AN: Ok two things, Now that we're getting into the timeline from the books if you see anything familiar then they belong to Rowling and the Harry Potter books not me.
AN: Life got busy and updates are not going to be quick. I barely have enough time to type this up and post it. I'm going to be skipping the Beta process so I can post as soon as I have something. If there are errors try to deal with them, if there are too many let me know and I'll go back to using a beta just keep in mind that updates will be even slower than they are now.
Business at Clarifying Images slowly rose as word of mouth spread. They came to the conclusion that having a shop was a waste of money. It mainly consisted of a basic model and then you pick what extra features you wanted from a posted list. They decided that making it a mail order service would be more beneficial.
Cards could be handed out with their name on one side and the features offered in the back. They could place some in key building such as Gringotts for a small fee. Shop would close once Harry started school. Each of them would make sure to have cards on them at all times to hand out whenever they saw a potential client. Remus offered to process the orders that came in from now on.
A deal was even made with Mr. Weasley and Charlie to carry cards on them to pass out to anyone they felt might be interested. Mr. Weasley was approached because of his connections in the Ministry and Charlie because he already had a job offer in Romania and they were hoping to expand business. Once they got settled they would consider expanding to the other magical schools as well.
-oOo-
Harry focused the rest of his time reading and studying or hanging out with Sirius, Remus, Neville, Hedwig, or Apollo.
He was pleasantly surprised when Remus started joining them in more of the fun things. He had tended to keep himself a bit distant and Harry didn't quite understand the reasoning of it. It wasn't until both businesses were settled that Harry saw Remus finally relaxed.
Upon closer inspection Harry realized that while Remus loved living with them he feared becoming a burden. By working hard and assuring himself that the businesses were set up correctly it would help ensure a constant income for him. This would allow him to feel as if he was contributing to their little family rather than becoming dependent on Sirius. Of course Sirius didn't notice any of this and wouldn't mind even if he did but it was still a big issue for Remus. Harry knew what it was like to not have money and be completely dependent on others. At least for Remus it was someone who loved him but still it was not a good feeling.
With this dealt with Remus became much more relaxed. He started helping Harry prank Sirius, gave Harry tips to improve his chess game, and introduced them to bowling. Harry had heard of it but never played it before, it was very entertaining. Remus also started sparring with Harry so he could practice his karate.
Harry was grateful to have someone to practice with who wouldn't get hurt as easily as the children in his class. Unless it was close or right after the full moon Remus was quick and agile which helped Harry improve immensely.
At the end of the school year they went to watch Tonks and Charlie's graduation. Harry wished he would have had at least one year with them in school but unfortunately it was not to be.
-oOo-
Finally his Hogwarts letter arrived. Harry was excited, he had been anticipating this day for a while now. He enjoyed his time at home but at the same time he really did miss Hogwarts. He was reading through his letter with Hedwig perched on his shoulder and Apollo purring next to him.
"You guys excited about Hogwarts?"
Apollo just kept purring indifferent and Hedwig sent him an image of the owlery with a feeling of distaste followed by an image of her and Apollo with him in the dorms.
"Of course you guys will be living with me. I've already gotten permission for both of you. As long as I'm not in class you can be with me as much as you want."
He turned to Hedwig to Hedwig sending out a bit of mischief.
"You be careful of all the males around Hogwarts. A beautiful lady such as you will have many suitors, especially that Fawkes he's a sly one. Make sure to bring any of them around so I can make sure he's worthy."
He got an amused approval from both. Apollo was truly his familiar, while he would never be able to communicate with him like he did with Hedwig he did get a sense of what he was trying to say. It was mainly of emotions and by paying attention to either expressions or movements. This was how a familiar bond typically worked, phoenixes were unique.
"Do you guys want to go to Diagon Alley with us?"
Apollo just yawned and nuzzled into the sofa, Harry took that as a no. Hedwig bobbed her head with an indignant expression as if saying 'how could you ever consider leaving me behind.' Harry just chuckled and went to go find Remus and Sirius.
"What time are we leaving?" he asked them.
Remus smiled, "As soon as Andy and Tonks arrive. Tonks wanted to make sure we wait for her since she'll soon be busy with Auror training and doesn't know how much free time she'll have available from now on."
Harry wondered if Remus and Tonks would get together this time around. He doubted it; Remus had issues with her age the first time, this time he had actually seen her grow up alongside Harry. It would probably be too weird for him. Tonks didn't seem to show any kind of interest either, she saw him as one of Harry's guardians, family.
Finally both Tonks women came through the floo. Harry immediately got up to greet them and prevent Tonks from falling in the process.
"Hey Aunt Andy, are you ready to go? We've got to go to Gringotts first, then to get my ear pierced, and then to get my school supplies, Hedwig is coming with us, we really should get going."
She smiled indulgently at him, though her smile became a bit forced when he mentioned the piercing but still hugged him lovingly in greeting.
"Yes Harry, we're ready to go. Do you have your list?"
Harry nodded and was about to reply when Tonks cut in.
"Harry you better not cry or I'll make sure to go back to Hogwarts and let everyone know that the boy who lived can beat a dark lord but cries at an ear piercing." She said evilly.
"You wouldn't" Harry said indignantly, "I mean of course I won't cry I'm not a girl."
Tonks smiled mischievously, positively amused. Harry noticed Sirius had his face turned; his shoulders shaking in silent laughter. Harry loved acting this way because he absolutely enjoyed watching Sirius harry, even if it was at his expense.
As they were walking towards the floo Harry tugged on Andromeda.
"It doesn't really hurt that bad does it?"
She smiled softly at him, Harry could see the conflict in her eyes, debating whether to tell him the truth or lie and scare him out of wanting the piercing.
Making up her mind she finally said, "No Harry, it's only a small pinch and they use a numbing spell before regardless."
He smiled and hugged her in thanks.
-oOo-
Arriving at the Leaky Cauldron Harry thought about his first time at the pub. He had thought it to be a bit on the shabby side but now it warmed him to see people just sitting there and enjoying a drink in peace.
"Sirius Black! Why I expected you as soon as you were cleared."
"I know Tom, forgive me but I'm not really drinking too much these day." Sirius quickly glanced at Harry with a fond smile, but it was enough for Tom to take notice.
"Good Lord, is this – can it be - ?"
Knowing what would happen Harry cut him off.
"Yes yes, it's Nymphadora Tonks," he continued pushing Tonks in front of him, "but she would prefer if others didn't hear her name though." He said sympathetically.
Tonks had turned bright red by now and was glaring at Harry.
Well in for a knut….
"Now now Nymphadora, a beautiful lady such as yourself should not be turning such colors." He put an arm around her, "As her escort I must ask that you not bring any extra attention our way. She becomes so easily flustered. If you'll excuse us sir we must be going. It was a pleasure."
He led an irate Tonks outside followed by Sirius, Remus, and Andromeda who were doing all they could to stop from laughing at Tonks' expense.
"What the hell was that Harry?" asked an annoyed Tonks.
"I'm very sorry Tonks, it's just that he was about to announce I was there and I panicked. I've been waiting for today for a long time and didn't want to start the morning off like that. You were just nearest to me." He made sure to keep eye contact so she could see his honesty. "I really didn't mean to embarrass you."
Her face softened as she gave him a small smile.
"Fine fine let's get some shopping done."
-oOo-
They made their way into Gringotts and asked for Garuk; Harry loved any opportunity to practice his Gobbledegook. If a goblin spoke a bit slower Harry was able to keep up. Luckily Garuk seemed to be patient with Harry and humored him, it probably helped to have Hedwig on his shoulder, everyone respected a phoenix.
After giving the proper greeting Sirius spoke, "Garuk, Harry wishes to claim the title of Lord Potter and pick up the family ring."
Harry smiled and added in Gobbledegook, "But the best part? I'm getting my ear pierced today."
With that he pulled out the earing he had hung on a necklace. Garuk gave a toothy smile looking amused but saying nothing. He handed the Potter ring to Sirius and while everyone was looking at the ring Garuk slipped something into Harry's robes. Harry was a bit startled but saw Garuk look pointedly in Andromeda's direction.
Harry laughed silently and nodded in thanks.
He and Garuk had become friends, or at least friendlier than just an account manager and client. They both respected each other but understood that keeping it friendly with the other would be beneficial.
Sirius put the ring on Harry; he felt the ring adjust to his finger. It really wasn't a big thing, what should have been a sort of passing of the torch from father to son was not really much without his parents there.
After that they went to Madam Malkin's for robes and Flourish and Blotts to get the books he didn't have yet. He already had his potion's ingredients so there wasn't any reason to stop there. They went to get a school trunk as well. Harry was grateful he had thought to order and prepay his trunk ahead of time so that when they went in and asked for a basic trunk but got Harry's custom made one without any one being the wiser.
After that they went to a shop that did both tattoos and piercings. Harry couldn't help but go over to the tattoo designs and take a look while Sirius inquired about the piercings. When Andromeda saw him she shook her head and sighed loudly.
"Come on Harry," pulling him away, "don't be getting any ideas young man."
Harry couldn't help the chuckle that escaped him, she sounded so exasperated.
The piercing went smoothly; they did numb his ear first so he didn't feel anything but a bit of pressure.
-oOo-
Having finished quicker than expected they decided to go to the mall. They all preferred shopping for normal clothes in the muggle world, there was more of a selection.
He ended up in a novelty shop and found what he was looking for. For a while now he had been studying portkeys and runes. He came up with a way for portkeys to be connected to a central point. Something that would be on him at all times.
He wanted to give out portkeys that would work like normal word activated ones but would also be connected to him by using his blood. The idea was to have them set to his safe house using a key phrase but if he held his portkey and said 'bring me _' in parseltougue it would bring that person to him or as close to him that wards would allow.
Eventually he would tell everyone the password for their portkeys but no one would know about the other connection until it was the last resort. This would be one of their secret weapons.
In the shop there were charms that could be made either into necklaces, bracelets, or rings. Not all of them were available in the shop but they had a catalogue you could order from. He picked up a dog for Sirius, a wolf for Remus, and a cat for McGonagall. He ordered a panther for himself, a chameleon for Tonks, a lion for Neville, a badger for Cedric, a dragon for Charlie, a Gred and Forge for the twins, and a charm bracelet with a star, panther, chameleon, a baseball bat, a wolf, and a dog for Andromeda. He figured they would be all necklaces except for Andromeda's, a bracelet for McGonagall, and dog tags for the twins. He took a catalogue with him just in case he wanted to purchase more in the future.
-oOo-
They spent the next month together or tying up loose ends. It turned out that Garuk's gift was a goblin made dagger with a leg holster. Harry didn't want to risk it being taken away so he made sure to keep it hidden.
Harry made sure his trunk was properly warded since he would be storing many important items in it. He had received confirmation from Slughorn that he would be on standby for a month after school started to see if he was needed.
On one of his trips to Longbottom manor he mentioned to Madame Longbottom that he was debating with himself whether to look in his family vault to see if there were any wands in there. When she asked why he told her that he knew that there were people out there holding grudges against him that would not hesitate to hurt him. Everyone knew he would have his wand but wouldn't expect a second. With a thoughtful expression she agreed and both he and Neville ended up with a new wand as their primary and one from their families as a backup on a holster attached to their leg.
-oOo-
On the day of, Harry had his things packed and ready. Andromeda, Remus, Sirius, and he apparated to the station. They made sure his trunk was put away in a compartment with Apollo 'guarding' it, Hedwig stayed with Harry. Once they got situated they went back outside to wait for Neville and to say their goodbyes.
"You'll remember to write when you know what house you're in?"
Harry nodded, "Yes Sirius"
"Make sure to send an owl if you need anything."
Harry nodded again a bit exasperated, amused, and touched at the same time, "Yes Sirius"
"Ask Hedwig to come for me if something happens," Looking at Hedwig, "You'll let me know won't you?"
Harry and Hedwig looked at each other and Sirius could have sworn that they both rolled their eyes before turning back to him and nodding in agreement. Regardless Sirius was satisfied.
Remus and Andromeda watched in amusement letting Sirius calm his worries.
Looking around they saw Neville and his grandmother walking up to them. Mrs. Longbottom had shrunk Neville's trunk and timed it to enlarge at exactly eleven.
"Hey Neville, let's put your stuff in the compartment right away" Said Harry to Neville.
Neville grabbed his things from his grandmother before taking off with Harry.
They went and put everything away, Hedwig decided to stay in the compartment so they took out her perch so she could be comfortable.
When they walked up the group Harry chuckled when he heard Neville tell his grandmother he had lost his toad. It amazed him that even though Neville was less shy and more confident he still had retained his clumsiness and forgetfulness. This time Harry learned that these traits were inherited from his mother. Like her son she also outgrew it and became a good and brave witch.
Coming back to the present he summoned the toad. As Trevor zoomed by them Harry leaned into Neville.
"I'll make sure to teach you that spell soon."
Neville gave an appreciative smile.
Behind Harry someone spoke up, "Well hello there Harry."
Turning around he was greeted by the Weasley twins.
"Hey guys, Mrs. Weasley a pleasure seeing you."
They all made small talk while the students put their trunks and pets on the train. Harry was grateful Ron had left Scabbers in the train. He wasn't sure whether Remus would smell him or not.
"Congratulations on make prefect Percy" said Remus to Percy.
"Thank you Mr. Lupin, I am very proud" looking back at his mother, "I must go now mother, the prefects have their own compartment." He gave her a hug and took off.
Harry noted that Mrs. Weasley gave the same warnings to the twins as last time and barely held in his laughter when she attempted to wipe the dirt off of Ron's nose again.
"Hello Harry" Susan greeted him as she walked up, her aunt by her side.
"Ah two lovely women grace my sights." He said with a charming smile.
He grabbed Madame Bones' hand, "Madame a pleasure to see you outside of my dreams. A beauty such as you should not mingle with us mere mortals."
She rolled her eyes and seemed to have the same exasperated look that McGonagall wore around Harry. She glanced at Susan and noticed that she bore a slightly envious look and knew Harry had at least one admirer already.
"Charming Harry" She turned to Susan, "Let's get you situated in a compartment Susan."
Since it appeared that her trunks were shrunk already nobody offered to help. The warning whistle went off so they started saying their goodbyes. He went to Andromeda first.
"You make sure to write often Harry, study hard, and stay out of trouble."
He gave her a tight hug and smiled, "I'll miss you too Aunt Andy and don't worry I'll make sure to write often and study hard."
He made sure to go to Remus before she could comment on his response.
"Do you think you can sneak into the shack for a full moon?"
Remus exhaled, "We'll see cub. Take care Harry, we're going to miss you very much." He brought Harry into a tight hug.
"I'm going to miss you guys too. Take care of Padfoot, you know how he is." They shared a laugh at Sirius' expense.
Sirius and he just hugged there was no reason for anything more. Before they pulled away Sirius whispered, "Padfoot might want to run around with Shadow once in a while. I'll let you know."
They grinned at each other and nodded in agreement.
"Goodbye Mrs. Weasley, Ginny. Come on Neville."
-oOo-
"So you want to start going over the charm now? We won't do the actual summoning here but we can work on the wand movements and the incantation."
They spent probably half an hour practicing and making sure his pronunciation was correct. Harry knew that Neville had the technical details right, now it was about how much power was put into it.
"Once we get to Hogwarts start working on control and focus. Start with something light and close up and work your way from there." Harry said with a smile.
Neville nodded quite satisfied with his progress. Thanks to Harry he knew the theory behind most of the first year spells and an a few advanced spells.
After the cart lady came in both he and Neville went in search of the twins with their pockets full of sweets. On the way they saw Susan who was sitting with Hannah Abbott, Lavender Brown, and surprisingly Hermione.
Harry felt a pang in his chest as he saw that she was reading while the other three were talking and laughing amongst each other. He wondered whether it was her choice or if they already disliked each other.
Sitting next to Susan he asked, "Having fun ladies?"
She rolled her eyes at him but introduced the others, "Harry, Neville, you already know Lavender, but this is Hannah Abbott and Hermione Granger."
Harry smirked at the blushes that appeared on the girls as Neville and he greeted them.
Hermione couldn't contain herself much longer as she leaned forward and spoke up.
"Are you really Harry Potter?"
Harry was about to answer when he was cut off. He forgot how nervous and eager she was in the beginning.
"I know all about you of course…"
Harry interrupted before she could really get going. "Forgive me for interrupting Hermione but I just wanted to let you know that if you're basing your information off of a book then it's not a reliable source. Seeing as I've never been interviewed and I am the only who could truly tell you what happened that night I wouldn't put too much faith anywhere else."
He made sure to say it as kindly as possible so she would not feel criticized or insulted. Hermione's mouth opened and closed but she remained quiet, contemplating what Harry had said, he smiled at her and turned to Susan.
"The cart came by and Neville and I couldn't even contemplate eating one bite before making sure you lovely ladies had something sweet to eat as well."
Susan both blushed and rolled her eyes at Harry's charming grin.
"Ignoring the fact that I can smell the chocolate frog you already ate I would like some licorice wands please."
Harry turned to Hermione as Neville was already asking the other girls. Hermione looked a bit lost, probably at never really eating sweets both muggle and wizard.
"Umm…"
Harry smiled at her, "I'll get you a few so you can sample and see which ones you like."
The boys went and bought the candy, sharing the costs between them. They bought some Every Flavor Beans to challenge the Weasley twins as well. They went back to the girls' compartment and joked around for a bit before Malfoy made his entrance.
"Potter" he said with a nod in Harry's direction.
Harry frowned, "Draco, Crabbe, Goyle, you know Neville and Susan. This is Hannah Abbott, Lavender Brown, and Hermione Granger."
Malfoy sneered at Hermione and was about to make a derogatory comment when Harry interrupted, "Tread carefully Draco, you're in a compartment with the heirs to the houses of Longbottom, Bones, Abbott, and Black, as well as the new Lord Potter."
He adjusted his hands so that his ring was visible to Draco but not obvious to the others.
"Remember the words you use and who else they might offend." Draco looked at Harry closely and gave a subtle nod and turned to Susan making sure to greet her properly.
"Susan a pleasure to see you again"
He did the same with Hannah but greeted Lavender, Hermione, and Neville with a nod. While it was ok with Neville, it was a subtle insult towards Lavender and Hermione. All in all he was surprised that things were already a bit better with Malfoy and he at least hadn't been overly cruel to Hermione, well at least not yet. Draco walked away after that without another word.
Harry looked around and saw Neville, Susan, and Hannah with raised eyebrows. Lavender looked a bit insulted but content while Hermione looked like she was trying to analyze what just happened. Harry clapped his hands together.
"Well that went better than expected."
Neville, Susan, and Hannah nodded. Lavender grudgingly agreed a second later as well.
"What do you mean? What exactly happened?" asked Hermione.
All but Lavender looked a bit uncomfortable.
Harry decided to take the plunge, "I'm going to assume that you have a general idea of who Voldemort was and his views on blood status."
Hermione nodded.
"Ok so in the wizarding world there are usually three kinds of views on blood status. You have the so called light families who either don't believe themselves above muggles or at least don't discriminate against someone for being a muggle or muggle-born. The neutral families don't generally give out their views in public and tend to not draw attention to themselves therefore are usually accepted by both sides. Then there are the so called dark families who believe that muggles and muggle-born are a stain on the wizarding world. They base someone's worth on how pure your blood is."
Harry paused to evaluate Hermione to make sure she was taking in everything he was saying.
"A lot of these so called dark families supported Voldemort when he came into power and believed that the muggle-born should not be allowed into Hogwarts or into the magical world. They believed that by allowing them in the noble families would taint their bloodlines."
Harry gave a sympathetic smile in Hermione's direction when she looked appalled at what he just said.
"While they are not the majority they tend to be wealthy and influential. They are blatant in the belief of superiority over half-bloods, muggle-borns, squibs, muggles, and any with creature blood. The Malfoys are one of these families if not the most influential for the dark families. Draco was about to insult you for being a muggle-born and forgot that he would also offend the rest of us in the process, especially Neville and I. I have a muggle-born mother and the Longbottoms and Potters have been close allies for a long time. Insulting one brings upon the other for most matters."
He continued on, "Pure-bloods pride themselves on tradition, etiquette, and status. Malfoys are wealthy and influential sure, but so are the Longbottoms, Bones, Abbott, Black, and Potters. Offending an heir is offending the family. It would look very bad on the Malfoy family if their heir did not have enough sense to act civilly to five families, especially when a Lord was present. As the offended party we could seek retribution from the Malfoys and they would have to comply or risk losing face."
Hermione looked outraged, "But this is all so outdated, don't tell me you still have marriage contracts too."
At Harry's nod, Hermione exploded.
"But it's wrong to pick someone's spouse for them; you take away their free will."
Harry shook his head as he noticed the other look a bit offended.
"Don't you see what you're doing Hermione? You're judging a community based on what you believe is right or wrong. Who are you to judge? Why would a community want to accept someone who criticizes and judges something they take pride in?"
Waving his hand to the others in the compartment, "We're all from light families but we still preserve tradition and are proud to continue what our ancestors started. What community doesn't have some aspects that not everyone agrees on?"
Hermione looked abashed, especially when she saw the others in the compartment were bothered even if they were trying not to show it.
"I lived in the muggle world until I was eight years old. When I came into the wizarding world I took etiquette lessons and studied traditions, if I didn't like something I studied up on its history and found out why it's still preserved. It helped me understand and form an informed opinion, if I judge it won't be based strictly on a bias of mine. I'm only a half-blood but it was easier to be accepted because I respected and embraced the culture rather than criticize and judge."
Trying to lighten the conversation he added in with a smirk, "It also helps that I've got these dashing good looks, wouldn't you agree Susan?" Harry whispered the last part into her ear and handed her a rose he had just conjured.
When he saw a wide-eyed Hermione about to ask questions on the magic he hastily got up.
"Well now that lecture time is over we've got a set of red heads to challenge." With a bow he and Neville made their way out of the cart.
Finding the right cart they saw the twins, Lee Jordan, Angelina Johnson, and Oliver Wood in it. Harry walked in first, back straight, chin raised high and addressed them.
"Twin #1, Twin #2, Boy with Spider, Random Boy," looking at Angelina carefully he added in, "Future Conquest"
He had to bite his cheek to stop the stupid grin threatening to form at her appalled expression. It became especially difficult when he heard the others snicker and Neville coughing to try and muffle his laughter.
"We have ventured here to challenge the Weasley twins to an Every Flavored Bean challenge. It is meant to show one's bravery, endurance, and determination."
Both twins raised their eyebrows, shared a look, and simultaneously spoke, "We're in."
Harry's smile brightened and Neville gulped.
"Splendid" looking around he nudged Neville in and took a seat next to Angelina giving her a wink in the process.
"Rules are simple gentlemen, we go around, each eating one bean until it comes back out or you quit. Last man standing wins it for their team."
"What does the winner get?" asked Fred.
This time Neville spoke up, "The opposing team comes up with their terms for the other team before we begin. It can apply to both or one person from the other team. We compromise and tweak the terms before the game officially begins."
The twins smiled mischievously and huddled together. At the same time Harry put up a silencing charm around both of them.
"What do you think our terms should be Neville?"
Neville shrugged, "Harry you know I don't have a strong stomach, if we win it will be because of you, you should come up with the terms."
"Nonsense Neville, we're a team, I'll be stronger in some things and you'll be stronger in others. We support each other, that's the way it's supposed to work. Got it?"
Neville nodded and smiled. Finally they both came out of their huddles.
"What are your terms gentlemen?"
George became the spokesman for their team, "If we win we want the map."
Harry's smile dropped instantly, "I'm sorry but that was my father's and I'm not willing to ever risk it. I can let you borrow it or ask Remus to give you pointers so you can make one of your own. But that's as far as I'll go when it comes to the map."
The twins huddled again, "Ok, we rather learn how to make our own, if we learn how to do it then we can work together to make a map of somewhere else to if we want to."
Harry wondered why it never occurred to him to make one of his safe house. Harry and Neville nodded, these terms were acceptable to them.
"For us either Neville becomes off limits to pranking as well or you convince this lovely lady to become my girlfriend, or at least permit me to court her until at least the holidays. Then she may choose to continue or to go her own way."
At that moment everyone turned to Angelina who turned a wonderful shade of red.
"Don't even think about involving me in this little game you all have going on." She said glaring that the twins for even contemplating asking her.
They shrugged, "I guess its Neville's immunity then."
Harry sighed loudly and turned to Angelina placing his hands over his heart dramatically.
"Alas it is not meant to be at this time. Please know that I will wait until you are ready, the wait is but a small price to pay for a lady as stunning as you are."
Not waiting for a response he turned to the twins and conjured a bucket in between them.
"Just in case, shall we get started?"
20 minutes later….
They had played about fifteen rounds before Fred got a vomit flavored one and threw up. Seeing this Neville turned green. Harry knew that Neville was not going to last much longer regardless of whatever flavor came up.
George was looking at Neville and saw the same thing; he smirked at Harry thinking that he was definitely going to win it now.
Neville got a milk flavored one and not a second after swallowing it came back out along with something else best not described. He didn't even have a chance to reach for the bucket that was still being held by Fred causing his vomit to land on George's lap. The whole compartment was completely disgusted and now on the verge of throwing up as well.
George gagged a bit which was the last straw for Angelina who ended up throwing up on the floor with some of it landing on Harry's shoes.
Oliver and Lee were closest to the window and had raised their feet right before so they didn't get hit. Harry looked around at all the sick people and then at George.
"Draw?" he said making the extra effort to not breathe through his nose.
George nodded eagerly, with that Harry cast a quick cleaning charm on Neville and himself while the rest of them cleaned themselves off. A few more charms were done on the floor and part of the seats. Windows were opened hoping to dispel some of the smell.
"Misty" he called out.
With a pop Misty appeared and scrunched up her nose at the smell, it was fading but still noticeable.
Harry brought out his most innocent smile, "Could you please bring six waters with a few lime slices in it? Oh and something that can help with the smell?"
Misty shook her head, "What have you been doing Master Harry?"
Everyone looked a bit embarrassed but smiled anyways, "We played a game we thought we could handle but apparently our stomachs couldn't."
She popped away and not a minute later she was back with six dinks and a few lemon scented candles. They each took the drinks gratefully and quickly drank them. Color slowly returning to their skin and the nausea finally passed.
"Never again, never again" Neville mumbled.
After a few minutes they all started getting back to normal, they chatted for a bit longer until Harry and Neville went back to their compartment. The rest of the trip was spent either reading or playing Scrabble. Remus had charmed it so that the tiles would stick to the board like magnets until the game was over.
When they realized that they were getting closer to the school they put on their robes. Harry and Neville both making sure their hair was decent and their robes were presentable. They made sure both Trevor and Apollo were safely in their cages while Hedwig landed on his shoulder.
When he saw Neville getting nervous he spoke up.
"Calm down Neville, you've studied; you already know some students, and a lot of the professors. There is no need to be nervous."
"What if we're not in the same house?" Neville asked quietly.
Harry shrugged, "Then we're in different houses, we can tell each other what the other house is like. We'll still be best mates, we'll still have a few classes together, we can hang out or study together, and we can eat together alternating tables." He assured him.
This seemed to calm him. They've been there for each other a while now that it would be an adjustment to be separated, especially for Neville. Harry promised himself that no matter how busy things got he would always be there for Neville.
When the train stopped they headed towards Hagrid. Harry was surprised to see not only was Neville with him but Susan, Hannah, Lavender, Hermione, and Ron as well.
While Harry was prepared for the walk this time he spent most of the walk helping a stumbling Neville and Hannah. Susan stumbled as well but she was right behind Harry and caught herself on him. An involuntary smile came onto his face when he saw the castle like this again.
"No more than four to a boat!" Harry heard Hagrid shout.
"Neville, how about you, Ron, Lavender, and Hermione go in one boat and Susan, Hannah, and I will follow in another? We'll meet on the other side." Asked Harry
Neville shrugged, "Sure"
They got situated and made their way to the school.