Hogwarts in France
Chapter Two
France: Here we Come!
Disclaimer: Nothing you might recognise belongs to me.
The five Gryffindors chattered happily on their way down to Dover: laughing, telling jokes and eating some of the enormous supply of sweets they had brought with them. They had all been a bit nervous at the beginning of the journey; unsure about Remus' driving ability. Malfoy and Neville had been startled by the unusual Muggle… thing but had grown used to it. Ron and Ginny were used to Muggle vehicles having Arthur Weasley as their father.
It was currently half past twelve at night and they had been travelling for a little over an hour and a half.
"What colour is it?" said Ron, peering forward to Hermione's seat,
"I'm not sure," replied Hermione, "It's too dark to see!"
"Lumos!" said Ron, waving his wand. It immediately lit up.
"Ron! Put that light out! It's dangerous to me as a driver because I think it's another vehicle behind me!" said Remus, hastily,
"OK, sorry sir! Nox!" Ron said. Malfoy snickered behind him. Ron turned around and glared at him. "Shut it Malfoy!"
"Anyway," quickly interrupted Ginny, anxious to divert another argument. Harry smiled at her.
"Look's like we're going to have to eat these Bertie Bott's in the dark!" he said, grinning, "Let's make it into a game! See who can eat the most without chickening out!"
Hermione grimaced. "I'll go first then," she said, weakly. She lifted the bean up to her lips and quickly put it in her mouth. She chewed for a second.
"Eww! Grass!"
Various noises of dislike emitted from the other occupants in the minibus.
"OK, my turn," said Harry, bravely. He picked a Bertie Bott out of the packet and shoved it into his mouth. A few seconds later…"Coconut. I hate coconut!"
Everybody laughed and the game continued.
Professor McGonagall got chicken. Professor Lupin received a lovely blood flavour one. Harry snorted at this news and he detected a wry smile on Remus' face in the mirror. Ginny got a pepper flavour one. She said it reminded her of when she had to take Pepper-Up Potion in her first year and steam blew out of her ears for ages. Neville took a go and declared it chocolate flavour. Everybody agreed he was very lucky. Ron hesitatingly took a sweet and put it to his lips. "No!" he cried out, "Bogey flavour! What Fred and George said was true! Merlin, I need a drink!" The minibus exploded with laughter.
Harry looked at the back of the minibus. Malfoy was sitting there silently watching the game. "D'ya want a go, Malfoy?" he called,
"No," said Malfoy, abruptly. Harry was just about to have a go at him when he noticed Draco looked white.
"Are you alright, Malfoy?" he asked,
"Yes," Malfoy replied, curtly, "I just don't want to join in your little game because this Muggle vehicle is irritating my stomach!"
"He's car sick," announced Harry, silently laughing. He knew it was unkind but frankly he didn't care.
"Alright then," said Remus, "I'll pull in at the next service station. It's time for a break anyway."
Presently, the minibus drew up in the large service station car park. Since it was one o'clock in the morning, the only other vehicles there were lorries and the occasional car. Remus switched the engine off and turned to face the students, with Professor McGonagall.
"We're having a half an hour break here so we expect you back here at the minibus at half past one precisely. We have here five pounds each for you, compliments of Professor Dumbledore to spend either in a service station or on the ferry," said Remus, handing out six five pound notes. "Stick together as a group inside the service station and don't be late back. Understand?"
"Understand," replied the six students. They clambered out and headed for the nearest toilets, where they split up.
Five minutes later, the girls exited their toilet to find only Neville waiting for them.
"Malfoy's being sick," Neville informed them, "And Ron's killing himself laughing." The male toilet door opened and Ron and Harry came out grinning.
"Not so dignified now is he?" smirked Ron.
Professor Lupin came over smiling. "Where's Malfoy?" he asked,
"In there," said Harry, gesturing with his thumb over his shoulder, "Chucking up!"
"Oh dear," said Remus, looking faintly worried, "I had better go sort him out then!" He winked at the Gryffindors. "You go along and enjoy yourself. See you in the minibus!"
The five Gryffindors wandered over to the shop. It was brightly lit and full of food, drinks, magazines and random souvenirs.
"Welcome to Muggle sweets," said Harry, quietly.
Ginny giggled. Ron looked worried. "Erm, Harry? What exactly is this?" He was holding the five pound note Remus had given them all.
Harry and Hermione laughed. This was going to be amusing. "This is Muggle money. I'm not sure what the equivalent amount of Wizarding money is. We'll help you when it comes to paying; just look around for now!"
Hermione went to the magazines. She browsed through the teenage magazines. Ginny joined her.
"Are you going to buy one of those?" she asked, curiously looking at the still photo of the latest Muggle pop group.
"Yeah, at home during the holidays I like to keep up with the music chart- you know what's popular and stuff. I'll let you listen to my favourite band when I next get my hands on a CD player. They're really good!" said Hermione, busy flicking through Sugar.
"Cool. It's a shame they don't have Teen Witch Weekly here," said Ginny,
"Yeah, let's go see what those rowdy boys are up to!" said Hermione, finally choosing her magazine.
Ron, Neville and Harry were over by the drinks. They had decided not to get any food because firstly none of them were hungry and also because they still had a lot of candy left in the minibus. Harry was busy trying to explain to Neville and Ron what Coca Cola was. Ron didn't look impressed. Neville was sceptical about the whole issue.
"I think I'll just have an orange juice," said Ron, "I don't think they'd have pumpkin juice?"
"Nope," said Harry, "Well I'm having a coke. I love it but don't have it often!"
"Rots your teeth though," said Hermione, the dentist's daughter, selecting a still mineral water,
"Ah well," grinned Harry, "Neville what you having?"
"I think I'll try a Fanta Orange," Neville said, courageously,
"Good choice," noted Harry, "Ginny?"
Ginny picked up a coca cola, like Harry. She smiled at him. He returned the smile and quickly jogged over to the sweet section and picked up a couple of king size Mars Bars. "I completely love these but haven't had one for years!" he exclaimed, as he rejoined the others at the till.
"Just put your drink down on the counter and give the lady your five pound note," whispered Hermione.
Everybody did as she said and soon they were making their way back to the minibus, laughing at Ron and Neville's reaction. They had jumped violently at the beep made when the cashier had scanned the bar code, earning themselves a strange look from the lady. When Ron received his change and drink back, he spent an entire minute looking at the plastic bottle, searching for any differences. It had taken Hermione quite a while to explain to him that when the cashier had scanned the bottle, nothing had changed. It was simply an electronical thing. Now, Ron, Ginny and Neville were examining the weird shapes that Muggle money came in; marvelling at the circles and heptagons. Soon, Professors McGonagall and Lupin arrived with a slightly better looking Malfoy and they all clambered into the minibus. Professor McGonagall transfigured a bowl and gave it to Malfoy. He looked at her dumbly.
"It's in case you need to be sick again," she said, abruptly, "Oh, and here's a travel sickness potion Madam Pomfrey gave us,"
"Why couldn't you give it me before?" Malfoy complained,
"I didn't know you suffered from travel sickness. Try and get some sleep, it should help," said Professor McGonagall.
"Let's crack on," said Remus, "I suggest you try and get some sleep while it's dark. We have a long day tomorrow, or rather today, so no talking. Our ferry leaves at nine o'clock."
He started the engine and Harry settled back in his seat, ready for a nap. "Wake me up in a couple of hours, Remus," whispered Harry, "I'd like to see the dawn,"
"Will do Harry," replied Remus, concentrating on the road, "Pleasant dreams!"
Harry opened his eyes and yawned. Outside the sky was beginning to grow lighter from the deep black it had been in since they left the night before. He looked around the minibus. All of the other students were sleeping peacefully still. Harry smirked at Malfoy, who was drooling slightly. Neville was resting his head against the cool window and dreaming with a slight smile on his face. Harry smiled at Ginny, who was curled up in a little ball with her face upturned. She looked so calm and beautiful.
"Remus?" whispered Harry,
"Morning Harry, is anybody else awake yet?" replied Remus,
"No," replied Harry, "Why?"
"I'm stopping at the next service station. I need to stretch my legs. Professor McGonagall's staying here,"
"Oh. Can I come with you?"
"Sure. Is that alright with you Minerva?" asked Remus,
"Of course. I'll send the others along if they wake," replied Professor McGonagall.
Remus pulled into a parking space at the next service station and he and Harry quietly climbed out. They set off to the nearby centre.
"Are you looking forward to the holiday?" Remus asked,
"Yeah. All this because I got into a bad mood and stormed off to fly!" grinned Harry, "What are we actually doing in France?"
"You'll have to wait and see," said Remus, "I'm not telling you before I tell the others even though you are my adopted god son!"
Harry smiled, thinking about Sirius' last Will where he had named Remus as Harry's adoptive godfather if anything would happen to him. "I miss Sirius," he said, quietly, "But at least I've got you."
"You must always remember that Harry. I love you like the son that I never had and I promise to always be there for you. Alright?"
"Yeah, thanks Remus," said Harry,
"Good. Well come on then, we better get back to the minibus. Still got a hundred or so miles left to drive and it's nearly six o'clock in the morning!" said Remus,
"Great!" Harry said, sarcastically.
When he and Remus got back to the minibus, he found that Ginny had awoken but the others were still asleep. Ginny was in his seat talking to Professor McGonagall.
"Hey Gin!" greeted Harry, sliding into the seat next to her,
"Hi," said Ginny, blushing slightly, "Morning Professor Lupin!"
"Oh, call me Remus, Ginny. I feel old when I'm called Professor!"
"Hem hem!" said Professor McGonagall, in a remarkable impression of Umbridge. Harry involuntarily shuddered and laughed with the rest.
"Remus Lupin! I am offended!" mock-scolded Professor McGonagall, after the laughter had died down.
Remus cast a tragic look at Harry and Ginny. "I beg your forgiveness m'lady. I had forgotten that you too were a professor; I was so dazzled by your beauty it completely slipped my mind!"
Harry and Ginny laughed once more with Professor McGonagall joining it. "Very well, kind sir. Now get this vehicle moving!"
"Ginny!" Harry whispered, about half an hour later, "Look at the gorgeous sunrise!"
Ginny looked up from her seat beside Harry. She had remained where she was when Remus began driving once more, so that she had somebody to talk with. However, so far no talking had taken place.
"Wow, it's so pretty!" she gasped, looking at the swirling clouds of pink, yellow and grey,
"Just like you then," said Harry. He inwardly gasped. Where had that come from?
Ginny blushed with a small smile playing at her lips. "Thanks," she managed to whisper,
"You're welcome," Harry replied, also blushing. He was thankful that Ginny hadn't thrown it back in his face. And that Malfoy was still asleep and unable to hear him.
The journey continued in silence as everyone watched the beautiful sunrise. Suddenly, at about seven o'clock, Ron yelled out in his sleep, immediately waking himself and everybody else up.
"No! No spiders! No!"
"Shut up Ron," came Hermione's tired and annoyed voice,
"Sorry," mumbled Ron, his ears red,
"Don't tell me you're afraid of spiders!" smirked Malfoy, from the back of the bus,
"Don't tell me you're afraid of Voldemort!" retorted Harry, anxious to stick up for his best friend. As everybody except Harry flinched automatically, a curious closed up expression appeared on Malfoy's face and he said no more.
Silence resumed in the minibus; each person thinking their own thoughts. Harry wondered at the expression on Malfoy's face. What did it mean? Suddenly he felt something drop onto his shoulder. He looked down and saw that Ginny had fallen back asleep. He smiled at her peaceful angelic face and decided to follow suit.
"Wake up!" yelled Remus Lupin.
Harry and Ginny jerked awake immediately. Ginny flushed when she saw where she had fallen asleep. She moved away quickly.
"Good. Well we're in Dover and queuing up for the ferry, which is right in front of us!"
The six students leaned forward and gasped with amazement at the size of the ferry they were soon to be getting on.
"It's enormous!" said Neville, "How do we get on?"
"We drive on," answered Remus, "You'll see how. We'll be getting on shortly."
"Wow!" marvelled Ron, "Hey I'm hungry and thirsty!"
"I'll give you a packed breakfast the House Elves prepared for you when we get on board," said Professor McGonagall, "And didn't you buy drinks at the service station?"
"Oh yeah!" said Ron, taking his juice out, "Hey Ginny, what's your coke like?"
"It's actually really nice," said Ginny, in surprise, sipping at it,
"Yeah, my Fanta is really nice as well. Do you want a sip, Ron?" asked Neville,
"Alright," said Ron, gingerly taking the plastic bottle and sipping at it. "Wow, you can feel the bubbles inside your mouth! That's tasty! I want a bottle!"
"Well they should sell them on board," said Hermione, quietly amused. Suddenly, Neville belched.
"Oh...Um…sorry!" said Neville in embarrassment, "I don't know why that happened!"
"It's because fizzy drinks like Fanta and Coca Cola contain carbon dioxide which makes them fizzy. It is a gas and all that burping is, is gas being released from your stomach," explained Hermione,
"Hermione! Release the textbook you've swallowed!" said Ron, grinning affectionately.
The professors had been listening with much amusement to this exchange and at this they laughed out loud. Even they could see that there were feelings arising between Ron and Hermione.
Suddenly, Remus started the engine. "We're going on board. I'd close any windows open," he advised.
Everybody, except Hermione, looked puzzled. As they got nearer the ramp leading into the huge open doors of the ferry, the faces of Ron, Ginny, Neville and Draco became slightly scared.
"What's that noise?" shouted Ron, panicking slightly,
"The engines!" shouted back Hermione, covering her ears, "The vehicles are near the engines and they're huge!"
Ginny unconsciously shuffled nearer Harry as the minibus left the lovely English sunshine and entered the dark cavern of the ferry.
"You're alright Ginny!" Harry said loudly, placing a hand on her shoulder soothingly.
"Wait a minute! The vehicle comes on the ferry with us?" said Draco, sounding very worried, "Won't it sink?"
"No, Draco!" said Lupin, "It won't sink, don't worry. Everyone is safe!"
"I wasn't worried!" Malfoy defended himself.
Harry snorted as the minibus came to a standstill.
"OK then. Everybody take what they'll want on board the ferry as you won't be allowed back down here until we reach France. Then get out the minibus!" Professor Lupin ordered.
Everybody did as they told and scrambled out. Ginny walked around nervously. "It's so weird to think I'm literally walking on water!"
"Don't say that!" shivered Neville, as the students followed their professors up a few flight of stairs to the passenger part of the ferry. "Please, don't say that!"
"Why isn't there any sound?" asked Ron, scratching his head,
"I'm not sure," Harry said, "Maybe they think it's too noisy on board?"
"It's literally silent!" exclaimed Ginny, looking around the near empty ferry lounge,
"Well, maybe it's noisier later on in the day," offered Neville, reading the words that appeared on the television screen that was in front of them, attached to the ceiling.
The Pure-Bloods had been most intrigued at this new Muggle contraption that showed moving pictures but no sound. At the moment, a movie of Mighty Joe Young was playing and they were all watching it with varying degrees of interest.
"I hate this movie," said Hermione, "I've seen it a million times,"
"A million times?" exclaimed Neville, in awe,
"Well, no," said Hermione, blushing slightly, "But a lot of times!"
Harry smirked. He had also seen this film when it was on television one summer and the Dursley's were out shopping. It was one of the only films he had ever watched.
Hermione giggled slightly and winked at Harry. "I think my favourite film of all time has to be Titanic!"
Harry smiled back. Even though he hadn't seen the film, he had learnt about the infamous disaster at primary school.
"What's Titanic?" asked Ron, a trifle nervously,
"It's a film based on a real life story where a ship, just like this one only bigger…"
"Bigger?" whimpered Ron, "You mean there are bigger ships than this one?"
"Yes Ron. This is actually one of the smallest ferries because it only has a short journey. Anyway, as I was saying, this ship hit an iceberg and sank," Hermione said, without emotion, "It's really famous. Hundreds of people died when it happened years ago."
"A ship sank?" said Ginny, looking around fearfully, "Erm…this ship won't sink will it?"
"Well you never know…" Hermione said, mischievously.
The Pure-bloods turned pale.
"I'd like to go up on deck," said Harry, looking out of the window at the calm sea, "Come with me,"
Everybody got up and followed Harry to a door leading out of the lounge. He pushed open the door and was immediately swept backwards into the others.
"Watch it Potter!" drawled Malfoy.
Harry ignored him and forcefully walked forwards and up the stairs. There was a strong wind blowing down the stairs from the open doorway at the top. It was also extremely noisy. When they reached the top, they all ran over to the side and looked down at the grey thrashing water.
"Wow!" cried Ginny, Ron and Neville,
"We're so far up!" Ron then said,
"Yeah, it's really weird-looking," Ginny said, mesmerised by the water. She put a hand to her stomach and went even paler. "Eww, I think I'll go ask Professor McGonagall for a travel sickness potion!" She quickly left, closely followed by Draco who was also feeling a little queasy.
Meanwhile Hermione had gone to the corner of the viewing platform and stood with a foot on the bottom bar of each railing. She spread her arms out and said in a high pitched voice. "Oh Jack! I'm flying!"
Harry laughed while Ron and Neville looked confused.
"Who's Jack?" asked Neville, looking around.
Hermione laughed and turned around. "He's the main character in the film Titanic and there's a really famous scene where Jack and this rich girl called Rose are standing at the bow of the ship and Rose says 'I'm flying' to Jack. That's what I just imitated. You know we really should watch the movie at some point!"
"Yeah," Harry agreed, "Hey I'm going down again. See you in a bit. Don't forget about the duty-free Miss Granger!"
"Don't make sexist comments Mr Potter," grinned Hermione, "Just because I'm female, doesn't mean I'm going to rush to the duty-free shop! On the other hand, I will be going along in a minute! See you later!"
Harry climbed back down the windy stairs and went over to where the two Professors were. Remus put his finger to his lips as Harry got closer. Ginny, Malfoy and Professor McGonagall were all fast asleep. He grinned. "I really wish I had a camera now," he whispered, "This is perfect blackmail material!"
Remus smirked. "I'm pretty sure we'll see quite a lot of them being asleep over the next week. I'll get you a camera once we're in France if you like. When we get back to Hogwarts, we'll make them into magical photos,"
"Cool," breathed Harry, "Thanks. Hey how long until we reach France?"
"About half an hour. It's a really short crossing. Now I must remember to drive on the opposite side of the road!" chuckled Remus.
Harry smiled and looked up as Hermione, Ron and Neville ventured over. "We're going to look at the duty free shop. Any takers?" asked Hermione,
"Yeah I'll come," Harry said, "Be back soon Remus. We won't be long!"
The French countryside flashed past the windows of the minibus as Remus expertly manoeuvred it along the French winding roads. Harry followed it through his drowsy eyes and rested his tired head against the back of the seat. They had arrived in France at quarter past eleven local time and it was now getting on for three. Everybody was exhausted and anxious to reach the gite but there was one more stop to make first.
"Out you get," Remus announced, ten minutes later, "We're very nearly at the gite but we need to buy supplies first!"
Moaning, the six Hogwarts students climbed out of the minibus and stood blinking in the bright sunshine.
"It's so hot!" groaned Ron, "I'm melting!"
Hermione rolled her eyes and looked at Professor Lupin grinning. "What do we need?"
"Well, Professor McGonagall is our catering manager on this trip," Remus said, "But you'll all be taking it in turns to help prepare the meals."
"What!" exploded Malfoy, "I don't know how to cook! That's what House Elves are for!"
"Draco, be quiet," said Professor McGonagall, "Right then people, we need baguettes, ham, butter, crisps, potatoes…"
Harry tuned out as they followed the teachers into the supermarket. He had a feeling this would take a long time.
Surprisingly, they were on their way again in just over half an hour's time. About seven bags of shopping were neatly stacked at the back of the minibus in the empty seats next to Draco. He was staring moodily at the shopping, lost in thought. Harry wondered what he was thinking about.
Roughly fifteen minutes later, after only getting lost twice, the minibus arrived at the small French village they were going to call home for the next week. They drew up outside a large building with a grand front door. A large French woman came out of the door and started greeting them in quick, loud French.
"Ah bonjour Monsieur Lupin!" she cried, heartily,
"Bonjour Madame," replied Remus, smoothly. He turned to the students in the minibus. "You stay in here while I sort out the papers and things!"
Ten minutes later, he was back with a key in his hand. "Everybody take their trunk out of the trailer and follow me!"
They clambered out and hoisted their trunks out of the trailer. Professor Lupin had put a lightening charm on them before they left Hogwarts. Harry started to head towards the grand front door when Remus called him back.
"That's the door to the local community centre. Our lodgings are the top two floors. We enter them from the back door. This way!"
The students gazed up at the three storey stone building as they marched over the gravel driveway and through a gate to a medium sized garden. The grass was raised above the gravel and could be reached via some steps. There was a barbeque in one corner and a black dustbin by the doorway to the gite. Remus unlocked the door and led the way up the narrow winding stairs to the floor above.
Hermione sniffed. "It smells like an old house turned into a museum that you can visit. I quite like it!"
Ron laughed. "Only you would say that Hermione!"
The stairs led to a room with doors leading off it and another staircase behind them.
"OK, dump your stuff here and explore!" Remus said.
The Gryffindors immediately did as he said followed by a more grudging Malfoy. They explored the first floor first. There was a large dining room with a big table and enough seats for all of them. Along one of the walls were two comfortable looking sofas. Attached to this room was a small kitchen with a large fridge and freezer, a sink, a cooker and a working surface. Ginny heaved open one of the kitchen windows and looked out.
"It overlooks the front courtyard," she announced, "I can see the minibus,"
"Cool," Ron said, anxious to explore more.
They exited the kitchen via another door and found themselves back in the original room with the stairs. There were two more doors to look through. One of them led to a bedroom with a double bed in.
"I want that room!" announced Ron, grinning cheekily
"No, that's for one of us teachers," said Professor McGonagall, overhearing Ron from where she was unpacking the shopping in the kitchen.
"Oh!" said Ron, in disappointment.
The third door on this floor was a bathroom. There was a toilet, shower and various laundry equipment. It wasn't very interesting so they went up the next flight of stairs.
They emerged on a large, dark landing with five doors leading off them. Three of the doors led to bedrooms in varying sizes. Another door led to a toilet and the final door led to another bathroom; this time with a bath and shower head. The students all agreed the gite to be most satisfactory.
Remus then came up the stairs. He smiled at the excited students.
"Right, sleeping arrangements," he said, cheerfully, "There are four bedrooms. I don't want any complaining, alright?"
Everybody nodded so he continued. "The bedroom on the floor below will be Professor McGonagall's. This small bedroom here…" Remus gestured to a bedroom next to the toilet. "Will be mine. Ginny and Hermione will be sharing the room next to mine. You four boys will be sharing the largest bedroom."
His final remark caused a loud outburst from the boys.
"I'm not sleeping in the same room as Malfoy!" Ron shouted,
"I'm not sharing with half bloods and poor people!" yelled Malfoy,
"He'll curse us in our sleep!" shouted Harry.
Only Neville remained silent. His eyes were full of fear.
"Shut up!" yelled Remus, "I said there will be no complaining!"
Everybody fell silent and looked at the angry Professor. "Girls, go and get your trunks and some bedding from Professor McGonagall and sort out your room. Boys come with me!"
He walked into the boy's room and looked around. There were four beds scattered around and two wardrobes. Remus turned to the boys.
"I don't want any complaints. It's only for one week and maybe you'll learn to get along. Right choose your beds- no fighting- and its two people to a wardrobe. Get unpacked!" he said and stomped out.
Harry turned to the others. Draco was looking annoyed. Ron looked mutinous while Neville looked fearful. He sighed. "Well, it looks like we're sharing. Let's try and get along or we'll all be miserable!"
Ron and Malfoy snorted and went to get their trunks. Harry and Neville looked at one another and followed them.
Three hours later, everybody was unpacked and sitting around the table in the dining room having a meeting. They had just had their tea, which was cooked by Professor McGonagall and Hermione.
"To make the most out of this week, we are going to have to follow some rules. Firstly, no magic is to be used outside of the gite unless it is an absolute emergency. Alright?" asked Remus,
Everybody nodded and Professor McGonagall took over. "There is a list of chores to be done by everybody on the fridge. On each day, you are assigned a specific chore: whether it is cooking, washing up, taking the rubbish out or laying the table. It must be done and I don't want to hear any complaints. I will help you if necessary. For tonight, Hermione was on cooking and Neville was on laying the table. You have already done your chore for today. Harry, you are on washing up; Ginny, you're doing the drying up and Draco, you're on clearing the table. Ron, you're off chores today as there isn't any rubbish."
Ron cheered and then said: "So, where are we going?"
"Ah, well that's going to be a surprise. Every morning after breakfast, we'll tell you where we're going. Oh, and everybody must be sitting here at half past eight every morning unless we say otherwise, ready to go out! Is everybody clear?"
Everybody nodded and got up to begin their chores. Ron, Hermione and Neville went to see what their chore schedule was like and then helped the other three students in their chores. Meanwhile, Professors Lupin and McGonagall sat down with a mug of tea each and watched the workers. Harry noticed this as he was washing up and grinned. It was a holiday for them as well.
"Merlin Weasley!" sneered Draco, "I know your family all sleeps in the same room but personally I do like a bit of privacy while I'm changing!"
Ron flushed and looked angry at the same time. "Will you stop insulting my family?" he said, exasperated,
"It's so much fun to do so," Malfoy said, "Nice pyjamas by the way!"
Ron flushed even more deeply and tugged at his maroon pyjama pants. He jumped into his bed quickly.
Malfoy smirked as he got into his bed on the other side of the room. Presently, Neville and Harry came in from brushing their teeth and snuggled down too.
Professor Lupin came in and smiled to see all the boys in bed. "Goodnight boys. Please don't talk and I will see you in the morning!"
He switched out the light as the Gryffindor boys murmured "Night Remus."
Harry turned on his side and stared at the darkness. He couldn't believe that here he was in France and on a holiday with two of his favourite professors and four of his closest friends. He wished Malfoy wasn't there but he was sure he'd find a way around that little problem. The last think Harry Potter saw before he slipped into unconsciousness was a certain red haired Weasley, currently in a bedroom across the hall.
Notes: This story is AU and takes place in the current day- not in the canon years. So don't flame me saying Euros weren't around in 1997 because I know already!
Thanks to Remusluver, LunaLovegood8, the cheat 928, hypa4evr and luckycharms445 for reviewing chapter one. I'm a little disappointed that I've had 65 hits on this story but only five reviews but that's life.
Review please. Constructive criticism is gladly received.
