Bad [Harry Potter Fanfiction] (Bad Series: 1)

32 | The Ball

Harry had done it. Ginny was safe at her flat, and he was here at the Parkinson Manor with the other Aurors. Now, no one would even come close to guessing the truth behind Fyrefox. He smiled.

He took a glass from a house-elf that passed by with a tray. He followed its movement through the crowd. Hermione's voice lecturing him and Ron about the abuse house-elves must endure from old, Pure-blood families. His heart squeezed as he remembered Dobby.

The champagne was most likely the best money could buy. He bit back a sigh as he passed by Ron in disguise. Half of the Aurors were transfigured while the others were merely in disguise. Lydia Montgomery and Jessika Moning stood with Ron. The chances of the Parkinsons realizing they had party crashers were low. He doubted they even knew half of the people present at the moment. The ballroom was full. 

The only other beside Harry without a disguise was Jack. There was no reason to hide his identity, few knew the man. Harry had simply come as himself in place of Kingsley. He'd originally though he'd need to disguise himself as well until Robards had stopped him before leaving. The Parkinsons had invited the Minister in good faith, but everyone knew they were trying to make amends for their previous allegiance. They were lucky they hadn't been thrown in Azkaban with the others. Even in this day and age, it helped to know influential people.

Some things never changed.

"I can't believe he came," someone whispered to his left.

There was no reason to guess who the he was they were talking about. He'd felt eyes on him the second he walked through the ballroom doors. 

But such was his life.

Merlin, hadn't he been here long enough? Two hours were more than enough time to see that Fyrefox wasn't here. Wouldn't be here at all? 

Maybe he should have a talk with Sharp about his informant. Find out how they'd known about Fyrefox's whereabouts. 

Was someone honestly out to get her? He should talk to her about it. Maybe she knew something about this. 

He rubbed the back of his neck as he took another sip. Most of those in attendance were old Hogwarts students and their families, from Slytherin. A few children. One stumbled in front of him, a frantic mother chasing after her. She'd been a few years ahead of him. He couldn't remember her name.

People's lives seemed to go on, unlike his. Married, children. Families. For five years- bugger, his entire life- he'd longed for but never thought he'd be able to have what everyone else had. How could he? Especially when whoever decided to share their life with him could possibly be painting a target on their back.

But then Ginny had waltzed right back into his life, the one who'd made him dream for just a little bit. Yeah, maybe she complicated his life a bit, being a thief, robbing the Ministry and all that, but she was Ginny. And he loved her. Forever. The serious, until death do us part kind of forever. All the good and bad. He'd take it all. Just to be with her. Wake up every morning to her wild hair and bright eyes in his bed and body pressed against his.

That sounded like heaven to him.

"I'm going to make some rounds with Weasley." 

Harry's head shot towards Jack. Bollocks, he hadn't even known the man was next to him. You're working, Potter. Stay focused!

"Yeah, go ahead," Harry said. "Then send groups every thirty minutes. Report back to me. Send someone different every time." 

Jack nodded then started to walk away when Harry added, "Take Sharp with you."

Jack stiffened then nodded, disappearing towards where Ron was. 

He watched Jack and Ron approached Sharp. He was disguised as well. Hair short and in a dress robe, he was unrecognizable. Sharp watched Jack approach with a closed expression. Neither spoke when they reached Sharp. Ron said a few things then Sharp nodded, but his eyes never left Jack.

Whatever was going on with the two of them, they better get it together. Jack would be leaving soon. Maybe he should say something to Sharp. But it wasn't any of his business. Plus, who was he to give anyone love advice?

He moved to the side of the room, between an empty table and a statue of Merlin only knows what, and leaned against the wall. The doors opened and another couple came through the doors. And one of them was Malfoy. Well, shite. He knew it was highly likely that the man would be here, but he'd hoped. When Harry had arrived and hadn't seen the blond man, he'd though God was looking down on him. Finally. Respite. If he never had to see his face again, Harry would cry phoenix tears. He swore. Except, he should've known better.

Malfoy's frame covered the woman who was with him. All he could see was that dress and her red hair. She reminded him of Ginny. A soft smile slid onto his lips. Ginny. An image of her lying in bed, the covers covering her beautifully naked body, her hair wild. Merlin, he wanted to get back to her flat. He checked his watch. He was still expected to stay for at least three more hours. 

Malfoy moved, leading the lady forward. The gown was long, kind of white, and tight, leaving no mystery to her body. He caught soft, light skin when she turned slightly. Red curls fell over her shoulders and down her back. She was a vision, and he hadn't even seen her face.

Seriously. He dropped his head back against the wall and stared up at misted ceiling. Here he was thinking about marrying Ginny and then checking out another woman. Unbelievable. He was so ashamed.

He chugged the remainder of his champagne then placed the empty glass on the table. He shook his head then ran his hands over his face, his glasses sliding into his hair then dropping over his fingers as he rubbed his eyes.

But when he opened his eyes, his gaze drifted towards that woman again. His heart sped up. Wow. Malfoy led her to a table and pulled out a chair for her. She crossed her legs and a slit displayed her leg. Even from his distance, he could spot a few freckles. He gulped. 

And then Malfoy moved, and Harry's heart stopped. He was sure of it.

Ginny.

His eyes and brain must be playing some kind of trick because Ginny couldn't be here. She couldn't. He'd told her not to come, that there would be Aurors expecting Fyrefox.

Damn, that bloody stubborn woman.

Fury rose in him accompanied by a heart-pounding fear. How could she just ignore him? What the hell was she doing here? And with Malfoy no less!

He pushed away from the wall and marched over when Malfoy slipped away. Every step he took, his temper rose to an unbearable high. He felt the crowd's gaze, but it didn't matter. None of it matter. All he knew was that he needed to get her as far away as possible before he opened his mouth. Only God knew what would come out when he did. The less amount of witnesses the better. He couldn't have any attention drawn to her. Hopefully, they'll think it was a lover's squabble. Merlin could only hope.

*

Ohhhh damn! Harry is pissed XD Siriusly, it's like he doesn't even know her! Like hell she'd not go ahead and do whatever she wanted. Man. So, share your thoughts! And as always, thank you for all of your support and love! I appreciate it so much! More soon, I hope! <3