Harry Potter and the Moral Dilemma Chapter 8
Christmas in Hogsmeade.
A couple weeks after the death of the caretaker The halls were aroused with Christmas Cheer as the Students prepared for the end of the term. On a fairly snowy day the Carriages pulled up in order to load up students heading for Hogsmeade Station for the Train to London for the holidays. Most of the carriages except for one left about nine thirty packed full of students. The final Carriage was on hand about eleven o'clock as Harry and Ginny walked out with Prof. Dumbledore. After all this carriage was their transport to Harry's house in Hogsmeade.
"Harry, you and Ginny are going to attend the Christmas Feast here on the actual day aren't you?" Dumbledore asked.
"We wouldn't miss it for anything," Harry said.
Harry then held his hand out so he could help Ginny into the carriage before He boarded himself. Soon the carriage was on it's way.
"It seems strange here we generally hang out in Gryffindor fooling around for at least the first week of the holiday," Ginny said.
"I know but this year is our year together alone. That way we can get used to things," Harry said.
"I almost wish Myrtle could join us except I think the lake is frozen so it would be hard for her to make the journey," Ginny said.
"I don't think it completely freezes over since even in the winter the waste water from the toilets is expelled into it," Harry said. "Sick as that sounds since the lake is also the source of our drinking water but I think the lake is treated with all sorts of anti-pollution charms to keep it clean."
"I hope so," Ginny said. "I stopped by the kitchen this morning to say goodbye to the House elves and I noticed Dobby and Deory were missing. Also I tried to stop in and see Myrtle in her bath quarters only She wasn't there."
"Myrtle has been known to stick around over the holidays," Harry said.
"It is too bad about Filch though. Grumpy as he was he was a great guy and a worthy adversary," Ginny said as the Carriage made the turn onto the street Harry's house was on. As the Carriage pulled up in Front of the house Harry chuckled at the Green suited attendant waiting for them.
"Dobby, you look pretty spiffed up for the holidays," Harry said while trying to stiffle a snort.
"You like Dobby's outfit. You really do," Dobby said.
"Yeah it makes you look like one of Santa Claus's elves," Harry said.
Ginny even chuckled a little at that one since she knew what Harry was talking about.
"It was an early Christmas Present from Dumbledore. He ordered them for the House elves to wear on Christmas. I needed some new clothes anyway," Dobby said.
Harry chuckled a little at that. Dobby then walked Harry and Ginny to the door and opened it for them.
"Whoa something is cooking away," Ginny said smelling the delicious aromas coming from the kitchen.
"Ginny check out the kitchen while I take my gear up to our room," Harry said.
"OK," Ginny said.
Ginny then walked into the Kitchen and almost jumped
"Deory that you?" Ginny asked.
"I asked Dobby if I could accompany him here for the holidays," Deory said. "He was looking forward to being here over the holidays since you and Harry were going to be here. How is your pregnancy going?"
"It's going good. I'm not looking forward to the next few months. Especially since I'm still running into problems in Potions," Ginny said. "Nothing Prof. McGonagall has tried will get Snape to alter how my grade is calculated and I really shouldn't be doing a lot of the potions."
"Something will get figured out I'm sure," Deory said.
Harry meanwhile was upstairs putting his trunk in what had been his room but now was basically his and Ginny's room. As he walked by the hall bathroom which he normally used he saw a small wet spot on the carpet.
"Looks like a potential clue," Harry said before knocking.
"You can come in after all it is your house," a familiar voice said.
Harry carefully opened the door and saw Myrtle sitting on the lavatory.
"I had a small session this morning after I saw the baby's room. Harry, take into consideration I'll never get a chance to marry and have kids. Yet Little Amy1 will have a fine set of parents," Myrtle said. "Kind of like both Lily and eventually you did."
"You knew that Your sister was my mother's aunt," Harry said.
"Yeah I did," Myrtle said. "I'd been known to travel in the summer. After all It gave Filch a break. For at least a little bit."
"Whoever takes the Caretakers position will probably have their hands full. Peeves alone can be a handful," Harry said.
"Harry, an owl just arrived. From Sirius," Ginny called down.
"I'm on my way," Harry said. Myrtle meanwhile leaped up inverted and did a swan dive into the lavatory. Harry then went down to the Kitchen and accepted the owl. Myrtle just as he finished reading it popped out of the Kitchen Faucet.
"Hi Myrtle," Ginny said waving one hand at her. "You must have beaten us here."
"I did. I was in the bathroom when you arrived. It flooded a little bit not as much as my bathroom at Hogwarts though," Myrtle said.
"Thank god," Ginny said. "After all the upstairs is carpeted."
"Carpeting dries though. Besides I had Sirius put an antimildewing charm on the areas were water most likely would collect including the carpeting upstairs," Harry said.
"Probably a good idea," Ginny said.
"This house is packed full of charms to make things easier," Harry said. "This house someday will be as famous as the Shrieking Shack."
The next day Harry went into town to do some shopping. He managed to find suitable gifts for the majority of his list and his last stop was the Owl Office to send them off. He even used owls to deliver gifts to Hermione, Lucy, and Hagrid. Ron had figured on coming to their house for Christmas so they left Ron's present under the tree. Ginny had fun conjuring up decorations for the tree and Myrtle, Dobby, and Deory helped her to put them up. In fact Myrtle and the Elves did most of the decorating in order to make things easier on Ginny.
"The house really looks nice," Myrtle said when they got done.
"That it does. It's almost too bad that not many people will be enjoying it," Ginny said.
"Oh well there is always next year when Harry and the baby will be with you," Myrtle said.
"True besides who knows the family might be here for Christmas next year. One thing I have to figure out though is how to balance motherhood with my schooling," Ginny said.
"Especially when you factor Quidditch in," Dobby pointed out.
"I don't know yet if I'm going to even play Quidditch next year because of the baby," Ginny informed her decorating crew.
A knock was heard right then. Ginny peeked through the drapes to notice Fang pulling a small sled.
"Hagrid, what brings you here?" She asked the owner of the boarhound after opening the door and almost getting knocked over by Fang.
"I came to bring a little something from the School for you all. I brought a small Tree for your house some rock cakes and Winky sent some Christmas Cookies," Hagrid said.
"Small in relation to you or to Harry and I," Ginny asked due to Hagrid's fairly large size. In fact Ginny barely came up to his waist.
Hagrid then opened one fist and showed a little three foot tree already decorated.
"I had Hermione and Lucy put the actual decorations on," Hagrid said.
"Probably a good move. Why don't you put it on the Kitchen Counter," Ginny said indicating a door on the left.
"Nice Tree you have in your living room Ginny," Hagrid said when he noticed the Large one.
"I had Myrtle, Dobby, and Deory do the actual hanging," Ginny said as she heard a familiar voice outside.
"Hey Fang, didn't think I'd see you until next term," Harry said as he returned from a day of shopping. His left arm not immediately visible. Harry walked upstairs for a couple minutes and came down his left arm now showing.
"Sneaky trick there Harry," Hagrid pointed out.
"Well you know I'm a regular king of stealth around Hogwarts. All it takes is a little help from Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs well mainly Prongs," Harry said.
"That's true you were well known for sneaky tricks like avoiding others when undergoing some of your stunts," Hagrid pointed out. "You were using your invisibility cloak over your bags weren't you."
"How else would I hide them Hagrid," Harry informed his old friend.
"You'd find a way I'm sure," Ginny said.
After Hagrid left Ginny asked Harry a Major Question.
"Who are Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs?"
"Trust me Ginny Moony and Padfoot you've met. Wormtail you've seen but not realized it. Prongs you've never known and will never meet," Harry said.
"Yet you know who they are," Ginny said.
"Moony is none other then Professor Remus Lupin, Wormtail you knew better as Scabbers but his real name was Peter Pettigrew, Padfoot is Sirius, and Prongs was my father," Harry said.
"Is everyone of them an animagus?" Ginny asked.
"No Lupin is a werewolf. The others either are or were unregistered Animagi," Harry said. "Sirius since being cleared of all charges by the Ministry of Magic took the time to register himself," Harry added.
The next day Harry, Ginny, Myrtle, Dobby, and Deory bundled up good and had a snowball fight in the back yard. For a ghost Myrtle had a mean fastball.
"You know who would be perfect at this?" Ginny asked as she ducked right after Deory sent a ball towards her.
"You have a point there. If it involves throwing he'd find a way to take part," Harry said realizing who she was referring to and it wasn't the Dark Lord.
"I wonder why he didn't sneak our way during the break?"
"Are you kidding he has practically had a field day since Filch died. Just the other day before the students left for the train he dropped a Chandelier over a bunch of Slytherins while in their Common Room," Myrtle said.
"If you ask me so long as Malfoy was amongst them they deserved it," Harry said using a tad of sarcasm since Draco Malfoy wasn't amongst his list of friends.
"I doubt that," Myrtle said. "Even if it was the Slytherins. Man even back when I was well you know the residents of Slytherin were considered outcasts and that was back before You Know Who."
Harry simply nodded since he knew that story.
A Few minutes later a Tall Witch in her mid Twenties walked out her back door.
"Harry, haven't seen you for a while," she called out.
"Ah Top of the Afternoon to you Madam Faulk. I've been busy with School. I'm on Holiday between terms right now and decided to spend it here," Harry said.
"Am I correct in assuming that one of the bundled up beings with you in The Weasley girl," Madam Faulk said.
"Yes you are correct in your assumption Madam Faulk," Harry said. "We decided to have a little fun this afternoon. After all the holidays are short."
"That is true," Madam Faulk said. "That fine girl over there isn't Moaning Myrtle is it?"
"You recognize me," Myrtle said as she floated over.
"I graduated from Hogwarts probably ten years ago. Colleen Faulk I was in Hufflepuff."
"You were a Prefect weren't you?" Myrtle asked.
"My last two years I was," Madam Faulk said. "In fact Charlie Weasley was at Hogwarts when I was there. Was he ever excellent at Quidditch. I think he was the best seeker of any house when we were there."
"I tend to get compared to Charlie a lot since we are both Seekers and Team Captain," Harry said.
"You play Quidditch at all Ginny?" Madam Faulk said.
"I'm a Chaser for the house team for now at least," Ginny said.
"Why just for now?" Madam Faulk asked.
"Medical reasons," Ginny said. "I might not be able to finish the season. Although I'd like to be able to."
"Well pray that you are successful," Madam Faulk said. "You all look like you could use some Hot Chocolate.
"Not a bad idea," Harry said.
They then went across the lawn to Madam Faulk's house but not before a final snowball was thrown from behind and Hit Madam Faulk. Interesting thing is it wasn't thrown by any of the participants in the Snowball fight.
"Madam Faulk, you have snow on your back," Deory said.
"Why thank you kind elf," Madam Faulk said. "I recognize Dobby since he was with Harry last summer but I don't recall you."
"I'm Deory. Like Dobby I work at Hogwarts only I wasn't loaned to Harry Potter last summer."
"I see," Madam Faulk said. By this time they were in Madam Faulk's Truly spacious kitchen. No enlargement charms needed.
In looking Ginny over as they took their cloaks Madam Faulk had a simple question.
"Ginny, how far along are you?" she inquired.
"Almost four months. The kicking hasn't started quite yet. I'm just worried how my cauldron will survive if the baby decides to kick during Potions class," Ginny said.
"I never liked that class," Madam Faulk said.
"What's to like. Professor Snape is a real loser. Professor McGonagall has tried everything she could without going to Headmaster Dumbledore to get me out of that class because of my pregnancy. After all disasters do sometimes happen in that class and some could be dangerous," Ginny said.
"My last year at Hogwarts I had a fourth year who somehow became pregnant during the Fall Term and her pregnancy was fine for the first three and a half months everything normal and about midway through the fourth month she got in the way of an exploding cauldron containing a growth potion. Well the results weren't pretty," Madam Faulk said.
She was just taking the hot water off the stove and was starting to mix up the hot chocolate. She made sure Ginny got the first mugful.
"You know I read somewhere about how chocolate is good to have after encountering Dementors," Madam Faulk said.
"It truly is. I should know," Harry said. "Dementors don't exactly agree with me."
Ginny then told Madam Faulk about Harry's original broom. By this time everyone had their Hot Chocolate. Just as they were finishing it a brush was thrown in their direction.
"Ah good I need this," Madam Faulk said as she started to scrub the residue from her mug.
"I take it you didn't use a summoning Charm on it," Harry said starting to get very suspicious.
"No I didn't," Madam Faulk said. "Strange that hasn't happened before."
"Myrtle, you know of many Poltergeists around here. Besides Peeves that is?" Harry asked.
"No just Peeves," Myrtle said.
"I wonder," Harry said before leaving.
"What's up with Harry Potter?" Dobby asked.
"I don't know. There is definitely something up. First a Snowball hits Madam Faulk and then that brush. I bet Harry went to send Hedwig to Hogwarts with a message for my brother Ron checking to see if Peeves is still at Hogwarts. If it comes back that Peeves isn't then it would solve the mystery."
"Who is Hedwig?" Madam Faulk asked.
"Harry's owl. Hedwig is a Snowy Owl. My brother Ron was this real small owl named Pigwidgeon. Heck Pigwidgeon is so small that you can hold him in the palm of your hand," Ginny said.
"Couldn't afford a better owl for him?" Madam Faulk asked.
"Well yeah but we didn't buy Pigwidgeon. He was a gift to Ron from an old friend of Harry's Parents. My brother Percy used to have a rat that he provided to Ron only well my second year at Hogwarts in part due to the friend of Harry's Parents Ron lost his rat so the guy when he sent an owl to Harry allowed Ron to keep the owl. This same friend bought Harry his latest broom," Ginny said.
Harry returned right then with a note along with his Sneakoscope.
"Ginny, message from your brother. Pig must have left it while we were over here," Harry said handing Ginny the note.
Harry
Be warned Peeves has gone missing. Suspect he could be heading your way. Let me know via owl if there is any evidence he is in the area of your house. I will see if I can find clues here as to where he might have gone but let's face it Harry his Modus Operandi points at your house
Ron.
"Well this pretty much shows that it could very well have been Peeves that was throwing those items. After all the first time I encountered Peeves he was invisible," Harry said. "Thank god Percy was along and knew that it was Peeves doing. I already dispatched Hedwig with my response. I also sent a note to Prof. Dumbledore to see if he would mind if we brought a guest to the Christmas Feast."
"Who were you thinking of bringing? I hope not the Dursleys," Ginny indicated.
Harry Snorted.
"Yeah right. Even if I invited them they most likely wouldn't come. I figured Madam Faulk might enjoy attending the feast," Harry said.
"Sounds like a good idea Harry. On one condition though. That you and Ginny call me Colleen," she said.
"Deal," Harry said.
That might Hedwig raped on the window at ten p.m. with a couple notes.
Harry
Peeves dive-bombed Slytherin an hour ago with Water bombs. Their Common Room is absolutely flooded. Myrtle couldn't have done a better job. I bet it was Peeves you noticed. Snowball fights are right up his alley after all.
Ron
The other note was on Official Hogwarts Stationery
Harry
I have no problem with you bringing a guest. Things have been quiet for a portion of today. Right now though we have a very flooded common room over in Slytherin House. I'm sure you are glad it wasn't Gryffindor to get flooded. The Slytherins are currently looking at a massive moping party since we are presently without a caretaker.
Sincerely
Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster
"Whoa, Peeves apparently is declaring all out war on Slytherin House. Their Common Room is flooded," Harry said.
"Could be but I bet it wasn't Peeves that did it," Ginny said.
"Ginny, Peeves never that I know of pulled anything real stupid without someone around as a witness. The Slytherins probably watched him flood the place," Harry said.
Neither one saw all that much humor in it though.
Christmas Eve Harry slipped next door so Colleen could help him wrap his Christmas Presents. She managed to do a beautiful job.
"You did such a good job a person would almost think you were a Muggle," Harry said since Colleen had dispensed with magic.
"I was Muggle born," Colleen said.
That night Harry was checking the Lights on all the Fairies in place on the Tree when Ron popped through the floor.
"Ron don't tell me that there is a passage from Hogwarts right to my house," Harry said.
"There is now. It's branched off the passage that leads to Honeydukes. It was dug last summer," Ron said.
"To think Dumbledore didn't think to inform me," Harry said.
"He doesn't know about it," Ron said. "For the record the Slytherin Common Room is still drying out."
"Oh well at least it wasn't Gryffindor," Harry said as Ginny walked out of the kitchen where she had been making a simple dinner.
"I agree," Ron said. "Ginny, any idea if mom and dad sent the presents yet?"
"Not a clue Ron," Ginny said. "Watch mine will probably be waiting for me in my dorm tomorrow and I sent an Owl to mom before break telling her I was going to spend it here."
"You could be right," Ron said. "God I hope she doesn't make mine maroon again this year. I hate maroon."
"Ron I'm sure she knows but doesn't really care," Ginny said.
Later that night Mrs. Weasley Apparated in and left the packages under the tree before Disapparating out.
The next morning Dobby arranged the presents into four piles around the room.
Myrtle floated in around 600. She immediately noticed the piles of presents. About half an hour later Ron in a slightly scruffy faced look walked out. He immediately noticed the characteristic lumpy packages on three of the piles. He was a little confused as to why there were four piles especially since he didn't see evidence of Sirius being around. About seven o'clock Harry and Ginny walked down. Myrtle floated near the kitchen entrance just out of the way.
"OK which pile is which," Harry asked.
"This one had your name on it," Ron said. "I think Ginny's is near the tree, and mine is in front of me and Myrtle's by the hallway entrance."
Myrtle practically heeped up when she realized she had presents. She then floated over to the pile of her presents. The first thing he unwrapped was a piece of belly button lint from of all people the Dursleys. His sweater that year was a green and red stripe. A supply of meat pies was also included.
"Whoa our mom went easy on him this year," Ron joked to Ginny after he unwrapped a new sweater in naturally maroon. Hermione sent everyone a supply of Honeydukes chocolate fudge. She also sent Harry some needed refills for his broomstick servicing kit. Hagrid sent the largest box of cookies he could. The fact that everyone alive was familiar with Hagrid's cooking they were saved for Hedwig. Myrtle was surprised by the supply of sponges and the bucket Harry got her.
"You really think I need them?" Myrtle asked.
"This way you hopefully won't cause as big as mess when you start crying in the bathroom," Harry said.
"So where is the fifty gallon drum for me to cry into?" Myrtle asked.
"Didn't think of it," Harry said.
The rest of the presents were equally liked. About ten thirty Colleen walked over. She had dress robes on. Ginny was just putting her dress robes on when Colleen arrived. She was amazed at all the good.
"My parents tend to send Harry a lot of food. Also our friends Hagrid and Hermione sent some stuff," Ginny said.
Colleen then noticed Ron's tall lanky form.
"I'm Harry's neighbor Colleen Faulk."
"I'm Ron Weasley, Ginny's youngest brother even if I'm older then her."
"AS I was telling Ginny I was at Hogwarts with Charlie. I was in Hufflepuff though," Colleen said. "I will be attending the Feast at Hogwarts as a guest of your sister and Harry."
Half an hour later Ron lead the way to Hogwarts showing where the original tunnel was that lead to Honeydukes. They arrived in Hogwarts and were greeted immediately by Professor Snape.
"Decided to sneak in Potter," He sneered.
"Well it is a nice direct route Professor. I didn't even know it existed until last night," Harry said.
"I see some people haven't changed," Colleen said. "Still the pride of Slytherin Professor Snape."
"Well I'm still the Head of House," Snape said.
Harry then lead the way to the Great Hall where people were just starting to sit down.
"Harry if you all don't mind I'm going to sit with the other Hufflepuffs," Colleen said as she walked toward the Hufflepuff table. While Enroute she saw a couple professors.
"Professor McGonagall, Professor Sprout how is everything?" She asked.
"Colleen Faulk, what brings you here?" Professor Sprout asked.
"I came to the feast as a guest of Harry and Ginny only I'll probably sit with the present residents of my old house," Colleen said as Dumbledore himself walked over.
"Miss Faulk, I'm glad you could join us. We rarely get Alumni at the Christmas Feast," Dumbledore said.
"Main reason I'm here is I'm Harry Potter's neighbor and he talked me into coming along. The feasts here are always the best," Colleen said as Harry walked over with Hermione and Lucy.
"Colleen, may I present Miss Hermione Granger seventh year Hogwarts Student and Lucy Collins a First year Hogwarts Student. Both are residents of Gryffindor," Harry said.
Colleen looked the two cousins over and noticed Hermione's badge.
"Head girl huh Hermione," Colleen said.
"You bet. Not many were surprised," Hermione said.
"I can imagine. I wasn't that lucky all I ended up as was a mere prefect," Colleen said.
"I managed to talk them out of making me a prefect but I couldn't see refusing an honor such as Head Girl," Hermione said.
"Ginny, I fixed everything as far as Potions went. So long as you do a term paper on different kinds of potions and their use you won't have to attend class. Madam Pince will act as your research advisor and it will be handed in to your head of house," Dumbledore said. "If anything all this should have been implemented before now."
"Thanks Professor Dumbledore and Merry Christmas," Ginny said.
Everyone was soon seated at their tables and Dumbledore stood up.
"Gang, at the invitation of Harry Potter we have a special guest today. So if Colleen Faulk a Hogwarts alum and incidentally she was in Hufflepuff would approach the Staff Table I'd like to have her help pull the first Wizard Cracker of the Feast," Dumbledore said.
Colleen walked cautiously toward Dumbledore before she took one end of the Wizard Cracker. After it exploded a real nice size double ought cauldron appeared.
"This should make a nice paperweight," Colleen said pocketing it.
The food started right then and as usual the Christmas Feast was superb. It seems as if Wizard Crackers were constantly going off. Even the Slytherins were having a good time even with the fact that they still had a very dank Common Room. The Hufflepuff table had the most excitement since the people seated there were interrogating Colleen on what Hogwarts was like during her time there. After the Feast Colleen sat down with Justin Finch-Fletchley and beat his you know what off at Wizard Chess while Harry, Ron, Ginny, Hermione, and Lucy played Exploding Snap. Eventually Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Colleen headed back toward the tunnel so they could go home. Hagrid caught up with them though.
"Harry, I was hoping you'd be willing to stop by my cabin for a little bit," he proposed.
"I suppose we could stop by for a little bit," Harry said. "Colleen would that be a problem for you."
"No it shouldn't be. It's not like I have a family to go home to. I've been waiting for my man for Ten long years," Colleen said.
They spent an hour visiting with Hagrid before returning to Harry's House. Myrtle was glad they were home.