"Good morning." Neville grinned and pointed to the illusion Harry, "My friend and I want you to know that we're giving you a chance. See he knocked all of you out with one spell and he's giving you the choice to leave and not ever work for those two again or die, simple as that."
"Who's the other guy?" one of the men asked shakily.
"What other guy it's just me and my friend." Neville looked back at the illusion Harry just in time to see the real Harry vanish the scythe and morph into a large black dog. It was all he could do to hold in the laughter.
"We're leaving." One of them stated, "Untie us and we'll be gone and we won't ever come back."
"Good, I knew we could come to a reasonable conclusion." Neville tapped the rope and stood back. The men jumped into the jeeps and drove off leaving only one jeep for the four left, "That was easier than I thought it would be."
"I gave them a suggestion that caused unreasonable fear." Harry changed back and made his illusion disappear, "Shall we go visit Jerry and see what to do with these guys?"
"Do you know how to drive that thing?" Neville eyed the jeep skeptically.
"No but it can't be that hard. Ron drove a car when he was twelve." Harry shrugged.
After a few false starts they got it moving and bounced along the landscape towards the buildings they had left twenty minutes ago.
"What is this?" Jerry met them as they drove up.
"I have a few questions for you." Neville started the conversation as Harry told him too. He got and kept the man's attention while Harry went invisible and changed into his cat form to find the man's side, "These men seemed to be waiting for us."
"They are my brother-in-laws." Jerry stated, "Why are they unconscious?"
"They attacked us." It never took Harry long to ascertain the situation and Jerry was innocent, "They plan on ruining your business then buying it from you cheap."
"What? But they're family." He said, "I don't think you know what you're talking about."
"Is there a magical law enforcement that we can call and have them questioned under truth potion?" Harry asked.
"I can't do that to family." Jerry balked, "It is unforgivable."
"You won't be doing it to family." Harry calmed him, "I am requesting law enforcement because I want to lodge a complaint. You really can't turn me down."
"Very well." Jerry gave in and went inside, "Can you bring them in and put them on a bed at least?"
"No, I've made them very comfortable here." Harry refused the house but made them float in the air over the jeep.
Aurors arrived and Jerry was soon furious with his relatives, "I can't believe they'd do that to me. I employ them and pay them very well. I just can't believe it. They used to deliver for me but after the third time that they came back beaten with our products gone I started going to a company that would pick up."
"I'm starting a new business and I'll do your distribution." Harry offered, "You sell me the plant parts at a reasonable price and I'll find buyers and do the pickup and delivery."
"I don't do business with people without last names." Jerry glared at Harry.
"Right sorry, my company is called Potter Enterprises and I'm Harry Potter." Harry reached out a hand.
"The Harry Potter?" one of the aurors asked, "From Scotland?"
"I'm actually living in France now. I'm still at school in Scotland though." Harry smiled slightly.
"How do you know him Mike?" Jerry asked.
"He stopped You Know Who earlier this year." Mike claimed, "He's an international hero."
Harry grimaced but nodded, "I don't really like the fame that much so I don't tend to use my last name unless I have to."
"I thought you were just his bodyguard." He indicated Neville.
"That's my part time job." Harry chuckled at Neville's perturbed look.
It was Sunday morning when they finally made it back to London. Harry's first stop was George's shop, "Here you go no charge this time since you bought the port key."
"I don't need this much." George looked at the box full of plant pieces, "I can only use fifteen or twenty pieces the rest will go bad before I can use them."
"No worries, I have more than just your plant in here too." Harry smiled, "Here's the list do you need any of them?"
"No but I bet you can get the apothecary to buy them." He suggested.
"Well I don't want to explain myself to the ministry so I'll hold off of that one." Harry shook his head, "I don't have a business set up yet. But I don't think Sluggy is all that bothered about where I got the stuff."
"So you're going into apothecary supply then, I thought you'd be working with me." George lifted on eyebrow.
"I will be working with you. I'm your supply person. It's going to be called Potter Enterprises." Harry grinned, "I need to go visit with the Goblins before I leave the alley. See you later."
George was already thinking on his potion rather than listen to Harry. But he waved over his shoulder when the door chime rang as Harry left. It didn't take long for Harry's business to be set up and ready to go. He didn't have time to stop at the apothecary before he had to be back at school.
"Harry I don't really need ten percent of your company to help you out now and then." Neville contested as they left the bank, "Just pay me a salary instead."
"Too late it's already done." Harry grinned, "Besides I need a herbology expert on as full time staff and I can't pay you yet."
One week later the eighth year quidditch team was decked out in all black quidditch robes. Their initial game was against Ravenclaw. They were in the Slytherin locker rooms for this game. Each game they'd use a different house's locker room. They were all relaxing waiting for the game to start. A week ago they'd met in the room after practice and Harry had given them a pep talk.
"I know you've heard the rumors." He began, "They don't think there is any way we can work together as a team. They will have no such doubts next week. You know what to do, you know your part, now do you have any doubts?"
"No!" they all answered together.
"Blaise do you care that I am captain over you?" he turned the Slytherin.
"No you are a natural leader who cares about your team not houses or other petty things." Blaise answered.
"Seamus, how does it feel to have a stinking snake as your brother beater?" he turned.
"It feels sneaky but in a good way." He clapped bats with Draco.
"These are the types of things they'll spout at you this week. Do not answer them." He smiled, "Wait for next Saturday then they'll have our answer."
Resounding cheers had filled the room then. They all remembered and had followed his instructions to the letter. They were prepared and would show the school what real quidditch was all about. The after party in the common room was almost as rowdy as a normal Gryffindor party.
"Is this what you all did after every win?" Draco gaped at the food and drinks as he yelled to be heard over the music.
"Win or lose we always party. A loss is a much more subdued party though." Harry answered.
"Gryffindors can be subdued?" Blaise asked from Harry's other side.
"Oh yeah, the music is only half as loud and there is a lot more firewhiskey." Harry laughed at them, "Wins keep the younger years up longer so we have to wait until they're in bed before breaking it out."
"What's taking Seamus so long?" Neville approached them, "He's usually back by now."
"Cut him some slack. He's not played and been responsible for the alcohol." Ron laughed, "He'll be here in ten."
"Where does he get it?" Hannah asked.
"He has a deal with Rosemerta and Honeydukes. Honeydukes sets the liquor down the secret tunnel in exchange for some Irish whiskey Seamus gets from home. There's a terrible tax on getting it legally." Dean grinned.
"Irishmen and their whiskey, it's a beautiful thing." Harry cheered as Seamus returned with his haul.
Of course the win was relived throughout the evening. It was loud and it was fun. Harry kept a full glass all through the evening. He appeared to be drinking quite a lot but in truth he didn't even take a sip. It wasn't that he didn't trust his teammates; it was that he didn't trust anyone in the castle save Neville, Minerva and Poppy. He knew better than most that he could not afford to let his guard down unless he was home. Neville was the only one to notice and he copied his friend's behavior. He was glad he had when someone decided to breakout a camera to record the first eighth year party.
Most everyone was either passed out or near that point by midnight. Harry and Neville quietly levitated those already unconscious to their rooms and then herded the others. By one thirty in the morning they had finally tucked a singing Seamus into his bed and put a silencing charm on him so they didn't have to hear it any longer. Harry added one to Ron's to quiet the ever present snores.
"That was like herding cats." Harry dropped on the Gryffindor couch.
"Seamus does get excited when he's drunk." Neville laughed.
"Why didn't you drink?" Harry asked him, "I would have watched over you."
"I just didn't feel like I could when I realized you weren't." Neville shrugged, "I didn't want you to be alone all evening."
"You're a good friend." Harry clapped him on the back, "Tell you what, plan to spend a few days at my house over Christmas and we'll make up for it."
"Sounds like a plan." Neville agreed.
Harry left and headed back to his own room. On his way he stopped by the common room to make sure they'd gotten everyone and he found Hermione sitting in a chair by the fire.
"You're moving around better than I thought you'd be after drinking all night." She said disapprovingly.
"Just shows how little you know me." Harry answered and turned to leave.
"I want to know you but you won't let me." She snipped at him.
"With good reason." He continued out the door and she got up and followed him, "Where are you going?"
"I'm going to make sure you make it back to your room." She said, "I wouldn't want some girl to jump you on the way. You're too drunk to know to tell them to leave you alone."
"Actually I'd never be too drunk to chase unwanted attention away so you can just go back to your own dorm." He replied icily.
She ignored his suggestion and continued on, "You know you really shouldn't drink like that. Who knows if some death eater is stalking the halls looking for you."
"I'm only going to say this once so you better listen." Harry turned to confront her at the door to her own dorm, "I don't endanger myself unnecessarily. I do not need you to babysit me. I am fine on my own."
"You aren't and you don't even see it." She claimed, "You're a very belligerent drunk."
"I'm not a belligerent drunk. I'm not drunk. I didn't drink this evening. I would appreciate if you would keep your nose out of my business. Here is your dorm, go in and leave me alone. I've had all I can handle of you for this evening." Harry turned away and left quickly before she could say anything more.
The next morning he told Neville about her. He shook his head as he finished, "You know she thinks she's so detail oriented but when it comes to you she seems to be blind."
"Well I don't have any time for her at all. My temper, where she's concerned is non-existent." Harry sighed as Minerva approached.
"I'm giving each of you twenty points for last night." She smirked, "Several teachers saw you returning your year mates to their dorms."
"You should give some to Hannah too." Neville suggested, "She helped with all the girls."
"I've already spoken to Ms. Abbott." She smiled, "Well done both of you."
"Thanks Professor." Harry relaxed as she left, "I thought we'd get in trouble for everyone getting drunk."
"She told Madam Pomfrey not to give anyone hangover potions." Hannah giggled as she sat down with them.
"Ahhh, but Seamus always gets a stash of those before he goes on a drink." Harry laughed, "I don't know if he has enough for everyone though."
"If he does he isn't sharing." Ernie gingerly sat down from the group, "Don't talk too loud please."
All was quiet until Hermione arrived and she tried to slam a book on the table. Harry quickly sent a cushion charm under it and it made a mild thump.
"If you didn't have a hangover it wouldn't have hurt." She glared at him.
"If I had a hangover it would have hurt. I don't have one but Ernie does and I know he would not appreciate your attitude." Harry glared right back at her, "Neville how much did I drink last night?"
"Not a drop, same as me." He answered, "Madam Pomfrey isn't passing out hangover cures either."
When Hermione took a breath to start in again Hannah interrupted, "If you're going to say anything bad about Harry then save it. I helped him and Neville return everyone to their dorms last night. He wasn't drunk. He didn't drink. Think very hard before you open that mouth."
"Why didn't you?" she asked after a few moments pause.
"He has trust issues." Draco stated he had arrived during Hannah's speach, "He doesn't trust us with his wellbeing. After the life he's had I think he's being quite smart about it. I think I can count all the people he trusts on one hand."
"Actually it takes two hands but most of them aren't here." Harry ran a hand through his hair as he addressed Hermioneher, "I'd be a fool to let my guard down here. You were waiting to pounce last night. I know you thought you'd let me get drunk and then pull all my secrets out of me. But that won't happen."
Harry turned away and began to talk to the others that had arrived. Hannah turned to the girl, "You say you want to be his friend but if this is how you treat friends then you won't find many who will befriend you. You started the year as an outcast because of the lawsuit. Most people think you are a bitter, nasty piece of work. If you want to turn your life around you have a lot of work to do. But you better start soon or there won't be any amount of work that will counteract the proof you're giving us now."
"I've not done anything to make anyone think I'm bitter and nasty." She huffed.
"Every time Harry moves you're there to point out how dark he is. You criticize him at every turn. Do you know why Ron is always asking for your help with his homework?" Hermione shook her head not believing Hannah's words, "He does it so we don't hex you. When we've had enough of your nasty mouth Ron always calls you away. He doesn't need you nearly as much as you need him. Think about it."
Harry heard the conversation and wondered if Hermione would ever understand what she had done to herself. Ron, he knew, had a pretty good idea about it. It was heartening to know he was trying even if it was too late. Over the next weeks Harry saw and heard less and less from Hermione. Rod was always at the fringes but didn't interfere, he hadn't all year.
Christmas was soon upon them and Neville had let his Grandmother know he wouldn't be home right away. She wasn't happy and let him know it.
"Tell her this." Harry grinned, "I've hired you and you're going to do some work for me for a few days. Before we start drinking we make a list of things that need to be supplied and where they come from, the rarer the better. Then we'll drink ourselves silly."
"Having a job may just make this work." He grinned, "She knows I'll be moving out soon and she's clingier than I've ever seen her."
"Just make sure she knows the company is a secret for now." Harry cautioned him, "I don't want any competition until I'm truly in business."
"Speaking of business, the basilisk you killed what kind of shape is it in?" the two continued to talk business until late, "I better get back to my dorm. I'm glad you have your own place so we can talk without being overheard."
"Remind me to get some hangover potions before we start drinking." Harry stood and stretched.
"How many are we going to need?" Neville chuckled as he left.
Neither Neville nor Harry took the train to the station. It was just a short portkey jump from Hogsmeade to his home there was no reason to ride the train. George, Lee and Angelina were waiting when they arrived.
"Ha, I told you they'd skip the train." George crowed, "That is five knuts each thank you."
"We didn't bet against you." Angelina bumped his shoulder, "We all knew they'd skip it."
"Did you bring the stuff?" Harry asked.
"Yes of course. All the alcohol you care to drink and two hangover potions each." George waved them off, "Usually this doesn't happen until New Year."
"I have to be with my Grandmother in a couple of days." Neville shrugged, "We're just starting the party early, then you can continue after I leave."
"Business first." Harry declared, "Do you have the list?"
"All of my ingredients, any special requirements and I've indicated everything that is rare or hard to get." George handed it over, "You really think you'll be able to get this stuff cheaper?"
"Of course, I'll be giving you a ten percent discount since I own ten percent of your store." Harry stated, "I don't want to deal with the public at large, I'll leave that up to you. This will also leave me enough free time to spend on product development with you."
They spent the next hour or so making decisions and then started the party. Alcohol flowed quite freely for the next few hours and they only slowed down when Kreacher brought in food. Harry woke the next morning feeling decidedly horrid. His mouth tasted vile, he likened it to the same taste he woke up to after the battle. Before he could move he felt a vial being placed in his hand.