Harry put the last of his things in his chest he was leaving for Hogwarts tomorrow. This would be his last year he then had plans to go to an Auror training internship for three months. That is if he did well this year Sirius had told him not to worry he would for sure get accepted and there was no way he wouldn't make the requirement with McGonagall's help. Hagwig came into his window carrying a few letters one from Hermione one from Ron and one from Ginny he opened Ginnys first.
She told him that she missed him after he went home after visiting the borrow and how excited she was for the upcoming school year talking about how they should get the quidditch tryout done right away so they could get new members whipped into shape even without him on the team this year she wanted him to be involved. He smiled at her letter putting it nicely on his desk next he grabbed Ron's letter he talked about how weird it is with so few people in the house at this point it was only him Ginny and their parents the twins moved into the flat on top of their shop Percy was still living on his own in the city Bill and Fleur had their own home and really only visited a few times a year and Charlie was still in Romania.
When He and Hermione had visited for a few weeks during the summer he hadn't shut up about how nice it was having the house almost to himself. But at the same time if he was alone for more than five minutes he would suddenly appear and not leave whoever side he could find. This was a problem for him because anytime he wanted to be alone with Ginny Ron would show up getting on both their nerves. You would think Hermione would be the fix for this but apparently having a Malfoy for a boyfriend means you have to send them a letter every other hour. Or he would show up convinced that we had dragged her into some near-death event though they haven't really had one of those since the fourth year.
Hermione herself said how ridiculous it was and her letters would often say I'm safe and fine you overbearing sod, hang out with YOUR FRIENDS!. Now in truth, she only sent one letter a day but it still felt like a lot to Harry and Ron. Hermione's letter was last it was mostly a checklist for him to do before heading to the station tomorrow. It also told him that she has so far finished 7 applications for different internships for next summer.
He looked up at Sirius tapping on his door. " all ready Harry" he asked walking in he nodded putting the letters away.
" yeah just got to grab Hagwigs food and put it with everything else," he said Sirius smiled sitting on his bed
" last year, very exciting I remember your dad's and mine that's the year he finally got Lilly to date him, so good for you he took almost seven years to get the girl you did it in five" Harry's groan was interrupted by Remus walking in.
" there you are, Harry, I have those forms you needed as well as the required healer's reports" Harry had a moment of realization that he had forgotten about them he felt extra stupid because he had just seen them on Hermione's list.
" I thought I was supposed to get those" Sirius said raising an eyebrow.
" No, we told you about them but knew you would forget, and seeing as I had to go to the Ministry anyway, now what you do have to do is sign these two" Remus said passing them to a pouting Sirius. These were needed for the application that would allow him to shadow an Auro two days a month during his second semester. If they accepted him that is. Harry hurried and put them in his trunk thanking Remus for the trouble.
" well my mind was more focused on the parent meeting," Sirius said standing from the bed " the what," Harry asked head snapping to Sirius.
" yes last year students have a parents' day where they meet and talk with all the teachers, walk the school grounds and hear about how great their kids are," Sirius said giving Harry a side hug
" isn't that what graduation is for," Harry asked " no graduation day is far too busy besides this day helps all muggle parents not get too overwhelmed for when they come for graduation" Sirius was started picking up the letters on Harry's desk Harry snatched them from him putting them back down
" But you already know all the professors and every inch of the school so you don't really need to come," Harry said hopefully he loved Sirius he really did it just he could be a lot, especially whenever he visited the school.
" Not to worry Harry I wouldn't miss it I can never get enough of hearing people praise my Godson, well I believe Kretacher should be done with dinner so let's head down" Sirius happily started heading down humming Remus patted Harry's shoulder telling him that everything would be fine.
six months later.
It was finally here Parent's day the rest of the younger students had the day off most would go to Homesgade some would laze around the castle and some would study or goof around and the few who had older siblings with parents joining could get to visit with family as well. Harry was in his dome room with the rest of his dorm mates they were all working hard on cleaning and hiding everything Harry knew Sirius wouldn't mind if it was messy but he didn't want Miss Weasley to see the mess in their room usually was.
Seamus had suggested they levitate their mess to the ceiling no reason for their parents to look up at the ceiling Dean pointed out that they risked their stuff falling on their parents so they decided to just clean or at least stuff all their stuff in their trunks and Scuffity the rest of the surfaces. Nevil was all about cleaning he didn't want his gram to see any mess and was cleaning furiously. He and Ron were using their shard weight to force his trunk shut so they could lock it. When Hermione and Ginny came in
"We are going to head down to the station platform to meet everyone you guys coming"? Hermione asked she took a moment to look around the room " wow this place looks great you guys must have worked all morning I'm very impressed" Hermione praised all five boys smiled at the compliment
" bet it's just in their trunks," Ginny said walking over to Harry's trunk to open it Harry jumped up diving in front of it. "See" Ginny smirked over her shoulder to Hermione. Hermione just sighed but reinsured the boys that it was still nice and their parents will be pleased. They all started heading down to Hogsmeade so they could meet their parents about halfway down Ron asked Hermione why Malfoy wasn't insisting that she join him and his friends.
" his parents are coming in a flying carriage that will fly right onto Hogwarts grounds, so he will be greeting them there it seems a handful of the richer family are going that route can't say I really approve but it's their choice" Hermione shrugged
" I wish my family had enough money to waste to get a carriage to fly them straight here" Ron mumbled under his breath Ginny gave him a little shove. "I think riding the train is better it gives the true feeling of going back to Hogwarts and besides you shouldn't be jealous of some carriage your dad made a flying car that way cooler," Hermione said giving Ron a smile. He seemed to perk up a bit. Harry imagined the Weasleys flying the car it would probably be funny as long as they didn't park in the whooping Willow. They got to the station platform and were met with a herd of students waiting for their parents and loved ones.
The loud whistle announced their arrival the train came to a stop and out poured the awaited adults. Harry was a little overwhelmed with the rush of the crowds' movement so many people yelling and reuniting he wondered if this is how parents felt when they welcomed them back every year. Finally, he saw ahead of red hair and standing with the Weasly couple was Sirius, Remus and the Grangers they started over to them Ron knocking into a little old woman with a very big and fancy hat and bag
"what are you doing young man don't you have any manners, look at you just rushing through the crowd" she scolded him Ron just stood there silently pleading for help. Nevil came up and introduced his Gram to them. She gave everyone a hard look and said that they should all make sure to act properly in public they were the wizards of tomorrow she then told Nelvil to hurry and escort her out of this mess of people. Nevil gave an embarrassed smile and walked her to the waiting carriages that would bring them to the school.
They finally made it to their loved ones hugs kisses and handshakes were exchanged around the group Deans's mother was also standing with them with Seamus mother Ginny said she would lead them to their boys and meet the rest of them at the carriage. Harry didn't like the idea but knew she was right to give them a helping hand in this crowd. He instead helped lead their parents to the carriages.
They made it to the castle and decided to head up to the common room meeting with the teachers was scheduled by sign up earlier in the year luckily Hermione took care of this so they were all seeing their professors at overlapping times so they would finish at around the same time and walk the castle together. They decided it was best to just meet at Hagrids hut the meeting with the professors. Even with Hagrids own parents and students to meet he insisted they all come to his hut for tea. They all broke apart and headed to follow their respected schedules.
Harry was exhausted so far they had met with Professor Flitwick, Travonine, and Houch all meetings started out fine but then when they were getting ready to wrap up Sirius would feel the need to touch an item or comment on something, and then he would either break a glass ball he was tossing or ask if Flitwick every thought about enchanting his shoes to make him seem taller or tell Houch that she should really find a better way to manage the OTHER houses teams. Luckily Remus was there to fix all and any of Sirius's mistakes.
He was not looking forward to the meeting with Snape he was sure McGonagall would be ok and Kingsley liked Sirius enough so that should go well but he was sure he and Sirius would be thrown from the school before the meeting with Snape was over even Remus would have a hard time smoothing over this interaction. They made their way down to the dungeons and waited for Snape's door to open to let the current group out and the next group in the door opened to reveal three pale blond heads.
"Narcissa! How are you?" Sirius shouted when it seemed like the Malfoys were going to try and just walk by. All three Malfoys stiffened and faced the group.
"I'm quite fine we just got to enjoy a meeting with Severus he says that Draco has been doing spectacular this year" Narcissa put a loving hand on her son's arm.
" yes, I'm sure having miss Granger as a girlfriend is very useful for such things I know she keeps Harry here on track when it comes to his homework," Sirius said all three Malfoys seemed to take a moment Draco looked at his parents before responding " true she is always willing to offer her time to her loved ones, though shes always so stressed whenever she tries to help certain people, I'm sure Potters not failing this class what with how much she helps him and Weasly" Draco drawled. Sirius smiled
" yes, she is such a good girl Tonks says that she picked out a lovely dress for her to wear well Andromeda picked it out but she always did have better taste than most so I'm sure it is perfect," Sirius said excitedly "AH YES, Remus did we send an invite to the Malfoy I don't remember I don't think we got a RAPV so we must have overlooked it," Sirius said in fake panic Remus was pinching the brim of his nose Harry wanted to help but honestly didn't know-how.
" OH, NO, WILL DRACO FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE COMING TO AN INVENT HIS PARENT WERE NOT INVITED TO DESPITE IT BEING HIS COUSINS WEDDING, well I guess we will just have to find another date for Hermione" Sirius shrugged as if it was the only solution. Draco seemed ready to say something when Lusicu beat him to it
" come now Draco we are to meet with your next Professor and I'm sure Severus is tired of waiting for us to finish up here." The three of them headed off Draco glaring back at them. Sirius turned to Remus saying that he still couldn't believe that Hermione is choosing to date him. They entered the office and were welcomed by an annoyed-looking Snape
" So glad you could fit me in between your passing interactions perhaps you could waste someone eales time. Sirius opened his mouth but Remus jumped in
" yes well we do apologize but it is hard to walk through people who are standing in the doorway we do appreciate your understanding," Remus said before taking his seat Harry and Sirius following suit.
"so how has Harry been doing as a student in your class?" Remus asked with a polite smile
" well if not for the headmasters' insistence Mr. Potter would not be in my class at all, his potions are barely passable and any study work he hands in is often a waste of parchment luckily for him though miss Granger helps often it seems so he's at least has an A though it very close to P if he doesn't improve in class. I don't see him being an Auro in any future." Snape said without unpintching his lips. Harry peeked over at Remus he knew that Remus would understand that Snape was being unfair but still be able to keep his cool when giving a response.
He saw that Remus was about to give his own thoughts on how Harry can improve in class while also underlining Snapes' own need to work on being a better professor without right out saying you suck at teaching our kid. When his stomach dropped at the sound of Sirius's voice.
" well it truly is a shame that he is having such a hard time in YOUR CLASS, he has done so very well with his summer studies with Slughorn," Sirius said in a mock supprised voice. Snape stared at Sirius with this newfound information his thin lips being set in an even thinger line. " so the great Harry Potter has found a new person to make him feel special regardless of actual skill" Remus cleared his thought
" I do believe you were one of Slughores' favored students" Snapes' eyes narrowed at this " well anyway, I'm sure even if Harry is not able to find a way to deal with incompetents of those who choose to call themselves teachers a letter from Slughorne will help with getting into the Auror training program, that is what Dumberdor had in mind I'm sure, when he suggested Harry take extra classes during summer with Slughorne after all" Sirius smirked at Snape " Lilly would be very happy with his progress under her old teacher, shame he couldn't have a better experience with YOUR te" Sirius was cut off when Remus kicked his leg. " well we should go I'm sure you have more appointments" Remus stood dragging Sirius with him Harry followed not risking looking at Snape he was sure it would be one of rage and he really didn't want to have to deal with acknowledging that.
Kingsly meeting went so very much better. Kingly was this year's DATDA teacher since the fourth year after Cruch jr pretend to be Mad eye Mooney and them captured Peter and the deformed small thing of flesh that was Voldemort. Dumbordoor had made arrangements with the ministry where an Auro would volunteer to be a teacher for a year after a three-day inspection on arrival and vail of veritaserum serum to make sure they were who they said they were.
Kingsly gave lots of praise compared to Snape. In truth, he had been one of Harry's favorite professors he was a great teacher and had been taking the time to help Harry prepare for Auror training and even telling him stories about the jobs he had done. And giving a heads up about how truly awful the paperwork could be.
Harry, Sirius, and Remus walked to McGonagall's office the last meeting, and then they would be done. They would all be able to just hang out together until it was time for them to leave. The door was open so they knocked on the frame and waited for McGonagall to look up from her papers and invited them in.
the whole thing seemed to be going well Sirius was talkative but not rude Remus asked all sorts of questions that actually had to do with school and Professor McGonagall gave polite but genuine praise. In truth, if Harry had to be praised this is how he preferred it. It was all going smoothly till somehow the topic changed from school to Remus's upcoming wedding.
"so Mernerval seeing as Remus and Tonks refuse to make this a three-way wedding" he gave a pouting look to Remus. " I will be needing a date I know you have your own invite, but I thought it would be a splendid idea to go together" Sirius gave a very charming smile not showing any embarrassment at asking Harry's Professor to be his date, not just Harrys but also his past professor. McGonagall took a deep breath before slowly letting it out and folding her hands in front of herself.
" Mr. Black as I told you in your sixth year when the school held a solar dance and when you would invite me to Hogsmeade and when you asked me to be your partner for the potters wedding, I thank you but NO." Harry could feel Remus shacking next to him and despite feeling embarrassed also couldn't help but smile Sirius threw his hand over his heart and gave a dramatic gasp " once again you wound me, every time I open up my heart you shoot me down but at last if I can not have the honor of escorting you to the wedding than I must insist I have the first dance with you" Sirius gave an over theatrical performance one that Harry was sure would fit in a Shakespeare play.
Remus gave a cough seeming to have gotten over his silent laughing fit. " you mean after the bride and groom dance of course" Remus told Sirius. Sirius paused for a moment before smiling " of course Moony after your dance" Remus didn't look like he quite believed him well another thing to add to the list of things to watch out for on the big day.
" I will agree to this, after the bride and groom dance I will dance ONE dance with you," McGonagall said securing the safety of at least one of the events of the wedding. Sirius perked up and pleasant goodbyes were said before they headed off. They stopped by the kitchen grabbing a few quick sandwiches at Sirius's suggestion in truth Harry thought it was a good idea as proud as Hagrid was of his food it was never actually edible. Everyone was having a good time at Hagrids though it was cramped were only a few of the group were able to sit the rest had to stand Hagrid hand turned over a couple of large buckets and threw dusty blankets over them to make more sitting area but no one seemed to take them.
Everyone was listening to Mr. Granger tell a story about a vacation their family had taken to Russia but no one was listening more intently thing Author Weasly nor did anyone else stop the story to keep asking questions like what was an airplane how did it work what was the prosses one had to go through to get onto one and asking about carnival if it was in fact the ride with stone horses that goes in circles. That was as far as Mr. Granger was able to get in the story before a knock was heard from the door. Everyone looked at themselves they weren't expecting anyone.
Ron was closest to the door so he opened it. His face quickly scrunched up and in an unpleasant manner " what do you want Malfoy" he asked clearly annoyed by his appearance Draco moved past him quickly taking a step into the hut before making a face at the clearly over-packed room he quickly recovered giving a polite greeting manly to Mr. and Mrs. Granger before turning to Hermione
" I'm afraid I have some bad news my parent will not be able to stay for the dinner and will be leaving earlier than expected". "Doesn't sound like bad news to me" Ron snorts Draco gave a quick glare over to him but then again resumed a pleasant smile
" yes well seeing as they will be leaving early we were hoping you and your parents would join us for tea on the astronomy tower, we know it is unconvinced and mess with your schedule a bit but we hope you would be willing to change it a bit and join us," Draco said in his most polite pure blood manner. Hermione maneuvered around the crowd of people before getting to Draco.
" I thought we agreed that short interactions were best for our parents, you know to help everyone get used to things and so no one gets offended," Hermione said in a low voice meaning for only Draco but Harry, Ron, and Ginny were very close with the limited space. " yes but they need to leave early and besides they were the ones who suggested that you and your parents should join us" he gave her a little smile Hermione bit her lip not quite seeming convinced.
She took a minute before turning to her parents " do you guys mind, I mean it is all the way up at the astrometry tower and we could get together with them another time" it wasn't very clear if she wanted to go or not her words were giving them away out but her face was pretty clearly wanting to go. Her parents agreed that it would be nice to have tea with his parents before they left. Everyone in the hut shifted and let the Grangers out Draco took Hermione's arm and escorted her and her parents back to the castle. Author was the most crestfallen he had been loving the story and getting to ask questions. After a while, it was decided that everyone should go and stretch their legs before dinner they all walked around coming to the quidditch field they saw a handful of students and their parents playing those choosing not to join sitting in the stands.
The majority of their group decided they could also use a good fly. After about an hour they packed up dinner would be starting soon so it would be best to head back to the castle. Entering the great hall they saw Hermione and her parents already at the Gryffindor table waving them over. Everyone sat Author making sure to get a seat next to Mr. Granger. The older group fell into their own conversation and they theirs Dumberdor welcomed everyone and said how he hoped they all enjoyed their day at Hogwarts with their loved ones. He reminded everyone that the train would be leaving at 8 pm it was 5 now and to plan accordantly.
The meal started and Harry smiled at the gasp of all the muggle parents. In truth throughout the day when he saw parents being mystified or shocked reactions to the many everyday magic encounter around. It made him think of his first year and how he really never knew what to expect but was always excited. During the meal, Ginny leaned over to Hermione "soooooo how'd it go with the Malfoys" she asked with a grin he knew she had been wanting to ask for a while she always loved hearing about anything that would make the Malfoys uncomfortable.
Hermione swallowed her roasted potato before turning to her " well it went well….. but awkward Lucius just sat there and played with his cane" she shrugged " but Nassisa and Draco were great and my parents seemed to really enjoy themselves, they really only had quick and small encounters before but today they spent a great deal of time together." She said happily Harry and Ginny both nodded encouragingly Ron just shoved more brisket into his mouth.
After the meal, they made their way outside to find a carriage Siuis had tried to convince everyone that they should instead have a little adventure into the forbidden forest and then top off their night at the three broomsticks but Molly had slapped his arm telling him that he truly needed to grow up. On the ride down Hermione cast a warming spell around her parents while the rest did it to themselves Sirius looked expectantly at Harry he sighed and cast the warming spell over his godfather and Sirius sat back happy.
They waited with the growing crowd for the train it was a good thing they took one of the earlier carriages he could see plenty of people past the stations' platform unable to even stand on the platform. They finished their hugs and goodbyes as the train stopped in front of them waving well after the train left some students got back into their carriages and headed back his group decided Sirius had the right idea and headed to the three broomsticks for a butterbeer.
