Chapter Thirty-Seven
A\N This is going to be a time skip of at least a few months. I won't know until I sit down and write the chapter exactly how long the time skip will be.
Harry's seventh, eighth, and ninth birthdays seemed to pass very quickly. His seventh birthday had started the tradition of the Best Party Ever, as Harry and Neville had named it. The whole extended family would gather in the trunk the day before Neville's birthday, and leave the day after Harry's. During that time, the two boys were allowed to stay up as late as they wanted. They had a blast running around until they were too tired to move, only to be whisked off to bed by an adult or elf, then repeat it all the next day.
The boys also enthusiastically embraced the tradition of the "backyard campout," spending many wonderful nights sleeping under the 'stars,' roasting marshmallows and some other things over a campfire under the supervision of an adult or elf. Sirius and Remus also stocked the lake, ponds, river and streams with fish so they could take the boys fishing.
Harry also loved to introduce Neville to many things in the Muggle world. The family went to theme parks, zoos, arcades, as well as museums, historical sites, and national parks.*
Everyone agreed that the picture of Gran, Aunt B, and Nana Min on their first roller coaster ride was hilarious.
Sirius especially loved to bring it out and laugh, until the day Harry threatened to get the picture of HIS first roller coaster ride.
Sirius sent a betrayed look at Remus, "Moo-neeeeeyyyyy! You swore you burned that!"
Remus chuckled, "I did! Marauders' Honor!"
"Not the negatives!" squealed Harry, "and I got LOTS of pictures made with my allowance."
"You little- I'm sooo gonna get you! Come here!" he said lunging at Harry playfully.
Harry dodged, and Sirius chased him around the room until he hid behind Nana Min, who gave Sirius "Patented McGonagall look #4" The "oh-shit-I'm-in-trouble-stop-you-in-your-tracks" one.
Sirius screeched to a halt and mock glared at the boy hiding behind her. Harry stuck his tongue out at Sirius, who hissed "just you wait" at him.
…..
Albus Dumbledore strode along the corridors of Hogwarts, returning to his office after lunch. He was quite happy with the way his plans were progressing. It's even been more than a year since Black and Lupin contacted me about visiting with Harry. Could they have given up at last? He hoped so, but it was unlikely. Harry's tenth birthday was this week, by this time next year he'd have his Hogwarts letter. Then all my plans will bear fruit. He knew he'd have to watch the couple. The closer it came time for Harry to come to Hogwarts, the more insistent they'd be about teaching him what he should know.
Albus sighed, he couldn't let that happen. A pawn with knowledge and the right backing could destroy all his hard work. Hmmmmmm. Maybe a spell? I put that binding on him, and a few other things, but maybe a loyalty potion? He'd have to brew it himself, there would be too many questions if he asked Severus…
Albus smiled as he sat behind his desk, reaching for one of his ever-present lemon drops. Yes, he thought, popping the treat in his mouth and sucking on it, that will work. This way, even if Black and Lupin tell him things, he'll still be loyal to me. He smiled as he sat back and enjoyed the candy. Things are working out just fine.
…..
Harry and Neville's tenth birthdays passed with s week-long party, as well as another visit to an amusement park, which caused Remus to wince and groan softly. Sirius squeezed his arm lightly and promised a ton of anti-nausea potions. Minerva sympathized and promised she'd see if she could get some from Poppy Pomphrey or the apothecary. Blushing lightly, she said, "and maybe a few for myself too."
After the party, the family gave themselves a day to recover before heading on a two week vacation to Potter Island. The it was Neville's turn as they spent some time at Longbottom Hall. The Sirius gave a tour of the few Black properties that had been cleansed of Dark magic, and Remus showed the around his home. Minerva promised a private tour of Hogwarts once the boys started school there.
As the years passed, the family separated more and more rarely. Only Minerva spent large amounts of time away, Augusta and Neville as well as Sirius and Remus, had the usual type of political gatherings, either for the Wizengamot, or other "polite society" affairs. Obviously Harry couldn't go, but they all made sure he knew about these things, and what to expect as well as what is expected of him.
During the months Harry had school, Neville had his home school lessons, and after Harry got home they would have an "Heir" lesson. There was always plenty of time for the boys to play, and they were happy and healthy.
…..
Harry's last year of Muggle school began as they always did, with ]
children running and calling to friends they hadn't seen all summer.
Harry smiled, calling to a few friends as he headed toward his new classroom. Just as he was about to enter, he felt a strong shove, and hit the floor, barely avoiding cracking his head open on the hard surface.
As he was attempting to get up, he felt a hard kick to his ribs, "get out of my way, freak!" said Dudley as he and his friend passed laughing into the room.
"Dudley Dursley! Apologize at once!" screeched Ms. Simons, "Detention! And I will be speaking to your parents!"
Dudley's eyes grew wide, it was the first time a teacher had yelled at him like that, "but I didn't DO anything! It's not FAIR!"
She pinned him with a look, "don't try that with me, young man. I SAW you knock Mr. Potter to the floor, and I SAW you kick him in the ribs. You are very lucky. You're almost at the age where you can be charged with assault!* Now Take Your Seat!"
After she made sure Harry was alright, insisting he at least see the school nurse, she began the class. All through the day, she made sure to keep one eye on Dudley Dursley.
….
Ms. Simons kept both boys after school. She scolded Dudley one more time and sent him off to detention with a note for his parents. He grumbled and stomped the whole way there.
She turned to Harry, "are you sure you're all right?"
Harry smiled, "yes ma'am."
"Good," she said, handing him a folded note, "this is a copy of the note I gave Dudley. Somehow, I don't think his will make it home. I'm also going to give your Aunt a call."
"Yes ma'am, I'll give it to her," Harry said, stuffing the note in his backpack so Dudley wouldn't see it.
"Go on home, then," she said with a smile.
"Thank you," said Harry as he dashed out.
A\N I decided to do a bit more of a time skip than I thought. Part of me wanted to do a chapter or two a year until Hogwarts. That was my original outline, but between you guys and the plot bunnies jumping on my brain, it turned into a lot more. I just hope it flowed all right and doesn't seem too rushed.
*(1) I don't know if the UK has national parks like they do here in the US.
*(2) I don't know if that is the case, either here or in the UK. I just figured she would want to scare the pants off him.
A big thank you to everyone who followed, favorited, or reviewed. You always make me smile. Whenever I have a bad day, I pull up your reviews.
Kiani Skyrider
