A Turn for the Better

Chapter 27 ~ A Peek at the Ball

"I would like to welcome our chaperones, who have kindly consented to oversee our students and help make the Christmas Ball a success. Kenneth and Joanne Pallor, and James and Lily Potter," Albus said with a smile gesturing at the two couples.

There was a smattering of applause and small cries of welcome from the gathered staff as the couples smiled and nodded. Snape said nothing as he studiously looked toward Albus, not even acknowledging the additional help tonight.

Lily couldn't help glancing over at the Potions master however, but Snape gave her no recognition at all. James noticed his wife looking at the dark wizard, and frowned slightly. The bastard.

At the last Quidditch match, Harry had forced his own brother, Remus, into a support beam while going for the snitch, a usual Slytherin tactic. It didn't matter that the Gryffindor seeker was a member of his family. Quidditch was a competitive game and if you couldn't be competitive, you needed to get off of the pitch. And that's precisely what he told his parents when they came to check on Remus in the Medical Ward and chastise him.

Naturally, James felt Snape was at the bottom of Harry's callousness, but it was James who had instilled Harry's competitive nature. Snape simply indulged it, like he indulged almost everything concerning Harry. When Slytherins played Quidditch, they played to win. That's how it was and always would be, their allegiance squarely set to their house. As the only Slytherin in a family of Gryffindors, Harry really felt the pressure to stand apart, and he did so.

"All right, let's get this party started," Albus said to everyone with a broad smile, dismissing them. "Remember, have fun!"

Snape lingered behind as the chattering staff and chaperones left the staff room, then slowly billowed behind, hoping the night would go quickly.


***********************************

Harry and Draco primped in front of the mirror in Harry's room. Harry was dressed in dark green dress robes and Draco wore rich blue robes that changed color when struck just right by the light. Both young wizards looked very handsome.

"So, you're taking Ginny Weasley tonight," Draco said to Harry as they departed his room, walking slowly.

"Yep," Harry said shortly.

Draco shook his head slightly.

"You know, there's a lot of pissed off Slytherin witches who'd like to chop your nads off for taking a Gryffindor your last year," the blonde wizard said.

"Yeah, well, I'll keep on the lookout for sharp objects," Harry responded.

They walked through the Common Room, and sure enough, several decked out witches fixed Harry with death glares. He ignored them, although Draco made a big production of shivering from the icy coldness.

When they entered the corridor leading to the dungeons proper, Draco said, "Well, are you finally going to shag her?"

Harry scowled.

"No, Draco. I'm not," he said a bit angrily.

Draco couldn't understand why Harry didn't give the Weasley chit the hard one. It was easy to see she wanted it. He had no qualms about plowing through other witches, witches who were much prettier and better connected than the little redhead.

But it had always been this way for Harry when it came to Ginny Weasley. She was fun, intelligent, and there were other things he could do with her other than shag. He enjoyed talking to her, she made him laugh and when he was around her, he didn't feel judged. She didn't seem to care he was a Slytherin. They'd go flying together, and she was a fine flyer. He had a time catching her when she didn't want to be caught. And he loved kissing her. There was always something in her eyes when he pulled away from her lips that made his heart swell.

But there had been difficult moments. Ginny was well aware of Harry's dalliances, although they didn't go out. One night they had a terrible argument out on the grounds after a passionate snogging session.

"What's wrong with me, Harry?" she had asked him when things got too heated and he pulled away from her. "Why don't you want me like you want those other witches?"

Breathing heavily, Harry said, "You're just different, Ginny. It's different between us."

"Why is it different? I'm just like any other witch," she said to him, trying to pull him back down. "Why don't you want to shag me? I want to be with you that way, Harry. You make me feel that . . . that I'm not good enough."

"You're more than good enough! Don't ever say that," he hissed at her, his green eyes dark. "You're not made for just shagging, Ginny. It's not that I don't want you . . . it's just that . . . that . . . damn it. I don't know what it is, but I can't bring myself to cross that line with you."

Angry now, Ginny sat up and fixed her robes, before standing and looking down at him, her brown eyes narrowed.

"Well, if you won't shag me, I'll . . . I'll find someone else then. I'm tired of being the only witch you won't touch. Dean Thomas is sweet on me. Maybe I'll just give him a go," she said to the wizard, then stalked off.

Harry leapt to his feet furiously and took off after Ginny. She looked back and saw him running after her and took off, Harry pursuing her all across the grounds. Ginny was very fast, and it took him a while to catch up to her, tackling her and taking her down to the ground.

"You won't! You won't let Dean or any other wizard shag you, Ginny Weasley! You're meant for me! Just me! I just need to . . . need to work things out . . . sow my oats. You've got to wait for me. Say you'll wait for me," he implored her, his eyes wet behind his glasses.

"Oh, so you just want to be able to do what you want to do, while I just sit around and wait, is that it, Harry? Is that how it is? I have to wait on the Great Harry Potter while he shags everything that moves and ignores me?" she said to him witheringly.

"After I graduate, it'll be different, Ginny . . . I promise you," he told her sincerely. "Please, Ginny . . . don't go to anyone else. I just want . . . I just want you to wait for me. You're the only one who understands me . . . can't you see that? That's why I don't shag you, it would make things different between us . . . it would make you just like those other witches that just do it to do it. You're special to me, so special Ginny. When we do it, it's going to mean something, something lasting. I just want to get out of school first and get a job. They're looking at me for the minors, Ginny . . . I'm probably going to make a good living . . . and when I get established we can . . . we can . . ."

Harry's voice faltered and Ginny looked at him with wonder in her eyes. She believed he had been about to say they could get married. Harry swallowed and looked at her miserably. He couldn't say what he wanted, he wasn't used to opening up everything, and as wonderful as Ginny was, he found he couldn't share his hope with her . . . yet.

But, she must have got it, because she gave him a soft smile and a kiss.

"All right, Harry," she said softly. "I'll wait."

And that's the way it was between Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley. Of course, Draco had no concept of focusing on one witch. Then again, he wasn't going to marry for love, but for connections when he tied the knot. So for now, it was a free for all as far as the pureblood was concerned, although Pansy was a real cockblocker. She thought she was his witch and made life difficult for any witch that caught Draco's eye. That's who he was taking to the ball, under duress of course.

Both Ginny and Pansy were waiting by the Great Hall. Ginny thought it best she meet Harry in the Entrance Hall, rather than him going to pick her up at Gryffindor Tower. There might have been a brawl with her fellow Gryffindors unable to pass up the chance of giving a lone Slytherin what for.

Ginny was wearing a shiny Slytherin green gown that off-set her red hair, which was swept up and back. She wore a touch of makeup and Harry thought she looked absolutely beautiful.

"Gods, Harry . . . you see her every bloody day. Close your mouth!" Draco said to him as they walked up.

"Hi Harry," Ginny said with a smile, kissing his check.

"Hi," he said shortly as his eyes swept over her.

Draco, who'd been watching him, made a noise of disgust. It was downright embarrassing to see how smitten he was with Ginny. She was okay looking, but nothing to meltdown about. Oh well, there was no accounting for taste. Personally, Draco thought Harry was attracted to the Weasley because she slightly favored his mum. That was a disturbing thought.

They entered the Great Hall, which was decked out in Christmas glory. Wreathes, bows, trees and cherubs abounded. Brightly colored lights twinkled everywhere. Albus opted for buffet self-service this year and there was plenty of food and drink. As Harry and Ginny walked, Ginny spied his parents over by the punch table. James was surrounded by students, busily signing autographs and reveling in his popularity as a professional seeker.

"Harry, there's your mum and dad! Let's go over and say hi," Ginny suggested, pulling him in that direction.

Harry stalled, glowering as he saw all the attention his dad was getting.

Great. Just great.

"Let's not," he said darkly, walking her in the other direction.

Leaning against the far wall, Snape watched Harry lead Ginny away, his dark eyes somber. It was easy to see the boy was avoiding his parents. Well, he would. Who wanted their parents around when they were trying to celebrate their last Christmas dance of school? The Potters should have declined and let Harry have his last moments at Hogwarts to himself. Snape looked at James signing autographs and drawing attention to himself.

He was still the same pompous show-off he always was. And Lily, smiling at him, not seeing anything wrong with his turning the ball into his own promotional showcase. If James cared anything for Harry's feelings, he'd decline signing anything and be as unobtrusive as possible. No doubt Harry would be hearing about his dad all night from other students. What an ass James was.

Snape decided to make the rounds of the floor. He had better things to do then watch James and Lily Potter make idiots of themselves.

**************************************

"Ron! Let me go!" Ginny cried, trying to jerk her wrist free from Ron's grip as the angry redhead faced Harry.

He'd seen Harry give her a tiny kiss while they danced, and that was all Ron needed to see. Harry had the reputation of "Top Shagger" at Hogwarts, and he wasn't about to see Ginny get added to his list of conquests.

"You stay away from my sister, Harry or I swear I'll crack your bloody head open!" Ron snarled at him. The other students formed a circle around them.

"Ron! You're embarrassing me! Let me go! Harry's my date!" Ginny hissed.

"Not anymore, Ginny. You don't know what he does to witches, the git," Ron declared.

Harry stared at Ron, not knowing what to say to him . . . but he tried anyway.

"Look, Ron, Ginny and I aren't doing anything," he started.

"I know, and I'm going to keep it that way," Ron snarled.

Suddenly, he howled.

Ginny had sunk her teeth into his hand in an effort to get away. Ron released her and she ran to Harry, looping her arm in his defiantly as Ron wrung his bitten hand.

"Damn it, Ginny, get back over here," he ordered.

"No! Leave us alone, Ron," she said, holding Harry tighter.

Ron made as if to grab Ginny and Harry stepped forward, blocking him.

"Just leave her alone, Ron. She wants to finish the ball with me. Just leave us alone," Harry said, trying to be reasonable for Ginny's sake.

The chaperones and staff noticed the knot of students and began to work their way over. James pushed through them.

"What's going on here?" he said importantly.

Lily appeared by his side. Snape arrived on the other side, taking the scene in quickly. By the look of things, Mr. Weasley had some issue with Harry escorting his sister. Interesting. Snape's black eyes flicked to James.

"I'm trying to tell Ginny to come with me, Mr. Potter. No offense, but your son's a bloody pig," Ron said evenly.

Several "oohs" rose from the crowd and Lily reddened.

"He's been a perfect gentleman," Ginny shot back at him.

"So that's why he was snogging you on the dance floor," Ron snarled.

"Ron, Ginny's old enough to decide who she wants to attend the ball with. She chose Harry. Now, just accept it and enjoy your night," James said reasonably.

"Course you'd say that. He's your son . . . he can't turn up pregnant!" Ron snapped at James, who looked surprised. What was getting into all these children?

Snape smirked. This was quite entertaining.

Suddenly a sharp slap sounded. Ginny had run forward and slapped Ron right across his mouth.

"How . . . how dare you, Ronald Weasley!" she gasped, tears running down her face. "I can't believe you! I HATE you!"

She pushed her way through the crowd, disappearing.

Harry looked at Ron, his eyes narrowed.

"Nice going, Ron . . . you prat," he hissed, starting to follow Ginny. His father grabbed his wrist.

"Harry, wait," he started to say.

Harry ripped his hand away.

"There's no need to wait. Ginny needs me. Anyway, don't you have autographs to sign?" he said coldly, then disappeared in the same direction.

Both James and Lily looked after their son as Snape melted back into the crowd with a low chuckle.

They really didn't have a clue.

*************************************

The rest of the night was relatively uneventful, except for the punch being spiked, which was inevitable, and an increase in serious sexual behavior on the part of the students as a result. Snape went through the motions of breaking them up, but he knew it was a losing battle. Shagging was definitely going to happen and all he could do was provide the "Morning After" potion. Witches would no doubt be lining up outside Poppy's doors when their heads cleared and they realized what they'd done. That's always how it was.

Luna and Neville had a perfectly wonderful time, spending the entire night dancing as if there were no other people in the world. But they stayed away from the punch, and Neville escorted her back to Ravenclaw Tower like a gentleman. Luna rewarded him for his chivalry with a kiss so hot it threatened to melt him into a puddle of gooiness. He fairly floated back to Gryffindor Tower.

Harry and Ginny had called it an early night, Harry escorting the distraught witch back to Gryffindor Tower. She was too upset to return to the ball.

Harry seriously thought about kicking Ron's ass, but felt it wouldn't be a good strategy considering his plans for Ginny. He did want to marry her. Ron wasn't going to like it, but that was too bad. Still, Harry didn't want the bad blood to go any deeper than it did. He knew Ron was really mad at him for abandoning him. But, Harry was a Slytherin, so what did he expect him to do?

Well, he made time for Ginny, but Ginny was different. She was a witch. Attraction to the opposite sex often superseded house rivalries. Hanging out with Ginny was much different than hanging out with Ron. Draco had to stop saying the Weasleys were the 'wrong kind of wizards' when he found out just how much Harry fancied Ginny. Like any friend, he kept his opinion to himself when he saw it wasn't appreciated and grudgingly accepted his affection for Ginny.

But he also lined up witches for Harry to shag as well. Hell, they'd even shagged witches together in a Slytherin sandwich. One thing about having Draco Malfoy for a friend was you'd be sure to get a good carnal education. Once, his dad Lucius even gifted them with two prostitutes, and they were only sixteen at the time. Harry had spent a week at the Manor, and what a week it was. Completely decadent and highly educational.

Harry wandered around the empty castle for a while, running into students sneaking off for a bit of private time. After an hour or two, and a couple of rather embarrassing encounters with shagging couples he walked up on, Harry headed back for the dungeons.

He paused on the first floor landing as he saw his parents and Dumbledore in the Entrance Hall saying good night. He watched with narrowed eyes as they left. The moment the door closed, Dumbledore looked up toward the landing.

"You may come down now, Mr. Potter," the Headmaster said.

How did he do that? It wasn't the first time.

Harry stalked down the stairs sullenly, then up to Dumbledore.

"You just missed your parents," the Headmaster informed him.

"I know," Harry said, in a tone that clearly implied he meant to miss them.

"You only have one set of parents, my boy," Dumbledore said gently, "You should appreciate them. Imagine what your life would be like if they weren't here."

Harry snorted.

"I'm sure I would have been better off," he breathed. "Good night, Headmaster."

Dumbledore watched him go, having a feeling in his bones that if Harry's parents weren't here, life for the boy would have been far, far worse. He shrugged it off.

"Must be my lumbago acting up," he said to himself, heading for his quarters.

*************************************
A/N: Just a little filler scene, and a bit about Harry. He's not all bad. He loves Ginny so that's a saving grace. Ron's still an idiot when it comes to his only sister though. I didn't paint a pretty picture of James or Lily did I? lol. My Snape-love shining through. :) Thanks for reading.