October 31, 1997

The rest of October passed more or less uneventfully – or as uneventful as things get in Hogwarts. The school fell into the easy rhythm of classes, practice, and various extra-curricular activities. For the seventh years, homework built, but it didn't seem nearly as bad as back in fifth year, mostly since they weren't forced to take classes they didn't give a shit about. Dean spent most of his free time in the sixth floor corridor, sketching out ideas for his mural. Neville had the heaviest work load and had taken to studying in the greenhouses. Seamus continued much as he always did – drinking too much, smoking too much, and choosing to spend time with Lavender over doing any actual work. Ginny, much to Ron's chagrin, went to Hogsmeade with Michael, though everyone could see that wasn't going to last. Ron continued to do his best as captain, though he confided in Harry one day that the team didn't seem to be responding as well to him. Harry, for his part, missed the regime of practice – he had been on the team since second year.

Despite the relative peace of the castle, Harry awoke Hallowe'en morning feeling miserable. It was sixteen years to the day since his parents were murdered. He had made his peace with it long ago, and had moved on, but it still hurt, and the day was an undeniable reminder. It was made worse that it was Hallowe'en, and the rest of the school was celebrating. Fortunately, his friends knew the significance of the day, and didn't expect too much from him.

He wandered into the Great Hall for breakfast and winced as he saw the decorations. He sat down and started eating mechanically – his friends made idle chatter around him, but he ignored it. Hedwig landed in front of him bearing two letters – from Sirius and Remus. He had been expecting this, they wrote him every year. He opened the one from Sirius first.

Hey kiddo,

I guess I don't need to tell you why I'm writing. If I know you at all, you're sulking at the breakfast table. I'm not going to tell you not to, hell, I'm probably doing the same, though I'll have whiskey in my coffee.

Merlin, I miss them. It goes without saying, but it's the truth. They were truly wonderful and not a day goes by that I don't miss them. It's cruel, really, that I got to watch you grow into this wonderful young man and they didn't have the chance. But trust me, they'd be proud of you. James might be more vocal about it than Lily, but she would be, too. She always had a soft spot for troublemakers.

I don't know what else I can say that I haven't said a thousand times before. It's shitty, and it's shitty that it falls on a day that should be so filled with fun and laughter.

Keep your head up, kiddo. And if you need to talk, talk. Don't keep it bottled up.

Love,

Sirius

Harry smiled sadly, and turned to the letter from Remus.

Dear Harry,

I hope this letter finds you well, but I understand if it does not. Time heals all wounds, so they say, but I don't think another sixteen years will heal this one. Nor would I want it to. The pain you are feeling, however unpleasant, is the reflection of the love you have for your parents, and the love they had for you. I would suggest, for today at least, you try not to hide your pain. Allow it to run it's course. You are a strong young man, and part of strength is honesty in your emotions and actions.

I will never forget your parents. James was the bravest, and most reckless, man I have ever known, and Lily the kindest woman. I will never forget the day she found out about my affliction – she barely took a minute to digest the information, then, she just carried on like nothing was different, like I was still the same person I was before.

It was because of them I started to believe that.

I know Sirius already covered this, but they would be proud of you. I once heard that when someone we love dies, it is a test for each of us to be as that person was at their best – and I truly believe that is you for your parents.

With love,

Remus Lupin

Harry blinked away tears as he put the letters in his bag. Neville put a hand on his shoulder.

"Come on, mate," Neville said. "It's time for Defence."

Harry did not want to be in the Defence class, he didn't want to be learning this stuff or be with these people. He was simultaneously fascinated and repulsed by the magic that destroyed his family. More than that, Draco had a look on his face that Harry knew meant he was going to try and get a few digs in at him during discussion period. Sure enough, as soon as Riddle ended his lecture and started the round table discussion, Draco chimed in.

"Hey Potter," Draco said. "Who died?"

Harry growled slightly and Neville glared at Draco. "Mr. Malfoy," Riddle said warningly.

"Pardon me," Draco said with a nod. "I was simply expressing concern for a classmate."

Harry growled again and cleared his throat. "As you're aware, Draco," he said evenly. "My parents were murdered by dark wizards sixteen years ago today. I'm sorry I'm not all sunshine and roses."

Susan and Hermione gasped, but Draco smiled. "Dark wizards," he said with a nod. "Now doesn't that sound educational. Don't you agree, Professor?"

"If Mr. Potter wishes to share the story, I will not stop him," Riddle said, with a polite nod towards Harry. Draco turned around with a smirk.

Harry glared at Draco. "Fine, if you want to hear the story," he said and leaned forward. He ran a hand through his hair. "It was Hallowe'en night, 1981. My parents… they decided to spend the night in – maybe hand out some candy, or watch a scary movie. They had a baby at home, after all, they weren't about to go out partying." He took a deep breath. "It was just after 10 when their floo flared up. A friend of theirs, from school, came through, looking like hell, covered in blood and tears down his face. There had been an accident, my godfather was dying. 'Go on, the floo's still open. Go James, go be with Sirius,' their friend said. My dad ran through immediately. My mum pushed me onto their friend and followed."

Harry shook his head and sighed. "It was a trap," he said. "My dad was murdered as soon as he got through the floo. My mum went through, saw my dad's body, and saw the man who killed him. She recognized him, and something in her snapped, I guess. She attacked him, dueled him. He fought back from desperation – not looking to kill, just to defend himself. But… in the fight, a backfired curse hit her, and she died."

"The man who did it… when he realized he killed her," Harry said and shook his head. "He turned himself in. He turned in the other guy, the traitor. Apparently he tried to use me as a hostage, in the end. As far as I know, they're both still rotting in Azkaban."

Silence fell over the room – Draco's smile had faltered halfway through the story, and Susan had tears in her eyes. "Gods, Harry," she said. "I'm so sorry." Harry shrugged and dropped his eyes.

"Who were they?" Tracy asked. She had a slight frown – like she was thinking.

Harry took a deep breath. "Peter Pettigrew and Severus Snape," he said in a low voice.

Riddle nodded. "Students of mine," he said. "If you don't mind, Mr. Potter, I'll take the story from here." Harry nodded and kept his eyes down. "Pettigrew was a friend of James Potter, and Snape a friend of Lily's. It was Pettigrew that lured Mr. and Mrs. Potter away from the house. Pettigrew was never especially skilled in magic, but he had other talents – cunning and deceit. Snape, on the other hand." Riddle shook his head. "He had a rare aptitude for the Dark Arts. You should know I did not allow him to continue in this class – he did not have the right temperament, I didn't trust him." He sighed slightly. "Unfortunately, this information is out there for those determined enough to seek it. I apologize, Mr. Potter, I should've taken a more direct role in his education."

Harry shrugged, and Hermione spoke up. "I hope you don't mind me asking," she said. "But why did they do it?"

Harry laughed bitterly. "They were evil fucks," he said.

"If I may expand on your answer, Mr. Potter," Riddle said. Harry shrugged. "It was a crime of passion – Pettigrew and Snape were jealous of James Potter. That jealousy turned to hatred, bitter and all-encompassing. They made their plan, found the means to accomplish their goal, and perhaps they thought they could get away with it. It seems Mrs. Potter was never meant to die that night." Harry tensed slightly. "I suppose I don't need to reiterate this, but this is what the Dark Arts does – it destroys families, and the consequences are intergenerational. I thank you, Mr. Potter, for sharing your story, I realize it wasn't easy for you. I believe we are close to the end of class, so you are dismissed." The class nodded and put their books away. "Mr. Malfoy, may you please stay behind for a few minutes."

Harry stood up and numbly left the room. Neville put a hand on his shoulder. "You alright, mate?" he asked.

Harry shrugged. "Yeah, I – yeah," he said, and shook his head. "I'll see you at lunch, mate. I need some time to get my head together." Neville nodded, somewhat hesitantly, and Harry headed towards the Astronomy Tower.

He needed a cigarette, and during the day, and really any time there wasn't a class or teenagers looking to make out, the place was abandoned. He walked up the steps and into the sunlight. He groaned slightly and leaned over the parapet, looking over the grounds. That was rough. He rarely told the whole story, he usually just left it at 'murdered by dark wizards'. The complete story was so much harder, and he still had so many questions. He didn't understand why Pettigrew and Snape hated his dad that much, or why his mum would fight Snape until she died. It had, honestly, taken him a while to get over his anger towards his mum about her doing that.

Harry sighed and took out a cigarette – the mountains stood, grey and impassive, and the loch was the deep blue of Autumn. He could see the thin tendrils of smoke rising from Hogsmeade in the distance. Grey clouds ran through the sky, chased by the cold wind – he shivered, and realized he never cast a warming charm.

He pulled out his wand and did so. He didn't move. He loved the Astronomy Tower – once it had been a means to an end, a way to observe the stars he loved, but this year it had become something else. It had become a sanctuary against the madness and drama that infested his world, a place for just him and the sky – where nothing could touch him.

He stood there, and watched the world made perfect from a distance, with barely a thought in his head.

################

An hour later he came down – it was time for lunch. He made his way through the Entrance Hall and Justin spotted him.

"Harry!" Justin called and walked over. "Do you have a moment?"

Harry winced slightly and nodded. "Sure," he said. "What's up?"

Justin looked around. "I'd, uh, I'd like to apologize," he said. "What happened last month – it shouldn't have happened like that."

Harry smiled in relief. "I'm sorry too, mate," he said and clapped Justin on the shoulder. "You were just looking out for a friend, and I acted like an ass."

Justin shook his head. "I hit you first," he said. "You were right to be angry."

Harry snorted. "And I said some fuckin' horrible things, and then I sucker-punched you," he said. "Seriously, mate, we're good."

Justin looked around again as the Entrance Hall began to fill up. "Mind if we continue this somewhere a bit more private?" he asked.

Harry raised his eyebrows. "You know, people are going to talk," he said.

"Shut up," Justin said with a smile. Harry laughed and led Justin down a side-corridor. He looked around slightly, and tapped a brick with his wand beside a brazier. A passage way opened and Harry walked inside – Justin followed and began to pace.

"This isn't easy," Justin said.

"Is this about Susan?" Harry asked.

Justin looked up and shook his head. "No," he said. "Well, kind of." He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "All September, I was miserable – listening to her talk about you, how wonderful you are, how you're different than everyone thought… And I knew you'd hurt her." He shrugged slightly. "I mean, I thought you'd hurt her in a different way but…"

Harry nodded. "I get it," he said. "I know I have a reputation. I don't like it, and I want to change it, but It's there."

"Right," Justin said and nodded. "She was so sure she could change you, and I was so sure you'd use her." He shook his head and took a deep breath. "I was so caught up in who I thought you were, I wasn't actually seeing you."

Harry frowned. "What are you saying, mate?" he asked.

Justin ran a hand through his hair again. "I –" he started, but shook his head. "Oh, sod it." He crossed the distance towards Harry and kissed him.

Harry's eyes widened and he took a step back. "Wow," he said and laughed slightly. "What?"

Justin also took a step back. "I'm sorry!" he said. "I just – I thought…"

Harry shook his head – still feeling shell-shocked. "What?" he asked.

"Just, people were talking, and you hadn't been with any girls this year, and…" Justin said. "I should go."

Justin started to pass by Harry, but Harry put an arm in his way. "Justin, wait," he said, and winced. "I'm not gay. I just want to clear that up. The rumours are just a stupid joke that got out of hand."

Justin nodded. "Right," he said sadly.

"But, hey," Harry said. "As a heterosexual guy, I'll say you're a decent looking bloke – there has to be some other guy in this school looking for what you're dishing out." Justin nodded. "Just… make sure they're gay before you make out with them." Justin nodded again and left. "Fuckin' Hufflepuffs."

Harry left the other way and it took him fifteen minutes to make his way back to the Great Hall. He sat down next to Neville.

"Hey mate," Neville said. "Didn't think you'd make it."

Harry shrugged and grabbed a sandwich. "Lost track of time," he said.

Pavarti sat down across the table and smiled at him. Harry felt a prickling of fear. "So," Pavarti said. "I just heard something juicy."

"Fuck," Harry said.

Pavarti grinned wider. "Apparently you and Justin were spotted before lunch, going 'somewhere private'," she said. "And here you are, twenty minutes late for lunch."

Neville looked at Harry sharply. "Gods damn it," Harry said.

"So?" Pavarti asked and grabbed a crisp from Harry's plate.

Harry groaned. "Okay, yes, that happened," he said. "He wanted to apologize, and talk about what happened last month. He wasn't comfortable doing so in the Entrance Hall with a hundred people around, so we left. I took the long way back, exactly so this sort of talk wouldn't happen."

Pavarti raised her eyebrows. "So, where is he?" she asked.

Harry frowned. "I thought he was coming back here," he said, and scanned the Hufflepuff table. He winced as he didn't see Justin, but he schooled his features and shrugged. "Maybe he had homework or something."

Pavarti looked at him shrewdly. "I'm not buying it," she said.

Harry sighed. "Well, it's what happened," he said.

Pavarti narrowed her eyes and stood up. "We'll see, Potter," she said. "We'll see." She left.

Neville turned to Harry. "So what actually happened?" he asked.

Harry glared at him. "Don't you start," he said, then sighed. "Look, I can't say. Now can I please return to mourning the death of my parents? Please?"

Neville shrugged and returned to his sandwich. Harry sighed and looked at his plate, suddenly not very hungry.

##########

After Transfiguration, Harry went for a fly. His friends offered to join him, but he begged them off – he wanted some time alone, he had a lot more processing to do. Justin had shown for class, but he looked completely miserable. Harry had to do something about these rumours – it wasn't just harmless fun anymore, it was starting to actually affect people. But he had no idea how to do that. Sure, he could just make out with some girl, but that would only add to his reputation. Besides, that prospect didn't entice him like it once did – the some girl part, not the make outs.

"Potter!" Terry called – he was captain of the Ravenclaw team. "Clear the pitch! We've got practice!"

Harry nodded and landed in front of Terry's team. He dismounted. "Terry," he said with a nod. "How's the team looking?"

Terry laughed. "Looking to wipe Hufflepuff off the pitch," he said. "Especially with Finch-Fletchley gone, heard we have you to thank for that." A couple of the girls on the team giggled.

Harry frowned. "What do you mean?" he asked.

"He got kicked for the game," Terry said. "Same as you."

"Right," Harry said. "Have a good practice."

"Don't worry," Terry said with a laugh. "We'll be more than ready to face you in May."

Harry nodded and walked off the pitch – behind him Terry led his team in stretches. About halfway back to the castle, as he was passing by the lake, Harry saw a small crowd of students and the unmistakable chant of "Fight! Fight! Fight!" He walked over and found Jackie towards the edge of the circle.

"What's going on?" Harry asked.

"Hey Harry," Jackie said. "You know Steve, right? In my year?" Harry nodded. "He's getting into it with Vontment in Slytherin."

Harry shook his head. "That won't do," he said, and handed his broom to Jackie. "Hold this." He shouldered his way through the crowd to see the two combatants wrestling on the ground. Steve Havershaw, a bulky Gryffindor fourth year, was straddling Francis Vontment, a lanky Slytherin fourth year, and attempting to punch him in the face. Harry growled slightly, drew his wand, and let loose a loud bang from it. Steve and Francis looked up. "Alright," he said. "Break it up." He waved his wand and the two boys were forced apart. "What's going on here?"

Steve got to his feet. "He called me a mudblood!" he said and pointed at Francis who was struggling to stand up.

"He attacked me," Francis said.

"Because you called me a mudblood!" Steve said and tried to attack Francis again, but Harry got in the way.

Harry sighed. "Okay," he said, and turned to the crowd. "Anyone see what happened?" A dozen different students started talking at once. Harry growled in exasperation. "Okay, shut up!" He pointed at one small girl who had been talking. "You. What happened?"

The girl's face went red. "Well, I wasn't that close to it," she said. "But from what I saw, Vontment was studying, and Havershaw came by and kicked one of Vontment's book into the water. That's when the fight started."

Harry nodded. "Thank you, uh," he said, and snapped his fingers, trying to place her name.

"Molly," she said. "Molly Wainwright."

Harry smiled. "Thank you, Molly," he said. "Could you find a teacher?" She nodded and ran off towards the castle. "The rest of you, clear out. Show's over." The crowd dispersed, somewhat reluctantly. Jackie handed Harry back his broom and left with some friends. Francis tried to slink away, too. "Not you, Vontment. You stay right there."

Francis sneered. "You can't make me stay," he said.

Harry sighed. "No, I can't," he admitted. "But this will catch up with you. Make it easier on yourself, Vontment, and wait for the teacher." Francis sneered again, but didn't move.

Steve sniggered. "Yeah, Vontment, you're going to get it," he said and clapped Harry on the shoulder. "Thanks for the back up, Harry. I'll see you at the feast, yeah?"

Harry turned to Steve. "Yeah, I don't think so," he said. "You stay put, too."

Steve blinked. "But you caught the bad guy," he said.

Harry shook his head. "I don't know, you looked pretty bad too when I showed up," he said.

"But, he called me a mudblood!" Steve accused, pointing at Francis.

"And he'll suffer the consequences of that," Harry said. "But it takes two to tango, mate. I want to know what happened here."

"He destroyed my book," Francis said.

"It was an accident," Steve said.

Francis scoffed. "An accident? That was a rare book," he said.

Steve sneered. "Oh, whatever, it's just a book," he said.

"Like you would recognize one," Francis said. Steve tried to push past Harry again.

"That's enough," Harry said and pushed Steve back. Steve glared at Harry, who raised his eyebrows and looked between the two boys. "I take it neither of you will apologize to each other?" Steve and Francis glared at each other. "Okay, okay. Mind if I back up a bit?" The two younger boys shrugged. "Okay, so Vontment, you came out here to study?" Francis nodded slightly. "Got it. And Steve, you pass by and kick one of his books into the lake?"

"It was an accident," Steve insisted. This time Francis tried to push past Harry – Harry held him back. Francis stepped back with gritted teeth.

"I have no way of knowing," Harry said. "You say it's an accident, he says it wasn't, but either way, did you apologize?"

"For what?" Steve asked. "It was an accident."

"You damaged a fellow student's property," Harry said and raised his eyebrows. "It's only right to apologize."

Steve crossed his arms. "I'm not going to apologize for a mistake," he said.

Harry snorted. "You realize mistakes are still things you do, right?" Harry asked. "But, whatever, you didn't apologize. So, Vontment, you confront Steve about this?" Francis rolled his eyes and nodded. "Okay, so how did that go?"

Francis glared at him. "I asked him what he was doing," he said.

Harry nodded and turned to Steve. "And how did you respond?" he asked.

Steve looked down. "I don't remember," he mumbled.

"He laughed," Francis interjected hatefully. "And said he was just getting rid of the Dark Arts."

"Merlin," Harry said under his breath and looked at Steve – who kept his eyes averted but didn't contradict the statement. Harry turned back to Francis. "And was it?"

Francis narrowed his eyes. "You think just because I'm Slytherin I'm neck deep in the Dark?" he asked.

"I didn't say that," Harry said. "I just want to know what happened."

"Well, it wasn't about the Dark Arts," Francis said. "It was a one of a kind book on rare herbs, as I informed Havershaw."

"And then he called me a mudblood!" Steve said.

Harry winced. "Vontment, do you deny that you used the m-word?" he asked.

Francis glared at Harry and Steve, and drew himself up proudly. "No," he said. "He showed a complete disrespect for magic which is a clear result of his muggle heritage."

Harry nodded with a sigh. "Right, and that's when Steve threw the first punch," he said. Francis nodded, and Steve didn't say anything. "Merlin." Harry looked between the two bloodied boys – as far as he was concerned, they were both assholes. He ran a hand through his hair. "Alright, Steve, can I talk to you for a minute? Vontment, don't go anywhere."

Francis sneered, and Harry and Steve walked a few meters away. "Steve, mate, what the hell were you thinking?" Harry asked. "From where I'm standing, you came out here to pick a fight. Why?"

Steve glanced at Francis and shrugged. "Just, I hate that guy," he said. "Since we got here, he's been on my case about my heritage, calling me stupid and my folks animals. And during Charms, Flitwick mentioned Samhain, and I didn't know what that was, and Vontment, the motherfucker, he laughed. It's just… he pisses me off so much."

Harry nodded. "And I get that, I do," Harry said and sighed. "Listen, mate, it sucks. It absolutely does, but there's always going to be guys like Vontment. I mean, I don't want to tell you what to think or do about this, but you can't pick a fight with every blood purist out there." He shook his head. "I'm not saying to stop fighting, but you have to be careful." Steve nodded. "Right, can I trust you to stay put while I have a few words with Vontment?" Steve nodded again. "Good man." Harry clapped Steve on the shoulder and walked back to Francis.

"Vontment," Harry said with a nod.

Francis sneered at him. "Going to tell me off for being an evil Slytherin?" he asked.

Harry snorted. "Nah, nothing like that," he said and frowned slightly. "I just want to ask you something – the only blood purist I really talk to is Draco, and that's not the best relationship, so I just want to know, what's the big deal? Why is blood purity so important?"

Francis scoffed. "Are you kidding?" he asked. "These people come from an entirely different culture, and come into our society and act like they just belong? Just like that?" He shook his head. "No, their ideas and values run counter to magic."

"Huh," Harry said thoughtfully. "You know, I'm not sure if that's true." Francis raised his eyebrows. "I mean, the Head Girl is muggleborn. The Director of the Department of Mysteries, where they study magic itself, is muggleborn. Hell, word is your head of house was raised in a muggle orphanage."

Francis waved a hand dismissively. "Exceptions that prove the rule," he said.

"I think there are enough exceptions to prove there is no rule, but whatever," Harry said. "Look, I think your attitudes and values are disgusting and pretty stupid, and I think if you continue like this, you're going to make a lot of enemies you don't need." Francis scowled. "I also think you came out here this afternoon to study. You weren't looking for a fight, not like Steve was. I think you were minding your own business when some Gryffindor came by and ruined one of your books. So you lashed out, and you lashed out in a way you knew would hurt. Despite your politics, I understand that."

Francis opened his mouth to respond, but Harry saw Molly approach with McGonagall. "Alright, don't move, you two," Harry said to the two boys, who nodded. He walked up to McGonagall.

"Mr. Potter," McGonagall said. "Ms. Wainwright already filled me in on the situation. Is there anything else I should know?"

Harry shrugged. "These two guys hate each other," he said. "I don't think there's much more to it than that."

"Thank you, Mr. Potter, for de-escalating the situation," McGonagall said. "I'll take it from here. Could you kindly remain behind while I deal with them?" Harry nodded. "Ms. Wainwright, you are excused."

McGonagall strode off and Harry nodded to Molly. "Thanks for getting her, Molly," he said. "See you around." Molly blushed and ran off. Harry winced slightly and watched McGonagall talk to the two boys.

McGonagall wasn't yelling, but Harry could tell whatever she was saying wasn't pleasant. Steve looked ashamed, and Francis completely abashed. McGonagall dismissed the two boys, and they walked back to the castle, both determined not to seem to be walking with the other. McGonagall walked back to Harry.

"Mr. Potter," she said and glanced at the broom. "Have you been flying?"

"You didn't ban me from the air, ma'am," Harry said. "I figured I should keep sharp."

McGonagall pursed her lips slightly. "Indeed," she said. "I have decided to reinstate your animagus training."

Harry's eyes widened. "Really?" he asked.

McGonagall nodded. "Don't give me reason to regret it, Mr. Potter," she said. "Tomorrow evening, at seven, as per usual." She paused for a moment. "As well, you should know another student has requested training, and has been working with me for several weeks."

"Really?" Harry asked. "Who?"

"Ms. Greengrass," McGonagall said, and nodded at Harry. "Good day, Mr. Potter."

Harry nodded dumbly, and McGonagall walked back to the castle. He shook his head rapidly, and after a moment's thought, hurried to catch up to Steve.

##############

It was the night of October 31, and the castle was quiet. The famous Hogwart's Hallowe'en feast was finished and the students, fed and supped, were sent to their common rooms to pass another sleep-filled night.

That, at least, was the idea. Harry stood atop the keg in the middle of the Gryffindor common room and raised a red solo cup. "To Gryffindor and tits!" he called – most of the room laughed and toasted, though a few scowled and groaned. Harry laughed, drained his beer, and stepped down with Ginny's help.

"Good toast," she said with a smirk.

"Short and sweet," Harry said and refilled his cup. He turned to her and raised his cup. "Just like you."

Ginny shoved him. He spilled some beer. "Fuck off," she said and grinned. "You seem to be in a good mood."

Ron walked up and slung an arm around Harry's neck. "Haven't you heard?" Ron asked. "He finally has an in with –"

Harry covered Ron's mouth with a hand and nodded towards Lavender and Pavarti, who were looking at them, interested. Pavarti walked up. "What's this?" she asked. "More about your secret boyfriend?"

Harry growled slightly. "Look, Pav, you've gotta stop with that shit," he said.

Lavender grinned as she walked up. "Why?" she asked. "Is it making you question some things?"

Harry laughed and winked at her. "Don't worry, if you ever feel like dropping Finnegan, I'm still game," he said. Lavender snorted. "Just – what if some bloke takes it serious and tries something?"

"You aren't that desirable, Potter," Ginny said and rolled her eyes.

Harry turned to her with a smirk. "It must be so tiring to live in such denial," he said.

Ginny smacked him. "You're one to talk," she said.

"It's shameless the way you flirt with me," Harry said. Ginny gave him the finger and walked off to talk to her roommates. Harry turned back to Pavarti and Lavender. "So, have I managed to keep out of the rumour mill since lunch?"

Lavender shrugged. "I heard something about a fight," she said.

Pavarti smirked. "What's more interesting is whatever's going on with Justin," she said.

Harry tried to seem unaffected. "Oh?" he asked.

"He looked terrible this afternoon," Lavender said.

"Almost as if…" Pavarti said, then trailed off with his eyes widening. "No way."

Harry winced. "Pav," he said with a slight beg.

Pavarti raised hr eyebrows, but nodded. Ron and Lavender looked between Harry and Pavarti. "What are you guys on about?" Ron asked.

Pavarti smiled. "Nothing," she said.

Neville walked up to them and shook his head. "Lavender, Seamus is going on about his trip to Greece again," he said. "You've got to keep a tighter lease on him."

Lavender started. "He told you about that?" she asked.

Harry turned to her. "What?" he asked.

"What?" Lavender asked, her face turning red. She turned and left quickly.

Harry started to laugh, and then saw Steve slip into the common room. Harry caught his eye, and Steve nodded. Harry grinned. "Alright, I think it's time," he said. Pavarti raised her eyes. "Neville, could you get the lights? Ron, tell Dean to kill the music."

There were groans and questions as the music and light faded. Harry stepped in front of the fireplace – now the only source of illumination in the room. "Sorry about that," he said. "We'll return to the party in a moment, I just want to say a few words on this auspicious occasion." There were more groans and someone threw an empty solo cup at him. He laughed and continued. "Relax, it'll only take a few minutes." The crowd quieted down slightly. "As you all know, this is the night of Samhain. Tonight –" The fire faded slightly. "Tonight, magic is strong. Tonight, the veil between our world and the Other lifts."

Harry paused. "Even the muggles can feel it, even they know somethings… off tonight," he said. "Of course, they brush it off as superstition, but we, we know better, don't we? We, who live with ghosts, who speak with goblins, who know that demons like Vampires and Dementors stalk the night. We, who know there are things that go bump in the night. And we know that tonight, they bump just a bit louder."

Harry took a deep breath. "So, tonight," he said. "We hold communion with those who have passed, and we pass a peaceful night. So, please, bow your heads, and feel the magic of Samhain." The room, somewhat hesitantly, obeyed his direction. The only sound was the crackling fire in the darkened, packed room.

The silence was broken by a loud boom. A few people shrieked, and others turned in alarm to the windows where the sound came from. The night sky had exploded into bright colours – fireworks.

Harry laughed, loud. "Happy fuckin' Hallowe'en!" he yelled. The lights came back on, and the music soared, and Harry laughed.