AN: In no way am I connected to Harry Potter
Sirius had made an internal promise to attend every Wizengamot session he could. He needed to know as much as he could of what was going on. Until Voldemort returned, the greatest threat was politics.
Especially if politics led to an insane Basilisk being let loose in Hogwarts.
Seriously. How the hell did Lucius even consider that a good idea? He was always one of the smarter ones.
If that was what Sirius was dealing with, then he needed to know the battlefield as best he could.
Today's agenda included the Tri-Wizard Tournament.
Today's agenda included Barty Crouch.
Sirius was just not going to say anything this session.
As usual, he entered around ten minutes before it started but, unlike usual when he attended without Harry, he headed straight for his seat. He could see that some people were very interested in his actions right now and he had planned for it. He made sure he appeared relaxed and unbothered.
Think on something else…Think on something else…I must not hex Crouch when he enters the room. I'm supposed to be thinking on something else. Harry, think of Harry…The final match with Hufflepuff. He was genuinely wondering if he should use his Firebolt or not. I better not find those Conjured animals in the kitchen again. How do the cookies disappear when I know that Conjured magpie can't eat? Is it giving it to Sooty or something? Come to think of it, I do need to get another owl. Maybe a little owl. Who would think Lord Black would have a little owl? Barn owls are very common too and may not even be recognised as a magical owl. As much as I love Hedwig, she is very recognisable.
The Wizengamot Chamber was very full. Not every Lord and/or Lady attended every meeting so there were often empty chairs. Today was the first time Sirius had seen that either everyone was present, or near enough.
Is that due to the fact that this is something that is not going to be repeated for quite some time or its anything different from the routine meetings of small, often inconsequential, amendments to laws?
Maybe both.
Harry had checked and three families would have children that would be old enough to compete. Sirius had spoken to two of them, but had not spoken to Lord Hemlock yet. Time had not allowed for it.
Barty Crouch was the last to enter.
Sirius pretended to ignore him.
Crouch pretended to ignore Sirius.
Okay. I'll tolerate that. If I never have to deal with him again, it'll be too soon.
Crouch opened with the obvious: budget and changes to it in the past few years. This was something Sirius couldn't care less about but was easy enough to ignore. Nothing sounded too bad; most of the money for the Triwizard Tournament had been re-directed from the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures as there had been far less instances and attacks. Some money had merely been described as 'donations' with no context of who was responsible. Nothing unusual there.
No one had any questions relating to the money side of things.
The students were bringing their own accommodation with them. However, they would be eating in Hogwarts, so there was some discussion on whether to provide more support to Hogwarts. It was interesting to note who was on which side of the argument. While most who questioned it had children at Hogwarts, not all of them did and vice versa.
It was also less split across the unofficial light, neutral and dark families than Sirius expected. That was interesting.
Then they moved on to the participants.
"We have spoken previously on this matter," Lord Nott started. "However, there is one point that we did not reach a final answer for. Is the cut-off age sixteen or seventeen? This is our final chance to make a change if necessary."
Sirius considered. If the age was dropped, then there was still no danger to Harry.
"I would argue to keep it at seventeen," Lord Rosewood stated. "It is not advised that sixteen-year-olds sit on the Wizengamot. It is normally only done if they must. Also, we could end up with a champion without any political ties."
"I concur," Lady Boven stated. "Historically, the age has been seventeen. I see no need to change that now."
Historically, the last Tournament was in 1792. I don't think we should be holding ourselves to standards that old.
"I disagree," Regent Longbottom stated. "The seventeen-year-olds are also studying for their NEWTs now. This is something that didn't exist in the last Tournament. Also, there might be plenty of sixteen-year-olds that just miss the mark by days that are far more suitable to be champions."
"You would have that argument no matter where the cut off day is decided."
Fair point. Sixteen is the point magicals are considered 'of age', but that doesn't mean they're ready for a life-threatening tournament. What is the difference between someone with a Halloween birthday and another with the day after?
Lord Greengrass spoke then. "Where do Durmstrang and Beauxbatons stand on the issue? Surely they have taken this into account when they select which students to bring."
Crouch answered that. Quite calmly. "They are currently operating on the previous establishment of seventeen. However, as the hosting country, they will abide by our decision provided we stick to theirs in future."
"Are we sure there are going to be more or is that dependent on how this current one goes?" Lord Diggory asked.
"The current understanding is that Beauxbatons will hold the next Tri-Wizard Tournament in 1997/1998 school year unless this Tournament is a failure."
What is considered a failure?
Harry would be old enough for that one and would still be in Hogwarts.
One problem at a time. Harry has no interest in this Tournament now; he probably still won't then.
"Therefore, the future of the Tri-Wizard Tournament is dependent on our success." Lord Nott noted. "That is more pressure than just the Quidditch World Cup for a year."
"This should have been mentioned earlier." Lord Diggory sounded angry.
Why? We amend laws and act as jurors in trials. This is not our job.
Crouch was firm. "Myself and my department have acted within the rules and guidelines of the Ministry. I have nothing to more to say on the matter."
Lord Fawley spoke before anyone else could. "To return to the original question: are we amending the entry age to sixteen or leaving it at seventeen?"
"Let us put it to the vote," Dumbledore claimed. Sirius had honestly forgotten about him. "Those who desire to maintain the traditional age of seventeen?"
Sirius lit his wand. He knew students had died previously and that the Tournament had been cancelled for a very good reason. He would prefer less fatalities. Especially as he didn't understand why the Tournament was restarted in the first place.
From his viewpoint, there were around three-quarters of wands lit.
Tradition. Always a very strong argument. Then again, at what point was the legal age decided? It might have been after the last Tournament. Not important though.
"And those that wish to drop the admission age to sixteen?"
Around a fifth. Sirius had noticed that more people tended to technically abstain if it was obvious the vote was already lost.
"Then I can confirm. The entry age for the 1994/1995 Tri-Wizard Tournament will be seventeen."
Sirius didn't care much about the decision. In theory, someone who wasn't ready wouldn't be selected. All he cared about was that this whole thing was a stupid idea.
"And how will this be enforced?" Regent Longbottom queried. "Is it as simple as 'do not enter your name if you do not wish to suffer a most painful death'?"
Unwillingly, that made Sirius smile. If he was in a better mood, he might have laughed.
As it was, Dumbledore did just smile. "There will be an age line that will only allow those above the age of seventeen. The magic within the Goblet itself will differentiate between willing and unwilling participants."
That…doesn't exactly help with the problem of a younger student paying an older one to put their name in.
"Then it's decided," Lord Flint stated.
"Will there be a Ministry presence in Hogwarts this year?" Lord Abbott asked. "This is a very prestigious event over a significant time. This is not an overnight spectacle such as the Quidditch World Cup Final. Our visitors may require further expenses."
Which, as it turned out, did have Ireland in its match. Interesting that the other was Bulgaria; Durmstrang's home country. It should be a good match.
Again, Crouch was stiff in his response. "There are dates that myself and a few others from my department will be in Hogwarts, including the Task dates and others outside them."
Sirius may not be so eager to randomly drop into Hogwarts next year. Then again, he should have no reason to. Other parents didn't visit outside of Quidditch matches. He shouldn't be different.
"Though maybe there should be more of a Ministry presence at Hogwarts given the teaching issues of late."
Nice way of saying that the Death Eater spy Dumbledore vouched for all those years ago may not have been the best idea for a teacher.
"Something to discuss another day." Lord Diggory responded very quickly.
"Agreed." Lady Loriss complied. "The separation of the Ministry and Hogwarts had been upheld since the Ministry's formation nearly three hundred years ago. There should be very strong evidence or suspicion that there is a significant threat to the school before we should get involved."
Threat is an interesting choice of words.
Lord Diggory had been a friend of Dumbledore's for a long time, but Sirius was now curious as to where Lady Loriss stood. She had hardly spoken before.
The looks between certain Lords and Ladies was also very interesting to Sirius. Was that an interest in Dumbledore or Hogwarts? Which did Sirius prefer?
"…Any further comments?" Dumbledore asked. It sounded casual to Sirius.
The room was silent.
{Hi Medusa.}
{Young Heir.}
Harry settled in his now established spot in Medusa's…lair? Nest?
Home.
He made a significant effort to visit Medusa at least once a week. Last time, he didn't even bother to practice his magic. He was quite sure he was growing quite fond of her.
So this is how Hagrid feels about Aragog.
This time, he had just finished his Potions brewing in his trunk. His Cleansing spell was getting very good. Normally, he had needed to use his bracelet and wand to get the Cleansing spell to work on the air the way required for potion fumes in a very enclosed space. Today, he had managed with his wand alone.
Mrs Tonks was very insistent that potion brewing was dangerous if done in an un-ventilated room.
Which brought Harry back to the question as to why the subject was taught in the dungeons.
Maybe there are renewing Cleansing spells on the classroom itself?
Maybe I should practice the meditation needed for Occlumency in the Chamber considering how much my mind tends to wander in here.
{How is my friend? She seems healthier to me.}
Over the last three weeks, Hermione had been using the time turner to get more sleep and make sure that she had both breakfast and dinner every day. She was less snappy to them and appeared a little more relaxed (or as relaxed as she ever had been).
Hogwarts didn't like that Hermione was breaking the rules of time. Harry understood that, but he thought he would get better results by having a logical discussion with her after their exams.
{She has been taking care of herself.}
{Good.}
{But she needs to stop fully soon.}
Harry let out a long sigh. It was not that he disagreed on the principle, but it wasn't his business. {I understand that it is wrong but why? Is there some danger to her?}
Medusa's body curled up a little. Harry had no idea how big she was now but he would guess maybe a third of the Basilisk before. Regina.
{Humans are social creatures and physically grow at a certain pace. Their magic is part of them and grows naturally with them. The magic within the device is different from the magic of an individual. The effects vary greatly but there was long term damage to their magic for those that experimented within Hogwarts walls.}
Ice gripped Harry.
{B-But that was a while ago? And only the ones within Hogwarts. It might be better…They may have worked out the difficulties.}
Medusa hissed before speaking. {Possible. Hopefully, if the external adults are entrusting hatchlings with this power. It has been some time; before Regina was mad.}
That was nowhere near reassuring.
But if it was before Regina went mad, then it was before Voldemort's time. So it has been a while.
It still wasn't very reassuring.
{I was going to talk to her after our end-of-year tests.}
If that was true, then Harry would have some strong points in his favour. He could say that he learned that individual magic and time magic didn't mix was something he 'learned' or 'suspected' from reading family books; the ones Hermione couldn't read.
It may feel like cheating but it'll get the point across better than 'my Basilisk friend that understands Hogwarts thinks you using a time turner is going to hurt you'.
After their discussion, Harry had begun to think on the secrets he was still keeping from his friends. The Map mainly because that was something he absolutely would have shared before and it was a very personal reason for why he had kept it hidden. At this point, he had missed his mark and had no idea how to bring it up. He still didn't want to but if Hermione was willing to share time travel…
That did not extend to Medusa. Harry could not think of a single way that that could go well. Regina had nearly killed Ginny and had Petrified Hermione. It was easy for Harry to separate Medusa from Regina but he had gotten to know her; could speak to her.
Ron and Hermione couldn't. Nor would Neville or anyone else.
He didn't think the knowledge that there would always be a Basilisk would help.
{The hatchling should be returning to her parents. She should be away for a while if you take no action but she should not continue at all.}
Well, that was a point. There was no way McGonagall would let her take it home.
Almost no way.
Harry wasn't sure if that was an agreement or not.
But given how insistent Peeves had been before Harry had spoken to her, he suspected that Hogwarts would accept the compromise provided he was successful. The poltergeist had left her alone since, as far as Harry was aware.
{She's stubborn. I'll try.}
Medusa's uncoiled a little. She appeared to accept that.
{Is there anything else I can help with?}
{Nothing at the moment, Heir. Your godfather is the one who will help further.}
Harry frowned. He got that the teachers were far more likely to take Sirius seriously than Harry but he didn't understand Hogwarts' position. {He was offered to be Slytherin's Heir and rejected it.}
{He did. However, he is certainly displaying the qualities that led to him to being chosen now. Does it matter that he does not have the book and responsibility directly? He is a strong ally of two Heirs and was suitable himself.}
Was suitable.
Harry wondered. How would Sirius be different if he had decided to accept the position as Slytherin's Heir for Hogwarts back then? Surely things like the Werewolf Incident (as Harry thought of it) wouldn't have happened.
{He made very stupid and reckless decisions.} Snape and Lupin could have been killed.
{He did. He has been punished and will not do it again. Is that not justice?}
Harry didn't really know the full details of the Werewolf Incident or the punishment received so he wasn't going to comment.
He was also not going to get drawn in to the philosophical debate on justice. Harry recognised that trap and no interest in engaging.
{So you want me to focus on the students and him to deal with the teachers.}
{This generation…} Medusa let out another long hiss. {That is the preferred solution until no longer suitable. Both you and he are very protective of Hogwarts.}
Are we?
Harry supposed he was but Sirius…
Did he care about any students other than Harry?
But then, Hogwarts does see what he does in these walls when he's not around me. I have no reason to doubt that care.
{I'll take your word for it.}
Medusa laughed.
Sirius was not the only parent that attended the Hufflepuff vs Gryffindor Quidditch match. Six others had too, including Lord Diggory.
His son was a current Sixth Year and was the Hufflepuff Seeker.
Harry was on his Nimbus 2000. It was difficult for Sirius to see, but he thought Cedric Diggory was on the same broom.
Not the Firebolt then. Fair enough. Go get them, Harry.
James had enjoyed his matches against Hufflepuffs. He had actually once called them his favourite opponents. There were vague memories about Slytherin's tactics but he hadn't praised the Ravenclaws the way he did the Hufflepuffs. Reasons varied over the years, Sirius could remember that, but the Hufflepuffs had always been the match James had looked forward to the most.
There were very determined looks on all of the players. This was the final match and the Quidditch Cup was decided on overall points, not number of victories. In theory, it was entirely possible to lose all three matches and still win the trophy if other games allowed for it.
Harry had yet to lose a match. However, Sirius did not know where Hufflepuff were on the leaderboard.
Sirius relaxed back in his seat. Next to him, Lord William Cygnet did the same.
"And they're off!"
Seven red blurs. Seven yellow blurs.
"Spinnet grabs the Quaffle! Cygnet and Joves go after her! Bell intercepts!"
Sirius gave up trying to find Harry. He focused on the main game. Red flanked by two others but soon two yellows strafed to open their formation for a successful steal. Then another red blur twisted the yellow off balance. The Quaffle dropped in slow motion before being snatched up by another red.
A red blur that was definitely Harry.
"Potter intercepts! Ooh! Near miss there!"
That was very erratic flying. The Bludgers had done their job.
Until Harry led them to the Weasley Twins.
The result broke up the forming team at the Hufflepuff end.
Sirius was certainly enjoying the game. It didn't have the same feel as the other Gryffindor games. Although the match against Slytherin could hardly be called a game. It was no wonder that none of their players were making it professionally if they relied so heavily on brawl rather than skill.
I'm no scout…Come to think of it that might be who that man over there is…But I think they all have a good chance for a professional career.
Except him. He's a little too shaken from Harry's antics but then he is small enough to be second year.
One Hufflepuff was appeared to be taking an interest in the shaky player, circling him when he had the Quaffle.
If the commentator noticed, he didn't comment on it for whatever reason.
"I had forgotten how exciting Quidditch matches could be," Lord Cygnet mused. "Dash will be very pleased today."
"Dash?" Sirius queried casually.
"Yes. Do you see the man on the third stand opposite in the black robe? He is the one who watches the games on behalf of England."
Right idea. Wrong man. That was the problem seeing so many people and not knowing who many of them were. Sirius did know the name but not the face.
As I remember, James said he approached him for an offer, even if he turned it down. Though that could have been the drink talking.
"I agree. Both Hufflepuff and Gryffindor are very skilled. Though even I can see one or two still need a few more years. Your son looks very comfortable up there."
"Thank you. I don't need to tell you how much your godson takes to the sky like his father. I'm not sure it would too much to say that he may have exceeded him now."
Sirius couldn't determine if that was an insult or a compliment. He would take it as the latter. "Chaser and Seeker are two very different positions. Harry can fly with less restrictions than his father could."
Lord Cygnet hummed idly. "Personally, I preferred Keeper. A last line of defence but to get to me, they had to get past everyone else."
Sirius thought. "Were you a Slytherin or a Ravenclaw?"
"The Hat said Ravenclaw."
We both know what that means: just because that's what the Hat said, doesn't mean that's all we're capable of.
"And your son is in Hufflepuff."
"And just scored a goal." Pure pride.
Sirius chuckled.
The scores were not climbing quickly. Twenty minutes in and the score was still thirty to twenty in Gryffindor's favour.
"Has Potter seen the Snitch?!"
Harry was diving. Diggory followed him.
However, Diggory then peeled off before the ground became a worry. It was obviously a feint.
But Harry pulled up and banked hard to disrupt one of the Chasers. Diggory tried to do something similar, but a Bludger hit by one of the Gryffindor Beaters forced him to dodge.
"Bell scores! Forty to twenty!"
Harry and Diggory were now shadowing each other. Harry was about to drop, but Diggory intercepted him.
"Cygnet to Joves…Back to Cygnet…Back to Joves…Come on Wood…Back to-Cygnet scores! Tough luck Wood. Score is currently forty to thirty."
This was obviously a points game. Harry and Diggory were currently juggling for position and the game below. The Beaters were now alternating between aiming with the Bludgers and trying to disrupt play with their flying. The Hufflepuffs were trying that strategy more than the Gryffindors.
From the way the Seekers were responding, Sirius was going to guess that Gryffindor needed to be at least 20 points ahead.
But is that they need 20 points before catching the Snitch or if they have that lead, they don't need to worry about who catches the Snitch?
"Has Hufflepuff lost yet?" Sirius asked.
"Not this year," Cygnet replied. "And last year, it was cancelled."
Right, last year was the rouge Basilisk.
Diggory shot off away from Harry.
Harry flattened himself and shot off in the opposite direction.
"Diggory's seen the Snitch!"
Jordan was certain.
So why was Harry heading in a different direction?
"Spinnet is going for the goal! This is going to be close! Diggory is almost at the Snitch! Nice try Fred but it hasn't worked. To Bell, to Spinnet-Careful Harry!"
There was a collective 'ooh!'"
Harry, you could have killed yourself with that stunt!
Harry had played chicken with Cygnet and the Hufflepuff Keeper. Cygnet had chosen to back down. The Keeper had shifted, not just to avoid Harry, but also to avoid the other Bludger. The three Gryffindor Chasers were clear.
The Quaffle was thrown.
"Diggory's reaching…He's got it! Diggory's got the Snitch! …But who won? Did the Quaffle score before he caught it or after?"
""Gryffindor!"" ""Hufflepuff!""
The chanting was loud.
Madam Hooch, Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall and Professor Sprout walked to the centre of the field. They began to talk.
The players lowered so they were hovering in the air. It was an odd formation and certainly not one they agreed on before the match; Hufflepuff next to Gryffindor.
Madam Hooch stepped away. She raised her wand. Her voice echoed around the stands.
"Diggory caught the Snitch. The Gryffindor goal is accepted."
The cheering was deafening.
It was coming from the Gryffindor stands.
"Hufflepuff may have won the match, but Gryffindor have won the Quidditch Cup!"
Lord Cygnet leaned back in his chair. He was smiling and clapping. "Well, that was a good match. Dash will be very pleased."
Sirius nodded, certainly happy himself. "Fourteen excellent players. A second earlier and Hufflepuff would have won. Gryffindor were certainly lucky."
"I don't think they will be next time."
"Until next time, Lord Black."
Lord Cygnet headed to the stairs. Hufflepuff were heading to the changing rooms.
Gryffindor obviously had no interest in leaving the Pitch soon. This was their first full victory since at least Harry joined the team.
Sirius decided to head for home.
Harry honestly didn't see the point of the end of year tests. He was quite sure that they couldn't be failed, so why bother?
OWLs and NEWTs exempted.
The final Hogsmeade visit of the year had been arranged for the day after the exams. Although logically he knew he could visit Diagon Alley at any point during the holidays, Harry still felt he needed to stock up on things.
"Look, there's a new flavour of cockroach clusters." Ron held out the jar with a taunting grin.
Harry made a face, but he absolutely was not turning down the challenge. His fingers plucked out and grabbed one. It squirmed in his hand and this one was even slimy with something.
He dropped it in his mouth. The slime was gooey toffee, but the noisy crunch was still there. It took a bit of effort for Harry to bite it.
He shuddered as he swallowed. "What was that?"
Ron checked the label, needing to twist the bottle at an awkward angle. "Liquorice." He tried to grab one himself, but it slipped out of his fingers. It ran away from his hand the second time. Ron gave up and pinched one that was trapped between two others. He chewed it thoughtfully before swallowing. "Huh. Liquorice is not normally crunchy."
"I've given up trying to understand wizard sweets," Hermione replied. She was eyeing the chocolate frogs. While she wasn't a big fan of the chocolate, the cards fascinated her. Harry had traded a lot of his duplicate cards with her. They were both in a race for the elusive Bertie Bott card.
"Same," Harry agreed. If he wanted liquorice, he would get a liquorice wand. He avoided those for a reason. He handed over the money and opened a new chocolate frog. He needed to get the taste out of his mouth. He flipped the card. "Damn."
"Who'd you get?" Ron perked up.
"Artemisia Lufkin. Again."
"Shame."
Harry pocketed it anyway. Maybe he would find someone in Hogwarts next year to trade with.
I wonder if Sirius ever collected these? Were they around in his time at Hogwarts?
Hermione bought a box of Bertie Botts Every Flavour beans for her parents before they left. "This is magic they can see and no muggle will care."
Harry didn't ask why she hadn't bought any for them before. "Finish at the Three Broomsticks?" He still had an unpleasant taste in his mouth and they had been everywhere else.
"Sounds good," Ron replied. "Bet it'll be crowded though."
Harry shrugged. "There's always been tables before."
"Yeah, but not good ones. They're always tucked away at the back."
"I don't see why that bothers you Ronald," Hermione stated. "Just because you can't see the bar-"
"I do not fancy Madam Rosmerta!"
"He doth protest too much."
Both Harry and Ron gave her odd looks.
Then it clicked for Harry. He snorted. Ron glared at him. It might not have clicked for him, but it was obvious they were teasing him.
As it was, there was a table near the middle of the pub.
Ron winced a little as he handed over the money. Harry tried to pretend not to notice. He didn't see Hermione's reaction.
Ron must be running out of money for the year but there's still no way he would accept anything from me.
Harry didn't say anything on that. This was a subject he would not bring up with Ron. "Another year over."
"Yep." Ron took a drink. "Must be odd for you Harry. Having another home to go to."
Harry frowned a little. He hadn't really realised that. "Yeah. Guess it is."
Home.
"Quidditch Final is this summer. I overheard Mum and Dad talking about maybe getting tickets."
Hermione frowned. "Are they still available? I would have thought that they were all sold out a while ago."
"Well, maybe the home ones aren't sold out. Most don't support Ireland over Wales or England but it's still a home country. Sort of. Besides, Ireland is a fan favourite anywhere."
"Except for Krum," Harry inputted. He had heard a lot about Krum from the gossip around Hogwarts after Bulgaria qualified.
"Well, Krum is one player. Even if he is a Seeker."
"Well, as Harry proved, a Seeker can be the pivotal player," Hermione commented. "Surely the other Bulgarian players are good."
"They're good," Ron agreed. "Just not Ireland good."
Home.
"With the Quidditch Finals…Is it based on points or do they just need a victory?"
"Just a victory. Victories, draws and loses only matter until you're down to the finalists."
Home.
"So everything on the night."
Harry swallowed more of his butterbeer. "So you don't have any full plans for the summer in case your dad gets the tickets?"
"No. There's talk of Bill coming home for a bit, especially if we do get the tickets." Ron took another gulp. "What about you Hermione? Got any plans?"
"We're going on holiday in Europe for two weeks, starting in France and ending in Germany."
"If we get tickets, want to come?"
"I'll…think about it." Hermione's tone suggested she would.
"And what about next year?" Harry asked. "Still sticking with your full timetable?"
Hermione hesitated. "I…don't think so. Even with your help…It was too much."
Ron shrugged. "I thought we did quite well."
Harry's Invisibility Cloak had certainly got a lot of use this year, but he still hadn't told them about the Marauder's Map.
"You did. Both of you. But still…I kept worrying about someone seeing me somewhere I shouldn't be. The stress…I've decided to drop Divination and Muggle Studies. That way, I can have a normal timetable."
"Are you keeping it? That would be so cool. Imagine what we could use it for."
Hermione scoffed. "It was to attend classes Ronald. I was pushing my luck using it for meals." Harry bit his tongue. Hermione didn't notice. "I'll hand it back to Professor McGonagall when I see her this evening."
Hogwarts would be pleased.
Besides, with the Tri-Wizard Tournament next year…
Harry may not have many details about the Tournament, but he did know that Hogwarts was hosting two other schools. A student with a Time Turner probably wouldn't have been allowed anyway.
A Time Turner probably shouldn't be allowed, period.
"Guess it's just one of those things," Harry replied before Ron could say anything else. "At least you know now. Was Muggle Studies as bad as it looked?"
"Only twenty years and Professor Burbage knew her subject. The course material just hasn't been updated for some time."
Harry struggled to remember anything significant from any History classes that included the last twenty years. It was probably nothing.
"And Divination? Did that ever get any better?"
Ron chuckled. "Nope. Woman's still madder than a box of frogs."
"Ron made up all of his homework," Hermione interjected.
"Still got an O every time."
Harry could see why Ron was proud of that. He rarely got an E on anything and had never had an O before taking Divination.
"That'll get your mum off your back," Harry commented. "She still angry about me?"
"No Howler so…" Ron shrugged. "It helps that it's mostly you she's mad at."
"Thanks Ron."
Hermione looked between the two. "What's this about your mum?"
Ron looked a little guilty.
So Harry chose to answer. "She's still not happy that Sirius adopted me and I didn't plan to visit the Burrow this summer."
"But if we get tickets…" Ron began eagerly.
"If you get tickets, I'd love to come." He would then talk to Mr Weasley about paying for his own ticket.
Hermione wasn't swayed. "Still? I thought after you told her about last summer-"
"Mum saw Harry as one of hers, so she's not happy." Ron didn't sound too bothered. "She'll get over it."
The 'eventually' was heavily implied.
Neither Harry nor Hermione commented on it.
"Do you and Sirius have any plans?" Hermione chose to change the topic back.
"A trip around Britain was the original plan."
The Potters had properties across the country. Most were in a state of destruction or disrepair, but the two wanted to see them for themselves. If they liked them, they would fix them up again. If not, they would sell them.
"And now?"
Harry shrugged. "That will probably change depending on the Quidditch Finals. Though, it's a long summer."
Though, it wasn't when he was at the Burrow and the school year always went by quicker than he would like. Christmas had gone past fast too.
"Couldn't you get tickets, Harry?" Hermione asked.
"I could, but I would prefer to go with you guys. I'll happily pay for it-" Ron opened his mouth, so Harry soldiered on. "But that's something to discuss if it happens. I don't think Sirius would be able to get his hands on that many tickets as easily as Mr Weasley."
Sirius was still new to the wizarding public. Mr Weasley had worked in the Ministry for a long while and knew people in a way Sirius didn't.
"That sounds unethical."
Harry shrugged. "Not really. It's better than it sounds. You know Mr Weasley is honourable."
Hermione took a moment to consider that. She nodded. "True."
Ron looked between the two of them, then shrugged. Whatever his question was going to be, he decided not to ask it. He swallowed the rest of his butterbeer. "I'm going to miss this."
Harry thought back. "Don't they do butterbeer in the Leaky Cauldron?"
"Well, yeah, but we only do our shopping near the end of the summer." Harry opened his mouth. Ron continued. "We went to the Leaky Cauldron earlier last summer because we had got back from Egypt and needed to get a few things. Like Scabbers rat tonic."
Harry almost winced. He caught himself in time.
I will tell him. I'm just not telling him here.
"Are you getting an owl?" Harry asked. "It would help with a birthday present for you."
Ron considered that. "Maybe."
Hermione gave Harry a look. She could see what he was doing, but he couldn't tell if she disapproved or not.
"And you?" Harry turned his attention to her. "It would help you keep in touch with your parents."
"No. I live in a rather crowded neighbourhood. Someone would notice an owl coming and going, especially in daylight. Letters using the post box are good enough."
That would explain why Hermione had gone for a cat in the end.
"What about our letters?" Harry queried. "Do they cause problems?"
"No. Those owls come at night. I just think one living nearby is going to be noticed. Most of the bird watchers with gardens only watch during the day."
Ron blinked. "Bird watchers? Muggles do that?"
"Some do," Hermione confirmed. "Do the Dursleys?"
"No. Aunt Petunia thinks they ruin the garden."
"Seriously?" Ron interrupted. "They watch birds? How boring can you get?"
"It's not to them Ronald."
"But come on. Birds?"
Harry decided not to answer him. He waited to see if Hermione would.
"Everyone has a hobby. For some, it's bird watching."
"Weird."
Harry actually agreed with Ron: he didn't see the point either. As a Muggle in this situation, he wasn't going to tell him that at the moment.
"Anyway…" Apparently Hermione wasn't going to explain it either. Harry wondered if she could or if she found it as boring as they did. "I think we're going to visit Diagon Alley at the end of August as well. I might see you there."
"Sounds good," Ron agreed.
"Sounds good," Harry echoed. "Especially if we don't see each other before then."
Ron scoffed. "Yeah right."
Hermione smiled. She swallowed the rest of her butterbeer and raised her empty glass. "To friends."
Harry played along. He gulped down the remainder, nearly choking. "Friends."
"Friends," Ron concurred.
Clink.
AN: I know this chapter is rather disjointed. I initially planned to time skip and refer to these events in flashbacks or the narrative. However, when re-reading the story to make sure it flowed, I realised that I needed to write them properly to do the story justice. I set them up as important events in previous chapters and that deserves a full scene.
One such scene is Harry meeting the other Potter house elves during the Christmas period before he visited the Burrow. By the time I realised I had skipped over it, there wasn't a good time to refer to it.
To confirm, Harry has not yet spoken to the Sorting Hat without Dumbledore. This is mainly due to the fact he can talk to Medusa. Also, while Sirius knows where the money for the Tri-Wizard Tournament has gone, he doesn't know what the Tasks are. Only Crouch's department does and they have not shared it with the Ministry.
The discussion on the age limit was a curiosity. I had mistakenly put the 'come of age' as sixteen rather than seventeen rather early in the story, but chose to run with it. This then led to the above point. Please let me know if there may be other issues or discussion points as I am not likely to have thought of them all.
Stay safe everyone and thank you for reading.