Disclaimer: Not mine. Le sigh.
A/N: I had to scrape my jaw up off the keyboard when I saw over 500 reviews. Y'all all rock! If I could, you would all have cookies and other sweets on me.
Herein we catch another glimpse of everyone's favorite bad girl, Christmas break, fun with muggles, and ringing in 1998.
Chapter Eighteen: Happy New Year
Scraping rock and dirt was a long process, particularly when the only tools available were chunks of that same rock and her own fingernails. But, there is something to be said for sheer determination. At twenty minutes past midnight, the morning of Tuesday, December 16, 1997, she broke through the surface of the cliff.
Hours upon hours spent toiling in the dark, contending with rats, lice, and other assorted nastiness had paid off. The hole in the side of the cliff was barely large enough to accommodate a large house cat, but she didn't let that stop her. Unbeknownst to her, the weather was clear for the first time in almost a full two weeks. . The air was clean, cold, and smelt only of salt spray with the faint undertone of seaweed. A clear sky, spangled with stars and sporting a moon just past full shone down on calm, icy seas. The Aurora Borealis was bright in hues of red and green – tones of death and blood. She smiled at the sight
She was free. She was free. She was going to find her Master. May the gods have mercy on anyone stupid enough to get in her way, for she was Free.
She did the only thing she could think of; she wept.
Harry looked up from his history text to the television. He was sitting in the living room with Remus and Sirius; Remus was giving Sirius a crash-course in muggle technology.
"This just in; police have reported the escape of a highly dangerous criminal," the screen cut from the clean-cut reporter to a picture of a darkly beautiful woman with a hard glint in her eyes. "Bellatrix Lestrange has escaped from prison, where she had been held on counts including premeditated murder. This woman should be considered armed and highly dangerous. If you see her, we cannot stress this enough: Do not approach her. Please call your local law enforcement or the toll-free hotline now being displayed at the bottom of the screen. Again, this just in; police have reported the escape of one Bellatrix Lestrange, armed and highly dangerous. If seen, please call the number on the screen."
There was a growling noise coming from Sirius' direction. It took Harry a moment to realize that his godfather seemed to be cursing in several languages. "What's wrong, Sirius?"
"That… That…" He growled again.
"Calm down, Padfoot." Remus softly said. "She's his cousin."
"Who? That Lestrange woman?" Harry asked.
Remus nodded. "And if she's escaped… There's only one place she's going."
Harry frowned, "I take it she wasn't wrongfully imprisoned, then? And she's a supporter of that Vol-de-whozits?"
Harry's off-the-cuff mangling of Voldemort's name startled Sirius into a laugh. It died quickly, though, and he became – pardon the expression – suddenly serious. "That she is. Blasted Death Eaters…"
"Death Eaters?"
"I'm sorry, Harry. I thought I had explained. Death Eaters are the name by which Voldemort's supporters call themselves. If she's escaped, then her only destination will be Voldemort's side."
Harry thought for a moment before replying. "If she's a Death Eater, then wouldn't she be a bit… upset with me?"
Sirius nodded, "That she would, however, if I know my cousin – and I'm sure I do – then she wouldn't be coming by here until she has the chance to make sure going after you would agree with You-Know-Who's plans."
Harry sighed and scrubbed a hand across his face. "Just what have I gotten myself into here?"
"Are you sure you want the answer to that right now, Harry?" Remus asked.
Harry shook his head, "No… Not yet, but soon, Remus. Soon."
The following Saturday, Harry and Remus helped Allen hang the Christmas lights around the house. That evening was spent putting up a fake tree and drinking eggnog or spiced cider. "Why a fake tree?" Remus asked.
Jenn shrugged, "I don't see the point of killing a harmless tree just to use for decoration."
The decorations and cider had everyone in a festive mood. Allen took the time to unearth the piano in the corner – it had been buried under a surplus of bric-a-brac and other miscellany. The four of them traded carols until nearly ten o'clock.
Christmas morning dawned clear and bright, though it had snowed again during the night. Harry groaned at the intensely bright light streaming in through his window. I knew I should have seen about getting a thicker curtain. He pulled the pillow over his head and went back to sleep. He wasn't asleep long before Remus was knocking on his bedroom door. "Come on, Cub. Time to get up."
"G'way. Seepin'." Harry mumbled into the mattress.
He heard the door open, "Sorry, what was that?"
"Sleep. You go."
If Harry had not been buried in his bedding, he would have seen a rather frightening grin grace Remus' face. "But, it's Christmas, Harry. Time to get up and open presents and such."
"Later, sleep now."
Remus chuckled silently, removing his wand and pointing it at the pile of blankets where Harry was hiding. He whispered, "Rictusempra."
The pile of blankets quivered. Then twitched. Then erupted as a laughing Harry tumbled out of bed. Remus cancelled the charm. "Remus!"
Remus just grinned innocently, "Yes, Harry?"
"I was asleep!"
Remus nodded, "And now you're awake."
"You… you… ooh!"
"Come on, Cub. Breakfast's ready." He offered Harry a hand to help him off the floor.
Two hours later, after a full breakfast, Allen, Jennifer, Remus, and Harry were sitting near the tree, waiting on Sirius to show up. They didn't have long to wait before there was a knock on the door. Jenn answered and led Sirius to where everyone was waiting.
"Morning all."
"Morning Padfoot."
Remainder of the morning passed in a blur of wrapping paper, carols, no little amount of Jenn's special eggnog, and jokes and friendly teasing. Harry had a moment, early in the opening of gifts, where he couldn't believe how many of the presents under the tree were his, but then his brain kicked in and he remembered that he was no longer at the Dursleys. Despite the fun of the day, he was still looking forward to having Ron and Hermione come over the next day.
Included in his presents were more clothes, a couple of games, and some more art supplies. There were three gifts, though, that were complete surprises. Sirius got him a top-of-the-line racing broom – Jennifer had frowned at that, but wisely said nothing. Remus had told her about Sirius' flying motorbike, and she was just relieved he hadn't gotten Harry one of those. Remus shocked Harry with his father's pocket-watch. The final gift was from Dumbledore. Harry had been tempted not to open it, but curiosity got the better of him. A note sat on top of a pile of light, shimmery fabric.
Mr. Potter –
Your father left this in my possession before he passed on. It was time it was returned to you. Use it well.
-A. Dumbledore
He picked up the fabric and shook it out. It appeared to be a cloak of sorts. "Moony, is that what I think it is?" Sirius was staring in awe at the cloak.
"It is, Padfoot." Remus replied.
Harry quirked an eyebrow at his godfather and mentor. "What are you two on about?"
They exchanged a glance. "It's your dad's invisibility cloak, Harry." Sirius answered.
"Go on, Harry, put it on." Remus urged.
Harry spun the cloak around his shoulders. Jenn and Allen both gasped when Harry disappeared from view. "Um… This is rather… Odd. Isn't it?" Harry's disembodied voice said. "Can I take it off now? It's creepy not being able to see yourself."
"Please do, Harry," Jennifer said.
Harry took off the cloak and returned it to the pile of his presents, and then was treated to three hours of stories from Remus and Sirius about when they were in Hogwarts, using the cloak with his father to sneak around and play pranks.
"Harry!"
"Hermione! Good you could talk your parents into coming!" Harry greeted his witch friend.
"Morning, Harry."
"Morning, Ron." They nodded to each other. The three of them stood in the driveway for a moment. "Come on, guys, I'll show you where you'll be staying." Ron and Hermione grabbed their bags and followed Harry into the house. "Hermione, you'll be staying in Allen's den. The sofa there folds down into a bed. Ron, you'll be sleeping up in my room." He helped Hermione with her bags and reminded her as to the layout of the house, showing Ron around, as well. They stopped the tour in Harry's room, where Hermione hovered near the computer and Ron looked around the room.
Harry grinned at Hermione. "I take it you want to see the program, yeah?"
Hermione nodded vigorously. "Of course! I want to see what you've done with that book."
Ron was too busy examining the forest mural on the wall. Hermione did say he was good at painting… But this is better than some of the paintings I've seen in Hogwarts! "You do this?" he asked.
Harry looked up from turning on his computer, "What? Oh, the mural. Yeah. It turned out a bit better than I expected."
"It's really good."
"Thanks. You want to see this program, too?" Harry asked, Hermione already ensconced in what was rapidly becoming her favorite learning aid.
"Program? Oh… That's right. Hermione did say something about you making up a study guide on that muggle thingy… What's it called? A Cornpudder?"
"Computer, Ron." Hermione corrected. Ron peered over her shoulder.
He was immediately entranced. Though, if asked, Ron would have denied it to the death, he was a bit more like his father than his mother was comfortable with. "So, that's a computer? It's a bit different than I realized." While Hermione perused the program, Harry took the time to explain the muggle technology to Ron.
"Kids! Lunchtime!" Jenn's voice floated up the stairs.
The rest of the day was spent mainly in answering Ron's questions about muggle life. Saturday, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were invited over to Sirius' place for a round of Hide-and-Seek. Ron had been a bit skeptical about playing a kid's game, but Harry just said, "Don't worry so much, Ron. I'm sure you'll have fun." Harry was proved right, because at the end of the day, despite sporting green skin with yellow polka-dots and bright pink hair, Ron was laughing too hard at the others to stand straight. Hermione's hair had grown so long it was tying her to a chair, and Harry's was sprouting leaves. Sirius was worst off, though. Not only was his skin bright blue, and his hair a nauseating orange, but one of his arms kept trying to run away from him, and his eyes kept flashing between their normal gray and black-and-white zebra stripes.
On Sunday, Hermione, Ron, Harry, Sirius, and Remus met up with Tim, Mike, and Nigel at the Sugar Cube bowling alley. "Um… Harry? What are we doing here, again?"
Harry chuckled, "Bowling. And you two get to meet three of my muggle friends. Don't worry too much about talking about magic in front of them, though, they were there when Remus told Allen and Jennifer about me."
"Isn't that in violation of the Statute of Secrecy?" Ron asked.
"Nope. According to both Remus and Andie Tonks – my solicitor – the Ministry never actually defines a 'family.' These guys sort of adopted me as their little brother."
"Harry! Remus! Over here!" Tim shouted across the alley.
Harry waived back. "Come on. Let's not keep them waiting." The group with Harry wandered over to where the muggle group sat. "Hey all." Harry made introductions all around. "How are we splitting this up, guys?"
Nigel chewed on his lip a moment. "Well… I know how good the boys are, and I've played a time or two with Remus, as well, but what of you three?" He turned to Sirius, Ron, and Hermione.
Ron just shook his head, "Never played before, sir."
"Nonsense. Call me Nigel. And you?" he asked Hermione.
"A time or two. With my parents."
"Any good?"
Hermione laughed, "Not really."
Nigel nodded, "All right, then, you?"
Sirius shrugged, "I have no idea what this place is, let alone how to play."
With that said, Nigel split the group into two teams. Ron, Mike, Hermione, and Remus were on one team; Tim, Sirius, Harry, and himself were on the other. Of the six games they played that afternoon, Ron's team – who had dubbed themselves the 'Griffins' – beat Harry's team – dubbed the 'Knights' – three times, the Knights beat the Griffins twice, and the two teams tied the final game. Everyone had fun, and Sirius had either been lying about never having played before, or just had a natural flare for the game. Nigel brushed it off as 'beginner's luck'.
"Beginner's luck, my arse! I'm good!" Sirius taunted back.
"Good?" Remus questioned, "I thought you were serious."
Everyone but Sirius snickered. "You would think, that after twenty-some-odd years of knowing a person, they'd get tired of joking about your name."
"Oh, come on, Sirius. You do it, too." Harry said, turning in the rented shoes.
Sirius grinned, "I do at that, don't I?"
Monday saw the three teens down at Allen's shop – there'd been a nasty accident the week before, prompted by too much holiday cheer – and Ron and Hermione got to see what Harry had been doing with much of his time, prior to his reintroduction to magic. Hermione's natural curiosity about anything and everything ensured she wasn't bored. Though hidden well, Ron's Arthur-esque fascination with muggles surfaced, and as Harry was good at reading people, he made sure to keep a running commentary for his read-headed friend as he helped iron out crinkled metal, replace broken bits of engines, and clean away broken glass.
On Tuesday, Harry, Ron, and Hermione went to the cinema and spent the day pigging out on popcorn and candy, going from one movie to another at the multiplex.
Since Wednesday was New Year's Eve, they spent the day getting the Kellerman's house ready for their party that night. Remus, Sirius, Nigel, Tim, Mike, Beatrice, and the Tonks mother-daughter-duo were all invited, and allowed a guest or two. Beatrice's sister was going to watch Ashley for the night.
The party progressed well, Ted, Andie's husband, was highly amusing and rather good-natured about allowing his wife to dance with the unattached men in the room. Nigel had surprised everyone and shown up with a pretty Asian woman on his arm. He introduced her as, "Soo-Ryang, a business associate." Which Harry was pretty sure translated into, "I sold her some stuff and we went to the pub after. We're not dating, yet."
Tonks avoided the dance floor, managing to knock over no fewer than three glasses, two plates of finger-foods, a statuette of an elephant, the umbrella stand, a coat rack, and a coffee table in the process. Andie just shook her head, and set to helping put everything to rights. "With as clumsy as she is, I find it amazing that she's never broken a bone." Ted said in an aside to Harry. Harry had to chuckle in amazement.
Hermione took turns dancing with Ron, Harry, Mike, and Allen. Her parents, though invited, had gone to the yearly party held for dentists.
The hours passed in happiness and merrymaking until the clocks available indicated the new year was imminent. Glasses of champagne circulated amongst the crowd, and as a group they counted down. "Ten! Nine!"
Harry felt a sudden headache start. He sighed internally and mentally promised himself to locate a painkiller at the earliest opportunity. "Eight! Seven! Six!"
The headache spiked without warning, and Harry's scar began to itch and burn. "Five! Four! Three!"
Harry ran a hand over his scar, wondering if maybe he'd had a bit too much to drink that evening. "Two! One!"
In the shouts of "Happy New Year!" and the noise of crackers and noisemakers, no one noticed, nor heard, Harry's strangled scream as he slumped to the floor.
A/N2: Ducks thrown vegetables. Sorry for the cliffie, but it had to be done.
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