Tom clenched his teeth as Dora strode away, back stiff and hair still scarlet … or maybe magenta - either way it likely wasn’t good.

Tom took a calming breath and forced a smile to his face as he answered the alluring Beauxbaton champion. She was quite beautiful, though he’d always found the ‘fairy princess’ type quite boring. She had enough of the Veela allure to make him notice her and if he wasn’t aware of the cause of the attraction – and if he was still a teenager - he might have gotten caught up in it. Between being forewarned about the allure and the protection of his feelings for Dora, Tom wasn’t in much danger of succumbing to the Veela.

"I’m quite flattered by the request … however I have a girlfriend that I’m quite serious about." Tom managed with what he hoped was a wry grin instead of an irritated one. "I’m quite sure I should not take another to the Yule ball … I would certainly object to her attending it with another wizard."

Fleur wavered between aggravation and admiration … though his refusal just made her feel even more that he was to be pursued further – after all a wizard that was loyal to his love in the face of a Veela’s wiles was to be admired. However, she would have to be patient. She was sure that a wedge might be driven between the rich, handsome and accomplished Mr. Riddle and the girlfriend - whoever she is – and then she could strike.

"Ah, well …" Fleur looked at Tom with a smile and sigh of obvious regret. "… I suppose it was too much to be hoped for that you would be unattached …" Fleur hesitated, "… might you know of someone who would be available to escort me …?" Fleur asked a bit pleadingly. He would be sure to suggest a friend of his – granting her the opportunity to stay in Tom Riddle’s vicinity. If she could keep nearby and be … um, available, she might find her way to his side even yet.

Tom thought swiftly … the quickest way to be rid of her was to toss another male at her. He caught sight of a likely sacrifice and waved the man over with relief.

"As a matter of fact, my very good friend and partner in my endeavors at the Dragon Reserve … Mr. Percy Weasley … will be here during the Yule ball, as well." Tom introduced his bedazzled friend, who looked at Fleur in amazement.

Fleur felt much more at ease with Percy’s stupefied expression … which was the usual response of males to being anywhere near her.

"Miss. Delacour is reluctant to be escorted to the Yule Ball by a student from a rival school … though she might be persuaded to go with a former member of a rival school …" Tom looked at Percy meaningfully.

Fleur looked Percy over … not the handsomest she’d ever seen, but presentable. There was also the added factor that Mr Riddle said that Percy Weasley was his business partner … and therefore at Tom’s side a great deal.

Fleur smiled sweetly as Percy stammered out an offer to be her escort to the ball and she accepted with a happy smile. Tom left them to finalize plans. However Dora was now at her station at the gates and from her set face and scarlet hair … well, she was obviously not in a mood as yet to hear pleas of innocence from him.

Tom turned and stomped off, his temper flaring a bit. It really wasn’t fair to be caught in the middle this way. He got to the rooms the Headmaster had set aside for the extra people there for the tournament. The rooms had been repaired and refurbished with this contest in mind. They’d thought to put the extra students there, and then had decided they should room with the Hogwarts students ‘to get acquainted’, and the people needed for the contest were housed here, instead.

They, to the Headmaster’s glee, also had enough rooms and suites left over to house some paying ‘guests’, who had shelled out large sums to be there during the tasks. Between them and the amounts they were getting from people paying at the gate to attend, Hogwarts was receiving quite a bit. The amounts paid to watch from the greatly enlarged seating areas had been obscenely large … but they had still sold out.

The school governor who looked after the financial books was quite pleased … the amounts brought in were substantial and would keep Hogwarts in the black for quite some time. "After all, the basilisk money had mostly gone to repair the castle to almost pristine condition and had paid for the tournament and the money left from the basilisk … though still sizable … would not last forever."

The other governors and the teachers had just smiled and nodded … the financial officer always pleaded poverty when talking money even when they were flush with it.

Tom shook his head in remembrance and settled into a chair in front of the fire in the room he’d been allotted. Most of the ‘workers’ had to double up but the governors had quickly given him a room by himself when they’d realized he was one of the richer benefactors. He grimaced – at least he had privacy to brood and pout in.

Yvane was equally displeased. He’d hoped that Dora would at least find out if Tom had taken up the Veela’s offer before brushing Tom off this way. "Well, I suppose she did need to attend to her duties, first …" Yvane muttered reluctantly.

Tom snorted angrily. How could Dora be so petty after lecturing him several times about jealousy when he snarled over those co-workers of Dora’s that were always drooling all over her? He had stifled his resentment over them and ‘trusted her’ as she’d implored him to. Ignoring their leers and questionable jokes had gone against his grain and he’d only done it because Yvane had insisted that if she was the cheating sort … it was best to find it out now.

The thought of Dora cheating had given him nightmares and had brought on a few daydreams of torture, mayhem and slow deaths for anyone he might find in bed with Dora. As for Dora … well, he did love her, so he’d make her’s a quick death …

Yvane had only half – heartedly remonstrated with him over the thoughts of inflicting pain, after all, if anyone understood being territorial – it was a dragon.

"Well, up until now Dora has not had to face a potential rival. Any females making eyes at you did it when she was not there." Yvane added, warming to the subject. "Jealousy was something you have had to feel – not her. Now the boot is pinching on the other foot, and she has to experience having someone making up to the one she loves."

Tom blinked slowly; this might be a good thing. Dora might finally understand how he felt and stop making his objections to the flirtatious co-workers a ‘trust’ issue’.

"No, that isn’t totally right …" Yvane broke in. "You might consider that how you feel now is how she feels when you act like she’ll give in to the offers from the handsome Aurors she works with, so yes, it is still … at least partly … a trust issue."

Ah, Tom thought reluctantly. Yes, supposed he’d acted like a right git a couple times. He’d hissed rather inventive insults about Dora’s admirers … under his breath, of course, but still loud enough for her to hear. Dora hadn’t said anything when Fleur had made her offer – at least, not yet. However her malevolent look had spoken volumes.

Tom picked up a menu sitting on the small desk. Non-students were encouraged to have meals in their quarters and there was a new selection every few days. Tom absently tapped his wand on the line saying Beef stew and it soon sparkled into existence in front of him along with a small loaf of crusty bread and a large cup of tea with honey and lemon.

He finished the meal and sat back, sipping the tea and plotting. He needed a game plan, in case it came to a full-blown battle with Dora. Lucius and Severus usually joked that it was best to just take the blame for whatever and find out what the penalties were – and then try to sweet-talk and negotiate the punishments down as far as possible. A sound Slytherin plan, Tom felt.

Yet it galled him to cave in just yet, when he truly was not guilty of any cheating. Tom heard an apologetic sounding cough from the doorway and looked up. Dora was there, her hair now a somewhat unhappy bluish and her eyes were red and puffy. He smothered the urge to immediately comfort her and waited patiently for her to make the next move.

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Harry stared at the two chunks of Danburite crystal, afraid to start … but Christmas was coming and it needed to be done. Months ago Harry had noticed a small piece of his crystal had broken off and an idea had formed – he’d quickly checked Tom’s half of the crystal and there had been a small bit that could be broken off easily. Tom had been agreeable to do that after Harry had explained his idea.

Tom and Harry were getting quite good at communicating, even at long distances, with the crystals. Harry hoped he could combine the small bits of crystal into a small sphere for Severus … and perhaps since there were bits from both Harry and Tom’s crystals – they might be able to send messages to him as well.

Harry had a few books open in front of him on his desk. He’d copied down the spells he would need for the transfiguration. In spite of his father James Potter having been ‘brilliant’ in the subject, Harry still struggled with it. Dudley said it was because the theory didn’t seem to make sense to Harry … unlike Dudley who seemed to grasp it easily.

Dudley had offered to help, or even do the spells for him, but Harry was determined to do the final spells on his own. He nervously practiced the incantation and did one final practice run on some crystals he’d gotten from a street seller in Diagon Alley. The crystals melded and formed a perfect sphere and Harry nodded to himself and carefully picked up the two pieces of Danburite crystals. Hedwig hooted encouragingly and fluffed a few feathers.

Harry waved his wand in the intricate pattern, speaking the incantation clearly and firmly. The shards came together and melded with sizzles and a sparkling flash. A faceted golden colored sphere dropped to the desk in front of him, to Harry’s relief. It was small, slightly smaller than a snitch – but Harry hoped it would serve the purpose. His dad always insisted that the presents that were made or thought up by Harry, himself, were the ones he liked the best. Harry carefully placed the sphere in an ornate box with silk padding inside. He labeled the box as "To Dad, From Harry and Tom".

Harry lay down on his bed, clutching the box and feeling a sense of satisfaction. He could feel himself drifting off – after practicing such intensely intricate magic he often felt like napping. Magic that just required a surge of power was different. With dueling magics like a blasting curse or expelliarmus he actually felt exhilarated.

Harry fell into a light doze and found himself in a large living room. He caught sight of Peter Pettigrew first. The little rat animagus was crouched beside an overstuffed chair housing Voldemort. He was a little less green, Harry noted with humor. He was a bit taller, too. He seemed a little agitated and he was berating the other wizard in the room.

"First you let the little cretin wiggle out of being a tournament champion … and now you can’t even get him to come to you for advice?" The Dark Lord hissed.

"He doesn’t even go to Dumbledore …" The dark haired man answered desperately. "He talks to Snape … or his friend – the Malfoy whelp as a first choice. He also has a large circle of friends, including his mudblood cousin. The one he calls brother … Tom Riddle … he is there as well, with his girlfriend – the Auror Tonks. He goes mostly to them is Snape isn’t available …"

Voldemort leaned back in thought and the two wizards in front of him sat in frozen anticipation for his answer.

"You must find a way to bring Harry Potter to me … we’d hoped to do it quietly, with him simply disappearing at the end of the final task. No one would know what had happened to him until I reappeared." Voldemort smirked maliciously. "They might even have blamed Snape or Malfoy for it. Now you must get him any way you can."

"We have been bringing wizards and witches to you regularly for you to drain … do we really need the boy?" Peter asked shakily.

"Yes," Voldemort barked in fury, leaning forward in a threatening manner. "The ones you bring me are slowly rejuvenating me … but the boy is absolutely necessary – the boy is everything for this plan to work."

"I will do it …" The dark – haired wizard said eagerly, a fanatical look in his eye. "I will bring you Harry Potter!"

Harry wrenched himself out of the vision, sweat pouring off his face. He sat up, trying to control his rapid breathing. He cursed softly, he had forgotten to clear his mind before letting himself nap. He’d been so excited that he’d succeeded with the crystal that he’d forgotten. Still, he needed to tell his father. Severus had wanted to block this sort of vision after the first one or two Harry had reported, he’d felt they presented far more danger than possible benefit.

Harry took a lengthy shower and changed clothing, putting off the interview as long as possible. Harry trudged toward his father’s office and heard arguing coming from the large ingredients storeroom in the hallway.

The door flung open and a wild-eyed Igor Karkaroff faced off against an angry Lucius and coldly impassive Severus who was holding the door open rather pointedly.

Igor had his left sleeve pulled up and continued his tirade. "You know what this means, Severus! Don’t tell me neither of you afraid …!"

Lucius remained silent, glaring at the Durmstrang Headmaster. Severus was not so reticent. "Perhaps we have nothing to fear." He said archly … Igor seemed to think that the safeguards they had been setting in place – the safehouses, the networking within the former dark wizards to defeat Voldemort were all worthless. He had been trying to recruit them to join him at Durmstrang ‘for their protection’. He was obviously worried for himself and hoping for their protection. Now, though he hoped for a promise of safety from them.

"You have plans … I know you do – I’ve heard things." Igor did his best to look menacing, but Lucius and Severus just sneered. The only thing truly frightening was the state of Igor’s teeth.

"Everyone has heard things, we’re quite sure." Lucius finally said, in icy tones. "I suppose you want in on them?"

Igor noticed Harry and pulled the sleeve back down over the darkening mark of a snake and skull with a snap. He nodded once at the Slytherin pair and rushed past Harry, heading for the safety of his ship.

Neville left his hiding spot and raced away as well. The Death Eaters were gathering – that was certain – and they were making plans. He couldn’t believe they were getting away with this under Dumbledore’s nose, with a cohort of Aurors in the castle. Blaise’s mother and her group were right – someone needed to take charge and bring order to the wizarding world before this bunch ruined it all.

The just returned ‘Moody’ watched Igor and then Neville leave with amusement. Igor was quite rightly panicked … and the Longbottom cub – well, Barty knew a useful backstabber when he saw one.

Harry cleared his throat, catching Lucius and Severus’ attention. "And you complain that we students are forever posturing …" The pair just snickered and Harry shook his head sorrowfully. "I need to talk to you." His voice dropped to a whisper, "I had a vision …"

Severus swept Harry into his office, Lucius a breath behind, determined to not be left out. The door was locked and the room warded and then Harry told them exactly what he had seen and heard. " … I was so tired after finishing my project – I just didn’t remember to clear my mind before sleep." Harry stared at his shoes unhappily. He hated disappointing his dad.

Severus mulled the news over, wondering if he should be harsh to impress this lesson on Harry. No, Harry could react badly to that – like James he could be rebellious when he felt he was being wrongly punished. It had only happened once or twice since Harry had come into his care, but Severus had carefully noted what had set him off. A bit of parental guilting worked much better.

"One of my greatest fears, Harry, is that the Dark Lord will find this connection and use it – to send false information, or to torment you, or even possess you …" Severus did not have to shout this to make Harry turn pale. "I, perhaps, did not emphasize the danger this connection hold for you – the exercises I’ve been having you practice are imperative for you to learn … and use."

Harry nodded desperately. His forgetting to clear his mind seemed even worse, now. "I don’t mean to forget – and I don’t unless I’m so very tired – or if I’m not meaning to actually fall asleep in the first place."

"I think we need to progress a little more into Occlumency – that way you can learn to guard your mind a bit easier …" Severus said slowly and reluctantly. Harry brightened – the books on that had sounded interesting.

"That will take time." Lucius broke in. "I’ll see if I can find something that will remind you to clear your mind before bed."

Harry nodded and escaped out the door, leaving the pair to discuss Igor, the Dark Lord and whether they should buy more jewelry for Tuney and Ros for Christmas, or if it should be furs this year.

Harry trudged through the castle trying to ignore the giggling groups of girls who kept whispering when they saw him … he knew the problem, of course. The Yule Ball was less than two weeks away and since announcement of it they were all eager to get dates lined up.

The words had barely left Albus’ mouth when Dudley asked Padma, who agreed immediately. Dudley had dragged Draco into asking Pavarti, so she would have a date – this had taken care of Draco figuring out who to ask. Pavarti knew he was just humoring his step-brother, so she would not read too much into his asking her, which relieved Draco greatly.

To Hermione’s great pleasure and slight embarrassment Victor asked her to the Ball, surrounded by his Durmstrang friends. She’d been flattered, a bit thrilled … and best of all this would keep her female friends satisfied that she was ‘just as girly as them’ for quite some time. She could likely stop looking up charms and spells for enhancing their looks or making their clothes prettier.

Ron watched this with a scowl. He wasn’t best friends with Neville any longer, but he’d thought he was still fairly close with the other part of what had been a close trio for a time. He’d thought he could ask Hermione to go with him to the Ball, now he was stuck with no one and clutching a set of hideous robes that his brothers were snickering at.

Draco watched Victor with a bit of anger, though he wasn’t sure why. He liked Victor, after all … and it wasn’t like he’d have asked the bushy-haired menace on a date, anyway. He turned away, determined to not think about it.

"Who are you asking, Harry?" Draco asked as Harry sat down at the table.

Harry shook his head cheerfully. "Nope, not a clue. I’m thinking of going alone and dancing by myself with an invisible partner – it will make at least Professor McGonagall have apoplexy." Dean and Seamus guffawed, listening to him and Draco shook his head.

The twins perked up … sounded like an interesting idea.

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Dora looked at Tom uncertainly. She knew her temper had run away with her … and then she’d not known how to act after such a display of jealousy and had compounded her error by ignoring Tom. After all her arguments about not wearing rings that would advertise that they were very serious about each other and not just ‘casually dating’ having a fit over that slutty veela making a pass at Tom was the height of hypocrisy and she knew it.

Dora grimaced at the memory. To be fair, as far as Fleur Delacour knew, Tom was fair game … and it was not Tom’s fault that she had chatted him up and tried for a date.

Dora reluctantly raised her eyes to meet Tom’s – not surprised to find them wary and just a bit cool. It still hurt, though – he had never looked at her that way before. "I’m here to apologize, Tom. I was totally unfair to you. I did not want us to lay public claim to each other with engagement rings – and now I’m acting like a git because we’ve convinced everyone we’re little more than friends – and now others are acting on it."

Tom relaxed a little – at least she understood what had happened, and that it wasn’t his fault. Maybe he would get out of this without much apologizing.

"I, also, didn’t realize how terrible it is to be distrusted for something someone else does." Tom answered quietly. "I am sorry I behaved so badly when your co-workers were flirting with you. I still don’t like that it happened … but I should trust you."

Dora nodded in understanding. "I didn’t know how terrifying it can feel to see someone pursuing the one you love … even when you do trust them." Dora swallowed hard. "And it’s my own fault … saying that we shouldn’t get engaged …"

Tom sensed a weak spot in Dora’s defenses and attacked with a feeling of glee. Yvane urged him on and Tom pulled out the elaborate box with a flourish. He’d carried it with him for months, hoping she would show signs of relenting. Tom stood, holding the box out and opened it to show her an embarrassingly large yellow diamond in an ornate setting.

"Please, Dora, will you consent to be my wife?" Tom asked seriously. He froze a bit, seeing her eyes fill with tears.

To his relief she grabbed him into a kiss. "Yes, yes, yes." She answered between kisses.

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Fleur watched with a frown, later, as Tom Riddle and his new fiancé showed off a ring to their friends. An ostentatious piece she thought with a sniff.

She thought swiftly, many of her friends would say that and engagement did not make him off limits to pursuit. She disliked the idea of being the one doing all the chasing. Tom Riddle clearly was not interested in her … as yet. If she was in his circle of friends, though, he might eventually realize she was the better catch and break it off with … whoever the witch was with the gaudy hair.

Fleur went over to Percy, who was talking to another dragonrider. "What ‘is going on, Percy?" She asked.

"Oh, Tom has gotten engaged to Dora, at last." Percy answered with a doting grin. The dragonrider looked at her with a bit of stupefaction, making her feel immediately at home. "Let me introduce you…"

Fleur acquiesced with a satisfied smile and allowed Percy to pull her forward. "Tom – I know you have already met Fleur Delacour … Dora, allow me to introduce you to the Beauxbaton’s champion, Fleur Delacour … Fleur, this is Auror Nymphadora Tonks – who has at last consented to marry Tom Riddle."

Dora’s eyes had sharpened at the sight of Fleur approaching them. Tom had told her he’d set Percy up with Fleur, and she’d found that amusing. Now though, she realized that would have Fleur hanging about with Tom’s little ‘circle’. She and Fleur had touched fingers briefly – one couldn’t really call it a handshake.

In spite of the sweet looking face and innocent smile, Dora saw the determination of the part-veela’s eyes when she looked at Tom. She’d hadn’t quite ended her pursuit, then.

Fleur had looked at the Auror more closely. In spite of the outrageous hair and devil – may – care attitude, she clearly saw the sharpened gaze of a hunting cat when she’d locked eyes with Dora. She recalled reading about Sirius Black’s capture … the girl was a cheetah, if she recalled correctly. Not to be taken lightly, then.

The Auror and the Champion nodded to each other. They’d both best take care, they thought.

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