Thursday 24 December, 1992 London Central Park

The planning and organization of the first ever Hogwarts Christmas Party held in non-magical London was a smashing success. Harry and the Grangers spent a lot of time calling the other students, coordinating with those who could magically contact the ones who didn't have access to a telephone, coordinating with party suppliers for the games, food and venues. Harry used some of his savings from the Galleons to Pounds scheme to pay for everything. He thought of this as just another way to use subtle propaganda to influence others. Draco would've been impressed and again would've wondered how Harry managed to NOT get sorted into Slytherin.

The magically raised families were instructed to keep the wand waving and magic to a minimum. If they had any questions regarding proper behavior to politely ask any other the non-magically raised families. There were a few minor mistakes in the beginning but before long the two sides came together for a day of fun and food. Everyone was enjoying himself or herself immensely. The Weasleys were there despite Ron being squirreled away in the hospital wing of the Department of Mysteries as the Healers tried to cure him of his affliction.

Arthur Weasley found himself a group of non-magical teachers and bombarded them with all sort of questions. The group was amused with his enthusiasm regarding such simple concepts and patiently walked him through topics such as how an airplane stays up in the air and the purpose of a rubber duck.

Molly Weasley wandered over to where the kitchens were setup and managed to get herself into a chatty group of non-magical cooks and chefs. Topics were wide and far ranging on all manner of culinary topics.

The twins were having a field day entertaining the younger children with their pranks and magical skills disguised as the classic non-magical magician illusions. Despite Molly's warnings and dire threats, the twins knew not to go too overboard with the magic.

There were Aurors present throughout the party to maintain security on both sides of the magical divide but by and large, weren't needed as everything went smoothly. Harry plopped down into a chair next to Director Bones, holding onto a plate of food and a cup of hot chocolate. He glanced around, making sure that he could have a few minutes to himself and that there weren't any problems that would need his attention. Amelia turned to him and complimented him on the party.

"Good idea you had here, Harry," she started, "I'm impressed that you were able to get all this done in such a short amount of time. I have some experience here in the non-magical side and know that coordinating with the other party planners must have been tough this close to Christmas and New Year's."

Harry nodded in reply and took a sip of his hot chocolate, "Yup, it was tough but I think it was worth it, especially in light of the chaos and concern that rose up when Hogwarts was evacuated. I think Hermione has found her life's calling in 'event planning.' It's definitely her art form. Any luck in clearing up the problem and killing the beast?"

"A team went in and managed to kill it after all the students were taken away. The carcass will be rendered down and the sale of some of it will be handled by the Goblins. The suggestion that you should get a claim on the discovery and part of the carcass was approved unanimously. What do you plan on doing with it, if you don't mind me asking?"

He shrugged noncommittally, "Don't know really. I may just store the parts in my vault. I do want to see if some of the bodily fluids could be incorporated into making interesting patterns with my pottery but I'm hesitant to experiment with such costly items. I'll have to coordinate with Professor Snape as he's our Potions Master and frankly the resident genius when it comes to that sort of thing."

Amelia grunted in acceptance of that. She had another question though, "I'm surprised that you and Snape get along so well. I'm sure that you've heard this before but you look very similar to your father and given Snape's history with your father, I would've thought he would've taken every opportunity to deride you in some way."

Harry grunted at that comment and replied that he and the professor did have a conversation last year on that very topic. Harry pointed out that just because he resembled someone didn't mean that he shared the same aspirations or talents as the other. He was his own person and requested to be treated as such. He also pointed out that it was his suspicion that because of the 'curare incident,' Snape's respect for him as his own person and not just a clone of James Potter was the result of the lack of animosity. Whatever the reason, Harry enjoyed Potions class as he kept finding interesting recipes to incorporate into his art.

The two of them lapsed into silence as they watched some of the attendees skated on a magically created ice rink with varying displays of skill. Flitwick was there with a large grin on his face as he swished and swerved around the rink, slowing occasionally to help the younger or less talented with suggestions to improve their skills. There was laughter and shouts of joy throughout the park. Harry's biggest shock and amusement was watching Lady Malfoy coerce her husband to go out onto the ice with her as she skated slowly by him. The excitement in her eyes and the sight of him flailing and falling down occasionally was amusing to say the least.

Harry caught up with the twins later and asked them if they had made any money using the scheme that he told them about last year. They replied that they had and they were keeping the information away from their parents. They said that if their mother found out about it, there'd be hell to pay as she was incredibly opinionated and also very proud when it came to money issues. Their father, on the other hand, while also too proud to accept charity would probably look the other way but they didn't want to risk it. The twins informed Harry that because of his scheme they were able to open their own vault and start saving for a joke shop they had planned. Harry cautioned them again about using the scam too many times or too quickly lest anyone catch on. The twins nodded and assured Harry that everything was quiet. Harry made some more rounds amongst the party guests and spoke with the others that he remembered attending his seminars on how to get more gold quickly and reminded them as well about the need for caution, especially during the holidays.

Tuesday 5 January, 1993 Hogwarts Express

Harry was relaxing in his compartment idly reading the morning edition of the London Times while listening to the comments of the others as they discussed and relayed what happened over their vacation. Every now and then, one of them would give thanks to Harry and Hermione for their successful pre-Christmas party and for the introductions that were made. Many old prejudices and ideas took a direct hit and came crashing down on that day. Several families made new friends or business contacts. Harry wasn't surprised though; he had hoped that this would happen. On Christmas Day, he had received a large package in the mail from the Goblins. Inside were the Potter Family Pensieve, the Invisibility Cloak his father had mentioned and a number of old books. All of which now were safely stored in his trunk.

The door to their compartment opened up and Draco stuck his head inside. He saw that the compartment was already near to bursting so he just called out to Harry.

"Harry, you got a minute?" Harry nodded and got up.

"What's up, Draco?"

"I just wanted to give you my thanks and congratulations for the Christmas party. I think I'm just going to have to live with the mystery as to how you managed to trick the Sorting Hat into putting you in Hufflepuff instead of my house." Harry grinned at that. "Mother and Father were discussing many of the things they saw and experienced that day. I also wanted to let you know that your idea to have a qualified Art teacher has finally gotten their full attention, Father in particular was impressed by the philosophy of Potter's Place and the interactions they had at the party cemented the idea. I wouldn't be surprised if the school has someone in place when we arrive next year."

Harry let out a small of whoop of excitement and gave a little jig right there in the aisle. This was a BIG step to achieving his goals!

"Any word from the Wizengamot or the school board as to what's going on with Dumbledore's suspension?" he asked.

Draco shook his head, "Nope, though I don't think they'd tell us kids. You should ask your head of house as you seem to have her ear."

Harry snorted at that and gave Draco his farewell before reentering the compartment.

The students entered the Great Hall for a Returning Feast and found out that it was true that Dumbledore hadn't returned. The golden throne that the Headmaster used was replaced with a simple wooden chair. After everyone had settled down, Professor McGonagall stood up and addressed the Hall.

"If I could have your attention please? First off, I would like to welcome everyone back to hopefully a quiet term this year." There were a few chuckles from the crowd. "As you might have noticed, Headmaster Dumbledore has not returned and for the time being, I shall be instated as Acting Headmistress until such time that the school board and the Ministry agree on the situation. I'm sure we have all at one point or another congratulated Mr. Potter and Miss Granger on their successful party, I would like to lead everyone in another round of applause." The whole school followed and gave a bunch of cheers, whistles and applause much to the blushing embarrassment of the two. "Now, then! Let the Feast begin!"