Chapter 25

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry, 15th December 2011

December came quickly to the students' delight, and it brought with it, a blanket of snow over the grounds, just in time for Christmas. Sam and Dean were looking forward to it. They saw as the decorations were put up. Fantastic trees that reached the seemingly invisible ceiling of the Great Hall. Decorations were everywhere they looked, and it reminded Sam and Dean of their childhood Christmases. Sure, they had no money, and Dad was nearly always gone, but that didn't matter. Dean had always tried his best to make sure that his little brother had a good time. It was a few hours after the final Quidditch match of the season. Gryffindor had beat Slytherin 250 to 120.

Sam and Dean retreated to their quarters, tired. The plan was to rest up before Horace's party later that evening.

A hoot woke Sam from his nap, along with a tapping sound.
"Huh?" he mumbled, sitting up. He wiped the drool from his lips. The parchment in front of him lay forgotten. For a moment he was confused. Looking to the window, he could see Jess looking at him with big golden eyes, ruffling her wings. There was a parcel tied to her leg. Sam jolted to awareness and walked to the window, opening it.

"Hey girl," He smiled. "Sorry." He rubbed her head and brought her inside. Jess hopped onto Sam's bed, nibbling at the corner of one of his books on the nightstand. She shook her wings, attempting to get some of the snowflakes off her feathers. Sam picked up a discarded t-shirt and dried her off gently, giving her a cracker. Untying the parcel was easy. They were getting used to this owl post stuff. At the start, they planned on using their phones, but they found themselves using the wizarding modes of communication more than they expected to.

Sam put the parcel down and opened it. He pulled out two pieces of paper. He got up and walked to the door that connected to Dean's room.

"Hey Dean, wake up! Mail call!" He knocked on the door and turned the knob. Dean was sleeping on his stomach.

"Dude, wake up," Sam said as he shook his brother's shoulder. Dean jerked awake.

"Wha- What?!"

"It's just me. We got a letter from Bobby and Cas," Sam told him. Dean ran a hand over his face and held his hand out. Sam handed him Bobby's letter first.

Sam and Dean,

'Bout damn time I hear from you two idjits. Hope you haven't killed anyone. Apart from that Snape son of a bitch. He's a freakin ass for doing that to ya Dean. Been a few cattle mutilations recently. We've been scoping it out. Demons have been swarming lately, and we don't know why. With Crowley gone, I guess they would be some sort of uprising. Anyway, Feathers is here, and he wants to say something. Damn Angels have no patience. By the way, got you two something for Christmas.

Anyway, write back, you two. I don't wanna have to come over there and kick your asses.

Bobby.

Dean snorted and they swapped letters.

Hello Dean and Sam,

I am hoping you are well. Bobby seems to be wrong about Angels having no patience. Patience is a human emotion, which most Angels are unable to experience. Heaven has been in an uproar since the apparent absence of God. The Angels do not know what to do. Bobby is reading over my shoulder and telling me to be cheerful and not to be a "killjoy" although I am not sure what that means. The anniversary of the birth of Jesus is approaching and Bobby has decorated. It confuses me. Why would an Angel sit upon a coniferous tree? Angels are warriors of God, and it seems very illogical. Bobby has sent you some gifts along with this, and he helped me choose them. My gifts are rings, carved with protection symbols. Bobby has bought Dean a leather jacket and you, Sam, a new occult book. I am hoping you are well.

Castiel.

P.S. This bird seems to have formed an attachment to me… She won't stop rubbing her face on me.

"Typical Cas," Dean muttered. "Surprised he's back on the board now."

"Yeah, you think he'd call," Sam frowned.

"So, where are these presents they were gabbing on about?" Dean asked.

"On my bed," Sam answered, and Dean was gone. Sam stifled a laugh.

They had taken out their gifts. Castiel's rings were made of simple small, curved bands that crossed over and connected to form a ring that had tiny black onyx gems along it. Along the inside, were protection symbols carved into it. Dean's new leather jacket was something he loved, yet his old one held symbolism for him. His father had given it to him. He knew it wasn't original and new, but who cares? Sam had a new occult book from Bobby's small library.

The Great Hall wasn't as full as it usually was due to the holidays as they arrived for dinner. Some decided to stay at the castle with the rest of the staff. They ate in mostly silence. Beside them, Horace was talking excitedly about his upcoming party.

"It was the social event of the season back when I first taught here!" Horace smiled as he turned to Sam and Dean. "You two are planning to attend right? Oh, we'll have a grand time!"

"Sure Horace, I love a party," Dean grinned.

"No purple nurples this time Dean," Sam laughed.

"Shut up…"

"Purple nurples?" Horace asked with a curious look on his face. "What are those? Some sort of potion?"

"It's just alcohol," Sam replied.

Horace turned his nose up. "Oh no, children are attending the event. We wouldn't want to set a poor example for them."

"Of course not," Sam assured.

"Though I do have some set aside for special occasions." Horace stage-whispered to Dean with a wink. "Don't tell anyone, very hush, hush."

Sam and Dean shared a smirk, the old Potions Master seemed more like a Hufflepuff rather than a Slytherin. But they guessed that it goes to show that not all Slytherins were evil incarnate.

Breakfast soon came to a close. Dean and Sam walked down the Hall toward the doors. Dean was about to go over their plans for the day when a blur of brown hair whizzed by them.

"What the hell was that?"

"WON WON!" a girl who they recognized as Lavender Brown practically screamed as she wrapped her arms around Ron's neck in a hug. Sam and Dean shared a smirk, getting it immediately. From the way Hermione was glaring daggers at Lavender's back, she was jealous. Extremely. Lavender pulled Ron away by the sleeve and Hermione watched them go with a scowl.

"Dean, don't meddle…." Sam warned his brother as he started towards Hermione.

"I'm not meddling…." Dean rolled his eyes. "I'm just nudging a little."

"I'm fine Harry," Hermione replied, looking not fine at all.

"If you don't mind me intruding. I can't help but see there's some trouble with the three of you," Dean stood beside Hermione. "Are you still angry at Ron?"

"Not angry, just… irritated I suppose…." She sighed in defeat. "He really can be a pain sometimes."

"I get it," Dean nodded. "Look, just try to ignore them. You can look forward to the party in a while."

"That is an accomplishment seeing as they're snogging more than breathing…." Harry muttered.

"Quite the double standard don't you think?" Ginny was fuming as well.

"He's just acting out," Sam said. "Trust me. I'm not saying it's right, but that's what he's doing."

"In other words, he's a 16-year-old boy." Dean shrugged. "No offence Harry. But I did stupid stuff when I was sixteen too."

"He was a nightmare," Sam laughed a little. "It'll be okay Hermione. Don't worry. Go have fun tonight, show Ron that you don't care."

"Thanks, Professors," Hermione smiled.

The large room was packed with people.

"Is it too 'peopley' for you Sam?" Dean grinned as he took in the partygoers.

"You forget I was in college," Sam grinned. "I got fairly good at beer pong."

"Surprised a nerd like you pulled your head out from between those pages for five minutes, nevermind went to parties," Dean smirked. "You just scream 'fun sucker'."

Sam rolled his eyes and moved over to the food table.

"Hello Professors," said a dreamy voice from behind them. They turned to see the little blonde witch regarding them with a content smile. She wore a dark blue dress that suited her slender figure. It was weird to see the students in something other than their normal school attire.

"Oh, hey Luna, you made it." Sam smiled. "Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Yes," Luna smiled back. "It's nice to get out of Ravenclaw Tower once in a while and go to events. Unfortunately, we don't have Dumbledore's Army anymore. It was almost like having friends."

Sam and Dean looked at each other, sharing a worried glance before turning back to Luna.

"You're friends with Harry and the other's, right?" Dean asked kindly.

"Yes, you are," said Harry as he approached. "We are your friends Luna."

"See?" Sam smiled. "And we're your friends too, sort of." Luna nodded and looked at Harry dreamily.

"Good game Harry," Luna smiled.

"Thanks, Luna," Harry smiled back. "You did a great job in the box today."

"I tried not to play favourites and to be a fair judge." Luna beamed at the praise.

"Well done," Dean nodded.

The teens and the boys worked the room separately before Horace called the party to order.

"Everyone, everyone! Thank you for coming to my little get together for Christmas. I want to congratulate the Gryffindor team for a fantastic win today. Though don't get too downtrodden my dear Slytherins, your time will come." He boomed cheerfully. There was a cheer as a sea of red started to celebrate.

Horace called them all to order again and directed them all to take their seats. Sam and Dean sat to the left of Horace and the latter directed Harry to sit on his right.

"What the hell is going on?" Dean muttered to his brother. Sam shrugged, just as confused.

Horace clapped his hands. "Shall we begin?"

"Uh…" Dean muttered. "Where's the food?"

Horace waved his wand. Suddenly food filled the tables.

"Where does all this food come from Horace?" Sam asked as the students began to dig in.

"We've been here for months, and you're just now questioning it?" Dean asked around bites of a chicken leg.

"I assumed there's a kitchen somewhere, but what I mean is how does it get here from there?" Sam rolled his eyes.

"We have house-elves that work in our kitchens," Horace explained. They prepare the food for the castle."

"House-elves?" Dean asked.

Hermione bristled at the mention of the creatures. "It's utterly barbaric…." She whispered under her breath.

"Not all treat their house-elves like the Malfoys," Harry pointed out. "House-elves are usually servants," he explained. "Some wizarding families have them."

"They're forced into a life of service." Hermione frowned. "It isn't fair Harry."

"I'm not saying it's right," Harry held his hands up in surrender.

Horace cleared his throat, "Maybe we should change the subject. I believe congratulations are in order for you, young Wallenby." Tipping his glass in Ron's direction.

"Weasley sir," Harry whispered.

"What?" Horace asked. "Oh yes, quite right, my mistake."

After the meal, the mood shifted to individual small groups; Harry, Ron, and Hermione still sat at the table with Horace, Sam, and Dean.

"Are you two enjoying yourselves?" Horace smiled as he produced a bottle from inside his pockets.

"Yes, Professor thanks for inviting us." Dean smiled.

"You are quite welcome, my boy, here." He uncorked the bottle and poured the liquid into their glasses. "Have a glass of mead, it's a special blend!" He turned to offer it to Ron, Hermione and Harry, pouring it into their glasses.

"I was saving this for a Christmas present, but I think the occasion calls for it. Besides, young Wimbly did a spectacular job at today's match." Ron grumbled and Harry tried to correct him yet again.

"I appreciate it, Professor." Dean held up the glass and clinked it with his Harry's. "Bottoms up!"

Ron already chugged his goblet's contents, embarrassed by Horace's praise. Dean and Sam's goblets were to their lips ready to drink when they immediately noticed the greenish complexion Ron's skin took on. Sam caught the scent of something foul from the bottle.

"Wait! Don't drink it!" Sam dropped his glass.

"Ron, mate?" Harry asked, worrying about his friend as he started to sway unsteadily on his feet.

Suddenly, time stopped. The glass fell from Ron's fingers and shattered on the stone floor. At once everyone stopped what they were doing to look. Ron swayed once again before his body crumpled.

"Ron!" Dean exclaimed. His limbs were flailing uncontrollably, foam dribbling down his mouth and his eyes bulging out of their sockets. Dean turned Ron on his side to clear his airway.

"C'mon kid," Dean muttered, taking his pulse. It was rapidly thumping against his fingers.

A crowd began to form around them.

"Ron?!" Ginny exclaimed.

"Stay back. Give him some room. Ron, can you hear me?" Sam's voice was alarmed but level-headed as he looked for the Potions Master.

"Horace, what the hell was in that?" Dean exclaimed.

But Horace seemed paralysed by shock, all the while Ron twitched and choked on the floor, his face was turning blue.

"Horace! Do something!" Dean yelled, trying to snap him out of it.

Harry came out of nowhere and was carrying something that looked like a medical kit. He pulled out jars and pouches, while the terrible sound of Ron's gargling filled the room. Then he found what he was looking for, a shrivelled kidney-like stone. Hermione stared wide-eyed at Ron, feeling powerless to help her friend, still confused about where they stood. She looked to Harry, praying that whatever he was doing would stop the convulsions.

"What is that?" Sam asked.

"A bezoar," Harry replied as he shoved it down Ron's throat. Ron's whole body shook for a second longer, he gasped for breath, and his body became limp and still. There was a deafening silence as the onlookers waited to see what happened.

"What's happened to him?" Sam asked, his eyes wide, still worried that Ron hadn't woken up yet.

"I'm not really sure," Harry said. "We should probably take him to the Hospital Wing." Ron then opened his eyes and started coughing. Dean helped him up.

"What happened?" He mumbled as he slumped against Dean's shoulder.

"Don't worry kiddo, we're gonna get you up to Pomfrey, okay?" Dean assured the sickly teen.

He took his weight and walked him toward the Hospital Wing.

"I'll contact the Headmaster," Horace said in a shocked voice. His hands were trembling.

Dean and Sam supported Ron's weight as they half-carried him. Ron's head was lolling, his skin a pale sickly colour.

"What in the world-" Poppy Pomfrey stuttered as she saw the two Demonology Professors coming in with Ron, followed closely by his friends and sister. She quickly directed him to the nearest bed. Sam helped him into the bed.

Both brothers watched as Poppy examined him. She waved her wand, mumbling various spells. It was a short while later when she was taking his temperature when Dumbledore, Minerva, Snape and Horace came into the room. Hermione, Harry and Ginny sat by Ron's bed. Hermione was holding Ron's hand.

"It appears Mr Weasley will be just fine. I have just spoken to his parents." Dumbledore said. "They will be in soon."

"What exactly happened?" Minerva asked. Sam and Dean gave her a rundown on what had occurred.

"Good thinking on your part Harry for using a bezoar," Dumbledore commented. "You must be very proud of your student Horace."

"Hm? Oh, yes. Very proud." Horace still looked like he was trying to remember something from before. He was clutching the bottle of mead.

"I think we all agree that Potter's actions were heroic," McGonagall said. "The question is why were they necessary?"

"Why indeed." Dumbledore walked over to Slughorn. "This appears to be a gift, Horace. You don't remember who gave you this bottle? Which by the way," he took a sniff, "possesses remarkably subtle hints of liquorice and cherry when not polluted with poison."

"Actually, I had intended to give it as a gift," Horace admitted.

"To whom, I might ask?" Dumbledore asked, passing the bottle to Snape.

"To you, Headmaster," Horace said regrettably. Silence enveloped the room.

"I think someone is trying to get rid of you Professor Dumbledore," Sam muttered.

The silence was suddenly broken by a screeching sound.

"Where is he? Where's my Won-Won?!" Lavender cried.

"What the-" Dean muttered.

She rushed toward Ron's bed, seemingly unaware of the onlooking teachers and fellow students. "Has he been asking for me?" Her eyes landed on Hermione, and they narrowed.

"What's she doing here?"

"I might ask you the same question," Hermione clipped.

"I happen to be his girlfriend!" spat Lavender, outraged.

"And I happen to be his… friend…"

"Don't make me laugh" Lavender shot back, eyes flashing. "You haven't spoken in over a month! I suppose you want to make up with him now that he's suddenly all interesting?"

Hermione laughed, amazed by Lavender's words. "He's been poisoned, you daft dimbo! And for the record, I've always found him interesting." She blushed ever so slightly.

"Please tell me we were never this bad," Sam said quietly. Ron stirred ever so slightly and mumbled in his unconscious state.

"Ah, see? He senses my presence. Don't worry, Won-Won. I'm here," Lavender crooned.

"Hermione…" Ron mumbled. "Hermione. Hermione."

Lavender's eyes instantly filled with tears. She looked around at everyone and burst into a fresh bout of sobbing. She fled the room, her sobs echoing off the walls. Everyone watched her go.

"Oh, to be young and to feel love's keen sting," Dumbledore mused cheerfully. He and the other teachers left Ron to sleep. Harry, Hermione, Sam, and Dean stayed where they were.

Dean and Sam watched as the Hospital Wing's doors opened yet again, revealing Molly and Arthur Weasley. Molly's face was tear-stained, worry etched on her face, Arthur's brows were furrowed behind his glasses. They came forward to their son's side at once.

"Oh, Ron…" his mother fretted. Her hands hovered over him, as if afraid to touch him.

"He'll be okay Mrs Weasley," Sam assured.

Molly and Arthur seemed to only be aware of their presence at that moment. They looked up and saw the two brothers. Their eyes then landed on Harry.

"Oh Harry, dear. Thank you…" Molly sniffed as she pulled the boy into a crushing hug. Dean thought he heard a faint grunt of pain.

"Dumbledore told us how you saved him with the bezoar," she sobbed. "Oh, Harry, what can we say? You saved Ginny… you saved Arthur…. Now you've saved Ron."

"Don't be… I didn't…" muttered Harry awkwardly.

"Half our family does seem to owe you their lives, now I stop and think about it," Arthur continued, his throat thick. "All I can say is that it was a lucky day for the Weasleys when Ron decided to sit in your compartment on the Hogwarts Express…"

"He's my friend. I had to help him somehow," Harry deflected as Molly let him go. He didn't want the praise. He just did his best to help his friend.

"It's no trouble… really." Molly looked to her husband uncertainly, worry in her eyes.

Sam cleared his throat, "Molly? He's going to recover."

"I know," Molly nodded. She dabbed a handkerchief at the corner of her eyes. "I just can't keep doing this anymore."

"Hogwarts is the safest place for them right now Molly." Arthur put his arms around her shoulders. "Don't start this again."

Ginny looked at her mother. "Mum, we're staying here."

"Ginny this is a conversation for the adults" Molly chided.

"We're safe here!" Ginny shot back. "Safer than at home!"

Dean stepped in. "If I could say something-" Sam put his hand on his brother's shoulder.

Molly looked at him sharply. "I get it, Molly. We're all scared. But I would never let anything happen to these kids. I'd die before I let anything happen to them. They've also seen the worst of the worst when they broke into the Ministry right?"

"I have to protect my children," Molly replied sharply.

"We understand." Sam smiled gently. "I know you just met us, but you can trust us."

"We'll protect your kids," Dean assured. "If not, you can kill us or turn us into a pocket watch or whatever."

"I'm sorry this happened," Sam continued.

Molly waved her hand at him absently as she wiped her eyes again. "Oh, it's not your fault… But Albus assured us the school was safe."

"And it is Molly" Arthur hugged her gently. Molly wiped her tears away.

"S'ok Mum…" Ron mumbled.'

"Ron? Oh sweetheart," Molly rushed to her son's side. Dean looked away wanting to give mother and son privacy, but he also had a lump in his throat. Molly Weasley was a loving caring mother, something they'd lost and would never have again. It was nice to have someone that would protect you and do anything for you. "We should probably go, Sammy."

Sam nodded and they moved to leave.

Suddenly Dean felt arms around him and realized Molly was hugging him. Ginny, Hermione, and Harry were watching, surprised. "Thank you for helping save my son…" Molly said. Arthur pried her away gently, looking grateful, also a little apologetic.

"Yeah, well…" Dean started to blush. "No problem."