7/29/15 edits by dianemalfoy
AN: Yeah for all my lovely reviewers both here and on AO3!
Also some people pointed out that Astronomy is a required class. For this fic I have made it an elective past 3rd year. It is an under used subject like Runes and Artihmacy so in my head it isn't something everyone would need or use in such depth, so ergo elective.
the park they are going to is Thrope Park. Some of the rides mentioned may not have been added till after 1993 IDK (and don't really care it's not all that important)
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Leaky Caldron. Friday July 16
Neville and Harry arrived a bit early and sat having a Butterbeer while they waited. Not long after, 4 Slytherins stepped out of the floo, Harry look note of Theo's collar being covered by his Slytherin scarf. They were followed there after by the 2 Hufflepuffs.
"Good morning Theo." Harry said coming over. "Who are your friends?" Meanwhile, Neville greeted Hannah and Susan.
"Harry, this is my best friend Blaise Zabini, Heir of House Zabini. Daphne Greengrass, eldest daughter of Lord Greengrass, and Tracey Davis, only daughter of Lord Davis. This is my mate Harricius Perciville. Lord of the Potter and Perciville Houses, heir of Lord Black, and Friend to the Goblin nation.
The girls all raised eyebrows, surprised at all the titles this boy had. "A pleasure to meet you all." Harry replied shaking Blaise's hand and kissing Daphne's and Tracey's. "This is my dear friend Neville Longbottom, heir to House Longbottom. These ladies are his friends." Harry said motioning to the girls not knowing how to introduce them. "This is my consort Theodore Nott."
Neville shook Blaise's hand and kissed the other 3's hands. "It's a pleasure. This is Susan Bones, heir apparent to the Bones family, and Hannah Abbot of House Abbot." The boys kissed their hands while the girls nodded to one another.
"Now that all the formal stuff is out of the way, let's head to the amusement park." Harry said with a sigh. "We need to leave our outer robes behind."
As they headed out the door, Blaise asked. "What is an amusement park?"
"It's a non-magical place full of rides and games. Just for fun." He tried to explain. "I've never actually been to one but I've always wanted to go."
Taking the 7 of them on the train was interesting. They weren't as bad as Hagrid but all their eyes were wide in wonder, and a bit in fear.
"No wonder Auntie said it would be safe to hide in the muggle world. I never knew there were this many people in the world." Susan said clinging to both Neville and Hannah.
"It's usually not this bad." Harry told her. "Most people are heading into work, so it's extra crowded." He explained.
The ride wasn't too bad once they adjusted to the movement of the train and the closeness of the people. Theo and Tracey were both very interested in the way the train worked and how everyone got to where they needed to be. Harry smiled thinking about taking Theo to the transfer station sometime, so he could watch all the trains coming and going from all over.
Once they arrived, they were all amazed at the colors, noise of the place and the overwhelming number of people.
Harry grabbed a map. "Maybe we should start with the family rides and work our way up to those." He said pointing up to the metal monsters also known as roller-coasters. The others all nodded, a bit frightened of getting on something so tall and fast.
They started with the rides for younger kids, like the spinning tea cups and giant slide. Then moved up to the swing type ride. Quantum was the first they tried, a 'magic carpet' ride that amused the wizards and witches.
Once they were off, Susan commented. "That was fun but nothing like the real magic carpet Auntie and I went on during our trip to Raipur, the magic capital of India."
"Magic capitols are different from the non-magical ones?" Harry asked her.
"I don't know. What's the muggle capitol?" She replied.
"New Delhi."
"What's the non-magical capitol of this country?" Theo asked.
"London. That's why I thought they were the same." Harry replied.
"Perhaps some are the same and others are not." Blaise said diplomatically.
"I suppose. Let's try that one next." Harry said heading toward the Vortex. It was a large spinning pendulum. After that, they took a break for lunch.
"Once we're done eating, let's shop for a bit." Hannah suggested. "I don't want to get sick."
"Good idea." Harry replied. "We could get some swim clothes at the gift shop and try the water rides next."
"Water rides?" Tracey asked.
"Yeah like those." Harry pointed to a huge plume of water that shot out from one of the log rides. "You get super wet."
They all agreed. The girls were all embarrassed but interested in the bikinis on sale. The boys ended up in trunks and tees and after trying on what the guys felt was every piece of clothing in the universe, the girls were in long tees with bikinis underneath. Harry, Blaise and Neville each bought a bag to put their other clothes in till they were ready to change back.
Storm Surge and Rumba Rapids were first. They were both rafts that all 7 could ride together. The group loved them and rode several times before moving on to the log plume rides.
There was loads of screaming on the first roller-coaster ride they had tried. But those screams quickly turned into laughter. After riding every water ride at least twice, they all agreed to change back into their normal clothes and try the real thrill rides.
Neville and Tracey were the only 2 that enjoyed the drop and freefall rides. They ended up riding it again while the others were still shaking after the Detonator.
"You two are crazy." Susan told them after the pair had gone a second time.
"It was great!" Neville replied pumping his fist in the air. His eyes were bright with joy and an adrenalin high. Harry just shook his head. He loved flying but had enough experience falling to not enjoy that.
"Let's try those." Tracey said bouncing with excitement dragging Neville over to the line for Colossus. The others followed looking up at the large roller-coaster with 10 loops.
Harry smiled and pointed out the people at the end. "Look this is one of those that take a picture at the scariest points of the ride."
"I bet we look ridiculous." Daphne said. She had started off the day cold and aloof but had been warming. She had a dead pan voice that the others realized was her natural tone.
This one was more Harry's speed and felt close to flying. Theo screamed and clung to Harry the whole time. "Theo are you ok?" He asked when the ride stopped and they got off.
"That was AMAZING!" He shouted nearing knocking Harry over hugging him. Theo then pulled back looking down and away.
Harry frowned, he knew that reaction. He had a similar one the first few times he had an outburst in the magical world. Harry just hugged Theo. "I'm glad you liked it." Letting him know that his reaction was ok.
"Come on I want to see the pictures." Blaise said breaking them up and giving Harry an approving nod. He and Daphne were the only 2 that really knew about Theo's home life. Tracey knew some but not everything.
They all laughed at the shots. Susan and Hannah had clung together, mouths open in screams. Harry and Theo both had huge open mouth grins in their picture. Tracey was screaming clinging to Neville as he had his eyes clinched and was also screaming. Blaise looked like he was in pain while Daphne looked sort of calm, just biting her lip, eyes closed.
"What's wrong Blaise?" Theo asked looking from the photo to his friend.
Blaise gave a dead pan look and rolled up his sleeve. There was a perfect imprint of Daphne's hands on his arm that had been closer to her, it was already starting to turn purple. The others couldn't help but laugh. Daphne turned bright red.
"We'll stop by the apothecary for some bruise salve when we get back to the alley." Neville said showing his own bruises from Tracey.
Once they all had their photos, the group moved on to the next ride. They hit every coaster in the park and then went back to re-ride their favorites a few more times before calling it a day. They were all happy but tired.
Theo, Hannah and Tracey all dozed on the train back. Once they were back in central London, Harry directed them to a place that sold fish and chips not too far from the Leaky. Other than tired, they were all starving. After the rest, they headed to another place Harry had always wanted to see, London Aquarium. The nice slow stroll was a good wind down from the excitement of the park. They were all again amazed at what they were seeing. The purebloods were having a hard time believing that all this was found and made by muggles. They were all excited to pet the small sharks and other creatures in the small tanks throughout the aquarium.
Once they had explored the aquarium thoroughly, they decided to get some ice cream and that salve. So they headed back through the Leaky, gathering their wands and cloaks. They got the salve first before stopping at Fortescue's. Once they each had their treat, they sat to enjoy and relax.
"So," Neville said after his first bite. "How did you guys do this year?"
"You first." Susan replied, pointing her spoon at Neville.
"Ok." He was way more confident after today. These people were his friends and he didn't think they would tease him like other students had in the past. "I got O's in Herbology and Astronomy. EE's in Charms, DADA and Transfigurations. And A's in Potions and History."
"That's really good." Susan said. "I had O's in Transfigurations, Astronomy and Defense. EE's in Potions, Charms and History. Herbology was my only A."
Hannah smiled. "I had only one A too. But mine was in Defense. I had an O in Potions, Charms, History and Herbology, and EE's in everything else."
"Wow. I hope I only get one A next year." Harry said. "I got and O in Defense and Herbology, A's in Astronomy and History and EE's in everything else."
"That's not bad being muggle raised." Blaise said. "You knew nothing of magic so started from scratch." Harry nodded turning a bit red, he was still bashful when receiving complements. "I received O's for Potions, Defense and Astronomy, and EE' in my other classes."
"3 O's that's impressive." Tracey said. "I only had one O, in Charms. But all my other classes I had EE's." She looked at Daphne. "Let me guess straight O's and top of the class?"
"No." the quiet Slytherin replied. "I did not make straight O's but I am top of the class. With O's in all but History, for which I received an EE." She said obviously bothered by her lack of straight O's.
To change the subject, Harry spoke. "So what classes are you taking next year? Neville and I are going to self-study for Muggle Studies and take the exams at the Ministry."
"If you don't mind," Hannah said softly. "Can we join you?"
"Sure." Harry replied. "Why don't we meet up over the rest of summer and explore the muggle world together. There are loads of things I have always wanted to see but never had the opportunity."
"That sounds like an excellent plan." Daphne told them.
"And a chance for you and Theo to go on a few dates." Tracey added with a giggle. Harry and Theo blushed looking down.
Neville and Blaise chuckled. "I planned to take muggle studies after I learned Theo would be marrying a muggle raised. But your plan is a much better idea. In that case, I will just take Runes, Arithmacy and Astronomy."
"Harry and I will be taking those too but also Care of Magical Creatures." Neville told the group.
"I will be taking the same." Daphne said.
"Hannah and I don't need Astronomy for our careers so we aren't taking it." Susan told them.
"What about you Theo?" Harry asked.
"I..." He looked down at his bowl. "What may I take?" He asked in a weak voice. Blaise looked at Harry, waiting to see how he handled this reaction.
Harry sighed. "You don't have to ask my permission. Take whatever you want. I would suggest Arithmacy, it sounds like it would be a good class for healers." He replied gripping Theo's hand.
Theo blushed darker but gave Harry a shy smile. "I... I'd like to take the same as Blaise; Runes, Arithmacy and Astronomy."
"Sounds good." Harry told him squeezing his fingers again in reassurance.
Susan and Hannah exchanged looks. They guessed something was up. But didn't want to put their new friends on the spot. They would be asking about that later.
"You guys are so different." Hannah said drawing the attention away from the two boys. "I... I always thought spending the day with a bunch of Slytherins would be like detention with Snape."
Tracey giggled. "Well, I thought all Hufflepuffs were little mice that never spoke up."
"I was quite worried Harry would be a brash, hot-headed Gryffindor." Blaise confessed.
Harry looks down, "I had similar thoughts. When I first realized the contract was with a Slytherin. I guess it is true. You should never judge a book by its cover, or a person by their house."
The others nodded. "The ones that fit the mold like Malfoy and Weasley don't encourage inter-house friendships." Tracey said.
Harry turned a bit pink. "Is Ron really that bad?"
"Yes. And Percy as well." Daphne said. "He is constantly saying all Slytherins are dark lords in the making. That we a slimy, deceitful and evil. Percy is a hot headed know it all that thinks his badge makes him king."
Harry blushed darker. "And Granger." Blaise added. "She acts like she knows everything about everything, and that she's the smartest witch to ever live. But last year she only ranked 5th in our year. She was beaten by Daphne, Terry Boot, Su Li and Padma Patil."
Harry lowered his head. "I... I'm sorry. I'll talk to them about it. Well I can't do much for Percy since he probably won't listen to me."
Susan squeezed Harry's hand. "You shouldn't have to apologize for your friends. They are 13 going on 14, they should know better by now."
Harry nodded squeezing her hand back before releasing it.
"Today has been tons of fun, but we should be getting back. It's getting dark and Aunty will worry." Susan said.
"Alright. Why don't we all meet up on Monday at... say 10?" Harry suggested. The others nodded.
"Yeah we can do this again. Maybe by then we'll bring our supply list and go shopping together." Hannah said.
"Harry and I plan on searching through some used books to see if any have helpful hints written in." Neville told them.
"Sounds like a good plan." Susan said.
They said their goodbyes and all headed home.
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AN: Shout out to Jennifer who left a couple epic reviews on AO3. I love reviews like hers that make me think about what is going to happen.