A/N: Well it took me quite some time for this one and it's a pretty long
one too. The trouble of not having a Beta Reader is really getting to me
now. I had to read it over and over again to make sure that no mistakes
crept in. Even then there were a lot of mistakes in the last chapter.
Hopefully there wouldn't be any in this one.
As for the Reviews, well I hate to say it but there ain't much coming. Though there were a few more than the last time it still isn't enough. Anyways for the people who want to see some 'real' Harry/Cho stuff, well they need to wait for the next two chapters and then we would have some more recollections. Hopefully you'd be enjoying those sleazy chappies ( I don't think I'm much good writing sleazy portions ). Once again I hate to say this is again a bit soapish. it could have been a little more interesting but it was getting way too long. So you'd have to wait for the next chapter to see what's going on the dark side.
Many of may be wondering why I'm rambling on the daily lives of Harr6y Weasley and Alice Weasley, because they would play a part in the finale. Especially Harry. Also you would wonder I keep referring Potter as Patterson in Hogwarts. It's because of two reasons. Firstly I want Patterson as a separate character, a lot like the old Harry. And secondly it would be a lot confusing with two Harry's around.
And to the few people who have been kind enough to review.......
HoshHikari4ever: Potter is going to gain access to Dumbledore's inner circle. That's why he's gaining trust. It's going to be a long time since he shows himself. So you'll have to wait a bit more for that. As for Harry turning to become a Potter well that's why he was named after him.
Chaotic-Lord: Thanks for the review.
AutumnKate: It won't be a long wait for you. A few more chapters and your wait would be over.
SerpentClara: I can't answer your question at the present moment. You'll have to wait for the next chapter. As far as Harry's sorting is concerned, he's a Weasley, so there's no chance in hell that he would be sorted in any other house. No, he wouldn't go dark. And as far as Hermione's character is concerned I hope this chapter answers your queries why she was so cruel to young Harry.
heedless One: I'm sorry to disappoint you but young Harry is going to keep it for the time being unless I see that he has no use with it.
Draconian-Counsilor: Thanks for the advice and your offer.
Granger, Weasley, Patterson and Chang - 2
The next day Harry woke up only to Justin's persistent voice.
"Geroff. Geroff I say."
"Come on Harry wake up, we have class in half an hour."
"All right I'm getting up. Just stop poking me. Ouch that hurts."
Harry flung aside the blankets and opened his eyes to look into the eyes of his friend. He was smiling at him
"'as matter 'ustin? It's sooooo early."
Harry tried to stifle a yawn unsuccessfully.
"Its past eight o'clock. So what?"
"What?"
"I mean what class do we have?"
"My dad's."
"Yo-Your dads'"
"Yeah"
Justin broke into a grin. On hearing the information Harry lost all interests in sleep. He jumped up from bed and started to dress. He was eager on seeing Justin's dad. Dumbledore had said that Neville Longbottom was one of the most gifted Herbology students to set foot in the Great Hall of Hogwarts. He sincerely hoped he was not anywhere similar to his mum. Even thinking about mum made him feel difficult and uncomfortable. But then again Justin seemed to be much like him. So his dad might not be like his mum. He might be like his own dad. His dad. Even that was a difficult topic. He had thought that his dad would understand him and be on his side but he had comforted his mum. In fact the only person who seemed to understand him was his defense professor. He had been kind and even offered to teach him seeker movements. He admired him. He was so cool and he even owned a Firebolt. And by the looks of it he felt that it might have been one of the original Firebolts. He heard him speak about it too. He said it was fifteen years old. If it truly was the original Firebolt then it was an antique piece. There were very few left. Most of them under Ministry custody. Ever since they banned it. His professors' may be the only one outside Ministry control.
The thought that Herbology may be a great subject after all and far better than Transfiguration and Potions lifted Harry's spirits. He even forgot to scowl at Alice as he passed her at the great hall.
At the great hall Harry spoke with a jovial tone in his voice. He spoke loudly with Justin and his other fellow first years. He had half expected Alice or his mum to walk up to him but both of them were busy. Alice was reading the Daily Prophet and his mum was speaking to the Headmistress in whispers. His dad was talking seriously with Professor Chang. Professor Snape was speaking to a person with a round face.
"That's me dad."
"Who?"
"The man speaking with Snape"
"Oh"
He frowned.
"What's the matter Harry?"
"Oh, it's just - just that something didn't feel right."
Justin raised an eyebrow.
But Harry was right. Something was indeed wrong. Indeed, soon there was a shriek from the Hufflepuff table. Every head turned to the direction of the shriek. A young witch was standing with her eyes glued to the Daily Prophet.
"What's so interesting on the dumb paper?" Harry asked Justin questioningly.
"Dunno, wanna look at it?"
"You bet"
Harry craned his neck over the crowd, as there was a group of people around the Hufflepuff table. He didn't get to see much but he saw enough to make him gasp.
VALUABLE ARTIFACTS STOLEN FROM MINISTRY
Personal belongings of Harry Potter, the Dark Lord stolen. Threat to
Dumbledore's life....
Harry gasped and stopped looking at the newspaper. There was a photo along with the report. The photo showed a number of Ministry officials examining a decimated room. The room was filled with corpses and body parts. The walls were stained with blood. There was writing on a corner of the room. The writing stated that Albus Dumbledore would soon die at the hands of the Dark Lord. It was not the writing but the manner that it had been written induced the gasp from Harry. The writing was with pieces of human flesh, bones and organs. One Hufflepuff fainted at the sight of the photo. A lot many others puked right there. Justin was also to throw up when Harry pulled him and led him out of the great hall.
"Thanks Harry."
"Don't mention it. I particularly wouldn't want you to throw up like that."
"Yeah"
They walked up to the Greenhouses silently. It was odd. Finally Justin broke the silence.
"How do you think he did it?"
"Who?"
"Him"
"Oh. I don't know. He's a death eater and a dark lord. I suppose he has powers no one knows about."
"Besides don't you think it's a little odd that you think that something is wrong and the next thing we know that the dark lord has got back his possessions."
"Oh. That was just because I thought Alice would be showing up. But she didn't. Mum probably told her not to. Anyways she didn't talk to me too. Didn't even bother to notice me. Kept talking to McGonagall."
"You know Harry if she keeps on doing that I reckon that she may surpass McGonagall on being the strictest head in Hogwarts."
"Yeah. I bet she would love it. My uncle Fred and George always told me that she was McGonagall's pet."
"Fred and George Weasley. They - they are your uncles?"
Justin cried incredulously.
"Yeah, yeah they are."
Harry answered sheepishly.
"You are lucky. Mate you are damn lucky. WWW is the best brand of pranks in whole of Europe. They had far surpassed Zonko's and Dervish and Banges."
"Yeah"
Harry continued to blush.
"You must have loads of their prank stuff and must've heard about their pranks that they pulled off at school."
"Well I had a lot of their stuff until tomorrow."
"What do you mind until tomorrow?"
"Well my mum wouldn't allow me to take any of their stuff with me to Hogwarts and only dad persuaded her to take with me one of their prototypes. Apart from that nothing. Anyway yesterday, when mum wasn't watching me they sent me a bag full of their -um --primary kit of troublemakers for first years, but my nosy sister saw e receive the package. I just gave her their letter and I tried to hide the package from her but nosy Alice got the better of me. She probably guessed where I hid the package and she found it and she handed it over to my 'dearest mum' before our Transfiguration class. It was probably why she was so furious with me."
"She has all the stuff. All of them?"
Justin croaked.
"Yeah. Mind you there was enough to last the whole year even for all the students of Gryffindor tower."
"Oh God you're unlucky."
Next Justin put a hand on his shoulder and spoke.
"I'm sorry. I do not think you did anything wrong. I would do the same thing to my mum if she did this to me."
"It's 'k. I know that your mum would never do anything like that."
They stopped. They had reached the green houses and stopped behind the small crowd of Ravenclaw and Gryffindor first years.
They didn't wait for long. Justin's dad soon appeared. He was the same round-faced man. He was as tall as his dad. He had dark hair and round eyes. Overall he had an aura about him, which was very welcoming indeed.
He looked at the small group of students that had assembled outside the greenhouses. He spotted his son and Ron's son as well. They were standing together as well. They may be friends by now as well. Hell they may even share a dormitory together. His mind went on a rewind ten years back as he thought of his four friends with whom he had shared the best seven years of his life. They had been so much instrumental on his positive outlook on life. They made him believe on himself. Together the five of them would share many jokes together laughing their voices hoarse late in the night. Two of them had been his closest of buddies. Yet one of them, the one everyone considered to be the savior of the magical world had turned his back on all of them and had become something that he detested from the moment he had been born. He quickly shut off his thoughts. Thinking about Harry pained him a lot. Instead he turned to the young Harry standing in front of him. He gave him a warm smile. His eyes wandered over to the girls and soon he had found out the person he had been seeking. Yes Ron was correct. Alice looked absolutely like an eleven year old Hermione. The only difference was the red hair and the freckles. Apart from that there were no differences whatsoever.
"Welcome, first year Gryffindors and Ravenclaws. I'm your new Herbology Professor. Neville Longbottom. Welcome to the greenhouses. Please follow me."
He then proceeded to one of the greenhouses and opened the door.
"Welcome to Greenhouse three. Some of you who have been learning your Herbology books would find out that there are many dangerous plants in here."
He nodded at Alice.
"Professor McGonagall has already told all the teachers to warn you and fill you in the accounts about the actual scenario out there. I will however not take up much of your time by speaking about it. You must know about it already from your other teachers. But I must speak to you about the teacher that I am replacing. Professor Sprout was a remarkable witch and an excellent teacher. She was the Head of the Hufflepuff house. I taught all about Herbology under her. She encouraged me to enter Hogwarts as a teacher and even recommended my name to Professor Dumbledore. I never dreamed to be back at Hogwarts let alone being a teacher. It is more than I can ask for. To seat myself in the same table as Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape, Professor Sinistra, Professor Hagrid and the others is something, which was beyond my wildest comprehension. Whatever happens this year, whether I turn out to be a good teacher or not, this will be one of my best memories of my life."
Harry saw that Justin was tear faced.
"But I must say that due to these unlikely circumstances you will be taught advanced things than expected from anyone of your year. Today we would be dealing with mandrakes. Normally anyone would expect this of an advanced second year. But I have been commissioned to teach you about them. Mind you this not what I have in mind for my very first teaching lesson."
For the rest of the period Harry and Justin listened intently to their Herbology Professor. He was very good. He explained the mandrakes and their properties very clearly. When he asked questions about them to the class, much to his annoyance only Alice's hand rose in air. To increase his anger Alice correctly answered all the questions correctly thereby earning her ten points for Gryffindor. She smirked and this infuriated Harry. He decided to ignore her for the rest of the class.
After their Herbology class was over the first years made their way over to Charms. On their way Justin asked him.
"Well how was it?"
"What?"
"The lesson?"
"Oh! It was fabulous. It was in fact superb. Loads better than our Transfiguration lesson though"
They were one of the last ones to leave the greenhouses.
"Harry. Harry Weasley."
Someone cried out.
Harry turned around and saw his Herbology Professor calling him.
"Justin could you give Harry and myself a moment alone?"
"Yeah. Sure, I - I, Harry would be waiting for you outside the school entrance."
"Thank you, Justin"
Justin nodded and walked away.
Neville looked at Harry and pondered at his hazel eyes.
"Harry, you must know that I was one of your parents' friends at school."
He mutely nodded.
"Then you will understand that I have the best interests at heart. Don't close yourself like that. Or you will become just like Harry Potter. You know about your parents' relationship with him don't you?"
Again he nodded. He couldn't see what this was leading to. Why was he speaking to him about Harry Potter?
"You must understand that when they found out about him on that night both of then were under shock. Hermione, your mum would cry for days and your dad blocked himself from all contact and stopped to eat and cried his eyes out. They suffered from utmost depression. That is what happens if someone that close to you betray you. It took them years to recover from the shock. I don't know if they're still over the shock completely. Now that he has escaped, your parents are more worried about you and your sister's safety. That's why she was so harsh on you. She immediately regretted it though. Do you know that she didn't sleep last night and neither did your father. They cried all night about their impending fate. It's a shame on you Harry to break away your parents' stance like that. You must be wondering why I am talking to you about this. All I want to say is you open up and talk about your situation to someone, anyone. You'll see it will ease your mind. And please talk to your parents. They are miserable without you."
Harry walked back to the school entrance. He saw Justin standing over for him. Justin walked up to him but he noticed that his friend's attention was on something else.
"What was that all about?"
"Oh nothing, nothing at all."
"You sure. It sure does look to me that it was something. Was it anything about me?"
Harry smiled.
"Why would he say something about you and hide you from it? He's not like my mum you know."
He stopped. He remembered what his professor had said. To go and speak to her. Oh well, he was going to meet her today evening. He might then tell her.
"Justin?"
"Yeah"
"Your dad's great"
Justin beamed at the last words that had escaped Harry's mouth.
"Concentrate everyone. You're not trying hard. Follow the wand movements carefully."
Professor Chang's voice rang through the classroom.
The first years of Hogwarts were trying to do the tickling charm. It was again a charm practised only by second years. After they had entered the class room Professor Chang had told them about the need to be advanced if the situation arises. They were told that Charms was highly important as a lot of the spells they would be learning would be required in Defence Against the Dark Arts. She was right. After going through the spells that they needed to practice before the next class, Harry was forced to agree to the fact. Professor Patterson had been right after all. He knew what that meant.
Both Justin and Harry groaned as the dreaded words escaped their Charms' professor's mouth.
"Homework, all the first years' notes and spells handed to me by the next week. And shut up groaning all of you as only Miss Weasley here showed perfection in the tickling Charm. So keep quiet and get along with your work."
"You know Harry; your mum's got competition if she wants to break Mcgonagall's record."
Harry chuckled at Justin's snide remark.
At six o'clock that evening young Harry went away from his common room. He had detention with his mum. He slowly walked through the corridors till he came in front of her office. He knocked on the door and a stern voice, which he knew all too well, answered.
"Come in."
Harry opened the door and saw his mum working. She was seated behind her desk. Her desk was filled with piles pf parchment. He saw the look on her face. There were already dark lines forming under her eyes. She was working more than she needed to. It was pretty clear that she didn't sleep last night. She was in need for some decent sleep.
He had come here to serve her detention but one look on his mum's face told him the entire story. He thought it would give her savage pleasure to make him stay at detention but the sombre look on her face made an impact to Harry.
Hermione looked up and saw his son staring at him.
"Yes, what's it Harry?"
"Um - I had detention with you tonight."
"What - oh, so you decided to come after all."
"Why wouldn't I come?"
"Nothing I guess"
"Listen Harry I'm sorry that I treated you so badly in front of the class yesterday."
"Took a long time for you to say that, didn't it?"
Harry spoke coldly. Desperate that he didn't let any emotion waver his voice.
Hermione was about to say something when she stopped. The tone of his voice was strange. He sounded so much like Harry, her friend, the dark lord.
She stood and went towards him and kneeled down so that her eyes were level with him. She looked into his emotionless face and his set jaw and tears sprang to her eyes. Why had she done it? She had caused this mayhem. She was the one that was bringing in pain for the family.
"Oh, Harry I'm so sorry. I never thought you would take it so hard."
She burst out and threw her arms over his neck hugging him to an embrace.
Harry hadn't expected his mother to break down like this. He was shaken. The next moment he was subjected to an enormous hug by her. He blurted out.
"Mum, you're strangling me."
"Oh, sorry dear."
"So, what do you have to do?"
"What do you have to do what?"
"The detention"
"Forget the detention dear. Just go back to your common room and start your work on that defence essay for Professor Patterson, Alice says he's pretty strict. I'd not like you to get into more trouble. As it is you are on the wrong side in your very first week at Hogwarts, something that even your uncles didn't achieve. Believe not many teachers took your sudden disappearance yesterday with a good look. Indeed Snape was telling me that you should be suspended or something."
"That ugly git - . Mum, why didn't hex him?"
Hermione smiled. She looked into his cute little face full of freckles just like Ronald.
"Now off you go."
"Mum, thanks for letting off the detention tonight. I really appreciate it. I just - I just wanted to ask you something."
"Yes, what is it?
"Um - can I have them back?"
He was looking at the floor now. He was pretty sure his request would be turned down. He also knew that the moment it would be turned down there would be another row between him and his mum.
Hermione's smile disappeared. As much as she would have liked to continue having a good relationship with his son, she knew if she refused Harry then there would be another big row among them. She knew Alice would also get involved in this business. Her internal tussle grew and eventually her love for her son was victorious.
"I can, but only on one condition"
Harry's eyes lit up.
"You're going to give them back to me?"
He croaked.
"Yes, but only under one condition. You're not going to use them without my permission. They are dangerous an if you're caught then you could be expelled."
"Anything."
"All right then."
She went across the room to her cupboard and brought out a box. She then handed it back to Harry.
"Remember, you're not supposed to use it unless you have me permission. Now go back to your common room and get some work done."
Harry smiled at her. She smiled back. The smile was all she needed. As Harry proceeded to open the door with his little hands, Hermione called after him.
"Oh, Harry I'm still not allowing you to the tryouts remember that. However you are definitely allowed in your flying lessons. Ron would kill me if I forbade you that."
Harry looked back at his mum who was now smiling at him a little stiffly.
"I'll be on the team, no matter what you say mum. I already know loads about quidditch more than any other student in school. I can qualify for any position and I'll still get through. Even if I'm not there at the tryouts I'll still make it to the team."
"How would you think that possible?"
The smile was fast disappearing from Hermione's face and her voice was also losing the sweetness. She knew what was happening.
"Because one of your friends did it and - and I've been having special lessons with someone who has guaranteed a berth on the quidditch team."
Harry walked away from the classroom before his mother could get over the shock and start shouting at him again.
Hermione's jaws dropped.
'He's having special quidditch training?' she thought.
Harry went back to his common room not believing his luck. He had got off from detentions and he had got back the box. He had also left his mum confused over the last bit of information. She was sure to be confused over the 'extra quidditch practice' bit.
As he entered the common room he spotted Justin working feverishly over his Potions essay. He also found Alice sitting by the fire reading a book. When he entered Alice looked over the book and saw him with the box under his arm. She had a curious expression written over her face. He however, ignored her.
He went over to Justin and he looked at his face trying to read his expression.
"Oh, hello there Harry. You were pretty qui..."
Justin stopped. His eyes had landed on the box. He looked up and saw a big smile over Harry's face.
"Is that - is it?"
That was all Justin managed to say. Harry just nodded his head. The grin never leaving his face.
Justin squealed with excitement.
"Can I have a look at it Harry? Oh please, Harry can I?"
"Of course you can. I didn't bring it here so that you just gawk at it. Come on let's get to our dormitories so that we can have a proper look at it. I don't think many people will appreciate it if we open it here."
His eyes landed on Alice. Her eyes had never left Harry since he had entered the common room. She saw Justin pack his things up and the two boys rushed up the staircase to their dormitory. She paused for a moment to think and made up her mind.
"If Harry had indeed broken the school rules then he ought to be punished. He had caused enough pain already, it's time he felt some pain."
"Wow, look at all that stuff. I've never seen so many types of snackboxes in my life."
"Yeah, me too. I reckon those are the new creations. Uncle Fred says that the Skiving Snackboxes are the bestsellers. So they always upgrade them every year. You know, making improvements and making new ones."
"And look at the Deflagration Deluxes, I only had a Basic Blaze box once and that was years ago. Mum never allowed us to buy any of the WWW stuff. Said she'd never trust a Weasley product."
"Wonder, why mums are like that. Well now that you've had a good look at this stuff, help yourself."
"What do you mean by help yourself?"
"Take as much as you like, of course."
Justin blushed himself pink.
"I couldn't do that Harry, they sent it to you, for your use. I couldn't take them."
"Listen Justin, they told me that I could give any Gryffindor this stuff. They said that it was for 'promotional purpose'. They want to be a hit at Hogwarts. So they want me to distribute this stuff amongst the students."
Justin frowned.
"What would your mum say?"
"She'll never know. Mum told me not to use it but she never told me not to distribute it."
His face contorted to a mischievous grin.
"Oh, all right then."
Justin reached out and grabbed a handful of the Snackboxes and the Deflagration Deluxes. A sound of a door opening jolted both of them. Both of them spun around to see Alice standing in the doorway.
"What are you doing here? I think I told you that you were not welcome here." Harry spoke coldly.
"Yeah, it's a boys' dormitory you know. We do need a little privacy." Justin quipped.
Alice ignored both of them. She just looked at the open box and the goodies in Justin's hand before turning her attention back at Harry.
"Did you nick it?"
"What's to you? You're the reason I'm in this misery. You're the reason mum and dad keeps crying over me. I'm sorry I showed you Uncle Fred and George's letter. Should've kept it to myself. Then at least I'd be saved from this mess." Harry was now shouting.
"I'm the reason. Well excuse me but if you had even tried any of those stuff then you'd be suspended if not expelled from Hogwarts. I thought I was saving your back but obviously though you didn't think so. You're so stupid Harry that you don't even understand who's looking out for you and what's good for you." Alice bellowed.
"Well thank you very much for looking out for me. Now please stop bothering with my life before you make it a living hell and let me live in peace." Harry added sarcastically.
"And as far as your question is concerned, mum gave it to me. She trusted me with it. I thought you were quite similar to mum, but obviously you aren't. Mum cares for me but you are just a filthy, back stabbing bit..."
He stopped. He couldn't bring that word out of his mouth. He knew it was a foul word and at the present moment Alice deserved every bit of it but still he couldn't say it. He couldn't say something that bad to any girl no matter how bad she was.
Harry still glared at her. Alice however looked shocked. Harry had been on the verge of calling her a 'bitch'. She never expected him to call her like that no matter how bad she had treated her. A rush of memories flowed passed her mind. The times they had been together the past ten years just like brother and sister. She always acted as the older one with more responsibility controlling the prat of her brother even though they were fraternal twins. Silent tears started to pour down her cheeks.
Harry looked at her. She was crying freely. But he felt no remorse. She deserved every bit of it. Maybe she deserved more.
"Now if you have cried enough, get the hell out of our dormitory." Harry ordered.
Alice fled. With a swish of her robes she was out. Harry felt a savage pleasure of seeing Alice run off. He turned to Justin who was looking timid and very frightened.
"That was frightening Harry, very frightening indeed. You were looking as if you were going to blow up or something."
Harry shrugged.
"You would too, if you were in my place."
As for the Reviews, well I hate to say it but there ain't much coming. Though there were a few more than the last time it still isn't enough. Anyways for the people who want to see some 'real' Harry/Cho stuff, well they need to wait for the next two chapters and then we would have some more recollections. Hopefully you'd be enjoying those sleazy chappies ( I don't think I'm much good writing sleazy portions ). Once again I hate to say this is again a bit soapish. it could have been a little more interesting but it was getting way too long. So you'd have to wait for the next chapter to see what's going on the dark side.
Many of may be wondering why I'm rambling on the daily lives of Harr6y Weasley and Alice Weasley, because they would play a part in the finale. Especially Harry. Also you would wonder I keep referring Potter as Patterson in Hogwarts. It's because of two reasons. Firstly I want Patterson as a separate character, a lot like the old Harry. And secondly it would be a lot confusing with two Harry's around.
And to the few people who have been kind enough to review.......
HoshHikari4ever: Potter is going to gain access to Dumbledore's inner circle. That's why he's gaining trust. It's going to be a long time since he shows himself. So you'll have to wait a bit more for that. As for Harry turning to become a Potter well that's why he was named after him.
Chaotic-Lord: Thanks for the review.
AutumnKate: It won't be a long wait for you. A few more chapters and your wait would be over.
SerpentClara: I can't answer your question at the present moment. You'll have to wait for the next chapter. As far as Harry's sorting is concerned, he's a Weasley, so there's no chance in hell that he would be sorted in any other house. No, he wouldn't go dark. And as far as Hermione's character is concerned I hope this chapter answers your queries why she was so cruel to young Harry.
heedless One: I'm sorry to disappoint you but young Harry is going to keep it for the time being unless I see that he has no use with it.
Draconian-Counsilor: Thanks for the advice and your offer.
Granger, Weasley, Patterson and Chang - 2
The next day Harry woke up only to Justin's persistent voice.
"Geroff. Geroff I say."
"Come on Harry wake up, we have class in half an hour."
"All right I'm getting up. Just stop poking me. Ouch that hurts."
Harry flung aside the blankets and opened his eyes to look into the eyes of his friend. He was smiling at him
"'as matter 'ustin? It's sooooo early."
Harry tried to stifle a yawn unsuccessfully.
"Its past eight o'clock. So what?"
"What?"
"I mean what class do we have?"
"My dad's."
"Yo-Your dads'"
"Yeah"
Justin broke into a grin. On hearing the information Harry lost all interests in sleep. He jumped up from bed and started to dress. He was eager on seeing Justin's dad. Dumbledore had said that Neville Longbottom was one of the most gifted Herbology students to set foot in the Great Hall of Hogwarts. He sincerely hoped he was not anywhere similar to his mum. Even thinking about mum made him feel difficult and uncomfortable. But then again Justin seemed to be much like him. So his dad might not be like his mum. He might be like his own dad. His dad. Even that was a difficult topic. He had thought that his dad would understand him and be on his side but he had comforted his mum. In fact the only person who seemed to understand him was his defense professor. He had been kind and even offered to teach him seeker movements. He admired him. He was so cool and he even owned a Firebolt. And by the looks of it he felt that it might have been one of the original Firebolts. He heard him speak about it too. He said it was fifteen years old. If it truly was the original Firebolt then it was an antique piece. There were very few left. Most of them under Ministry custody. Ever since they banned it. His professors' may be the only one outside Ministry control.
The thought that Herbology may be a great subject after all and far better than Transfiguration and Potions lifted Harry's spirits. He even forgot to scowl at Alice as he passed her at the great hall.
At the great hall Harry spoke with a jovial tone in his voice. He spoke loudly with Justin and his other fellow first years. He had half expected Alice or his mum to walk up to him but both of them were busy. Alice was reading the Daily Prophet and his mum was speaking to the Headmistress in whispers. His dad was talking seriously with Professor Chang. Professor Snape was speaking to a person with a round face.
"That's me dad."
"Who?"
"The man speaking with Snape"
"Oh"
He frowned.
"What's the matter Harry?"
"Oh, it's just - just that something didn't feel right."
Justin raised an eyebrow.
But Harry was right. Something was indeed wrong. Indeed, soon there was a shriek from the Hufflepuff table. Every head turned to the direction of the shriek. A young witch was standing with her eyes glued to the Daily Prophet.
"What's so interesting on the dumb paper?" Harry asked Justin questioningly.
"Dunno, wanna look at it?"
"You bet"
Harry craned his neck over the crowd, as there was a group of people around the Hufflepuff table. He didn't get to see much but he saw enough to make him gasp.
VALUABLE ARTIFACTS STOLEN FROM MINISTRY
Personal belongings of Harry Potter, the Dark Lord stolen. Threat to
Dumbledore's life....
Harry gasped and stopped looking at the newspaper. There was a photo along with the report. The photo showed a number of Ministry officials examining a decimated room. The room was filled with corpses and body parts. The walls were stained with blood. There was writing on a corner of the room. The writing stated that Albus Dumbledore would soon die at the hands of the Dark Lord. It was not the writing but the manner that it had been written induced the gasp from Harry. The writing was with pieces of human flesh, bones and organs. One Hufflepuff fainted at the sight of the photo. A lot many others puked right there. Justin was also to throw up when Harry pulled him and led him out of the great hall.
"Thanks Harry."
"Don't mention it. I particularly wouldn't want you to throw up like that."
"Yeah"
They walked up to the Greenhouses silently. It was odd. Finally Justin broke the silence.
"How do you think he did it?"
"Who?"
"Him"
"Oh. I don't know. He's a death eater and a dark lord. I suppose he has powers no one knows about."
"Besides don't you think it's a little odd that you think that something is wrong and the next thing we know that the dark lord has got back his possessions."
"Oh. That was just because I thought Alice would be showing up. But she didn't. Mum probably told her not to. Anyways she didn't talk to me too. Didn't even bother to notice me. Kept talking to McGonagall."
"You know Harry if she keeps on doing that I reckon that she may surpass McGonagall on being the strictest head in Hogwarts."
"Yeah. I bet she would love it. My uncle Fred and George always told me that she was McGonagall's pet."
"Fred and George Weasley. They - they are your uncles?"
Justin cried incredulously.
"Yeah, yeah they are."
Harry answered sheepishly.
"You are lucky. Mate you are damn lucky. WWW is the best brand of pranks in whole of Europe. They had far surpassed Zonko's and Dervish and Banges."
"Yeah"
Harry continued to blush.
"You must have loads of their prank stuff and must've heard about their pranks that they pulled off at school."
"Well I had a lot of their stuff until tomorrow."
"What do you mind until tomorrow?"
"Well my mum wouldn't allow me to take any of their stuff with me to Hogwarts and only dad persuaded her to take with me one of their prototypes. Apart from that nothing. Anyway yesterday, when mum wasn't watching me they sent me a bag full of their -um --primary kit of troublemakers for first years, but my nosy sister saw e receive the package. I just gave her their letter and I tried to hide the package from her but nosy Alice got the better of me. She probably guessed where I hid the package and she found it and she handed it over to my 'dearest mum' before our Transfiguration class. It was probably why she was so furious with me."
"She has all the stuff. All of them?"
Justin croaked.
"Yeah. Mind you there was enough to last the whole year even for all the students of Gryffindor tower."
"Oh God you're unlucky."
Next Justin put a hand on his shoulder and spoke.
"I'm sorry. I do not think you did anything wrong. I would do the same thing to my mum if she did this to me."
"It's 'k. I know that your mum would never do anything like that."
They stopped. They had reached the green houses and stopped behind the small crowd of Ravenclaw and Gryffindor first years.
They didn't wait for long. Justin's dad soon appeared. He was the same round-faced man. He was as tall as his dad. He had dark hair and round eyes. Overall he had an aura about him, which was very welcoming indeed.
He looked at the small group of students that had assembled outside the greenhouses. He spotted his son and Ron's son as well. They were standing together as well. They may be friends by now as well. Hell they may even share a dormitory together. His mind went on a rewind ten years back as he thought of his four friends with whom he had shared the best seven years of his life. They had been so much instrumental on his positive outlook on life. They made him believe on himself. Together the five of them would share many jokes together laughing their voices hoarse late in the night. Two of them had been his closest of buddies. Yet one of them, the one everyone considered to be the savior of the magical world had turned his back on all of them and had become something that he detested from the moment he had been born. He quickly shut off his thoughts. Thinking about Harry pained him a lot. Instead he turned to the young Harry standing in front of him. He gave him a warm smile. His eyes wandered over to the girls and soon he had found out the person he had been seeking. Yes Ron was correct. Alice looked absolutely like an eleven year old Hermione. The only difference was the red hair and the freckles. Apart from that there were no differences whatsoever.
"Welcome, first year Gryffindors and Ravenclaws. I'm your new Herbology Professor. Neville Longbottom. Welcome to the greenhouses. Please follow me."
He then proceeded to one of the greenhouses and opened the door.
"Welcome to Greenhouse three. Some of you who have been learning your Herbology books would find out that there are many dangerous plants in here."
He nodded at Alice.
"Professor McGonagall has already told all the teachers to warn you and fill you in the accounts about the actual scenario out there. I will however not take up much of your time by speaking about it. You must know about it already from your other teachers. But I must speak to you about the teacher that I am replacing. Professor Sprout was a remarkable witch and an excellent teacher. She was the Head of the Hufflepuff house. I taught all about Herbology under her. She encouraged me to enter Hogwarts as a teacher and even recommended my name to Professor Dumbledore. I never dreamed to be back at Hogwarts let alone being a teacher. It is more than I can ask for. To seat myself in the same table as Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape, Professor Sinistra, Professor Hagrid and the others is something, which was beyond my wildest comprehension. Whatever happens this year, whether I turn out to be a good teacher or not, this will be one of my best memories of my life."
Harry saw that Justin was tear faced.
"But I must say that due to these unlikely circumstances you will be taught advanced things than expected from anyone of your year. Today we would be dealing with mandrakes. Normally anyone would expect this of an advanced second year. But I have been commissioned to teach you about them. Mind you this not what I have in mind for my very first teaching lesson."
For the rest of the period Harry and Justin listened intently to their Herbology Professor. He was very good. He explained the mandrakes and their properties very clearly. When he asked questions about them to the class, much to his annoyance only Alice's hand rose in air. To increase his anger Alice correctly answered all the questions correctly thereby earning her ten points for Gryffindor. She smirked and this infuriated Harry. He decided to ignore her for the rest of the class.
After their Herbology class was over the first years made their way over to Charms. On their way Justin asked him.
"Well how was it?"
"What?"
"The lesson?"
"Oh! It was fabulous. It was in fact superb. Loads better than our Transfiguration lesson though"
They were one of the last ones to leave the greenhouses.
"Harry. Harry Weasley."
Someone cried out.
Harry turned around and saw his Herbology Professor calling him.
"Justin could you give Harry and myself a moment alone?"
"Yeah. Sure, I - I, Harry would be waiting for you outside the school entrance."
"Thank you, Justin"
Justin nodded and walked away.
Neville looked at Harry and pondered at his hazel eyes.
"Harry, you must know that I was one of your parents' friends at school."
He mutely nodded.
"Then you will understand that I have the best interests at heart. Don't close yourself like that. Or you will become just like Harry Potter. You know about your parents' relationship with him don't you?"
Again he nodded. He couldn't see what this was leading to. Why was he speaking to him about Harry Potter?
"You must understand that when they found out about him on that night both of then were under shock. Hermione, your mum would cry for days and your dad blocked himself from all contact and stopped to eat and cried his eyes out. They suffered from utmost depression. That is what happens if someone that close to you betray you. It took them years to recover from the shock. I don't know if they're still over the shock completely. Now that he has escaped, your parents are more worried about you and your sister's safety. That's why she was so harsh on you. She immediately regretted it though. Do you know that she didn't sleep last night and neither did your father. They cried all night about their impending fate. It's a shame on you Harry to break away your parents' stance like that. You must be wondering why I am talking to you about this. All I want to say is you open up and talk about your situation to someone, anyone. You'll see it will ease your mind. And please talk to your parents. They are miserable without you."
Harry walked back to the school entrance. He saw Justin standing over for him. Justin walked up to him but he noticed that his friend's attention was on something else.
"What was that all about?"
"Oh nothing, nothing at all."
"You sure. It sure does look to me that it was something. Was it anything about me?"
Harry smiled.
"Why would he say something about you and hide you from it? He's not like my mum you know."
He stopped. He remembered what his professor had said. To go and speak to her. Oh well, he was going to meet her today evening. He might then tell her.
"Justin?"
"Yeah"
"Your dad's great"
Justin beamed at the last words that had escaped Harry's mouth.
"Concentrate everyone. You're not trying hard. Follow the wand movements carefully."
Professor Chang's voice rang through the classroom.
The first years of Hogwarts were trying to do the tickling charm. It was again a charm practised only by second years. After they had entered the class room Professor Chang had told them about the need to be advanced if the situation arises. They were told that Charms was highly important as a lot of the spells they would be learning would be required in Defence Against the Dark Arts. She was right. After going through the spells that they needed to practice before the next class, Harry was forced to agree to the fact. Professor Patterson had been right after all. He knew what that meant.
Both Justin and Harry groaned as the dreaded words escaped their Charms' professor's mouth.
"Homework, all the first years' notes and spells handed to me by the next week. And shut up groaning all of you as only Miss Weasley here showed perfection in the tickling Charm. So keep quiet and get along with your work."
"You know Harry; your mum's got competition if she wants to break Mcgonagall's record."
Harry chuckled at Justin's snide remark.
At six o'clock that evening young Harry went away from his common room. He had detention with his mum. He slowly walked through the corridors till he came in front of her office. He knocked on the door and a stern voice, which he knew all too well, answered.
"Come in."
Harry opened the door and saw his mum working. She was seated behind her desk. Her desk was filled with piles pf parchment. He saw the look on her face. There were already dark lines forming under her eyes. She was working more than she needed to. It was pretty clear that she didn't sleep last night. She was in need for some decent sleep.
He had come here to serve her detention but one look on his mum's face told him the entire story. He thought it would give her savage pleasure to make him stay at detention but the sombre look on her face made an impact to Harry.
Hermione looked up and saw his son staring at him.
"Yes, what's it Harry?"
"Um - I had detention with you tonight."
"What - oh, so you decided to come after all."
"Why wouldn't I come?"
"Nothing I guess"
"Listen Harry I'm sorry that I treated you so badly in front of the class yesterday."
"Took a long time for you to say that, didn't it?"
Harry spoke coldly. Desperate that he didn't let any emotion waver his voice.
Hermione was about to say something when she stopped. The tone of his voice was strange. He sounded so much like Harry, her friend, the dark lord.
She stood and went towards him and kneeled down so that her eyes were level with him. She looked into his emotionless face and his set jaw and tears sprang to her eyes. Why had she done it? She had caused this mayhem. She was the one that was bringing in pain for the family.
"Oh, Harry I'm so sorry. I never thought you would take it so hard."
She burst out and threw her arms over his neck hugging him to an embrace.
Harry hadn't expected his mother to break down like this. He was shaken. The next moment he was subjected to an enormous hug by her. He blurted out.
"Mum, you're strangling me."
"Oh, sorry dear."
"So, what do you have to do?"
"What do you have to do what?"
"The detention"
"Forget the detention dear. Just go back to your common room and start your work on that defence essay for Professor Patterson, Alice says he's pretty strict. I'd not like you to get into more trouble. As it is you are on the wrong side in your very first week at Hogwarts, something that even your uncles didn't achieve. Believe not many teachers took your sudden disappearance yesterday with a good look. Indeed Snape was telling me that you should be suspended or something."
"That ugly git - . Mum, why didn't hex him?"
Hermione smiled. She looked into his cute little face full of freckles just like Ronald.
"Now off you go."
"Mum, thanks for letting off the detention tonight. I really appreciate it. I just - I just wanted to ask you something."
"Yes, what is it?
"Um - can I have them back?"
He was looking at the floor now. He was pretty sure his request would be turned down. He also knew that the moment it would be turned down there would be another row between him and his mum.
Hermione's smile disappeared. As much as she would have liked to continue having a good relationship with his son, she knew if she refused Harry then there would be another big row among them. She knew Alice would also get involved in this business. Her internal tussle grew and eventually her love for her son was victorious.
"I can, but only on one condition"
Harry's eyes lit up.
"You're going to give them back to me?"
He croaked.
"Yes, but only under one condition. You're not going to use them without my permission. They are dangerous an if you're caught then you could be expelled."
"Anything."
"All right then."
She went across the room to her cupboard and brought out a box. She then handed it back to Harry.
"Remember, you're not supposed to use it unless you have me permission. Now go back to your common room and get some work done."
Harry smiled at her. She smiled back. The smile was all she needed. As Harry proceeded to open the door with his little hands, Hermione called after him.
"Oh, Harry I'm still not allowing you to the tryouts remember that. However you are definitely allowed in your flying lessons. Ron would kill me if I forbade you that."
Harry looked back at his mum who was now smiling at him a little stiffly.
"I'll be on the team, no matter what you say mum. I already know loads about quidditch more than any other student in school. I can qualify for any position and I'll still get through. Even if I'm not there at the tryouts I'll still make it to the team."
"How would you think that possible?"
The smile was fast disappearing from Hermione's face and her voice was also losing the sweetness. She knew what was happening.
"Because one of your friends did it and - and I've been having special lessons with someone who has guaranteed a berth on the quidditch team."
Harry walked away from the classroom before his mother could get over the shock and start shouting at him again.
Hermione's jaws dropped.
'He's having special quidditch training?' she thought.
Harry went back to his common room not believing his luck. He had got off from detentions and he had got back the box. He had also left his mum confused over the last bit of information. She was sure to be confused over the 'extra quidditch practice' bit.
As he entered the common room he spotted Justin working feverishly over his Potions essay. He also found Alice sitting by the fire reading a book. When he entered Alice looked over the book and saw him with the box under his arm. She had a curious expression written over her face. He however, ignored her.
He went over to Justin and he looked at his face trying to read his expression.
"Oh, hello there Harry. You were pretty qui..."
Justin stopped. His eyes had landed on the box. He looked up and saw a big smile over Harry's face.
"Is that - is it?"
That was all Justin managed to say. Harry just nodded his head. The grin never leaving his face.
Justin squealed with excitement.
"Can I have a look at it Harry? Oh please, Harry can I?"
"Of course you can. I didn't bring it here so that you just gawk at it. Come on let's get to our dormitories so that we can have a proper look at it. I don't think many people will appreciate it if we open it here."
His eyes landed on Alice. Her eyes had never left Harry since he had entered the common room. She saw Justin pack his things up and the two boys rushed up the staircase to their dormitory. She paused for a moment to think and made up her mind.
"If Harry had indeed broken the school rules then he ought to be punished. He had caused enough pain already, it's time he felt some pain."
"Wow, look at all that stuff. I've never seen so many types of snackboxes in my life."
"Yeah, me too. I reckon those are the new creations. Uncle Fred says that the Skiving Snackboxes are the bestsellers. So they always upgrade them every year. You know, making improvements and making new ones."
"And look at the Deflagration Deluxes, I only had a Basic Blaze box once and that was years ago. Mum never allowed us to buy any of the WWW stuff. Said she'd never trust a Weasley product."
"Wonder, why mums are like that. Well now that you've had a good look at this stuff, help yourself."
"What do you mean by help yourself?"
"Take as much as you like, of course."
Justin blushed himself pink.
"I couldn't do that Harry, they sent it to you, for your use. I couldn't take them."
"Listen Justin, they told me that I could give any Gryffindor this stuff. They said that it was for 'promotional purpose'. They want to be a hit at Hogwarts. So they want me to distribute this stuff amongst the students."
Justin frowned.
"What would your mum say?"
"She'll never know. Mum told me not to use it but she never told me not to distribute it."
His face contorted to a mischievous grin.
"Oh, all right then."
Justin reached out and grabbed a handful of the Snackboxes and the Deflagration Deluxes. A sound of a door opening jolted both of them. Both of them spun around to see Alice standing in the doorway.
"What are you doing here? I think I told you that you were not welcome here." Harry spoke coldly.
"Yeah, it's a boys' dormitory you know. We do need a little privacy." Justin quipped.
Alice ignored both of them. She just looked at the open box and the goodies in Justin's hand before turning her attention back at Harry.
"Did you nick it?"
"What's to you? You're the reason I'm in this misery. You're the reason mum and dad keeps crying over me. I'm sorry I showed you Uncle Fred and George's letter. Should've kept it to myself. Then at least I'd be saved from this mess." Harry was now shouting.
"I'm the reason. Well excuse me but if you had even tried any of those stuff then you'd be suspended if not expelled from Hogwarts. I thought I was saving your back but obviously though you didn't think so. You're so stupid Harry that you don't even understand who's looking out for you and what's good for you." Alice bellowed.
"Well thank you very much for looking out for me. Now please stop bothering with my life before you make it a living hell and let me live in peace." Harry added sarcastically.
"And as far as your question is concerned, mum gave it to me. She trusted me with it. I thought you were quite similar to mum, but obviously you aren't. Mum cares for me but you are just a filthy, back stabbing bit..."
He stopped. He couldn't bring that word out of his mouth. He knew it was a foul word and at the present moment Alice deserved every bit of it but still he couldn't say it. He couldn't say something that bad to any girl no matter how bad she was.
Harry still glared at her. Alice however looked shocked. Harry had been on the verge of calling her a 'bitch'. She never expected him to call her like that no matter how bad she had treated her. A rush of memories flowed passed her mind. The times they had been together the past ten years just like brother and sister. She always acted as the older one with more responsibility controlling the prat of her brother even though they were fraternal twins. Silent tears started to pour down her cheeks.
Harry looked at her. She was crying freely. But he felt no remorse. She deserved every bit of it. Maybe she deserved more.
"Now if you have cried enough, get the hell out of our dormitory." Harry ordered.
Alice fled. With a swish of her robes she was out. Harry felt a savage pleasure of seeing Alice run off. He turned to Justin who was looking timid and very frightened.
"That was frightening Harry, very frightening indeed. You were looking as if you were going to blow up or something."
Harry shrugged.
"You would too, if you were in my place."