Of Potions and Wings

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Lucius nodded in satisfaction as Harry eyed the practice dummy. It was sliced open in several places and bits were just barely hanging on.

 


“That would certainly be fatal. Well done.” The man said.

 


Harry grinned. “Thanks.”

 


“I’ve taught you all the spells that could be used in a battle situation now.” Lucius told him.

 


Harry looked at him in surprise. “Really? Two lessons’ worth of spells are all the Dark Arts you know? I find that hard to believe.” He said.

 


Lucius smirked. “I never said that was all I know. I said those are all the spells that would be useful in a battle situation. There are numerous other uses the Dark Arts can be put to, and we’ve barely scratched the surface when it comes to my knowledge, but there is nothing more you should learn at this point. If, after the war, you want to learn more, you can come to me then. There are still many more things I can teach you, but it can wait until the Dark Lord is defeated. I shudder to think what would happen if you delved too deep into the Dark Arts whilst he is still active. He’s likely to try to lure you to his side, and I can’t be sure you’d have the fortitude to say no. He can be very persuasive, you understand.”

 


“I’d never join him!” Harry said firmly.

 


“I would certainly hope not, but let’s not tempt fate, alright?” Lucius said with a smile. “Many others have said no at first and changed their minds when they saw what Dark rituals and blood magic could do for them.” He waved his wand at the practice dummy and it disappeared. “For now, you can return to your dormitory. I will see you at Draco’s wedding.” He said evenly.

 


Harry nodded. “Yeah, see you then.” He said, then left, heading for Gryffindor Tower.

 


*****

 


Harry finished stowing his trunk and smiled at Ron. “You know I’m only staying until Draco’s wedding, right? After that, I’m coming back to Hogwarts. I still need to find an hour alone each week, after all.”

 


Ron shrugged. “That’s fine. Mum just really wants you there for Christmas. It’s not the same without you.” He said.

 


They sat, Ron taking the seat next to Hermione and Harry sitting in between Ginny and Neville.

 


“So Dumbledore’s going to send us Portkeys to the wedding, right?” Neville asked.

 


“Yes.” Hermione answered. “It’s all been cleared with him, and he agreed to make them for us. Professor Snape gave him the coordinates for our arrival and we’ll be arriving in groups. He’ll send them the day before Christmas.”

 


“Draco said it’s going to be at Prince Manor, which is Snape’s now that his Grandfather has died and left it to him.” Harry told them.

 


“Wasn’t Snape’s mother disowned for marrying a Muggle?” Ginny asked.

 


Harry nodded. “Yeah, but the Prince family had no other heirs, so Draco says his Grandfather had no choice if he wanted it to stay in the family. So Snape got it. There’s also a clause in his will that says if Snape makes a respectable Pureblood marriage he can take the Prince name as well, so that it can live on. Draco says thay’ve discussed it, but haven’t yet decided if they want to. Draco said he wouldn’t mind becoming Draco Prince. He likes it better than Draco Snape.”

 


The rest of the compartment pulled faces and Harry laughed. “I know, it sounds weird to me, too.” He agreed.

 


“Are you going to do any dancing at the wedding?” Neville asked. “I probably will. Gran taught me to dance, and I know she doesn’t want the lessons going to waste, so I might as well.”

 


Ginny nodded. “I will. Harry, Ron? How about you?”

 


Ron shrugged. “Dunno.”

 


Hermione glared at him. “Ronald Weasley, you will be dancing with me!” She told him firmly.

 


Ron looked at her and paled. “Of course I will!” He replied, sounding just a little bit frantic.

 


Ginny smirked, then turned to Harry. “Harry?” She asked.

 


Hary shrugged. “Probably not. I’m not very good at dancing, I just bluffed my way through it at the Yule Ball.” He told her.

 


“I bet one of my brothers could teach you while you’re at the Burrow. We’ve got four days before the wedding, after all. That’s enough time.” Ginny told him.

 


“Maybe I’ll ask.” He said with a shrug.

 


“If you don’t, I’ll do it for you! You’re going to dance with me at least once there. And who knows, maybe you’ll even score a dance with Luscious Malfoy while we’re there. That would be worth it, wouldn’t it?” Ginny teased.

 


Harry flushed. “Ginny!” He hissed, glancing toward Ron and Hermione.

 


Hermione coughed. “Um, Harry, everyone’s noticed the staring in class.” She pointed out. “Even Ron has.”

 


Harry flushed and buried his face in his hands, groaning.

 


Ginny and Neville laughed, Ginny patting his back. 

 


“You’ll live.” Ginny assured him. “It’s not the end of the world to like a Malfoy. Even that Malfoy.”

 


“Just let me know first if you ever plan on doing anything about it. I don’t think I could handle it well if there’s no warning.” Ron said in resignation. “But, honestly, you can’t really help who you like. No point in me getting mad over it.” He said with a shrug.

 


Hermione smiled at him brightly.

 


Harry looked at her. “So I take it you’ve discussed this already?” He asked her.

 


Hermione blushed a little, but nodded. “He didn’t want to hear anything about it at first, but I brought him around for you. Just in case something does happen there, because I know it would make you happy, and it’d just be easier if he was already willing to just be happy for you.” She explained.

 


Harry smiled. “I don’t think anything is going to happen, but thank you for the thought, at least. You didn’t have to do that.”

 


Ron huffed. “I would have come around eventually without her help, you know!” He said, crossing his arms over his chest.

 


Harry smiled. “Yeah, but I’m happy to miss out on the fight and the weeks of not talking to each other this time.” He told the redhead.

 


Ron sighed. “You do have a point.” He agreed.

 


*****

 


Arthur was waiting for them at King’s Cross when they got off the train. Harry, Ginny and Ron walked Hermione through the barrier and to her parents.

 


“I’ll be coming to the Burrow in the afternoon on Christmas Day.” She assured the others. “Dumbledore’s already added my house to the Floo network, so I’ll be coming through around four.”

 


After saying their goodbyes, the three of them piled their trunks into the expanded boot of the car and piled into the back. Arthur rode up front with Kingsley, who was there to ensure Harry’s safety.

 


Harry was used to the extra security needed any time he went somewhere by now, and just went with it. Ron and Ginny were discussing what they were going to do when they got home, and they finally decided on a game of Quidditch, even though it was snowing.

 


“Harry, you’ll play Seeker for my team, right?” Ron asked. “We can use Fred as a Beater.” He turned to Ginny. “You can have George.”

 


Ginny shrugged. “Fine, if I get Charlie as Chaser.” She answered.

 


Harry agreed to play on Ron’s team, and Bill was elected for referee.

 


Ginny grinned. “And then after Quidditch: Dancing lessons.” She grinned evilly, and Harry’s heart sunk.

 


He was doomed.

 


*****

 


Harry landed, turning his practice snitch off and tucking it into his pocket.

 


Ginny landed next to him and called out: “So, somebody needs to teach Harry to dance for Malfoy’s wedding! Who wants to do the honors?”

 


Harry flushed. “Ginny, what the hell?!” He hissed.

 


“We’ll do it! Right, Fred?” George asked, looking at his twin.

 


Fred nodded. “Sure, anything to help you, Harry!” He answered, landing and slinging an arm over Harry’s shoulders as the brunet’s face flamed.

 


“Thanks, guys.” Harry mumbled.

 


“We’ll do it right after-“

 


“Dinner.” Fred finished. “Eat up, because-“

 


“You’ll need your strength.” George led the way back inside, and they all headed for the sitting room.

 


“Where are we going to practice dancing? There’s not much space with everyone here.” Harry noted, looking around.

 


Bill shrugged. “You can always go up to Fred and George’s old room. It’s pretty safe nowadays.” He pointed out, walking over to Fleur and wrapping an arm around her waist.

 


Fleur smiled at him. “Did you have fun?” She asked.

 


“Yeah. It was a good game.” Bill answered.

 


Arthur smiled. “Who won?” He asked.

 


Ron snorted. “My team, of course. We had Harry as Seeker.”

 


“Dinner time!” Molly called out from the kitchen. Everyone got up and found a place at the table.

 


Harry ended up sitting in between Fred and George, who both seemed intent on making sure he ate well.

 


Harry just rolled his eyes and ate his food.

 


*****

 


“So, we’re going to teach you to dance.” George said, grinning widely as he stepped into the center of the room.

 


Fred was pressed against the door. “I think you should dance with George first.” He said. “He’s more comfortable leading, and you’ll learn to lead with me.”

 


“I can teach you to follow. Don’t worry, it’ll be fun. After all, we’re practically brothers, right? You can trust us not to laugh at you if you mess up.” George said.

 


“Well, we won’t laugh much.” Fred corrected with a shrug. “And it’ll stay just between us.”

 


Harry nodded. “Right.” He mumbled.

 


“Come on, get over here!” George grabbed his hand and pulled him close. “Put your hand on my shoulder.” He directed, bringing their other hands up to shoulder-height as his hand was laid on Harry’s hip.

 


Harry sucked in a breath through his nose, feeling his body tense in reaction.

 


George shook his head. “No, don’t get tense. Loosen up, I’m not going to hurt you, we’re just going to dance.”

 


Fred snorted. “Harry, calm down. That’s the proper hold for slow-dancing, just loosen up and it’ll all be fine.” He said evenly.

 


Harry sighed and forced himself to relax.

 


“Perfect. Fred, music.” George prompted.

 


Fred waved his wand and the room was suddenly filled with the sound of a slow song Harry recognized from the Yule Ball. It was a Weird Sisters song.

 


George smiled. “And we’re off!” He declared, then began to lead Harry.

 


Harry nearly stumbled and looked down at his feet as he regained his footing.

 


“No, look at me, and you’ll do fine!” George assured him. “Don’t focus so much on what your feet are doing. If you just let them, they’ll follow the motion of mine naturally.” He told the brunet. “Just trust me to lead you. You trust me, yeah?” He checked.

 


Harry flushed. “Yeah, but-“

 


“But nothing. If you really do trust me, then prove it.” George interrupted. “Just follow.”

 


“You’re doing good, Harry.” Fred said from his spot. “Keep it up.”

 


Harry snorted and turned his head to glare at Fred. “I’m not really doing all that much!” He shot back.

 


Fred laughed. “Sure you are: you’re dancing! And doing a great job of it, too!” He assured Harry.

 


Harry just sighed and focused again on George.

 


“You really are doing well.” George assured him. “You just needed confidence, that’s all. I think you’ve got the steps down. Why don’t you try leading for a bit?” He asked, dropping Harry’s hands and bowing. “Fred, your turn.”

 


Fred stepped up to Harry and grabbed his hand, placing his other hand on Harry’s shoulder.

 


Harry laid his free hand on Fred’s hip and gulped.

 


Fred smiled at him. “I’ll follow you. Just do what George was doing.” He told Harry.

 


Harry began to move, hoping he didn’t tread on Fred’s feet.

 


Fred smiled widely. “See, it’s not so bad, is it?” He asked, moving easily with Harry.

 


Harry flushed. “I guess not.” He agreed, keeping himself from watching his feet by sheer force of will. He wanted to look down, but he knew if he did, George would tell him not to again, and he didn’t need another reminder. He could do this. He was doing this, though he felt a little out of his element and was more than a little embarrassed at the circumstances. But Fred and George were good teachers, at least in this, and he was pretty sure he could dance at Malfoy’s wedding without embarrassing himself.

 


“Didn’t we see you slow-dancing at the Yule Ball?” Fred asked.

 


Harry flushed. “Er, yeah, I bluffed my way through it. I think I may have stepped on Parvati’s toes an awful lot, though.” He explained.

 


“Ah, yeah, that would put me off dancing, too.” Fred agreed mildly. “But you’re not doing bad right now.”

 


“Yeah, I guess not.” Harry agreed. “Why are you two even doing this?”

 


Fred raised an eyebrow. “Why did we take the chance to slow dance with an attractive young man in need of help? Gee, I wonder why we would do that!”

 


George chuckled. “Because we like you, Harry. You’ve always been nice to us, and besides, you’re our financial backer. If anyone deserves all the help we can possibly provide, it’s you.”

 


Fred snorted. “Speak for yourself, Forge.” He smiled at Harry. “I just wanted to dance with you.” He told the brunet, who laughed.

 


“Well, I’m glad to hear that. Nice to know I have my charms. What, is it my eyes? My pouty lips?” Harry teased, pursing his lips. “Or is it my muscular physique?”

 


Fred rolled his eyes. “I think it’s more your personality, honestly.” He answered.

 


George laughed. “Ouch. Hit him where it hurts, Fred.”

 


Harry shrugged. “Whatever. The important thing is that you both wanted to dance with me. I’ll count myself lucky.”

 


Fred chuckled. “Trust me, any guy or girl would be lucky to have you. We’re pretty sure you don’t want us, so we won’t try for you-“

 


“Unless you’re interested in the both of us?” George interrupted.

 


Harry shook his head, laughing. “Nope, sorry.”

 


“But, seriously,” Fred continued, “You’re a great catch. Never doubt that, Harry. You’re gorgeous, nice, funny, powerful and generous to those you love. You deserve love, and whoever you eventually pick to give your heart to would be crazy not to accept it and give theirs in return.”

 


Harry flushed. “Thanks.”

 


George tapped Fred on the shoulder. “Okay, you’ve had long enough. Give him back, it’s my turn again.” He ordered.

 


Fred laughed and they switched places.

 


“How long are you two going to keep dancing with me?” Harry asked as George began to lead him again.

 


“For as long as we want. You need the practice, it’ll come in handy.” George said with a smile. “Just try to enjoy yourself.”