Chapter 33 – Slughorn's Party

Submitted: Wednesday 7 September 2011

Spoiler Alert: Last submission was Monday 9/5. My next submission should be Sunday.

Harry and Ron waited in the Common room for their dates. Harry sat on a couch setting his watch. Meanwhile Ron was recounting what had happened at lunch, "George is going to get me thrown out on my arse. Don't get me wrong, the whole thing was fantastic. And I don't know how he keeps Peeves under check but that whole aerial show he and the ghosts performed was brilliant."

Harry wound his watch while Ron continued on, "To have snow fall...in the the Great Hall. Did you see the look on McGonagall's face? I thought she was going to have kittens..."

Harry looked up from his watch, "I wonder if she can have kittens?"

"...And when all of the ghosts got together and began singing that song about Weasley's Wheezes I didn't know whether to sink under the table or cheer. I thought she was going to banish Peeves and the whole lot of'm."

"George is going to be at the wrong end of her wand if he's not careful," answered Harry as he continued to inspect his watch.

"You lot going on about the snow and carols in the Hall today?" asked Hermione from the steps. The boys forgot to answer. Hermione and Ginny were stunning in their dresses. Ginny stepped down to Harry and closed his mouth for him, "You are going to catch flies."

"No dress robes tonight?" asked Ron as his eyes remained locked on Hermione's dress, "You and me, we could just call this whole thing off and head up to the Room of Requirement. I could think of a few ways to use the room right now."

Hermione pursed her lips, "You couldn't think of two uses for that room if I spotted you a week to try." Ginny sniggered as Hermione continued her offensive, "I believe it's time we give the room a rest and spend an evening dancing."

Ron frowned, "You know I'm rubbish at dancing. Let's do something I'm good at."

"You aren't backing out now. Besides, I've placed a few spells on my shoes that should keep you from hurting my toes when you step on them."

They made a stop to pick up Luna and then headed to the dungeons for the party. "Are you sure that I will be allowed in?" she asked Ginny, "The Professor knows the two of you are a couple and it's obvious Harry taking me to the party is a sham."

Before Ginny could respond, Harry interrupted, "Professor has a better chance at becoming Minister for Magic than he has of getting me into that party without you."

It was likely Slughorn was aware of this. He was at the entrance greeting his guests and he made special pains to greet Harry and his four friends, "Harry, my boy, am I correct or is my vision double this evening? I see you have two dates tonight." The Potions Master pulled him closer and said just loud enough that the others heard, "Careful Harry, many a boy's thought he was up to the task..."

Ginny, seeing the awkward look on Harry's face, decided to have some fun with the Professor. She placed her arm around Luna, "Don't worry, Sir. We won't break him. We'll have him back in Potions on Wednesday in one piece." Harry swore he saw Luna wink at the now speechless Professor. Once they'd gotten out of earshot she confided to the girls, "Dirty old man. At least I gave him something to think about." The girls giggled and Ron grumbled to his mate, "You get the idea we are just here for their entertainment?" to which Harry nodded solemnly.

Strangely enough, most of the evening Harry found himself alone. Ginny immediately found Gwenog and they spent the evening alone talking about Quidditch and blokes – they'd become quite close. Luna was introduced to a young bloke named Rolf whom she found a common interest in magical creatures. Harry decided to give them some time to themselves. The last thing he heard as he excused himself was Luna warning her new friend in her dreamy voice, "Be careful of the mistletoe outside, it's usually full of Nargles, though I'm willing to risk them if you are."

Harry did what he felt he did best and sat alone people watching. It wasn't long before Professor Slughorn caught up to him, "Had any extended runs of luck of late, my boy?"

Harry blinked but caught on, "No sir. I've learned that you never know when you need a little luck on your side. Better to save it for a truly special occasion than squander it."

"Wise choice Harry," the Professor agreed as he sat down. The Professor looked all around him, "I think it's about time to put an end to this."

"Really, is it that late already?" asked Harry.

"No, no, no. This will be my last year to teach Harry. Only reason I returned was to help Professor McGonagall get the ship righted." The Professor stroked his walrus moustache and let out a sigh, "These bones ache, Harry. Professors are required to stand for long periods. Do you know how old I am? Dumbledore and I started at roughly the same time. This year I am teaching one of my first student's great-grandchildren." The Professor caught Harry's look.

"I know what you are thinking boy. Yes, I taught your grandfather and your grandmother. He wasn't quite the trouble maker as your father but he was a handful. He had a temper on him and I pitied the bloke that crossed one of his mates. In fact, I'd say you came by all of your traits honestly. Your mum had a sharp mind, your father a disregard for rules, your grandfather a fierce temper and your grandmother was a crack duellist." Harry's eyebrows arched at the mention of his grandmother duelling.

"Harry, she could disarm any witch or wizard with just a thought. When I saw you face Voldemort in the Great Hall – I couldn't help be reminded of your grandmother. Your eyes were your mums but that cool confidence was your grandmother's. Like you, when she duelled she'd circle her prey like a lioness ready to pounce." Slughorn laughed, "She once stared down a Slytherin four years her senior when he pulled his wand on her and her friends. Particularly nasty incident. Had to send the lot of them up to Headmaster Dippet's Office because it was an inter-House issue. Slytherins and Gryffindor didn't often share such hard feelings back then but they never cared much for each other. Wasn't until Voldemort that the two houses truly were at odds with each other."

"What do you plan to do next?"

"I've been told that there are many open positions in the Ministry and with so many being filled by young students the Ministry fears they need a few wizened old wizards to create balance. I'd be happy with any position that'd allow me to spend more time in a chair than on my feet. Maybe a stint as the Ambassador to the Ministere de la Magie in France?" mused Slughorn hopefully. Harry nodded. Actually, such a position would be perfect for a wizard who spent most of his time developing relationships and enjoying the comforts of the world.

Harry noticed there were fewer Slytherins than normal at the party. One Slytherin that was there was the Seeker Hunter Floyd. On his arm was a stunning young blonde in green and silver dress robes. Ever the opportunist, the Potions Master excused himself and chased the boy down.

"Harry?" It was the Minister. Harry stood up and shook the man's hand but they soon sat back down. "I saw Ginny with her idol. Does Gwenog know just how many posters of her Ginny has in her flat?" Harry smiled and shook his head. "I didn't think so," replied Kingsley, "where are the rest of your mates?"

"Neville invited Hannah and the two were dancing last I saw. Ron and Hermione are doing the same. Luna met a bloke named Rolf and the two moved to a quiet corner not two minutes ago." Kingsley noticed Harry's eyes glance to Luna as he said this. He noted that Harry always had an eye out for his mates.

"Harry, what are your plans for the Holiday?" Harry explained that he'd be returning to the Burrow. "I'd like it very much if you were to attend the Ministry's New Years Party. I have been asked time and again how you were doing and I think it would be good for people to see you themselves – especially now that you are looking so much better."

"Also Harry, I've been asked to provide some special lessons for you during the holiday. I've committed to spend a day - just you and me if you are up to it." Harry's smile was all the answer he needed. "Very good. That is settled then."

"Sir," it was Percy, "there is a witch with Witch Weekly that would like a few moments with you. She was hoping to get a quote regarding the current security at Hogwarts after the events in early November." Shacklebolt's face clouded, "Normally I'd brush this off Harry but the Ministry could use some help with this story. Harry," Shacklebolt's face became serious, "keep an eye out for yourself and those around you. After what you've experienced your first seven years at Hogwarts, you should have no illusions about the seriousness of what happened in November. Whether the killing has stopped or not, something is wrong." The Minister stood to follow his assistant, "I'll see you this Holiday. Percy will contact you with a day."

The rest of the evening went quickly. Harry never left his chair. Professor Slughorn took every opportunity to introduce his other guests to the young wizard. He met all manner of businessmen – one was so bold to ask him to invest in a shop he'd like to open in Keldare. He also met an account executive for Nimbus Broom Company, the front man for the Zombies, a French enchanted portrait artist and a young German model named Heidi Klum who was visiting England with her French stylist husband. Harry was later informed by Slughorn that the young model was rumoured to have a quarter Veela blood. It wouldn't surprise him, many a young wizard was given a smack on the arm or worse by his date when she walked by.

The most interesting visit he received of the night was by Hazel Nutt. The young guitarist made pains to say hello when she and her band mates took a break. She plopped down in a chair, "Hiya Harry. Hadn't seen yah since you been at Hogwarts. I miss all those parties at your place. You plan to have any over the Holiday?"

"I'm not sure. You might keep in touch with Ginny and she can let you know," Harry answered. He wasn't trying to be rude but he wanted to make sure to subtly remind her that he and Ginny were together. She had been very flirty at the last get-together and even now she was twirling her long brown hair around a finger as she looked him in the eye. "Alrighty, Harry," she beamed, "I gotta get back to the band but I'll talk to her later tonight. G'night Harry," she said as she almost jumped up. She surprised him with a peck on the cheek and ran back to the stage.

It wasn't too long after that Ginny came looking for him. They began to round up the group and said their goodbyes to the Professor. "Thank you all for coming," was his earnest reply, "there won't be many more Slug Club parties but with the turnout this will be one of my more memorable ones."

Harry and Ginny held hands as they walked with their friends back to the Tower. Luna had stayed behind. Hermione and Hannah were talking about final arrangements for the wedding while Ron was giving Neville piss about his future lot as a married man. Ginny breathed in Harry's ear, "Would you like to sneak out later and spend some quality time or was that peck Hazel planted on you enough to hold you until tomorrow?"

"You saw that?" Harry asked, blushing. Ginny nodded meaningfully but didn't give him a chance to explain. Before he knew it she was reminding him why it was her lips he preferred over any others. Ron broke them up immediately, "Oi! Not right in front of me mate!" Hermione shoved Ron playfully, "Grow up. He doesn't get all over us like that. It's not like he gropes her in public like you try to do with me."

The next morning everyone had the opportunity to see Hazel's 'peck,' as it was now called, at the Gryffindor Table. Witch Weekly had become so popular, with the demise of The Daily Prophet, that it was now posted six days a week. The weekday editions appeared with news and opinion and now a weekend version called appropriately Weekend Witch included the recipes and advice most mums had always counted on from the publication. What Harry had not counted on was that the writer that had attended the party had also brought a camera.

Printed in big bold letters in a special Social Section was the headline: Harry Potter Loved By All

Hogwarts Christmas Gala – Friday, 11 December 1998

Mr. Harry Potter livened up an otherwise mundane affair when he arrived in the arms of Ginny Weasley and Luna Lovegood (see pic. bottom left). It took no time at all for the young eligible bachelor to receive love from Miss Gwenog Jones of Harpies fame (pic. bottom centre), guitarist for Witch's Brew Hazel Nutt (pic. bottom right) and most notably worldwide fashion model Hiedi Klum (pic. right).

It should be noted that we are having a bit of fun with the famous Mr. Potter. All in attendance believed firmly that our good friend Harry is happy with Miss Ginny Weasley and despite having all of those luscious lips planted firmly on his fabulous face he is very happy to remain in the arms of the beautiful red-head. Also in attendance were...

Harry was one of the last to see the publication. The witches at the table could be heard giggling but Harry was too wrapped up in his own mail to find out out what about:

Please meet me in my chambers before you head to Hogsmeade. I have an errand for you.

Signed, Professor McGonagall

"It couldn't be too bad," he thought to himself, "she only writes out 'Headmistress' when she's angry with me."

He was brought back abruptly to the conversation at the table when he heard Ginny explain, "...the kisses from Heidi and Gwenog were only polite 'hellos' on the cheek." Harry could hear the mischief creep into her voice, "Hazel, on the other hand, has been trying to snake Harry from me since his birthday. She even had the gall to ask me when we were having our next party..."

Dean was the last to see the article. He had just sat down at the table and Susan showed it to him. His eyes nearly popped out of his head, "Heidi Klum was there? I heard she may be part Veela. Lucky git." It somehow amused the witches at the table to listen to Dean's reaction as he read the article completely oblivious that the entire affair had already been talked out, "And Hazel? She's the hot one. And Gwenog. Blimey Harry! Would you please leave a bird or two for the rest of us?"

The conversation at the table had already broken up into several different topics. Some were talking about Heidi. Some were talking about Hazel. All the blokes but Neville were still complaining about how lucky Harry was – including Ron to Hermione's annoyance. She finally turned to him with arms crossed, "I'm right here, you know. You can be so pathetic."

Harry had had enough already and decided he didn't need to wait around. As soon as he'd finished his eggs and sausages he looked to Ron and Hermione, "I need to see Professor McGonagall before we head out to Hogsmeade. You want to come along?" He squeezed Ginny's hand, "I'll meet you at the gate."

As they walked out of the Great Hall he got some applause and cat calls from a few of the older boys at the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff Tables. Even a few from Gryffindor chimed in. It was too much for Harry and he rushed out as quick as he could. Ron couldn't help but give him grief, "As always, Harry Potter the celebrity, eh?"

It didn't take long to get to the Headmistress's Tower and as they did they came up on an odd conversation. Draco was speaking angrily with a House Elf, "I gave you specific instructions. Now why didn't you obey?" The dingy elf cowered, "It can't be done Master Malfoy. Alby can't." The Elf began to beat his head into the wall.

Draco still hadn't noticed the three students watching although he still looked embarrassed, "Stop Alby. Stop! Stop hurting yourself...but tell me why you can't do it."

The House Elf hit his head on the wall harder and was becoming woozy, "Alby can't tell Master Malfoy. Alby would like to but he can't." The elf looked up at Draco pleadingly and noticed Harry out of the corner of his eye. He pointed to get Draco's attention and when Draco turned around the House Elf disapparated.

Draco was angry with the interruption. He growled, "Potter, why were you eavesdropping?"

Ron answered instead, "More important, what is your bloody House Elf doing at Hogwarts? And what were you asking it about? And how many of the Buggers do you have?"

Harry watched the young Slytherin's mind race as he tried to think up a suitable answer. Finally he just returned to the smug persona that he'd used in the past, "It's none of your business, Weasley. When I see that Mudblood following you around, do I ask you why you have it here at Hogwarts? Isn't that what Mudbloods are? House Elves for the poor?" Ron tried to charge the Slytherin and the young wizard flinched backwards. Draco didn't see that Harry had Ron's arm. Harry called out to Draco, "Just get out of here. Now!" and the little snake ran off without need for further warning.

Ron turned on Harry, "Why did you stop me? You heard what he said about her. I only woulda hit him once." Hermione glared at Ron and he nearly smiled, "Okay, maybe twice if the first one felt good enough." Hermione hugged him, "Thanks, Ron, but he was only lashing out because something was wrong. He didn't want to talk about what the House Elf was doing so he distracted us with something that would take our mind off of it. Still, thanks," she said as she kissed him on the cheek.

"Sorry, Ron," Harry frowned, "I'm with Hermione. He and I have talked. I'm wondering what that House Elf was doing here and I'm even more curious what it couldn't do. I don't think Draco wanted it to do anything bad – he almost looked worried for the elf."

"Are you mad?" asked Ron. "You saw it. He wants it to do something. It's been here at least a dozen times watching the entrance to the Headmaster's Office that I've seen. I didn't know it was Draco's House Elf or I'd have said something sooner. I just figured it was an elf from here at Hogwarts. Draco's up to something."

"I've seen him here too," admitted Harry, "at least twice. First time he sat watching the entrance and he didn't even bother to clean. When I came up he began cleaning like mad. Still, I don't think Draco would ask the elf to do something bad to McGonagall."

Ron's mouth stood wide open. It took him a second to talk. Finally he couldn't hold it in any longer, "What is it with you? Hermione and I spent the entire Sixth year telling you Draco wasn't up to anything. Time and again you obsessed over him and we argued with you all year about it. I finally come around and say he may be up to something and now you tell me you think he's innocent? Do you just try to find reasons to argue with me?"

"Was I right then?" Harry asked, almost smiling.

Ron was going to say something nasty but he stopped himself. He looked at Hermione who just shrugged. He put his finger up to point at Harry but he stopped again. Finally he looked at Hermione and mumbled, "Let's just meet him at the gate." Hermione shrugged at Harry and followed Ron. Harry couldn't help but smirk as he heard Ron mumble to himself as he walked away, "Bleeding best mate doesn't ever want to listen to me always thinks he knows best but I gotta brain too but does he want to listen to me...Nooooo... Bugger thinks he knows ever bloomin' thing. Now I'm talking like a bloody pirate...I swear when I get out of here I'm never coming back it's just a bleedin' mess of trouble..."

Harry finally turned around to the gargoyles, "Persian." As the entrance opened Harry asked the gargoyles, "Has that House Elf been here regularly?"

"Every day for just over a month," answered the gargoyles together. "He makes us sparkle."

Harry continued to wonder as he made his way into the Headmistress's Office. The door was open so he cleared his throat as he entered.

The trip to Hogwarts was a nice distraction. Ginny and Harry met up with Ron, Hermione and Neville at the gate. Neville was listening to Ron go on about the House Elf as they waited in line and Hermione was asking Harry about the trip to McGonagall's. She just has me running a few errands," explained Harry. "I think she really wanted to make sure I knew we weren't allowed to run off to Diagon Alley again."

Neville and Harry had slipped to Diagon Alley during the last visit to Hogsmeade to pick up Hannah who was running late. Fortunately, she was waiting just outside the gate this time with Luna next to her, "Luna was just telling me about this Rolf bloke she met last night while we were dancing. Said he'd be here today."

As it turned out, Luna's date arrived within moments. Rolf was tall and blonde – his features were just a little too sharp for most girls' taste. But, as Luna explained it, "He spends most of his time with animals, magic and not magic, and he's writing a book. He's absolutely brilliant and so polite – nothing like Ron at all." She blinked, "Sorry Ron."

They found a table at the Three Broomsticks and had a round of Butterbeers. As they sat, Harry was recognised more than once and he was given more than one slap on the back by a customer with a "way to go" for his conquests the previous night. Even Ron grew tired of the attention eventually, "You'd think you'd taken them girls in the back and..."

Ginny cut him off, "What's worse is they all say it right in front of me. You'd think they'd have some manners."

When a particularly ratty couple of blokes came over to the table, Ginny finally said something, "You think you could show some class? I'm right here."

The oldest bloke looked at her closely and recognised her, "Oi, your the bird he's been getting off with? I'd heard of you. Yu'r mighty nice to look et but ye don't 'old a candle to the others. Ay mean, what you got? No money? Not dun nuttin'. Far's I can see ye just a hanger's on that he'll sow his wild oats with till yer looks are..."

No-one saw the wand come out. They were distracted by Ron who grabbed the old bloke by the collar. But the old man was quicker and he caught Ron square in the stomach with his fist. Ron doubled over in pain sucking air but so did the old bloke. In fact, red flashes met each of the blokes that had visited the table. Harry then walked over to the one Ron had been holding and roughly took him by the collar. As he drug the old bloke to the front door he pointed his wand and continued to send flashes of red at the bloke's mates. The men didn't even try to fight back but instead grabbed their wounds and ran out the door as quickly as they could. Harry shouted after them, "If I ever so much as hear you think about my girlfriend again, I'll send more at you than a stinging curse!"

Harry was met by applause when he turned around. He wasn't paying attention, though. Harry was focused on Ginny. She was a tough girl but Harry knew that what the old man had said had cut her deeply. He'd struck at the very thing that she was most self conscious about. They had had many conversations about money and fame and the fact that he had gobs of it while she had none of either. Her face showed pride that her boyfriend, her bloke, would take up for her in such a fashion but her eyes also showed the pain that only he could see. While his mates patted him on the back he made straight for her. He hugged her tightly and he whispered in her ear, "You'll always be everything that I need."

She wasn't so sure.

A/N: Wouldn't this be the perfect time to review the story? I'd love to hear from you.