Chapter Seven - Schedules and Winter
BananaCarrot-Five
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. Harry Potter is owned by Warner Bros. Entertainment and J.K. Rowling.
December 1, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry and Neville were surprised when Hermione pulled them to the Library after breakfast. Sitting at their usual table had several stacks of books of all different shapes and sizes. Both boys paled at what looked like a hundred books.
"Hermione, exactly what did you find yesterday?" Harry asked nervously.
Hermione beamed brightly. "I went through each shelf in the library to do with magical animals and pulled out every book we have not looked at. Turns out there are quite a few we haven't touched."
"A few? Hermione that has to be about a hundred books there!" Neville squeaked. "How are we going to keep track of what we look through?"
Hermione fished her robe pockets before extracting a few folded pieces of parchment.
"I already thought of that. This list is for you Harry. You pull out the book on the list and go through it. When you finish going through it, assuming there is nothing in it on what we want, you check it off your list. Neville, you have a similar list too. Every weekend," Hermione quickly amended her sentence as both boy's faces paled, "Or when we want to, we'll come in here and go through a book or two. We aren't going to find any information by walking around and doing nothing."
"What are we waiting for then? I suppose we should start," Harry stated.
The trio sat down, and Harry counted the number of books on his list.
"Twenty-seven isn't a bad number. I suppose I should start."
\-0-0-/
As the Trio was wrapping up, the Twins entered the Library and flagged Hermione over.
"Hey, Hermione, we have them for you!" George said, pulling out a slim package. "We bought four, in case you want to give one to anyone."
Hermione took the package happily. "Thanks, boys. Do I owe you anything?"
Fred shook his head. "Nothing Hermione. Oh! One thing to remember, you'll have to tap your wand against the Quill and enunciate Excitant for it to activate. You turn it off with a simple Nox."
"Awesome! Thank you both!" Hermione smiled. Returning to Harry and Neville, both boys looked at her in confusion. "I'll show you later!" she insisted, and the Trio packed up their belongings and put the books away while marking their sheets appropriately.
\-0-0-/
That evening in her dorm, Hermione pulled out a Dicta-Quill, her set of review notes, and the three sets of notes that she had acquired. Tapping her wand against the Quill and incantating Excitant, the Quill flashed twice before flying upwards to ready itself for her speech. Hermione took a deep breath and began speaking.
Two hours later, the other girls interrupted Hermione as they were getting ready to sleep. Hermione deactivated the Quill with Nox before putting everything away and getting ready for bed herself. It was peaceful, and Hermione was happy that she was making progress.
Ministry of Magic, London
Department of Magical Education
The Department of Magical Education employees were in a bit of mess. Since Lucius Malfoy had called a Governors meeting for today, there was a mad rush to make sure everything was prepared for the meeting.
Before the meeting began, Lucius had thought hard about Severus. He was useful at Hogwarts, thus he had to ensure that his friend was not in any danger. To do this, Lucius selected several memories and altered them accordingly. After all, only Lucius knew there were over a hundred memories, and showing the Committee several memories and explaining that the individual who had submitted them their dislike for Severus would be enough to have the charges dropped.
Lucius opened the meeting and for the next three hours discussed the status of Severus Snape as a Professor. At the end of the meeting, the Committee took their vote and adjourned the meeting. Lucius had the Governors sign the official document of the result of the meeting, before sending it out via owl to the Headmaster's Office at Hogwarts, as per protocol. While he was not happy with the result, he could only push so hard without being noticed.
\-0-0-/
December 2, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Breakfast was awkward for many students. First, Professor Dumbledore received a letter from the Ministry, and promptly left the Great Hall with Professors McGonagall and Snape. Dumbledore did not look happy.
Transfiguration felt odd, as everybody had seen the almost angry look on Dumbledore's usually calm face. However, when class was scheduled to begin, Professor McGonagall entered the classroom, fuming.
"I apologize for my appearance. As such, your class today is dismissed. Have a good day." Professor McGonagall then made her way to her office.
Harry and Neville looked at each other and both looked towards Hermione, but she shrugged. They went for a walk outside, still wondering what got Professor McGonagall angry this morning.
\-0-0-/
30 Minutes Earlier, Headmaster's Office
The three Professors entered Dumbledore's Office. Dumbledore re-opened the letter and looked up. "Minerva, Severus. Several minutes ago, I received a letter that is most peculiar. It reads and I quote, 'As per Educational Sub-law 27A, an assessment of the named Professor, Severus Tobias Snape, will be made within the month of December 1991 based on reports of possible student neglect.' It goes on to read that it was you who sent this complaint in!" Albus stared at Minerva with a questioning glance.
Minerva nodded. "Albus, you cannot deny that I have spoken to you countless times over the past decade about his behaviour!"
"Just… what do you think you are doing? Most of the students in this Castle do not take the subtle and exact art that is Potions seriously. I am the most qualified individual in this school to teach Potions. As such, I do not neglect these students, whatsoever."
Minerva looked at Severus with shock. "Severus, should you say that, and then defend that, I will happily show you countless memories of you 'teaching' students!"
"That is enough, Minerva," Dumbledore stated calmly, "However, I must admit that I am disappointed in you, that you did not seek my counsel before doing this."
Minerva sighed. "You gave me no choice, Albus. I have been working at this school for thirty years. My first priority is to these students! I cannot simply ignore my years of working here because Severus doesn't know how not to hold a grudge!"
"How dare-" Severus started but was cut off by Dumbledore.
"Enough, Severus, Minerva. I will allow this inspection to take place only because should I ignore this from the Ministry, I could lose my job as Headmaster. Severus, I hope that for your sake, you can behave appropriately." Dumbledore stared at Severus, who eventually nodded. "Excellent. Now, I believe that classes are needing to be attended to. You are dismissed." Dumbledore stated, smiling.
Both Professors exited the Headmaster's Office as Dumbledore sighed in his seat.
\-0-0-/
Potions was not a fun affair. Professor Snape appeared to be angry, but barley threw out any insults. Instead, he waited until Ron had botched his potion to explode.
"Detention, Weasley! Tomorrow night!" Snape sneered. When a few of the Slytherins smirked, Snape yelled at them and deducted five points. When some Gryffindors laughed at that, Snape gave them detention. Potions class was quickly deteriorating. Four Gryffindors, Ron, Parvati, Lavender, and Seamus, were now in detention tomorrow, and Professor Snape was a lit fire. Fortunately, the smarter Slytherins and Gryffindors noticed this and bolted the second class was over.
Harry, Neville, and Hermione skipped lunch. They were in the Library, keeping clear of either Professor. Harry wondered what happened that morning. Neville slammed his book shut.
"I can't focus on this, Hermione. Things are getting weird!"
Hermione sighed. "I agree, but we have no idea on what is going on. We might have to keep our heads down until the dust settles."
\-0-0-/
December 4, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
The four Gryffindors in detention spent three hours meticulously counting different Potions ingredients for Professor Snape. Harry, Neville, and Hermione waited for them to return, and helped clean themselves up. When Harry had to wake up for Quidditch, he felt like a lead brick. He didn't want to move. When he got down to the Pitch, he fell asleep against Katie's shoulder. Katie woke him up when Oliver finally let the team on their brooms. When they got in the air, Katie looked after him, even though Neville and Hermione were also in the stands.
"Are you okay, Harry?" Katie flew over to him. "You fell asleep earlier."
Harry's eyes widened. "Katie! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to!"
Katie waved it off. "It's fine. Anyways, we know what happened in Potions the other day. You alright from that?"
Harry shrugged his shoulders. "I guess. Their hands were all slimy, sticky, and dirty when they came back though."
Katie sighed. "If you or your friends need anything, just find me."
Harry nodded. "Thanks."
\-0-0-/
Harry really wanted sleep. However, with Potions and Defense before History, He had no choice but to stay awake. Neville had a brilliant suggestion.
Harry found himself heading to the Hospital Wing to ask Madam Pomfrey for a vial of a Pepper-Up potion. While Madam Pomfrey was initially reluctant to give him a vial, Harry explained that he had barley slept the because of his housemates serving detention with Professor Snape the night before and his Quidditch practice that morning. Madam Pomfrey handed him the vial and Harry downed it. He felt a sudden yet calm rush of adrenaline running through his system.
"Be careful, Mr. Potter. Pepper-Up potions are very addictive. Sleep extra-long tonight."
Harry thanked the Matron and walked out, meeting Neville and Hermione in the Dungeons for Potions.
\-0-0-/
December 7, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
The Quidditch Match between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff was today. The seekers, Second-Year Cho Chang for Ravenclaw and Fourth-Year Cedric Diggory for Hufflepuff danced around each other in pursuit of the Snitch. By the end of the match, Hufflepuff won because Cedric's abilities on a broomstick outweighed Cho's cheat attempts to flirt with him during the game, even though Ravenclaw's Chaser line would rival Gryffindors when given the chance. The final score was two hundred forty to one hundred and ninety, Hufflepuff.
That afternoon, the Library was a quiet place. Most of the younger students were outside, snow was falling at a gentle pace. The Library had a considerable amount of people in it today, so the Trio was working in silence and every few hours, a book would be closed and a mark made on parchment before the cycle continued until dinner.
There was no new information on what had occurred earlier in the week. Classes were mostly back to normal. The "dump" had started, however. Professors Sinistra, Binns, and Sprout had all assigned essays due at various times in the next two weeks. It was now only a matter of time before the rest of the Professors would follow.
Due to this, however, Hermione was more determined than ever to figure out the mystery of the dog and Nicholas Flamel. Harry and Neville both felt that she would run herself over with the number of things she was trying to do in this limited timeframe. However, both boys knew that by now, to mess with Hermione Granger would spell disaster.
\-0-0-/
December 8, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
"Hey, Hermione, can you teach me soon?" Becca asked as Hermione got dressed. Looking at her friends, she smiled.
"Actually, how about right now? I know it's spontaneous, but I can teach you a few things!"
Getting an enthusiastic nod from Becca, Hermione opened up her art set and pulled out some sketching paper.
"You have to imagine what you want and try to transpose it onto paper. It's a lot harder than it seems, though, so don't worry if you don't get it immediately."
Hermione spent most of breakfast with Becca, even after the other girls departed for breakfast. Becca managed to sketch what Hermione perceived as her bunk, curtains and all. It wasn't pretty, but it was a solid first attempt. Hermione smiled and showed her own sketch, three large and tall window frames, frames included. It didn't look much better, but both girls liked the other's sketch.
Becca was thrilled to get painting lessons. Hermione promised her a lesson every week, but reminder her that she wasn't a professional. Becca shrugged it off and informed Hermione that she wanted to learn anyways. It looked enjoyable, and she had wanted to paint for years, and now she finally had the opportunity to learn from one of her friends at Hogwarts.
Sunday evening, Professor Dumbledore announced that the next Hogsmeade visit would be the following weekend. Knowing that information, the older students went to bed feeling happy.
As for Hermione, she got just a bit more work done on her reviews before her dormmates wanted to sleep. Hermione knew that the Dicta-Quill was a lifesaver. The Twins were really special boys.
\-0-0-/
December 9, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Neville and Harry were happily chatting about Transfiguration when an owl dropped a letter at Neville's spot. Harry watches Neville open his letter and Neville re-read it a few times before he realized just exactly what he was being asked.
Neville,
Christmas Holidays are coming soon. As you are coming home for the Holidays, I would like you to extend the invitation to Mr. Potter. I think Mr. Potter would like to be around someone who knew his parents. Send me a reply soon.
Your Grandmother
Neville smiled and looked at Harry. "My Gran is inviting you to join us for the Holidays, what do you say?"
Harry froze. Was this for real? "What?"
"My Gran is inviting you to our place for Holiday," Neville repeated.
Harry took a few seconds to process this. He then shot him a shy smile. "Sure, as long as I won't be a burden."
"You would never be a burden, Harry!" Neville exclaimed, "This is going to be great!"
Harry smiled back and continued eating his food. Hermione joined them at the tail end of breakfast and when Neville told her about his Gran's invitation, Hermione got excited and smiled at Harry.
"That's really, really awesome that you said yes, Harry! You two will have to let me know what happens!"
"We will, don't worry," Neville replied.
Smiling, the Trio headed off to Transfiguration. Professor McGonagall seemed back to normal, and class went as expected. The rest of their classes went by without much drama, and Astronomy came and went.
Hermione really wanted to paint before bed but didn't want to annoy her dormmates. She climbed into bed and fell asleep.
\-0-0-/
December 10, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry was pondering what he was proposed. He had been asked, by Neville's Gran, to spend Holiday with her and Neville. His initial mental reaction was to accept happily, but he stopped himself. Uncertain, however, he had accepted the invitation.
Now, he was wondering if accepting the invitation while hesitating was the right thing to do.
Doubt sprung up all around, he wasn't sure how he wanted to put it, it was all very maddening for the young boy. On one side, he wanted to embrace the opportunity to spend some time with his friend over Holiday. The other part of him doubted the invitation and made him think that he would be intrusive instead of welcome.
Deciding to sit on it, he attended classes as normal with Neville and Hermione, while listening to Hermione rattle off about how they should research some of the plants in one of the many greenhouses his Estate covered.
Harry smiled along and agreed when prompted to, however that seed of doubt continued to sow itself in his mind.
\-0-0-/
December 11, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Quidditch Practice took over Harry's mind. Looking for the Snitch in sunrise wasn't easy, he had to constantly fight the glare of the sun. That didn't stop him, though. He crunched onwards, catching the Snitch from different angles, various positions, and at different speeds.
His mind kept swimming towards Christmas. Towards the invitation from Neville's Gran.
Christmas.
Presents.
Granted, Harry never got any presents, Dudley's old clothing hardly counted as a present.
That didn't mean he couldn't give out presents. He went through the list of people he wanted to get a present for: Neville and Hermione. He would have to think, and think quickly, for time was running out. Right now, he was catching the Snitch and Hermione's cheers could be heard from where he was hovering.
\-0-0-/
It was now lunch. Harry's mind was still on presents. He had been thinking about it all morning but had nearly been tossed off balance by Professor Snape's insulting sneer.
Favourite subjects? Neville, defiantly Herbology. Hermione? He had no idea. Glancing over at her, she was fiercely scribbling on some parchment. He assumed it was for History of Magic, as that was the last assignment they had due this week.
Harry had a thought on what he could get for Neville, but he would need help. First though, he had to get to the library.
Tossing Hermione off momentarily, Harry excused himself early and took off towards the Library.
"Madam Pince, do you know of any Herbology encyclopedias of the sort?"
Madam Pince looked down at him. "Look in the middle left for plants."
Harry nodded and smiled. "Thanks." He went through a small portion of the mentioned section and found a few titles that he liked. However, class was rapidly approaching, so Harry took a mental note of the titles and ran out to Defense.
\-0-0/
December 12, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry woke up as if he was heading to Quidditch, however he headed towards the Library. While most would be asleep at 6:00 AM, Harry was going through more titles. Grinning almost an hour later, he wrote down the title of a book and skipped to breakfast, where Neville and Hermione were discussing techniques for Flying Class.
Harry made his way to the Twins and handed them a slip of paper.
"I know it's a Hogsmeade weekend this week, so can you do your thing and find me this book?"
Fred and George looked at Harry with smiles.
"Who's-"
"The lovely lady-"
"That will be getting this book?"
Both Twins waggled their eyebrows at Harry, who shook his head.
"Not for a girl, its Neville's present." Harry shook his head at them.
Nodding in approval, Fred leaned towards him. "What about for Hermione?"
Harry shrugged. "Haven't figured it out yet. I'll think of something, though."
The Twins approved. "Alright Harry, we'll find it for you. Don't worry. Quidditch team always looks after each other, right?"
Chuckling, Harry nodded and reached into his pocket. "I agree. Here's some money. If you find it, buy it. I don't know what else to get him this Holiday."
One of the Twins' eyes widened when they saw just how much Harry handed them.
"Harry, a book isn't going to cost ten Galleons." Fred tried to hand it back.
Harry shook his head. "Never know. Plus I know you got Hermione those voice quill thingys without accepting payment, so take it for both, alright?"
After a silent conversation amongst themselves, they came to an agreement. "We'll get the book and give you whatever is left."
Harry shrugged. "Fine. Thanks guys. I owe you."
That apparently was the wrong thing to saw as Fred and George linked an arm around his shoulder.
"Now that you say it-"
"Catch the Snitch next game."
Rolling his eyes, Harry smiled. "Of course."
With Neville's gift being handled, now he had to think of what to give to Hermione.
\-0-0-/
December 13, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Hermione was making good progress on her second painting. The classroom was coming along brilliantly. The only real thing she changed were the desks. Not the shape, but the way they were positioned. Instead of drawing the on an angle as was in the classroom, she drew it perpendicular to the painting, so that each bench was visible along with the legs and body of the table themselves. Not to mention, the windows and sky were already colored, so she was doing easy work. If she kept her shapes straight, this painting would be a blast.
Becca became fascinated with Hermione's painting, even though it wasn't much better than her sketches. By the time breakfast rolled around, Hermione had sketches of the tables laid out and one excited Becca gushing over the pending painting.
That evening, Harry and Neville were sorting notes when Harry noticed something. Their stacks of notes from the past few weeks resembled binders that he recognized in Primary. Thinking more, Harry smiled brightly as he realized what to get Hermione for Christmas. To make it special, he would need assistance that unfortunately, the Twins would not be able to provide.
\-0-0-/
December 14, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
The residents of Hogwarts School woke up to a Castle and grounds covered in eight inches of snow. The Twins managed to convince a group of students to play in the snow. Some older years joined, despite the fact that it was a Hogsmeade weekend.
The resulting Grounds became three mounds of snow, each covering a House's team. There were cries of joy, laughter, and smiles as the three official House "teams" (and a few Slytherins scattered amongst the group) lobbed snowballs at each other.
By the time the evening feast arrived, there was a whole group of students who were mostly covered in snow head to toe. The talk of the Castle that evening was how the Twins showed off their superiority in Charms by spelling several large snowballs to continually smack Quirrell's head as he ran away in fright. Smiles, giggles, and laughter was directed at the freaked out, and now annoyed, Defense Professor.
Later in the Common Room, the Twins grilled Ron for not joining them, Ron citing the need for food and sleep. Being honest with himself, Harry could care less what Ron thought or did. It was starting to rub off on him that no matter what he did or didn't do, Ron would always be there. Trying to be civil towards Hermione when she was iffy with him sort of worked but trying to be civil to Ron would be like giving that dog a piece of meat and instead becoming the meal yourself. It wasn't, in Harry's eyes, exactly worth it yet.
In another corner of the Common Room, Hermione was talking to her Quill as it wrote the stuff she said on its own parchment. Yeah, Hermione would love her gift.
\-0-0-/
December 15, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
The Twins were off to Hogsmeade to get the book for Harry to give to Neville for Christmas, while Harry himself was off and about without Neville and Hermione. While Neville worked on a Transfiguration essay in the Library, Hermione was working on her review. Because of the progress she made on her painting, she decided to give herself some extra time of beauty sleep. That certainly helped because she was able to concentrate more on her review. Harry rejoined them around lunch, a smile etched on his face.
"I am happy. Also, I did my essays for Herbology and Transfiguration, mind taking a look at them Hermione?"
Hermione smiled and nodded. They, like the student body, had no idea what was going down in the Headmaster's Office between Albus Dumbledore, Lucius Malfoy, Cornelius Fudge, and the Ministry inspector.
\-0-0-/
Albus Dumbledore was masking his anger. Here he was, being dictated to by Lucius Malfoy about the inspection hinted about at the beginning of the month.
"Dumbledore, as per educational Sub-law 27B, the beforementioned inspection will be taking place tomorrow. Now, this man, Mr. Albert Kerchok, will be inspecting the Potions class of Severus Snape. Should Professor Snape show signs of… abuse, he will be dismissed instantly. Otherwise, he will remain teaching, and no further action will be taken. Is that all clear?" Lucius turned to the other two men in Dumbledore's office.
"Clear, Sir." Albert's voice was cold and raspy. He would be disillusioned tomorrow, inspecting Severus' classes, and having being personally requested by Minister Fudge was no laughing matter.
Cornelius was there to make sure nothing went out of hand. Seeing his job complete, Cornelius headed out of the Fireplace. Lucius gave Albus a parting remark.
"It would be such a shame for Hogwarts to lose such a professional Potions Master. I hope, that for your sake, your Professor stays in place. Good day, Albert, Albus."
The two remaining men in the room remained silent. Dumbledore coughed uncomfortably before escorting Albert to freshly prepared guest quarters before heading off to attend to his duties.
\-0-0-/
The Twins pulled through for Harry, that evening in the Common Room, the Twins winked at Harry and walked upstairs. Where Harry entered the Dorm a few minutes later, he looked at his bed and saw a wrapped item and a bag with a note.
You were right, this cost a lot! Three Galleons! We took your advice and "paid" ourselves the twenty Sickles we spent on Hermione's Dicta-Quills. The rest of your money is here.
Gred and Forge.
Harry nodded in approval, glad the Twins were able to help. Pocketing the coins and the note, he unwrapped the book, flipped through its pages, and smiled brightly.
"This will be brilliant! Step one finished!"
He carefully tucked the book into his trunk, intent on brining it with him when he went home with Neville over Holiday.
December 16, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Today was a weird day for the students of Hogwarts. The massive elephant was the fact that Professor Severus Snape didn't sneer nor insult anyone today in class.
When a Professor did something that was so hard to believe, it normally wasn't true. However, for the three years of students who saw Professor Snape in this different mood confirmed it all the same.
Flashback
Severus was alerted when a buzzer in his office went off, signaling that there was an individual in his classroom who was not authorized to be there. As his Second Years knew not to enter the classroom without his expressed permission, whichever squirming brat that dared to enter his classroom would be getting detention for a week!
Upon reaching the classroom, all of his students were outside the door, as usual. He shook off the alarm and allowed the students to enter. Reaching his podium, he looked around. Despite the room being dimly lit, he did spot an individual under a weak disillusionment charm.
Well, today was that inspection day, not that he was told anything about it.
Taking an internal deep breath, he used his shields to put on a face empty of emotion and insult and taught his classes.
\-0-0-/
After their very weird Potions lesson, while the Trio was off to lunch, Harry went up to Professor Flitwick at the head's table and spoke to him. A few minutes later, he returned to his Gryffindor friends, a smile plastered on his face.
"What was that for?" Hermione asked, as she started eating.
"Oh, nothing," Harry replied. Everything was going to plan.
\-0-0-/
Hermione was continuing to paint her Astronomy painting. She was getting closer to having it finished, maybe another day to polish it. She smiled as her canvas came to life and her drawing looked fantastic.
Compared to the class, Hermione would have preferred the painting over the class. However, as the classroom had its warming charms, it wasn't that bad.
December 17, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Tell me about your house, Neville?" Harry asked at breakfast.
Neville's face brightened. "Well, the Manor rests on about twenty hectares of land. We have massive greenhouses, a few gardens, lots of land, and of course, the manor itself. Me and Gran can't run it all, so we have three house elves to help us."
Harry's face slowly went from a smile to a frown and then to a look of shock.
"I-I-I can't go there, Neville! Massive grounds? Large greenhouses? Huge house? I don't belong there at all!"
Neville tried to backpedal, however Harry was freaking out. "How does someone like me get invited to stay at a place like that?!"
Hermione looked at Harry. "But Harry, Hogwarts is huge, and you don't complain."
"Because there are hundreds of people here, Hermione! I belong here! Not there! Not in a huge house where two people live! I'll go insane!"
Neville nor Hermione knew how to handle Harry panicking, so Neville asked him what he wanted.
"Sorry Neville, while I would want to go, I can't! I don't belong there."
That was that. As quick as a flash, Harry had uninvited himself to spend Holiday with Neville. While it hurt Neville to no end, he tried to understand. However, Hermione made a "not now" motion with her hands, so Neville reluctantly held off. He had to write a letter to his Gran, however. That would not be fun.
\-0-0-/
Severus had watched from a vantage point as Albert bid his goodbyes to Albus and made his way to his Floo connection to head back to the Ministry. Severus sent an unseen sneer towards the Ministry official.
Pathetic wimp. He thought a disillusionment charm would hide him. This must have been some dunderhead official if their disillusionment charm was so easily visible. Counter that with the fact that the man hadn't checked for wards made him doubt the official's credibility. However, the official was out of Hogwarts, and with it, that blasted inspection. Severus would be having some choice words with the Headmaster soon.
\-0-0-/
That evening, after classes had concluded, Neville talked to Harry alone.
"Hey, Harry. I'm sorry about today. I didn't know."
Harry sighed. "I don't belong in luxury, Neville. It isn't my thing. I know you grew up in that lifestyle, and I don't mind that you did. I would be a burden, a sore thumb during Holiday." He shrugged.
Neville didn't want to push Harry, so he accepted defeat and went to sleep. He would send his Gran the letter tomorrow, during Harry's Quidditch Practice.
December 18, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry Quidditch Practice went by as normal, Harry caught the Snitch and practiced weaving maneuvers. Class was about as normal as they could be, despite Harry's hatred of his schedule that day. What Harry nor Neville knew was that Hermione was to the point of putting on her finishing touches on her painting. She had kept her painting hobby progress pretty much secret from her friends. However, she had already decided she would show off her work to them when she finished, so she was privately excited for that.
Becca had gotten better at painting. The girl had not wanted to do much as she really enjoyed sketching, so Becca would spend time with Hermione drawing out sketches that she might one day paint. Hermione was thrilled to be able to share a talent she loves with one of her friends. She didn't forget Harry's request, either. She would have to figure out when they would be able to paint together.
Hermione had also been worrying over their researching, considering they weren't nearly as far down their lists as she had originally hoped, but the added pressure from their teachers and the extra assignments being given out, plus the not-so-subtle fact that Christmas was right around the corner pacified her desire to read.
Despite Harry's new reluctance to join Neville for Holiday, the three friends still enjoyed the time they had together. Harry had calmed down after his little panic, and was fine. The three were looking forward to Holiday, one way or another.
\-0-0-/
Severus was in Albus' office, patiently waiting for the Headmaster to complete his other tasks before bringing forth his statement.
Albus' eyes twinkled as he smiled at him. "Ah, Severus. You have waited patiently. Now, tell me dear boy, what is troubling you at this hour?"
Severus' eyes narrowed slightly. "You failed to tell me that a ministry official would be breaking into my classroom before classes began, who would then spend the next several hours under a pathetic excuse of a disillusionment charm inspecting me."
Albus' eyes continued to twinkle. "My dear friend, it would have been impractical for me to alert you to the Ministry's presence. As such, I was under close surveillance when Mr. Kerchok arrived in the Castle, so should I have "tipped" you off about his presence, it would have been a violation of one of our educational Sub-laws. You know this, Severus. You knew about the surprise inspection."
Severus didn't flinch. "If this truly was a surprise inspection, why was he so inexperienced at detection wards and disillusionment charms?"
Albus shrugged. "That, my dear friend, are questions that do not need asking as they do not need answering. Get some sleep, my friend. I am confident that no faults were found with your teaching capabilities as a professor."
"Have a good evening, Headmaster." Severus tipped his head and turned, walking out of Dumbledore's office, a scowl on his face.
\-0-0-/
December 19, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Hermione was dancing. Internally, of course. She had finished her Astronomy painting. The three windows aligned almost perfectly on the canvas with the tables looking sharp as ever, and the glow the canvas seemed to give the painting. The final thing she did to finish the painting was to initial it and put the date of completion on it. Like her sunrise painting, Hermione was happy of her work.
She was also on a roll. She already had her presents for the boys, and judging by Harry's subtle disappearances every so often, he was either finished or close on his own.
During breakfast, Neville's family owl tossed a letter to Neville. Reading it, the young boy again extended the invitation to Harry. Harry, respectfully declining again, focused on his uneaten eggs for the remainder of breakfast.
Neville's Gran had kept her invitation open for Harry should he change his mind at the last minute.
Harry was mainly relaxed during Flying Class, where Hermione and Neville were starting to shine with their own broom skills. Madam Hooch applauded their efforts, and the Trio's smiles didn't fade until around dinner, when Dumbledore stood up to make an announcement.
"Please be reminded that you need to speak with you Head of House should you want to leave for the Holidays but did not sign up at the beginning of the year. Thank You."
Murmurs erupted all over the Great Hall as cheerful students excitedly seemed to plan their entire holidays again. Hermione had finished eating and stood up, citing the need to do work and excused herself. Harry and Neville watched her go as neither had finished their food.
When the boys had finished their food, they ventured off to the Library to look for any clues on the three-headed-dog. Unsurprising to them, they didn't find anything, and they were simply more tired than before. Greeting Hermione in the Common Room with a simple wave, both smiled at her as she continued talking to her Quill that wrote her review.
When Hermione had stopped reciting words for her review, Harry walked over and sat down on one side of her while Neville sat on her right.
"So, Hermione, me and Neville were wondering a few things." Harry started. Both boys smiled calmly at Hermione as said girl looked between her friends.
"What would those wonderings be, Harry?"
"Well, from what you have told us, that mysterious painting from last month still hasn't made an appearance. Should we be worried?" Neville's face showed he was holding back laughter.
Hermione rolled her eyes slightly. "You'll see soon, boys. Anything else?"
Harry nodded. "No more research till after Holiday? At least for you. You need a break, Hermione."
She was about to protest.
"Don't think about protesting either, Hermione. I know you call the Library your second home." Neville stated, earning a swat from her.
"Fine. To appease your tiny brains, I will not do research for the rest of Holiday. But that doesn't mean I'm not going to keep wanting to figure out what the three-headed-dog is, or who Nicholas Flamel is."
"Well, yeah, considering we wanna know these things too. But it's Holiday soon. Let's relax for a bit, right?" Also I take offense to that tiny brain comment. I'll have you know I got an O on our latest Herbology assignment!" Neville puffed his chest in mock pride.
Harry looked down slightly. "I got an E, so yay me, I guess."
Hermione smiled. "A, E, and O are good grades! It's fine, Harry!"
Harry smiled slightly and shrugged. "If it helps, I got an O from Transfiguration."
Hermione smiled and nodded approvingly. "Excellent work Harry!"
Harry smiled in thanks. The Trio spent a bit more time chatting and laughing in the Common Room before they bid each other goodnight.
\-0-0-/
December 20, 1991
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Classes were shortened – as announced by Professor Dumbledore, so most of the students going home could pack their trunks. Neville and Hermione packed their trunks with the necessities. Harry was off and about, doing who knew what, so by the time the evening feast arrived, Harry was back in the Common Room clutching Hermione's wrapped up present. Stowing it in his trunk, he raced out of the Common Room, making it to the Feast before anyone noticed he was late.
Holidays would be good. He would have the dorm to himself, and he would be able to relax as much as he wanted to. No bullies, idiots, Dursleys, or Potion teachers to ruin his Holiday.
Harry still sighed when he though of Neville's family manor. While he did want to go, he knew deep down that he wouldn't be able to handle the change in environment and would promptly go insane and probably break something by accident.
It was fine though. Holidays without the Dursleys, the first time in ten years, would hopefully be his favourite one yet.
Author's Note: This is the shortest chapter of this story I've written! I tried to write more, but I quickly realized that more would not mean better. So here is that result. Thanks for the support and until next time, Au Revoir!
BananaCarrot-Five