Chapter 9Chapter Text
The next evening arrived with an unusual mixture of anticipation and uncertainty. Harry adjusted his dress robes one final time before meeting Ginny outside the portrait hole.
As they made their way through the corridors toward the dungeons, Harry found himself wondering exactly what Slughorn had planned - and more importantly, what the professor wanted from him.
Slughorn's office had been completely transformed. The usually cramped space had been magically expanded to accommodate all the students, all mingling beneath floating candles and tasteful golden ribbons that caught the warm light.
Multiple tables lined the walls, laden with refreshments ranging from pumpkin juice and butterbeer to what Harry recognized as expensive firewhisky - complete with a small, neat sign declaring it "For Students of Age Only."
The office bore little resemblance to its usual cluttered state, with elegant furniture replacing Slughorn's usual mismatched chairs, and rich tapestries depicting various magical achievements adorning the walls.
"Ah! Harry! Come on in, and Miss Weasley, a pleasure to see you." Slughorn called out warmly, weaving toward them through the crowd. His robes strained slightly across his considerable belly, and Harry could see the flush in his cheeks and the merry gleam in his eyes that suggested he'd already sampled the firewhisky.
"Professor," Harry said politely, shaking Slughorn's hand while Ginny offered a warm smile beside him. Harry glanced around the room, recognizing several faces but wondering what they all had in common that had earned them an invitation.
"Thank you for the invitation. I have to ask though - what's the occasion?"
"Oh, not to worry, my boy! I just thought it would be good to gather everyone together at the start of term. Foster a little fraternity, make some connections!" Slughorn said with a hearty laugh, though Harry caught something calculating in his eyes that suggested there was more to it than simple socializing.
"Now come in, come in!" Slughorn insisted. "We have a variety of refreshments here, so feel free to enjoy yourselves! Just make sure not to get too carried away with the firewhisky," Slughorn added the last part with a conspiratorial whisper.
"I'll see you two later, I'm afraid I must go greet some new arrivals!" Slughorn said, looking toward the door where Harry could see Pansy Parkinson entering, her calculating gaze sweeping over the room.
Slughorn bustled his way over to her as Harry and Ginny made their way further into the party.
Harry took Ginny's hand and felt the warmth of it radiate through his arm. The warm candlelight and soft murmur of conversation created an atmosphere that felt slightly intoxicating, even without a drink.
Though Harry couldn't quite shake the feeling that they weren't here just for a social gathering, despite Slughorn's claims.
"This is a lot more elaborate than I was expecting," Ginny said, gripping Harry's arm tighter. "Now I feel bad that I wore an old dress."
"Don't worry, you look great as always," Harry said, looking over at Ginny, who seemed pleased. "Though I can't help but wonder who else made the guest list."
Harry looked around the room, spotting familiar faces. Blaise Zabini stood near the corner, seemingly lost in thought. Cormac McLaggen hovered over the firewhisky table, along with some younger students and other faces he recognized from Slughorn's train compartment. It seemed everyone here had something in common - good grades, exceptional talent, or famous relatives.
Harry led Ginny over to the refreshment table, weaving in between a few sets of younger students, whose gazes seemed to linger on him. He grabbed a couple butterbeers and handed one to Ginny.
At that moment, a familiar face walked in. Hermione entered, looking somewhat flustered as she took in the transformed office. Her hair was tamed into elegant waves that rippled down her back and she wore a light pink dress that reminded Harry of the Yule Ball.
Harry felt surprised. He knew Hermione was a brilliant and beautiful witch, but he had never really thought about her that way. But now as she walked in, Harry could see the soft candlelight reflect off her brown eyes and her cute button nose, making him feel strange inside.
"Hermione?" Harry called out, confused.
Hermione looked over, spotted them and made her way over.
"Hi Harry, Ginny!" Hermione said, still seemingly impressed by the office."The expansion charms on this place are impressive!"
"Why are you here? Or I mean, you got invited too?" Harry corrected himself.
"Yeah, I got the invite earlier today, I wasn't sure I'd come so I didn't mention, but Ron was moping about not being invited so I decided this would be a little less irritating," Hermione explained.
The three of them found a relatively peaceful area near the edge of the extended office.
"I have to admit," Hermione said, taking a sip of her butterbeer. "This is a lot nicer than I was expecting… I was afraid this would be a dingy or awkward get together."
"It certainly is a lot…" Harry said, looking around the room.
"Well if you're trying to impress 'The Chosen One'" I suppose you have to pull out all the stops, Ginny laughed. Harry rolled his eyes, but a slight smile quirked at his lips.
"I'll go grab us more drinks," Harry said, noting their almost empty butterbeer bottles.
As he made his way toward the refreshment table, he heard a familiar voice behind him.
"Ginny! Hermione!"
Harry turned and saw Susan approaching Ginny and Hermione, looking slightly nervous, but genuinely pleased. She'd clearly made an effort for the evening, her auburn hair styled into fluffy waves and she wore a deep emerald dress that complimented her hair and accentuated her noticeable curves, though she kept smoothing the fabric nervously.
"Susan!" Ginny said warmly, pulling her into a quick hug. "You look lovely!" Ginny's eyes roamed.
"Thank you!" Susan said, her face flushed. "You both look wonderful too."
Harry returned with the drinks just as Susan was saying, "I still can't believe I managed to learn that shield charm! That lesson really was a help."
"You always had it in you, you're just finally trusting yourself." Hermione said kindly.
"Well Harry's teaching methods help too," Susan said, then noticed Harry approaching and her cheeks turned a deeper crimson. "Oh! Harry, I didn't see you there."
"Just getting some drinks," Harry said, distributing the butterbeers. "I was wondering if you'd be here tonight."
"Well Professor Slughorn mentioned something about my herbology marks… though honestly there are a lot more accomplished students than me." Susan said, accepting her drink.
"Don't downplay yourself Susan, your practical spellwork is impressive," Harry said, and watched Susan's face lit up at the praise, and her hand tightening slightly around her butterbeer.
Ginny watched the exchange with quiet interest, while Hermione's thoughtful gaze flickered between all three.
At that moment, soft music began to play and a space was quickly cleared out in the middle. A handful of students approached the floor and began dancing.
"Would you like to dance?" Harry spontaneously asked Susan, surprising even himself. He was momentarily hit with flashbacks of fourth year, of his dancing disaster. His gaze flickered over to Ginny, who seemed even happier than Susan at this moment.
Susan's eyes widened. "Oh! I… yes, I'd like that very much."
As Harry offered Susan his hand and led her to the dancefloor, he was acutely aware of the gazes lingering on them. Conversation seemed to quiet as other guests noticed Harry dancing with Susan Bones.
Susan seemed like a competent dancer, though quite nervous about being so close, her hands trembling slightly.
"Relax," Harry whispered to her. "Just focus on the music, and on me. Just like with the defense spells - you're more capable than you think."
Susan laughed softly, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. "It's just... I never imagined I'd be dancing with you at a party like this. It feels rather surreal."
"Why?" Harry asked, confused by Susan's words.
"Because… well because you're Harry Potter," Susan said, then seemed to realize how that sounded. "I mean… yes you're famous but… well, you're…" She seemed to search for the right words. "You make people feel protected. And after what happened to my aunt, that means more to me than you might realize."
Harry felt something tighten in his chest at her words.
"I wish I could have stopped what happened to her… But I promise I'll do everything I can to make sure it doesn't happen to anyone else.." Harry spoke with a low, quiet tone.
"Thank you Harry," Susan said, leaning slightly closer to him. "I think she'd be proud that I'm learning to protect myself instead of just waiting for someone else to do it."
When the song ended, Harry and Susan walked back to where Ginny and Hermione were standing. Ginny's face was warm and flushed, while Hermione's expression seemed carefully neutral.
"That looked lovely." Ginny sighed out.
"Harry's a wonderful dancer." Susan said, her voice soft with contentment. "I guess he's improved since fourth year," the girls giggled at that, while Harry cringed.
"I think I saw Hannah over there, I'll go say hi to her." Susan said, before moving to near the drinks table, where another Hufflepuff girl stood.
"She seems to be doing a bit better," Hermione said, her gaze flickering to Harry.
"There's something beautiful about watching someone discover their own confidence," Ginny said, her eyes following Susan's retreating form with a pleased expression.
Before Harry could respond, he saw Ginny looking at him with a pointed gaze, when he looked back, she gestured towards Hermione, and then the dance floor. He got the message, but was a little confused by why Ginny seemed to want Harry to dance with everyone but herself.
"You want to dance too, Hermione?" Harry turned to her.
Hermione looked surprised, then somewhat pleased. "I'd like that, thank you Harry."
Dancing with Hermione felt different than dancing with Susan. Where Susan had been nervous, Hermione was graceful, matching his movements with an ease that suggested she was a better dancer than she usually let on. But there was something conflicted about her demeanor, as if she was fighting some internal battle.
"I didn't know you were so good at this," Harry said after a turn.
"Well I've always liked dancing, even took a few lessons when I was younger," Hermione admitted. "Though I'll admit, this is a lot more pleasant than dancing with Viktor, less stressful."
"Stressful?" Harry asked.
"Well he always took everything so seriously. It was less a dance and more a step by step performance. Even the conversation was like that, and after a bit it got quite exhausting."
"While this is… it feels more…" She trailed off, as if she couldn't quite articulate what she was feeling.
Harry felt himself start to notice even more things about Hermione as the dance went on. The way her lips curved up when in thought, the graceful way she carried herself. And from the way her eyes had widened when he asked her to dance, he suspected he wasn't the only one noticing things.
When the song ended, Hermione stepped back, her expression a mixture of confusion and something that looked almost like guilt.
"Thank you for the dance," she said quietly, then moved toward the wall where she stood watching the other dancers with a troubled frown, as if trying to puzzle out her own emotions.
"My turn," Ginny said firmly, moving into Harry's arms before he could even ask.
Dancing with Ginny was entirely different from the previous two dances. She was confident and present. Pressing closer to him than either of the others had, her hand sliding up to rest against the back of his neck, fingers playing with the hair at his nape.
"Having fun?" she asked, her voice low.
"I am," Harry said, though he found himself studying her face. "Though I have to ask - why did you want me to dance with them?"
Ginny's smile was slow and knowing. "Did you enjoy it?"
"That's not an answer."
"Isn't it?" She spun gracefully under his arm, then pressed back against him, closer this time. "You looked good out there, Harry. Like you were finally understanding your own appeal."
Harry felt heat rise in his cheeks, but also something deeper - a thrill at her words. "Ginny..."
"I love watching you realize how much people want you," she continued, her eyes never leaving his. "Susan could barely contain herself, and Hermione... well, she's fighting it, but I could see the way she looked at you."
"You're not... bothered by that?" Harry asked, genuinely confused.
"Bothered?" Ginny laughed softly. "Harry, do you know what it's like watching someone you care about finally getting the attention they deserve? Watching them look at you the way I do?"
Her hand traced along his jaw as they swayed. "It's intoxicating. And I want to see more of it."
Harry stared at her, trying to process what she was saying. "So you... like it? When other girls show interest in me?"
"I more than like it," Ginny said, her voice dropping to barely above a whisper. "I love seeing the effect you have on people. The way Susan melts when you praise her, how Hermione gets flustered when you pay attention to her... It makes me proud. And it makes me want you even more."
The music continued around them, but Harry felt like they were in their own bubble. "Ginny, that's... that's not exactly normal, is it?"
"Since when have we ever been normal?" she countered. "Besides, there's nothing wrong with appreciating what's yours and enjoying that others recognize its value too."
Harry found himself leaning closer to her, drawn by her confidence and the heat in her eyes. "And what if... what if I said I enjoyed their attention too? More than just attention?"
"Then I'd say it's about time," Ginny replied, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Because I've been hoping you'd want more than just admiration from girls like Susan. They care about you, Harry. And I think you care about them too."
"Ginny, are you saying-"
"Harry!"
They both turned to see Cormac McLaggen approaching them, clearly having sampled too much of the firewhisky. His face was flushed and he was swaying slightly as he walked.
"McLaggen," Harry said tersely, not bothering to hide his annoyance at the interruption.
"Mate, I've been meaning to talk to you about Quidditch tryouts," Cormac said loudly, seemingly oblivious to the intimate moment he'd interrupted. "You know I'm the obvious choice for Keeper, right? I mean, my uncle Tiberius was saying just the other day that raw talent like mine shouldn't be wasted on the bench..."
Ginny stepped back from Harry's arms, giving him a look that clearly said 'we'll finish this conversation later' before moving away to rejoin Hermione near the refreshment table.
Harry found himself stuck listening to Cormac's increasingly slurred and boastful monologue about his Quidditch abilities, all while his mind raced with the implications of what Ginny had been suggesting.
"And you know Harry…" Cormac's voice dipped to a whisper. Harry could smell the firewhisky on his breath.
"I've seen you hanging around with Granger and Bones… and well I was thinking… How bout you save one of them for me eh? You already got Weasley to play with, so how about letting me have the other redhead?" Cormac stumbled slightly, almost tipping over.
"I have always wondered if the carpets match the drapes if you know what I'm saying," Cormac lightly tapped Harry with his elbow. Harry looked at Cormac blankly.
"And well with the body she has! Merlin…" Cormac finished with a burp.
Harry's expression turned cold. "You're drunk, McLaggen. Go find someone else to bother."
Without waiting for a response, Harry turned and walked away, leaving Cormac swaying unsteadily by himself.
He made his way toward a quieter corner of the room where he noticed Blaise Zabini standing alone, observing the party with his usual detached air.
"Potter," Blaise said as Harry approached. "Enjoying Slughorn's little gathering?"
"It has its moments," Harry replied, glancing back to where Cormac was now attempting to steady himself against a wall. "What brings you here then?"
"My mother has a certain... reputation in social circles," Blaise said with a slight smirk. "Slughorn finds that useful for his connections. Besides, these parties can be entertaining if you know what to watch for."
"And what's that?"
"The dynamics," Blaise said, his eyes moving across the room. "Take you, for instance. You've been quite the prince charming this evening. Quite fascinating to observe."
Harry studied Blaise's face, trying to determine if there was mockery there, but found only genuine interest.
"You're very observant," Harry said carefully.
"It's a useful skill, Potter," Blaise replied. "Especially when tensions are running as high as they are these days. People reveal more than they intend when they think no one's paying attention."
Before Harry could respond, raised voices from across the room caught both their attention. Cormac had apparently decided to approach Susan, who was still standing near Hannah Abbott by the refreshment table.
"Come on, gorgeous," Cormac's slurred voice carried across the room. "Just one dance. I promise I'll make it worth your while."
Susan stepped back, clearly uncomfortable. "I'm fine where I am, thank you."
"Don't be like that," Cormac persisted, reaching for her arm. "You danced with Potter, didn't you? What makes him so special?"
"She said no, McLaggen," Hannah interjected firmly, moving to stand beside Susan.
Cormac's face flushed darker. "I wasn't talking to you, Abbott. Mind your own business."
"I already told you no McLaggen." Susan said, taking a step back.
But Cormac was beyond reason now, the firewhisky and rejection combining poorly. "You think you're too good for me? Is that it? Rather save yourself for the famous Boy Who Lived?"
His voice was getting louder, and other conversations around the room began to quiet as people turned to watch.
"You're just another blood traitor anyway," Cormac continued, his words becoming more venomous. "No wonder your aunt-"
"Silencio," Harry said sharply, his wand appearing in his hand so quickly that most people missed the movement entirely.
Cormac's mouth continued moving, but no sound came out. His eyes widened in shock and rage as he realized what had happened.
"I think you've said quite enough for one evening," Harry said coldly, his voice carrying clearly in the suddenly quiet room.
Cormac fumbled for his own wand, his movements clumsy from drink and anger, but before he could draw it properly, Harry flicked his wand again.
"Petrificus Totalus."
Cormac went rigid and toppled backward, saved from hitting the floor only by Blaise, who had moved with surprising speed to catch him.
"Well," Blaise said mildly, lowering the petrified Cormac to the ground. "That was interesting."
The room buzzed with whispered conversations as Professor Slughorn hurried over, his face flushed with embarrassment and concern.
"My boy, my boy," he said, wringing his hands. "What happened here?"
"McLaggen had too much to drink and became inappropriate with Miss Bones," Harry said, anger still apparent in his voice. "I felt it was necessary to intervene before things escalated further."
Susan nodded, still looking shaken. "He was being horrible, Professor. Harry was just trying to help."
Slughorn looked down at the petrified Cormac with a mixture of disappointment and resignation. "Yes, yes, I see. Well, we can't have this sort of behavior at our gatherings, can we?" He pulled out his own wand and began casting counter-charms. "Mr. McLaggen will be escorted back to his dormitory immediately."
As Cormac's body went limp and the silencing charm wore off, he began to sputter angrily, but Slughorn cut him off with a stern look.
"Not another word, Mr. McLaggen. You've embarrassed yourself quite enough for one evening. You'll serve a month's detention for this, maybe that will teach you some manners. Two seventh-year prefects will see you back to Gryffindor Tower."
As the commotion died down and Cormac was led away, still muttering under his breath and swaying, the party slowly returned to its previous atmosphere, though Harry noticed some approving looks directed his way from various students.
"Thank you" Susan said quietly, approaching Harry.
"No one should have to put up with that," Harry replied. "Are you alright?"
"I am now." Susan's smile was grateful but also held something else - a warmth that suggested the evening's events had only increased her admiration for him.
From across the room, Harry caught Ginny's eye. She was watching him with an expression of clear approval and something that looked very much like pride.
As the evening wound down and students began filtering out of the transformed office, Harry found himself approached by Professor Slughorn, who had clearly indulged in more firewhisky than was perhaps wise.
"Harry, my boy," Slughorn said, his words slightly slurred as he placed a heavy hand on Harry's shoulder. "I must say, you handled that unpleasantness with McLaggen quite admirably. Quick thinking, decisive action - very impressive indeed."
"Thank you, Professor," Harry replied, glancing around to see that most of the other students had already left. Ginny was waiting near the entrance, talking quietly with Hermione.
"You know," Slughorn continued, swaying slightly, "you remind me of another student I once taught. Brilliant boy, had that same... commanding presence, it really is too bad..." His eyes grew distant and somewhat troubled. "Tom was always so..."
Slughorn stopped abruptly, his face paling slightly as he seemed to realize what he was saying.
"Oh my," he stammered, running a hand through his thinning hair. "Oh dear, I think I've had far too much to drink tonight. Listen to me, rambling on about old students. Pay no mind to the foolish musings of an old man, Harry, my boy."
He forced a jovial laugh, but Harry could see the discomfort in his eyes. "Now then, you should run along with Miss Weasley. Thank you for coming tonight, and do give my regards to your friends."
Before Harry could ask any questions, Slughorn had bustled away, suddenly very interested in organizing the leftover refreshments.
Harry made his way over to Ginny, who bid farewell to Hermione before taking his arm.
"Ready to go?" she asked, though her knowing look suggested she was eager to continue their interrupted conversation.
They walked in comfortable silence through the corridors until they reached a quiet spot near a window overlooking the grounds. Ginny pulled him into the shadows of an alcove, immediately pressing closer to him.
"So," she said softly, "where were we before McLaggen decided to be a complete arse?"
Harry felt his pulse quicken. "You were saying something about... enjoying watching me get attention from other girls."
"Mmm," Ginny murmured, her hands sliding up to rest on his chest. "And you looked like you were starting to understand what I meant."
Harry studied her face in the moonlight. After tonight - the way she'd encouraged him to dance with Susan and Hermione, the pride in her eyes when other girls looked at him - he was beginning to piece it together. "It's not just that you don't mind it. You actually like it."
"I do," Ginny admitted, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I like watching other girls want you. I like seeing how you affect them." She paused, then added more quietly, "And I'd like to see you do something about it."
"Ginny..." Harry started, not sure what to say.
"I know how mad that sounds," she continued, eyes dropping to her hands on his chest. "What kind of girlfriend wants that? I'm scared you'll think I'm strange, but after seeing you with them… I can't keep it in anymore. When I picture you with Susan, or Lavender..." Her eyes lifted back to his. "It doesn't make me angry. It makes me feel... things."
Harry reached up to touch her cheek. "What kind of things?"
Ginny leaned into his touch. "Excited. Nervous. Like I'm doing something I shouldn't want." She bit her lip. "Sometimes I imagine what people would think if they knew. What they'd say about me."
"And that bothers you?"
"That's just it - it doesn't," Ginny said with a shaky laugh. "It should, but it just makes everything feel more... intense somehow."
Harry was quiet for a moment, processing this. "So when you pushed me to dance with them tonight..."
"I wanted to see how they'd react to you," Ginny said. "And I wanted to see how it would make me feel, watching it happen." She pressed closer to him.
"It felt incredible, Harry. Seeing Susan melt when you complimented her, watching you be so protective of her... I've never felt anything like it."
"What exactly are you saying you want?" Harry asked carefully.
Ginny took a deep breath. "I want you to stop holding back with them. If Susan wants to spend time with you after DA meetings, let her. If Lavender keeps finding excuses to sit next to you in the common room, don't discourage it."
She met his eyes. "And if they want more than that... I want you to give it to them."
Harry stared at her. "You want me to...?"
"I want you to make them happy," Ginny said simply. "The way you make me happy. And I want to know about it when you do. I want you to tell me how they responded, what they said, how they looked at you. Maybe even watch it happen…" Her voice dropped. "Is that completely mad?"
Harry was quiet for a long moment, then shook his head slowly. "No. Different, maybe, but not mad." He cupped her face in his hands. "Are you sure about this?"
"More sure than I've ever been about anything," Ginny said. "I love you, Harry Potter. And part of loving you means wanting you to have everything that makes you happy. Even if that means sharing you."
She stood on her tiptoes to kiss him softly. "Besides," she whispered against his lips, "I have a feeling I'm going to enjoy sharing you more than I should."
As they made their way back toward Gryffindor Tower, Harry's mind was spinning with Ginny's words, although he couldn't deny they made him excited. Harry thought back to his encounters with Susan and Lavender, the lingering touches, glances when they thought he wasn't looking…
He had a feeling things were about to get a lot more interesting...