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Chapter 22 Train Ride to Home.
Harry cast a quick Tempus and saw that it was almost time for the Hogwarts Express to leave the station. The girls and Neville still hadn't returned from the errand he asked them to do, and now he was beginning to worry that the train would depart without them.
The moment he was about to get up and Thunder Travel back to the Castle to look for his friends, the door to the cabin opened, and they all came waltzing inside with a smile on their faces.
"What took you guys so long? I thought the train was going to leave without you."
Neville grinned at the blushing Su and replied, "Apparently, Su here got into a bit of altercation with some Slytherins."
"And what exactly happened in this small altercation?" Harry asked curiously.
"Nothing at all," a still blushing Su answered.
"It wasn't nothing, Su," Alex told her friend as she wrapped her arm around Su's shoulder. "You stuck up for yourself, and I'm proud of you for doing it."
Harry kept looking back between his friends and rolled his eyes at their banter. "Ahh...I'd still like to know what happened. So if someone could explain it to me, that would really be nice."
Daphne grinned at the irritated look on her fiance's face and decided to take pity on her adorable, green-eyed beau.
"To save some time, the four of us split up our tasks equally," she explained to Harry. "Alex went to return some books we had to the library, while Neville and I spoke to McGonagall and Flitwick and gave the two of them your message about coming to Potter Manor later this evening. Meanwhile, Su was tasked with saving us one of the carriages going to Hogsmead station. By the time we finally finished our errands and arrived at the carriages, we found Su in the middle of a shouting match with Parkinson, Nott, Zabini, and Bulstrode."
As soon as he pictured the scene in his mind, Harry felt a grin suddenly appear on his face. Su "By The Book" Li had actually gotten into a fight. Sure he'd seen the other Su fight in his old world, but that was against Death Eaters, and it sure as hell never happened in her first year. She was more prone to running away or silently taking the abuse without retaliation at that age. It made him proud to see how far this Su had already come in this new world.
When he saw the rosy blush begin to appear on Su's face, Harry couldn't stop himself from teasing the brunette Ravenclaw. "Wow...I can't believe what I'm hearing, Su. I never thought I'd see the day where Su Li was caught getting into fights."
"I didn't start it, Harry," Su replied primly.
"But you sure as hell did finish it, Su," Neville stated with a grin.
Su maturely stuck her tongue out at the boy who lived and then focused her attention back on Harry. "Now that everything is done, can you please tell us why it was so important for Professors McGonagall and Flitwick to come to your parents' house tonight?"
Harry knew better than to withhold information while Su was this irritating?
"Alex and Daphne already know a little about my surprise, but I guess I'm ready to tell you and Nev about it now."
Daphne's eyes widened in surprise as she realized what Harry was talking about. "Merlin!" she exclaimed in awe. "Your cure worked! It actually worked."
Harry couldn't help but grin smugly at his beautiful blonde fiancé's expression and replied, "You are correct, my Lady. I already received a report from the Goblins yesterday, and all six test subjects are now free of their furry little problem."
Su growled softly in frustration as she watched Alex and Daphne jump up and down with joy. "Can Neville and I please know what cure you guys are talking about? Since neither one of us can make it to Potter Manor tonight, I don't think I can enjoy my break until I know what this cure is."
"Harry cured Lycanthropy, Su," Alex explained to her friend. "The Goblins have been testing the potion he created for the past few months, and based on the silly grin I can see on his face, I would wager that all six of the test subjects involved in the trial no longer have to change into a Werewolf anymore."
Harry nodded his head in agreement and said, "Yup. All six patients are no longer considered to be Werewolves. I've been waiting for the results for a long time, and now that I got what I wanted, I plan on giving the cure to my Uncle Remus tonight. I was initially going to wait until Christmas, but the potion requires the subject to drink one vial every day for the week leading up to the full moon. If I want Moony to be cured for Christmas, then he has to take the first dose tonight."
The cure for being a Werewolf didn't even make her list of things to consider possible thoughts that Su was thinking. From everything she'd read about the infliction, it was supposed to be incurable.
For centuries, Potion Masters, Healers, and Charm Specialists had attempted to find a cure for those bitten, but every one of them failed to do so. The closest anyone came to helping those with Lycanthropy was the Wolfsbane potion created twenty years ago. She couldn't believe her friend, a fellow first-year, had accomplished what all those others were unable to do.
"But that's impossible, Alex. How did you do it, Harry? Please tell me. I have to know. This has to be the greatest discovery since the time of the Founders. Tell. Me. Everything."
Harry shook his head at Su's eagerness and answered, "Well, it all began when I was eight years old and realized I was really good at Potions..."
Of course, all good things must come to an end as suddenly, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger barged into the compartment. As unlikely as it was, those two started hanging out with each other after the troll incident and had managed to annoy Harry more than usual.
Ron spoke up, "Neville mate, what are you doing with a bunch of filthy losers? Come join us; we can play a game of chess."
Neville groaned. He was so not in the mood for this. "Weasley, those filthy losers you refer to are my friends. And I'm not interested in playing chess with you. As you can see, I'm reading. I prefer not to talk," he said, hoping Weasley would get the hint. Unfortunately, he didn't.
"You always read, mate, why don't we discuss Quidditch? I follow Chudley Cannons; you should too," he said. Harry's eye twitched, but he didn't comment on anything and returned to his book.
"What book are you reading, Harry? I don't recognize it. I've finished all the first yearbooks, of course. I was so pleased when I found out I was a witch and was selected for Hogwarts. No one in my family is magical. I don't remember any teacher authorizing you to read that book. You shouldn't be reading books that haven't been prescribed, you know. They could be dangerous. You should give it to Professor McGonagall so that she can check if it's appropriate for you. Is that how you do so well in class? Getting extra help is cheating!" she exclaimed. She had said it all so fast that her face was now pink.
Daphne was getting annoyed as well. She may not be the top of the year like Harry, but she was no slouch, being the top Ravenclaw in her year. So, she replied in a cold voice, "Granger, it is none of your business what book he reads. And he doesn't need anyone's permission to read a book, as the book belongs to him. No one has the right to take it away from him unless it explicitly harms another person. And he does well in class because he's smart, not because he gets extra help, and don't you dare call him a cheat. Have you so soon forgotten the incident with the troll?" she asked with venom in her voice. Daphne already had a reputation for herself. She wore a cold, expressionless mask almost all the time. Her tone and sarcasm were enough to drive away people who tried to get clever with her. For those who persisted, a few ice spells to the groin taught them the lesson, so most people learned to stay the hell away from her.
"You're quite rude, you know?" asked Hermione. Daphne's eye twitched. Before she could take out her wand, she felt Harry take her hand and give it a soft squeeze. She calmed down a bit.
"Miss Granger, you were the one who barged into our compartment and started insulting us by calling us filthy losers and cheats. Are you sure you want to talk about being rude?" asked Daphne.
That's when Ron decided to open his mouth. "But we didn't say anything wrong! Everybody knows that!" he shouted.
The air in the compartment suddenly went cold. Harry turned to him with his wand raised and said, "Leave before you get cursed. I'm sure you know what I'm capable of. You were there when I took care of the troll. Care for an encore?"
Ron went pale and left hastily. Hermione sniffed and said, "You shouldn't threaten a student. I'll be reporting this to Professor McGonagall when we get back". She then left the compartment.
"Those two are the most annoying twats I have ever seen," exclaimed Su.
"I don't understand what their problem is. Weasley follows you around like a lost puppy, and Granger can't take a hint that you're not interested in her little competition. Have you observed the fact that she spends even more time in the library now than before?" asked Alex?
Harry shrugged. He really didn't care. If those two persisted, a few embarrassing hexes should make them go away.
Lily and James arrived at Kings Crossing moments before the Hogwarts Express arrived. With the Blacks and Greengrass busy with their last-minute Christmas shopping, and Remus looking after the kids, the pair were more than willing to pick up Alex, Daphne, and Harry and bring the kids back to Potter Manor with them.
Thankfully things had gotten much better between the girls and their son, and all three sets of parents were pleased that they wouldn't have to worry about any teenage drama between the trio.
As the Potters made their way from the apparition point across the street from the station, Lily's ears perked up at the mention of her eldest son's name.
"I can't wait to meet the friends Su has been writing home about, Emma. Especially the two boys. What were their names again? Oh yeah...Neville Longbottom and Harry Potter."
"David Li, I swear to god you will not embarrass our daughter in front of her new friends. She has finally made connections with people her own age, and you will not try to ruin it by intimidating those poor boys in some twisted fatherly duty you believe you have to do. Besides, she is much too young to date or even thinks along those lines right now. I expect you to be on your best behavior when we pick her up. Do you understand?"
When Lily looked around the station to see who was talking about her little boy, she saw a couple walking hand in hand towards the 9 3/4 platform. At 5'5", the gorgeous brunette woman in front of her was wearing four-inch cream-colored high heels, a black office skirt that went down to her knees, and a beige-colored blouse. It was plain to see the woman was related to her son's friend Su, even at a glance.
The man walking beside her was quickly 6'1" in height, and he was wearing black loafers, grey slacks, and a black turtle neck sweater. Based on how broad his shoulders were and how snugly his clothes clung to his body, it was evident to anyone who saw him that the man was no stranger to working out.
Just before the pair reached the entrance to the platform, Lily got the couple and said, "Excuse me. I'm sorry to bother the two of you, but would you happen to be Su Li's parents?"
"Yes, we are," David replied politely. "My name is David Li, and this is my better half, Emma. And you are, Miss...?"
"My name is Lily Potter, and this is my husband, James. Su is actually good friends with our son Harry, and we had the pleasure of meeting her a few weeks ago during the first Quidditch match of the season. You must be very proud; she is really a gifted young girl."
James nodded his head in agreement with Lily's statement. If his son wasn't already betrothed to two beautiful and talented witches, after meeting and spending some time with Su, he wouldn't have opposed her and Harry dating sometime in the future. She really was a talented witch and, in many ways, reminded him of how his wife used to be in her younger years.
"I definitely have to agree with Lily. If even half of what the kids tell us is true, I have no doubt when she graduates that Su will be taking my wife's title away from her."
"Oh," Emma asked curiously. "And what title would that be?"
"Smartest Witch of her generation," James replied, clearly proud of his wife's intelligence.
While Lily blushed and then rolled her eyes at the compliment from her husband, David and Emma proudly puffed out their chests in response to the praise their daughter just received. Neither one was comfortable sending Su to Hogwarts, but regardless they were thrilled that their little girl was doing so well there.
"Thank you both for saying that. To be honest, both Emma and I were uncertain about allowing Su to go to Hogwarts, but we're glad she is doing so well there. I just wish there was a way to see how well she is doing. But from the letters she sent us; apparently, she is forbidden from using magic outside of Hogwarts."
Having been Muggle-born herself, Lily knew the Lis' mixed feelings well. After all, she'd seen her own parents deal with not learning about the Magical world.
Hoping to help the couple understand what their daughter was going through, she said, "I was Muggle born before joining the magical world, so I can understand how confused you must be feeling. While your daughter can't practice magic at your home due to underage restrictions, we'd be happy to have all of you come to ours. That way, Su can show you everything she has been learning at school."
"Wouldn't the underage restrictions also apply to your home?" Emma asked.
James shook his head before replying, "They do, but because of the massive wards around our house, the Ministry can't track underage magic in our home. The same would hold true for any of the Magical families in our world."
David was a little miffed to hear the disadvantage his daughter was at. "That doesn't seem fair."
"You're right, Mr. Li. It's not fair, but it is understandable."
"How so, Mr. Potter?" Emma asked. "And please, just call us by our names. There is no need to be so formal."
"Thank you, Emma, and please feel free to do the same for us," James replied with the famous Potter grin. "Unfortunately, while unfair, the rules for Muggleborn children make sense because their parents cannot practice magic. Should an accident at home occur, they would have no way of fixing the mistake made by their child and could breach the Statute of Secrecy our world is built around. On the flip side, in a Magical home, the parents are solely responsible for all the magic their children do. While many allow their kids to use their wands while away from Hogwarts, they are still limited in what they can do at home. Fines for Magical families violating the Statute of Secrecy are more than double in comparison to Muggleborn infractions because the parents should have been monitoring the Magical activities of their children."
Both Li's were slightly mollified by James' explanation, but they were still not happy with the situation.
"Isn't there something we can do so Su can practice Magic outside of school?" David asked. "I know how hard she works in her studies, and I don't want my daughter to be disadvantaged in any way."
"Short of hiring a private tutor, which can get very expensive, I'm afraid the Ministry has no programs to help Muggleborn kids in this regard. But if everything goes according to plan, hopefully by this summer, we may have something to offer Muggleborn kids."
While the restriction against underage magic did make sense to her for Muggleborns, Emma was clearly disappointed with the situation. But her ears perked up at hearing James' last statement.
"What does the Ministry have planned?"
The thought of the Ministry doing anything to help the Muggleborns made Lily simultaneously want to scream in frustration and laugh at the opinion of the bigots in the Wizengamot doing anything to improve their society.
"The Ministry has nothing planned for the Muggleborns," Lily answered. "But my son's new company does. If everything gets approved like we hope it will, we intend to have a recreational center where all magical children can come and practice magic by this summer. We plan on having several licensed instructors at the center, so all grade levels can be assisted with their summer assignments or any advanced reading they may be doing."
The Li's were thrilled to hear the news but shocked that the company belonged to their son.
"I'm sorry, Lily, but did you say your son's company?"
Lily grinned at the surprised expression on David's face and replied, "Yes, I did. Harry is quite the genius at runes, and he recently created an array that would allow Muggle technology to work around magic. In the hopes of bringing our society into the modern world, my son started a company that will certainly help in making that dream a reality."
The two couples spent another ten minutes discussing the plans Marauder's Inc. had to help Muggleborns integrate into the Magical world more quickly before everyone realized the Express had already arrived.
Deciding to continue the conversation on Boxing Day, when the Lis would come over to Potter Manor for dinner, the two sets of parents quickly made their way through the barrier in front of them.
Luckily the Li's had gone through first; as soon as James and Lily made their way onto the platform, they were immediately bombarded by a stream of questions from the rabid media that instantly recognized the pair.
"Lord Potter, is it true that you have become estranged from your son since he took up his recent Lordships?"
"No, that is not true at all. My son was, is, and always will be a Potter. Despite the Lordships he now claims, he will still continue to live at Potter Manor until he graduates from Hogwarts."
"Lady Potter, how would you describe your lack of attention to your godson, Neville Longbottom?"
"Due to the security concerns Madam Longbottom has in regards to her grandson, I haven't seen my godson as often as I like, but that has not prevented us from keeping in contact with one another regularly."
"Lord Potter, how do you feel about your son testing out of Hogwarts?"
"I'm happy that my son...wait. What do you mean testing out of Hogwarts?"
"The official transcripts have not been released by the Ministry yet, but it has been confirmed that Lord Peverell-Gryffindor-Emrys achieved 12 OWLs and 3 NEWTs for the exams he took on November 7th. Are you telling us you had no idea about these tests? Do you still believe you are not estranged from your son?"
James was stunned. Harry didn't tell Lily and him about the tests he'd taken, but he knew his son would have a reason for not mentioning it.
"While my wife and I were not aware of the tests Harry has taken, we trusted our son enough to emancipate him early, and so he does not need to tell us everything he is doing. He is an adult not only in our eyes but also in the eyes of the law, and we have faith in him to make the right decisions. Based on the incredible scores he has already achieved, it's obvious to us that his decision to take the test was a smart one."
Before the reporters could call out any more questions, James nodded his head at the Aurors assigned to the Hogwarts Express guard duty that day, and once they began to push the reporters to the end of the platform, he quickly moved his wife away from the rabid media.
As the couple went to find the children, James couldn't help but notice the hurt look on his wife's face. He knew how much she enjoyed her new relationship with their eldest son, and he really hoped the kid had a good reason for not telling them about the tests he took and breaking the promise he made at start of year.