settled on the sofa in the common room when a voice hissed behind them. “I saw you with the Mudblood Potter, you ought to be more careful, you get your hands too dirty you won't be welcome in your own house. Snakes don't mix with filth.” Harry spun around to see who was speaking but before he could respond Professor Snape swooped down the stairs towards them with a dark look on his face.
“Twenty points from Slytherin, Vaisley,” he said in an ice-cold tone. “And detention with me tomorrow. If I ever hear that word used by anyone again the person who dares to speak it, will regret it,” Snape's tone was so cold it could have frozen rocks and no one dared to argue, though Harry could see several older students struggling to stay silent.
“Mr Potter, Mr Malfoy, with me,” he said, then he turned and made his way up the steps and out of the room.
Harry and Draco hurried after their Head of House and once they were seated in his office Severus spoke his tone much warmer than it had been in the common room. “Professor McGonagall tells me that you two found Miss Granger in quite a state this evening and delivered her to her office. She said you left before she could award you each 10 points. I told her I would pass on the message,” Severus told them.
“Thank you, sir,” they chorused.
“I am awarding you each 10 points as well since Mr Vaisley lost the twenty Professor McGonagall gave you. I am very proud of you, Slytherin House has something of a negative reputation. Actions like yours tonight help to dispel it,” he told them.
Harry looked warily at Severus. “I have never heard that word before, the one Vaisley said but I gather it is not a nice word,” Harry said slowly
“No, it is not a nice word. It is a slur used against those of muggle birth; it implies dirty blood,” Severus told them his nose wrinkling in distaste. “Unfortunately, purebloods will persist in using the word; there is not much more I can do other than to ensure it is not spoken in front of me,” he explained.
“People like Hermione and Lily,” Harry whispered softly as a puzzle piece fell into place. “That's why you hate it so much, because of Lily.”
Severus winced “Yes, the word was levelled at her at least once to my knowledge,” he said his tone completely neutral.
“By you?” Harry guessed.
There was a long empty silence then Seveus lowered his eyes to his desk. “Yes,” he admitted “...by me. Now I think you should both head to bed,” his tone broked no argument so the boys stood and left.
🐀🐕🐺
The day of the Quidditch match arrived and Harry was feeling good about their chances. Word had spread about the Firbolt the Slytherin team seeker had and it had resulted in some dark looks from the Gryffindor team.
Due to the continued presence of the dementors, the students were escorted down to the Quidditch pitch by their Heads of House and one other teacher. Professor Dumbledore was already on the pitch waving his wand creating some kind of barrier to prevent the guards from coming near the pitch.
“Lucky Dumbledore’s here, wouldn’t want you falling off your Firebolt now would we,” a voice said from behind Harry and he turned to see the Gryffindor seeker, Sterling Jigger leering at him.
Harry turned around and smiled at the older boy. “Are you lost?” Harry asked lightly. “Your team is on the other side of the tent,” he told the boy.
Flint who was was right behind Harry said. “He’s not lost Potter, he can't beat your broom so he’s trying to drag you into a battle of wits."
There was a snort to Harry’s left. “Good one Flint, like this idiot has wits to battle with,” Draco drawled.
“Move along,” Madam Hooch called from behind them. “Jigger, you are at the wrong door Gryffindor on the other side.”
The Gryffindor sneered once more then he turned and left.
There was a charge in the air as the Snakes changed into their quidditch gear, Flint's pep talk was shorter than usual but the team was pumped and ready to go.
When the balls were released Harry shot into the sky leaving the ground and Jigger far below him. He soared over the stands and circled the pitch at a leisurely pace. Jigger realising his only chance was to find the snitch on his own stayed at the opposite end of the pitch. Harry got the feeling that Oliver Wood had given his seeker strict instructions to keep his distance.
The game was slow and hard-fought both teams' beaters were on point and after an hour only three goals had been scored and Gryiffindor led 20 -10. Harry scanned the pitch from high above cruising slowly searching for any flash of gold. Then he saw a flash of gold at the end of the pitch towards the forest, Harry flew off at what he judged to be leisurely speed but Jigger saw him and flew after him. Harry could feel the other boy getting closer, so he sped up knowing the Cleansweep Jigger was riding could never catch him.
Harry flew like a man possessed and as he closed in he reached out until his fingers closed around the snitch. The stands erupted and Lee Jordan, the commentator started yelling about the superiority of the Firebolt. Harry soared out over the forest before he turned and flew back down toward his team; it was then that he saw them - the cat chasing the rat, followed by the dog. All three animals were bolting towards the forest. Harry wanted to turn and follow them but before he could Draco slammed into him and hugged him mid-air screaming about their win.
Harry sighed and decided he could do nothing about the animals at the moment; there was no way his team would let him skip this celebration.