The Ministry Yule Ball was a perfect example of how much Potter could benefit him. Tom had met more old money purebloods that evening than he had over the entire summer interning at the Ministry, and he hadn’t even had to try! He’d just stood next to Potter and the elite approached them, asking after Potter’s great-grandparents and happy to make the time traveller’s acquaintance. Potter, the fool, hadn’t seemed to realize how remarkable that was, greeting them politely and then letting Tom lead the conversation, throwing in pleasant interjections to stay involved. Potter had been the perfect accomplice, standing handsome and charming at Tom’s side, dancing gracefully in Tom’s arms. He knew the impressive picture they made, and he liked it very much.