Thank you for our reviews BJH(),chaser1, Numba1, leggylover03, Nphipps, athenakitty,
Ash Knight, you're not being too harsh, I actually felt myself that I was getting a bit off track but hopefully after another two chapters things will start to heat up a little, thanks for the input.
Chapter 16 Christmas
Harry was wakened by hammering on his door the next day. Christmas morning had arrived and Neville did not want to spend all day in bed. Harry grumbled and tried to ignore the other boy's cheery Christmas wishes. Eventually he gave up and opened the door.
"Come on Harry, don't you want to open your presents?" Neville had already turned and was running back down the stairs. "Not really," Harry called after him. But knowing Neville would only come back if he returned to bed; Harry closed his door and pulled on some jeans and a sweater, then took his gifts down stairs to the common room.
"Merry Christmas," Blake and Hutchinson chorused.
"Merry Christmas," Harry replied, sitting down on the sofa in front of the fire.
There was a lot of ripping and appreciative ah's for the next several minutes as the four boys opened their gifts. Harry had received his usual 'Weasley' jumper and mince pies, a muggle history book from Hermione, sweets from Ron, an ugly dragon skin wand holder from Hagrid and various tricks from Fred and George. After he had opened them all, he gave Neville his gift and received one in return, a small plant which Neville informed him was 'Creeping Clover', it apparently grew around door frames and acted like a lock, only allowing certain people to enter the room.
Harry thanked him and they all went down to breakfast. Moony, McGonagall and Hagrid were all eating and after breakfast Moony challenged the boys to a snowball fight against the teachers. Professor McGonagall declined the invitation however, so it was the 5 students versus Moony and Hagrid. Hagrid was an easy target because he was too big to hide but Moony took full advantage of his partner's size and used him as a shield against the boys. In the end Hagrid got sick of being caught in the middle and lifted Moony, throwing him gently into a huge pile of snow. The boys descended on him, pelting him with snow balls, until he surrendered.
They made their way to Hagrid's hut to dry off and drink some Hot Chocolate. The contented silence was broken by Blake saying, "This is great, I never imagined going to school could be so much fun."
The two younger students nodded happily in agreement and Hagrid grumbled, "Best days of my life, going to Hogwarts." Moony agreed readily with this, and Harry thought about how difficult Moony's life had been since he left. Then he remembered Dumbledore saying something about Moony's new job, but decided to wait until later to ask about it, in case it was something to do with the order.
The happy group were headed back up to the castle; Harry and Moony were at the back of the group, walking a bit slower. Harry asked, "What is your new job?"
"I'll tell you about it later," Moony replied, "I joined a political group." Harry nodded in understanding. He handed Moony a small package saying open it after lunch, okay?"
"Thanks Harry, I left yours in my room, I'll give it to you later."
Harry laughed as he entered the Great Hall and saw that most of the teachers were already wearing their customary silly Christmas Hats, Snape as always looked most unimpressed by the idea. Though most of the other teachers seemed to enjoy it, even McGonagall wore hers with a small smile on her face.
Harry shared a cracker with Moony and received a tall green tree, complete with singing birds, for his hat. Then Moony got a bright Red paddle boat with steam billowing out of its funnel. Neville was delighted to wear his purple Venus fly trap, while Blake paused before putting a huge cream cake on his head. The two younger boys were shyly chuckling as they wore a Champagne bottle that foamed and a Christmas tree that had flashing lights.
"Well, now that we are all properly dressed," Dumbledore stood up with his goblet in his hand, "All that remains is to wish you all a Merry Christmas." As he sat down Dinner appeared and they all began to tuck in. Sometime later Harry groaned, "Every year I promise myself I won't eat so much, I'll barely be able to get through the portrait hole."
"Well you didn't have to try the Christmas pudding with custard after you had eaten that slice of Christmas cake," Moony replied.
"But the house elves would be disappointed if we left too much food," Harry said.
"Well, I could just roll you back to the common room," Neville suggested.
"Thanks mate," Harry grinned. "But I think I'll just stay downstairs and wait till I've digested some of this."
Moony and Harry walked slowly up the stairs to Moony's quarters and Harry flopped down on the sofa. "I'm never eating that much again," He declared closing his eyes.
Moony laughed and said, "Until dinner time." Then Harry heard a rustling noise and felt a package drop onto his full stomach, "Ouf," He groaned. Then opening his eyes saw a present, he ripped the paper off and found a small green pendant hanging on a leather lace. He picked up the pendant and inspected it. Close up it looked like an eye.
"Thanks," Harry said to Moony, turning he noticed Moony had opened his present from Harry, an etching on slate of a wolf howling at the full moon, with an Eagle overhead. "Do you like it?" Harry asked.
"It's beautiful," Moony said.
"I didn't actually make it. I saw it in a shop and it reminded me of you." Harry replied.
"Do you like your talisman?" Moony asked after a few minutes.
"Yes, it's nice," Harry replied.
"It's supposed to protect you from jealously," Moony said, "But I bought it in a muggle 'magic' shop, so I don't think it really works."
"A muggle Magic shop?"
"Yes, you know, they have their own idea of what magic it, Crystals and talisman and so on," Moony explained. "They brew potions and stuff too; it's quite funny what kinds of nonsense they are willing to try."
Harry shrugged and donned the Talisman. Then he said, "So tell me about your job then."
"I joined the party last month, and then started to make myself fit in with their image of a right wing fanatic. Dumbledore hopes that I can get invited into their inner circle," Moony explained. "It's quite disturbing really, how they can hate others just because their skin is a different colour."
"It's not any different from the muggle born versus pure blood," Harry replied.
"True, it's amazingly easy to warp a person's perspective, especially if they are unhappy with their lives," Moony said. "Their main target group for recruits are the young white unemployed in their areas. They are focusing these young peoples dissatisfaction with the lack of work, building resentment by showing them how many ethic minorities have moved into the area and are working."
"Is it working?" Harry asked.
"I'd say so; the party membership has grown over 200 percent since I joined a month ago," Moony said sadly. "There will be a rally on New Years Day, supposedly to demonstrate about the lack of work. That's why I can't stay for the entire holiday; I'm one of the team leaders."
"Team leader? What will you have to do?" Harry asked.
"Set up one of the meeting points and distribute the banners," Moony replied.
"You will be careful won't you," Harry asked.
"Of course I will Migizi, I haven't seen any other wizards yet, so I still have an advantage."
The idea of Moony being a spy worried Harry, but he knew why it was important for them to find out as much as possible about The Restoration Party. In Harry's opinion, even if it proved to have nothing to do with Voldemort, they should still try to destroy it - its principles were disgusting.
"So what else is new?" Harry asked.
"Narcissa Malfoy turned over Malfoy Manor and Dumbledore helped her to claim Grimmauld Place, so she would have somewhere safe to live. She also named as many of the Death eaters as she could," Moony told him, "We knew most of them, but there were a few junior Ministry workers that had joined that we didn't know about. Needless to say they all disappeared around the time it became known that Narcissa was going to do a deal."
"Does anyone at the Ministry know Malfoy is here?"
"Only Madam Bones and her assistant, who mixed the glamour potion, and neither of them were among the death eaters uncovered," Moony replied.
"Why was the Ministry so keen to get a hold of Malfoy Manor?" Harry asked.
"Well it already has several protections around it, to protect it from discovery by muggles. Also it has a vast network of passages underground, which would be ideal for transforming into vaults for the more sensitive branches of the Ministry." Moony said, "It is not as big as the previous Ministry but it is much better than the temporary quarters they have now."
Harry yawned; the heavy food was making him tired, also he hadn't slept very well the night before. He closed his eyes and listened to Moony explain about all the things they had saved from the Ministry's old building and how they would be transported to their new headquarters. Gradually Moony's voice faded and Harry found himself in a strange dream world with long corridors and flying memos. He opened his eyes and noticed it was dark outside; he must have slept for a few hours. The room was now empty and he realised Moony must have thrown a thick blanket over him before he left.
Stretching, Harry stood and folded the blanket and placed it on the sofa. "Moony," he called softly as he opened the door that he assumed led to a bedroom. The bedroom was empty but Harry saw a light coming from under a door on the opposite wall and surmised Moony must be in the bathroom. Harry returned to the sitting room to wait. After several minutes Moony came into the room, his hair was neatly brushed back and he'd changed his robes.
"Your awake then," He smiled at Harry, "I didn't realise my conversation was so boring."
Harry grinned sheepishly, "Sorry, guess I was tired. I'll go to the toilet and we can go down for dinner."
"I thought you'd never eat again?"
"That was hours ago," Harry replied, as Moony rolled his eyes.
They went down to the late buffet in the Great Hall, and Harry selected a few turkey sandwiches and a slice of Christmas cake. Moony stared in disbelief at his plate and shook his head. After dinner he suggested they have a chess tournament, Dumbledore thought it a splendid idea and transfigured two chess sets from the cutlery. They split into two groups and sat for a few hours playing. The final was between Dumbledore and Blake, who looked quite proud to lose to the headmaster in less than ten moves.
They wished each other goodnight and headed up to their rooms. Harry dreamed he was being chased down a long corridor by a Christmas pudding. Moony left the next morning by Knight Bus and Harry was left to spend his holidays with the other four students. They played Chess and exploding snap, Harry was convinced to take the others for a flying lesson, they wandered around the school, showing Blake were his various classes would be held. And slowly Harry became reassured that he had been right to give Malfoy a second chance, he didn't completely trust Blake. But the other boy was at least polite and thoughtful in comparison to Malfoy's normal snooty, bullying attitude.
Five days before the holidays finished, the sixth and seventh year students returned, Harry was happy to have his friends back. Neville was a nice guy, but he could be a bit boring at times. Ron looked pale and drawn, and Hermione whispered to Harry that Christmas had been difficult for the Weasley's this year. Harry introduced Blake to all the others and he seemed to be getting on alright with the others. The next morning the fifth years returned and the common room was beginning to be its usual bustling self.
"So what was your Christmas like?" Hermione asked.
Harry told them about Moony's visit and his undercover job in the Restoration Party.
"I can't wait to leave school," Ron muttered, "I'm going to join the Order; I don't care what my Mum says."
Hermione exchanged a meaningful look with Harry and said, "Ron, I know you're angry about what happened to Percy, but putting yourself in danger will not make things any easier for your mum."
"Leave it Hermione, my minds made up." Ron said, his eyes flashing in annoyance. Hermione obviously decided that now was not the time to argue with him, but Harry sensed she was not ready to let it drop completely.
"Hey you know what else Moony told me?" Harry said with false brightness. "You know that charmed tapestry that looks like an open door?" the other two nodded, "Well guess who charmed it? This time they both shook their heads. "The Marauders!"
"Really?" Ron asked, distracted from his anger.
"Yes, I was asking him if he knew if it was old students who had left all the tricks in the castle," Harry replied.
"Cool, like Fred and Georges swamp," Ron said thoughtfully, "you know what we should do?"
"Try to set up a new one before we leave," Harry smiled, "That's what I was thinking."
"You two are hopeless, a Prefect and the Head boy planning to play tricks like a couple of first years," Hermione sighed.
"Oh come on Hermione, I bet one of those tricks was Dumbledore," Harry replied.
"You're probably right," Hermione conceded.
"But what could we do, it would have to be original," Ron said.
"What would have to be original?" Dean interrupted, sitting down beside Ron.
Harry explained what they were talking about and Dean smiled, "Right, how about a little competition? The best trick wins, you three versus, me, Seamus and Neville."
"You would win by default, Neville is bound to do something by mistake," Ron laughed.
"Hey, I heard that," Neville replied as he joined the group. Dean called Seamus over and they sat planning their tricks.
"Nothing dangerous," Hermione insisted.
"It has to be original," Harry added.
"Before exams end in June," Dean announced.
"Right, it's a deal, before we leave, we will have left a monument to our time here," Ron smiled around the group.
"You know I don't think this is very fair, they've got Harry and Hermione, that gives them an advantage," Neville said.
"Oh cheers, what am I chopped liver?" Ron said indignantly.
"You know what I mean, he's got all these cool super powers and she's read every spell and charm ever written," Neville tried to explain.
"Hey!" Hermione and Harry said at the same time.
"I do not have 'super powers' as you all keep saying," Harry added laughing, "But he's right about Hermione."
"Oh fine," Hermione huffed good naturedly.
"So I think we should get to have an extra person in our group," Neville said. "Why don't we ask Blake to join us?"
"That new 6th year?" Dean asked.
"Yes, he's a nice guy, besides he doesn't know anybody here yet," Neville explained.
Harry wasn't too pleased with this new member in their group, but he held his tongue. So Neville called, "Hey Charlie, come on over here." Blake joined them and was quickly filled in on their challenge.
"You know I was just thinking the other day it would be cool to do something like that, after Harry told us about it," Blake said. "Are you sure I'm not butting in?"
Hermione smiled kindly at him and said, "No of course not. Don't be intimidated by this lot, their not even very good trouble makers, they get caught too often."
The group laughed, and Neville told Blake about their failed adventure to Hogsmead, (excluding Harry's role). Blake replied, "I don't fancy getting caught by that Snape guy, he looks a bit scary."
"His bark is worse than his bite," Harry replied.
The others looked at Harry in surprise. "I thought you of all people would hate him," Seamus said, "I mean he's always picking on you."
Harry shrugged, "I used to hate him, but now I just feel sorry for him, he's such a tight ass, he doesn't even get on with the other Professors."
"Well he still scares the biggebees out of me!" Neville declared and they all laughed again.
"So why are the students arriving in year groups," Blake asked. "The new term doesn't start for another four days, I thought."
"It doesn't but we can't come by train anymore, it's too dangerous. So Dumbledore has the house elves bring us in small groups," Hermione explained.
"Why dangerous?" Blake asked.
"You mean you didn't hear about You-Know-Who in America," Seamus asked in surprise.
"No, I don't think so."
Blake got a brief summary from the group, who each explained a little at a time. Harry sat watching, as his name was mentioned several times, including the attack by Malfoy senior.
Blake shivered visibly, "Oh my God Harry, how do you manage to look so normal all the time?"
"You think I'm not normal?" Harry asked.
"I guess that didn't sound right," Blake said, "I just meant, if I knew someone that powerful wanted to kill me, I would probably die of fear, or at least try to find a really good hiding place."
Harry laughed shortly and said, "Hiding wouldn't do much good, there would always be someone ready to turn me in, if they found me."
"Well you sound pretty brave to me; I think it's very cool that you don't let it consume your life."
"Thanks Blake," Harry replied, silently waiting to see if any of this information was going to remind Blake of his actions whilst he was still Malfoy. It didn't seem to though, because Blake went on to ask a few questions about Voldemort and looked equally shocked to hear about Ron's bother and Neville's grandmother being killed. He looked very pale as he took in all this information.
Eventually the conversation died out and they all headed up to sleep. Harry thought about the expression on Blake's face as he listened to the horrors he had suffered throughout his school years, because of Voldemort and his followers. Blake had looked shocked and disgusted; his expression was so convincing that Harry was certain that it was not an act. With that thought in mind he tried to sleep.
The next morning the fourth years arrived after breakfast. Ron, Harry and Hermione began wandering the castle for inspiration. They had visited the tapestry and the swamp but still couldn't think of anything new to do. Filch gave them an evil look as he passed, obviously annoyed at not catching them doing anything wrong, he skulked away.
In the afternoon the trio visited Hagrid, who beamed at them and invited them in for tea. They tried questioning him on the origins of various tricks in the castle, but he scratched his head and said, "Well they've always been there I think." They thanked him for the tea and went to the library, which Hermione insisted would have the perfect idea hidden somewhere. By the end of the day, they had come up with several theories, but none seemed original enough or else would be too easy to counter, once you set it.
By the looks on the other group's faces, they hadn't had any original idea either. So the next morning the trio began again. After breakfast, Ron suggested they check out the various statues, to their knowledge most of the statues remained un-cursed. So they spent the day imagining the statues springing to life and chasing unsuspecting students down the corridor. But eventually they ran out of ridiculous proposals, and trooped down to dinner.
By the time all the students had returned, Harry realised that there was a definite holiday spirit about the place. Something about having all of the student there, without the classes, seemed to have built up a cheery atmosphere. The first years were playing snowball fights on the last day and Harry commented on how they all seemed to get on together.
"It's probably because they had time to make friends before they were sorted," Hermione said.
"I don't know, how can those Gryffindors be on the same team as the Slytherins," Ron complained.
"Well I think it's a good thing," Hermione replied, "surely all the Slytherins can't be bad people."
"Well that first year, Reiss Warrington was alright, so is their seeker Jasmine Flint," Harry found himself saying.
Ron looked at him in shock and Hermione looked smug. This started a lively debate between the three, Hermione could name all the pleasant Slytherins and Ron would reply with the names of the nasty ones.
"Well what about the whole Mudblood thing?" Ron said triumphantly.
"Well that's just what they learn at home isn't it, if they never have any muggle born friends when their children, they won't learn that to appreciate them," Hermione countered.
"I still think you can never trust a Slytherin, look at Snape,"
"Dumbledore trusts Snape," Harry answered.
"What, you agree with her?" Ron asked.
"Well she does have a point, we're all guilty of bigotry," Harry said. "Maybe if we weren't sorted into different houses we wouldn't fight so much."
"You met Malfoy before you were both sorted and you still fought with him," Ron announced.
"True," Harry replied, "But maybe if we'd given him a chance he could have learned that all his family taught him was not necessarily right."
"I think we better get in out of the cold," Ron frowned, "it seems to be having a bad effect on you."
Harry laughed and they all went inside to dry off. Dinner that evening was a noisy affair