Warning: There is mild depictions of underage drinking.
Year Three
A Chance Encounter
By Spectre4hire
25: Weekend with the Notts
"How goes the application process, Cyrus?"
It had only been a week since the second year of Hogwarts had come to an end for Harry Potter and his friends. Harry, Remus, and the Greengrass family were sitting together for their evening meal. Harry had missed these family dinners while he was at Hogwarts. He enjoyed hearing about Cyrus and Roxanne's days at their jobs. He found both of their line of works fascinating, and was always interested for details and further glimpses into the two magical careers.
Tonight the dinner's conversation had revolved around Cyrus and his endeavor in trying to find a new professor at Hogwarts for the position of History of Magic. In his first act since joining the Governing Board, Cyrus dismissed the abysmal Professor Binns. It now fell on him to find a suitable replacement.
"It's ongoing," Cyrus sighed. "Professor Binns has done an admirable job in snuffing out any interest in the subject for the past century."
"Has he been teaching that long?" asked an incredulous Daphne.
"Longer," Roxanne answered with a frown.
"He was terrible before he died by all accounts," Cyrus pointed out. "Why Hogwarts allowed him to stay for such a long time is beyond me."
"I don't know," Remus countered, "He always had a way of helping me with my insomnia."
Harry and Daphne snickered at that. Roxanne gave him a smile before shaking her head. Cyrus in all his weariness from his day of trying to find a new professor offered a tired smile.
"There must be some wizard or witch who scored well on the subject on their O.W.L.s or N.E.W.T.s," Roxanne observed.
"Are you volunteering?" Cyrus asked with a hopeful look.
"No, dear," Roxanne declined.
Cyrus dropped his head dramatically. "The search continues."
His antics got laugh out of Harry, Daphne, and Astoria while Roxanne rolled her eyes and Moony snorted into his wine glass.
"However," Cyrus turned his attention to his left where Remus sat. "I do have just the candidate for the Defense Against the Dark Arts Job."
Remus looked uncomfortable either because of the topic or at being the center of everyone's attention at the table. "I don't think that's a good idea." He gave Cyrus a pointed look.
"You'd be brilliant, Moony!" Harry encouraged his Uncle.
"Yeah, you're always so helpful with our holiday homework," Daphne added.
"See?" Cyrus pointed to Daphne and Harry. "Two endorsements from those that matter most," He put his hand on Daphne's shoulder who sat to his right.
Remus couldn't hide his appreciation at their kind words. "What about our conversation?"
Cyrus waved it away. "That won't be a problem."
Harry understood the vague conversation that the two were having. He guessed that Moony was hesitant to take the job because of his condition as a werewolf. From his lessons with Cyrus and through various readings, Harry knew that it was difficult for werewolves to get hired or hold down jobs in the wizarding world because of old prejudices.
It had been difficult enough for Harry to convince Remus to accept the Wolfsbane potion he had acquired from Professor Snape. It had taken the support of Cyrus and Roxanne and more than an hour before Remus relented.
"It would be unorthodox," Remus seemed to be running out of excuses. "I'm not a professor."
"Your test scores signify you are more than qualified to be able to teach Defense." Cyrus wasn't backing down.
"Come on, Moony." Harry pleaded, "We could use a professor like you to teach Defense."
"Yeah," Daphne agreed. "Our last two were terrible."
Remus looked across the table at Daphne before turning to Harry. He looked conflicted: Uncertain if he should take this risk and say yes, or play it safe and decline the job offer.
"It would be nice to return to Hogwarts," Remus admitted.
"Yes!" Harry believed his Uncle had made his decision.
Daphne too looked happy at the news sending him a smile.
Remus chuckled at the two. "How can I say no, now?"
"Excellent!" Cyrus clapped him on the back before the two men shook hands. "I'll send an owl to Dumbledore tonight and your credentials to the rest of the governing board." He looked very pleased. "In a few days, it will be official."
"Congratulations, Remus." Roxanne offered him a smile from across the table. "It is well earned."
"Thank you, Roxy." Remus replied. He then turned to Cyrus. "Thank you for this opportunity."
"You deserve this," Cyrus assured him. "Dumbledore wanted you for this position and I couldn't agree more. You will do great things at Hogwarts."
Remus took the praise with a tight nod.
Harry patted his uncle on the shoulder to get his attention. "You're going to be the best defense professor that Hogwarts has ever had."
"That's not saying much," Remus replied dryly, before putting his hand on top of Harry's and gently patting it to show he appreciated the gesture and the vote of confidence. "But thank you, Harry. Your support," he paused looking to the others, "All of your support has meant so much to me."
"You are family, Remus," Roxanne told him.
"Indeed," Cyrus agreed. He held up his glass of wine, "To Hogwarts' new Defense against the Dark Arts Professor."
The others followed the Greengrass patriarch's lead. The adults raising their wine glasses while Harry, Astoria, and Daphne raised their glasses of pumpkin juice. "To Remus Lupin," they chorused.
"You wanted to see me?" Harry stepped into Cyrus' office. The Greengrass patriarch was sitting behind desk, surrounded by piles of parchment. Harry thought he might be looking at applications to fill the History of Magic job, but now after seeing so many pieces of parchment spread about Cyrus' desk, Harry wasn't so sure.
"I did," He looked up from a piece of parchment. "Please sit."
Harry did. He took the seat nearest Cyrus' desk.
"While I was at the Ministry, Claudius Nott expressed his desire for you to visit Theodore at their home."
"Really?" Harry brightened at that. He hadn't been able to talk to Theo since the last day at school at Platform Nine and Three Quarters. That had been almost two weeks. Harry's mirror calls had been unanswered. He had been hoping Theo would contact him, but so far his best friend hadn't.
"Yes," He steepled his hands under his chin. "I'm not sure this is a good idea."
"What?" Harry didn't understand. The elation he had been feeling at being able to spend with Theo was deflating. "What do you mean?"
"Claudius Nott," Cyrus pursed his lips together, looking to be trying to find the right words. "Is a man of a certain reputation..."
"As a Death Eater," Harry remembered Daphne telling him about this last year. How it had been Cyrus who had caught Mr. Nott and brought him in only for the man to be later freed and pardoned.
"Yes," He clenched his jaw. "I'm not sure it is wise to let you go over there unsupervised."
"He wouldn't do anything to me," Harry argued.
"He has earned a certain repuation for a reason, Harry." Cyrus observed darkly.
"Can Theo come here?"
"Unfortunately, no," Cyrus answered regretfully. "I made that offer myself, but Claudius refused saying it was Theodore's turn to host you and that if you would be unable to visit then you'd be unable to see him this holiday."
"Then I have to go!" Harry got out of his seat. "I can't just forget about him! He's my best friend!"
"Your loyalty is admirable, Harry," Cyrus complimented, "but there is more that you must see."
"All I see is a friend who's unwilling to help another," Harry bitterly pointed out. "I know what it's like to be alone without friends or family." He lowered his head, memories of his time with the Dursleys began to spread across his mind. The pain and loneliness from those dark days threatened to smother him.
"You have a good heart." Cyrus sighed.
"There has to be a way," Harry wasn't going to abandon Theo to a poor, miserable holiday. He knew his best friend hated spending the holidays with his father. If he could help his friend even for a weekend, Harry would without hesitation. He wasn't the only one who felt that way too…
"What about Mrs. Longbottom," Harry suggested abruptly, noticing Cyrus' raised eyebrows. "We could tell Claudius that I already had plans with Neville that weekend."
"He could postpone."
"Or extend the invitation if it was my only available time," Harry countered. "He wouldn't try anything if it was known that he was having both me and Neville over." Harry knew Nev would agree without question. And was certain if he was here, Neville would have made the suggestion himself.
"That is true," Cyrus rubbed his chin in thought. "Lady Longbottom's wrath is a terrible sight to behold." A slow smile spread across his face. "And If I were to accept his invitation in front of certain members of the Ministry, Claudius would understand that his actions wouldn't go unnoticed."
"Exactly!"
"Harry," Cyrus' voice was cautious. He wasn't completely convinced.
"The mirrors," Harry blurted out. "I could stay in contact with you through them."
"That would be an ideal form of communication," Cyrus agreed.
"And Mr. Nott doesn't know about them."
"So he wouldn't suspect it," Cyrus was nodding his head.
"Please, Cyrus?" Harry pleaded, "Theo is my friend. I should be there for him when he needs me."
"You are your parents' son, Harry," Cyrus pushed himself out of his seat. "I will write to Lady Longbottom and then approach Claudius."
"Thank you!" Harry was ecstatic.
"There will be ground rules," Cyrus told him. "I will also make some inquiries to make sure you will be safe and protected at all times while at the Nott's house."
Harry found himself that Friday in the parlor of Greengrass Manor. He wasn't alone. Neville, Tracey, Hermione, and Daphne were all there too. When Daphne found out that Harry and Neville would be spending the weekend with Theo. She quickly called Tracey and Hermione to make their own plans. It seemed tonight the girls would be staying with Daphne. Tomorrow they would go over to Tracey's for the night and spend Sunday night at the Grangers.
"Hey, Nev," Harry greeted his Gryffindor friend who had been the last to arrive. "Thanks for going along with this."
"Not a problem," Neville looked happy to be going. "Theo's my friend too, and it's gonna be great to see him."
"That's not the word I'd use," Daphne said, turning away from the conversation she had been having with Hermione and Tracey.
Harry chuckled. "You just can't give up a chance to insult him?"
Daphne smiled. "Nope."
Tracey rolled her eyes.
"Hey, Harry," Hermione approached him tentatively. "I was wondering if you could give this to Theo while you're there." She handed him a letter and a package.
"Alright." Harry gave her a curious look.
"Way to go, Hermione!" Tracey encouraged, elbowing her friend. Her eyes were twinkling.
"It's just a book," Hermione's cheeks were going pink. "You know how difficult it is to get mail to him during the Holiday."
"I do," Harry pocketed Hermione's letter and package into his bag. Last summer Harry was only able to talk to Theo a handful of times with the mirrors all holiday. They had been unable to send any letters to each other. Theodore had explained his father had a tight hold over the owl post.
"Thanks," Hermione flashed him a thankful smile.
Tracey was still looking at her with an appraising stare and a knowing smile.
"Harry," Remus entered the room with Cyrus and Roxanne following behind. "You have everything?"
"Yep," Harry held up his bag as proof.
"Good," Remus crouched down, "You have fun and stay out of trouble."
"I will," Harry promised, "make sure not to get caught."
That got a laugh out of Remus and the others. "Very good," He hugged Harry before standing back up.
"Remember our rules, Harry," Cyrus was next.
"I do," Harry assured him.
"And when will you contact me?"
"Before dinner tonight and before I go to bed," Harry recited.
Cyrus smiled, "Good." He moved towards the fireplace. "Are you two ready?"
"Yes, sir," Neville replied, "I mean, Cyrus." He corrected when he saw Cyrus' amused look.
Harry eyed the fireplace and the floo powder with some trepidation before nodding. He had been practicing the method of floo travel with Remus and Roxanne.
"Remember, its Nott Manor," Cyrus reminded them before he scooped up some floo powder and announced his destination. The green flames swallowed him up in a blink.
"Go for it, Harry."
Harry nodded making his way over to the fireplace.
"Have fun, Harry," Tracey encouraged.
"Don't forget to call us," Hermione added.
"I won't," Harry told them.
"Send my best to Nott," Daphne said sarcastically.
"Of course," Harry replied with a smile. He moved to take the floo powder. He cleared his throat. "Nott Manor." He tossed the powder and stepped into the fireplace. Those he left behind became a blur as he found himself traveling through the floo system. When he was aware he was at the destination, he remembered the lessons and tips, walking out of the fireplace without incident.
Pleased with himself, Harry looked around the large parlor of Nott Manor. The first thing that came to his mind was imposing. He understood that this was the first glimpse most visitors would have of the Nott Family home. Everywhere he looked, the Nott's family history and wealth were on display. A not so subtle reminder of the influence that the family wielded in both the past and the present.
The parlor had high ceilings with tall windows allowing a flood of sunlight to come in. The furniture looked pristine, but old. Two impressive suits of armor flanked the fireplace; above it was what Harry suspected to be the Nott family crest. A wand with a bloody tip on a black field, below the sigil was the Nott's family words: Blood is Right.
"Mr. Potter," Claudius Nott was expecting them. Theo stood beside his father offering Harry a stiff nod and the barest of smiles.
"Mr. Nott," Harry returned the greeting.
Neville came of out the floo in a stumble but was able to keep his balance.
"And Mr. Longbottom," Claudius acknowledged him. "It is a pleasure to have you in my home."
"We were honored by the invitation," Harry recited. Remembering the etiquette that Cyrus and Roxanne put him through leading up to this weekend.
Claudius accepted Harry's well spoken reply with a raised eyebrow.
"Claudius," Cyrus pulled the man's attention away from Harry.
"I had not forgotten," Claudius replied. "Hugo."
A house elf apparated between them. He was carrying a tray of bread and water. He bowed low, while keeping the tray from tipping over. This was part of a formal ceremony that they told Harry to expect to ensure Harry and Neville's safety under Mr. Nott's care.
It was the Guest Rights Magical Oath. It was old form of magic that's origins traced back to the Middle Ages during the various bloody conflicts between wizards and goblins. The two sides were rarely able to meet under a banner of peace because both sides in the past had used such occasions to kill the others envoys. The oath was created so that the sides could meet and treat to terms without worrying about being betrayed.
It had fallen out of favor when ways to exploit it had been found and used. The simplest way was letting a pawn make the oath and when they came to murder the guests they had no problem in sacrificing the pawn to get what they wanted. Cyrus had assured Harry, that this wouldn't be the case since Claudius was no fool. He also told him that the Oath was still practiced in some Noble Family Circles where appearances still mattered and trust wasn't always easy to come by.
Harry took the glass of water and a piece of bread. Neville mirrored him.
"I, Claudius Nott, welcome Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom into my home and hearth as my esteemed guests." He held up his wand having it point straight up towards the ceiling. A soft bluish glow was resonating from the tip. "As their host they are now under my protection. Beneath my roof I will treat them as blood, and ensure no harm befalls them under my family's banner through their stay. If I fail them then may my magic be forfeited and my life taken."
This was their cue. It was time to seal the oath.
Harry and Neville took sips of their separate glasses before taking a bite of their pieces of bread. Two streamers of light spiraled out of Mr. Nott's wand, whirling above Harry and Neville's head, glowing brighter and brighter until it stopped and with a crack that sounded like muffled thunder the two ribbons of light shot back towards Mr. Nott hitting him in the chest. He gasped softly, as the lights glowed softly for a few seconds within his chest before fading.
He turned to Cyrus, "As was agreed."
Cyrus gave him a curt nod. He turned to Harry. Crouching down, "remember our discussion."
"I do." Harry affirmed, "And I won't forget."
"I know," Cyrus smiled, embracing Harry before patting him on the back when it ended. The Greengrass Patriarch then shared a smile with Neville before shaking his hand, and turned back to a silent Claudius and a stiff Theodore. "I hope to return the favor this holiday and have you at our home for a time, Theodore."
Theodore's face brightened at that, but it quickly was swallowed up by an impassive demeanor when his father's gaze shifted towards him.
Cyrus and Claudius stared at one another for a few seconds before the former spoke. "I'll be back to retrieve them Sunday night as agreed."
"Until then," Claudius replied.
Cyrus then disappeared into the fireplace swallowed up by green flames.
"Now that is out of the way," Claudius spoke up. "I will have Hugo take your things to Theodore's room where you will be staying."
"Thank you, sir," Harry and Neville chorused.
Claudius flashed them a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "And that will allow my son and I to give you a proper tour of our home..."
"I never thought he'd finish," Theo groaned, leading his friends into his room where they would be staying for the weekend.
It was a nice size room, Harry thought following behind Theo. It was about the same size as his back in Greengrass Manor. Theo's four poster bed's curtains were draped in Slytherin colors. There were leather sofas and a high back chaor nestled by the fireplace. Two tall bookshelves flanked the fireplace. Two large beds had been put on the far side of the room's corners.
Harry noticed very few pictures in his friend's room. He spotted one on his dresser, looking closer to see it was of all of them waving and smiling at Harry, a snowy Greengrass Manor stood in the background. On Theo's nightstand was another picture, Harry had caught a passing glimpse of it when he walked by and was certain it was of his friend's mother.
"I thought it was interesting."
Harry had to admit that parts of the tour were interesting. The trophy room where the heirlooms of the Nott family resided behind enchanted glass cases were fascinating. As were the stories that accompanied them which Mr. Nott told with pride. Such as the battle-axe of a fierce goblin warrior that a Nott had killed in one of the many Goblin wars as well as the armor that goblin had been killed in. The way Mr. Nott told the story implied that the goblin was very important and his death all but doomed the battle for the goblin's cause.
"Don't worry, Nev, my father can't here you," Theo playfully chided his friend.
"It wasn't too bad," Harry had made his way over to his bed, seeing his bag was resting on a table at the end of the bed. He opened it up to change his clothes. Cyrus and Roxanne had told him to dress formally at dinner. He noticed a small nook adjacent to his bed where he could change that had privacy curtains.
"It isn't but after hearing it a thousand times…" Theo replied, before addressing a feigned haughty look. "And this is where some important, bigoted Nott did something important and bigoted."
Theo's spot on impersonation of his father had Neville and Harry laughing.
"And over here," Theo drawled, mimicking his father's bored expression and haughty tone perfectly. "Is where I keep the most precious item in my family's collection." Theo had walked over to his room's mirror, giving his reflecting an over-the-top once over. "Magnificent, isn't?"
Harry had to get on his bed to stop himself from falling to the ground laughing. He looked over to see Neville was having similar problems.
"My father," Theo dropped the act, "is something else." He collapsed onto his bed staring up at the canopy and sighed. "And sometimes," he murmured quietly, "I wish he was someone else."
Harry's laughter subsided. He was sure that they weren't supposed to hear that last part. He moved into his changing area to dress in his formal robes, thinking over what he could say to cheer up his friend. He knew what his friend was going through. He suffered from a similar problem when he lived with the Dursleys. How often had he wished in his cupboard for a new life away from the Dursleys with friends and family that cared for him?
He had gotten his wish, but Theo was still waiting for his to be answered. Stepping out of the changing area he looked to see Theo was sitting on the other side of his bed, holding the picture from his nightstand. He put it down as if sensing Harry had been looking at him, he met Harry's stare.
"Why did you guys come?"
Harry was thrown by the question. Unable to give a quick answer so his Slytherin friend continued.
"You didn't have to ruin your weekend by coming to see me."
"Ruin our weekend?" Neville was incredulous, "If it wasn't for the invite, I'd be at home with Gran." He made a face that clearly conveyed his thoughts on that painful scenario.
"Yeah," Harry agreed, "and besides you're our friend. We want to see you."
Theo looked at them strangely before offering them a hesitant, but sincere smile. "Thanks," he muttered, "I…I appreciate it."
Harry moved over to his friend, patting him on the shoulder. "Friends are always there for one another."
"That's right," Neville clapped Theo on the back. "Besides, this is going to be a great weekend!"
"So Remus is the new Defense Teacher?" Neville kicked the football towards Theo.
Saturday afternoon found Harry, Neville, and Theodore outside on the grounds of Nott Manor enjoying the warm, sunny day. Harry had brought with him a football which the three friends were currently kicking. Theo had been apprehensive about the activity as it was a muggle one and knowing the fury of his father if they were caught, but Harry and Neville had been able to convince him.
The two purebloods, Neville and Theodore didn't know much about the sport. Neville had picked up bits of the sport from his fellow Gryffindor, Dean Thomas, but Harry thought they'd be fine. They weren't playing football. They were just kicking the ball around. It wasn't too difficult of a concept to grasp. Or so he thought.
"Yeah," Harry watched Theo clumsily block the ball with his foot.
"That's great," Theo passed the football over to Harry.
"Yeah," Neville agreed. "It'll be great to get a teacher who knows what he's doing."
"That's not fair," Theo argued, "Lockhart knew how to give interviews and sign autographs."
"And don't forget Quirrell," Harry brought the ball back to Neville with a swift kick.
Neville put his foot down to stop it, but the spinning of the football had it roll up Neville's foot and into the air. He tried to catch it, but whiffed, the ball landed a few feet away.
The three friends couldn't help but laugh at the incompetence of their first two teachers in Defense. According to Neville and Theo, they weren't the first who left the school after only one year. Apparently, no teacher has held the job for more than one year in a very long time. Harry had forgotten that piece of information. He wanted to dismiss it, but he just couldn't.
That's not going to happen to Moony. He told himself. Moony will break the streak. However, he couldn't shake that nagging feeling that if Moony's condition got out, that he too would be dismissed like all the rest. That won't happen.
"Harry! Watch out!"
Harry snapped back into the present just in time to duck his head as the football soared past him. It missed hitting his face by only inches. His heartbeat had quickened in those short seconds, but it settled down quickly enough. He turned to his two friends.
"Nice kick." Harry praised, watching it rolling down the hill. "Who hit it?"
"I did," answered Neville sheepishly.
"You know what that means," Theodore observed.
"I do," Neville looked resigned as he went to go get it.
"Wait, Nev," Theodore stopped him. "Just summon it back."
They had been working on the summoning charm in the last few months of school. Even though it wasn't taught until they were older, Harry and his friends thought it was an important spell to try to learn early. So they worked at it, and by the end of the year were all pleased at their ability at being able to not only grasp the spell but use it with some confidence.
"Oh yeah," Neville pulled out his wand. He looked a bit embarrassed that he forgot about using the summoning charm. "Accio football."
From his vantage, Harry could see the football from down the hill flopping a bit, but after a few jerky movements it went still. "Try again."
"Yeah, but this time enunciate," Theodore encouraged.
Neville nodded, "Accio football."
This time the football floated several feet into the air before drifting back towards them.
"Nicely done, Nev," Theodore praised.
"All you got to do is catch it," Harry reminded him.
That turned out easier said than done. The football had picked up speed as it got closer to Neville. The pudgy Gryffindor looked uncertain with wide eyes at being able to catch it. He awkwardly tried to position his wand while holding out his hands to catch it. The end result was he missed and the football collided with his face sending him reeling.
"Nev?" Harry came rushing over to his friend.
"I'm fine," Neville was rubbing his cheek which had gone red.
"That was a good header," Harry smiled.
Neville chuckled, "Thanks." He went to sit up. His face was starting to swell.
"Don't worry, I know a potion that should stop the swelling," Theodore joined them, "Unless you want my father to point his wand at your face and cast the appropriate spell."
Neville paled. "No, the potion should be fine, thanks."
Harry laughed, amused at his friend's reaction.
"My wand?" Neville's hands were now combing through the grass trying to find it.
"We'll find it," Harry detected the panic in Neville's tone. He crouched down searching as well. He was just about to pull his own wand out to get it.
"Found it," Theodore held up the wand.
Neville breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks."
Theodore responded with a nod, but his eyes were inspecting the wand with some interest. "Nev?"
"Can you give me back my wand." Neville's tone had taken a surprisingly hard edge.
It caught Theodore off guard. "Sure."
Neville took it with a tight nod.
"Nev, that wand," Theodore was looking at him strangely, "looked like its seen better days."
"You know how I am," Neville weakly defended.
"That wasn't what I meant," Theodore frowned. "It looks old."
"Because it is," Neville said stiffly. "It's my father's."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry," Theodore apologized.
"It's fine," Neville pocketed his wand.
Neville had never spoken about his parents, that Harry could recall. He never had the courage to come out and ask his friend about his living situation with his Grandmother. It required a more subtle approach. The perfect opportunity had never presented itself, and perhaps that was Harry's mistake. He once asked Remus about the Longbottoms. He remembered the sad expression that covered Remus' face before he told Harry, that it wasn't his story to tell.
"You alright?" Harry asked his friend.
"I'm fine," he picked up the football before rolling it to Theo. "Come on, I was having fun."
Theodore gingerly stopped it. "You know you can talk to us, right?"
"I do," Neville sighed, "But I-I just don't want to." A look flickered across his face, but it came so quickly, Harry wasn't sure if he could discern it. "Just not now."
That seemed to put Theodore at ease. He gave his Gryffindor friend a smile before kicking the ball back to him.
Relieved, Neville returned the smile before sending the football towards Harry before it had even stopped at him.
"This will make your day, Theo," Harry decided to steer the conversation back to what it was before they had gotten distracted.
"Oh?"
"Cyrus sacked Professor Binns."
The look Theodore gave was priceless.
"Look what I nicked," Theodore revealed his prize.
"Fire whiskey," Neville said in a mixture of awe and apprehension.
The three friends had gathered around the fireplace that night after dinner. A bag of candy was resting in the middle that the boys had been picking at for the past hour. The night couldn't have gone better. They were just sitting, talking, and laughing. In the that time, Harry had noticed certain changes in his two friends.
Neville wasn't his usual shy and quiet self. Theodore wasn't sullen or withdrawn. The two of them were making jokes, laughing freely, and were having no problems in expressing their opinion or teasing one another. It was good to see, Harry thought, unless when they turned it on him, which they often did.
Normally, they didn't get to hang out just the three of them during the holiday or the school year. Usually, they were with the girls or at least one of them. It wasn't a bad thing since Harry counted Tracey, Daphne, and Hermione three of his closest friends, but there was just something different when they were with them. He could't quite put his finger on why though.
They acted differently when they were around them. And they weren't the only ones. Harry knew he was guilty of this too. He wasn't sure why that was. He just seemed so more relaxed when it was just him, Theo, and Neville. And judging by their behavior, they felt the same way.
"Took it from my dad," Theodore announced proudly. He got three glasses out from one of the drawers in the table. He had been planning this. "What do you think?"
Harry and Neville traded looks, but it was Harry who answered. "I suppose one drink wouldn't be too bad." He was curious. He had seen Cyrus and Remus drink it on several occasions, and though it didn't look particularly tasty there had to be a reason why they kept drinking it.
"Excellent," Theodore smoothly poured the fire whiskey into their glasses. Satisfied with how much he put in, he then handed them out.
Neville looked at his glass with big eyes. An uneasy look flickered across his face.
Harry took his glass with a nod. He looked at the amber liquid inside. The strong aroma tickled his nose. He took a breath and raised the glass ready to drink.
"Wait," Theodore stopped him. "We need to have some sort of toast."
"A toast?" asked a confused Neville.
"Yeah," Theodore made it sound like it was obvious.
"So what should we toast to?" Harry asked
"Our friendship," Theodore raised his glass.
"I could drink to that," Neville raised his glass.
"Me too," Harry agreed.
"Our friendship," They echoed while their glasses clanged against each other.
Harry then moved the glass to his lips and with only slight hesitation, tipped his head back and drank. His mouth crackled with warmth as the liquid sloshed around before he swallowed it.
The sensation that followed could only be describing as burning. He hiccupped. He could feel the heat swelling in his gut. His eyes felt watery. He grimaced when the smoldering sensation clawed its way back up his throat. He closed his mouth to try to contain it, but that only caused him to cough harshly. When he did, he was amazed to see a small string of fire slip past his lips.
Harry wasn't the only one. He watched similar reactions from Neville and Theodore, who too looked astonished at the brief ability to cough up flames.
"That was something," Harry felt the warmth settling in his gut. Thankfully, he didn't feel it coming back up which meant, he was safe from belching any more flames. So he hoped. He also noticed that this the time warmth in his gut was more soothing then when it first came down.
"Yeah," Neville made a face. He then put the glass down as far away as he could.
"So you guys don't want seconds?" Theodore's expression belayed his question as he didn't look particularly keen on another glass. He put the fire whiskey bottle away. "Why do they drink that stuff?"
"Who knows," Neville shrugged, "Maybe when you're an adult you like the taste of burning."
Harry chuckled at that.
Theodore got out a water pitcher and was pouring glasses for them. It seemed he had come prepared and had expected certain symptoms to come from drinking fire whiskey, "here."
Harry greedily gulped his and discovered that the water did little to sate the heat that had filled his chest. He looked to see similar looks of frustration on his friends' faces as they realized the water had little to no effect on helping to rid the taste or feeling of the fire whiskey.
"This is the last time we listen to you," Harry grumbled.
"It wasn't my fault," Theodore defended, "you could've said no."
"Yeah, yeah," Neville leaned his head back and closed his eyes. "I don't think I'm ever going to drink that stuff again."
"Sure you will," Theodore told him, "I'll make sure of it."
"Some friend you are," Neville responded earning a chuckle out of Harry and Theodore.
"You know, I'm sure we could get some at the Hog's Head in Hogsmeade," Theodore pointed out, "and we're going to be allowed to go there now that we're in our third years."
"Oh yeah," Harry remembered having his permission slip signed by Cyrus and Roxanne as soon as it came in the mail. He was really excited about it. He had been to the magical village a few times and always liked it, but had never gone with his friends. He had always gone with Moony or Cyrus. Now, that he could go with his friends he was sure they were going to have a lot of fun. He couldn't think of a better way to relax from the trials of school then by getting a butterbeer with his friends.
"What is it, Nev?" He noticed a strange look passed across his friend's face.
"It's nothing," Neville's cheeks went red trumping his reply.
"It's definitely something," Theodore grinned.
Neville must have realized he couldn't fool them. He sighed. "It's just that a lot of Hogsmeade trips are used as you know," His cheeks stayed red, "as dates."
"Oh right," Harry realized awkwardly.
"There's something more," Theodore pressed, eyeing his Gryffindor friend with suspicion. "You want to take somebody."
"N-no, I don't," Neville stammered.
"Who?" Theodore's eyes lit up.
"N-nobody," Neville turned away so that his face couldn't betray him.
"We won't tell, Nev," Harry promised.
"Of course not," Theodore sounded insulted at the idea, "Don't you remember our toast?"
That got Neville to look at them. His face was still burning crimson. "I'll only tell if you tell."
"Tell?" Theo frowned. "Tell what?"
Neville rolled his eyes, "Who you'd want to take."
"Who says I want to take anyone."
Harry and Neville traded incredulous looks at that lie.
"Oh please," Neville called him out.
Theo crossed his arms over his chest, "Fine."
The two friends turned to Harry. He felt as if the room got suddenly warmer. He pulled at his collar. "I suppose that's only fair."
"On one condition," Theodore held up his hand. "We must swear to tell no one."
"Agreed," Neville hastily said.
Harry couldn't argue with that. He definitely didn't want this sort of thing to come out. It would be embarrassing and awkward.
Theodore looked pleased. "Good." He then gave them pointed looks. "Well?"
Harry got his meaning. He raised his right hand. Neville did as well and the three boys soon recited a quick swear to make sure that nothing that was said between them on this night would ever be told to anyone else. When it was over an awkward silence fell over the friends. None of them seemed particularly bold enough to be the first to share who they wanted to take to Hogsmeade on a date.
"Padma Patil," Neville proved himself a Gryffindor with his courage and boldness in being the first to speak. Even though he practically blurted it out as word vomit.
"Ah," Harry couldn't fault his friend in his choice. Padma was a pretty Ravenclaw in their year. She was always nice and friendly to Harry and them when they crossed paths. She was also one of the smarter students in their year.
"Way to go, Nev," Theodore cheered.
"I haven't done anything," Neville still looking a bit flushed after revealing his crush.
Theodore dismissed that fact with a wave of his hand. "But you're a Gryffindor; don't you guys pride yourselves on your courage?" He looked over to his friend to see him give a slow nod. "Well what's more courageous then asking a girl out?"
"What's the worst that could happen?" Harry tried to instill some confidence in his friend.
"She could say no," Neville pointed out glumly, "No wait; she could laugh and then say no."
"She's not going to laugh, Nev," Harry assured him. "She'd be lucky to have you."
Neville gave him a disbelieving look.
"Harry's right." Theodore got out of his seat. He went to his bedroom door. "I'm sure she's just waiting for you to ask her."
"Really?" Neville's face was slowly returning to its normal color.
"Only one way to find out," Harry reminded him. He noticed Neville looked to be mulling that over.
"Okay, enough with me," It was Neville's turn to grin when he turned his attention onto them. "Come on, Theo; let's hear you finally confirm what every student in Hogwarts already knows."
"Every student?" Theodore was now carrying a tray that had three chilled glasses and a pitcher of butterbeer on it, seeing their confused expressions, he smiled, "house elves."
"Brilliant," Harry would never turn down butterbeer.
"Stop stalling," Neville took a short sip of his butterbeer, but his eyes were on Theodore. It seemed he wasn't going to show his friend any mercy after the ribbing Theodore gave him to reveal his crush on Padma.
"I'm not stalling." Theodore seemed offended at the notion.
"Then out with it."
"Does every student really know?" Theodore looked a bit queasy at the idea.
Harry and Neville traded smiles before rolling their eyes, "Yes." They answered in unison before Harry added, "And probably most of the staff."
"Well," Theodore was staring at his glass of butterbeer like it was the most interesting thing in the room. "You see it's not really a crush just a feeling of respect and-"
"Looove," Neville crooned.
"Shut up."
"Let's hear it," Neville wasn't making it easy.
Theodore mumbled something.
Harry dramatically put his hand to his ear. "I'm sorry did you say something?"
"I hate you."
"Ah," Neville turned to Harry and the two shook their heads both adapting looks of disappointment. "Be that as it may, you still owe us a name."
"Hermione!" Theo all but shouted. His eyes went wide as he realized how loud he was. He immediately cringed.
This only made Harry and Neville laugh harder.
"Are you happy?" Theodore grumbled.
"Very," Harry answered when his laughter subsided. "But seriously, she likes you. You two would be great."
"She likes me?" Theodore repeated in a strange voice.
"Even I'm not that daft," Neville shook his head.
Theodore ignored him. He looked to Harry for confirmation instead which Harry gave with a nod. Wondering how his friend could be that blind. Even Harry could tell that Hermione had liked Theo. And Tracey had often told him that he was pretty dense when it came to that stuff.
"You're going to ask her out then, right?" Neville looked like he was expecting only one answer.
"I…I don't think that's a good idea," Theodore looked down.
Harry knew at once what Theo was hinting at: his father. The Nott patriarch who championed blood purity would not support his son and heir dating a muggle born. Harry hated it. Hermione was one of the brightest witches in their school. He detested the idea that his two friends who obviously liked one another were unable to see where it went because of Theodore's father looming over him.
"Theo," Harry said gently, "Do you want to live your life or your father's?"
"You're right," Theo looked up after taking a few seconds to think it over. He looked thoughtful before his eyes fell on Harry. "However," His brown eyes shimmered mischievously, a smile tugging at his lips. "We still have one more confession to hear."
Neville perked. "He's right."
Harry felt the eyes of both his friends on him. "Well," he stretched his arms over his head, "I'm off to bed." He let out a very loud and very dramatic yawn. "G'night."
He deftly dodged the two pillows thrown at him but couldn't stop from laughing. "Alright, alright," he held up his hands to see that had mollified them. "Fair is fair," he agreed.
Suddenly, he felt a bit warmer and wondered if it was still the lingering effects from the fire whiskey.
"Well, I suppose there are a few girls I fancy…" An admission he immediately regretted based on his friends' reactions.
Theodore whistled. "Harry wants a harem!"
Neville sniggered, "One girl's not enough for him."
It was Harry's turn to throw a pillow. He felt a small sense of satisfaction when it found its mark, hitting Theo in the face who had been too busy laughing to even see the pillow coming. That got another laugh at Neville, whose face was turning red again, but this time it wasn't out of embarrassment, but mirth.
"So who is it?" Theodore put the pillow that had just hit him behind his head.
Even though he had said there were a few. There was only one that came to the forefront of his mind. She had been there for some time. It was always her. Other girls caught his interest almost every day at school. He couldn't help it. There were a lot of pretty girls at school. However, there was usually one that stayed with him.
"Daphne," Harry said simply. He was expecting some sort of ribbing the same that he had given to both Theodore and Neville, but instead he saw a look between his two friends as if he was confirming their own suspicions.
It occurred to him that just like with Theodore and Hermione, perhaps he had been a bit too transparent about his feelings for Daphne. It had him wonder if his fellow Slytherin had picked up on them, and if she had: did she feel the same way?
"And how does that make you feel, Theo?" Neville turned to him.
"What?" Theodore scrunched his face in confusion. "What are you on about?"
"You and Daphne," Neville made it sound like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"WHAT?!" Theo looked confused and disgusted. "Who's crazy enough to think that?"
"Tracey," it was obvious Neville was doing this purely for amusement, and not because he actually believed it. "She said all your arguing is because you two can't confront your true feelings for one another."
Theo put his hand over his eyes. "I think I'm going to be sick."
"Deep breaths," Harry suggested, unable to keep the laughter out of his voice.
"Shut up, Harry." A tired smile came to Theodore's lips. "That…. Absurd idea about Daphne and I will never be talked about again. Are we clear?"
"You say one thing, but your eyes-" Neville never got to finish as a well aimed pillow hit him right in the face.
"What's going on?" A confused Harry was being led down to the Nott's parlor that Sunday afternoon by one of the Nott's house elves. An equally confused Theo and Neville followed. His and Neville's belongings had been swiftly packed and taken by two other house elves. The three friends had been outside once again. Enjoying the nice sunny afternoon when their leisurely hang out was interrupted by frantic house elves instructing them to return to the Manor.
"Master Greengrass is here," squeaked one of the house elves.
"That can't be right," Harry frowned. "We were supposed to stay until after dinner."
"Something must have come up," Neville guessed.
Harry had to agree with his Gryffindor friend, but before the three friends could further discuss it, they had reached the parlor to see Cyrus and Claudius eyeing one another. The hostility was radiating off of them. Their arrival drew the patriarchs away from their silent stare down.
"See Cyrus," Claudius drawled, "Nothing to worry about." He moved over to Harry and Neville. "Not a scratch on them." He placed a hand on each of them.
It took all of Harry's discipline not to react at being touched by him. He wasn't the only one. He noticed a look of discomfort on Neville's face, but it was Cyrus whose reaction was more telling. His face tightened, and his eyes narrowed. "We're leaving Harry, Neville."
"Cyrus?" Harry carefully slid out of Claudius' grasp, "I don't understand."
Cyrus' hard look softened when his eyes met Harry. "I'm sorry to come early, but it was necessary."
"Necessary?" Claudius sounded amused. "What is so necessary that requires not only rudely arriving unannounced but backing out of our agreement?"
Harry looked to see Cyrus' hard look return when his eyes met Mr. Nott, but the Greengrass patriarch didn't rise to the bait. He instead turned his attention back to Harry and Neville. "Come, we need to be going."
Disappointed, that his weekend with Theodore had come to an early, swifter end, Harry turned to Theo. Flashing him an apologetic look. Thankfully, Theo understood and gave him a tight nod and a small smile. Harry then turned to Mr. Nott, giving him a stiff bow, "Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Nott. It will not be forgotten."
Mr. Nott returned the gesture, "You are welcomed here anytime, Mr. Potter." His eyes then moved to Neville who had joined them, "You too, Mr. Longbottom."
Neville recited a similar line to Harry's. It was the requirement to end the Guest Rights Magical Oath. Once they had finished thanking the Nott patriarch for his hospitality a bluish hue appeared hovering over Mr. Nott before two tendrils of light reached out towards Harry and Neville to ascertain that the two guests were indeed in good condition.
Harry felt a strange tingling sensation cover his body as the light scanned him.
Satisfied, the lights rescinded back to its source above Mr. Nott. It brightened for a seconds before it went out in a blink followed by a loud clicking noise.
The Oath was fulfilled.
Cyrus shepherded Harry and Neville towards the Nott's fireplace. Neville went first. When it was Harry's turn, the last thing he saw was his best friend, Theo who gave him a slight wave and then Harry spoke his destination and felt the nauseous form of floo powder take him away.
"Harry," Roxanne greeted him when he stepped out of the fireplace with a quick hug. When she let go she turned to Neville.
"Neville," she greeted him, "You're Grandmother will be here shortly to pick you up."
The Gryffindor took the news with a nod.
"I don't understand," Harry looked to see Remus standing off to the side. A pained look covered his face, but his eyes were cold and hard. "What's going on?"
"I can tell you that."
Albus Dumbledore stepped into the room. He was dressed in dark blue robes. He looked tired. His appearance didn't get any sort of reaction from Remus, Roxanne, or Cyrus who had just returned signaling that the Hogwarts Headmaster had been here for some time.
"Sirius Black has escaped Azkaban Prison."