Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Author's notes: I'd like to once again thank my beta readers, Cara Hicks and Ama for providing valuable feedback on this chapter. This happens to be one of my favourite chapters because the emotions are so real. That realism also makes it a tad uncomfortable in spots, but hopefully no one will need therapy after reading this. ;-)
Rating: R - for adult themes and sexual intimacy
Chapter Eight - Christmas at the Burrow
Harry's fear of how students from the other houses would respond to the latest controversy in The Daily Prophet wound up being overblown. He kept getting congratulations for the victory over Slytherin in the hallways and at mealtimes from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff students. He still received glares from the Slytherins, but that wasn't anything different than what he had gotten from them for years.
That week in Herbology class, Justin Finch-Fletchley came up to Harry and shook his hand.
"Harry, that was a great game. I was really impressed by your team's defensive moves. I've got a cousin in Montreal that we've visited a few times. So, I've played hockey with him and that really reminded me of that sport. Especially the mask. It was really cool."
"Thanks, Justin."
"I couldn't believe the crap that fish wrapper of a Wizarding daily wrote about you. Honestly, there was nothing nefarious in that game. They ought to just stick to printing the horoscope, the obits, a crossword puzzle and call it a day."
Harry nodded appreciatively.
"I liked the mask idea so much, I wrote my folks and they'll be sending me one," said Justin. "I hope to have it in time to paint a badger's face on it before our big match against Ravenclaw in three weeks. Plus, we're working on having our own special chants to help spook the opposing team. You really inspired us, Potter!"
Professor Sprout cleared her throat loudly, "Yes, that was an impressive display and I'm sure that we'd all like to talk endlessly about it. However, if you'll turn to the plants that are set out at your workstations, perhaps we could begin our lesson. Today's plant is belladonna. We'll be discussing its magical properties and how best to grow it. "
Justin turned his back to Harry and concentrated on the green plant with violet blossoms that was before him.
*
Harry had found that this year's studies were not as difficult as they had been in previous years. He credited that to the intense tutoring he had received over the summer with Professor Figg and Sirius. He found it difficult at times to not appear bored in class when he could perform a task with little or no effort. This was especially difficult in Transfiguration. A class that he had previously had only a passing interest in. Now he found that Professor McGonagall's choice of items to transfigure were mundane and very easy to transform.
Harry had been staring out the window when Professor McGonagall stood in front of his desk, glaring at him. "Well, Mr. Potter. Aren't you even going to attempt today's lesson? Or are you too busy contemplating the weather outside?"
Harry absentmindedly waved his wand over the fern and it turned instantly into a lace doily. He looked up and gave a small smile.
"Why didn't you attempt this earlier?" she asked sharply.
"I guess I'm just not a doily kind of guy," he said shrugging his shoulders.
"You will see me after class, Mr. Potter."
Harry gulped and nodded.
After the other students filed out of the classroom, Harry walked up slowly to Professor McGonagall's desk. "You wanted to see me?"
"Yes, Harry. I've been wondering how you advanced so quickly in Transfiguration lessons. It seems that you don't even put forth any effort in this class anymore. You simply perform without any struggle. You used to have great difficulty. Do you care to tell me what has changed?"
Harry's mind started working overtime. Clearly Dumbledore had not taken Professor McGonagall into his confidence about Harry's private lessons over the summer. Professor Figg had implored him to not tell anyone about knowing her outside of school. He would have thought that Professor Figg would have discussed this with her aunt, but apparently she hadn't.
"Umm," he cast around for a good reason. "I ah, studied yoga over the summer. It really helped me to, uh, concentrate. I can now visualize the items clearly and I can see the transformation happen in my mind. Then the transfiguration simply follows."
"Yoga? What is that?"
"A Muggle meditation and exercise regimen. It's from Asia and has been around for centuries."
"Hmm, well perhaps you could offer some book titles on the subject. Perhaps I could assign that for summer reading or add it to next year's class list."
"Well, I mostly watched it on the telly. If students are from Wizarding families, they probably won't have access to television. I didn't read any books on the subject. I just did it while I was watching," he quickly lied.
"If you come across any books on the subject, please let me know. And Harry, perhaps you could give some private lessons to Neville. He could certainly use the help. Thankfully he hasn't transfigured any more of his body parts to objects recently, but he needs to concentrate better. That is all."
Harry nodded as he quickly left the classroom. He was glad that his lies seemed to satisfy her.
*
In mid December, Professor Figg had also asked to speak with Harry after class. He started to get a little nervous as to what this was going to be about. He hoped it wasn't something bad about Sirius. Then she announced that she also needed to speak with Hermione. Ron lingered after class wondering why it was that his two best friends were being held back.
"You're excused, Mr. Weasley," Professor Figg said.
"Well, I uh…" stammered Ron.
"Why don't you just go to dinner? Your friends will be joining you soon."
He gave a worried look in their direction, but took his book bag and left closing the door behind him.
"So Harry and Hermione. The headmaster requested to speak with both of you and asked that I join in the discussion," she said as she absentmindedly tugged at an ear.
"Umm, okay," Harry said as he pushed up his glasses.
They quickly walked to Dumbledore's office where he was expecting them.
"Come in, come in. Have a seat," he said as he gestured about the room. "Now Harry, I must tell you that I've had a passionate request by Mrs. Weasley about you and Miss Granger joining the Weasley family for Christmas. It seems that she has missed having large family gatherings at the holidays. She knows that her son Ron has stayed here in part to keep you company, same as with Miss Granger. She also regrets that I did not allow you to stay with them at all this past summer. I told her that it was not safe for you to spend any extended period of time at the Burrow. However, a few hours might be permissible…"
"Really?" Harry smiled and looked at Hermione. "I'd love that. How about you?"
Hermione nodded.
"So you'd like to go there for Christmas Eve dinner?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yes," Harry and Hermione said in unison.
"Well, part of what convinced me that it might be safe is that she promised that there would be six fully trained wizards there. However, and this is where Professor Figg comes in, I would insist that there be security on the outside perimeter of the Weasley house. She will accompany you to the Burrow and stand watch outside. She'll also be joined by an associate. Hopefully, two trained Aurors can perform surveillance for a few hours so you can enjoy the holidays with a family for a change," Dumbledore said smiling.
Professor Figg had a look of utmost seriousness on her face.
"Harry, Hermione, I must tell you that no one is to know of your plans," she began. "That is because we don't want to announce to anyone that you might be in a vulnerable place. Your joining the Weasley family for Christmas Eve dinner will come as a happy surprise to Ron, Ginny and the twins. I'm sure that their parents will tell them as soon as they arrive home. I will have to make arrangements to use the Floo network at an establishment in Hogsmeade that will allow for your passage both ways. But that is something that I shall have to worry about. You only need to think about having a good time and not forgetting your presents."
*
Harry had found it difficult not telling Ron about his plans on going to the Burrow. Mostly because Ron kept apologizing to him for not staying at Hogwarts over the holidays.
"Sorry Harry, but Mum wants to have a big Christmas at home this year. We haven't had one since I was ten."
"Don't worry Ron. It's Christmas. It's your mum. What's to argue about?"
"Ooooh," Ron muttered under his breath. "You don't want to argue with my mum."
Harry had seen examples of her temper with the Flying Ford Anglia and Ton-Tongue Toffee incidents. He knew that she had a formidable temper and felt that arguing with her would be most unpleasant.
"She's your mum. You should be thankful you have one," Harry said.
Ron cast his eyes downward at that remark. Harry immediately regretted having made that statement.
"Sorry, Ron. I shouldn't have said that."
"No, you're right Harry. I sometimes take my parents for granted. I shouldn't. Anyway, here's your present. Just don't open it before Christmas morning," Ron said as he handed Harry a wrapped package.
"Thanks, Ron and here's yours," Harry said as he handed his friend a gift. "Don't worry about me. I'm looking forward to having a nice Christmas. Heck, this year I don't even have to worry about making a fool of myself on the dance floor in front of the whole school."
"That's for sure," Ron laughed as he grabbed his packed trunk. "See ya, Harry. Happy Christmas."
"Happy Christmas, Ron," Harry said as he watched his friend leave for the Hogwarts Express. I'll see you tomorrow night, he thought to himself. Sorry I had to lie to you. Again.
*
The next day Harry and Hermione met Professor Figg outside the portrait of the Fat Lady. As promised, Harry had brought his Invisibility Cloak for him and Hermione to walk under. Professor Figg didn't want to take any chances for them to be seen walking to Hogsmeade. She felt that a faculty member could certainly walk to the village without causing any questions, but students were only allowed there during certain weekends.
Harry found that after a brief bit of walking that it was very tiresome for him to use both his hands to hold the cloak up over both their heads. His arms started to ache.
"Hermione, would you mind helping out with the cloak? My arms are killing me."
"Sure, Harry. How can I help?"
"Well, maybe if we walked with one arm around each other we could both hold up the cloak with one arm. Later we could switch sides when our arms get tired. Also that way I won't step on your feet as often."
"Sounds good," Hermione said. "Besides it might help us stay warm. This wind is pretty wicked."
As she said that a gust of wind risked blowing the cape far away. Luckily Harry had been holding on to the silky fabric with his clenched hands. As the wind's fury died down, Hermione placed her arm around Harry's back. He followed suit and they walked slowly down the long path to the village.
Harry hadn't shared his cloak with anyone since their third year when the three friends went to visit Hagrid the night Buckbeak was scheduled to be executed. This time he felt far different as he was almost embracing a young woman who was clinging to him hoping to conserve body heat. Suddenly, the situation made him feel very warm and very guilty. After all, Hermione was one of his best friends and she was dating someone else. Still he couldn't help but notice that walking arm in arm with her felt natural and very enjoyable.
As they drew closer to the village, Professor Figg told them that she would hold the door open for them at the Three Broomsticks. She had arranged with Madam Rosmerta to use a fireplace in her back room. As Professor Figg held the door open, Harry and Hermione squeezed past her.
"Hey, yer lettin' in cold air. Close the door already!" a gruff looking patron growled.
"Sorry. The hem of my cloak got caught on the heel of my boots," she said as she reached downward and pretended to yank at the bottom of her cloak.
Madam Rosmerta looked up from behind the bar and made a motion towards Professor Figg. Harry and Hermione followed the two women into a back room that was dark and dusty. Harry figured that it might be reserved for special parties, but that it hadn't been used in quite awhile. The bar owner started a fire with a simple incantation and held out a flowerpot to Professor Figg. The teacher in return passed her a few galleons.
"Kids, it's time to show yourselves," said Professor Figg.
The Invisibility Cloak came off and Harry was surprised by a small squeeze that Hermione gave him before she dropped her arm from his side. He looked at her and she gave him a mischievous smile.
"I will be following you to the Burrow," said Professor Figg. "But I will Apparate outside of it. There I will be meeting my partner and we will be providing surveillance on the exterior. If there are any security problems, you will need to return by Floo here immediately. Otherwise, we will return here at 8 pm. Molly will give me a signal that you are leaving and I will meet you back here."
She looked at them both. "Are you ready?"
They both nodded.
"Harry, you go first and why don't you let me hold onto your cloak?"
He nodded and handed it to her. Then he took a pinch of the offered Floo powder. He called out "The
Burrow!" as he stepped into the flames. Harry found himself tumbling through endless grates until he felt like he
was going to be sick. Finally he emerged at the hearth at the Weasley household. He stood up and started dusting the
soot off his clothes and saw Ron's shocked face.
"Harry! What are you doing here?"
"Er, surprise! Happy Christmas, Ron."
"Umm," he sniffed angrily. "You! How could you keep this from me! You kept letting me apologize for spending the holidays with my family."
"It was supposed to be a surprise, Ron," huffed Mrs. Weasley. "I thought you'd be happy that I arranged to have your friends come and spend the day with us. It wasn't easy you know. There were a lot of details that had to be worked out before this could happen."
"I am happy, but…you could have told me last night," he said looking angrily at his mother.
"Yes we could have," she said dismissively. "Everyone had to keep this a secret for Harry's safety. Dumbledore insisted on that as a condition before he gave his approval. And since we had kept it from you that long, what difference would a few more hours make?"
She then turned to Harry and opened her arms. "Come here, Harry! I'm glad you could come and join our family for dinner. Happy Christmas."
She wrapped him up in a big warm hug. Charlie gave him a hearty clap on the shoulder and started boasting to Bill about Harry's prowess with the Hungarian Horntail.
Just then there was more rumbling from the fireplace as Hermione landed. Mrs. Weasley went forward and welcomed her warmly. This was followed by the whole Weasley clan and Winky giving both guests welcoming hugs and handshakes. By this time, Ron seemed to have gotten over his shock and anger at Harry for not telling him about his Christmas plans. Harry handed presents (lavender sachets) to Mrs. Weasley and Ginny.
"Thanks for having me here, Mrs. Weasley."
Percy stepped forward to Hermione and gestured towards his girlfriend, Penelope Clearwater.
"You two remember each other, don't you?" he asked.
"Of course we do, dear. Remember? Hermione and I were coming out of the library together when -"
"Penny! I need some help setting out the appetizers," Mrs. Weasley commanded as she linked her arm around the young woman's elbow and ushered her into the kitchen.
A quiet pall was cast over the room and Harry looked around at all the uncomfortable looking faces.
"I guess your mum didn't like where that conversation was going."
"You catch on fast Harry," said Bill. "Certain topics become off-limits."
"Yeah, like your last girl friend," teased Charlie.
"Shut up, Charlie. I don't see you bringing anyone around to meet the parents."
"I know better than that," Charlie snorted. "See Harry, Bill had just started dating this woman when everyone visited him in Cairo. He brought her to dinner and Mum started giving her the third degree and…"
"She got so frightened we think she's still hiding in a secret chamber in one of the pyramids," Fred laughed.
"Boys, come on now. She's your mother," said Mr. Weasley.
"Yeah? Look at how she's running Penny ragged in there," George offered.
Harry had to agree with him. Mrs. Weasley was directing Penny and Winky inside the kitchen and sending them both repeatedly in different directions with food.
"So Perce, how come you wanted to subject poor Penny to this treatment? I thought you loved her," joked Fred.
"I don't know what you're talking about. Mum's treating her like one of the family," Percy said defensively. "Besides, we're having dinner tomorrow night over at her parents' house."
Hermione and Ginny looked at each other and started gravitating towards the kitchen.
"Is there anything we can do to help?" asked Hermione.
"No, dear. We've pretty much got things under control right now," Mrs. Weasley answered.
Hermione and Ginny started snacking on the cheese and crackers that were set out.
"Winky, I have something to tell you," Hermione said.
"What is that?" squeaked the house-elf.
"I think Dobby misses you. He talks about you all the time and even mentioned something about wanting to come and visit you."
"Dobby visit Winky?" she looked expectantly at Mrs. Weasley. "C-could I have a visitor, Mrs. Weasley?"
"Of course you can Winky. Just not tonight. I've got my hands full as it is."
Harry and Ron came over and started helping themselves to the nibbles.
"Umm, Hermione Granger, matchmaker to the elves," Ron sniffed.
"Well, yes. You can call me Yente," she replied licking her lips.
"Who?" Ron asked.
Hermione rolled her eyes at him and turned to Penelope. "So Penny, what have you been up to?"
"I've been working at Flourish and Blotts. I'm now being trained to be their assistant book buyer," Penelope said proudly.
Hermione's jaw dropped. She then gave Ron a backhanded smack on his arm. "Ron, how come you never told me she worked at the bookstore in Diagon Alley?"
"Sorry. It just never came up," he replied lamely.
"Oh, Penny. We neeeeed to talk," pleaded Hermione. "I have got so many ideas. Especially your section on Muggle titles. It is totally inadequate."
Mrs. Weasley turned around from the stove and bumped into Ginny. This caused her to drop a pot full of green beans on the floor.
"Why is it that you can have a large house and everyone always stands in the kitchen? Come on and get out of here. Ginny, why don't you show Penny and Hermione to your room?"
Hermione and Ginny exchanged knowing glances as they left the kitchen.
"Mum always gets a bit stressed over the holidays," Ginny whispered. "Don't worry. It has nothing to do with you being here. She feels responsible for everything to be 'perfect,' but she doesn't know how to relax and enjoy herself. So we all wind up walking on eggshells around her."
"Why don't we go to your room for a bit? Just to get out of her way," suggested Penny. "Hermione, you said you had some ideas for Muggle authors that we ought to carry?"
The three young women started walking up the stairs. "First you need to start with William Shakespeare. Then of course, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters and…" her voice trailed off as she entered the room.
Harry and Ron had moved in front of the fireplace to escape Mrs. Weasley's wrath.
"Honestly," Ron said as he threw his hands in the air, "that's why I never said anything to Hermione about Penny working at a bookstore. I didn't want her to start giving me a laundry list of books that she thinks I should have read. Tell me Harry, have you read all of those?"
"I've seen a couple movies of Shakespeare's plays and I've seen Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' on the telly. But, no I've never actually read any of them," Harry said shrugging his shoulders.
"Thank you, Harry."
"Penny, come in the kitchen. Penny, get out of the kitchen. Yo-yo," Fred said under his breath.
Ron nodded and gave a small laugh. "Hey Harry, maybe I should try to do that homework for Divination that Trelawney gave us. Would you transcribe it for me?"
"Sure and I'll learn from watching how you do it."
They walked cautiously back into the kitchen.
"Hey Mum, I hate to bother you," Ron said in as pleasant a voice as he could muster, "but could you make a special tea for me? I have a bit of Divination homework to do and thought I might do it while we're waiting for dinner. Trelawney gave us a special tea to help with visions."
"Divination? I never understood how it works, but it certainly can be fun. I check my horoscope every day before I go out of the house," Mrs. Weasley said. "I'll have that special tea made for you in a jiffy."
Ron handed his mother the tea that was in an envelope.
"Oh and I'll need a pan," he said as he was rummaging through a cupboard. "Can I use this one? Or will you be needing it?"
Mrs. Weasley looked up and waved at him that it was fine. Ron held it under the faucet until it was half full and then slowly carried it back to the living room.
Fred rolled his eyes towards Ron.
"Yeah, Mum is sooo thrilled with Divination," he said with his voice lowered. "One of her friends read her tea leaves years ago and she's used tea bags ever since."
"That was back when you and George were still in nappies," Bill said. "She was given some bad news and Mum's just a bit superstitious at times."
"That's an understatement," said George.
"So who's game for letting me give them a reading?" Ron asked.
"Count me out," said Bill. "I deal with enough curses and such at work."
"Don't look at me," said Fred.
"Why don't you two show me that business plan you were telling me about?" Bill asked as Fred and George started up the stairs.
"How about you Charlie? Or are you chicken, too?" Ron said with an edge to his voice.
"Okay, little brother. Go ahead and do your worst," Charlie said ruffling Ron's hair.
"Anyone else?" he asked.
"Sure, why not?" exclaimed Percy.
"All right, I'll do it too," Mr. Weasley sighed.
Mrs. Weasley then bustled back into the room and delivered Ron's tea. Harry stifled a smile when he saw that she had used a tea ball so there would only be a few stray tea leaves at the bottom of the cup.
Ron drank the tea quickly and tried to concentrate. Percy sat down close to Ron and clasped their hands together. Ron's head started to roll a little and his eyes became dilated. He looked at the pan of water that he had placed on the table before him. Ron's brows became furrowed. Harry sat with his quill ready to transcribe everything.
"I see two different visions of you. One where you look very successful in expensive robes and a fancy office, but you are alone. The other vision you are surrounded by family here at the Burrow at Christmas time with kids at your knee and Penelope at your side."
Percy smiled broadly. "The truth will soon be revealed, little brother," he said cryptically. "Who's next?"
Charlie moved forward and grasped his brother's hands. Ron's brow furrowed.
"I see a large ornate sword hanging above your head," Ron said with a chill in his voice.
"Nice try little brother," Charlie said laughing and shaking his head. "But I guess you're just seeing that I work with dragons on a daily basis."
Mr. Weasley then took Charlie's place next to Ron. He looked a bit nervous, but held his hands out. Ron held them for a long time and then spoke quietly.
"You are walking down a long hallway with two doors at the end. Behind one is a hooded figure that you fear. Behind the second door there is a large fire and a spinning wheel of fortune with many names written on it. The wheel is slowly coming to a stop with a snick, snick, snick."
Mr. Weasley grew very pale. He dropped Ron's hands and walked away without saying a word.
Mrs. Weasley came back into the room and was brushing her hands off on her apron.
"Arthur, if you don't mind carving the turkey. Dinner will be served in a few minutes."
Mr. Weasley stood and walked silently into the kitchen.
"Hey Mum, why don't you let Ron give you a reading?" Charlie urged. "It only takes him a few minutes."
"Well, all right," she sighed.
Ron grasped her hands and his face twitched. He shook his head slightly and frowned. "I see a secret door. You are hiding something behind it. The door is opening and there is a large, long box that is locked tight. Your secret will soon be known."
"What do you think you are doing, Ronald Weasley?" she said angrily as she stood up abruptly. "I expected a reading and not to sit here and be insulted by you. How dare you insult your mother! That's it! I will have no more of this nonsense in this house. I don't care how many readings you are asked to do for class, you won't be doing any more of them. Do you hear me? And right before Christmas! The nerve!"
Mrs. Weasley stormed back into the kitchen. Harry and Ron exchanged worried looks. Ron had grown very pale. His mother soon returned and started ushering everyone to wash up and sit down at the table. It was clearly apparent that her mood was not going to be lifted any time soon. It was beginning to pervade the rest of the room.
"Come on and clear this living room and make room for another dining table," she barked. "Oh and someone go tell everyone upstairs to come down here at once."
Mrs. Weasley took her wand and pointed it to the couch and chairs. They shrunk to the size of dollhouse furniture. She then picked them up off the floor and placed them in a shadow box on the wall. She in turn removed a miniature dining table and chairs from the wall hanging and placed them in the centre of the floor. With a wave of her wand they became full sized. Winky quickly placed a tablecloth on the table and hurriedly put the dishes and silverware in their place.
As Hermione walked into the living room she counted the place settings at the two tables. "Wait a minute. There are only place settings for twelve."
Winky was busily bringing food to the tables. Hermione looked at the elf.
"Winky, where are you eating dinner?" she asked.
"In the kitchen, Miss Hermione."
"No you won't. You helped make this dinner and you should enjoy the fruits of your labour by eating with us."
"No, no, Miss. Winky is fine eating in the kitchen. This is a special evening. The Weasleys need to celebrate. They don't need an elf in the way," insisted Winky.
Mrs. Weasley came over and looked at Winky.
"Hermione is right," she snapped. "I didn't realize you hadn't set a place for yourself. You will be joining us at the table or it just wouldn't be Christmas."
Mrs. Weasley then raised her wand and extended one of the two tables. She found another chair and then directed her wand to move the place setting from the kitchen to fly towards the dining room.
Percy and Penelope were standing near the fireplace mantel and whispering to one another. Percy nodded and then loudly cleared his throat.
"Everyone, we have an announcement to make. I was planning on waiting until after dinner, but Penelope has convinced me that we shouldn't wait any longer. We wanted everyone to know that we are engaged to be married!"
Mrs. Weasley instantly broke out in tears and she ran to hug both of them.
"Oh Percy, Penny! I am so happy for you two! Do you have a date set?"
"Not yet, Mrs. Weasley. We're looking at about a year and a half from now. I know that it takes at least a year to get everything planned just right. And I've always wanted a June wedding," Penelope answered.
"Enough with Mrs. Weasley. You shall call me 'Mum' from now on!"
Percy and Penelope were soon surrounded by the rest of the Weasley family hugging them as well as Harry and Hermione who offered their congratulations.
Ron whispered into Harry's ear, "Thank you Percy! Otherwise we'd have had Mum in a foul mood all night."
It only took a few minutes for all the food to be brought to the table and soon everyone was seated awaiting Mr. Weasley's prayer.
"Dear Lord, we want to thank you for all your blessings upon this family. Thank you for the food before us that was prepared by loving hands. Thank you for bringing us all together at this joyous time. We ask that you bless our son Percy and his bride-to-be Penny with a long, happy and fruitful marriage. We also ask that you look over each and every one of our family and our guests to guard them safely in this world. Amen."
"Amen."
"Let's dig in," Fred announced.
Harry was glad to be sitting at 'the kids table.' It was far more pleasurable to sit with Fred, George, Ron, Ginny, Hermione and Winky. Over the noisy clanking of utensils and food being passed he could hear Mrs. Weasley already discussing wedding plans with Penelope. He was glad not to be a part of that discussion. The number of bridesmaids and the colour of taffeta dresses were topics of conversation that he simply couldn't stomach.
After a few minutes Charlie took his knife and clanged on his glass.
"I'd like to propose a toast," he said as he stood. "To my little brother Percy, may he and Penelope make Mum and Dad grandparents many times over. Maybe then Mum will get off Bill's and my back for not finding any girls to marry!"
"I'll drink to that!" said Bill raising his glass.
"Charlie! I don't know about you sometimes," Mrs. Weasley chuckled as she shook her head.
"Cheers," as the room filled with the sound of glasses clinking together.
"Penny, when you were upstairs my little brother Ron did a reading for me. He not only predicted that we'd be married with children, but he saw me in an office alone. Do you know what that means? The only one with a private office is the Minister himself! Someday, I will be the Minister of Magic," Percy said proudly.
Harry looked at Ron whose face darkened.
"That's not exactly what I saw," he muttered under his breath.
"So Percy, has there been any progress in tracking down the Azkaban fugitives?" Bill asked while passing the mashed potatoes.
"No, we've got some agents from MLES working on the case, but frankly I agree with Minister Fudge. I think that all the prisoners are dead. Except of course for Sirius Black who continues to elude us."
Harry exchanged nervous looks with Ron and Hermione.
"I don't understand why The Daily Prophet continues to write about Azkaban," continued Percy. "It's yesterday's news. The dementors just killed some vermin scum. What's the big deal?"
"The Big Deal," replied Mr. Weasley in an even tone, "is that the Dark Lord's most dangerous supporters are now back freely throughout the Wizarding and Muggle worlds. As well as the very real possibility that some of the most dangerous Death Eaters are back at his side plotting a new war against us."
"Dad," said Percy rolling his eyes, "Minister Fudge says that - "
"Edward Percival Weasley!" Mrs. Weasley snapped. "You know very well that you and your father have differing views on this matter. I would appreciate it if my son who has been at the Ministry for a mere year and a half would show a little respect for his father who has been there for over thirty years! I think your father has enough experience to allow himself to have a different opinion from the person who currently holds the office of Minister of Magic. I've lived through many ministers in my life and let me tell you, Cornelius Fudge is NOT GOD!"
After that the only sound to be heard were people chewing and cutting their meat. The rest of the meal was observed in silence. Penelope excused herself before dessert was served, claiming she had promised to help her mother cook that night and needed to get home. Her voice cracked when she spoke and her eyes were filled with tears. Percy made some hasty apologies for her and accompanied her home.
Harry looked at his watch and saw that it was only 7 pm. Another hour to go. Another long hour to be spent in silence. Harry sighed. The dishes had all been brought into the kitchen and were being cleaned by magic. Ron nudged Harry and pointed towards the stairs. They both escaped to the quiet of Ron's bedroom.
"Kill me now!" Ron pleaded as he threw himself backward on his bed. "I swear Harry, I am so sorry you had to see that. I told you that last summer they were arguing every day. But tonight took the cake!"
"Ron, why did your mum call your brother Edward?"
"That's his first name. My dad wanted to name him Edward, but Mum always favoured Percy so that what we've always called him. I've only heard her call him Edward Percival twice before this. So that means she was really angry."
Harry stood at the window and looked outside. He saw the shadow of a large black dog under one of the trees in their side yard. Sirius is here, he thought. That's fitting that he's Professor Figg's partner.
Then voices were heard downstairs. Percy had returned. He and Mr. Weasley were talking in agitated tones. They soon walked upstairs and went into Percy's bedroom.
"Oh, no!" Ron wailed.
"What's wrong?"
"We'll be able to hear everything. They go into Percy's room, but they never put a charm on. They yell and their voices carry up the ventilation system to this room. It's as if they were standing next to you."
Sure enough, Mr. Weasley's voice was soon heard with no difficulty.
"Has anyone approached you regarding joining with You-Know-Who?"
"Dad? Are you nutters? I can't believe you actually think he's risen. Minister Fudge says that -"
"Percy, he has risen and the sooner you grasp that reality the better off you'll be. Everything points to that as the truth and Fudge's denial of the facts doesn't change things."
"There's no evidence of that."
"Do you mean that you don't believe Harry? Do I need to remind you that he saved your sister's life? And that your bride-to-be was almost killed by a basilisk? The one that Harry killed. Or don't you believe Ginny and Ron either?"
Mumble, mumble, mumble.
"Dad, you're hurting the Ministry. I hate to say that, but it's true."
"You don't know the first thing about the Ministry. You think that if you blindly support the current minister that you are helping the Wizarding World at large. Well, I've lived through enough ministers to know that some are better than others and, let me tell you, Fudge is damned incompetent! He is either getting orders directly from You-Know-Who or by Fudge's sheer incompetence he happens to do everything in a manner that would actually assist the Death Eaters."
"You don't know what you're talking about. All you know is about Muggles and their gadgets and -"
"I know a lot more about this than you realize. Keep going on the path you're headed on and your blind ambition will be your downfall. You'll either be an unwitting pawn or they'll seduce you with promises of power. I don't know if you have the Gryffindor courage necessary to reject power if it was offered to you with Death Eater strings attached."
"Dad, there was just a few scattered incidents regarding Muggle baiting by Death Eaters. The Quidditch World Cup had its share -"
"Percy, will you tell me if anyone approaches you? I need to know. I can't protect you if you won't let me help."
"You want to help me Dad? That's rich, because right now I'm trying my best to cover for you at work. I'm busy making excuses for you, so you don't get fired! You don't understand how your opposition to Fudge is -"
"Percy, I hate to say this, but you need to move out. At the first of the year, I want you to start looking for a flat to move into. You cannot stay here any longer. I will not tolerate such insolence from family members. We may disagree on politics, but this isn't simple politics Percy. This is war. You are too young to remember how bad things were before You-Know-Who fell. I am not about to sit idly by and allow that Reign of Terror to come back without actively resisting it. I cannot worry that something I say in my own house might come back to haunt me. Either by my own flesh and blood letting something accidentally slip in front of your boss or worse, if you were to deliberately give him information to help your own career advancement. I worry about you Percy, but right now I have to worry about the safety of all of my children. That's why you must move out."
Harry looked at Ron. His face was bloodless.
"I never thought I'd hear my dad kick Percy out," he whispered.
A dog started barking outside. A few minutes later the doorbell rang. Harry got a bad feeling about this and started downstairs with Ron following him. Professor Figg was at the door.
"I'm sorry, but Harry and Hermione must leave immediately."
"Is there anything outside?" Mrs. Weasley asked nervously.
"Not here, but there has been some Death Eater activity elsewhere tonight. It is not safe for them outside of Hogwarts."
Harry and Hermione grabbed their cloaks, gave their goodbye hugs to everyone and thanked the Weasleys for inviting them and left by Floo powder.
Professor Figg met them inside the back room of the Three Broomsticks and handed them the Invisibility Cloak to hide under. They walked in silence back to the castle leaving Harry and Hermione to quietly contemplate the family milieu that they had just witnessed.
As they approached the portrait hole at Gryffindor tower, Professor Figg announced that she needed to speak with Harry alone. Hermione went in alone and then Harry turned to Professor Figg whose face was deadly serious. She stood close to him and whispered in his ear so that the portraits couldn't hear.
"Harry, it was an attack in Little Whinging."
"The Dursleys? Are they okay?"
"I'm sure they're fine. Joseph had brought his copy of the parchment map he made and some alarms went off. He saw that the Lestranges were trying to penetrate the Zone. He used his Portkey to return and after telling Dumbledore, I will go there to find out what happened. Both Remus and Mundungus were there providing surveillance tonight, but…I don't know what has happened. I'll probably be gone for a few days or so. I might not come back until the holidays are over. It depends on how much damage they did. Try not to worry too much, I'll let you know what happened when I return."
Harry nodded and gave her a quick hug.
"Be careful," he told her.
"Always."
Harry then turned to the portrait, gave the password (Nil desperandum) and entered. Hermione was sitting on the couch in front of a roaring fire with a very worried look on her face.
"Well, that was some dinner, wasn't it?" Hermione asked licking her lips.
"Er, yeah," Harry blinked as he sat down next to her. "I used to really envy Ron. I thought that it was One Big Happy Weasley Family and now I see that…"
"They've got problems, too," Hermione finished. "Harry, it reminded me of going to my grandparents on my dad's side of the family. Except we don't have any yelling. No, Grandmother Granger gives you the ice cold shower approach. Say something out of bounds and you get drenched in an avalanche of her icy sarcasm. I swear that my mum has to take sedatives before we go over there."
Harry stared into the fire.
"I know that your relatives don't treat you very well. You never talk about them, is there anything you want to tell me?" she asked.
"Something tonight reminded me of my aunt and uncle. When Penny started referring to our second year when you were both petrified, Mrs. Weasley interrupted everything. Sort of like my Aunt Petunia whose motto was 'don't ask questions.' I never knew anything about my parents, except for a pack of lies. The Dursleys thought if they denied the truth that somehow it would change things. It didn't. It made things worse."
"So you never knew…"
"No. I never knew I was a wizard until a month before I came to Hogwarts. I was told that my parents died in a car crash. I never knew anything about what happened, until Hagrid told me. You still probably know more about my history than I do," Harry said sadly.
"I'm sorry, Harry," she sighed heavily. "I was wondering. Did Professor Figg say where the Death Eater attack was?"
"In my hometown."
Hermione put her hand over her mouth. "No!"
"I don't know much more. She may have to stay there for a few days to investigate. She is a retired Auror, after all."
She shook her head sadly, "It's times like this that I wish I brought Crookshanks here instead of Athena. He always seemed to comfort me in times of stress."
"How come you didn't bring him this year?" asked Harry.
"You can only bring one pet, remember? And I'm a prefect now, so I really wouldn't want to break any rules and set a bad example."
"You didn't seem too bothered about breaking rules during our second year when you made a forbidden potion," Harry reminded her.
"That was different, it was a matter of life and death," Hermione said defensively. "For me to try and bring two pets would be trying to seek special favours. That wouldn't be looked at highly." Then she gave a tremendous yawn. "I'm beat. I think I'll turn in."
"Tomorrow will be better," he said wishfully.
"I hope so," she replied without confidence in her voice.
**
End notes: Part of the inspiration I had for writing this chapter was the hilarious movie, "Home for the Holidays" directed by Jody Foster. If you've never seen it, rent it! Otherwise more inspiration came from my mother and my mother-in-law. Ooooh, now that's scary.
I'd like to thank the following people for reviewing my last chapter and all their kind words: AnimeFanatic, Batgirl, E.C.R. Potter, kinicky 21, NAPPA, NIGHTSTALKER, and SamanthaMarie. There were several people that were disturbed by the Lilith/Voldemort pairing. That was the reaction I was seeking, because I am trying to see how great of an emotional range I can elicit from my readers. I do have mercy, so I won't be following up on that romantic pairing at all - so breathe easy there.
The interchange between Snape and Harry was actually inspired by an essay written by Porphyria on HPfGU. She had posited that Snape was playing the role of a Satan in Job. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups/files/Essays/job.html I thought it an intriguing idea and wanted to see how that kind of interaction might play itself out between the two if they were to speak their minds freely. I had to dial it down a bit from my first draft because my original instinct was to blow through the boundary where Snape would have had a cerebral aneurysm in response to Harry's tirade.
AnimeFanatic pointed out that there are certain patterns that fanfic writers use when writing a fifth year story. The sequential order of Quidditch games that was mentioned does happen to be the order that I chose. However, I am hoping that the game with Ravenclaw is unlike any other game you've seen written because I tried hard to come up with a different characterization for Cho. I also want everyone to know that Mrs. Norris does play a significant role in this story. That is one of the three Dark Secrets that I will be revealing. I also think that even if you guess some of my plotline with Mrs. Norris, you won't guess it all. That's because I made it deliberately very complicated. Ah, but all in due time.
And as for Harry finding the pier? You'll see that in the next chapter he begins to see Hermione in a whole new light. Until then…