Chapter 18 The End of Year One
The weeks following Quirrell's untimely demise passed fairly uneventfully for Harry, Lily, Severus and their friends. The school was still in somewhat of a state of shock over their teacher's demise, since the curse that seemed to permanently afflict the DADA position had rarely resulted in a teacher's death; more often than not, they'd lose their job at the end of the year and that'd be that. Albus, McGonagall and Snape had to fill-in for Quirrell's classes on a rotational basis, with Albus taking responsibility for Year one, two and three classes. For Harry, Lily and Severus, their end of year exams went by fairly smoothly, after which, the final Quidditch Match of the season was due to take place. Harry won, catching the snitch and giving Gryffindor their second victory of the season. Their margin of victory being greater than 130 points, at 240-100, meant that they'd won their first Quidditch Championship in three years. Naturally, his Ravenclaw friends weren't all that happy about the final result, but they couldn't deny that Harry had flown excellently and was a worthy winner, overpowered broom aside. Harry's victory meant Gryffindor took the lead in the house cup and virtually everyone was hoping for them to hold on and beat Slytherin.
On the last day of term, Harry, Severus and Lily found themselves in their guardian's office. Albus had requested their presence after lunch, so they could sort out the issue of their lodging over the summer break. Albus mentioned that he had some business on the continent during July and as a result, he wouldn't be able to watch over them for the length of the break. As a result, he'd been planning out suitable accommodations for his three wards in the meantime and contacting trustworthy friends that would be willing to put them up for a week or two. At half past noon, Harry knocked on the door to Albus' office and entered the room with Severus and Lily right behind him. Albus was seated at his desk, smiling at them, he then beckoned them closer and invited them to take their seats across from him.
"Um…you wanted to see us, sir?" Severus asked as he sat down in the rightmost chair.
"I did, yes," said Albus. "And just Albus is fine now, we're all alone here as you can see."
The three almost-second years nodded in response.
"I gathered the three of you here today to sort out your accommodations for the summer," Albus began, his blue eyes briefly meeting those of his wards. "I have made provisions on behalf of the lot of you…that I believe you shall find satisfactory, but I wish to run it by you, as it were, before I go through with them."
"What provisions, Albus?" Lily asked, her eyes wide and curious.
"I'm just getting to that," Albus said with a mirthful chuckle. "Concerning you, Lily, it is imperative that you remain with Harry for at least, the most of the summer, so I shan't be splitting the two of you up."
"What about Sev?" Lily asked, catching onto Albus' insinuation.
Albus hesitated, a slight frown creasing his wrinkled brows as he sat up straighter in his chair. "Severus…will have his own provisions, I have people trustworthy in mind to look after him for the two weeks I shall be in Belgium," Albus said carefully, not wanting to give too much away.
"But who, sir?" Severus asked in a quiet voice, he already suspected it might be his older self, or perhaps another of the staff maybe…After all, it certainly couldn't be his parents who were most definitely dead at present.
"Two professors, I believe, will be able to care for you, one week at each of their residences, and you are well-acquainted with both of them…Severus," Albus said cryptically. "For the first week, you shall be staying with Minerva, and for the second…" he paused, fixing the bridge of his glasses that'd been slipping down his nose, "—you shall be staying with your older self, in Spinner's End."
"You're sending him to go with Snape?" Harry asked, aghast at the thought of it. He leapt out of his chair and was more than prepared to jump to his best friend's defense but a stern glare from Albus mellowed out his protest in the blink of an eye.
"He will be staying with Professor Snape, Harry, but also with Professor McGonagall as well. I believe they are both suited to looking after Severus, and I shan't have my judgement questioned on this," Albus said sternly, his expression only softening once Harry sat back down in his chair.
"As I was saying, Severus, you shall be staying with Minerva and Severus for one week each; and I have their word that they will treat you fairly and justly in the two weeks I am gone. Once I return, you, Harry and Lily will be staying at Hogwarts with me, in our usual quarters. I shall be able to care for the three of you for the remainder of the holiday."
"Wh-when are you heading off, Albus?" Severus asked nervously.
"In three weeks time," he answered, wearing a sad smile. "So, for the first three weeks, all of you will be staying at school, I don't believe this will present a problem, will it?" He was met with three unanimous shaking heads. "After that, you will then go to your alternate accommodations. In your case Severus, Minerva owns a cottage in Aberdeen, you shall accompany her there for the first week, and the second will be in Cokeworth with Severus. Upon my return, the three of you will come back to Hogwarts and spend the remaining three weeks of the summer here."
"And Professor McGonagall and the older me both agreed to this?" Severus asked.
"Minerva was most agreeable, and as for Severus…he took some convincing but he too agreed to my proposal," Albus said amusedly. "I do believe that your older self even has concocted some form of a schedule for you Severus. Nothing to strenuous I am sure, but something to keep you occupied during the week you spend with him." Severus' head fell and he groaned in annoyance. If his older self was at all like Tobias, like their shared father, he knew he'd be in for a rough week in Cokeworth. Then again, he did have a fairly good relationship with his older self as far as Professor Snape's standards went. As far as Severus was aware, only Lily was in better graces with Professor Snape than he was, and he certainly hoped that by being in Snape's good books, his week with both Professors would go smoothly.
"Rest assured Severus, I have both Minerva and your older self's words that they will treat you fairly," Albus said knowingly, almost as if the wizened, old wizard could sense his ward's discomfort.
"O-okay," Severus muttered quietly, knowing deep down that he could trust Albus. "I'll…make the most of it."
"That's my boy," Albus said, clapping his hands together.
Lily gave his fingers a gentle squeeze, while Harry flashed him a confident-looking smile.
"Now, onto the two of you," Albus said, shifting his gaze to Harry and Lily. "You'll be staying at The Burrow, the Weasleys residence for the two weeks I am gone. Mister Weasley—Ron, that is, has told me he approached you about it, Harry, is that correct?"
"He did Albus, but I…I wasn't sure if he was being serious or not," Harry admitted. "I—um, I said I'd think about it, but I guess I won't need to think about it any longer. Lily and I will be there for two weeks?"
"That is correct. I must stress the importance that the two of you stay together over the summer, otherwise I would've—"
"Why can't I go?" Severus blurted out, immediately regretting his petulance when three sets of eyes swiveled towards him.
"The Weasleys only have so much space Severus…" Albus said calmly. "If it were possible, I would have preferred for the three of you to remain together, and I will strive to make that happen next summer should I have to make a trip overseas. For now, I'm afraid that you will have to separate for those two weeks, and for that I am sorry."
Severus hung his head in resignation. There was no use in getting angry and blowing a gasket at the Headmaster. Maybe he'd be able to make the most of his two weeks with McGonagall and his older self, he might even enjoy his time spent away from Lily and Harry, although he doubted it very much.
"'s alright, sir, I'll…be fine," Severus said, sounding hopeful.
"I'm sure you will be, my boy. I'm sure you will be," Albus replied fondly.
"Oh, er—Albus, I've been meaning to ask for a while, but would it be alright if I go back to Surrey to visit Petunia?" Lily asked fretfully.
Severus observed a dark look pass over Harry's features, Albus noticed it too, and the only one who hadn't seemingly was Lily.
"Have you contacted her?" Albus asked, his eyes narrowed slightly.
"I have," Lily replied, bobbing her head. "Alain has been getting tons of milage flying to Surrey and back."
"Hmm," Albus hummed, leaning back into his chair and drumming his chin in thought. "I suppose I can make it happen. It'll have to be when I'm around, of course; so if you wish to meet with her, do mention the dates that I'm available to bring you."
"Will do," Lily said quickly. "I'll—um, I'll go send her a letter right after this."
Albus nodded in agreement.
"If that's all, may we be excused Albus?" Harry asked, staring up at the Headmaster.
"Indeed that is everything. The weather we've been having in recent days has been rather nice, hasn't it? I shan't keep you from enjoying it any longer," Albus said with a smile.
Upon leaving Albus' office, the trio wasted no time exiting the castle and making their way to the Black Lake where their friends were waiting for them. Ron, Hermione, Anthony and Mandy were all gathered there waiting for them; intending to take advantage of the pleasant, balmy weather they'd been bestowed with after months and months of rain, sleet and snow. With the sun high in the sky, and hardly a cloud above them, Lily led Harry and Severus away from the castle to the Black Lake to spend their last day of school among friends. The pleasant sounds of nature—the birds tittering, the lake sloshing, and leaves rustling all came together in perfect harmony, sounding like a symphony to Harry, Severus and Lily's ears. They spotted their friends from a good distance away, a quartet of tiny, black specks huddled under a beech tree on the shore of the lake. From the looks of things, they were chattering eagerly amongst themselves, so they pressed on and hastened their pace towards them.
"What kept you so long?" Anthony hollered, as Severus, Harry and Lily neared.
"Meeting with the Headmaster," Harry replied as way of explanation. He shot Ron an understanding look, who in turn nodded back at him.
Lily, Severus and Harry all sat down next to their friends under the shade of the beech. Mandy had taken off her socks and shoes and dipped her feet in the water. Hermione and Anthony were sat beside one another against the bark of the tree, and Ron was sprawled out on the grass on his back.
"What was the meeting about?" Hermione asked curiously.
"Ron knows at least some of it," Lily replied, nodding at her fellow redhead. "Albus—erm, I mean the Headmaster, is going overseas for part of the summer. So we…needed to sort out some alternative living arrangements."
"So, how does Ron come into this?" Mandy asked, her brown eyes darting between Ron and Lily.
"Harry and Lily will be staying over at my home for part of the summer," Ron piped-up. "Only when Dumbledore is away though, my parents err—they've been looking forward to meeting them."
"Not Severus?" Mandy asked, a slight frown on her features.
"No, not me unfortunately, I have…alternate arrangements someplace else," Severus said somberly.
"Oh," Mandy said, sounding put out. "So where will you be stay—"
"I'd prefer not to say," Severus said curtly, cutting into her question. Telling his friends that he'd be staying with McGonagall and Snape for a week each was mortifying and he knew they wouldn't let him live it down if he were to tell them.
"What about the rest of you guys? What are your plans for the break?" Lily asked, mercifully shifting conversation away from Severus' living arrangements.
"I'm heading back to Hungary for a month, gonna visit my Grandparents with my mum and dad so hopefully that'll be interesting. And uh—after that, I'll be back home in Wales for the rest of the summer I guess," Anthony said, smiling.
"Hermione?" Harry prompted.
"I'll just be spending the Summer at home," Hermione answered, her brow furrowed slightly. "My parents usually use up their leave over the Winter so we won't be going anywhere. Just a relaxing Summer at home. What about you, Mandy?"
Mandy pulled her feet from the lake and stretched her legs out over the grass. "Same as you, more or less, although I think I'm gonna be visiting my Grandparents as well, they live in Inverness too so I'll be seeing them. But mostly just kicking around here, nothing too exciting."
The brunette turned her attention to Ron. "Got anything exciting planned over the summer, Ron?"
A nervous hand came up to rub the back of his neck as he averted his gaze to the dewy grass. "Not really," he said quickly. "I'll uh…be hosting Harry and Lily for a couple weeks, but more or less the same as you and Hermione, staying at home."
Mandy nodded as did everyone else.
"A relaxing summer does sound nice, though, and spending it with friends sounds even nicer" Anthony pointed out thoughtfully, to which everyone nodded in agreement, Hermione especially.
"That's true," Ron acknowledged, "and I'm sure you two'll fit right in," he added said to Harry and Lily.
"I have a younger sister, Ginny, she's—uh, she's a big fan of your's Harry, so I'm sure she'll be excited to meet you."
"If she's at all like you, I'm sure we'll get on just fine," Harry said with a smile. He quite liked Ron's siblings after all, even Percy.
Later that day about half an hour before dinnertime, Lily and Severus left the group and headed up to the Owlery. Lily had a letter to send off to her sister, she was crossing her fingers that her husband, Vernon, wouldn't be home when Alain reached Surrey. Severus chose to accompany her, while Harry and the rest still continued to lounge by the Black lake until it was dinner time. So, with their friends hanging out by the water, Lily and Severus made the trek up towards the castle. As they neared the Owlery, however, they heard the nasally drawl of a boy who they were all too familiar with, and not by choice. Draco Malfoy's voice was unmistakable, and from the sounds of things, he wasn't alone either. Pansy Parkinson's high, shrill voice as well as Blaise Zabini's cool, drawl were present as well. All three were blood purists and not of the sort that Lily, Severus, nor their friends liked to mix around with. They crept closer to the Owlery but kept out of sight to listen in on the three Slytherins' conversation. Severus held a lone finger to his lips, and Lily nodded in acknowledgement; when they could hear the Slytherins' voices more clearly, they stopped and ducked out of sight.
"Are you sure Draco? Where did you hear this from?" Parkinson asked.
"Positive," Malfoy said coolly. "My father isn't mistaken, and he's…I think he's got something planned, something big. I don't know what so don't bother asking…but I think next year ought to be rather entertaining, for us purebloods at least."
Zabini chuckled softly, contrasted starkly by Parkinson's shrill titters. "Oh, I'm sure whatever he has in store ought to be entertaining for certain," Zabini said coolly.
"That it will be," Malfoy agreed.
Severus and Lily heard the sound of footsteps once more so they made sure they were hidden in the alcove as the three Slytherins traipsed right past them and out of the Owlery. Stepping out once they were gone, they breathed a sigh of relief.
"That doesn't sound good," Severus muttered lowly.
"Absolutely," Lily agreed. "If Malfoy's happy about something, that's bound to be bad news. Should we tell Albus?"
Severus shrugged his shoulders. "Tell him what, though? All Malfoy said is that his father is planning something, what on earth does that even mean?"
"Yeah, I guess that's nowhere near enough to go on," Lily said sadly. "I still think we should keep an ear out though, next year, I'm a bit worried to be honest, Sev."
"Well, that makes two of us then," Severus replied.
Lily sighed and they proceeded up to the Owlery whereupon she called for Alain and attached her envelope to his leg. The eagle owl then took the skies with Lily and Severus watching him fly away towards the Forbidden Forest.
The end of year feast later that evening passed without much fanfare. Gryffindor was awarded the House Cup, just edging out Slytherin in the standings, Ravenclaw meanwhile came in third place, although Lily and Severus were of the opinion that they might've won if they were awarded points for their potion contributions to the Hospital Wing. Neither Pomfrey nor Snape, not even Albus seemed inclined to give them any though.
After dinner, Albus called for Severus, Lily and Tracey to follow him to his office, where the Slytherin and two Ravenclaws were paid a hefty sum of galleons as appreciation for their efforts. Severus had earned the most of the group, having turned in the most potions that met Snape's exacting standards; Lily and Tracey were just behind him though and all three were more than happy at the amount they'd been paid. Albus congratulated the three of them on their superb brewing throughout the year, and even mentioned that some of their brews had been used to treat their friends' ailments when they'd come by the wing. One of Severus' stomach soothers had been given to Anthony when he fell sick at the Halloween feast after gorging himself on candy. Tracey had brewed a headache potion for her friend Daphne as well. As for Lily, she'd brewed the numbing salve that Madam Pomfrey used to treat Harry when his scar was hurting a few weeks ago. As a result of their performance, Albus invited them to continue brewing next year since Madam Pomfrey and Professor Snape had both been satisfied with their efforts. They wisely accepted the Headmaster's offer, looking forward to the prospect of more brewing and more galleons too come their second year.
Needless to say, Lily, Tracey and Severus all left Albus' office in high spirits that night. They all exchanged a promise to help push each other as brewers and to do the best they could.
The following day, Harry, Lily and Severus accompanied their friends down to hogsmeade Station to wish them goodbye for the Holidays. They crammed into two separate carriages and rode the Thestral-drawn contraptions into Hogsmeade, alighting at the train station where the Hogwarts Express awaited them in all its glory. Harry had ridden in his carriage with Hermione, Ron, Neville and Fay; while Severus and Lily were sat with Anthony, Mandy, Sue and Lisa. The two groups exchanged their goodbyes and well wishes for a pleasant holiday on the platform. Their goodbyes didn't last for long however, as the whistle for the final call soon rang out to all those that remained on the platform. Mandy, Hermione, Ron and Anthony all boarded the train, leaving behind their trio of friends on the platform. Moments later, the coal-fired engine roared to life, smoke billowing out of the stack en masse as the wheels began to turn and the engine began to move. Harry, Severus and Lily waved goodbye to their friends and housemates as the engine picked up speed and pulled away from the platform. Within a minute, the engine had gone, leaving Harry, Lily and Severus alone on the platform with Hagrid.
"Alright ye three, it's back to the castle ye lot," Hagrid said, ushering them towards one of the carriages.
They all clambered into the last carriage and began their journey home.
A/N: So a bit of a shorter chapter than normal, but honestly there wasn't really all that much to cover for the end of their year. Thanks for reading and I hope you liked it!