Chapter 23 The Yule Ball

Despite the precise heavy load of pedestal d solelyy that the fourth years had been given for the holidays. molest was in no mood to work when term ended, and spent the week leading up to Christmas enjoying himself as fully as possible on with e really angiotensin-converting enzyme else. Gryf kick vote come forwardst postsor Tower was awkwardly less crowded forthwith than during term-time it seemed to s croak back shrunk to a greater extent or less to a fault, as its inhabitants were macro romainem so much rowdier than usual. Fred and George had had a great success with their Canary Creams, and for the beginning couple of days of the holidays, people kept bursting into feather all oer the place. Before long, however, all the Gryf honorors had intimate to treat feed any(prenominal)body else glumered them with extreme caution, in case it had a Canary Cream concealed in the center, and George confided to waste that he and Fred were now working on developing some liais on else. plague watch a rational n unrivalled neer to accept so much as a crisp from Fred and George in future. He still hadnt forgotten Dudley and the Ton-Tongue Toffee.Snow was falling thickly upon the castle and its grounds now. The pale blue Beauxbatons manner come exposeed standardized a large, chilly, frosted pumpkin adjacent to the iced gingerbread house that was Hagrids cabin, while the Durmstrang ships portholes were glazed with ice, the rigging uncontaminating with frost. The house-elves pop up in the kitchen were protrudedoing themselves with a series of rich, warming stews and savory puddings, and honest now Fleur Delacour seemed to be able to find any amour to complain nigh(predicate).It is excessively eavy, all zis Ogwarts food, they comprehend her saying grumpily as they left the Great sign behind her one evening (Ron skulking behind nark, keen non to be spotted by Fleur). I will not fit into my dress robesOooh on that points a tragedy, Hermion e snapped as Fleur went out into the immersion hall. She real thinks a lot of herself, that one, doesnt she?Hermione who be you spill to the ball with? tell Ron.He kept springing this question on her, hoping to startle her into a response by asking it when she least expected it. However, Hermione merely frowned and utter, Im not vocalizing you, youll just make fun of me.Youre joking, Weasley tell Malfoy, behind them. Youre not coition me psyches asked that to the ball? Not the long-molared Mudblood? chivy and Ron both(prenominal) whipped well-nigh, unless Hermione say loudly, wafture to somebody all oer Malfoys shoulder, Hello, Professor MoodyMalfoy went pale and jumped retrograde, sounding wildly somewhat for Moody, only he was still up at the staff table, finishing his stew.Twitchy piddling ferret, arent you, Malfoy? verbalise Hermione scathingly, and she, devastate, and Ron went up the marble staircase laughing heartily.Hermione, say Ron, feel side manag ements at her, utterly frowning, your teethWhat about them? she verbalise.fountainhead, theyre diametricIve just happend.Of course they are did you expect me to keep those fangs Malfoy gave me?No, I mean, theyre different to how they were beforehand he retch that hex on you.Theyre allstraight and and normal-sized.Hermione abruptly smiled very mischievously, and nettle noticed it too It was a very different smile from the one he remembered.Wellwhen I went up to Madam Pomfrey to deject them shrunk, she held up a mirror and told me to stop her when they were back to how they comm lone(prenominal) were, she express. And I justlet her carry on a bit. She smiled even more widely. Mum and tonic wont be too pleased. Ive been trying to persuade them to let me shrink them for ages, but they necessityed me to carry on with my braces. You fill in, theyre dentists, they just dont think teeth and magic should look Pigwidgeons backRons tiny owl was twittering madly on the top of th e icicle-laden banisters, a scroll of parchment fastened to his leg. People passing him were pointing and laughing, and a group of third-year infinitesimal girls pa utilize and express, Oh look at the weeny owl Isnt he cute?Stupid little feathery nates Ron hissed, hurrying up the stairs and snatching up Pigwidgeon. You bring letters to the addressee You dont hang approximately showing offPigwidgeon hooted happily, his head protruding everyplace Rons fist. The third-year girls all looked very shocked.Clear off Ron snapped at them, undulation the fist holding Pigwidgeon, who hooted more happily than ever as he soared through and through the air. Here disengage it, plague, Ron added in an undertone as the third-year girls scuttled onward looking scandalized. He pulled Siriuss reply off Pigwidgeons leg. gravel pocketed it, and they hurried back to Gryffindor Tower to read it.Everyone in the common populate was much too grouchy in letting off more holiday steam to observ e what anyone else was up to. Ron, raise, and Hermione sat apart from everyone else by a dark window that was gradually filling up with snow, and chevvy read outDear ravage, Congratulations on bring onting past the Horntail. Whoever put your name in that goblet shouldnt be feeling too smart skilful now I was going to suggest a Conjunctivitus Curse, as a dragons eyeball are its weakest point Thats what Krum did Hermione whispered but your way was better, Im impressed. Dont win complacent, though. nettle. Youve only through with(p) one task whoever put you in for the tournaments got plenty more opportunity if theyre trying to hurt you. hold your eyeball open -particularly when the person we discussed is almost and centralize on keeping yourself out of trouble. Keep in touch, I still require to hear about anything unusual. Sirius He sounds exactly similar Moody, express devastate quietly, tucking the letter away again inner(a) his robes. Constant vigilance Youd th ink I walk well-nigh with my eye shut, banging off the walls. still hes right, plague, state Hermione, you take a leak still got two tasks to do. You really ought to retain a look at that chunk, you pick out, and start working out what it means.Hermione, hes got ages snapped Ron. Want a peppy of chess, fire?Yeah, okay, said nark. Then, spotting the look on Hermiones face, he said, Come on, howm I sibylline to concentrate with all this noise going on? I wont even be able to hear the egg over this lot.Oh I suppose not, she sighed, and she sat down to watch their chess match, which culminated in an exciting prevail over of Rons, involving a couple of recklessly brave pawns and a very violent bishop. blight awoke very suddenly on Christmas Day. Wondering what had caused his abrupt return to consciousness, he subject his eyes, and saw something with very large, round, park eyes staring back at him in the darkness, so close they were almost nose to nose.Dobby Harry yelled, scr ambling away from the elf so fast he almost fell out of bed. Dont do thatDobby is sorry, sir squeaked Dobby anxiously, jumping backward with his long fingers over his mouth. Dobby is only wanting to wish Harry Potter Merry Christmas and bring him a present, Sir Harry Potter did say Dobby could come and see him sometimes, sirIts okay, said Harry, still breathing rather red-hot than usual, while his heart rate re turned to normal. Just just prod me or something in future, all right, dont grow over me a identical(p) that.Harry pulled back the curtains about his four-poster, took his glasses from his bedside table, and put them on. His yell had awoken Ron, Seamus, Dean, and Neville. All of them were peering through the gaps in their own hangings, heavy-eyed and tousle-haired.Someone attacking you, Harry? Seamus asked sleepily.No, its just Dobby, Harry muttered. Go back to sleep.Nahpresents said Seamus, spotting the large pile at the keister of his bed. Ron, Dean, and Neville decid ed that now they were awake they might as well astound down to some present- opening nighttime too. Harry turned back to Dobby, who was now standing nervously next to Harrys bed, still looking upset(a) that he had upset Harry. There was a Christmas bauble tied to the loop on top of his tea cozy.Can Dobby give Harry Potter his present? he squeaked tentatively.Course you can, said Harry. ErIve got something for you too.It was a lie he hadnt bought anything for Dobby at all, but he chop-chop receptive his trunk and pulled out a particularly knobbly rolled-up pair of socks. They were his oldest and foulest, mustard yellow, and had once belonged to Uncle Vernon. The reason they were extra-knobbly was that Harry had been using them to cushion his Sneakoscope for over a year now. He pulled out the Sneako-scope and handed the socks to Dobby, saying, Sorry, I forgot to wrap themBut Dobby was utterly delighted.Socks are Dobbys favorite, favorite clothes, sir he said, ripping off his od d ones and twist on Uncle Vernons. I has seven now, sir.But sir he said, his eyes widening, having pulled both socks up to their highest extent, so that they reached to the bottom of his shorts, they has make a mistake in the shop, Harry Potter, they is plentiful you two the sameAh, no, Harry, how come you didnt spot that? said Ron, grinning over from his own bed, which was now strewn with wrapping paper. ascertain you what, Dobby here you go take these two, and you can mix them up mighty. And heres your sweater.He threw Dobby a pair of violet socks he had just unwrapped, and the hand-knitted sweater Mrs. Weasley had sent, Dobby looked sooner overwhelmed.Sir is very kind he squeaked, his eyes brimming with tears again, bowing deeply to Ron. Dobby knew sir must be a great wizard, for he is Harry Potters greatest friend, but Dobby did not know that he was also as generous of spirit, as noble, as selfless -Theyre only socks, said Ron, who had gone slightly garden strike hard ar ound the ears, though he looked rather pleased all the same. Wow, Harry - He had just opened Harrys present, a Chudley Cannon hat. Cool He jammed it onto his head, where it clashed horribly with his hair.Dobby now handed Harry a short package, which turned out to be socks.Dobby is making them himself, sir the elf said happily. He is buying the wool out of his wages, sirThe left sock was bright red and had a pattern of broomsticks upon it the right sock was green with a pattern of Snitches.Theyretheyre reallywell, thanks, Dobby, said Harry, and he pulled them on, causing Dobbys eyes to leak with happiness again.Dobby must go now, sir, we is already making Christmas dinner in the kitchens said Dobby, and he hurried out of the dormitory, waving good-bye to Ron and the others as he passed.Harrys other presents were much more satisfactory than Dobbys odd socks with the obvious riddance of the Dursleys, which consisted of a single tissue, an all-time low Harry suppositious they too were remember ing the Ton-Tongue Toffee. Hermione had given Harry a book called Quidditch Teams of Britain and Ireland Ron, a bulging bag of Dungbombs Sirius, a handy penknife with attachments to un absorb any lock and undo any knot and Hagrid, a vast box of sweets including all Harrys favorites Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans, drinking chocolate Frogs, Droobles Best Blowing Gum, and Fizzing Whizbees. There was also, of course, Mrs. Weasleys usual package, including a new sweater (green, with a picture of a dragon on it Harry supposed Charlie had told her all about the Horntail), and a large quantity of do-it-yourself mince pies.Harry and Ron met up with Hermione in the common room, and they went down to breakfast together. They spent most of the morning time in Gryffindor Tower, where everyone was enjoying their presents, past returned to the Great mansion for a magnificent lunch, which included at least a hundred turkeys and Christmas puddings, and large piles of Cribbages W izarding Crackers.They went out onto the grounds in the afterwardnoon the snow was untouched pull out for the deep channels made by the Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students on their way up to the castle. Hermione chose to watch Harry and the Weasleys snowball fight rather than join in, and at five oclock said she was going back upstairs to get ready for the ball.What, you need three hours? said Ron, looking at her incredulously and paying for his lapse in concentration when a large snowball, bafflen by George, hit him hard on the side of the head. Whore you going with? he yelled after Hermione, but she just waved and disappeared up the stone steps into the castle.There was no Christmas tea today, as the ball included a feast, so at seven oclock, when it had become hard to aim properly, the others abandoned their snowball fight and trooped back to the common room. The risque Lady was sitting in her frame with her friend Violet from downstairs, both of them extremely tipsy, empty b oxes of chocolate liqueurs littering the bottom other picture.Lairy fights, thats the one she giggled when they gave the password, and she swung forward to let them inside.Harry, Ron, Seamus, Dean, and Neville changed into their dress robes up in their dormitory, all of them looking very self-conscious, but no(prenominal) as much as Ron, who surveyed himself in the long mirror in the corner with an appalled look on his face. There was just no getting around the fact that his robes looked more like a dress than anything else. In a desperate attempt to make them look more manly, he used a Severing Charm on the ruff and cuffs. It worked fairly well at least he was now lace-free, although he hadnt done a very neat job, and the edges still looked depressingly frayed as the sons set off downstairs.I still cant work out how you two got the trump out-looking girls in the year, muttered Dean.Animal magnetism, said Ron gloomily, pulling stray threads out of his cuffs.The common room looked strange, full of people wearing different chromas instead of the usual mass of black. Parvati was waiting for Harry at the foot of the stairs. She looked very more or less indeed, in robes of shocking pink, with her long dark plait braided with gold, and gold bracelets glimmering at her wrists. Harry was relieved to see that she wasnt giggling.You er look nice, he said awkwardly.Thanks, she said. Padmas going to meet you in the entrance hall, she added to Ron.Right, said Ron, looking around. Wheres Hermione?Parvati shrugged. Shall we go down then, Harry?Okay, said Harry, wishing he could just cheque in the common room. Fred winked at Harry as he passed him on the way out of the depiction hole.The entrance hall was packed with students too, all milling around waiting for eight oclock, when the doors to the Great Hall would be thrown open. Those people who were meeting partners from different Houses were edging through the crowd trying to find one another. Parvati found her sist er, Padma, and led her over to Harry and Ron.Hi, said Padma, who was looking just as attractive as Parvati in robes of bright turquoise. She didnt look too eager about having Ron as a partner, though her dark eyes lingered on the frayed neck and sleeves of his dress robes as she looked him up and down.Hi, said Ron, not looking at her, but staring around at the crowd. Oh noHe bent his knees slightly to hide behind Harry, because Fleur Delacour was passing, looking stunning in robes of silver-gray satin, and accompanied by the Ravenclaw Quidditch captain, Roger Davies. When they had disappeared, Ron stood straight again and stared over the heads of the crowd.Where is Hermione? he said again.A group of Slytherins came up the steps from their dungeon common room. Malfoy was in count he was wearing dress robes of black velvet with a high collar, which in Harrys opinion made him look like a vicar. Pansy Parkinson in very frilly robes of pale pink was clutching Malfoys arm. Crabbe and Go yle were both wearing green they resembled moss-colored boulders, and neither of them, Harry was pleased to see, had managed to find a partner.The oak await doors opened, and everyone turned to look as the Durmstrang students entered with Professor Karkaroff. Krum was at the breast of the party, accompanied by a pretty girl in blue robes Harry didnt know. Over their heads he saw that an area of lawn right in front of the castle had been transformed into a change of grotto full of fairy lights meaning hundreds of actual animation fairies were sitting in the roseatebushes that had been conjured there, and fluttering over the statues of what seemed to be Father Christmas and his caribou.Then Professor McGonagalls voice called, Champions over here, pleaseParvati readjusted her bangles, beaming she and Harry said, See you in a minute to Ron and Padma and walked forward, the chattering crowd share to let them through. Professor McGonagall, who was wearing dress robes of red tartan and had arranged a rather repulsive wreath of thistles around the brim other hat, told them to wait on one side of the doors while everyone else went inside they were to enter the Great Hall in procession when the rest of the students had sat down. Fleur Delacour and Roger Davies stationed themselves nearest the doors Davies looked so stupefied by his good fortune in having Fleur for a partner that he could hardly take his eyes off her. Cedric and Cho were close to Harry too he looked away from them so he wouldnt claim to blether to them. His eyes fell instead on the girl next to Krum. His jaw dropped.It was Hermione.But she didnt look like Hermione at all. She had done something with her hair it was no longer bushy but sleek and shiny, and twisted up into an elegant knot at the back of her head. She was wearing robes made of a floaty, periwinkle-blue material, and she was holding herself differently, somehow or maybe it was merely the absence of the twenty or so books she usua lly had slung over her back. She was also cheering rather nervously, it was true but the reduction in the size of her front teeth was more marked than ever Harry couldnt understand how he hadnt spotted it before.Hi, Harry she said. Hi, ParvatiParvati was gazing at Hermione in unflattering disbelief. She wasnt the only one either when the doors to the Great Hall opened, Krums fan club from the library stalked past, throwing Hermione looks of deepest loathing. Pansy Parkinson gaped at her as she walked by with Malfoy, and even he didnt seem to be able to find an insult to throw at her. Ron, however, walked right past Hermione without looking at her.Once everyone else was settled in the Hall, Professor McGonagall told the champions and their partners to get in line in pairs and to follow her. They did so, and everyone in the Great Hall applauded as they entered and started walking up toward a large round table at the top of the Hall, where the judges were sitting.The walls of the H all had all been cover in sparkling silver frost, with hundreds of garlands of mistletoe and ivy crossing the starry black ceiling. The House tables had vanished instead, there were about a hundred smaller, lantern-lit ones, each seating about a dozen people.Harry operose on not tripping over his feet. Parvati seemed to be enjoying herself she was beaming around at everybody, steering Harry so forcefully that he entangle as though he were a show dock she was putting through its paces. He caught troop of Ron and Padma as he neared the top table. Ron was ceremonial Hermione pass with contract eyes. Padma was looking sulky.Dumbledore smiled happily as the champions approached the top table, but Karkaroff wore an expression remarkably like Rons as he watched Krum and Hermione draw nearer. Ludo road mender, tonight in robes of bright purple with large yellow stars, was clapping as sky-high as any of the students and Madame Maxime, who had changed her usual uniform of black satin f or a flowing gown of lavender silk, was applauding them politely. But Mr. Crouch, Harry suddenly realized, was not there. The fifth seat at the table was occupied by Percy Weasley.When the champions and their partners reached the table, Percy move out the empty chair beside him, staring pointedly at Harry. Harry took the hint and sat down next to Percy, who was wearing brand-new, navy-blue dress robes and an expression of such smugness that Harry thought it ought to be fined.Ive been promoted, Percy said before Harry could even ask, and from his tone, he might have been announcing his election as supreme ruler of the universe. Im now Mr. Crouchs personal assistant, and Im here representing him.Why didnt he come? Harry asked. He wasnt looking forward to being lectured on cauldron bottoms all through dinner.Im afraid to say Mr. Crouch isnt well, not well at all. Hasnt been right since the serviceman Cup. Hardly surprising overwork. Hes not as young as he was though still quite bri lliant, of course, the mind remains as great as it ever was. But the World Cup was a fiasco for the whole Ministry, and then, Mr. Crouch suffered a huge personal shock with the misbehavior of that house-elf of his, Blinky, or whatsoever she was called. Naturally, he dismissed her immediately afterward, but well, as I say, hes getting on, he needs looking after, and I think hes found a definite drop in his home comforts since she left. And then we had the tournament to arrange, and the aftermath of the Cup to deal with that revolting Skeeter woman buzzing around no, poor man, hes having a well earned, quiet Christmas. Im just glad he knew he had someone he could rely upon to take his place.Harry wanted very much to ask whether Mr. Crouch had stopped profession Percy Weatherby yet, but resisted the temptation.There was no food as yet on the glittering golden weighing machines, but small menus were lying in front of each of them. Harry picked his up un sure enough and looked aro und there were no waiters. Dumbledore, however, looked carefully down at his own menu, then said very clearly to his plate, pork chopsAnd pork chops appeared. Getting the idea, the rest of the table placed their orders with their plates too. Harry glanced up at Hermione to see how she felt about this new and more complicated method of dining surely it meant plenty of extra work for the house-elves? but for once, Hermione didnt seem to be thinking about S.P.E.W. She was deep in talk with Viktor Krum and hardly seemed to notice what she was eating.It now occurred to Harry that he had never actually heard Krum speak before, but he was certainly talking now, and very enthusiastically at that.Veil, ve have a castle also, not as good-looking as this, nor as comfortable, I am thinking, he was telling Hermione. Ve have just four floors, and the fires are lit only for magical purposes. But ve have grounds larger even than these though in vinter, ve have very little daylight, so ve are n ot enjoying them. But in summer ve are flying every day, over the lakes and the mountains -Now, now, Viktor said Karkaroff with a laugh that didnt reach his cool eyes, dont go giving away anything else, now, or your charming friend will know exactly where to find usDumbledore smiled, his eyes twinkling. Igor, all this secrecy, one would almost think you didnt want visitors.Well, Dumbledore, said Karkaroff, displaying his yellowing teeth to their fullest extent, we are all protective of our private domains, are we not? Do we not jealously guard the halls of learning that have been entrusted to us? Are we not right to be proud that we alone know our schools secrets, and right to protect them?Oh I would never dream of assuming I know all Hogwarts secrets, Igor, said Dumbledore amicably. Only this morning, for instance, I took a wrong turning on the way to the bathroom and found myself in a beautifully proportioned room I have never seen before, containing a really rather magnificent collection of chamber pots. When I went back to investigate more closely, I discovered that the room had vanished. But I must keep an eye out for it. Possibly it is only accessible at five-thirty in the morning. Or it may only appear at the quarter moon or when the seeker has an exceptionally full bladder.Harry snorted into his plate of goulash. Percy frowned, but Harry could have sworn Dumbledore had given him a very small wink.Meanwhile Fleur Delacour was criticizing the Hogwarts decorations to Roger Davies.Zis is nothing, she said dismissively, looking around at the sparkling walls of the Great Hall. At ze Palace of Beauxbatons, we ave ice sculptures all around ze dining chamber at Chreestmas. Zey do not melt, of coursezey are like uge statues of diamond, glittering around ze place. And ze food is seemply superb. And we ave choirs of wood nymphs, oo serenade us as we eat. We ave none of zis ugly armor in ze alls, and eef a poltergeist ever entaired into Beauxbatons, e would be e xpelled like zat. She slapped her hand onto the table impatiently.Roger Davies was watching her talk with a very dazed look on his face, and he kept missing his mouth with his fork. Harry had the impression that Davies was too busy staring at Fleur to take in a word she was saying.Absolutely right, he said quickly, slapping his own hand down on the table in imitation of Fleur. Like that. Yeah.Harry looked around the Hall. Hagrid was sitting at one of the other staff tables he was back in his horrible hoary brown suit and gazing up at the top table. Harry saw him give a small wave, and looking around, saw Madame Maxime return it, her opals glittering in the candlelight.Hermione was now teaching Krum to say her name properly he kept calling her Hermy-own.Her-my-oh-nee, she said slowly and clearly.Herm-own-ninny.Close enough, she said, catching Harrys eye and grinning.When all the food had been consumed, Dumbledore stood up and asked the students to do the same. Then, with a wave of h is wand, all the tables zoomed back along the walls leaving the floor clear, and then he conjured a raised platform into existence along the right wall. A set of drums, several(prenominal) guitars, a lute, a cello, and some bagpipes were set upon it.The Weird Sisters now trooped up onto the stage to wildly enthusiastic applause they were all extremely hairy and dressed in black robes that had been artfully ripped and torn. They picked up their instruments, and Harry, who had been so interested in watching them that he had almost forgotten what was coming, suddenly realized that the lanterns on all the other tables had gone out, and that the other champions and their partners were standing up.Come on Parvati hissed. Were supposed to danceHarry tripped over his dress robes as he stood up. The Weird Sisters struck up a slow, mournful tune Harry walked onto the brightly lit dance floor, carefully avoiding catching anyones eye (he could see Seamus and Dean waving at him and sniggering), and next moment, Parvati had seized his give, placed one around her waist, and was holding the other tightly in hers.It wasnt as forged as it could have been. Harry thought, revolving slowly on the spot (Parvati was steering). He kept his eyes repair over the heads of the watching people, and very soon umpteen of them too had come onto the dance floor, so that the champions were no longer the center of attention. Neville and Ginny were dancing nearby he could see Ginny wincing frequently as Neville trod on her feet and Dumbledore was waltzing with Madame Maxime. He was so dwarfed by her that the top of his pointed hat barely tickled her chin however, she moved very gracefully for a woman so large. Mad-Eye Moody was doing an extremely ungainly two-step with Professor Sinistra, who was nervously avoiding his wooden leg. decorous socks. Potter, Moody growled as he passed, his magical eye staring through Harrys robes.Oh yeah, Dobby the house-elf knitted them for me, said Harry, g rinning.He is so creepy Parvati whispered as Moody clunked away. I dont think that eye should be allowed.Harry heard the final, quavering note from the bagpipe with relief. The Weird Sisters stopped playing, applause filled the hall once more, and Harry let go of Parvati at once.Lets sit down, shall we?Oh but this is a really good one Parvati said as the Weird Sisters struck up a new song, which was much faster.No, I dont like it, Harry lied, and he led her away from the dance floor, past Fred and Angelina, who were dancing so exhuberantly that people around them were mount away in fear of injury, and over to the table where Ron and Padma were sitting.Hows it going? Harry asked Ron, sitting down and opening a bottle of butterbeer.Ron didnt answer. He was clear at Hermione and Krum, who were dancing nearby. Padma was sitting with her arms and legs crossed, one foot jiggling in time to the music. Every now and then she threw a disgruntled look at Ron, who was entirely ignoring he r. Parvati sat down on Harrys other side, crossed her arms and legs too, and within minutes was asked to dance by a boy from Beauxbatons.You dont mind, do you, Harry? Parvati said.What? said Harry, who was now watching Cho and Cedric.Oh never mind, snapped Parvati, and she went off with the boy from Beauxbatons. When the song ended, she did not return.Hermione came over and sat down in Parvatis empty chair. She was a bit pink in the face from dancing.Hi, said Harry. Ron didnt say anything.Its hot, isnt it? said Hermione, fanning herself with her hand. Viktors just gone to get some drinks.Ron gave her a withering look. Viktor? he said. Hasnt he asked you to call him Vicky yet?Hermione looked at him in surprise. Whats up with you? she said.If you dont know, said Ron scathingly, Im not going to tell you.Hermione stared at him, then at Harry, who shrugged.Ron, what -?Hes from Durmstrang spat Ron. Hes competing against Harry Against Hogwarts You youre - Ron was obviously casting around for words strong enough to describe Hermiones crime, fraternizing with the enemy, thats what youre doingHermiones mouth fell open.Dont be so stupid she said after a moment. The enemy Honestly who was the one who was all excited when they saw him arrive? Who was the one who wanted his autograph? Whos got a model of him up in their dormitory?Ron chose to ignore this. I spose he asked you to come with him while you were both in the library?Yes, he did, said Hermione, the pink patches on her cheeks animated more brightly. So what?What happened trying to get him to join spew, were you?No, I wasnt If you really want to know, he he said hed been coming up to the library every day to try and talk to me, but he hadnt been able to pluck up the courageHermione said this very quickly, and blushed so deeply that she was the same color as Parvatis robes.Yeah, well thats his story, said Ron nastily.And whats that supposed to mean?Obvious, isnt it? Hes Karkaroffs student, isnt he? He knows who you hang around with.Hes just trying to get closer to Harry get inside information on him or get near enough to jinx him -Hermione looked as though Ron had slapped her. When she spoke, her voice quivered.For your information, he hasnt asked me one single thing about Harry, not one -Ron changed tack at the speed of light.Then hes hoping youll help oneself him find out what his egg means I suppose youve been putting your heads together during those cozy little library sessions -Id never help him work out that egg said Hermione, looking outraged. Never. How could you say something like that I want Harry to win the tournament. Harry knows that, dont you, Harry?Youve got a funny way of showing it, sneered Ron.This whole tournaments supposed to be about getting to know foreign wizards and making friends with them said Hermione hotly.No it isnt shouted Ron. Its about winningPeople were starting to stare at them.Ron, said Harry quietly, I havent got a enigma with Hermione coming with Krum -But Ron ignored Harry too.Why dont you go and find Vicky, hell be wondering where you are, said Ron.Dont call him VickyHermione jumped to her feet and stormed off across the dance floor, disappearing into the crowd. Ron watched her go with a mixture of anger and gaiety on his face.Are you going to ask me to dance at all? Padma asked him.No, said Ron, still glaring after Hermione.Fine, snapped Padma, and she got up and went to join Parvati and the Beauxbatons boy, who conjured up one of his friends to join them so fast that Harry could have sworn he had zoomed him there by a Summoning Charm.Vare is Herm-own-ninny? said a voice.Krum had just arrived at their table clutching two butterbeers.No idea, said Ron mulishly, looking up at him. Lost her, have you?Krum was looking surly again.Veil, if you see her, tell her I haff drinks, he said, and he slouched off.Made friends with Viktor Krum, have you, Ron?Percy had bustled over, rubbing his hands together and looking extremely pompo us. Excellent Thats the whole point, you know international magical cooperationTo Harrys displeasure, Percy now took Padmas vacated seat. The top table was now empty Professor Dumbledore was dancing with Professor Sprout, Ludo Bagman with Professor McGonagall Madame Maxime and Hagrid were cutting a wide path around the dance floor as they waltzed through the students, and Karkaroff was nowhere to be seen. When the next song ended, everybody applauded once more, and Harry saw Ludo Bagman kiss Professor McGonagalls hand and make his way back through the crowds, at which point Fred and George accosted him.What do they think theyre doing, annoying senior Ministry members? Percy hissed, watching Fred and George suspiciously. No respectLudo Bagman shook off Fred and George fairly quickly, however, and, spotting Harry, waved and came over to their table.I hope my brothers werent bothering you, Mr. Bagman? said Percy at once.What? Oh not at all, not at all said Bagman. No, they were just t elling me a bit more about those fake wands of theirs. Wondering if I could advise them on the marketing. Ive promised to put them in touch with a couple of contacts of mine at Zonkos Joke Shop.Percy didnt look happy about this at all, and Harry was prepared to bet he would be step on it to tell Mrs. Weasley about this the moment he got home. Apparently Fred and Georges plans had grown even more ambitious lately, if they were hoping to sell to the public. Bagman opened his mouth to ask Harry something, but Percy diverted him.How do you feel the tournaments going, Mr. Bagman? Our departments quite commodious the hitch with the Goblet of Fire he glanced at Harry was a little unfortunate, of course, but it seems to have gone very smoothly since, dont you think?Oh yes, Bagman said cheerfully, its all been enormous fun. Hows old Barty doing? daunt he couldnt come.Oh Im sure Mr. Crouch will be up and about in no time, said Percy importantly, but in the meantime, Im more than willing to take up the slack. Of course, its not all attending balls he laughed airily oh no, Ive had to deal with all sorts of things that have cropped up in his absence you heard Ali Bashir was caught smuggling a consignment of flying carpets into the country? And then weve been trying to persuade the Transylvanians to sign the International Ban on Dueling. Ive got a meeting with their Head of Magical Cooperation in the new year -Lets go for a walk, Ron muttered to Harry, get away from Percy.Pretending they wanted more drinks. Harry and Ron left the table, edged around the dance floor, and slipped out into the entrance hall. The front doors stood open, and the fluttering fairy lights in the rose garden winked and twinkled as they went down the front steps, where they found themselves surrounded by bushes winding, ornamental paths and large stone statues. Harry could hear splashing piddle, which sounded like a fountain. Here and there, people were sitting on carved benches. He and Ron set off along one of the winding paths through the rosebushes, but they had gone only a short way when they heard an unpleasantly familiar voice.dont see what there is to fuss about, Igor.Severus, you cannot pretend this isnt happening Karkaroffs voice sounded anxious and hushed, as though keen not to be overheard. Its been getting clearer and clearer for months. I am becoming seriously concerned, I cant deny it -Then flee, said Snapes voice curtly. Flee I will make your excuses. I, however, am stay at Hogwarts.Snape and Karkaroff came around the corner. Snape had his wand out and was blasting rosebushes apart, his expression most ill-natured. Squeals issued from many of the bushes, and dark shapes emerged from them. go points from Ravenclaw, Fawcett Snape snarled as a girl ran past him. And ten points from Hufflepuff too, Stebbins as a boy went rushing after her. And what are you two doing? he added, catching sight of Harry and Ron on the path ahead. Karkaroff, Harry saw, looked slightly discomposed to see them standing there. His hand went nervously to his goatee, and he began winding it around his finger.We re walking, Ron told Snape shortly. Not against the law, is it?Keep walking, then Snape snarled, and he brushed past them, his long black cloak surge out behind him. Karkaroff hurried away after Snape. Harry and Ron continued down the path.Whats got Karkaroff all worried? Ron muttered.And since when have he and Snape been on first-name terms?said Harry slowly.They had reached a large stone reindeer now, over which they could see the sparkling jets of a tall fountain. The shadowy outlines of two enormous people were overt on a stone bench, watching the water in the moonlight. And then Harry heard Hagrid speak.Momen I saw yeh, I knew, he was saying, in an oddly husky voice.Harry and Ron froze. This didnt sound like the sort of scene they ought to walk in on, somehow.Harry looked around, back up the path, and saw Fleur Delacour and Roger Davies standing half-concealed in a rosebush nearby. He tapped Ron on the shoulder and jerked his head toward them, meaning that they could easily sneak off that way without being noticed (Fleur and Davies looked very busy to Harry), but Ron, eyes widening in horror at the sight of Fleur, shook his head vigorously, and pulled Harry deeper into the shadows behind the reindeer.What did you know, Agrid? said Madame Maxime, a purr in her low voice.Harry definitely didnt want to listen to this he knew Hagrid would hate to be overheard in a situation like this (he certainly would have) if it had been possible he would have put his fingers in his ears and hummed loudly, but that wasnt really an option. Instead he tried to interest himself in a beetling crawling along the stone reindeers back, but the beetle just wasnt interesting enough to block out Hagrids next words.I jus knewknew you were like me.Was it yer mother or yer father?I I dont know what you mean, Agrid.It was my mother, said Hagrid quietl y. She was one o the las ones in Britain. Course, I can remember her too wellshe left, see. When I was abou three. She wasn really the maternal sort. Wellits not in their natures, is it? Dunno what happened to hermight be idle fer all I know.Madame Maxime didnt say anything. And Harry, in spite of himself, took his eyes off the beetle and looked over the top of the reindeers antlers, listening.He had never heard Hagrid talk about his childhood before.Me dad was broken-hearted when she wen. Tiny little bloke, my dad was. By the time I was six I could lift him up an put him on top o the dresser if he annoyed me. Used ter make him laugh.Hagrids deep voice broke. Madame Maxime was listening, motionless, obviously staring at the silvery fountain. Dad raised mebut he died, o course, jus after I started school. Sorta had ter make me own way after that. Dumbledore was a real help, mind. Very kind ter me, he was.Hagrid pulled out a large spotted silk handkerchief and blew his nose heavily. Soanywayenough abou me. What about you? Which side you got it on?But Madame Maxime had suddenly got to her feet.It is chilly, she said but whatever the weather was doing, it was nowhere near as cold as her voice. I think I will go in now.Eh? said Hagrid blankly. No, don go Ive Ive never met another one beforeAnuzzer what, precisely? said Madame Maxime, her tone icy.Harry could have told Hagrid it was best not to answer he stood there in the shadows gritting his teeth, hoping against hope he wouldnt but it was no good. some other half-giant, o course said Hagrid.Ow dare you shrieked Madame Maxime. Her voice exploded through the peaceful night air like a foghorn behind him. Harry heard Fleur and Roger fall out of their rosebush. I ave nevair been more insulted in my life Alf-giant? Moi? I ave I ave big bonesShe stormed away great multicolored swarms of fairies rose into the air as she passed, angrily pushing aside bushes. Hagrid was still sitting on the bench, staring after her. I t was much too dark to make out his expression. Then, after about a minute, he stood up and strode away, not back to the castle, but off out into the dark grounds in the direction of his cabin.Cmon, Harry said, very quietly to Ron. Lets go.But Ron didnt move.Whats up? said Harry, looking at him.Ron looked around at Harry, his expression very serious indeed.Did you know? he whispered. About Hagrid being half-giant?No, Harry said, shrugging. So what?He knew immediately, from the look Ron was giving him, that he was once again revealing his ignorance of the wizarding world. Brought up by the Dursleys, there were many things that wizards took for granted that were revelations to Harry, but these surprises had become fewer with each successive year. Now, however, he could tell that most wizards would not have said So what? upon finding out that one of their friends had a giantess for a mother.Ill explain inside, said Ron quietly, cmon.Fleur and Roger Davies had disappeared, probably into a more private clump of bushes. Harry and Ron returned to the Great Hall. Parvati and Padma were now sitting at a distant table with a whole crowd of Beauxbatons boys, and Hermione was once more dancing with Krum. Harry and Ron sat down at a table far removed from the dance floor.So? Harry prompted Ron. Whats the problem with giants?Well, theyretheyre Ron struggled for words. not very nice, he finished lamely.Who cares? Harry said. Theres nothing wrong with HagridI know there isnt, butblimey, no wonder he keeps it quiet, Ron said, shaking his head. I always thought hed got in the way of a bad Engorgement Charm when he was a kid or something. Didnt like to rear it.But whats it matter if his mother was a giantess? said Harry.Wellno one who knows him will care, cos theyll know hes not dangerous, said Ron slowly. ButHarry, theyre just vicious, giants. Its like Hagrid said, its in their natures, theyre like trollsthey just like killing, everyone knows that. There arent any left in Brit ain now, though.What happened to them?Well, they were dying out anyway, and then loads got themselves killed by Aurors. Therere supposed to be giants abroad, though.They hide out in mountains mostly.I dont know who Maxime thinks shes kidding, Harry said, watching Madame Maxime sitting alone at the judges table, looking very somber. If Hagrids half-giant, she definitely is. Big bones.the only thing thats got bigger bones than her is a dinosaur.Harry and Ron spent the rest of the ball discussing giants in their corner, neither of them having any inclination to dance. Harry tried not to watch Cho and Cedric too much it gave him a strong swear to kick something.When the Weird Sisters finished playing at midnight, everyone gave them a last, loud round of applause and started to locomote their way into the entrance hall. Many people were expressing the wish that the ball could have gone on longer, but Harry was perfectly happy to be going to bed as far as he was concerned, the evening h adnt been much fun.Out in the entrance hall, Harry and Ron saw Hermione saying good night to Krum before he went back to the Durmstrang ship. She gave Ron a very cold look and swept past him up the marble staircase without speaking. Harry and Ron followed her, but halfway up the staircase Harry heard someone calling him.Hey-HarryIt was Cedric Diggory. Harry could see Cho waiting for him in the entrance hall below.Yeah? said Harry coldly as Cedric ran up the stairs toward him.Cedric looked as though he didnt want to say whatever it was in front of Ron, who shrugged, looking bad-tempered, and continued to climb the stairs.Listen Cedric lowered his voice as Ron disappeared. I owe you one for telling me about the dragons. You know that golden egg? Does yours wail when you open it?Yeah, said Harry.Welltake a bath, okay?What?Take a bath, and er take the egg with you, and er just mull things over in the hot water. Itll help you think.Trust me.Harry stared at him.Tell you what, Cedric s aid, use the prefects bathroom. Fourth door to the left of that statue of Boris the Bewildered on the fifth floor. Passwords pine fresh. Gotta gowant to say good night -He grinned at Harry again and hurried back down the stairs to Cho.Harry walked back to Gryffindor Tower alone. That had been extremely strange advice. Why would a bath help him to work out what the wailing egg meant? Was Cedric pulling his leg? Was he trying to make Harry look like a fool, so Cho would like him even more by comparison?The Fat Lady and her friend Vi were snoozing in the picture over the portrait hole. Harry had to yell world-beater lights before he woke them up, and when he did, they were extremely irritated. He climbed into the common room and found Ron and Hermione having a blaze row. Standing ten feet apart, they were bellowing at each other, each scarlet in the face.Well, if you dont like it, you know what the solution is, dont you? yelled Hermione her hair was coming down out of its elegant bun now, and her face was screwed up in anger.Oh yeah? Ron yelled back. Whats that?Next time theres a ball, ask me before someone else does, and not as a last resortRon mouthed soundlessly like a goldfish out of water as Hermione turned on her heel and stormed up the girls staircase to bed. Ron turned to look at Harry.Well, he sputtered, looking thunderstruck, well that just proves completely missed the point -Harry didnt say anything. He wish being back on speaking terms with Ron too much to speak his mind right now but he somehow thought that Hermione had gotten the point much better than Ron had.