Harry Potter Junior Level Ch. 49

A Day Out

Three weeks after finding out his "lucky coin" was a failure at providing real luck, Harry, Draco and Ron are lounging by the Black Lake after the week's class load is finished.

"I tell you mates, this schoolwork is getting tiring. Just this week, we had four long essays, three tests, two graded demonstrations in Charms and Defense plus reading for classes. I didn't get to feel the sun on my face until today! I was beginning to wonder if I'd been transferred to Azkaban without knowing it. I swear I sensed those Dementor creatures I've heard about, roaming the hall outside our dorm room!"

"I think those Dementors you sensed was either my Dad or Draco's Dad, Ron. Both have taken to walking by our dorm room every night. It was a long battle to finally get them to let us move back to the dorm. We both had to do a lot of pleading and promising to be allowed to try again. We're almost eleven, Hogwarts school age so we should be allowed to stay in the dorms again. I still don't think the Dads were fair with us. We only had a little trouble and they made us move home. I'm having to really do my best on every homework assignment and on lessons to prove I'm capable of doing my work without supervision. I don't want Dad to ground me or make me live in our quarters anymore. Uncle Sev is probably the one checking more to make sure none of us are setting up pranks more than anything else."

"I don't know, Harry. After he let me off being grounded for our 'Potions incident' as he calls it, he's watched me very closely. I think he is making sure I don't decide to turn into a Gryffindor rebel and not attend classes like some we know. We'd best watch our behavior these last few weeks of term. I too, want to live in the dorms next year!"

"Draco, you know we both paid the price for those things so they should let it lie, now. How about you, Ron? After your Dad visited, you sure weren't too talkative. I haven't heard a word about not going to classes either. Are you planning to be a well-behaved boy like Drake and me?"

"I sure am! The item he brought with him did a very good job of talking and convinced me not to do anything that could cause it to come talk to me again! He was not pleased at all to hear I'd missed classes or that I'd taken those nougats from the twins. The prats didn't even get in trouble just me. They lead a charmed life, I don't." Ron answers ruefully.

"Now Ron, I don't think that's true. Fred and George have served more detentions in the last three years than any students ever have by third year! I heard my Dad tell yours that he had them in detention so often he had acquired personal cleaning supplies just for them!" Draco tells him.

"I wish that coin Harry has was a magical coin. It would've been great for us to all pass it around and get out of trouble easily. I would use it when the twins convince me to help with their plans." Ron sighs as he stands up brushing the seat of his pants free from dirt.

"How much was that coin worth after all you went through having it, Harry? Did you ever find out?" Draco asks curiously.

"I don't know as I haven't been anywhere to try to spend it. I was grounded from any trips for two weeks. This week we've had so much schoolwork to do, I haven't had time to ask Dad to take me to Hogsmeade."

"Well, it's Friday afternoon and a nice spring day. Let's go find one of our dads and convince them to take us to Hogsmeade tomorrow. Which one should we try first? How's Uncle Sirius acting today? If he's joking and smiling we'll probably get him to take us."

"When I saw him at lunch he seemed happy. He called me Pup and rubbed my hair backwards the way he likes to do to muss it up. Let's go find him. He should be in our quarters by now as all classes are finished. Come with us, Ron. We need an extra set of eyes in case we need to do the sad little boy routine." Harry answers.

"Let's go then. You do the asking, Harry." Draco announces rising to his feet.

"I'm going to ask Neville to come along too. He should get to go tomorrow if all of us from the dorm room are going. Don't you agree?"

"Sure thing Harry. Let's go see if we can find him and then go ask Uncle Sirius."

Not finding Neville, Harry decides to go ask Sirius without him. Coming into their quarters with Draco and Ron following, Harry calls "Dad? Are you home? We need to ask you something."

"Well hello there boys. To what do I owe this pleasure of having young visitors? Are you in need of tutoring perhaps? Extra credit essays maybe? No? " Sirius asks as the boys vigorously shake their heads. "I've got it! You three want to volunteer to scrub the Astronomy classroom for me."

"Daaad! Stop being such a nutter. You know that's not why we came. Draco, Ron, Neville and I want to go to Hogsmeade tomorrow. We've been working hard for three weeks and need a break for something fun away from school. Will you take us, please?"

"Well now, I don't know. It seems to me you three were in trouble not long ago. Something about a Potion's mishap and a not so lucky coin? Should I reward that type of behavior? Perhaps Neville would like a solo trip away from the castle." Sirius replies trying to keep the smile off his face at the looks he sees. His two young rascals, Harry and Draco are giving him their best sad child impersonation. Ron's looks more like he might sick up or dash off than a sad look but Sirius has to give him credit for the attempt.

"Draco, Harry, you can stop the sad little puppy looks, it isn't necessary and it does not work on me. Ron, I'm not about to bite so stop looking as if you want to bolt. I'm only teasing you. I know all of you have been punished so the incidents are over. I will be happy to escort you to Hogsmeade tomorrow. Let's meet here for breakfast and we'll leave afterward. I'll get permission from the Headmaster to let Neville and Ron come along. Draco, get permission from your Dad and have him floo me later. I don't see it being a problem but you still need to ask."

"Yes sir, I'll go tell him right now! See you later mates. Uncle Sirius you are brilliant!"

"Thank you nephew. I always tried to learn my lessons in school."

"DADDD! You're doing it again. You know what he means." Harry protests as Draco shakes his head.

Not having seen this playful side of his professor very often, Ron just listens not quite sure what to say.

Noticing the red headed child's wariness, Sirius pulls Harry close to whisper. Receiving a nod, Harry launches himself at Ron pulling his friend down to the floor tickling him in his side.

"Harry! Stop! Have you lost all sense? Oh stop! I need to breathe." Ron giggles rolling back and forth. Getting control of himself, he asks "Why'd you attack me like that?"

"Dad and I thought you were being too serious and needed to loosen up. He told me to do it so be mad at him not me."

"Harry! Ratting out your Dad that way. For shame boy. I admit it was my idea, Ron. There is only one serious around here today and that would be me." Sirius says, using his favorite line.

"Yes sir, thank you for letting me come tomorrow." Ron giggles as Harry groans at the familiar line.

"I look forward to it, boys. You two go on to your dorm now. If we are going to Hogsmeade early, you all need to have part or all of your homework finished. I will be checking it at breakfast so bring it with you. Tell Neville and Draco to do the same."

"Come Ron, my Dad has disappeared but deranged Professor Black showed up. Let's go before we get more assignments!" Harry whispers loudly enough to let Sirius hear as he pulls Ron towards the door.

"Mr. Potter-Black, you may add an extra half foot to your longest essay for that remark. I will be checking it. That would be Transfiguration, I believe. I'll expect to see three and a half feet on the current assignment in the morning."

"How'd you know it was Transfiguration?" Harry gasps, stopping to stare back at his Dad.

"Professors know things, my Pup. Especially deranged Professors who have kids in the class. Off with you, I have work to do." Sirius says shooing them out, closing the door with a smile.

By mid morning the following day, Sirius and Severus are following the four boys down the path towards Hogsmeade.

"Thank you for agreeing to come along, Sev. I could have looked after them alone but having you along gives me someone to talk to."

"I wanted to come to spend time with my Dragon. Now that he's moved into the dorm again, I hardly see the child. I might as well not have a boy at all."

"Alright. Stop right here. Who are you and how is it your looks and voice are like Severus Snape? Are you under polyjuice, perhaps?"

"Sirius. Try not to accuse someone of something you have no evidence for. It just makes you appear quite daft."

"Yes, that is the real Severus Snape. I was concerned when you admitted fondness for the boy out in public." Sirius returns with a slight grin.

"We are hardly in public here on an isolated dirt path to Hogsmeade. Have you set boundaries for the foursome?" Severus asks changing the topic of conversation.

"Stay in sight, No going anywhere alone, don't buy prank products unless I approve them first and enjoy their day."

"What about asking permission before making a purchase? Shouldn't we monitor all purchases and not just prank products? What if they overload on candy?"

"Then they'll be acting as nearly eleven year old boys should when loose in a candy store, Sev. Loosen the ropes some and let the kids be kids. They can't get into trouble with us near."

"You are talking about Harry and Draco plus they have mischief magnet Ron Weasley along. I pity young Neville having to be the sole head of reason in the group."

"Look at your 'sole head of reason' right now, Sev." Sirius says pointing ahead.

"Mr. Longbottom! What on earth are you doing?" Severus calls to the boy who has left the path and is currently shinnying up a tall tree.

"I'm collecting leaves, Professor." Neville calls down as he continues his climb.

"Oooh, can I climb too, Dad?" Harry asks. "I need to collect leaves for Herbology also."

"Neville! Grab some for us!" Draco yells up to his friend as Sirius denies Harry's request.

"Draconis! Where are your manners?" Severus scolds.

"Sorry, sir." "Nev! PLEASE get us leaves." Draco shouts again.

"Stop that shouting young man! Do you remember your manners?"

"Sure I do, Dad. I said 'Please." Draco replies giving Severus his cocky grin. This earns him a light tap to his head as Severus remarks "Cheeky brat. You know better than to shout at people."

"Neville Longbottom! That is far enough! Do NOT go any higher!" Severus calls to the child having climbed several limbs higher while he was scolding Draco.

"Yes sir. I'm coming down now. I got everyone the leaves, Draco." Neville calls back as he begins to climb down. Two branches down from his highest spot, his foot slips off and he begins to teeter before getting hold of a branch above him. The "OOOHHH and Be Careful!" he h0ears from his friends has him smiling as he slides down the trunk to the ground.

"No worries, Mates. I can scale a tree with no problems." Neville says as he hands out the leaves.

"Young man, that was a foolish and dangerous stunt you just pulled! What if you had fallen?" Severus reprimands as Sirius examines Harry's leaf.

"Sirius! Don't you have something to say?" Severus asks as Neville stares at him, face gradually losing color.

"Yes. Good balance up there, Nev. Don't mind Professor Snape here. He's just a old guy who worries too much and doesn't know boys can climb well."

"Sirius! What if he had fallen? Would you be so cavalier then? I refuse to reply to the 'old guy' comment!"

"No, I wouldn't but he didn't fall so let's get on with the fun part of the day."

"Dad? Couldn't you have used a spell to slowly lower him to the ground. After all, isn't that what magic is for, to use when we need it?" Harry asks, wide eyed at the arguing.

"You are correct, Harry. That is what we would have done. I apologize for frightening you, Neville. I just have some memories of accidents with trees. As Professor Black says, 'Let's get on with the day." Severus answers before Sirius has time too.

As the group moves further down the path towards Hogsmeade, Neville whispers to Draco. "Is he usually anxious about things like climbing?"

"Yes, safety is a gigantic issue. If I'd done that, he would've dusted the seat of my trousers for me! I did something similar to what you just did once when I was seven. I stayed with him for a month and climbed a tree that wasn't all that high. He walloped my bum until it stung and sat me on a hard stool in the corner for a half hour! I haven't climbed a tree since I moved in with him either!" Draco answers.

Walking behind the boys, Sirius is sending glances towards Severus until he finally snaps "What are you looking at me for?"

"What gave you the willies about something as normal as a child climbing a tree? I admit Nev went a bit high but there was no need to panic. We do have magic and can stop a fall. Harry climbs trees often, doesn't Draco?"

"Draco isn't allowed to climb trees. My cousin died from a fall when he was climbing a tree. He was twelve and I was eight. I didn't know how to stop his fall. He fell while I was staying with his family for a week. We were in a clearing flying one of those muggle kites. It caught in a nearby tree. Davon climbed to untangle it and went too high. He lost his balance and fell causing a head injury that he succumbed from the next day. My Father blamed me for wanting to fly the kite. Let's not talk of this anymore."

"I apologize for my comments. I won't speak of it again except to say, your father was a right bastard to blame that on you!"

"He was that and more. I survived and succeeded so I overcame the childhood."

"It's a good thing Gringotts opened a small bank in Hogsmeade. It makes it easier when you don't have the time to go to Diagon Alley." Sirius remarks as the group makes it's way down the street to the bank.

"Dad? Does Griphook work in this one too? He knows me and is nice." Harry asks.

"A Goblin is nice?" Draco asks incredulously as Neville and Ron listen.

"Yes, he's a friend of mine. He's always nice when I come with Dad to the bank. He gives me a lolly sometimes. Maybe if he's here we all will get one. You have to be quiet until spoken to or you don't get a treat." Harry answers.

"I don't know if Griphook will be here today, son. It shouldn't take long to ask about the coin. Do you want to ask or do you want me to do it?"

"I don't know yet. Let's see who is working the big desk first. If it's someone who looks mean, you can ask." Harry replies as they approach the red double doors with brass handles.

Walking into the dimly lit bank, Ron, Neville and Draco hang back very close to Severus, much to his amusement. Sirius and Harry walk to the largest desk where a wrinkled little creature sits.

"May I help you?" He asks somewhat angrily.

"You ask, Dad." Harry whispers.

"Lord Black and son! Come with me and let me help you both!" calls another goblin who has just entered the room.

Following the younger goblin, Harry and Sirius are led into an office.

"Now what can Charlie Chan do for you today? I'm here to assist with any transactions you may wish to accomplish."

"Are you Charlie-Chan?" Harry asks, not at all sure if that is the strange creature's first name or full name.

"Yes, that would be me. You call me Charlie, young sir. Griphook is my uncle and has told me all about you, young Mr. Potter-Black. It is such an honor for Charlie Chan to meet a wonderful wizard as yourself. Did you have something you wanted Charlie to do?"

"I have a special coin that was given to me by a lep." Harry begins before remembering Sirius has told him Goblins and Leprechauns do not get along. "Umm, a friend gave me this coin and I want to know how much it might be worth." Harry finishes as he pulls the coin out of his pocket and hands it to the twinkling young goblin. All the twinkling and fawning he's doing reminds Harry of Dobby when they first met.

"Where did you say you got this? It is not common wizard currency."

"Our friend is from Ireland and Harry was gifted with this during our spring holiday there. It must be worth a few sickles at least."

"Yes, Lord Black. This is surely worth more, most likely a galleon or two." Charlies replies as he uses his tool which looks like a muggle magnifying glass to examine the coin.

"Well, are you going to say or make us sit here all day! How many galleons?! Five or even ten maybe?" Harry asks hopefully after waiting what seems to him, hours.

"Be polite young man! " Sirius scolds quietly.

"No need to scold our young Mr. Potter-Black, Lord Black. Tis my fault altogether. I apologize for seeming to go into a trance, young sir. You have a valuable coin. I would approximate it as being the value of twenty galleons. That would be ..."

"One Hundred Pounds!" Harry is quick to finish in amazement.

"Yes, twenty galleons or one hundred pounds is quite the large amount for a young man to have. I have a relative in America who taught me to convert into muggle American money. Your coin is worth two hundred and one American dollars."

"Harry, you may have five galleons, which is twenty five pounds, to keep and the rest we will donate to charity." Sirius speaks up as Harry's eyes have glossed over in amazement.

"Dad, could I keep ten galleons and give some to Ron, Neville, and Draco? I want to give them two galleons each. That way each of us would get two galleons and ...some sickles." Harry finishes after trying to calculate the amount.

"That would be approximately two galleons, ten sickles or around twelve pounds each for four people. In America you would have twenty six dollars each." Charlie informs them, proud of his knowledge of American currency. "That's not much money, young sir. Lord Black, pardon me for saying so but I would give him mo.."

"Thank you Charlie, for your assistance. We will take ten galleons and the rest will be sent to the Wizarding Children's Home fund. Please prepare the document for me to sign. Harry, two galleons each is a good sum for each of you and I'm proud you will share with your friends." Sirius replies cutting off the overly exuberant goblin.

Having finished their business and received the money, Sirius leads Harry across the street. Severus and the other three boys are now waiting by the fountain in a small garden.

"Harry, did you get your money?" Ron calls loudly as he spots his friend leaving the bank.

"Mr. Weasley! Do conduct yourself as a proper gentleman and speak when someone is near you, not shout." Severus scolds which sends Draco into snickers.

"Draco, just what is so amusing? The rest of us would enjoy knowing as well."

"You calling Ron out for not being a gentleman is funny. He is never one so he can't be one now."

"Draconis Tobias Snape! Apologize to Mr. Weasley at once. That was extremely rude! Watch yourself young man before I call an elf to apparate you home to your bedroom!" Severus reprimands just as Harry and Sirius walk up.

"Yes Sir. I didn't mean anything Dad. We joke around like that all the time." Draco defends himself.

Instantly finding himself on the receiving end of the Severus Snape glare he immediately looks at Ron "I apologize, Ron. I was only joking and didn't mean it the way it sounded. Hi, Harry. Did you have luck with your coin?" Draco asks turning to his cousin and changing the subject.

"Yes, I found out my coin is worth twenty galleons!" Harry announces to the group.

"That's a hundred pounds!" Draco gasps in astonishment.

"I know but I only got to keep half of it. The rest we gave to charity. I want each of you to have some of my lucky coin. Here's two galleons and a few sickles." Harry says as he passes out the coins.

"Wow! Two galleons! Thanks, Harry!" Ron whispers as the other two also thank him.

"You're my best mates so I want to share with you. Dad? Can we go to The Hogs Head for lunch? I'm hungry."

"I think that sounds like a good idea. I could use a meal and a drink. How about it, Sev?"

"Do you think taking four boys to a pub known for it's ... shall I say, 'excitement' is a good idea?"

"It's after the noon lunch hour and not yet evening. All the excitement as you call it won't begin until at least seven PM. Harry and I have visited several times in the afternoons when it's very calm and quiet."

"Guys, The Hog's Head has sodas with cherry syrup that are so good your lips smile without you helping! There's a sandwich called Minister of Magic that I love. It's three meats, two cheeses and special secret sauce. You get a mound of crisps with it too!" Harry tells his friends as they walk ahead of the two men.

"What excitement is Professor Snape talking about?" Nev whispers, not wanting the men to hear him.

"After dinner hour, I think the patrons drink too much. The twins have told me about stories they heard from older kids. Once some wizard got smashed and challenged another to a Wizard's Duel. Dumbledore's brother put them both out on the street and called the Aurors to come get them. He took their wands first so there was no duel." Ron informs the three boys listening intently.

Leaving the pub, the men follow the exuberant group of boys to the candy shop. Calling the boys to wait at the door, Severus approaches.

"Boys, you are not allowed to spend more than eight to ten sickles on candy. In my opinion, there is no need to spend even that much but Professor Black has overruled me. Choose wisely as if you overspend, the proprietor will not allow you to have it. I plan to speak to him about that very thing right away."

Following the four children into the store, Sirius hears Ron whisper "Merlin, Draco! How do you live like this? Everything you do has so many rules. Don't you ever get to be a normal kid?"

Waiting for Draco's response, Sirius hears his nephew reply "I get tired of it sometimes but I know he does it because he loves me. He has relaxed a little in the last year, Ron. At least he lets me come IN the store and buy things now! Come on, let's go over to the wall. I want to get my bag and start picking out the Every Flavor Beans I like. What are you going to choose first?"

"I want to get some coconut ice, chocolate fudge, toffee, Bertie botts beans, Chocolate Frogs and..." Ron starts before Harry cuts him off. "Ron, you can't get all of that. You only get to spend ten sickles not a whole galleon. All of that will be too much money."

"Not if I only get one or two of the big things. Leave off, Harry. I can pick my candy myself."

"Fine by me but don't complain when my Dad or Uncle Sev sends it back to the shelves. Come Nev, let's start choosing what we want and leave the Red Headed Grouch."

Feeling as if he ought to comment, Sirius steps over to his son.

"Harry..."

"Hi, Dad. Ron is picking out his favorites so we came over here to choose first. Is it alright if I buy Grandpa some honey toffee and lemon drops? That won't count as buying from my ten sickles will it?"

"No, that will be separate. You can actually charge it to Albus' account. I'll verify the charge for you. Enjoy your shopping boys. I'm off to grab a box of fudge for myself." Sirius replies as he decides to let Harry's comments slide. He was eavesdropping in the first place so he decides he shouldn't say anything.

Ready to leave after salivating over the candy choices, Draco joins his Dad at the bench by the door.

"Did you find some special treats, Dragon? What did you choose?"

"I picked some Honeydukes fudge for both of us, some chocolate frogs as I'm still looking for three more to finish the first card set and one all day lolly. The lolly is for a friend."

"Thank you for thinking of me, son. You didn't need to buy for me. How much did you have to spend for the fudge?"

"It was four sickles, Dad."

"Here son, take these four sickles and go pick out something else you'd like to have. I'm paying you back for the fudge." Severus tells him as he hands over silver coins.

"Thanks, Dad! I wanted to get a bag of Every Flavor Beans too. Now I can! I'll have more money for Zonko's Joke Shop." Draco exclaims before rushing away.

As Sirius joins Severus on the bench he hears him mutter "Zonko's Joke Shop?"