Chapter 28
Home With Family
Trunks packed, students dressed in cloaks and hats with mittens, people milling about in the common room. In a seat near by the fire, sat Harry and Mark, they were glad that they had packed earlier in the day or things would be lost. Like right now, where students were scrambling around for their missing things.
Harry and Mark watched on with amusement on their faces. Some of their fellow Gryffindors shot them nasty looks for not being helpful in the slight. Mark gave Harry a grin, which he returned and chuckled. Hermione and Ron came up to them, heaving trunks and panting slightly.
"Could have at least helped me find my pair of my favorite socks!" said Ron, glaring but without malice. Harry laughed at him, "oh go on, and laugh then mate," grumbled Ron.
"Sorry, it's been a funny morning so far," said Harry, still grinning. He was actually going home. Home for the holidays. Professor Conan came through the portrait, causing everyone to fall quiet for their respective Head of House.
"You may get on the train," people began to clamor for the door with heavy trunks. "However, please do so one at a time, how about first years go first?" Harry had to appreciate the professor; otherwise, it would be like the repeat of last time when there was an attack at the Ministry. Flailing wands everywhere and Fat Lady had not been at all pleased.
Slowly, the students began to filter out of the common room, and when it finally came to sixth years, Harry crawled out of the room with his trunk. He knew that Mark was waiting outside by the train. 'Or perhaps inside a compartment with Remus and Sirius,' thought Harry, going down the stairs. Harry supposed he would have to be thankful that the house elves at least brought the trunks up. He almost pitied the Slytherins when he thought of the dungeons, and snickered to himself.
"What're you laughing about mate?" asked Ron.
"Imagine, Slytherins dragging their trunks up the stairs," said Harry.
"Oh, that's so horrible," said Ron, laughing as his own trunk thunked down the stairs easily. "I almost feel sorry for them."
"So do I Ron, so do I," said Harry. "So, you're going to the Burrow right?"
"Yeah mate," said Ron, affirming.
"And I'm going to Japan for the holidays with my parents. Oh, it will be so fascinating!" Silence fell upon them when she mentioned Japan.
"Er - you're going to look up some stuff right?" asked Harry, thinking about Tengu.
"Of course, the best information to get is from the source," said Hermione.
"Well, do be careful Hermione," said Harry.
"Of course I will, I - I - Ron, please don't get angry," she said, looking at Ron warily.
"Why would I be?" asked Ron, frowning, slowing his steps on the stairs.
"Victor Krum is going to be, my sort of body guard, of course, we are only friends you know," she said hastily, seeing the reddening on Ron's ears.
"Right, friends… okay Hermione, I trust you with Victor," said Ron, visibly swallowing the lump in his throat, along with his pride.
"Oh thank you so much Ron!" she dropped the trunk and kissed him on the lips. Loud screams issued as the dropped trunk began to fall down the long winding stairs. "Oh no," she said, worriedly, pulling her wand out. But Harry was faster, and yelled a charm.
"Gelosilium!" he froze the trunk in midair fall, nearly landing on one of the fifth year's head, more specifically, Ginny. Ginny visibly paled at how close the trunk had been to falling on her head.
"Hermione Granger! Really!" screeched Professor McGonagall, from the top. Hermione made herself small, flushing with embarrassment. Harry sighed in relief when he saw no one was hurt. They had been really lucky. Harry used the summoning charm and gave the trunk back to Hermione.
"Do be careful next time," said Harry, as he caught up with Ginny. "You all right Ginny?" asked Harry.
"Y-yes, thank you, I seem to have the worse luck when it comes to trunks and packing…"
"No kidding, first you erm… forgot that book in your first year," said Ron hastily, "and then your fourth year, the twins…"
"I know, I know Ron," said Ginny, heaving a sigh. Harry remarked to himself, that Ginny had gotten much better since the Secret of Chambers and Tom Riddle. He had to give the girl some props for being resilient. He supposed that he, himself, a resilient person as well. When they finally reached Entrance Hall and outside. The group got themselves a carriage, seeing that Mark had all ready gone on with the other carriages. Harry stared at the threstral in front of him, chills running down his spine.
The dragon-horse pulled on the carriage and moved toward the train station in Hogsmeade. Harry, Ron, Ginny and Hermione chatted of what they were looking forward to over the holidays. As well as wondering what Tengu or Voldemort would do during the holidays. Harry sincerely hope not, since he would actually celebrate the holidays with his real family. He would be damned if anyone tries to interfere with his vacation from Hogwarts. Granted he loved the castle, but Harry felt tiresome from all the projects, schoolwork and countless others had drained him. Sighing in peace, at least he would not have to worry so much about schoolwork. Now he would have to do something on how to organize his disorganized schedule and budgeting time.
Arriving in train station, everyone stopped talking and began to get out once the threstral stopped moving. Getting their trunks and dragged onto the train, Harry searched for Mark as he set the trunk up above the compartments. At the end of the car, he found Mark waving for him. Nodding to him and Harry told his friends that Mark had reserved a compartment for them at the end of the car.
"Good ol' Mark, I didn't want to find a compartment right now," said Ron, wiping his hands off dust on his cloak. The four of them made way to Mark, who stood by the door of the compartment. The five of them sat down on the seats. A moment later, Luna peered around into the compartment and smiled.
"Hello, may I join you?" asked Luna, sounding more serene than ever.
"Of course," said Harry before anyone could say no. "You are most welcomed."
"Thank you Harry, there was no compartment left for me to sit in," said Luna. "So, where are you going for this winter holiday?"
"Home with my family," said Harry. "What about you?"
"Really? I thought…" Luna began, frowning.
"Someone took me in," said Harry, grinning and looked at Mark. "And my cousin too."
"Oh, that's wonderful news! Harry Potter has a family, oh that is such a great news!" said Luna, looking much happier than moments ago. "Oh, for my holidays, I'm going to France to find some heliopaths. Apparently the old Minister never had an army of heliopaths," said Luna, with a hint of serious in her eyes. Harry quickly looked at Hermione, who was trying not to laugh or make any derogatory marks.
"That sounds like fun," said Harry, sounding interested. Though on the inside, he wanted to laugh out loud for Luna's innocence and then frowned. He wished he could have that, things would have been so much easier in life. He supposed that he couldn't have everything especially when Voldemort had marked him as his equal. Heaving a sigh mentally, he looked out the window, as the landscape untangling itself and smoother. There were a lot of snow on the ground, pure black everywhere as the train traveled south.
He really wished he hadn't cast the Black Area charm, he wanted to enjoy the snow, and found that he couldn't. Sighing to himself and turned his attention to his friends.
After several hours of chatting, playing exploding snaps, gobstones and using twin's newest pranks, which had everyone in fits of laughter, one of the pranks had turned Ron into a black widow spider the size of a Quaffle. To say that Ron was freaked out is an understatement. Ron was in hysteria, running all over the seat that he had been occupying only moments ago. The spell only lasted for five minutes, but long enough to cause any damage.
"I'll kill them!" yelled Ron as soon as he got his voice back. "I'll really kill them!"
"Ron, please!" said Hermione, alarmed by Ron.
"That was sick, horrifying and not to mention a bad joke of them to do that to me!" said Ron, clutching his fists. His ears were the color of flames as his face screwed up in extreme anger.
"Ron, come on really, what's to be scared of? They're only spiders…" said Mark.
"Only Spiders? ONLY SPIDERS?! What, are you mad Mark?" asked Ron furiously. Harry sighed, he didn't really want to do this, but this had reminded him of Sirius when the Dementors came on the flat. Harry casually pulled his wand out and pointed at Ron who was about to open his mouth in protest and confusion.
"Stupefy, it's for your own good Ron," said Harry as Ron fell limp to the ground.
"Harry! You - you shouldn't have done that! Oh Ron," said Hermione, bending down to Ron. "I suppose there's a bit of reasoning in that…"
"Why do I sense a déjà vu?" asked Mark suddenly.
"That would be because Sirius was in the similar situation," replied Harry.
"Oh yeah…" said Mark, leaning back in his seat. "How much further?"
"About twenty minutes I believe," said Hermione, looking outside. Indeed, there were more and more muggle houses appearing and roads twisted into view. "When should we wake him up?"
"When the train stops of course," said Harry, sitting back and relaxing as he watch the passing scenery. Then he realized that Malfoy nor his cronies had bothered them at all during the journey. Frowning at that thought but merely shrugged it off. He supposed he would see them later after the holidays. When the train gave a hissing as the brakes slowed to a stop, did Harry wake Ron up with the Enervation spell. Ron looked at him dazedly at first, and then he sat up quickly, anger returning into his eyes.
"Harry! Why did you do that?!" asked Ron.
"I had to, plus you wouldn't calm down so I had to stun you for the time being. Anyways, we're here."
"How long was I out?" asked Ron.
"About twenty minutes," replied Harry, as he got out of the compartment.
"Oh…" said Ron, is following him. Everyone got their trunks down and dragged through the door. On the platform, he found Sirius, Remus, the Weasleys and Hermione's parents. Grinning, Harry came to them.
"Hey," said Harry.
"Oh Harry, how are you dear?" asked Mrs. Weasley, concerned.
"I'm fine, really," said Harry, when he saw that she seemed not to believe him.
"Oh all right, you take care won't you?" asked Mrs. Weasley.
"Of course," nodded Harry.
"Harry, we're going to have a Christmas party at my house, the Weasleys are invited as well. I don't suppose you Grangers will be able to?"
"I'm sorry, but we can't. We're going to Japan," said Mrs. Granger, giving a sad smile.
"That's what she had told me. She sounds really excited," said Remus, smiling.
"Yes, I know," chuckled Mrs. Granger. Hermione flushed light pink in the background and Harry had to snicker lightly by the looks of Hermione. She flashed him a pout look, causing to make Harry laugh harder.
"Oh don't be so rude Harry," she said, huffing.
"Sorry, I suppose we all should go? Hermione, you'll write us won't you?"
"Are you mad, the owls would take forever to get from Japan to England!" said Hermione, horrified.
"Oh, that's true, well be careful okay?" said Harry.
"Yeah Hermione, if Victor…" began Ron.
"I know, I know, I will be able to take care of myself, thank you very much," she said, giving Ron a kiss goodbye. "Now Happy Christmas Ron," she said, "oh and do behave." She said, as an afterthought.
"Hermione!" said Ron exasperatedly. Hermione gave him a smile, which made Ron flush slightly. Earning laughs from everyone around them.
"Okay, I better go, goodbye," said Hermione, pushing her trolley through the barrier with her parents. Harry felt something felt not right, watching her go, but he shook the feeling away as he turned to Remus and Sirius.
"How are we getting there?" asked Harry.
"Portkey," said Remus, pulling an old atenna that used to be part of a radio, out of his pocket. "We have about two minutes before this goes off."
"Okay, well bye Ginny, bye Ron, we might even see you guys tomorrow," said Harry.
"Okay mate," said Ron, nodding. Mrs. Weasley and the family walked out through the barrier into the muggle world. Harry faced Mark and nodded.
"All right, we have about thirty seconds so touch this now," said Remus, holding the portkey out. When the four of them touched the portkey, Harry felt the hook behind his navel and pulled through the whirl of dark grey and wind blowing in his ears. Then he landed almost gracefully but Sirius had knocked him down from behind, causing to lose his foothold and fell over his own feet.
"Arugh!" yelped Harry as he collided into something hard. Wincing in pain, he looked up, rubbing his head. He realized he had crashed into a fireplace, of all things.
"Harry, are you okay?" asked Sirius, worried as he crawled over to him.
"Ah, I - I will be fine," said Harry, trying to reassure him.
"Okay, I think we should … " Remus said, waving his wand as Harry felt something cold on his head where he had crashed. Harry tried to feel for what was the thing was, only to find that he touched his own forehead. "It's a charm," said Remus, clearly seeing the confusion on his face.
"Oh," said Harry. Harry looked around, and found that it was a modest home. Neither too fancy nor too shabby. He knew that Remus did not have a lot of money, but the sheer size of his home seems adequate to the four males in the house. "Wow, nice place," said Harry, looking around. There were some sofas by the fire, a table in the next room surrounded by six chairs. Harry began to explore the house, followed by other three, with Remus flushing slightly. Harry found the kitchen was small, but not horribly tiny, but enough.
Harry climbed up the stairs adjacent from the kitchen door and found that there were two bedrooms, an office and a full bathroom. Harry liked the house so far, because it really felt like a real home. However, he could not really see the portraits on the wall because of his magic. Frowning, he would have to take another look when everything is back to normal color. He turned to Remus, smiling.
"I love it," said Harry.
"I'm glad," said Remus, sounding relieved somewhat.
"I like it too," said Mark.
"See, they love the house, you needn't worry!" said Sirius, grinning. Remus only mocked-scowled as he flushed even more.
"You're right, I had been somewhat worried by your reactions…" admitted Remus.
"You shouldn't have," said Harry, shaking his head. "It's a really nice place. Granted, I can't tell what's within the portrait right now."
"Courtesy by you of course," said Mark, earning a scowl from Harry, but without malice. The boys settled in, as Harry claimed the top bunk.
"Oh no fair," said Mark, pouting.
"Ah Mark, I think I should have the top bunk anyways," said Harry, taking stuff out of his trunk to make their room more personal-fied.
"Fine," said Mark, giving up, as he helped to make the room more at home. Harry made a mental note to add some posters on the walls. He couldn't believe that he had a room, however he had to share, but a room nonetheless. Feeling more content than ever, he turned to Mark and saw him finishing up the room as well. Harry grinned and picked Mark up and began to tickle him. He really wished he had this much fun when younger. Mark laughed as he tried to get away from Harry's grasps, which would not loosen until Mark gave in.
Which is precisely what Mark had done and Harry showed no mercy in tickling him. He felt something whacking at his head with a pillow. Alarmed, he looked back and found Sirius joining the fun. Laughing, he attacked Sirius with his tickling maneuvers. Sirius nearly succeeded in escaping his wrath, but the pillow from his side distracted him and Harry attacked right then. Remus whacked Harry with the pillow.
"Whoops, sorry, that was for Sirius!" said Remus as Mark tried to get a pillow from the bed. "Oh no you don't!" exclaimed Remus, thwacking Mark with his pillow. Pouting, Mark tried to get away from Remus, the fun between the four continued for nearly two hours.
"Okay, I give up," said Sirius, falling to the floor and lay in star-shaped.
"Me too," huffed Remus, lying next to Sirius. Harry lay down as well, Mark had been tired out a few minutes ago, the four of them were too tired to even smile anymore.
"W-what do you suggest we do now?" asked Sirius.
"I don't know, I'm not cooking," said Remus, sounding as though he was trying to sleep.
"Remus!" exclaimed Sirius and Harry.
"I'm hungry," complained Sirius.
"Go get your own Padfoot," said Remus.
"Moony…" whined Sirius.
"Mr. Moony does not feel like cooking today," said Remus.
"But Mr. Padfoot wants Mr. Moony to cook some dinner," said Sirius. Harry couldn't help but simper at their antics.
"Oh but Remus, I don't think I ever had your cooking yet," said Harry, hoping that this one would work on him. It did.
"Oh fine, Mr. Moony will cook. Though he expects that Mr. Harry Potter to prank against Mr. Padfoot."
"Hey! Mr. Padfoot does not like the sound of that!" said Sirius, alarmed.
"Of course I will," said Harry, grinning.
"Mmm, we need to get you a nick name. Something to do with cougars…" said Remus.
"And coyotes," added Harry, staring at Mark.
"And Coyotes," said Remus, nodding. Sirius grinned, which Harry warily watched him and his antics.
"Yeah, we will have to do that, after all, you are the new generation of Marauders," said Sirius. Remus nodded as he finally got to his feet. "Thank you Mr. Moony, Mr. Padfoot is very happy that Mr. Moony will cook."
"Mr. Moony will find a way to get you for this," warned Remus with laughter in his voice. Sirius mocked-fear on his face and laughed. Remus chuckled as he went down the stairs.
After what seems like twenty minutes of resting, Remus yelled that the dinner was ready. Harry gently woke Mark up for dinner and the three walked down the stairs. When they entered the dining room and smelled the food. 'Mmm, smells good…' Harry grinned at Remus as everyone sat down.
"Looks good Remus," said Harry as Remus nodded in appreciative way. Sirius immediately wolfed down the food as Harry helped himself to mashed potatoes, peas and steak with sauce on them. "Are we going to go shopping any time soon?" asked Harry, eating bits of steak.
"Actually, that's what we're planning to do, the day after tomorrow if that sounds okay."
"Sounds great," said Harry as they continued to eat and chatter with each other. After dinner, everyone washed up, went upstairs and turned in for the night as everyone wished everyone good nights. The next day, Ginny and Ron came by floo. The four of them enjoyed themselves by playing in the dark grey snow, playing several games and just being happy in general. Harry was thoroughly happy that not even the fluctuating moods drive from Voldemort could destroy. The holidays turned out to be a much better one than the last Christmas. After all, they got to go outside and play in the snow.
At near eleven that night, Ron and Ginny had to go back to the Burrow and said they would come to Diagon Alley the next day as well. Harry anticipated the arriving day that night, he had many gifts to choose for his friends and newly formed family.
The next day arrived with Mark shaking the bed, waking Harry up from his slumber. Harry groggily threw a pillow at Mark and promptly head back to sleep. His efforts were in vain as Mark literally dragged him out of the top bunk, causing him to fall flat on his back. He scowled at Mark, eyes still sleepy, Harry winced as he got to his feet. Harry grabbed Mark into a headlock, and began to rub his head with his knuckles.
"Don't you wake me up like that again!" said Harry, grinning slightly.
"Okay, okay! Let me go, it hurts!" said Mark, trying to push himself away from Harry.
"You promise?" asked Harry.
"I promise, I promise!" yelped Mark. Harry let him go, sending him fall on his rear. "Ow, thanks a lot," muttered Mark.
"Your welcome," said Harry, fully aware that Mark had said thanks with sarcasm.
"You know what I mean," growled Mark slightly.
"I know, lets go get some breakfast," said Harry, heading down the stairs. He found Ron and Ginny all ready there at the table. "Oh morning guys," said Harry.
"Morning? Morning?It's noon Harry!" exclaimed Ron.
"Sorry," said Harry sheepishly as he helped himself to some oatmeal.
"What will I do with you mate?" asked Ron, shaking his head.
"Well, it's been a long time that I got some decent sleep," said Harry, drinking some pumpkin juice. Ron didn't say anything after that, knowing that Harry was telling the truth. When everyone was finally read to go to Diagon Alley, Remus spoke up.
"This is only for safety measurements, I will go first and Sirius will leave last," said Remus. "I know Harry, I know you're not fond of flooing, but we can't keep getting portkeys all the time," said Remus.
"I understand that, I'm just not fond of Flooing is all."
"Oh, and you should know, Kingsley and Moody will be there for our protection," Harry rolled his eyes at this but nodded.
'Okay," said Harry.
"Oh and please do not go into Knockturn Alley. But now that we understand your needs to further your education," said Remus hastily when he saw a flash of annoyance and anger in Harry's eyes. "So if you want to go in there, at least let us go with you this time okay?"
"Fine," said Harry. "You can't object to anything that I will buy though," he said.
"What you can't just - "
"Remus, please," said Harry.
"Fine, just as long it's nothing terribly dangerous or anything cursed," said Remus.
"Remus…" said Harry, is using a tone of annoyance.
"Harry, we're here to watch over you," said Sirius, speaking up.
"I know that, but remember when I didn't want a guardianship? This is exactly why I don't want one because you would limit me!" said Harry exasperatedly. Then he saw hurt look fell upon Remus and Sirius' faces. Harry sighed, rubbing his temples with one hand. "Sorry, I didn't mean to say that, just, if you have trust in me, then I need to be able to buy things that I think will be important."
"Okay Harry, we won't limit you," said Remus sadly. "Well then, I'll go," he picked up a powder of floo and threw into the fireplace. "Diagon Alley!" he disappeared in green flames. Mark went next and too, disappeared in green flames. Harry looked at Sirius, who still looked somewhat down. Ron went next and after that, went Ginny. Harry sighed, picking up some powder floo and he turned to Sirius.
"I'm sorry Sirius, Diagon Alley!" yelled Harry, and the wind twirled around him as he tucked in his elbows, squeezing eyes shut. Then he fell through a fireplace and got up from the floor, he heard a charm to clean the soot off Harry and faced Remus. Sirius soon followed behind Harry and too, cleaned himself up. Harry found Kingsley and Moody next to Mark and Ron.
"Hello Kingsley, Moody," said Harry, nodding to both of them, who greeted back to him with their nods of head. "Okay, let's do our shopping," said Harry and the hesitated. "I think I'll just go with Kingsley and Moody. I plan to get everyone some gifts. How about we meet up at the ice cream store before going into Knockturn Alley?"
"What?" asked Kingsley as if he hadn't heard him correctly.
"What do you want from there boy?" asked Moody suspiciously.
"I only wish to further my knowledge in protecting myself the best I can against Dark Arts and the only way to do that is to the source."
"Constant Vigilance eh?" asked Moody.
"Yes sir, so sound okay to you Remus, Sirius?"
"That sounds perfect," said Remus, smiling, Sirius had to smile as well. They would be able to accompany him to the Knockturn Alley. Harry felt that he had owed them that much. Harry went off with Moody and Kingsley, making a pit stop at Gringrotts and did the Christmas shopping. After about two hours worth of shopping later, Harry went to ice cream parlor and sat down, exhausted.
"Who've thought that doing the actual Christmas shopping could be so exhausting?" asked Harry to no one in particular.
"That's why I always order by owl," gruffed Moody.
"Yeah, I think I'll just use owls from now on, all though it is nice to have more variety to look at…" said Harry. He found Remus, Ron, Ginny and Mark coming toward him. "Finished with Christmas shopping?"
"Yeah, let's rest a bit first and then we'll go down to Knockturn Alley. Do know what store you want to go into?" asked Remus.
"I want to browse around a bit," said Harry, ordering an ice cream.
"Ah, okay," said Remus, ordering some tea. When everyone finished resting up in the restaurant, they all headed down to Knockturn Alley. Ron looked agitated while Ginny looked nervous, other than that, no one else seemed to be in the slightly nervous about going into Knockturn Alley.
'Must have been there before then…' thought Harry as they entered Knockturn Alley. He gestured to Ron and Ginny to pull their hoods over to hide themselves as everyone else had done. When conspicuously hidden from other wizards and witches, Harry began to browse the stores, one after the other.
Harry stopped in front of the store, something inside the store attracted Harry's eyes, and he went inside the store, surrounded by his friends, family and guards. He left them to their own devices, but most of them stayed with Harry anyways. Harry went to the item that caught his eye from outside. It was an oblong shape of a cylinder, Harry looked around for the owner of the shop. He knew what the item is and may buy it.
When the shopkeeper came up to Harry, "May I help you?"
"Yes, is this the Spell-Enchanter stone?" asked Harry, pointing to the item.
"Yes, would you like to buy this?"
"How strong is the stone?" asked Harry.
"Ah, a wise customer," he chuckled, Harry got a good look at him and he was missing an eye like Moody's and the same kind of eyeball. Harry frowned at this similarity, and he looked for Moody, but he was nowhere in sight, shrugging mentally.
"So, how strong?"
"Well, this one is rated six on the Magical level," said the shopkeeper.
"Oh, would it be possible if I can get a fifteen?" asked Harry. The shopkeeper widened in surprise, but nodded.
"Yes, but why would you..?"
"What are you crazy Harry?" asked Remus.
"Harry? You don't mean…" said the shopkeeper, in a hushed voice.
"Quiet both of you!" snarled Harry, looking around for eavesdroppers. "Now, can you please get me that stone, how much will it cost?"
"F-fifty galleons," said the shopkeeper. Harry nodded, pulling out his sack of money. Harry could hear Ron's whimper at the cost while Ginny made no sounds. The shopkeeper tried not to show his awe at how much Harry was carrying and immediately left the room.
"Fifty! Are you mad?" asked Ron, bewildered.
"I would give you half my fortune if you want," said Harry dryly.
"Would you?" asked Ron, but Ginny elbowed him in the stomach. "Ow!"
"I would," said Harry. "Not like that I would be running out of money anytime soon."
"Listen Harry," said Ron, getting closer to him. "I um, I saw something in the other shop and I was wondering if…"
"How much do you need?" asked Harry, cutting him off. Ron gaped at him.
"You don't want to know what I was going to buy?"
"Ron, you're my friend, best mate in fact, so I don't really care about money. I thought you knew that," said Harry. Ron nodded hastily.
"You're right, you never did, well I would like to have twenty galleons… please?"
"Of course," said Harry, giving him the said amount. "Ginny, want anything?" Ginny flushed red at Harry's offer and immediately shook her head no. "Okay, I'll just give you twenty galleons anyways," he gave her the same amount as Ron's.
"I cou- I couldn't!" said Ginny, holding the vast amount of money in her hands.
"Ginny, it's the holidays, enjoy yourself," said Harry, the shopkeeper returning with a box in his arms. "Ah, thank you sir, here's the money."
"Thank you sir, would you be interested on coming back anytime soon?" he asked hopeful for a returning customer with a fortune. Harry thought about it, while looking around in the store. There were certainly a few things in the store he may be interested in getting sometime in the future. He turned to him, and nodded.
"Yes, what's your name sir?" asked Harry.
"I'm Randy, and you're…" he looked around and used in the most quietest voice possible, "Harry? Harry Potter?" Harry sighed, and nodded. "I'm pleased to meet you…"
"At least not all the stores are as dark as this place," said Harry dryly, chuckling. Randy nodded, agreeing.
"I know, it is most unfair that the majority of wizarding world consider my shop dark, so I had to move here from Diagon Alley."
"That's ridiculous," said Harry, frowning. "Don't everyone know that not everything's black and white?"
"Unfortunately no they don't," replied Randy sadly. Harry nodded in understanding and turned to the other people.
"Ready?"
"As always Harry," said Sirius.
"I'll be seeing you later Randy," said Harry.
"Good bye Mr. Potter," he returned and the group left the store. He found Moody standing outside and remembered Randy.
"Sir?" asked Harry as they began to walk out of the Knockturn Alley.
"Hmm?"
"D-did you ever meet Randy?" asked Harry. Moody snorted, guffawing slightly. "I'll take that as a yes then. How?"
"We had dueled," replied Moody, face darkening. "He's the reason that I don't have my eye anymore. Not that I'm glad because this eye is better. Let's me see through things."
"Why did you two fight?" asked Harry curiously. He had to make sure that Randy wasn't anything too dark.
"He had refused to move his shop from Diagon Alley, all the complaints that we had received from parents and the Ministry…" he said, shaking his head. "Most people were in an uproar."
"He did mention that he didn't want to move his shop into Knockturn Alley," said Harry. "I thought it was stupid too," said Harry honestly.
"But Harry," started Kingsley.
"Don't you know that most things are in shades of grey? Can you really define something that's pure white?"
"Well, that's easy, the unicorns," said Ginny.
"Okay, besides that," said Harry, impatient.
"Phoenixes?"
"Other than that," said Harry, then everyone fell quiet, trying to come up with something that's pure. "See?"
"Okay, you are right," said Ron. "What's the point?"
"Define evil," said Harry, stepping out of Knockturn Alley.
"Voldemort," said everyone at once.
"Not quite…" said Harry quietly.
"What, are you saying that he's not pure evil?" asked Sirius, shocked by his strange logic.
"Almost pure evil," corrected Harry. "In his mind, he believes he is doing for the better of this world. He wants to make this place a better world. Why else would he pursue his dreams?"
"I believe it is because he's sadistic," said Ginny, frowning as she pulled down her hood.
"I understand that… but since he's nearly pure evil, we are opposite because I'm almost pure good."
"Oh, you're making sense…" said Ron slowly. "I mean, sure we fought a few times. But other times you were…"
"And please, take it into account when I was not affected by Voldemort's link since fourth year."
"Oh… okay so before Voldemort interfered…. I'll have to say that you are right, you were pure good…" said Ron.
"Exactly," said Harry, looking inside the box Randy gave him. He gave a smile and looked back up at Ron. "Yeah, I was."
"What is Spell-Enchanter stone anyways?" asked Ron.
"Well, this stone multiplies a spell by ten times. only one downside, you can only do with one certain spell. First spell you cast onto this stone, you can only use that spell for the rest of it's stone's life."
"Stone's life?" asked Ron.
"Most of these stones last until it is broken by force means, so it can last a millennia if I kept it safe."
"Wow, what are you going to use?"
"I had wanted to ask that, but what are you going to use?" asked Remus.
"The blocking charm, I figured that since I can fairly throw Cruciatus curse off with that spell, it might work with the killing curses. Of course, I wouldn't test that theory right now and hope that I will be right with I duel with Voldemort again. Or with anyone else that tries to kill me."
"Oh," said Ron, understood what he meant. "That figures, will you be able not to expend so much of your energy then?"
"I plan on trying to limit my power when throwing the blocking charm and mix with the stone. You see, this item isn't exactly dark."
"But why label that as one?" asked Ginny.
"Because most wizards and witches had used this stone to er - wreck more havoc on people or things," explained Harry.
"That would make sense, multiplying magic by ten fold is a lot..."
"I know, level 6 stone only multiplies the power by three. The most powerful is a level thirty. This one is half as much as that. Level thirty multiplies magic by hundred times and I don't think I need one that powerful."
"Hundred time?" repeated Ron, paling.
"Yes, fortunately only that stone had been used for the good, basically. Nicholas Flamel in fact," said Harry, grinning at the memory.
"Nicholas Flamel?" repeated Ron, again. "What did he use on the stone?"
"Rock-shifting charm, he couldn't get the stone to the way he wanted with his own power, so he used the Spell-Enchanter stone for that purpose. It worked quite well didn't it?"
"Yeah…" said Ron, in awe. When they got back to the place for flooing, Harry turned to Kingsley and Moody.
"We're lucky today, no suspicious actives," said Harry. "But thank you for accompanying us."
"It's not a problem Potter. Better to have no trouble at all than have some," said Moody.
"Yeah, true, I don't want anything to ruin my holidays," he said, grinning at his new family and his friends. "Here, Happy Christmas," said Harry, giving Moody and Kingsley a present.
"What, when did you buy this?" asked Moody.
"When you weren't looking," said Harry, grinning.
"Impossible you can't…"
"Plus, you thought I wouldn't be getting you two anything, right?" Kingsley and Moody nodded, smiling.
"Well, thank you Mr. Potter, go on and floo back home," said Moody, putting the present in his pocket, as Kingsley did the same. "We'll open them on Christmas day."
"Okay," said Harry, watching Remus going first, then Mark, Ron and Harry went next. "Bye, Lupin Chateau!" He spun through networks of fireplaces, kept his eyes squeezed shut. Then he landed back home, more gracefully this time around. Ginny came through and dusted herself off when Sirius brought up the rear, knocking Ginny down toward the table with a yelp.
"Sirius! Stop being so bloody clumsy!" said Harry, and began to laugh.
"I can't help it you know," said Sirius, pouting.
"Well, I'll go make everyone some dinner," said Harry, going to the kitchen.
"You can cook?" asked Remus, Sirius, Ginny and Ron.
"Of course I do, don't forget the Dursleys," said Harry coolly. "Plus the short time after the attack in Surrey," he added when he saw Mark. "So, what do you want to eat?"
"I'm open to anything you can cook," said Remus and everyone nodded eagerly. Harry sighed and looked at Mark for some ideas.
"How about some pizza? I haven't had one in a long time," whined Mark. Harry grinned and nodded.
"Pizza?" asked Remus, curious.
"Why did that sound familiar?" asked Ginny, wondering.
"It's a muggle food, I bet your dad told you about them. I don't know if you tried it though If you haven't, then I'll keep it a surprise," said Harry, going into the kitchens.
Three hours later of putting things together, cooked dough, and added toppings with cheese and tomato sauce. Harry announced to everyone that dinner was ready and carried three pizzas, one with plain cheese, another with pepperonis and one filled with vegetables. Everyone sat down curious. Ginny exclaimed when she saw the food.
"I remember now! Dad took me to a restaurant when I was ten! Oh it was so good…"
"Was it a place called Pizza Hut?" asked Harry, grinning.
"Yes, how did you know?" frowned Ginny.
"It's a well known restaurant for pizza, well, help yourselves," said Harry, taking two slices of pepperoni as did Mark and Ginny. None of the others knew how to eat a pizza. "Watch and learn," he said as he held with his hands and began to eat.
"What, no silverware?" asked Remus, appalled at the very idea.
"No, have you ever ate a sandwich?"
"Sandwich?" asked Remus.
"What, sandwich's been invented back in the 1700's, I'm surprised," said Harry. "Then again, I haven't seen a sandwich at Hogwarts… Wizarding world should be modernized," said Harry.
"Modernized?" asked Sirius, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah, I mean inking your quill after every few words is frustrating and they spill… pens don't do that."
"Yeah, I was quite surprised when no one heard of a pen," said Mark, "except for muggleborns or people raised by muggles."
"Well, you can blame people who does not want to do with muggles," said Remus lightly. "Though sandwich, pizza and pens sound intriguing… this is a good pizza Harry. Can I have a recipe for it?"
"Sure, it's on the counter," said Harry. After everyone finished their meals and Ron, Ginny head back to Burrow, Harry head upstairs for bed. Only a few more days until Christmas time.
------Oi! The chapters are all royally screwed up! I'll get it fixed soon. But in the mean time, please review!