Chapter 4
Ron Weasley was in a conundrum.
When Harry asked him to give Slytherin's a chance, he did not want to at first. But he had promised Harry he would try, and try he would.
So he started observing the Slytherins in class and in the Great Hall. And that's when he started noticing properly.
Draco Malfoy always had his own gang around him, however the rest of Slytherin seemed to give him a wide berth, as if not wanting to be seen near the prat. The only ones by his side were always Crabbe and Goyle, Pansy Parkinson, Millicent Bulstrode and Theodore Nott. Every single one of them had Death Eater ties through their parents or aunts or uncles.
However it was Nott he noticed the most. Although he hung around Draco, his laughs were only half-hearted when Malfoy made a mocking or cruel joke, as if he did not care about what Malfoy said. He always started reading when Malfoy would go on talking about his father's connections, as if he did not care. Ron had a feeling he was ostracised in his own house because of who his parents were.
So Ron decided he would try to talk to Nott.
Their next potions class, Ron made an effort. He went up to the empty seat next to Nott and sat down.
"What are you doing, Weasley?" asked Nott. "Your table is over there."
It wasn't off to a great start, but Ron had a handy excuse ready.
"I'm going mad being near the Gryffindors," said Ron. "It would be nice to have a class where I'm not being yelled in the ear by Hermione."
Nott looked up from his potions book and looked directly at Ron. Ron tried not to squirm as Nott looked at him.
"Alright," he conceded. "But if you mess up our potion I will hex you."
Ron resolved to try his best in the class. Not having Hermione in his ear browbeating him for his efforts he found he could concentrate better with a silent partner. For the first time at the end of the class, Ron and Nott's potion was the best after Harry, who now was practically a Potion Master given the tutoring he got from Lord Duff-Gracie. He felt proud of himself. He knew Nott wasn't great at it either from watching him, but together they actually got a highly rare approving nod from Snape, who had also become a better teacher since Harry and Neville's threat.
"You know Weasley," commented Nott. "You're not half bad at potions."
Ron nodded a thanks. But then he found his shoulder grasped.
"Now tell me," said Nott firmly. "Why did you choose to sit with me? I've noticed you watching us lately. What are you doing?"
Ron gulped. Nott's eyes didn't look menacing, but they were suspicious.
"I'm trying to give Slytherins a chance," Ron said, feeling rather small despite Nott being almost a head shorter.
"Why? You hate us."
"Why should I hate you?" asked Ron, still feeling rather small. "You're another student, not an evil wizard."
Nott held his gaze on Ron for several seconds before a small smile appeared on his lips.
"In that case," Nott said, reaching out his hand. "My name is Theodore Nott, my friends call me Theo. What's your name?"
"Ronald Weasley," said Ron, reaching out his own hand and shook the other boy's hand. "My friends call me Ron."
lIlIlIlIl
"Gryffindor wins," came the booming voice of Lee Jordan.
Harry smiled mischievously as he looked at the fluttering Snitch in his hand.
Somehow, miraculously, he had done it. His arm was killing him from the rogue Bludger but he had caught the Snitch.
His attention was diverted as he heard a swooshing noise. Instinctively he rolled to his left. The Bludger crashed to the ground next to him, sending grass and soil everywhere. The Bludger began rising fast again. Harry rolled upwards just in time as the Bludger crashed just below him. The Bludger rose again, but this time Fred and George swung in on their brooms and both of them managed to catch the Bludger with force. They managed to drag the now fighting Bludger and forced it into the box on the other side of the field.
"Harry," called Hermione. "Come on, we need to get you to the Hospital Wing."
"There'll be no need for that," came an unwelcome voice. "I know just the spell to fix this."
"Keep him away from me," muttered Harry angrily. He did not trust Lockhart to make a cup of tea, let alone a mending spell.
"Stay still, Harry," said Hermione. "Professor Lockhart knows what he is doing."
"No, he doesn't," Harry growled. "I'd doubt he even knows that the sun is out."
But it was too late. Lockhart had cast a spell at him, and now Harry was feeling lightheaded and his arm felt like it was deflating.
"What did he do?" said Harry lopsidedly.
"HE REMOVED THE BONE," shouted Neville. "WHAT KIND OF IDIOT ARE YOU?"
There was now a lot of people glaring at Lockhart.
"I was just trying to help," he mumbled.
"Perfessor," growled Hagrid. "I think it might be best for you to leave the stadium."
Up in the Hospital Wing Madam Pomfrey was less than pleased about the situation.
"Well, this is not going to be painless, Mr Potter," she said angrily. "You're going to have to drink Skele-Gro. You'll likely go through a lot of pain as it's growing back, so I'm going to give you a dreamless sleep potion so you don't feel it while sleeping."
She wouldn't let anyone near Harry, and when the Gryffindor Team showed up with cakes and sweets she kicked everyone out.
Harry fell asleep as he started feeling the pain in his arms as the bones started repairing themselves.
He woke up hours later to a searing pain in his arm. And a house-elf on his bed.
"Dobby," Harry asked. He recognised the elf. The very elf who had taken his mail over the Summer that Algie had ordered away. "What are you doing here?"
"Harry Potter returned to school," he sadly said. "Dobby was against Harry Potter returning here. Why didn't Harry Potter go back home when Dobby blocked the wall?"
Confusion etched Harry's face, and then he realised.
"You tampered with the wall back at Platform 9 ¾," growled Harry slowly.
"Indeed sirs," sagged Dobby. "Dobby just hopes the Bludger made Harry Potter realise how dangerous Hogwarts is."
Epiphany struck Harry instantly. He put his working arm around the elf's neck and pulled him close.
"You knew about the Chamber of Secrets before it happened," growled Harry. "Who's doing it, Dobby?"
"Dobby cannot say," moaned Dobby. "Dobby just wants Harry Potter safe. Dobby doesn't want Harry Potter here at Hogwarts now that history is to repeat itself, now that the Chamber of Secrets is opened once more."
"Repeat itself," said Harry shocked. "How long ago did this happen before? Who's doing it now?"
Dobby said nothing. He clicked his fingers and vanished with a horror-struck expression.
Harry heard approaching footsteps. He lay back with half-closed eyes trained on the door. Dumbledore came in followed by Professor McGonagall.
"Get Poppy," whispered Dumbledore, and Professor McGonagall hurried past the end of Harry's bed out of sight. She returned a moment later with Madam Pomfrey.
"There's been another attack Poppy," said Dumbledore. "I believe he was on his way here to see Harry. There was a bunch of grapes on the floor scattered."
Harry's stomached lurched and he adjusted himself noiselessly to get a better view.
It was Colin Creevey. He had his camera up to his face and was as stiff as a statue.
Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall opened his camera curious about it, only for there to be a flash and a smell of burning plastic.
"It is as I feared Minerva," spoke Dumbledore. "The Chamber of Secrets has indeed been opened again."
lIlIlIlIl
Albus Dumbledore was not having a great time.
After Mrs Norris' petrification, he had been working around the clock desperately trying to find the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets.
He had discovered less than a day after the attack that the monster was a basilisk. Normally, he would have been too busy given that he was Chief Warlock and Supreme Mugwump, but Harry's threat – and he considered it a threat – to involve Lord Hamish Duff-Gracie in Hogwarts affairs had his blood boil. He would not have the Ministry – least of all Lord Hamish Duff-Gracie - interfere with his rule over Hogwarts.
It was far too easy to find out what the monster was. He had simply approached the ghost of Myrtle Warren and asked her everything she could remember. The 'large yellow eyes' description had him convinced it was a Class XXXXX beast.
He had immediately reached out to his old friend Newt Scamander who was still alive and living in Dorset. Newt checked his own personal hand-written book and divulged it was a basilisk, sending Albus' brain into overdrive.
He had informed the other teachers the moment he got back to Hogwarts. Minerva was absolutely enraged that a snake that size resided somewhere within Hogwarts. She personally threatened to call in the DMLE and the Unspeakables. He had to contact Cornelius to help him calm the woman. Cornelius was trying to keep everything quiet about the basilisk too. He had even promised not to inform the board, even Lucius Malfoy, as he feared for his own reputation if news got out there was a basilisk during his tenure in office. It was the one of the few times Dumbledore appreciated Cornelius' effort.
He was having no luck finding the entrance. He was close to crying nearly three weeks in when the next petrification happened. He wanted to find the beast and kill it before Harry could possibly contact Lord Hamish, so he decided to call Harry in and explain the delicate situation.
After he explained everything to the boy he had a question.
"How long ago was the Chamber previously opened?"
"What?" asked Dumbledore in shock.
"I heard you two nights ago," he said. "When was the Chamber previously opened?"
"Nineteen-forty-three," he had answered.
"And who did you suspect?"
"Harry I can't tell you everything," said Dumbledore. "I know you'll tell your friends. But I don't know who they will tell."
"Okay, Professor Dumbledore," the boy conceded, knowing he wasn't getting any more information. "I know you don't want me to contact Hamish, but if there's one more petrification, or even death, it won't just be Hamish I'll contact. I'll also contact Amelia Bones. I'm sure she would have a lot to say about this situation."
Albus felt like he was about to have a heart attack with Harry's threat. He now fully regretted putting Harry under Augusta's care. Not only had Harry gotten a backbone, he had made powerful connections that Lucius Malfoy could only dream of having.
But that was the past and he couldn't change it. So he focused on the now hunting down the chamber's entrance.
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Some days after the second petrification, a duelling club was started up by Lockhart.
Every student had shown up in the Great Hall. The long dining tables were gone, and in their place was a golden stage that ran the length of one wall and was lit by thousands of floating candles. Once again, the ceiling was velvety black, and it appeared as though the entire school was crammed beneath it, all of them brandishing wands and exuberant expressions.
Harry was hoping that Flitwick would be teaching it. The man was a former duelling champion. He couldn't help but groan when Gilderoy Lockhart pranced up to the stage. He honestly couldn't stand the flamboyant man, a sentiment echoed by most of the male population of Hogwarts.
As Lockhart preened to the masses, Harry was already preparing to sneak out of the hall with Neville when they both heard that Snape was Lockhart's assistant.
Eager to see how this would end, both boys turned back to the stage. They noticed that Snape was glaring at Lockhart with utmost hatred. Lockhart was oblivious to it though, showing off his hat to anyone who was listening.
"On the count of three, we will cast our first spells. Neither of us will be aiming to kill, of course."
"I wouldn't bet on that," Harry murmured, watching Snape baring his teeth.
"One — two — three —"
Harry watched in amusement as Lockhart was blown off his feet by 'Expelliarmus' . He went flying through the air and smashed against the wall, sliding down it and sprawling to the floor.
Malfoy and some other Slytherins cheered. Harry didn't cheer, but he couldn't help smiling at the spectacle.
Soon, they were put into pairs. However Harry was interrupted as he turned to face Hermione.
"I don't think so," came a silky voice. "I think it's best to pair you with Mr. Malfoy, Potter. Get up on stage."
Harry turned to Snape and simply raised his eyebrow. "Did you see the Daily Prophet today, Professor?" he said politely, but with a half sneer. "I wonder what'll be in it tomorrow."
But just as Snape began to backtrack Lockhart waddled in.
"Excellent suggestion, Severus," beamed the man. "Harry, hop on up. Mr. Malfoy come on over."
However, the moment Malfoy got close Lockhart recoiled. "Good god, my dear boy. You should know not to wear so much hair products at once."
Everyone but five people were laughing uproariously at Lockhart's comment.
Malfoy, mutinous at the laughter, glared at the laughing Harry.
"Alright, wands at the ready," shouted Lockhart. "When I count to three, cast your charms to disarm your opponents. Only to disarm."
Harry knew Malfoy would cheat on two. He was right.
"Protego," Harry said boringly, as Malfoy started speaking. But he quickly went on the offense. "Expelliarmus, Rictusempra, Incarcerous."
Malfoy's spell was deflected instantly. He managed to avoid the spell coming back at him but Harry's onslaught of spells had him disarmed, thrown off his feet and bound in ropes."
"POTTER," roared Snape.
"What, professor," asked Harry. "Expelliarmus disarms the wand, but it doesn't stop an attack. As you saw I disarmed him, threw him instantly and bound him in ropes before he could recover. I highly doubt that the Chamber's monster could be subdued with an Expelliarmus, let alone a Malfoy."
The hall burst into laughter.
"SILENCE," roared Snape. "Let Mr Malfoy go and return his wand."
"Fair enough," said Harry. He released Malfoy and returned the wand.
The wand was no sooner in Malfoy's hand when he shouted 'Serpensortia'.
A large black python shot out from the wand and started slithering along the floor.
"You summoned a dangerous monster Malfoy," snarled Harry. The snake gave him an idea. "Maybe the monster is a snake. After all the House of Slytherin is represented by a snake. Which means you're the heir Draco."
He snarled that part aloud. Everyone looked at Malfoy with deep distaste and anger, even the Slytherins.
Snape got rid of the python and quickly steered Malfoy out of the hall away from the threats and glares. Frankly it was a miracle that a riot hadn't broken out then and there.
However once they were back in the Common Room Hermione was enraged with Harry.
"What did you do that for Harry?" she snarled.
"If he really is the heir, which I now don't believe, he wouldn't be able to unleash the monster with everyone now watching him."
"Smart, very smart Harry," smiled Hermione. "But what makes you think he isn't the heir."
"He's an idiot," laughed Harry. "There's no way he's the heir. The heir would be calculating, controlled, able to slip into shadows. I'm half thinking it might be Voldemort. The Chamber was opened fifty years ago as I told you. What if that was when Voldemort went here? I saw him last year when he originally should have died when I was a baby. He's alive and here, I'm sure of it. But I can't think who'd support him."
"Snape," offered Ron.
"No, it's not Snape," said Harry. "I'm sure of it. He's an ass, but he's not murderous."
"I agree," said Neville, not having spoken since they left the Great Hall. "But I think you know something Harry. And that you should tell us."
"I do, but Dumbledore made me promise not to talk about it."
"WHAT?" Hermione almost screeched.
"But he didn't tell me not to drop hints," smiled Harry. "And I dropped a massive hint in the hall."
"You did?" asked Hermione, confusion on her face, thinking back on everything Harry said. Then it dawned on her. "It's a snake."
"Bingo," said Harry. "And it's name also starts with the first letter of the word bingo."
"Bloody hell, Harry," groaned Ron. "The way you talk around loopholes, sorry mate, but you really should have just gone to Slytherin."
"Speaking of," asked Harry. "How are you getting on with Nott?"
"Call him Theo," growled Ron. "And we're getting on great. He really is a nice person. And you were right about Slytherin, Harry. They're just students, not Death Eaters, and nearly the whole house despise Malfoy. They consider him a blight on their house. Now if you excuse me, I need to get to the Great Hall. I'm meeting Theo for a game of chess in five minutes time."
And with that Ron dashed out of the Common Room.
"I still can't believe he's become best friends with a Slytherin," said Hermione astounded.
"Maybe I should introduce you to Pansy Parkinson," said Harry. "I think you two would get on explosively."
"Don't even joke about - " Hermione stopped and glared at Harry. "Quit with the wordplay. I'm going to the library to find out what snake we are dealing with. In the meantime you head back to your Common Room. Slytherins aren't allowed in here."
And with that she stormed out of the Common Room.
Harry turned to Neville. "You know, the Polyjuice is still brewing," he smirked. "I can have it finished in an hour."
Harry and Neville went back to the girls bathroom where the potion had been progressing.
"I thought it couldn't be finished until Christmas?" queried Neville.
"Hello," chuckled Harry. "Have you forgotten I was taught by Lord Hamish during the Summer. Let's just see where the stage is at. If it's at the stage I think it's at, I would just need a few simple ingredients."
Harry dipped the ladle into the potion and pulled it out with the contents. He analysed it's texture while running his wand over it checking its potency and progression.
Thirty minutes later they both snuck back in with a few basic ingredients from Snape's private stores. Harry made sure to add each one at the appropriate time while stirring.
Nearly two hours later the potion was spitting red sparks. Harry reached into his robes and pulled out some mace. Mace could be used to extend the duration of any potion. Harry blended it in with the potion and now the potion was stable.
Ever since Snape returned from St. Mungo's a few weeks ago he was furious that Harry was now the best in the class. Harry had simply mentioned he met Lord Hamish over the Summer and that shut Snape up. The man was furious and envious that Harry was tutored over the Summer by one of the most celebrated potioneers of all time.
"Now we have five potions," grinned Harry. "What shall we do?"
"I know," said Neville, a devilish smile on his lips. "Let's get Ron in on this. We'll get Malfoy's, Crabbe's and Goyle's hairs and go around Hogwarts being bad in plain sight. We'll get Malfoy and those idiots in trouble."
"We can't do that Neville," Harry said sadly.
"Why not?"
"Because after my display in the Great Hall everyone will be watching them closely," said Harry. "We won't be able to catch them off guard without someone noticing."
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Everywhere Malfoy went for the next week he was being watched full-time around the clock. His housemates were watching him, the other houses were watching him, the teachers were watching him, even the portraits were watching him.
He tried to complain to Professor Snape but the man was in no mood to deal with him and kicked him out, so he wrote to his father. Lucius Malfoy showed up at the school two days later, demanding to speak to the Headmaster, however Dumbledore wasn't in this weekend.
As Lucius was sneering on his way back to the main entrance he swore he could hear rumbling around the next corner. He walked around the corner only to go rigid and fall to the floor, petrified. In front of him was Nearly Headless Nick who had also gone still.
His petrified body was brought up to the Hospital Wing.
Harry and Neville were in the Hospital Wing too as Neville had injured himself in the Greenhouse.
"What about his hair Harry?"
Harry turned to Neville with a sharklike grin. "You're evil Neville, but yes. I'd say we'd have some fun."
"We'd have his voice from the potion," whispered Neville. "We should send a howler to Fudge."
"We have to do it fast before Fudge hears that his 'most trusted advisor' has been petrified," whispered Harry. "I'll get his hair and return to the potion. I'll meet you in the Owlery in forty-five minutes."
lIlIlIlIl
In the rarely used office of Supreme Mugwump in the Ministry of Magic, Albus Dumbledore was having a headache.
He had been summoned to an emergency meeting in London. As he had spent the last three weeks chasing down the Chamber's entrance, he had asked Cornelius to attend the monthly meeting of the ICW in Ireland. The ICW always met there in County Donegal, which they all considered one of the most beautiful places in the world. The county was littered in beaches that looked out over the Atlantic, beautiful hills, a mountain they loved to climb as it was easy, and lovely islands surrounding the county. It was a sightseeing paradise which Dumbledore loved himself.
However Cornelius had angered some of the delegates from other countries. The Hungarian delegate Fábián Tamara, the Italian delegate Apollonia Castiglia, the Spanish delegate Estela Anglés, and even the Russian delegate Mikhail Detestovitch.
They were all in front of him shouting at him for sending such an incompetent representative. Cornelius was in the room too, but he kept his distance from the delegates, especially Mikhail. Mikhail Detestovitch was a dangerous man when angered.
"I thought you vote for competent men to hold office, Albus," growled Mikhail in his broken English. "Not some Death Eater pawn."
"How dare you," Cornelius growled back, knowing what the man was insinuating. "Lucius Malfoy is an upstanding citizen."
"In Russia, we execute traitors to the nation," growled Mikhail. "Lucius Malfoy is a traitor to your country."
Suddenly at that moment there was shouting outside the door.
Albus was relieved to hear a commotion outside the door. He decided to get away from the shouting for one minute.
He opened the door and found himself ducking as an owl swooped right towards him. He turned to glance at it and his heart sank as he saw the red letter. How the owl got into the Ministry was beyond him, but more importantly it was a bloody howler. He did not want to deal with this now.
"CORNELIUS FUDGE," the howler roared.
Albus stared at the howler in shock. That was Lucius' voice.
"HOW DARE YOU NOT DEPOSIT THAT MONEY? NOW I'VE GOT AURORS CRAWLING OVER MY MANOR, AND THEY'RE ON THE VERGE OF FINDING MY DARK MAGIC COLLECTION. FIX THIS NOW, CALL THEM OFF OR I'LL DO A 'TELL ALL'."
And with that the howler shredded itself to pieces.
"Your master is calling, Cornelius," sneered Mikhail. "Do you want to go handle it and WE can all talk about this another time. Or do you want to settle our differences now."
Cornelius gulped. Albus stepped in to help the flabbergasted man.
"Surely his embarrassment today was enough to placate you all," queried Albus. "You just witnessed him being beat by a howler."
The shouting now had been replaced with loud laughter from everyone in the room except Albus and Cornelius.
"This is a memory I won't forget," smiled Mikhail. "You know what, why don't we all head back to Donegal for the evening. I'm really craving some Irish potatoes right now. You can come too Cornelius. All is forgiven."
Although terrifying, Mikhail was generous when he was in a good mood.
Mouth watering at the thought of Irish potatoes, Cornelius readily agreed. They requested a Portkey and went off to Ireland, only to land in pouring rain.
"It's a beautiful country," beamed Mikhail. "But why does it always have to rain here."
Albus and Cornelius stayed a couple of nights in Donegal to ease their headaches. They returned to the UK on Monday only to find that Lucius Malfoy had been petrified at Hogwarts.
Cornelius, however, didn't care. The man had embarrassed him at his weakest moment. Mikhail had advised him to cut all ties with 'Imperiused' Death Eaters. He thought back to the conversation.
"Why do you associate with the likes of Malfoy and Nott, Cornelius?" he asked, pouring red wine into Cornelius glass.
"His funding helped me get into office," he had said.
"Even if he was Imperiused, he still has a taint of being a Death Eater, whether he was coerced or not," intoned Mikhail. "Surely that must affect your reputation. After all, the majority believe he was guilty. What does the public think of your association with him?"
Cornelius had felt sick at Mikhail's implication, but he knew the man was right. Although he believed Lucius was innocent he still had that Death Eater taint. It was dangerous for him to be associated with anyone who was suspected of a crime.
No, no more, he thought as he sat down in his office. He would cut all ties he had to once suspected criminals. He did not want to be remembered as this.
The only thing he couldn't remove was Dolores, he thought with a scowl. Lucius and Theophilius Nott had suggested her to be his Senior Undersecretary and he had agreed. Upon meeting her he had disliked her instantly. Her grating, annoying voice and attitude was enough to drive any man crazy. But he would need votes in the Wizengamot to remove her, but there was no way the traditionalists would ever remove her.
He sighed. At least now he'd have to deal with only her.
And he knew the first person he would associate with now: Arthur Weasley.
Although not wealthy and considered a blood traitor by the traditionalists, he was popular and well liked by most of the Ministry.
Yes, he would start with him, and he didn't care whether anyone liked it or not.
lIlIlIlIl
By Wednesday Harry was summoned once again to Dumbledore's office.
"Harry, please I beg you," said the headmaster. "Please don't go to Hamish or to Amelia."
"Why would I?" shrugged Harry.
"Because I - " he looked at Harry sharply, having caught the boy's tone. "Wait, you're not going to them?"
"A Death Eater got petrified," smiled Harry. "I call that a good day."
Dumbledore clearly wanted to reprimand him, but he didn't.
"Thank you, Harry," said Dumbledore. "I've had a bad and good weekend."
"Trouble with Minister Fudge?" asked Harry, keeping his expression neutral.
"How did you know?" asked Dumbledore, clearly very curious.
"I hear there was a lot of howling at the Ministry," said Harry meaningfully.
Dumbledore clearly understood what Harry was implying. His head banged on the desk and he crumpled in a heap.
"Leave now, Harry," groaned Dumbledore. "You've broken me. I can't believe a twelve year old boy has broken me."
Harry laughed all the way back to Gryffindor Tower, wondering what the howler had done to Dumbledore.
But back in the Common Room he felt regret. Although he found Dumbledore's methods questionable, he didn't despise the man. He just despised the way the man ran Hogwarts.
lIlIlIlIl
One week later the Daily Prophet had an announcement.
Albus Dumbledore Retires
by Lyra Clark
In a shock announcement at the Wizengamot monthly meeting, Albus Dumbledore announced that he was retiring from his roles as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards.
"I believe I am getting too old to deal with everything going on around me. The world is changing, we have changed, laws have changed, the ministry has changed. Effective as of Christmas I will be retiring my roles here in the Wizengamot and the International Confederation of Wizards. However, I have chosen to remain at Hogwarts keeping the school up to standards and ensuring our children get a quality education. In the meantime elections will be held here instantly and I will advise my successors until January when I have stepped down. I believe I have been out of touch with Hogwarts in recent years and I want to bring back some standards to the school, especially with errant pranksters and bullies."
"Look Neville," whispered Harry, pointing at the last line. "We've been mentioned."
Both boys burst into laughter, missing the look that Headmaster Dumbledore shot at them.
lIlIlIlIl
Time passed, and before they knew it Christmas was around the corner.
Harry had signed to leave Hogwarts for Christmas. Augusta Longbottom had sent him a letter, inviting him back to the manor for Christmas. Ron was originally going to stay at the school for Christmas as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were going to spend Christmas in Egypt with his brother Bill, but he was also invited to Longbottom Manor. He happily agreed, delighted to have been invited. Hermione had also been invited to stay, which she also happily agreed to.
Harry had gifted Fred and George two of the Polyjuice Potions he had brewed the previous month and told them to 'go nuts'. He had no idea the carnage he had caused until he got back to school in the New Year.
Longbottom Manor was decorated with over-the-top decorations. A vast and magnificent frost covered Christmas tree was in the foyer and it had more lights that the greenery that stretched to the glass dome on the roof. Thick streamers of holly and mistletoe decorated every room on the ground floor. There was a miniature Christmas village adjourning every front window.
"What's with all the decorations?" Harry asked Neville.
"Uncle Algie loves Christmas," said Neville, shaking his head with a chuckle. "He stays loaded on eggnog the whole holiday."
"Neville," boomed Algie, coming out of the drawing room, and holding a tall glass that was clearly eggnog. "Doesn't it look great. Hiya Harry. Hey watch this."
Algie let out a loud belch and made a dash for the Christmas tree and started climbing it. He made his way to the top of it and shouted, "MADE IT MA, TOP OF THE WORLD."
"Is he alright?" asked Hermione worriedly.
"He's never been," laughed Neville. "Eggnog or not, he's always been a madman."
"Why is he quoting a Muggle movie?" asked Hermione.
"We have a T.V. here," said Neville. "My Grandmother loves soaps, but Uncle Algie loves old black and white films, especially James Cagney."
"I can hear you from up here Neville," called Algie. "And he's the best actor that ever lived."
"No argument here," mumbled Hermione.
The boys shot her curious expressions.
"Oh for heavens sake," she growled. "While I'm here I'm going to make you boys watch Cagney."
Harry gulped. He hoped this James Cagney was worth it.
That night as he crawled into bed he was in full agreement with Hermione. The actor James Cagney was worth it. Hermione found some film called White Heat and had them watch it. There was another film called It's A Wonderful Life that she was going to put on tomorrow night.
The next day was Christmas Eve. Augusta had sent them out of the manor to the nearest town to get them out of the house. Traffic was backed up all over the town from people getting last minute Christmas shopping. They found the shops and went browsing. Ron was deeply fascinated at many of the Muggle objects that he saw in the shops.
"What are those words on that duvet Hermione?" he asked as he saw a red duvet that had words he couldn't understand.
"That says Manchester United, Ron," she said.
Ron looked at her quizzically.
"It's a football team in our world," she sighed. Sometimes Ron's cluelessness drove her up the wall.
Harry found a few Christmas Muggle things he knew Augusta and Algie would love. Hermione lent him some Muggle money to buy them.
They arrived back at the manor around three to find Algie once again at the top of the Christmas tree.
"Help me Clarence, get me back to my wife and kids," he said sobbingly.
"My apologies Neville," whispered Ron. "But your Uncle is a lunatic."
"I know."
They turned on the T.V. that night and they all watched the film It's A Wonderful Life, an old Christmas movie from nineteen-forty-five.
When Harry went to bed that night he felt ashamed to share a surname with the movie's villain, one Henry Potter.
"I hope I don't have any relatives with that cursed name," growled Harry as he left the living room.
"Maybe I shouldn't have shown that movie," Algie whispered to Augusta afterwards. "His great-grandfather was a Henry Potter after all."
Christmas Day was one Harry Potter would remember for the rest of his life.
This was his first Christmas in a house where none of its occupants disliked him. He woke up to find over a dozen presents on his bed.
Fred and George had sent him a moving photo of Professor Snape dancing in the Great Hall with a smiling Draco Malfoy. Harry knew it was the twins under the Polyjuice potion. He had wondered how in the hell did they get Snape's hair. The man was extremely paranoid after all, especially when it came to the twins.
Mrs. Weasley had sent over a green Christmas jumper, Hermione had given him a Quidditch Book, Ron had given him an assortment of sweets. Lord Hamish had given him a book about higher grade, complicated Potion brewing. He opened all of his gifts but there wasn't one from Neville. He wondered if his friend was going to give him one personally.
He went downstairs with Neville and Ron. Hermione was already in the dining room chatting with Algie about Wizarding Charters.
"Alright we're all here," smiled Neville. "Come out to the foyer."
Confused, Harry followed Neville out into the foyer. He, Ron, and Hermione were made to stand in front of the massive Christmas tree by Neville before he stood next to Harry.
"Smile," called Algie. He photographed them all smiling at the camera. He pulled his wand out and tapped the camera. Four pages appeared out of nowhere by the camera which Neville deftly grabbed.
"I know it's not much," he said meekly. "but I like making my gifts personal."
He handed a picture to each of them. Harry couldn't believe the photo. It was a magical photo of them all getting into the photo and smiling away. Harry traced his fingers over the photo. His best friends.
Harry pulled Neville in and gave him a hug.
"Thanks Neville," smiled Harry. "Merry Christmas."
AN: This was a difficult chapter to write. I understand why some won't believe Ron's character arc here, being friends with a Slytherin, but this is FanFiction. We can choose what to do with a character here. There is a lot of things in the books I don't like that I'd change myself if I could, and that includes Ron's judgement, Dumbledore having a brain, Lucius in Azkaban for life, and many more. We will be returning to Hogwarts soon to solve the Chamber of Secrets.