oo000ooo
September 1st 21:12
Opening their dormitory's door, Harry took in a deep breath, gradually taking in all the formerly insignificant details that he'd not noticed during his original time here. 'Home sweet home,' he thought.
"Take your time, why don't you?" Ron said from behind him, chuckling. "Come on, Harry. You can marvel at how clean it is once we've settled." He draped one of his long arms around Harry's shoulder and strode through the doorframe with him. Neville followed closely behind.
"I need Kreacher to clean Grimmauld Place as the elves manage here. I can only go so long dealing with the cobwebs," Harry huffed.
"If you manage that, it'd be a miracle! Forget defeating Voldemort. That would be your crowning achievement. I'll make sure it's on your Chocolate Frog Card." Ron flopped down on his bed, sighing with contentment at the fluffy mattress he'd missed dearly.
"You guys are getting those?" Neville asked as he scoured through his luggage, evidently searching for something important.
"He will, for certain," Ron said, staring up at the ceiling of his four-poster. "No clue if they'd make one for me." Ron sounded slightly miffed at the notion. Harry elected not to mention that they'd inquired about both Ron and Hermione getting one when they'd reached out to him over the summer. And that he'd insisted that they both have one if he were to get one.
"They may have reached out over the summer..." Harry said, "Told them not to put Boy-Who-Lived on it or I'll sue."
"Man-Who-Conquered sounds way better anyway," Ron snorted, throwing a pillow at Harry, "What're they gonna put instead? Dumbledore's unwilling apprentice?" He caught the pillow when Harry launched it back at his head, chuckling merrily at the reference to the Daily Prophet.
"No clue, I didn't ask. And I wasn't Dumbledore's apprentice." Harry shrugged his shoulders, removing some clothes from his suitcase to find something comfy to wear.
"Say what you want, the Daily Prophet thinks different." Ron's amusement was palpable as he talked of the awful newspaper. Clearly finding great amusement in their constant comparisons between Harry and Dumbledore every week.
Harry didn't find it anywhere near as funny.
"Aha!" Neville cheered, "Found you!"
"Found what, Nev?" Harry and Ron asked simultaneously, Ron sitting up in the bed, and Harry abandoning his search for some night-wear.
"My firewhiskey, want some?" Neville asked, holding a full handle of Ogden's Old Firewhisky proudly in the air. "I've some shot glasses in my trunk somewhere. I just need to find 'em."
"Accio," Ron muttered. Five shot-glasses flew out of the trunk and into his lap.
"Oh, why'd I not think of that?" Harry grumbled. He summoned some old joggers and a loose-fitting t-shirt from his suitcase.
Ron just shrugged a response and handed Neville the glasses. "You know, we don't need those extra beds, do we?" Ron asked as he looked over at Dean and Seamus' old beds.
"No, not really," Neville mused, "What're you thinking?"
"Put a couple of sofas and a coffee table there. A better spot than down with the firsties."
Harry looked at the two vacant beds on the far side of the dorm, opposite the door. It would be a good idea. There was no need to waste the space with two empty beds. Pointing his wand in that direction, he transfigured the beds into two large sofas and a wooden table. "That good?" He asked with a brash smile.
"Better than good!" Ron chuckled, standing from his bed and bumbling over to the sofa, collapsing with a thump. "Comfy too."
"Glad you like it," Harry grinned.
He and Neville went over to the other sofa, both sitting down and testing it out. Neville poured the whisky into the three shot glasses, passing Harry and Ron each a glass.
"I think this'll be a good year, don't you?" Harry asked.
"It better be. We turned down the Aurors for this," Neville said as he necked his glass.
"Eh, the Aurors were a bit much straight out of a war. Good to have a break. Even if we have to deal with McGonagall for another year," Ron said.
"Too right, Ron," Harry agreed, copying Neville's earlier actions and downing his drink. "We've already fought their battle once, can't be expected to sort out the corrupt Ministry as well."
There was a temporary silence as they all absorbed being back in the dormitory together, the lingering threat of war no more. The looming presence of depraved Ministry officials was no longer an issue. For the first time in a long time, they could just be a bunch of teenagers.
It was odd but soothing. Their newfound peace was welcome. Nevertheless, the three of them would never claim to be over what they'd experienced during the last eighteen months, they were on the mend, and that's all that mattered.
Harry shut his eyes, taking a deep breath. The pungent smell of liquor was heavy in the air. He didn't care. He'd smelt much worse whilst living in a tent for months. And, though he'd spent what felt like the entire summer cleaning Grimmauld Place, it still had a putrid smell to it.
'Kreacher really needs to get his arse in gear.' Harry thought idly.
It was good to get away from that place, and to somewhere that'd always been his home. And there was no better way to spend the time at Hogwarts than in the presence of some of his closest friends.
Opening his eyes, Harry had another shot of whisky, whilst Ron and Neville debated about the Quidditch Cup this year.
"What'd you think, Harry? You're the captain, after all."
"Hm? Oh, yeah, we've got a great chance! We've got three returning members, you, me and Ginny," Harry said, pointing at Ron. "But we'll see at try-outs in a couple of weeks whether we've got a real shot."
"You're being modest. We've all but got it locked in!" Neville insisted.
"You going to try for the team, Nev?" Ron asked, interrupting Neville when he attempted to argue. "Oh, don't give me that! Give it a go! I did, and look how that turned out."
"Yeah, come on, Nev. It'll be fun," Harry piped up, enjoying the idea of getting Neville on a broom again, "We'll come down and have some practice before try-outs."
Neville stayed silent as Harry and Ron looked at him expectantly. "Ok, fine! But you guys better make sure I don't fall off."
"Of course, we'll keep you safe."
"I'll give you my broom, Nev. It's more stable than what the school offers."
"Cheers guys."
Both Harry and Ron waved off the thanks, stating there was no need for it. They were friends, and that's what friends did.
oo000ooo
22:46
Harry idly noted that Neville had likely drunk more than he and Ron combined, but didn't mention it. He was in no position to stand on the moral high ground after his birthday. Something he had no recollection of to this day, and Ron still poked fun at him at every opportunity.
"Okay, no backing out here!" Neville said breaking a momentary silence. There was a slight slur in his voice as he stumbled over his words. "In either of your two opinions, who's the hottest in the school?" As Ron made to say, Hermione, Neville interrupted him, "Nope, can't be your girlfriend. That goes for you too, Harry."
Harry and Ron both stayed silent as they thought through some girls that'd returned to repeat the previous year.
Harry thought of a couple off the top of his head. Obviously, there was Ginny, but other than her, Susan Bones had grown into a fine looker. And Luna, though she was barmy, had a certain charm to her. Sue Li was fit, but not what Harry was looking for.
Then there was Slytherin. Harry was no stranger to them, and, though both he and Ron loathed to admit it, there were a few witches that caught their eye frequently. Most notably for Harry was Daphne Greengrass.
Harry swirled the shot glass in his hand before necking it. "Greengrass," He muttered, hiding behind his glass to conceal the blush he felt creeping up his neck.
"Greengrass, eh? Which one?"
"Daphne, in our year," Harry answered without hesitation. "Something about those curves of hers does something to me." A shiver made its way down Harry's spine as he thought of how her hips swayed as she walked.
"Not the only one, Harry," Ron chuckled. "I'd have to say, Moon, the Hufflepuff girl."
"Solid choice," Harry agreed, nodding at Ron as he thought of the 'Puff. "Nev, you asked, who's on your mind?"
"Sally-Anne Perks," Neville said, "Best tits in the year."
Harry snorted, "Never picked you to be superficial, Nev!"
"Can't deny he's got good taste in women, though."
Harry nodded his agreement, glancing over at an unabashed Neville.
"You know, a little birdy told me something earlier," Ron said, mischief in his eyes. "Our dear Neville had quite the exhilarating time on the train."
"Did he now?" Harry asked with a raised eyebrow, "Care to let me in on this little secret?" Harry focused on Neville, watching as the boy had gained a pink tinge on his face.
"Neville was caught by Hermione with Abbot doing Merlin knows what."
"Were you, Nev! I didn't think you had it in you! What'd you get caught doing?"
"It just started off as us changing into our robes, but it got a little out of hand..."
"Out of hand how?"
Neville's cheeks brightened further. "Oh, er... Nothing much."
"Nothing much, you say? Hermione had a very different opinion!" Ron snorted as he necked his whisky.
"Hermione would, Head-Girl and all that," Neville muttered, hiding behind his glass to no avail.
"I heard Abbot was Head-Girl," Ron said.
Neville pulled out his wand and threw a stinging hex at Ron. "Fucking pillock."
Ron yelped in pain, "Alright, alright! I'm sorry!"
Neville just grunted a response, but Harry saw the smile on his lips.
"So... Abbot? How'd that happen?" Harry asked.
"Eh, it just kinda happened, you know? I got to know her during the year. She helped a lot with the D.A. and we kept in touch over the summer. Saw her as I arrived at Kings Cross and we decided to share a compartment on the ride up."
"Sounds like you're pretty interested in her, no?"
Neville kept silent for a moment, mulling over Harry's question. "I don't know... I'm just enjoying something normal for once, instead of the war..."
"Can't blame you for that..."
"What about you and Ginny, Harry? How's that working out?"
It was Harry's turn to remain silent as he thought back to his interactions with Ginny over the summer.
They'd spent a fair amount of time together, alone or with her family at the burrow. Sometimes Ginny spent the night at Grimmauld Place, but not as much as she could've. Not that Harry blamed her. The place was a dump.
Though they'd rekindled their relationship. Something didn't feel right.
"Not sure, really..." Harry said, "It feels like something is missing... I can't say what, though. You know?"
Neville hummed his response. Harry briefly remembered the small fling Neville'd had with Luna during their fifth and sixth years, and wondered if he knew exactly how Harry was feeling. Harry didn't mention it. Luna was Luna. He'd never be able to make heads or tails of the girl.
It was Ron that broke the ice, chiming in with advice of his own. Neville's spell must've run its course. "You don't have to stay with her if you're not happy, Harry. Mum won't mind," Ron said, much to Harry's surprise. "Well... she might be a bit upset. But you'll always be a part of the family. Don't think you need to marry into it to be an honourary Weasley!"
Harry smiled, "Thanks, Ron. That means a lot."
The three boys continued chatting away for a while longer, getting their way farther through the firewhiskey. They chatted about life, what they'd want to do once they left, anything they could think of.
One thing was for certain, though. None of them knew what they wanted after they finished their NEWTs.
oo000ooo
23:57
"We'll be kings of the school this year, boys. I guarantee it!" Neville declared abruptly.
Harry and Ron peeked at each other before cracking out laughing.
"Who are you, and what have you done with Neville Longbottom?" Ron asked between his fits of laughter.
"It's about time we stepped up as the de facto rulers of the school, I say. We've been subjected to all sorts in our time. It's high time we take that into our own hands!" Neville said passionately, a fire burning in his eye, and no doubt throat, as he necked yet another shot.
"He kills one measly snake and thinks he's the Queen of England!" Ron laughed. "The power's gone to his head."
"Was a big snake. Can't deny that." Harry pointed out, thinking of Nagini.
Harry assumed both Neville and Ron had a comparable thought process to him as they thought of Voldemort's snake. It revived memories of the past. The nigh insurmountable task they'd somehow blitzed their way through.
They'd survived with inconceivable odds, the likes of which would've made anyone rich had they been betting on an outcome.
Dumbledore's help aside, there was a certain amount of luck required to prevail. The Elder Wand, which still lay in Dumbledore's tomb, was likely the most blatant part of that. How Harry won its allegiance was a miracle, and that was putting it lightly.
It'd given him a unique perspective on his life. Living day by day as if it were his last. Savouring every moment for fear of leaving this world without being happy.
This had also led to Harry returning to Hogwarts, for over one reason. The first, and most obvious, was to have fun with his mates; there was nothing better than having a normal year with the largest threat of having to pass exams.
The next was something he'd kept from everyone else. The realisation of how lucky he'd been had made him become more interested in developing his capabilities. So, even without Dumbledore's aid, he'd not be left to only dumb luck and brute force to get him out of life-threatening situations.
He was unsure how the others were coping. Neville seemed to have taken an unhealthy attachment to hard liquor, and if Harry was honest with himself, he'd done something similar. With a furtive glance at Neville, who had necked another shot, Harry conceded he wasn't as reliant on the stuff as the other boy.
However, Ron had seemed vastly unaffected during the day, at least. Harry never mentioned it, but he heard the boy most nights rushing to the bathroom at Grimmauld Place and throwing whatever Molly had cooked for dinner up. Often spending more than an hour on the bathroom floor. He'd often gag even when nothing was left in his stomach, just retching up nothing...
"I think it's time for bed, lads," Ron said, taking Harry out of his stupor. "Don't want to be on McGonagall's bad side on the first day, do we?" It was light-hearted, but Hary knew that there was some earnestness to Ron's tone as he spoke.
Harry nodded, shakily getting to his feet. "Need a hand, Nev?" He asked as he peered down at the boy.
"Sure."
Harry held out a hand and Neville got himself to stand, his legs hardly suspending his larger frame. Neville ambled over to his bed, clumsily moving until he flopped down hard onto the mattress, passing out instantly.
"He's going to feel that in the morning, isn't he?" Ron asked.
Harry hummed his agreement. "I think we should make sure he doesn't have too much this year, don't you?"
"Yeah, though it's impressive. I doubt he'll pass his exams if he's like this every night."
Harry nodded. "I'm gonna have a shower. Just give us a shout if he heaves." He pointed a thumb toward Neville, who'd started snoring heavily.
"Will do," Ron smiled and then went over to his own bed and sat down, pulling the curtains to give himself some privacy.
Harry went over to his bag to grab his wash bag and then trekked over to their bathroom. Getting into the room and turning on the shower, he waited for the water to turn warm before stripping down and putting his head under the running water.
He hastily washed. Not caring to be too thorough, if he was filthy, he'd have another shower before he went down for breakfast in the morning. Once he'd finished, he just stood, letting the water go over him.
He was uncertain how long he was in there before he got out, but he couldn't be bothered to check the time, so he dried off, and headed to bed, falling asleep as soon as his head hit his pillow.
oo000ooo
September 2nd 03:21
Harry jolted awake with a gasp. His breathing was erratic as he grabbed for his wand, tossing his pillow aside to find it.
He stopped. Eyes scanning his surroundings. He took a deep breath. He was at Hogwarts; he was safe.
'It was just a dream' He kept chanting in his head, attempting to quell his fears. It wasn't real.
Still, when he shut his eyes Voldemort was still imprinted in his mind.
Harry shook his head, Voldemort was dead, gone; forever in limbo. Not even he could come back from the dead.
He laid back down on his bed, putting his pillow back behind his head.
'It was just a dream.' He repeated again. 'But what if it's not?' The thought was persistent; he was unable to shake the feeling of dread that pooled in his stomach as he relived the dream over and over again.
Perhaps it was time to become like Dumbledore and not just his apprentice...
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A/N: Made some edits on 04/24/22.