Chapter 66: Ride Like the Wind
Sirius woke the next morning with his head pounding, his stomach churning and his mouth dry.
"Good morning, Padfoot," Sirius clapped his hands over his ears at Harry's voice. "How's it going?"
"It'll be fine when you stop shouting," Sirius grumbled.
"Dobby procured you a hangover potion," Harry said as quiet as possible. "It is next to your bed with a glass of water."
"Cheers," Sirius downed the potion and sat up as his vision cleared. "You look happy. Did something happen last night?"
"No idea what you're talking about," Harry deflected but his smile gave him away.
"You dog!" Sirius laughed. "How was it?"
"I don't kiss and tell," Harry then clapped his hands over his mouth.
"Don't worry, Prongslet. I'll keep your secrets, though your face is keeping none itself."
"Hurry up," Harry said with finality. "We have to leave in an hour."
Upon arrival back from Germany, the summer moved quickly. Between homework, dancing lessons, dates with Hermione and finalizing all the details for the Quidditch World Cup, July was quickly passing into August. Before that could happen, however, there was an event that had to happen first.
Harry bent his knees and landed gracefully in the foyer of Potter Manor with the Grangers. Dobby was already there, dressed in suit of armor with a chainmail and a red tunic over the top, the Potter crest on the chest.
"Hello Harry, Grangers," Dobby's new grasp of vocabulary was showing through more every day. "Everything is almost ready. Food is nearly ready; the grounds are prepped and the sitting room is decorated as requested. I am about to bring in guests."
"Thank you, Dobby," Harry smiled at his elf friend. "Be careful with the last two. They know to not be near anyone who could be seen but take extra care with them."
Dobby bowed and energetically popped out. One-by-one, groups were popped in. Amelia and Susan with Hannah; Neville and his grandmother, the Greengrass sisters, Tracy and another female Harry assumed was Mrs. Greengrass and Lavender, Parvati and Padma. Dean came with Fred, George and Ginny; Luna came with her father and finally Greg and Vinny were popped in. Cedric sent a note with Dobby that he was not feeling well and would not make it. Sirius, Tonks and Lupin walked through the front doors with Andromeda and Ted. Finally, Dobby surprised them by popping in with Professors McGonagall and Flitwick.
"Welcome everyone," Harry said. "The sitting room room is open and there are drinks in the dining room and food will be available shortly."
"Good to meet you," the eldest blonde stepped up to introduce herself. "Eleanor Greengrass. I have heard wonderful things from my family members."
"Good to meet you, Mrs. Greengrass," Harry kissed her hand as Sirius told him to do. "Thank you for coming today."
"Thank you for the invitation," Eleanor curtsied gently. Harry followed behind all the guests into the sitting room.
The room was decked out in red and gold with signs wishing Harry and Neville happy birthday. Dobby popped in with lunch, a selection of pizzas he baked himself.
"Dobby this is perfect," Neville complimented after his first bight. "This is exactly what I wanted for my birthday."
"What do you call this?" Vinny asked.
"Pizza," Neville said through a mouthful. His Gran smacked him in a reminder of his manners. Neville swallowed heavily and finished speaking. "Hermione wouldn't stop talking about pizza this entire year. I wanted to try it so bad but the elves in the kitchens weren't able to make it. Finally, Harry taught Dobby how to do it. Ever since, that's been what I wanted for my birthday. Here you go, Dobby,"
Neville tossed Dobby a pair of khaki pants.
"They're made out of bamboo," Neville said to which Dobby beamed. "I hope you like them."
"Thank you, Master Longbottom," Dobby bowed and popped out.
"So this is pizza," Daphne said, licking some sauce off her lips. "I like it."
"Can you teach this to the castle elves, Harry?" Greg's smile went from ear-to-ear, his excitement falling all the way down to his toes.
Once the pizzas were devoured, the group moved outside to the Quidditch pitch. Some, lead by Hermione, decided to watch from the stands. Lavender and the Patil twins joined her.
"That looks safer," Daphne stood as close to Hermione as possible.
"Agreed," Susan and Hannah each took up a spot next to Neville. Helen and Eleanor sat down on the last row with Xeno ,Augusta and the other adults. Luna, while not inclined to play, offered to referee.
"Keep your eyes peeled for the Gerdandy Swafflepods, Little Moon," Xeno called out. "They'll reach up and grab you when you least expect."
"Yes father," Luna said as she mounted a broom.
At the pitch, they quickly settled on teams. To make it fair, Fred and George were split up with Greg and Vinny taking the other Beater spots, respectively. At Chaser, everyone was surprised with the first person to step up.
"Professor?" Harry looked at his Transfiguration Professor with amazement.
"It's time to show you whelps why nobody nay've crossed the McGonagall clan on the pitch," McGonagall's Scottish accent deepening. "Who's with me?"
"I'm in," Ginny said, coming to stand next to McGonagall.
"Well I've always wanted to try my hand at Seeker," Tracey said as she braided her hair back from her face. "You game, Potter?"
Harry was too busy looking at Richard to respond. The man looked on with sad eyes.
"Harry?" Tracey waved her hand in front of his eyes.
"Sorry," Harry came back to the moment. "I think I'll play Chaser but I won't be playing alone. Richard!"
Hermione's dad snapped his eyes up to meet Harry's green.
"I'll control the broom, you work with the Quaffle," Harry said. "You okay with that?"
"Really?" A smile blossom on Richard's face. "I can play?"
"You're with me," Harry smiled and stood next to Richard.
"So who's going to play Seeker?"
"I'll do it," Tonks said. "Can't be any harder than Auror training, right?"
Dean joined McGonagall and Ginny while Sirius and Lupin joined Harry's team, quickly naming themselves The Marauders while McGonagall named their team the Lions.
"Who is going to play Keeper?" Harry asked.
"I'll join the Marauders," Flitwick said. He then licked his lips as if he was appreciating the flavor of a new wine. "Never thought I'd say those words."
"Aw," George was saddened to be left off the Marauders. "Sure we can't trade?"
"Don't worry," Greg said. "We'll teach them what it means to be real tricksters."
"That's the spirit, laddie," McGonagall's stern visage was truly gone. "We need a Keeper though. Longbottom!"
Neville tried to shrink into the bleachers.
"Come and be my Keeper," Harry knew McGonagall was using this opportunity to scout new players for the Gryffindor team. When Neville tried to run, Hannah and Susan heaved him up and pushed him onto the pitch.
"Wait," Hannah said. She pulled Neville back and gave him a warm kiss. "Go get 'em, Thor."
Harry chuckled at Neville's new nickname. He traded a knowing look with Richard as he flew lazily with Richard, getting used to the extra weight.
"Don't we get one too?" Richard asked Helen and Hermione.
"Hmm," Helen seemed to think for a moment. "No I don't think my daughter would appreciate me kissing her boyfriend like that. Maybe if you win, you'll get one, mister."
Harry laughed and turned back toward the center of the pitch.
"These are new brooms, Nev," Harry said. "Nothing like those matchsticks we rode first year."
"If you say so," Neville stared down at his with trepidation.
"Come on, Thunderer," Richard said. "Grab your hammer and join us in the air."
Neville actually grinned and straightened his back.
"Verily," Neville pulled off his jacket and shouted. "Up!"
The broom sprang into his hand and the teams were finally set.
"Ready?" McGonagall had a look in her eye that Harry did not like.
"Ready!" Sirius said. McGonagall pulled her wand and cast a spell at the box. The Snitch sprung out first, followed by the Bludgers looking more like cannons as they shot out of the box and finally the Quaffle shot straight up. Without a thought, Harry leaned forward toward the red ball. Before he could get close, a tartan blur cut between him and Sirius and snatched the ball. Harry wheeled around to chase the Scottish madwoman. Fred launched a Bludger at her which she deftly dodged as she advanced on the hoops. With a perfect roll, McGonagall threw the ball toward the right hoop only to be stopped by Flitwick.
"Not today, Minerva," Flitwick said.
"Ye thin' I was shootin'," McGonagall cocked an eyeball. That's when Flitwick saw Ginny pick up the Quaffle and throw it through the leftmost hoop.
"Oh so that's how it's gonna be," Flitwick chortled.
"Bring it, Filius."
"You ready, Richard?" Harry asked over his shoulder.
"Don't go easy on me, kid," Richard said into his ear. "Let's show them what we can do!"
Harry pushed the broom again and let Richard snatch the Quaffle.
"Black!" Richard tossed the ball up for Sirius to grab as he weaved over the top. Sirius threw the ball in front of him and used the back of his broom to pass to Lupin advancing on the left wing. Lupin took the ball and rolled under a Bludger shot from Greg. Harry never slowed after Richard's pass to Sirius. Lupin threw the Quaffle to a waiting Richard, springing them on a breakaway. Harry narrowed his eyes on Neville. Harry twitched toward the right as he had seen Angelina do many times in practice. Harry swerved quickly to the left and let Richard throw the Quaffle through the middle hoop."
The crowd went wild with cheers.
"Way to go, dad!" Hermione shouted.
"He's having a lot of fun, isn't he?" Helen smiled as she watched her husband acting like a teenager again.
"I never knew dad could be like this," Hermione marveled at her father. "He's like an entirely different person."
"When we were younger, he was big into footy and rugby," Helen said. "He played until he separated his shoulder for the third time and the doctor told him he couldn't. It honestly broke him a little. He tried one last time and his shoulder started to hurt. He left his footwear on the field and just walked away in his socks."
"Should we tell that to Harry?" Hermione's eyes widened. "With how crazy he is, he could seriously hurt him."
"Don't worry, Hermione," Lavender looked up from the notepad she and Parvati were working on. Ever since Hermione gave them a notepad and ballpoint pens for their birthday, they were never seen without it. "Harry's being very gentle with him and he picked a broom that isn't as fast."
"In any case," Helen said. "Your dad was getting ready to join us in the bleachers. He'd have covered it but he would have pouted. He really wanted to be able to fly on a broomstick. Once Harry offered, there wasn't anything we could do to stop him."
"Do you want to fly?" Hermione asked.
"Heavens no," Helen looked scandalized. "I'll keep my feet firmly planted on the ground, thank you very much. If it doesn't buckle, I don't even give it a chuckle."
"Put that on a bumper sticker," Hermione giggled.
"What's a bumper sticker?" Parvati asked, confused.
As Hermione explained what car bumpers were and the tendency for muggles to put stickers on them, Ginny was driving toward the goal. Without looking, she tossed the ball behind her to Dean who threw it across the pitch to McGonagall who threw it back toward a streaking Ginny. Vinny saw this and shot a Bludger at the younger redhead. Too late, Ginny saw the black ball headed her way. She turned and caught the ball on the shoulder. It threw her from her broom, testing the pitch's cushioning charms. Luna, who took to making up the rules as she went, called the ground for a penalty.
"Ginny!" Vinny sped to her side and dismounted.
"I'm fine," Ginny winced as she sat up. "Excellent placement, Vin."
Vin? Both teenagers questioned the name at the same time. Ginny moved her arm to test her shoulder. When she found nothing but a bruise, she stood and remounted the broom.
"Hope you enjoyed that," Ginny smiled fiercely. "It won't happen again."
On the game went with the Marauders trading chances with the Lions. McGonagall was a terror on the pitch, creating offensive chances and disrupting the plays of the other team with impunity. Ginny, it seemed, was just as good as any of the Gryffindor Chasers and Dean fit in well with the other two. On the other side, it took Harry a while but he quickly figured out where Lupin and Sirius were going, allowing him to navigate Richard into the perfect place to receive the passes. A quick "ooh" from the crowd called Harry's attention away from the hoops. Tracey was in a dive with Tonks hot on her tail. When Harry thought they would crash, Tracy pulled a quick loop right above the ground and pushed off, shooting off toward Flitwick. With Tonks sufficiently in the dust, Tracey swerved around Flitwick and snagged the golden ball, ending the game.
"What was that move?" Harry asked her.
"One of my own design," Tracey said. "Impressed?"
"Why aren't you the Slytherin Seeker?"
"Flint," Tracey said with bitterness. "He made a rule of 'no girls allowed.'"
"So why did Malfoy get to play then?" Harry joked.
Tracey choked in laughter.
"Well played," Tracey said. "Flint is graduated now. Hopefully the new captain will be more amenable to letting the most talented players play."
"I'm worried," Harry said.
"You should be," Daphne said. "We're tired of losing to you. With Wood gone, the Lions are vulnerable."
"Nay they aren'," McGonagall said. "Mister Longbottom. I've got to say ye've got a lot of potential as a Keeper; a good build too. You'll try out for th' team?"
"I guess," Neville stroked the back of his neck in embarrassment. "It was actually… fun."
"You were good, Mister Longbottom," McGonagall's stern façade fell back into place as she dismounted her broom.
"Thank you, Professor," Neville said.
"There's my Quidditch star," Hannah cooed as the group arrived at the bleachers. Hannah then jumped into his arms. Thankfully Neville was strong enough to hold her. "My hero."
Hannah kissed him, giggled and then get let down by Neville.
"And there's my Quidditch star," Helen said, playfully.
"Please don't jump into my arms," Richard said.
"Awww," Helen pouted. "My hero can't catch me?"
"I could," Richard said. "But then we'd have to visit the hospital."
"To be fair," Vinny said. "If it were anyone but Neville, I think Hannah would have been dropped."
"Oh I don't know," Ginny tossed her hair over her shoulder. "I'm sure you'd have done well, Vinny."
Vinny blushed which, in turn, made Ginny winked at him as she walked by him toward the manor.
Once back inside, Dobby served refreshments and started to hand gifts out.
"First," McGonagall flicked her wand to have three packages come forth. "Albus asked us to deliver these to you three."
"Three?" Harry asked.
"There is a note," McGonagall pointed to the note on top. Harry picked it up and read.
Happy Birthday, Harry and Neville, the note read. There is also a gift here for Miss Granger. Even though, according to Professor McGonagall, her birthday is not until September. I give you these in the hopes you will find them useful throughout the year.
Professor Dumbledore.
"Professor Dumbledore got me a gift?" Hermione was flummoxed.
"What did he give you?" Lavender asked, excitedly.
"Harry and Neville first," Hermione said.
Harry tore into his and found a book titled Dragons of Europe, with another note attached.
Fascinating creatures. I am sure you will find them fascinating to learn about. Be sure to talk with your Care of Magical Creatures professor who has even more information than this book.
Neville tore his open and found Magical Mediterranean Water-Plants and Their Properties.
For the person who cannot learn enough about plants. Here is a list of plants that grow in the Mediterranean. Useful to anyone who wants to explore underwater.
"Odd," Sirius said what everyone was thinking. "It's almost like Dumbledore is trying to tell you something."
"I'm not sure," McGonagall said. "He has been busy this summer, even by Albus' standards. Hermione open yours, please."
Hermione tore the paper off hers. Dumbledore gave her a book as well titled Amazing spells and tactics for navigating mazes. Again there was a note.
We all encounter different obstacles in our life. It is best to know how to navigate them.
Hermione looked at the adults, puzzled.
"What's this supposed to mean," her curiosity piqued by the three gifts when he had not given her or Neville a gift before.
"It means something is going to happen this year," Amelia said. "And he wants you to be ready for it."
Flitwick crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes. He needed to speak with Albus as soon as he returned. For now, he was just going to enjoy the day. Neville put aside his book and opened his next gifts. From Lavender and Parvati, he got a selection of their products, same as Harry. Fred and George gave him a guide on their products so he didn't eat one of them by mistake.
"That's really a job for Ronny," Fred said.
Susan gave him a new Venomous Tentacula, Luna and her father gave him some gurdyroot tea and Professors McGonagall and Flitwick gave him an interactive book on all the plants found at Hogwarts.
"This is a rare book," McGonagall said. "It has been created and curated by our own Professor Sprout. She only gives it to certain students who show a special aptitude and care for the craft."
"Thank you, Professors," Neville ran his fingers over the vines and blossoms that were on the textured cover. "I will cherish this."
When Neville set the book aside, he spotted the biggest gift from Harry, Hermione and the Grangers.
"What is this?" Neville hoped the family of four would clue him in.
"Open it," Harry said with the special smile Neville had only seen directed at Hermione before. Neville tore the paper off and revealed a black leather chest. He popped the silver latches and lifted the lid.
"You didn't," Neville smiled as he lifted the hammer out of the box. With the leather-wrapped handle with the metal head.
"It's goblin-made steel on the top, wrapped with their own special leather," Harry said. "Wrap your hand around it. The goblins told me this might sting a little."
Neville did as instructed. When his palm touched the handle and his fingers held tight, he felt a the material heat up until it was almost scalding. Neville hissed as it finished and cooled down.
"That is now yours," Harry said. "Yours and only yours. It is a specific rune construct the goblins came up with for their own blades. It will react to your signature and yours alone. Anyone else who holds it, the hammer will be impossibly heavy while for you, it will be almost weightless. As it is Goblin Steel, it will deflect spells and is unbreakable. Underneath, you will find two wrist gauntlets. Those gauntlets will work with the hammer to summon it back to your hand from a short distance. It should be about the length of a Quidditch Pitch."
"Wow!" Neville slapped on the gauntlets and called the hammer to his hand. "This is incredible! Thank you!"
"You're welcome," Richard said. "We know you like Thor and the goblins loved the challenge of creating that. They said they wanted to replicate it for their warriors, in case they lose a blade in a fight."
"And just like their daggers," McGonagall said. "You will not carry it to class, nor will you use it to threaten another student. Am I clear?"
"Yes ma'am," Neville said. "Harry open mine. It's from me and gran."
"Gran and me," Hermione said before she could stop herself. Harry gave her a cheeky grin and pulled the box toward him. Tearing into the paper, Harry soon pulled out two sets of formal robes and a book on wizarding politics.
"You'll need to look the best for the World Cup," Augusta said. "These are the finest formal robes you will find; one in black and the other in a deep green, both made out of acromantula silk. You will look and act the part when they made their demonstrations at the World Cup. A free piece of advice: when you give an interview, make sure there's witnesses, just in case the reporter decides to make quotes up."
"How are you four coming on your presentations, by the way?" Harry asked the Weasleys, Lavender and Parvati.
"Oh we've got it mostly figured but we need something extra," Fred said. "We just aren't sure what."
"And we're ready," Parvati said. "Just incredibly nervous."
"You'll do fine," Harry said. "You both have great products."
"Speaking of which," George gave Harry a wrapped box. Harry hurriedly unwrapped the paper and saw a purple box underneath. "That's our Skiving Snackbox. For the industrious witch or wizard who has just decided they've had enough and want some free time. Fainting Fancies, Nosebleed Nougat, Fever Fudge, Puking Pastilles. Any malady that you would like to simulate, just eat one half and, once you are clear of the situation, eat the other half and enjoy your now perfectly free day."
"I am sure you won't be selling those to my students, right?" McGonagall said, dangerously.
"Of course not," Fred's cheeks turned the same color as his hair. "But sometimes, dealing with Snape's class is just too much to bear."
"This is brilliant!" Sirius hovered over Harry's shoulder. "Man I wish we had you guys in my time."
"I think I would retire," Flitwick said with McGonagall nodding along. Harry thanked the twins and the Longbottoms for their gifts as Lavender and Parvati stepped up.
Lavender and Parvati gave Harry a basket of their latest products as well.
"This is more of the cologne- you're welcome, Hermione," Hermione blushed when Lavender looked at her. "We also gave you a shampoo and conditioner combo what will make your hair silky-smooth and tamer and also a lotion which will cure any acne and make your skin shinier with more luster."
"These are incredible," Harry marveled.
"Just wait until you see what we've done on the women's side of things," Parvati teased more of what was to come.
After Parvati and Lavender's gift, the Lovegoods stepped up. Inside a simple burlap bag, Harry had a necklace fall into his hands. A simple chain with a pendant that had a triangle with a circle inside that was bisected by a straight line.
"The symbol of the Deathly Hallows," Xeno said. "A noble quest that many have undertaken to unite the three Hallows of Death: The Elder Wand, Resurrection Stone and Cloak of Invisibility. By displaying this, you show to others on the quest that you are willing to stand against Death himself in the pursuit of your goals. It is rumored that this story goes back to the Peverell family from which the Potters are descendants."
"Thank you," Harry said, not sure what to think.
"There's also a subscription to the Quibbler," Luna said. "And there's this as well."
Luna gave him another gift which looked quite large and turned out to be a painting of Harry, Hermione and Luna in Geneva. Above was his Patronus, the light from which spelled out the word "Friends."
"Thank you, Luna," Harry embraced the girl warmly, hugging her tightly. "Thank you for being my friend."
"Same for you," Luna wiped away a tear and retreated.
"Well that's going to be tough to follow," Ginny said as she stepped up next. "I'm not to the level of my mother but I hope you'll appreciate it all the same."
Harry unwrapped her gift to find knit gloves in Gryffindor crimson.
"Did you make these?" Harry asked to which Ginny nodded. "Thank you, Gin."
"I can't come to the World Cup," Dean said once Ginny moved away. "Which is too bad because I think this might help with your presentation."
Harry lifted the heavy box onto the dining room table and unwrapped the paper. As the last bit of wrapping fell away, Harry was amazed. A brand-new record player sat on the table, shining in the fading sunlight.
"You finished it?" Harry asked the obvious question.
"Yup," Dean smiled. "You've got the first finished prototype of a workable record player. I completed the Rune work last weekend. Go ahead and try it out."
Dobby popped in with a record and Harry put it on. Soon the sounds of "Bohemian Rhapsody" filled the room.
"I also worked out a new sequence. The player itself has speakers, thanks to a new rune construct and if you hit that button," Dean pointed to a rune on the side. "That's a rune-equivalent of Sonnarus. Only use it outside, I think."
"Well done, Dean," Harry beamed at the boy's hard work.
After Dean, Tracey gave him a special grip for his Firebolt and Daphne presented him with a special journal.
"Now that we have formalized an alliance," Daphne said. "This is a way for us to communicate. When you write in it, it will show up in mine. When I write back, your journal will heat up and glow.
"Communicating in Slytherin will always be difficult. Would have been easier if you weren't a Gryff but there's nothing I can do about that."
Harry laughed at her joke and put the journal with the other gifts. Andromeda and Ted gave Harry and Neville both a beginner's guide to healing and wizarding law, Tonks and Lupin gave him a stuffed stag that was a favorite when he was a baby and Amelia and Susan gave him an Auror's emergency kit.
"This has all the potions that an auror might need while in the field, including a Bezoar," Amelia said. "You get into enough scrapes that you need one, I'm afraid. There is also one for you, Miss Granger. Since you're almost attached at the hip, it just makes sense to keep you both protected."
"Thank you, Amelia," Richard said. "And thank you, Filius, for training them to stay alive."
"You are most welcome," Flitwick bowed gently. "I will keep pushing them for as long as they wish me to. With that in mind, here you go, Harry."
Flitwick's gift was a book on dueling that had different spells and strategies that Harry couldn't wait to learn. After Flitwick, Sirius stepped up. Harry quickly tore through the paper on Sirius' gift and felt his breath catch. A Marauders Guide to Mischief and Mayhem.
"This is a journal of all the pranks we pulled on the school during our time," McGonagall paled when Sirius spoke. "It includes everything we did to set them up; the charms, transfigurations and potions involved. While I doubt you'll use it the same way we did- you have too much of Lily in you- I figure you would like to learn. It also has the detailed diary entries of us becoming Animagi. James found an easier way to do it and we thought it best to write it all down."
"That segues directly into this," McGonagall also gave him a book on finding his inner animal and tips and tricks into making it come out. "You and a certain witch have impressed me. If you are willing, I would like to work with you to teach you how to become animagi."
Harry laughed at the excited look on Hermione's face and immediately accepted her offer.
"Thank you, professor," Harry said. "I can't wait to get started. Oh and don't worry, Professor, I don't intend to use this journal to prank… unless I'm provoked."
"Poor Draco," Neville chuckled. "He won't know what hit him."
"I don't know," Harry said. "Now that daddy isn't here, he might not be as loud-mouthed."
Last in the line of gifts were the Grangers. Harry took an envelope from Richard and looked up in confusion.
"Every man needs a suit," Richard said. "Even though you spend most of the time in the wizarding world, there's nothing like a bespoke suit. Next weekend, we'll be getting you fitted at Kingsman tailors."
"Thank you Richard," Harry set down the envelope and picked up Helen's gift. Hers was so much like Helen herself; it was a portrait of the everyone in Germany.
"You deserved to have a picture of your family," Helen said through watery eyes. Harry's eyes misted as well, nodding in appreciation.
Last in line was Hermione with a package delicately wrapped in shiny green paper. Harry took it from her and unwrapped it carefully. Under the wrapping was a bag similar to the one Harry got her. This one was jade with his initials monogrammed in emerald.
"It's weightless just like the one you got me," Hermione said. "There's also something inside."
Opening the bag, Harry pulled out a small journal.
"That's a replica of my diary for the first three years of Hogwarts," Hermione said. "It's got all my thoughts of our first three years."
"Thank you," Harry kissed her lightly.
While Harry and Neville were wrapping up their birthday celebration, another duo was arguing in an Albanian forest.
"This is just great," the taller one said. "There's something dark and mysterious in the forest.' That's what she said. We've been through this whole forest and the only thing we've found is wood and a big snake skin. We got so much more information from Jorkins that is actionable. Why don't we use that? We could use that to take revenge on Potter."
The taller one gestured to the woman who was bound and floating behind them. After spotting Wormtail in a pub, they kept her from reporting back what she had found and, upon interrogating her, found some information about an event due to happen at Hogwarts this year.
"You've had it far too nice for far too long, Lucius," the smaller one said. "Try living for even one year as a rat and you'll learn the true meaning of patience. Our master is here; I am sure of it."
"You're sure," Lucius shook his long hair which was now off-white because of the way they had been traveling. "I'm sure you're just leading us further in so we can't find our way out. You mean to kill us."
Wormtail scoffed and continued walking. Lucius' complaining was wearing thin and now Wormtail was plotting different ways to kill him. Suspending him from a tall tree and then leaving him to die slowly was number 27. He was about to continue walking when a bush caught his attention. He moved toward it slowly.
"I think there's a path," Wormtail said. Without waiting for Lucius to say anything disparaging, he transformed into his rat form and moved through to find there indeed was an old path. "Yes there is! Follow me!"
Lucius pulled his wand and blasted the bush.
"Another path," he sneered. "This is pointless. Another path that will lead to…"
Lucius left off his speech as a gigantic snake slithered behind him. Lucius froze but Wormtail did not. He kneeled down and presented the white wand he had been carrying. In front of him came a floating, black wraith, with red spots burning where the eyes would be.
"Wormtail, Lucius," Voldemort said. "At last you have come and I see you do not come empty handed. Finally you have realized I am not gone. Now with your help and Nagini- don't step on her Lucius- we have almost everything we need for me to return. Who is this?"
"Bertha Jorkins," Lucius said. "She spotted us and during interrogation, we discovered she had some information that might prove useful, though she is still holding something back; something she knew once but has since forgotten. No one but a true Legilimens can get that information; we figured you might…"
"Yes, yes," the shade of Voldemort said. "Well done, you two. Let's see what she knows, shall we?"
The woman's eyes refocused as the wraith floated closer.
"Please," she pleaded. "Don't kill me. I didn't see anything. I won't tell anyone who or what I saw."
"No," Voldemort hissed. "You won't."
Screams pierced the night as Voldemort shredded her mind, looking for information.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" Voldemort laughed a cold laugh as Bertha's body dropped to the forest floor, spasming and twitching. "Lucius, Wormtail, you have done well. We have planning to do but first, Nagini, it is dinner time."
Lucius and Wormtail watched in horror as the snake feasted on the still twitching body of Bertha Jorkins while Voldemort cackled.
(A/N: I hope it was as fun for you to read McGonagall letting loose as it was to write. Figured the only time she would let her hair down- metaphorically- would be to fight or to play Quidditch. Richard playing Quidditch was also a kick; written for my dad who loved playing basketball but was told by a doctor that his knees couldn't take it anymore. Might be the most distraught I've ever seen him save for when my grandfather passed.
I've been working up to Neville getting Mjolnir though it won't shoot lightning... yet. Meanwhile, the tailor Harry is going to is a direct reference to Kingsman: The Secret Service. I won't cover the fitting in depth, though you will see the suit before too long.)
