Harry Potter Junior Level: Year Three

Ch. 21

Dealing With The Unexpected

Returning to Hogwarts after an enjoyable romp through Hogsmeade, the boys help Remus decide what to have for the evening meal.

"So Uncle Remus, do you cook? We can help prepare vegetables if you need us too." Harry says looking around the very clean and sparse kitchen area of his uncle's faculty quarters. His comment about vegetables earning him a glare from his cousin.

"No, I usually just eat in the Great Hall or call in for something. I don't cook. What would you boys like to do? Eat here or go dine with the rest of the students?"

"I'd like to eat here. Can we choose something and have an elf bring it?" Draco asks.

As Remus looks at Harry for his opinion, Harry nods in agreement.

"What would you like? The menu for the week is on the counter. Harry, what is being served tonight?"

Taking the menu and reading through it, Harry replies "It's meat pies or roast beef, assorted vegetables and for pudding, it's Bakewell tart or fruit with crackers and cream."

Wrinkling his nose and making a disgusted face, Draco asks "Could we ask Dobby or someone to pop out to the shops and get something else?"

"What are you thinking of, Drake?" Harry asks.

"Pizza!"

"Oh, that sounds so good! Can we Uncle Remus, please? Dobby will get it for us if we ask. Please?" Harry asks, turning his best pleading look on his uncle.

"Pizza it is, boys. You two decide what kind you want."

"Pepperoni, ham, sausage, extra cheese please." both boys reply at once.

"Hmm, had that all planned out I see. Why didn't you just say you wanted pizza to begin with? It would have saved us time. There was no need to go through the act you two just put on. Yes, I did see right through the disgusted look and pleading eyes. I work with kids every day so I know the tricks, boys."

"Because pizza is something our dads don't let us eat often and we thought you'd say we couldn't have any." Draco answers.

"We're on a Dad holiday so call Dobby to get two pizzas. Make one plain pepperoni for me. I'm going to shower. I'll be ready by the time he's back. You two go put your purchases away while we wait. No need to leave them sitting at the door. Go put them in your rooms in your quarters and come straight back. Oh, do remember to pick up your school robes if you don't have them with you. Tomorrow we will dress as wizards."

Walking along towards Harry's home after stopping in the dungeons to put up Draco's things, Harry says "Uncle Remus is so relaxed isn't he?"

"What'd you mean?"

"Well, he just lets us come and go places alone. Today in Hogsmeade and now with the packages. If it were my Dad, he'd be wanting to walk with me to put them away or send an elf along. He doesn't want me wandering around alone often. I sometimes think he wouldn't even let me go to classes if it weren't for having other kids to walk with!"

"Uncle Sirius is paranoid. Yes, he's definitely a paranoid parent." Draco answers with a snicker.

"I dare you to say that to his face."

"Uh no. I'm not stupid Harry. I don't want detention for life, thanks though."

"Do you think when we go to Diagon Alley, Uncle Remus will allow us to explore on our own again?" Draco asks after Harry stops giggling.

"I doubt it. Maybe though. That would be wicked, wouldn't it? To be able to go and see what we want without a Dad to tell us to hurry."

"Didn't he say we'd have lunch at The Leaky Cauldron?"

"Yes, why?"

"Do you think he'd notice if we ordered firewhiskey?"

"Draco! Are you nutters? Of course, he'd notice! You shouldn't even think of trying it. Let's not get into trouble. Let's have fun and behave so we can stay with him again. If we cause him trouble, not only will we be punished but we won't get to stay with him. He'll have to come to one of our places instead and we won't get to go anywhere. You know this as well as I so why even think it?"

"Harry, we have to try firewhiskey sometime. We can't get to sixteen or seventeen and not know how to drink. The older boys all drink if they're wicked. I am going to be thought of as wicked too. We have to learn to drink."

"You go right ahead and learn without me. I'm not drinking until I'm of age." At the look, he gets at that statement he counters "I do want my bum to remain intact you know. I do need to have one to sit on for the next six years."

"I thought you were a great adventurer who liked risks. Didn't you run off to fly with the Birmingham Barons not long ago?"

"Yes I did and I paid the price for it! I do like adventure but risking being able to sit comfortably isn't an option right now. You are free to try it, however. I want you to know Uncle Remus has an excellent sense of smell. He'd know if you really had firewhiskey without asking but go right ahead. Uncle Sev wouldn't mind at all when he hears of it, now would he?" Harry asks trying not to snicker at the look of horror that appears at his mention of Severus.

"On second thought, I think I'll wait until I'm at least fourteen. We'll get to go out to Hogsmeade with groups by then. I could get a taste at that time. What do you want to see first tomorrow? I want to go to Quality Quidditch and Gambol and Japes and maybe we can get a look at the animals in Magical Menagerie. I could get some owl treats. I want a pet snake but Dad said not to even think about it. He says he has enough small snakes to deal with already."

"That's funny, Draco. He has too many small snakes. Those Slytherins are not all small though. Why do you want a snake?"

"I like snakes. They are cute and easy to take care of too."

"I don't believe I like snakes. They're too uh crawly."

"Crawly? Well of course they are but they don't crawl they slither. Now, do you want to go around to Quality Quidditch or the Menagerie first? Did you have somewhere you wanted to go?"

Draco, I already told you Uncle Remus isn't going to let us wander Diagon Alley as we did Hogsmeade. We'll have to go with him to do whatever it is he needs to do."

"I say he will. Tomorrow we'll see who is right. Do you have everything? I'm hungry so let's go back and get some pizza."

"I'm ready. I had school robes in my bag. Dad said we'd probably have to wear them if we went out."

The next morning the boys find themselves in Gringotts waiting in the sitting area while Remus discusses something with the goblin at one of the desks.

"This waiting is so tiring. We've been over here across the room forever!" Draco complains for the third time as he wriggles in the soft leather chair.

"Yes, I'm tired of waiting as well. LOOK!" Harry replies, whispering the last word as he nods in the direction he's looking.

"That's Greystone! C'mon lets follow. She won't notice as she's way ahead. Let's go see what the evil hag is doing. Even if we get caught we will just say we came with Professor Lupin."

"Draco, I don't... oh alright. We could say we are going to my vault."

Following at a distance, the boys climb into the last of the tram cars and wait for it to move.

"It's not moving, Harry. Do something. They're leaving us. Do we cast a spell or something?"

"I'm not doing magic and you better not either. We are away from school and unsupervised. You know that's forbidden."

"Well then Mr. Follow The Rules, how do we get it to move. They are way ahead now."

"Maybe they don't move without a goblin steering. I don't know as I've never been in one before. Let's try pushing the black knob in and ..." The cart began to roll as he follows his own advice. Picking up speed as it rolls down and then around a sharp turn and then down a steep path.

"WOOO! That last one was fun. this is like a muggle roller coaster. I'll tell you about it later." Harry answers as Draco mutters "A what?"

"Do you see them ahead?" Harry asks.

"Hmm, yes. They're going around the next curve. They're stopping. We need to slow down or we'll run into the tram up there." Draco answers as he pulls back on a lever attached to the floor.

"It's working. We're slowing down. We need to duck or we'll be seen." Harry says.

Crouched down on the floor of the cart, they hear Greystone speaking. "Number 161. Yes, this is the number and here's the key. I need a package someone left here. It's in a yellow box with a blue and red stripe around it, tied with gray twine. Fetch it for me."

"Good. Now, continue to 120. I want to make a withdrawal."

"Well she's bossy isn't she?" Draco whispers.

"Yes. Let's get the cart back before we get ... Uh oh."

"Uh oh?" Draco whispers.

"We've been seen."

"Yes, I do understand you have security rules and everyone is to follow them. I'm sure these boys didn't mean to set off the alarm. They just found a little excitement." Remus says trying to soothe an irate Griphook. "Yes, I certainly understand your clients have a right to visit their vaults in private. No harm was done."

At the goblin's fierce glare, Remus says "Boys, apologize. You were in the wrong today. We'll discuss this more at home."

"I'm sorry, sir. I just wanted to ride the cart." Draco tells the scowling little creature.

"I'm sorry as well, sir. I didn't mean any harm. I've never been to my vault. I wanted to see how it looks. We didn't get to see it though." Harry says mournfully, putting as much sadness into his words as possible.

"Which vault?"

"My vault. The Potter vault." Harry explains still frowning.

"Potter? You are Harry Potter? You don't look as I remember. Harry Potter had a scar and more wavy hair with round glasses, not rectangle ones." The little creature exclaims now excited.

"Umm, yes? I'm blood adopted and my appearance changed some. I'm called Harry Potter Black now." Harry answers not quite sure how to respond.

"Griphook is delighted to make your acquaintance, sir. Please allow Griphook to escort Mr. Potter and friends to his vault. You wish to take out?"

"Uh well, I didn't bring my key."

"Goblin open with magic for Master Potter. How much do you wish to take out?"

"Umm, well... I ... Uh... Uncle Remus?" Harry asks looking up for the first time to see a stern expression on his Uncle's face.

"That's alright sir. I'll wait to get money another time." Harry says before Remus can speak.

"No, Griphook must allow Master Potter access. Now, how much?"

"Master Potter is limited to four sickles today, Griphook. Master Potter's father will accompany him to withdraw any money in the future." Remus says firmly.

"Four? Oh, noo, noo, much more than that. We'll make it twenty. Master Potter has much in the vault. Come along Master Potter and friends."

Outside the bank, Remus takes the boys over to a private area before scolding "What were you thinking? You can't just traipse around a bank without an adult. Your little journey set off the alarms and the Aurors were taken from their other jobs to investigate. The bank was completely shut down and no one could enter or exit! Now you've had to withdraw money and it's going to show up on your account. What do you suppose your dads will have to say about this?"

"We're sorry. We didn't mean anything. The tram cars were just there and looked fun so we rode them. Could we just continue shopping, please?" Draco asks as Harry scuffs his shoe in the dirt avoiding answering except for "I'm very sorry, Uncle Remus."

"Yes, but I will be discussing this with your parents. We'll just finish out the shopping trip. Come, I need to go to Twitfitt and Tattings for my new trousers."

"Uncle Remus, could Draco and I please go to Quality Quidditch? We'll wait there for you and won't go anywhere. Please?"

"I should say 'no' after what happened in the bank but I will give you one more chance. Prove to me you are responsible boys and go only there. If I come to pick you up and find you have left after you have given me your word, there will be serious consequences. Do you both understand?"

"Yes, sir."

"Your word, boys?"

"I, Harry James Black give my word I will stay at the Quidditch store until you come." Harry says immediately.

"I, Draco Tobias Snape give my word I will not leave the Qudditch store until you are with me." Draco recites.

"Thank you, boys. Now it shouldn't take longer than thirty minutes so I will see you soon. We will then pick up something for Severus and have lunch."

Busy examining the latest brooms, Harry looks up when Draco pokes him.

"Look who just walked in."

"Malfoy, Potter, what are you doing here? Do the professors know that you are not at school? I'll just tell them when I get back to the castle. Headmaster Dumbledore will want to know also as leaving school without permission is forbidden. I imagine you used a forbidden floo."

"Jeremy? I thought we came to shop for your brother's birthday gift? Are you coming?" A man calls from closer to the front of the shop.

"Yes, Father. I'll be with you in just a moment, sir."

"Pippen, you really need to go with your father as he is waiting." Harry says as Draco seethes beside him.

"He can wait a few minutes more, Potter."

"My name is Black now and Draco is a Snape. You know this as we are called by our names every day in class. You may address us as our surname or even first name."

"I'll address you, as you call it, any way I please! Don't dictate to me how to speak. Now, are you going to give me something to keep me from telling? I think a new set of Quidditch gloves would keep me quiet."

"You are bribing us for you not to be an informer?" Draco asks angrily.

"Of course not. Bribery is wrong. You are gifting me with a nice new pair of gloves and in return, I never saw you here." The boy answers with a smirk.

"Pippen you can take the gloves and shove them right up ..." Draco starts before Harry's hand over his mouth muffles the rest.

"I'm afraid we won't be buying you any gloves today, Jeremy. Do have a nice trip back to the castle. Say hello to the Headmaster for me, as well." Harry replies as Draco struggles to get free of Harry's hold.

After the boy has left to join his father, Harry removes his hand and lets his cousin speak.

"Bloody Hell, Harry! Why'd you muffle me that way? I could handle PIPSQUEAK and you restrained me!"

"We are in a shop not the corridor of Hogwarts. No brawling can occur and you were ready to launch yourself at him. We're already in trouble for what went on at the bank. We'll most likely just be scolded or get a mild punishment. If we get into a fight or cause any more trouble I'll wind up over my Dad's knee. I don't know about you but I'd rather not have that happen."

"You have a point. I am telling you now that his bullying days are over. Even if I get whacked for it, I'm getting him back. The war is about to begin. You can join me or stay out of the way. It is coming, though."

"Here comes Uncle Remus. Don't mention Pippen. We'll talk about it later." Harry says quietly as he sees Remus walking up the sidewalk. "Let's go join Uncle Remus before the Pippens see him."

"Hello there, boys. Did you enjoy browsing? I noticed you were both in the shop when I walked by so I took the time to pick up the item for Severus. His new collapsible cauldron was ready." Remus tells them as they reach him.

"A collapsible cauldron? I wonder if the cauldron collapses during the brewing? Dad would have a complete meltdown himself if it did. That would be funny to see."

"Draco! I don't want to see Uncle Sev angry. I've seen that before and it isn't funny. You're being mean today."

"I agree with Harry. Are you ready for lunch? I promised a trip to The Leaky Cauldron so let's go, shall we?" Remus asks with a slight frown at Draco.

"Yes, I'm ready. My stomach is telling me it wants fish and chips and butterbeer." Harry answers, happily.

"And you Draco? What might your stomach be saying?" Remus asks the silent boy on his right side.

"Fish and chips sounds brilliant. Uncle Remus?" Draco asks hesitantly.

"Yes?"

"I was just playing about Dad. I wouldn't really want him to have a potion ruined by a cauldron collapsing. Can I ask you something?"

"Ask away, Draco. I may not answer depending on the question." Remus replies with a grin.

"How old were you when you first tried firewhiskey?" Draco asks glancing up as he asks.

"I was sixteen and was with Harry's two fathers. Are you wanting to try it, Draco?"

"Yes, sir. I suppose I'm too young though. I want to know how it tastes."

"We can arrange a taste of firewhiskey for the two of you. Just a taste mind you. I can't be bringing home two sloshed boys who aren't even thirteen yet."

"You'd allow us to try firewhiskey?"

"Why such a shocked look? Draco, you do need to close your mouth as you look quite silly. I don't see why you can't taste it. We're here. Let's get a table by the wall as it's more private."

"Hello, Professor Lupin and boys. I'm Henry and I'll be your server today. What might I get you?"

"Henry Bingham? Good to see you again. I thought you were off in Romania working with Dragons."

"I was, sir. I needed to come home as my Pop needed me. I'm working here as well. May I have your order?"

"Two orders of fish and chips, one order of steak well done, a side order of baked potato with butter, two glasses of butterbeer and one pot of tea please."

"Yessir. We'll get that right out."

"Did you know him, Uncle Remus?" Harry asks.

"He was in Hogwarts as a sixth year the year I started teaching. We met a few times. Now Draco, stop looking so sulky. You will get your taste, I promise. No one needs to sample whiskey on an empty stomach. That will be after we eat. Harry? Did you want to try it as well?"

"Dad would not approve, Uncle Remus. I don't want to be punished."

"What if I told him you had permission? Would you want to try it?"

Thinking it over for several minutes, Harry shakes his head. "No, thank you. I'll wait."

After their meal, Remus orders a glass and bottle of firewhiskey. Pouring just enough to cover the bottom and rise above it slightly, he hands it to Draco.

"Here you are. You may have a few sips. Sip it, don't gulp it as if you are dying of thirst." This command causes Harry to snicker as he watches Draco take a sip.

"Well? What does it taste like? Is it sweet or sour?" Harry asks.

"Don't know yet. I just had a little. Wait." Draco answers taking another larger sip.

"Easy there, son. You don't gulp it, remember?" Remus repeats. "You finish what's in the glass but no more. I'm going to settle the bill. Stay at the table boys."

"I'll answer your question now. It's kind of spicy and fruity all at once. It's tangy too. Want a sip?" Draco asks offering the last to Harry.

"No, I'm waiting. Draco! He said no more!" Harry whispers as Draco pours more into the glass and gulps it this time.

"Waiten fuer whast? Ummm this fiskey is warmin me. It makth me hot gwudd to dwink." Draco asks voice slurring.

"That's enough for you, young man. I said to finish what was in the glass, did I not? Harry, how much more did he have?" Remus asks moving the bottle away from Draco's outstretched he returns to the table.

"Not that much. He put in some more up to about here." Harry replies as he points to the approximate place on the glass.

"That's more than he needs. Come on, let's get back to the castle. Your dads will be home soon, I imagine."

"Are you mad at Draco?"

"No, I should have taken the bottle not left it with an inquisitive soon to be twelve year old. It's my own fault, Harry. Don't worry so. Severus won't be angry at Draco."

"I hope not. Draco did have your permission."

Meanwhile over in France, having finished the business for Dumbledore, Severus and Sirius are visiting with Narcissa Malfoy Hightower.

"I'm thankful you came when you did. I contacted Dumbledore just this morning and he told me you were in the country. I received this letter two weeks ago and have been discussing it with my solicitors. I will let you read it yourself." She tells the men handing it to Sirius who reads and passes it to Severus.

"So, from your tone, I take it this is legal and legitimate?" Severus asks.

"Yes, unbeknownst to me, my husband had high debts. He was to pay the last payments a month ago and didn't. Obviously, he couldn't pay as he became ill and died. The house is now being taken by the bank to pay whomever he owed. It seems my name was never put on the paperwork for ownership of the house. Alex and I have until the weekend to find somewhere to go. I don't care too much for the house but I have no money as the bank seized David's accounts as well. Alex and I are penniless. Well, I am. She has a trust but it won't be available until she is twenty one. I may use some to pay for schooling, however."

"Cissy, you are welcome to come to Black Manor if you'd like." Sirius offers.

"Did you manage to clear all of the dark objects from the home?"

"Most of them. I do have a few rooms where they are immovable and those are kept locked. Harry knows they are off limits."

"Harry is eleven not five. A five year old is very inquisitive."

"Narcissa? What would you think about moving into Snape Manor? You are Draco's Mum. I am his adoptive father. We would set you up in a wing of your own and the young one will be safe. Draco would be able to form a new relationship with you and you with him."

"A new relationship. That sounds so unusual as he's my son. Lucius destroyed both of us and tried to destroy our lives as well. Malfoy Manor is still in existence isn't it?"

"No, it has been demolished. The ministry found such dark magic and spells set in the house, they decided it would be best to demolish it. Everything that was not dark was put in a vault, however. Draco will be set for funds just from selling some of those objects and he has a trust fund as well if you recall. You wouldn't have been thinking of moving back there would you?"

"No, actually I'm very happy to know it isn't in existence. I do not want to hear the Malfoy name or be associated with any of his things. Severus, I will accept your offer. May Alex and I come with you tonight? I have everything packed that I wish to take and the rest of my personal things are now in storage. I can send for them at a later time."

"This is very quick. I don't have rooms prepared. If you don't mind waiting while we prepare the rooms, I don't mind if you come."

"Agreed. Let me get our boxes and you can shrink them. Alex is asleep so I'll carry her."