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Chapter 7
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His first glimpse of the morning was that of a pensive vampire. Severus groaned inwardly. What could the man want now? He had not slept well that night, mainly due to nightmares centering on overgrown leeches. He grimaced That phrase sounded oddly familiar, as if he had used is recently. "What are you doing here?" he asked as harshly as the morning hours would permit.
Irvan took a step back from the bed. "Night terrors," he offered as a way of explanation. He remained watching Snape for anything unusual; his own face remaining unremarkable.
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose as he sat up in bed. "Night terrors," he repeated dully. Obviously his, the creature in his room did not have dreams to speak of. He doubted if they even slept at all. "And what business were they of yours?" he muttered darkly. He had told the man once before never to intrude on his subconscious and expected that direction to be obeyed.
"When they involve you yelling at the top of your lungs every curse imaginable, and directing your ire towards us as a general whole," it responded casually as if waving the whole incident aside as inconsequential. He sounded more in control than last night, but his eyes denoted a strong surge of apprehension.
"Indeed." Snape need some time to think through this. Mostly to try to remember his dreams. He needed to understand why they would have caught the vampire's interest. "Out." He pointed to the bedroom door. Thinking would prove easier without a vampire breathing down his neck. Merlin, that was one experience he never wished to repeat. Hesitantly, Irvan left. He must have been extremely interested in Snape's dreams to have stood over his bed.
He remembered vague points. Vampires, of course. His nightmares were either those or of Voldemort and the actives he had done. Not pretty sights in their own right. Impressions of hatred, nothing new. Horror, somehow felt towards what was happening to the leeches, odd but not entirely impossible. A lot of curses directed at the vampires. Irvan in particular. He had not recalled that upon awakening. Better not to dwell on uncertain topics when dealing with unpredictable creatures. And he effectively closed off any line of thought pertaining to the dream.
Stepping out of the shower, he silently thanked Dumbledore for sending Irvan away with Potter. The last thing he wanted was to interact with the creature anymore than he had to. And that will not include 'feeding' ever again. He suppressed the cold shivers before leaving the bedroom. And he found Irvan pacing along the dormant fireplace.
"Now, about last night," he announced. The startled look was quickly replaced by an aversion of the eyes. Out of shame? Not likely, but he could never be certain. Not with this one. This one was a bit more human than what he considered normal and had actually admitted to having 'human' emotions. Unheard of for most Dark Creatures. "Fifty years?"
Irvan shot him a troubled glance before resuming his pacing. He was lucky vampires tread lightly or there would be a rut in the rug before the day was through. "I was the unlucky recipient of one of Grendelwald's curses," he stated with much disdain and the overwhelming desire to end the conversation immediately.
"Please, go on," Severus sneered dryly.
"As if you would be remotely interested in what would bother a vampire," the answer was tight and angered. He certainly was not in control of all his faculties this morning and Snape wanted to know why.
"Ah, but I am," his tone was mocking but his words sincere; a combination that caused the unflappable vampire to miss a step and Snape did not miss the opportunity to smirk. "Do explain." The look Severus received would have frozen molten lava in an instant. It was nearing twenty years since their last conversation, and there was no point in missing the opportunity to sneer at the creature. Irvan continued to pace, agitated.
"Fine," he finally said, throwing his hand before him in resignation. "Fine, you want to know what's bothering me. Then I'll tell you," he said exasperated. "The curse Grendelwald threw my way has the affect of not allowing me to have sex. Not like you would understand that." Anger was the prominent emotion though others were worming their way to the surface. He thought embarrassment was a close rival. Though the curse did explain quite a lot about his sexual behavior.
"Indeed?" Snape arched an eyebrow. Such a curse exists? "And I thought vampires were in league with Grendelwald."
"We were," he said flatly, fangs still on the offensive. Odd how a minor detail caught his eye. "You couldn't possibly understand," he added reverting to the previous tangent and resumed his pacing.
"Not to the full extent. But you vampires live for blood and sex. I can certainly begin to understand how troubling it must be to have half of your existence ripped away," he replied coolly. What did Irvan do to have Grendelwald take notice with such a punishment? A question that would take an eternity to pry out of the creature.
"You just don't get it," Irvan yelled, almost advancing on Snape. Whatever reserve he had held for his mental state was gone. Severus was trying to figure out if this was because the recent ingestion of human blood into a starving body, or something closer to the man's emotional state he was trying to preserve. "Do you even know how close I came! How close I was to destroying my life! I would have killed you! No. Done worse. Rape you, drain you, then mutilate your corpse. And you sit there drinking tea! Do you have any idea how much I wanted that!"
Nonplused, Severus glared coldly and calmly at the fuming vampire. They were hardly temperamental creatures, but were susceptible to violent mood swings, usually over the trivial matters of sex and food. Never over silly qualms about murder. "If I recall correctly, you were at that state twice last night," he grounded out. Irvan opened his mouth to retort and promptly shut it, eyes smoldering. It was quite true. The first time being in reaction to his declaration of not letting it leave, and the second the moment Irvan bit.
For something that was supposedly dead, he was doing a remarkable job of seeming alive. It was a misconception that vampires were the Dead walking. They were quite alive and able to reproduce outside 'turning' a human or two. Those were brought to the near death state then given the chemicals required to change them. The creatures were abnormally cold to the touch and deathly white due to the small amount of blood running through their veins. They consumed blood because it was the only thing that their sensitive digestive systems could handle. They could take other liquids but those did not provide the needed nutrients. Oh yes, he had learned a remarkable lot from Irvan.
"How can you sit there calmly eating muffins?! If it weren't for those damn Bonds and that curse you would be dead!"
"I can hardly eat muffins in an agitated manner," he responded cooly, sending the vampire into another misstep. It was perhaps the most uncharacteristic comment he had ever said to the man, plus it mocked the other's state perfectly. "Sit," pointing to the chair opposite himself. The vampire glared but obeyed. He was no longer surprised by the man obeying, but he still considered it unusual. Vampires did not do so by nature.
Severus set a cup of tea before the other man. One he had spiked with a calming potion. "Drink." If Irvan suspected anything, he gave no indication. Picking up the china cup he swallowed half. "All of it." Pulling a grimace the vampire downed the rest. Perhaps this would help calm the overly expressive vampire. It could not be healthy for them to be like this. "Now are you ready to don your gentlemanly disposition or should I postpone all attempts at civil conversation?" he remarked snidely.
Irvan's glare had calmed down and was now merely at the level of a glacier. The same gaze he himself was capable of when angered. "This is hardly a conversation that can be civil," he returned icily.
"Good, you are actually trying to make an effort," Severus sneered. Irvan worked at keeping his facial features in a careful mask, failing miserably. He decided now was as good a time as any to brief the man in what he will partake in. "Dumbledore is suppose to tell Potter that he is leaving this afternoon with the Weasleys. No one but myself and Dumbledore are going to know about the arrangements. This is to keep all suspicions off of you. The werewolf cannot scent you while your a spider, correct?" Irvan nodded. "Good. He has also sent a letter to Hagrid about the 'gift' in case those two go asking. Any questions?"
"When did you have this conversation with the Headmaster?" Irvan asked sharply.
"After everyone left his office yesterday."
"I resent being someone's pet," he hissed.
Severus choked on a laugh. "I suppose that is what you will be doing. Have Potter tell you about Peter Petigrew sometime. The rat made quite a life out of being someone's pet. I'd introduce you to the Death Eater but he is far to close to the Dark Lord. Sometime soon an owl will be here to take you as an early birthday present." Peter Petigrew, Wormtail. Unfortunately he had to give create to Black's story now that the rat has made his appearance at the Dark Lord's side. Wormtail was now one of the highest positioned Death Eater in the Inner Circle. Malfoy was still Voldemort's right hand man and Snape had been kicked to the bottom. Trust in him seemed to be waning.
"Charming." The now sullen vampire slouched in his chair. The potion did calm him down, but had placed him in a small depression. Snape should have taken in to consideration the vampire's volatile mood swings and lessen the intended dose. The potion would settle itself in a few hours unless Irvan corrected it himself. Severus sat sipping his tea and contemplating on how to keep Potter from revealing anything he saw through those blasted visions. He wasn't sure how much time had past when there was a fluttering noise near the ceiling.
"Ah, here it is now," he said as a tawny brown owl swooped in from the high open window. In its claws it bore a letter and a box, no doubt containing a cage. Opening it, he gestured at the vampire. "Get in."
"Your bloody well enjoying this," he sulked, staring incredulously at the small wire cage.
"Of course I am. I never did tell you, I found your display that night quite entertaining. Now get in." Irvan grumbled something that Severus could not translate, probably for the best, and transformed into a black tarantula. Hissing at the wizard, it made its way into the small cage. "Think of it this way. At least you are not chained to it." That set the tarantula on a hissing tirade as Snape placed it back in the box.
* * * * * *
Dear Harry,
Thought I'd send this early seeing as how I'll be busy from now 'til well after yer birthday. It's quite harmless. Happy Birthday. Oh and tell Hermione and Ron I say hello.
Hagrid
Harry put the note down. It was definitely from Hagrid, the wild scrawl was unmistakable. He and Ron and the rest of the Weasley tribe, aside from Percy and Mr. Weasley were on the front steps waiting for Dumbledore to send them off.
"So what is it?" Ron pushed, eager to see the gift. Curious as to what Hagrid had sent and why he was so busy, Harry studied the box. Anything Hagrid called harmless had to be looked at closely. Cautiously he opened the box and pulled out the cage with the disgruntled spider. "Hagrid sent this," he said apprehensively.
"He said it was harmless," he quoted the letter doubtfully, studying the hairy black spider. There was a silver shine to its eyes and striking white highlights on each of its eight legs. They were the most unusual markings Harry had ever seen, denoting the spider was some sort of magical creature.
"Then it won't kill you unless provoked," Ron reasoned based on Hagrid's choice of pets.
"That seems to be a general rule."
"So does it have a name," Ginny asked poking at it, causing it to draw back on itself.
"Doesn't say. How about Evan?" He had called a tiny brown spider in his room at the Dursleys that. At least it had been there for a few weeks. Aunt Petunia might have gone to clean out the room after he had left and he hope the thing had gotten away.
"That's boring."
"But it makes the thing less menacing, Gin. At least until you see it."
"Sort of reminds you of Fluffy," Harry quipped, making Ron grimace in remembrance of the giant three headed dog. "I'll call him Evan." The black tarantula somehow look grateful at the decision, at least it wasn't hissing anymore. For some reason Harry's thoughts went back and questioned how that vampire was going to keep watch over him. Probably the same way it had while he was at the Dursleys, however that was. Harry trusted Dumbledore and if Dumbledore trusted Snape when it came to the Creature of the Night, then who was he to question. He still didn't think the Potions Professor deserved to be trusted, not after seeing that despicable display.
"Still say it's a stupid name for a spider," Ginny whined. "Hey, look! A dog!"
Both Ron and Harry turned to where she was pointing. "That's just Snuffles, dear. I believe its a friend of Professor Dumbledore's," Mrs. Weasley explained.
Snuffles immediately left to entourage of faulty following the headmaster and leapt on Ron and Harry, licking furiously. "Cut it out, Snuffles. It's not like I'm not going to see you in a few weeks," Harry said playfully shoving his Godfather off of him.
"Quite so," Lupin said, "We're planning to come visit you on your birthday."
"Great!" It would be his first birthday where he would be able to spend with his Godfather. Still grinning he watched Snuffles went to investigate Hagrid's gift. He obviously did not like what he smelt. Pulling the dog back not wanting his Godfather to be harmed by the spider, he said, "It's just a gift from Hagrid. It's harmless."
"In that case, don't make it mad," Remus jibed.
"That's exactly what I told him. It won't kill you unless provoked," Ron said.
"Then it's a good thing you pulled Snuffles away from it."
"Now, Harry," Dumbledore came in to the conversation. "Do you have everything?"
"I think so, sir. If not I'll just wait 'til I come back."
"Very good. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and be sure to tell us if anything happens."
"Will do. Thanks."
"Fred, George, get Harry's trunk, will you," Mrs. Weasley said. Harry wave good bye to the staff and climbed into the horseless carriage behind Ron.
"Mum won't let you floo back to the Burrow," Ron was saying, "She never could tolerate letting someone who's been sick use the Network. So we're taking the train back to London where Dad is waiting with a car. But you don't mind do you?"
"Of course not. I hate the Floo Network and I don't mind saying so. So, how's Hedwig?"
"She's doing just fine. Misses you, I suspect."
Ginny piped in saying, "I told her you were coming and she was ecstatic. She was almost as crazy as Pig. And that's hard to do."
"Ron, have you spoken to Hermione recently. I'm afraid I haven't been keeping up with everything."
"Yeah, she went to visit Krum earlier in the summer, but will come to visit when we go to get our school stuff. She said she liked Bulgaria, but Krum was slightly annoying, spending most of his days playing Quidditch. I'll let you read some of her letters. We felt bad not being able to send you any owls."
"Don't be. Uncle Vernon probably would have shot any Owl that came near the house."
"You have your Firebolt with you?"
"Of course. You don't think I would pass up a chance to play Quidditch now that I am out of that house."
"Great! Somehow Fred and George managed to buy used Twiggers. They're in much better condition than our old ones."
"Yep," George, or Harry thought it was George, said. "We've been wanting to test them against your Firebolt. The old Cleansweaps are nothing compared to these."
"They were fixed up by the previous owners to perform just as well as a Nimbus 2000. Just think of the mayhem we go do with them," Fred joined.
"Neither one of you are going to divulge in mayhem," Mrs. Weasley broke in. "The damage you do around the house is enough as it is."
"Oh, look, we're at the station," Fred said leaping from the carriage. Harry suspected the quick exit was to avoid answering any awkward questions.
"Yeah," George said, "want to make sure Harry's truck gets on in time." And he was following after his twin.
"Don't know what's gotten in to them," Ron said mounting the platform steps. "The moment you start talking about were and how some of those things they got came into being the go running off. If I didn't know better I say all of it was illegal. But they have receipts for it all."
Harry tried hard no to smile. It seems the Weasley Twins were putting the winnings to more uses than their future prank shop and Ron's new dress robes. He reminded himself to accuse them of buying those brooms for Ron and Ginny to use after they graduated. He wished he had siblings, younger or older.
"Come on," Ron pulled on his sleeve. "There aren't many people on this train. We can grab a compartment for ourselves. Then you can tell me about what happened to you over the summer," he added in a low whisper. Ron had been polite about not demanding explanations until they were alone. Harry was grateful for that. He didn't really want to reveal the truth about everything, but his friend deserved to know more than 'he was sick.' A private compartment was just the place.
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Disclaimer: The 'muffin scene' is taken from "The Importance of Being Earnest." It is not an exact quote but close enough. I thought it would add an amusing little conversation point.
Chapter 7
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His first glimpse of the morning was that of a pensive vampire. Severus groaned inwardly. What could the man want now? He had not slept well that night, mainly due to nightmares centering on overgrown leeches. He grimaced That phrase sounded oddly familiar, as if he had used is recently. "What are you doing here?" he asked as harshly as the morning hours would permit.
Irvan took a step back from the bed. "Night terrors," he offered as a way of explanation. He remained watching Snape for anything unusual; his own face remaining unremarkable.
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose as he sat up in bed. "Night terrors," he repeated dully. Obviously his, the creature in his room did not have dreams to speak of. He doubted if they even slept at all. "And what business were they of yours?" he muttered darkly. He had told the man once before never to intrude on his subconscious and expected that direction to be obeyed.
"When they involve you yelling at the top of your lungs every curse imaginable, and directing your ire towards us as a general whole," it responded casually as if waving the whole incident aside as inconsequential. He sounded more in control than last night, but his eyes denoted a strong surge of apprehension.
"Indeed." Snape need some time to think through this. Mostly to try to remember his dreams. He needed to understand why they would have caught the vampire's interest. "Out." He pointed to the bedroom door. Thinking would prove easier without a vampire breathing down his neck. Merlin, that was one experience he never wished to repeat. Hesitantly, Irvan left. He must have been extremely interested in Snape's dreams to have stood over his bed.
He remembered vague points. Vampires, of course. His nightmares were either those or of Voldemort and the actives he had done. Not pretty sights in their own right. Impressions of hatred, nothing new. Horror, somehow felt towards what was happening to the leeches, odd but not entirely impossible. A lot of curses directed at the vampires. Irvan in particular. He had not recalled that upon awakening. Better not to dwell on uncertain topics when dealing with unpredictable creatures. And he effectively closed off any line of thought pertaining to the dream.
Stepping out of the shower, he silently thanked Dumbledore for sending Irvan away with Potter. The last thing he wanted was to interact with the creature anymore than he had to. And that will not include 'feeding' ever again. He suppressed the cold shivers before leaving the bedroom. And he found Irvan pacing along the dormant fireplace.
"Now, about last night," he announced. The startled look was quickly replaced by an aversion of the eyes. Out of shame? Not likely, but he could never be certain. Not with this one. This one was a bit more human than what he considered normal and had actually admitted to having 'human' emotions. Unheard of for most Dark Creatures. "Fifty years?"
Irvan shot him a troubled glance before resuming his pacing. He was lucky vampires tread lightly or there would be a rut in the rug before the day was through. "I was the unlucky recipient of one of Grendelwald's curses," he stated with much disdain and the overwhelming desire to end the conversation immediately.
"Please, go on," Severus sneered dryly.
"As if you would be remotely interested in what would bother a vampire," the answer was tight and angered. He certainly was not in control of all his faculties this morning and Snape wanted to know why.
"Ah, but I am," his tone was mocking but his words sincere; a combination that caused the unflappable vampire to miss a step and Snape did not miss the opportunity to smirk. "Do explain." The look Severus received would have frozen molten lava in an instant. It was nearing twenty years since their last conversation, and there was no point in missing the opportunity to sneer at the creature. Irvan continued to pace, agitated.
"Fine," he finally said, throwing his hand before him in resignation. "Fine, you want to know what's bothering me. Then I'll tell you," he said exasperated. "The curse Grendelwald threw my way has the affect of not allowing me to have sex. Not like you would understand that." Anger was the prominent emotion though others were worming their way to the surface. He thought embarrassment was a close rival. Though the curse did explain quite a lot about his sexual behavior.
"Indeed?" Snape arched an eyebrow. Such a curse exists? "And I thought vampires were in league with Grendelwald."
"We were," he said flatly, fangs still on the offensive. Odd how a minor detail caught his eye. "You couldn't possibly understand," he added reverting to the previous tangent and resumed his pacing.
"Not to the full extent. But you vampires live for blood and sex. I can certainly begin to understand how troubling it must be to have half of your existence ripped away," he replied coolly. What did Irvan do to have Grendelwald take notice with such a punishment? A question that would take an eternity to pry out of the creature.
"You just don't get it," Irvan yelled, almost advancing on Snape. Whatever reserve he had held for his mental state was gone. Severus was trying to figure out if this was because the recent ingestion of human blood into a starving body, or something closer to the man's emotional state he was trying to preserve. "Do you even know how close I came! How close I was to destroying my life! I would have killed you! No. Done worse. Rape you, drain you, then mutilate your corpse. And you sit there drinking tea! Do you have any idea how much I wanted that!"
Nonplused, Severus glared coldly and calmly at the fuming vampire. They were hardly temperamental creatures, but were susceptible to violent mood swings, usually over the trivial matters of sex and food. Never over silly qualms about murder. "If I recall correctly, you were at that state twice last night," he grounded out. Irvan opened his mouth to retort and promptly shut it, eyes smoldering. It was quite true. The first time being in reaction to his declaration of not letting it leave, and the second the moment Irvan bit.
For something that was supposedly dead, he was doing a remarkable job of seeming alive. It was a misconception that vampires were the Dead walking. They were quite alive and able to reproduce outside 'turning' a human or two. Those were brought to the near death state then given the chemicals required to change them. The creatures were abnormally cold to the touch and deathly white due to the small amount of blood running through their veins. They consumed blood because it was the only thing that their sensitive digestive systems could handle. They could take other liquids but those did not provide the needed nutrients. Oh yes, he had learned a remarkable lot from Irvan.
"How can you sit there calmly eating muffins?! If it weren't for those damn Bonds and that curse you would be dead!"
"I can hardly eat muffins in an agitated manner," he responded cooly, sending the vampire into another misstep. It was perhaps the most uncharacteristic comment he had ever said to the man, plus it mocked the other's state perfectly. "Sit," pointing to the chair opposite himself. The vampire glared but obeyed. He was no longer surprised by the man obeying, but he still considered it unusual. Vampires did not do so by nature.
Severus set a cup of tea before the other man. One he had spiked with a calming potion. "Drink." If Irvan suspected anything, he gave no indication. Picking up the china cup he swallowed half. "All of it." Pulling a grimace the vampire downed the rest. Perhaps this would help calm the overly expressive vampire. It could not be healthy for them to be like this. "Now are you ready to don your gentlemanly disposition or should I postpone all attempts at civil conversation?" he remarked snidely.
Irvan's glare had calmed down and was now merely at the level of a glacier. The same gaze he himself was capable of when angered. "This is hardly a conversation that can be civil," he returned icily.
"Good, you are actually trying to make an effort," Severus sneered. Irvan worked at keeping his facial features in a careful mask, failing miserably. He decided now was as good a time as any to brief the man in what he will partake in. "Dumbledore is suppose to tell Potter that he is leaving this afternoon with the Weasleys. No one but myself and Dumbledore are going to know about the arrangements. This is to keep all suspicions off of you. The werewolf cannot scent you while your a spider, correct?" Irvan nodded. "Good. He has also sent a letter to Hagrid about the 'gift' in case those two go asking. Any questions?"
"When did you have this conversation with the Headmaster?" Irvan asked sharply.
"After everyone left his office yesterday."
"I resent being someone's pet," he hissed.
Severus choked on a laugh. "I suppose that is what you will be doing. Have Potter tell you about Peter Petigrew sometime. The rat made quite a life out of being someone's pet. I'd introduce you to the Death Eater but he is far to close to the Dark Lord. Sometime soon an owl will be here to take you as an early birthday present." Peter Petigrew, Wormtail. Unfortunately he had to give create to Black's story now that the rat has made his appearance at the Dark Lord's side. Wormtail was now one of the highest positioned Death Eater in the Inner Circle. Malfoy was still Voldemort's right hand man and Snape had been kicked to the bottom. Trust in him seemed to be waning.
"Charming." The now sullen vampire slouched in his chair. The potion did calm him down, but had placed him in a small depression. Snape should have taken in to consideration the vampire's volatile mood swings and lessen the intended dose. The potion would settle itself in a few hours unless Irvan corrected it himself. Severus sat sipping his tea and contemplating on how to keep Potter from revealing anything he saw through those blasted visions. He wasn't sure how much time had past when there was a fluttering noise near the ceiling.
"Ah, here it is now," he said as a tawny brown owl swooped in from the high open window. In its claws it bore a letter and a box, no doubt containing a cage. Opening it, he gestured at the vampire. "Get in."
"Your bloody well enjoying this," he sulked, staring incredulously at the small wire cage.
"Of course I am. I never did tell you, I found your display that night quite entertaining. Now get in." Irvan grumbled something that Severus could not translate, probably for the best, and transformed into a black tarantula. Hissing at the wizard, it made its way into the small cage. "Think of it this way. At least you are not chained to it." That set the tarantula on a hissing tirade as Snape placed it back in the box.
* * * * * *
Dear Harry,
Thought I'd send this early seeing as how I'll be busy from now 'til well after yer birthday. It's quite harmless. Happy Birthday. Oh and tell Hermione and Ron I say hello.
Hagrid
Harry put the note down. It was definitely from Hagrid, the wild scrawl was unmistakable. He and Ron and the rest of the Weasley tribe, aside from Percy and Mr. Weasley were on the front steps waiting for Dumbledore to send them off.
"So what is it?" Ron pushed, eager to see the gift. Curious as to what Hagrid had sent and why he was so busy, Harry studied the box. Anything Hagrid called harmless had to be looked at closely. Cautiously he opened the box and pulled out the cage with the disgruntled spider. "Hagrid sent this," he said apprehensively.
"He said it was harmless," he quoted the letter doubtfully, studying the hairy black spider. There was a silver shine to its eyes and striking white highlights on each of its eight legs. They were the most unusual markings Harry had ever seen, denoting the spider was some sort of magical creature.
"Then it won't kill you unless provoked," Ron reasoned based on Hagrid's choice of pets.
"That seems to be a general rule."
"So does it have a name," Ginny asked poking at it, causing it to draw back on itself.
"Doesn't say. How about Evan?" He had called a tiny brown spider in his room at the Dursleys that. At least it had been there for a few weeks. Aunt Petunia might have gone to clean out the room after he had left and he hope the thing had gotten away.
"That's boring."
"But it makes the thing less menacing, Gin. At least until you see it."
"Sort of reminds you of Fluffy," Harry quipped, making Ron grimace in remembrance of the giant three headed dog. "I'll call him Evan." The black tarantula somehow look grateful at the decision, at least it wasn't hissing anymore. For some reason Harry's thoughts went back and questioned how that vampire was going to keep watch over him. Probably the same way it had while he was at the Dursleys, however that was. Harry trusted Dumbledore and if Dumbledore trusted Snape when it came to the Creature of the Night, then who was he to question. He still didn't think the Potions Professor deserved to be trusted, not after seeing that despicable display.
"Still say it's a stupid name for a spider," Ginny whined. "Hey, look! A dog!"
Both Ron and Harry turned to where she was pointing. "That's just Snuffles, dear. I believe its a friend of Professor Dumbledore's," Mrs. Weasley explained.
Snuffles immediately left to entourage of faulty following the headmaster and leapt on Ron and Harry, licking furiously. "Cut it out, Snuffles. It's not like I'm not going to see you in a few weeks," Harry said playfully shoving his Godfather off of him.
"Quite so," Lupin said, "We're planning to come visit you on your birthday."
"Great!" It would be his first birthday where he would be able to spend with his Godfather. Still grinning he watched Snuffles went to investigate Hagrid's gift. He obviously did not like what he smelt. Pulling the dog back not wanting his Godfather to be harmed by the spider, he said, "It's just a gift from Hagrid. It's harmless."
"In that case, don't make it mad," Remus jibed.
"That's exactly what I told him. It won't kill you unless provoked," Ron said.
"Then it's a good thing you pulled Snuffles away from it."
"Now, Harry," Dumbledore came in to the conversation. "Do you have everything?"
"I think so, sir. If not I'll just wait 'til I come back."
"Very good. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and be sure to tell us if anything happens."
"Will do. Thanks."
"Fred, George, get Harry's trunk, will you," Mrs. Weasley said. Harry wave good bye to the staff and climbed into the horseless carriage behind Ron.
"Mum won't let you floo back to the Burrow," Ron was saying, "She never could tolerate letting someone who's been sick use the Network. So we're taking the train back to London where Dad is waiting with a car. But you don't mind do you?"
"Of course not. I hate the Floo Network and I don't mind saying so. So, how's Hedwig?"
"She's doing just fine. Misses you, I suspect."
Ginny piped in saying, "I told her you were coming and she was ecstatic. She was almost as crazy as Pig. And that's hard to do."
"Ron, have you spoken to Hermione recently. I'm afraid I haven't been keeping up with everything."
"Yeah, she went to visit Krum earlier in the summer, but will come to visit when we go to get our school stuff. She said she liked Bulgaria, but Krum was slightly annoying, spending most of his days playing Quidditch. I'll let you read some of her letters. We felt bad not being able to send you any owls."
"Don't be. Uncle Vernon probably would have shot any Owl that came near the house."
"You have your Firebolt with you?"
"Of course. You don't think I would pass up a chance to play Quidditch now that I am out of that house."
"Great! Somehow Fred and George managed to buy used Twiggers. They're in much better condition than our old ones."
"Yep," George, or Harry thought it was George, said. "We've been wanting to test them against your Firebolt. The old Cleansweaps are nothing compared to these."
"They were fixed up by the previous owners to perform just as well as a Nimbus 2000. Just think of the mayhem we go do with them," Fred joined.
"Neither one of you are going to divulge in mayhem," Mrs. Weasley broke in. "The damage you do around the house is enough as it is."
"Oh, look, we're at the station," Fred said leaping from the carriage. Harry suspected the quick exit was to avoid answering any awkward questions.
"Yeah," George said, "want to make sure Harry's truck gets on in time." And he was following after his twin.
"Don't know what's gotten in to them," Ron said mounting the platform steps. "The moment you start talking about were and how some of those things they got came into being the go running off. If I didn't know better I say all of it was illegal. But they have receipts for it all."
Harry tried hard no to smile. It seems the Weasley Twins were putting the winnings to more uses than their future prank shop and Ron's new dress robes. He reminded himself to accuse them of buying those brooms for Ron and Ginny to use after they graduated. He wished he had siblings, younger or older.
"Come on," Ron pulled on his sleeve. "There aren't many people on this train. We can grab a compartment for ourselves. Then you can tell me about what happened to you over the summer," he added in a low whisper. Ron had been polite about not demanding explanations until they were alone. Harry was grateful for that. He didn't really want to reveal the truth about everything, but his friend deserved to know more than 'he was sick.' A private compartment was just the place.
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Disclaimer: The 'muffin scene' is taken from "The Importance of Being Earnest." It is not an exact quote but close enough. I thought it would add an amusing little conversation point.