Chapter 19: Parents Weekend

Harry couldn't focus, he kept looking out the window towards Hagrid's hut. Mr. Turman was reexplaining how to use powerpoint. Along with Hermione, he had finished his. Their project for the last three weeks was to make a powerpoint of Hogwarts to show to the parents. Harry honestly hadn't put much effort into his, but he thought Mr. Weasley would love it anyways. Hermione's on the other hand used bullet points, images and slide transitions. Ginny was busy trying to finish her last slide, while Ron tried the different slide transitions. Parents would be arriving at dinner, within the next hour. Harry was excited to see the Weasleys. He was unsure if the Dursleys were coming. Dudley had been trying to convince them, but either way, Harry didn't care. He wasn't going to spend time with them if they by some miracle did come.

As the bell rang, Mr. Turman was shouting "Save!" repeatedly while holding a handmade save button sign. Harry saved his again, even though he had not added anything new since his last save. Ginny jumped up immediately to join him. As the two walked out he could hear Ron excitedly showing off his powerpoint to Hermione.

Harry took Ginny's hand in his as they walked to the Great Hall. As they turned a corner, they could see a large crowd in front of the hall. The two looked quickly through before finding a seat in the Great Hall. Neither had seen the Weasleys. After a few minutes Hermione came fluttering in with excitement.

"They're here! I finally get to show my parents Hogwarts!" Hermione was bouncing with excitement as she sat across from Harry.

"Where are they?" Ginny asked.

"Apparently, Professor McGonagall is using the Room of Requirements as a dorm room for all the visiting parents. Professor Flintwick is bringing them up now. They said they'd drop off their stuff and come right down."

"They also got to meet Hagrid." Ron said, filling up his plate. "Said that he helped them move from the train to the carriages. Would have loved to see the look on some Muggles. 'Welcome to Hogwarts from your loveable big giant!'" Harry laughed as he remembered the Dursleys meeting Hagrid. They had been terrified, but perhaps him knocking the door down had something to do with it. And of course, the pig tail.

After a few minutes, parents of both muggles and wizards came into the hall. Mr. Weasley and Mr. Granger were discussing trains while their wives listened to Hermione explain the enchanted ceiling. When Mrs. Weasley lowered her eyes, they narrowed quickly. Her face was strict and her lips thin.

"I didn't realize they were coming." Harry turned to look. The Dursleys were walking in with Dudley. Uncle Vernon was in a blue suit, his mustache neatly combed. Aunt Petunia was in a nice periwinkle blue dress that went past her knees. She had a matching cardigan. The two looked ill. Most likely hating the fact that they entered, let alone were staying, at a school of magic.

"Me neither." Harry shrugged his shoulders before turning back to his dinner. He felt Ginny's hand squeeze the top of his thigh.

Halfway through dinner, Marcus and Allie brought their parents to sit with the group. Mr. Weasley was in his element and loving every moment. He and Marcus' father were getting along marvelously. The two took turns asking how things worked in the other's world. A few minutes later, Professor McGonagall stood at the podium. She waited as the Great Hall quieted quickly.

"Welcome parents to Hogwarts. I know many of you are returning to your home away from home and others are seeing our wonderful school for the first time. We have a full weekend ahead of us. Tonight, the Great Hall will be open longer with deserts out. There will also be late night drinks and snacks available for parents in their dorms to allow for mingling. Tomorrow morning, we will join together for breakfast and students third years and above may accompany their parents to Hogsmeade." The Great Hall cheered as McGonagall continued. "If you have a younger sibling, not yet a third year, an exception will be made. While not in Hogsmeade, you can join Professor Slughorn on a school tour, visit Mr. Turman's computer class or spend quality time with your family. Later in the day, we will have a Quidditch match. Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff."

The next day, Harry and the others stood waiting for their parents by the Great Hall. Marcus had quickly run over to Harry to double check the muggle-wizard conversions for money, before exchanging money with Professor Flitwick. Harry saw Dudley and Victoria waiting for their parents by the doors. He walked over to Dudley.

"Maybe your mom would like Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop." He suggested.

"I didn't think of that. Thanks Harry." Harry nodded before walking away quickly. He did not care to run into his aunt and uncle. Luckily for Harry, the Weasleys, Grangers and Allie's parents came before the Dursleys. Allie enthusiastically joined the group.

"My dad really likes your dad." She whispered to Ginny and Ron. "said he's very nice and…odd, but in an enjoyable way. Keeps asking him questions about how things work."

The large group began walking down to Hogsmeade together. The teenagers walked a little faster as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley began to reminisce about their time in Hogsmeade together. Ginny scoffed as she heard her mother explain about how wonderful Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop was.

"I can't believe she liked that place. It's nothing but frills." Harry couldn't help but smile. He was thrilled that Ginny felt the same way. Of course, he would go to the Tea Shop with her if she wanted, but he much rather never to enter it again.

They first entered a very crowded Honeydukes. Honeydukes had placed out multiple free samples in anticipation for the muggle arrival. Mr. Weasley enjoyed explaining all the candy to Allie's parents, who were enjoying the free samples. Allie's father was even brave enough to try a Cockroach Cluster. By the end Harry had bought three chocolate cauldrons, two chocolate frogs, a box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans and a sugar quill. Hermione and her parents were enjoying a Pumpkin Pastry as they walked out.

The group tried to go to the Three Broomsticks next, but it was so full they could not get through the door. Instead, the group ended up splitting up. Allie wanted to show her parents the Shrieking Shack. Hermione's father wanted to see the bookshop, Tomes and Scrolls, his daughter had been talking about for the last seven years. Ron had decided to go with them, leaving Harry and Ginny alone with their parents.

"We should go to the tea shop. We haven't been in forever, Arthur."

"Of course." Arthur faked a big smile. Harry wondered if he only claimed to like Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop to make his wife happy.

"Harry and I are going to go to Spintwiches for - ." Ginny grabbed Harry's hand, trying to make a quick escape.

"Nonsense, you two should come with us. I bet you two have had some marvelous times there." Mrs. Weasley started walking down the street towards the tea shop again. Ginny sighed before walking towards her mother. Harry began walking with Mr. Weasley who placed his hand on Harry's shoulder.

"You and Ginny don't go to the tea shop, do you?" He asked quietly. Harry smiled.

"No sir, we normally stay clear of it." Mr. Weasley nodded.

"I would if Molly didn't like it so much. But you know what they say, 'Happy wife, happy life.' Or in your case, happy girlfriend." Mr. Weasley chuckled as the two kept walking down the street.

"You do make her happy. I can tell. Molly too." Harry smiled. "But as her father, I should remind you that Ginny has six older brothers." Mr. Weasley squeezed Harry's shoulder. Was that Mr. Weasley's way of saying he was watching him?

"Now let's go try to make our women happy. Me by pretending I love this place and you calming Ginny down for spending time in this frill shop." Mr. Weasley laughed before entering the tea shop behind the girls. Harry couldn't help but smile as he joined. The Weasleys and Harry were placed in the corner booth. Harry and Ginny were on one side and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley on the other. Mrs. Weasley order them all tea with shortbread cookies. Harry enjoyed the cookies, but worried he'd break the dainty looking teacup every time he picked it up. After a few moments he noticed that Dudley had taken him up on the suggestion. Dudley and his parents sat at a table by the window. His aunt looked surprisingly pleased with the arrangements. She quietly sipped her tea as Dudley and Uncle Vernon chatted. After what felt like hours to Harry, Ginny and Mr. Weasley the group went to leave the tea shop. Dudley nodded at Harry, who nodded back as he walked past. As he walked, he heard his aunt say, "Who's the poor girl?" Harry's blood began to boil, how dare she say Ginny was poor just because he was with her. She was perfect in fact - . But before Harry could finish his thought Ginny turned back into the shop. Harry froze in place as he watched Ginny walk right up to his aunt and stretch out her hand, which Aunt Petunia did not accept.

"Ginny Weasley. I'd say it's a pleasure to meet you, but honestly it's not." Ginny withdrew her hand and walked back to a stunned Harry. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply, before grabbing his hand and leading him from the tea shop. Harry was still stunned as Ginny lead him down the street.

"Ginny, I understand not liking those people, but that was very rude." Mrs. Weasley scolded.

"Did you hear what they said. Poor girl, as if being with Harry is the worst thing that could ever happen to me." Ginny shook her head. Harry couldn't help but smile. His blood was no longer boiling. He had a girl who loved him and who would fight for him.

Soon the Grangers and Ron joined them again. Hermione was excitedly still talking about the many different quills after going to the quill shop. Harry walked over to Ron who was holding a bag with at least two new books.

"Some light reading?" Harry joked pointing at the bag.

"Hermione doesn't know what light reading is, but yes. So, what did I miss?" Harry explained the awkwardness of being in the tea shop with Ron's parents. Ron laughed when Harry told him his father had causally mentioned that Ginny had six older brothers.

"Wow, that's gutsy. Kissing you in front of the Dursleys and our parents." Harry and Ron laughed as the group walked back to the castle.

When returning to the castle, Hermione and her parents decided to take a tour of the school. Harry and the Weasleys decide to go to the Computer Lab. As they entered the room, Mr. Turman greeted them. Ron and Mr. Weasley sat together at one table with Ginny and Mrs. Weasley at another. Harry sat behind them on a table. Mr. Turman came up to him.

"Why don't you grab a computer until your parents arrive." He said happily.

"Oh, well-."

"Harry's our son Mr. – " Mrs. Weasley interrupted.

"Turman. Excellent, just didn't want you left out, Mr. Potter." Mr. Turman patted Harry on the back before walking over to the new arriving families. For the next half hour Ginny and Ron showed their parents how to log into the computer, turn the internet on and send an email to each other. Mrs. Weasley clapped in excitement as she read her email.

"Genius these muggles." Mr. Weasley said as he sent another email through Ron's account. After logging off the computers, Mr. Weasley began asking Mr. Turman questions about muggle technology. All but Mr. Weasley could tell that Mr. Turman was beginning to become overwhelmed with the amount of questions being asked.

"Sweetheart, its nearly time for the Quidditch game." Mrs. Weasley said calmly to her husband.

"Oh of course. One more question." Mr. Turman's face fell. He had seen the light at the end of the tunnel and Mr. Weasley snuffed it out. Mrs. Weasley turned to the three and motioned for them to be on their way.

Harry, Ron and Ginny left their family as they walked down to the Quidditch pitch. The three entered the locker room to see the rest of the team. Peakes and Coote were nearly vibrating with excitement. Dean as well. When the group came closer, he nearly spilled out his excitement. His mother was in the crowd and after years of Dean talking about the sport, she would finally get to see a game and more exciting, watch Dean play. As the team stood by the doorway waiting to be announced, they noticed the crowd noise was much louder than usual.

"I bet we're playing Hufflepuff because McGonagall didn't trust the Slytherins in front of the muggles." Peakes said. Harry hadn't thought of it that way, but he supposed Peakes was right. Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff would be a much calmer game. Harry and the others got on their brooms as they were announced. The team flew around the stadium together once before flying separately. Harry, Ron and Ginny decided to fly over their friends' usual spot. They knew if they were able to, the group, the Weasleys and Grangers would be there. As they flew over Harry recognized a large walrus of a man and a displeased looking woman. He immediately recognized them as his aunt and uncle. For some reason, his stomach did a somersault. When he heard his name called out from the speaker, he heard a loud cheer as he headed to the ground. Harry reached the ground a second after the Hufflepuff captain. The two shook hands before returning to the air. As Harry rose high above his team, he saw Madame Hooch release the bludgers. She waited an extra minute before grabbing the quaffle. Harry assumed she was giving the announcer time to explain to the muggles about the bludgers.

"And they're off!" Harry saw Ginny swoop under the Hufflepuff chaser, grabbing the quaffle.

"Weasley, that is Ginny Weasley, has the quaffle. Just a heads up to everyone, prepare for this to get confusing. Ginny Weasley is a chaser, while her brother, Ron Weasley, is the keeper. Anyways, Ginny –."

Unknown to Harry, who was flying in slow circles, his uncle had already scoffed at his Quidditch ability. "Must have forgotten how to play. Everyone else is doing something and the boy is just spinning in circles." Arthur Weasley, who was in hearing distance, tightened his hands into fists. Molly forced her hand into one and whispered that they would ignore them and rise above. She smiled when she heard Dudley defending Harry.

"No, Harry's the seeker. He's looking for the gold ball with wings." Vernon Dursley grunted as he watched the game.

"I can't imagine it being quite comfortable on those things." Petunia said, more to herself than anyone else. While the Dursleys stood back, Victoria's and Marcus' parents stood up front, cheering whenever they thought something happened.

"That's 40-30 as Weasley catches the quaffle preventing Hufflepuff from scoring. Weasley passes to Weasley. Weasley passes to Thomas." Harry caught a glimpse of gold in the corner of his eye. He turned quickly to face it but lost it. He moved slowly through the air, searching in the area he last saw the snitch. There! Harry flew forward at the snitch, it twisted right and down. Harry followed, gaining distance as he soared.

"Gryffindor scores by Thomas! The game is now 50-30. Remember quaffles are worth ten - hold on! It looks like Potter may see the snitch." The snitch flew straight down to the ground with Harry following. He was just in reaching distance. He stretched his hand out. He could hear the Hufflepuff seeker coming up behind him. He closed his hand around the snitch, pulling up as he did. The Hufflepuff seeker pulled up too before touching the ground. Harry raised his hand holding the snitch.

"Potter has the snitch. The snitch is worth 150 points meaning that the score is 190-30. Gryffindor wins!"

As the crowd moved back into the castle the Weasleys and Grangers caught up with Ron, Ginny and Harry before they entered the locker room. Mr. Weasley pulled out his travel camera and asked for a few pictures. First, he got the three teammates, before having Hermione join in. He took a picture of the couples as well. Mrs. Granger jumped in, using her camera, to take a few of Hermione and Ron as well. The parents exchanged cameras to take picture of each other with their children. Harry couldn't help but chuckle when Ron awkwardly joined the Grangers. He was taller than all three. As Ron and Ginny began to whine about too many pictures the sky was turning dark. Harry on the other hand actually enjoyed them taking pictures. No one really cared to take photos of him growing up and all the press wanted was the famous Harry Potter. The Weasleys just wanted Harry. Soon the parents agreed to stop the pictures. Ginny and Ron turned for the locker rooms, happy for an escape. Harry walked over to Mr. Weasley to ask if he could have a copy of two photos, the one of all four friends and Ginny and him. Mr. Weasley gladly agreed before Harry ran into the locker room.

The next morning, the boys joined the Weasleys in the Great Hall. To their surprise, the four long tables had disappeared, and small round tables took their place. Some had chairs, while others were tall for standing. Ron elbowed Harry when he saw the long table by the wall. It was filled with breakfast foods. Harry grabbed some waffles and bacon before heading towards the Weasleys. Ron stacked his plate with pancakes, sausages and bacon. The two quietly enjoyed their breakfast as the Weasleys spoke with Allie's parents. Soon Hermione and the Grangers joined, pulling up more chairs to the table. Right as Harry was beginning

to wonder where she was, Ginny appeared with Luna talking to Mr. Lovegood. Luna and her father sat at a nearby table with Neville and his grandmother. Ginny dropped her plate next to Harry's and sat on his lap.

"Your parents are here." Harry whispered as Ginny took a bite of her waffle.

"I know." She smiled with that mischievous glint in her eye.

"I'm all for this, but not in front of your dad." Ginny smiled as she rolled her eyes jokingly. Harry stood up and pulled her a chair over, but Ginny decided to steal his. So, Harry brought the chair to the table for himself.

Harry was too busy enjoying breakfast with everyone to notice the Dursleys and Victoria's family were behind him. It wasn't until he turned to see Professor McGonagall walking to the podium, did he notice. He narrowly escaped eye contact with his uncle. McGonagall gently tapped her wand on the podium to gather everyone's attention.

"I know that everyone has enjoyed their weekend with family. We have had a marvelous time and have been able to meet each other's families. Most of you will remember our beloved Headmaster Dumbledore. He would have loved this weekend and I believe he would end it with sharing our school song. So, Hogwarts students and Hogwarts alum, will you please join me." McGonagall turned her back to the audience. As she lifted her wand a large golden banner rose above her, the words began appearing.

Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts

Teach us something, please, - Harry could hear Mr. Weasleys and other singing loudly and proudly.

Whether we be old and bald

Or young with scabby knees, - Harry turned to his aunt and uncle. His uncle looked as if he was trying not to laugh and his aunt looked near horrified. Harry smiled as he continued with the large crowd.

Our heads could do with filling

With some interesting stuff,

For now they're bare and full of air,

Dead flies and bits of fluff- Harry heard a few muggles laugh in good nature and others cheer.

So teach us things worth knowing,

Bring back what we've forgot,

Just do your best, we'll do the rest,

And learn until our brains all rot. – The Great Hall roared with applause. Harry heard Mr. Granger ask why Hermione never sang it for them before. Before Harry sat down, he looked at the Dursleys. Dudley was clapping and gave him a thumbs up as they caught each other's eye. His aunt and uncle sat in amusement, Harry knew they probably thought the song was ridiculous, but he didn't care. Slowly the crowd began leaving the Great Hall. The parents walked up to the Room of Requirements to get their bags before returning to the entryway. Harry along with his friends and many others accompanied the parents down to the Hogsmeade Station. As Harry looked around, he noticed many groups were filled with both wizarding and Muggle families and everyone was smiling. Maybe this was a good way to help make peace with the muggles. These muggles would surely go home and talk about their time here positively. Harry and the others reached the station. Hagrid could be heard offering help with baggage and giving the train departure time. Harry couldn't help, but notice his aunt and uncle turned quickly away from Hagrid. He laughed to himself before being engulfed in a tight hug from Mrs. Weasley. He stood next to his friends as the train slowly moved away. He and all the other students waved as parents stuck their heads and arms out the window.

Author's Note: I hope you enjoyed the new chapter! Please leave a comment! Thank you!