Chapter 28
It was Halloween and Harry just couldn’t find the motivation to do anything but quidditch.
Their first match of the season was in less than a weeks time but all their captain Marcus Flint was focussing on was his Halloween costume.
“Dementors are proper scary, my uncle told me about his time in Azkaban-“ Flint was saying at breakfast. He was dressed in a black cloak that whenever he put the hood on, it cast a dark shadow over his face.
“You can’t possibly wear that all day, mate?” said Adrian Pucey.
“Watch me.”
Pansy skipped into the seat between Harry and Blaise with the other girls sitting in the seats on the other side. “Have you boys got anything planned for this evenings party?” She asked.
“Nope.” Draco replied with a mouthful of cereal.
Pansy rolled her eyes. “Well you should think of something. The sixth years have been planning the party for weeks and I heard one of them say Professor Riddle is gonna be there.”
“Riddle’s gonna be there? That changes everything.” Blaise gasped sarcastically.
Pansy hit his arm hard. “What I’m saying is we should all put on our biggest efforts, we don’t want Professor Riddle to think we’re boring.”
“Then what are you doing?” Harry asked.
“I’m going to be Cleopatra, queen of Egypt.” Pansy said proudly. “I’ve already got the hair for it and mother bought me all the fabric to make the costume which I’ve been perfecting.”
“She’s been keeping us awake with her sewing for weeks now. Weeks.” Millicent screeched.
Crabbe patted her shoulder soothingly.
“You know she married both her brothers or something gross like that.” Draco smirked.
“Not anything new, especially with your family.” Pansy replied sassily.
“She got you there, Malfoy.” Goyle hooted.
Draco scowled. “Well at least my parents aren’t related in any way besides marriage.”
“That’s a first.” Blaise got out between his laughs. Everyone laughed at that.
“Incest should not be this funny.” Tracey giggled to Harry.
Harry almost spat out his orange juice.
That was when the mail arrived. Hedwig came flying in and landed gently on Harrys shoulder, placing the two letters in his outstretched hand. Harry thanked his owl with some oatmeal and petted her head, as usual, Hedwig nuzzled into his cheek like she was returning the favour.
“From your admirers?” Tracey teased.
“From my parents.” Harry corrected.
As he suspected, the letter was to make sure Harry was alright. Halloween was such a painful time for the Potters and it was always reassuring to be reminded they were all alive and nothing bad will happen.
His mother and father wrote they loved him always and forever and Harry couldn’t help feeling emotional.
“You alright, Potter?” Draco asked quietly.
“Ye-yeah, all good.” nodded Harry, blinking quickly so the tears disappeared.
Draco still looked concerned. “I’m sure the professors will understand if you don’t feel like going to classes today.”
“I’m fine Malfoy, no need to worry.” Harry reassured him, patting his shoulder.
“I’ll trust you know if the day gets too hard.”
“Of course.”
Harry opened the other letter to see it was from Remus. He looked at the staff table hoping to catch his godfathers eye but the man was talking animatedly to Professor Flitwick.
Harry,
I was going to send you a letter to ask to come to my office after classes anyway but Padfoot wanted to send his and my letter together.
Lots of love through the day, please talk to me after classes
Love, Moony
Also noticing the second letter slipped behind Remus’s, Harry grins at his godfathers familiar swirly cursive handwriting.
Dearest Bambi,
Happy Halloween! Dress up in stupid costumes and try not to drink to much Firewiskey (maybe you have your dear dads aversion to hangover’s and don’t get that horrible nauseating feeling normal people get, if that’s the case, I’m jealous).
I made the decision to send you my two way mirror so you can talk to your father, I know he and your mother sent you a letter but it’s nice for your parents to see your face on Halloween - you know why.
Anyway! Enjoy your day and know that Moony and I adore you to pieces
Love - Padfoot Xx
P.S. Look after my Moony for me, you know how he gets
Harry took our the mirror and giggled at the blackness on the other side, it must be in his fathers coat.
For the rest of the day, students were getting dress coded for wearing Halloween costumes. Fred and George Weasley were walking around as Professors McGonagall and Dumbledore with the cockiest smile Harry had ever seen. Their costumes were very exact, Fred was wearing the same robe and large hat McGonagall has on everyday; George had charmed a long white beard and hair with the same purple robes as Dumbledore. When they came into breakfast, no one gave them detention. Dumbledore was even laughing.
Harry was walking down the hall with his friends when Fred and George graced him with their presence.
“Mr Potter, is that an untucked shirt I see?” Fred gasped, his voice turning higher pitched as he tried to mimic McGonagall.
“Detention for 3 years is a suitable punishment, I believe.” George said seriously, shaking his head lightly. His voice was a forced rasp and he stroked his fake white beard.
Fred nodded as well. “Agreed, Albus dearest, agreed.”
“And 600 points from Slytherin.” George decreed.
“Perfect, Albus darling, just perfect.”
“I think banning Potter from quidditch will be required as well, don’t you think Honeysuckle?”
“Couldn’t agree more, Baby cakes.”
They looked at Harry with feigned disappointment, shaking their heads solemnly like Mrs Weasley used to do when her children were being chaotic.
“Now that we’ve made our students lives miserable, shall we pumpkin cheeks…” Fred winked.
“I think we shall, marshmallow crumble darling.” Georgie winked back.
The twins then ran off, linking their elbows and loudly entering a well known broom cupboard couples are known to make out in. Once the door shut, Fred and George made loud moaning noises with the occasional ‘Oh Albus!’ and ‘Right there, McGonagall!’
Harry laughed loudly with his friends except for Tracey.
“I’m positive Dumbledore’s gay.” She said as they sat down for lunch.
“Not every eccentric person is gay, Tracey.” Pansy rolled her eyes.
“It’s not that.” Tracey scowled. “Haven’t you heard the stories about him and Gellert Grindlewald?”
“Are you imposing that the lightest wizard to ever live was in love with the darkest one?” Draco snorted. “That is so cliche.”
“Enemies to lovers?” Goyle teased.
“Dumbledore was definitely the bottom.” Crabbe wheezed.
“Oh gross, he’s an old wrinkled man, I don’t want to imagine it.” Harry cringed.
“He wasn’t so ugly when he was younger though.” Pansy smirked.
“Still attracted to everything that moves, I see.” teased Draco.
Pansy stopped smiling and she glared at the blond, she took one last bite of her sandwich then stood up. “You must be dead then.”
Draco scowled. “You’re proof that every women is a bitch.”
“What breed is your mother then!” Pansy fought back with a winning grin.
“Oh damn.” Goyle laughed.
Draco was shook and watched with a tight frown as the three girls left the Great Hall. Harry had Divination with Pansy and Tracey next period and was prepared for all the questions they’d ask about Draco’s reaction.
“She’s still angry.” Blaise stated the obvious.
“No shit, Zabini.”
Harry patted his friends shoulder lightly. “If it makes you feel better she’s still petitioning for Hagrid to be sacked.”
Draco put his chin on his hand and sighed.
The rest of the day was uneventful. Even Divination was boring as Professor Trelawney got the students to do card readings. Neville Longbottom burnt one of his cards on the candle flame in the middle of his round table, then dropped it on the table cloth and made a burnt mark on the fabric. The dumb boy was panicking so much he forgot he was a wizard with a wand and the ability to fix problems like that. Professor Trelawney told Neville she had predicted it and got out her wand to charm it better.
The Halloween party wasn’t until after the Halloween Feast and the Halloween Feast wasn’t until 7 ‘o’ clock so the third year Slytherins had a lot of time to waste. Classes had finished at 4 and Professor Trelawney was telling the class that giving homework on the last night of October was a bad omen so they didn’t get any!
Harry remembered he had to see Remus and told the girls to go back to the common room without him.
“Slytherins don’t walk around alone, remember?” Tracey tutted. “We’ll wait for you out the front.”
Harry smiled gratefully and they walked to Remus’s office. He waved to his friends and opened the creaky door. The sunlight warmed the office up wonderfully and Harry wondered how Remus managed to get the best office in the castle, or maybe it is charmed that way since Remus gets really stiff when it’s cold.
His godfather was sitting on the worn couch in the middle of the room and smiled when he say Harry.
“I was wondering if you were coming or not.” said Remus, gesturing to the seat beside him.
“I would never miss seeing my favourite teacher.” Harry joked.
“My thoughts exactly.”
They sat in comfortable silence and Harry placed his head on Remus’s lap so the older man could play with his wild hair. Harry closed his eyes and hummed happily when he heard the soft melody of Ziggy Stardust on the record player.
“How are you today, Moony?”
Remus chuckled. “Shouldn’t I be asking you that?”
“Padfoot told me to look after you so I’m just following orders.” Harry grinned.
“Oh Sirius,” Remus clicked his tongue but looked very fond, “he’s coming to see me after the feast so you shouldn’t worry about me. It’s you I’m worried about.”
Harry rolled his eyes. “I already told Draco he needn’t worry about me, I’m doing okay.”
“For real?” Remus asked like a parent.
“For real.”
“Did you get the two way mirror Padfoot sent you?” asked Remus after a while.
“Sure did! It’s in my pocket but I haven’t really had the time to talk to dad yet.”
“Want to do it now? Get it out of the way so you can enjoy the Halloween Feast.” Remus suggested.
Harry nodded happily and got out the mirror. I sat up so both him and Remus were in the reflection and he started calling for his dad.
The face that looks strikingly like his own entered the other side and Harrys grin widened to match his father’s.
“Harry! Moony! I didn’t except to see you two today.” His dad said excitedly like a child. “Lily! Harry and Moony are on the mirror!” He yelled to his wife.
“Sirius sent it to me this morning, he said you’d like to talk to me which is funny ‘cause I want to talk to you.” Harry explained.
“We always love to see you, baby.” His dad cooed.
Harrys mother came into the mirror and waved happily. “My two favourite boys, how are you?”
“After everything we’ve been through.” Harry heard his dad gasp.
“I knew she loved me more than you, Prongs.” Remus teased.
“Always.” His mum winked at her best friend.
“They were having an affair all along, Harry.” His dad whispered loudly through the mirror.
“I knew it.” Harry played along in the same whispering tone.
“You’re our love child, Harry, your mother and I didn’t want to tell you till you were older but-“ Remus told him seriously, shaking his head.
“I knew those cheekbones didn’t come from me.” His dad sighed.
Harry giggled, not able to play along, and stroked his cheekbones, feeling pleased.
“How are you going, darling?” His mother asked, turning from playful too concerned.
“I promise I’m okay, mum, my friends have been looking after me all day.”
“Okay good, I knew I shouldn’t be as worried as I am.”
His dad put an arm around his mums shoulders and kissed her temple.
“You’ll be okay, mum?” Harry asked, not wanting his mother to be upset.
“Of course I will, you’re the strongest person I know, love.”
Harry smiled at the praise and blew a kiss through the mirror.
“We should leave you to get ready for the feast, have you and your friends got a costume planned?” His dad asked.
“No, the first quidditch game of the season is in less than a week so I’ve been too busy focusing on that.”
His dad clapped his hands. “I’m so excited for it, your aunt Marly went out and bought us all Slytherins scarfs and beanies to wear.”
“You’re wearing Slytherin colours?” Remus joked dumbfounded.
“For my brilliant son, of course.” said his dad.
“Good, the game is against Gryffindor and I’d’ve been very upset if you didn’t go for me.” Harry grinned.
“Maybe we should make signs-“ His mum teased.
Harry's eyes widened. “No! Alright, we’re leaving.”
“Could Sirius buy us dancing snake fireworks or-“
“Bye mum and dad, love you.” Harry called, wanting to make them shut up.
Remus took the mirror out of Harrys hands and held it above his head. “I’ll get the Weasley twins to buy us something.” He told Harry's parents.
“No!” Harry screeched, jumping up to try and get the mirror.
“The girls and I could buy those American cheerleading dresses.” He heard his mum say.
“We should go before Harry uses accidental magic.” Remus grinned, watching his godson jump uselessly.
They said their goodbyes and after a long goodbye hug from Moony, Harry left the office and grinned at the two girls sitting outside the door.
On their way to the common room Pansy linked arms with Harry and Tracey and talked about costumes.
“I don’t know why you two haven’t been planning yours, I mean, you’ve had months to prepare.”
“Maybe we just don’t care.” Tracey smiled.
“Or maybe you’re just lazy.” Pansy whacked them both over the head.
“Can’t we just go to the party without being harassed?” Harry whined.
Pansy grinned evilly. “You haven’t read the invite on the notice board I see. The sixth years have said that the party is costume only, meaning you can’t enter without a costume.”
“It didn’t say that when I read it!” Tracey gasped.
“Look again, maybe you need to get new glasses prescriptions.” said Pansy with a flick on both her friends glasses.
“Bullying blind people is unethical, Parkinson.” Harry threatened.
Pansy shrugged. “Doesn’t mean I’ll stop.”
Tracey and Harry read the invite on the notice board and both sighed. Pansy was right and they had nothing prepared.
They had nothing prepared. Pansy did though.
Seven shivering Slytherins stood in the boys dorms as Pansy walked in with her arms full of colourful fabric. Harry and Blaise shared a scared looked and they all flinched when Pansy dumped the pile on one of the beds.
“Okay, who first?” She breathed, hands on her hips.
Everything took a step back.
“How can you all be so ungrateful when I’ve taken the time and money to make you all lovely costumes? I knew none of you would do anything to prepare so you should be thanking me.” She scolded.
“Thanks, Pansy.” Harry muttered.
“Perfect, Harry! You first.”
She rummaged through the pile and pulled out a black latex bodysuit.
“Fuck no.” Harry laughed when she held it up with a black fluffy tail and ears.
“You’ll be a kitty cat! Like what Draco used to call you whenever you did anything cattish.”
Harry would usually fight harder to save his reputation but she looked so happy and Harry usually found distractions made this painful night less traumatic. With an encouraging smile, he took the costume and went into the bathroom.
He took off his uniform and slid the stretchy material over his legs, up his torso and into his arms. It covered his whole body except for a little bit of his neck and his face. Harry put the ears on and held the tail in confusion, there was nothing to stick it on. In the mirror he saw that his body actually looked really good in the body suit and made him look skinnier than he thought he was. Harry had always been very thin, even after his dads five course curry meals, his body was still a stick.
“Pansy, I’m not so sure how to get the tail on.” He asked as he came out.
Pansy stood from her seat on his bed and clapped with a squeal of excitement.
“Oh Harry, you look wonderful!” She praised. “The black makes your eyes look so much greener!”
“Um…thanks.” Harry stuttered.
“The tail stays on with the sticking charm we learnt in Charms the other week.” Pansy told him, charming his tail bone and sticking the fluffy tail to it. Harry wiggled his hips lightly and laughed as the tail moved with them.
“That’s so cool, Pansy, thanks for this.”
Pansy blushed lightly.
“Did you only make Harry a cat because your Cleopatra and Egyptians are obsessed with cats?” Tracy asked.
“I didn’t think of that actually."
“Please don’t.” Harry laughed awkwardly.
His friends seemed impressed with the costume. Blaise nodded approvingly and Crabbe and Goyle laughed about how they should try it on and see how well it fits. Draco couldn’t seem to meet his eyes but Harry was sure it was because he was nervous for his own costume.
Pansy handed out the rest of the costumes and they each took their turn in the bathroom to change. When it was Millicent’s turn, Blaise pushed Crabbe into the door as well and they all snickered when both Millicent and Crabbe screamed.
“Oh Harry, I almost forgot,” said Pansy in surprise, she pulled out an emerald green collar that had fallen under the bed. “I made this for your costume too!”
Harry almost died right there and then.
“Oh hell no.”
“Come on Hazza, it has a little bell as well.” Blaise grinned, jiggling the collar so the bell ringed.
Harry remembered the time he went into Remus and Sirius’s bedroom and saw their collection of collars and leashes. He was too young at the time but he was sure they were all for Padfoot when Remus took the animangus form of his boyfriend for walks. When he took one out and put it around his neck to show his godfathers, they did not react the way little Harry thought they would. Looking back, the leashes and collars should not have been in a place a toddler could reach.
“Isn’t this enough?” Harry gestured to the rest of his body, a blush raising.
Pansy shook her head. “Put the collar on or I’ll force it on.”
Crabbe and Goyle took both his arms and held him still while Pansy advanced on him with an evil smile. Harry squirmed and begged Draco and Tracey to save him but they were silently laughing so hard both had to clutch their stomachs.
Pansy put the collar on with a pleased nod. Harry was so embarrassed he refused to look in the mirror.
Everyone quickly finished putting their costumes on and finalising make up. Harry watched in envy as Pansy did Draco’s makeup to match his dragon costume, it looked so much better than his stupid cat one.
Crabbe being Dracula, and Goyle being Frankenstein reminded them it was time to go to the Halloween feast. The group left together and shared pleasing smiles when the students in the common room praised their costumes.
A lot more students were dressed up in the Great Hall and Harry saw Dumbledore talking to Fred and George with an amused expression, the twins were both still dressed in their Dumbledore and McGonagall costumes. Ron Weasley had put a gnomes hat on and that was as far as he went. Hermione stood from her seat when she saw Harry and ran to greet him. She was an angel with a flowing white dress, feathered white wings and a glowing feathered halo above her head.
“Harry you look incredible.” She told him with a hug.
“Not as great as you.”
Hermione smiled kindly and flushed lightly. “You doing okay today?”
Harry shrugged. “Oh yeah, the costumes have been a good distraction and my friends have been keeping a close eye on me.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” Hermione ruffled his hair. “I know today’s hard for you and your family.”
Harry shrugged bashfully again.
“Let me know if you need anything.”
They sat at their table and Harry ignored the wolf whistles the older years gave when he passed. Dumbledore said a quick speech of “Happy Halloween, eat up or the spiders will!” and Harry cackled as Ron visibly flinched.
The food was as amazing as it smelt and Harry was worried his stomach would bloat in his very tight costume. He decided he’d worry about the consequences to his actions later and stuffed his face full.
On their way back to the common room, all full and satisfied, Blaise was talking about how awesome the ornamental pieces were when Harry felt a little tap on his shoulder. Astoria Greengrass grinned a pretty smile as she gestured for Pansy to shuffle sideways so she could walk next to Harry.
“Hi, Harry.”
“Hey, Astoria, it feels like we haven’t spoken all month.”
The first year giggled loudly, too loudly for the unfunny comment Harry made, and placed her hand on his shoulder.
“It has been a while.”
“I like your costume.” Harry decided to say. Astoria was in a mermaid costume, the green and blue tail was splayed out behind her so she could walk comfortably with legs. Her top was plain cotton with two green sea shells sewn into it.
“Thanks! Yours is even better.”
The common room was decorated immaculately when everyone entered. They all “ooo’ed” and “aaa’ed” and some even shrieked at the fake skeletons that dangled from the roof. The sixth years had outdone themselves.
The party started immediately and Draco offered to get Harry some punch from the food and drink table. Harry walked around, awkwardly swinging his arms so it looked like he was doing something. Professor Riddle was talking to a very intrigued boy and Harry stopped still to look at the professor. His costume was also a black cat that looked exactly like Harrys.
“What a coincidence that Riddle made the same costume as I did.” Pansy giggled from behind him. “He kind of wears it better, sorry Potter.”
“You’re only saying he wears it better because he has muscles and I’m a stick.” Harry grumbled.
“Your words not mine.”
The professor somehow made eye contact with Harry through the crowded room and subtly gestured for him to come over. Harry got the hint and walked to him shyly.
“Nice costume, Mr Potter.” Riddle smirked.
“Nice costume, Professor.” Harry replied.
The older man leaned close to Harry’s ear, so close that Harry’s scar throbbed. “I think you win between you and I, I forgot to put a bell on my collar.” To emphasise, he flicked Harry’s bell and the two males laughed privately as it ringed.
“I wanted to talk to you actually, Mr Potter.” Riddle said as he pulled away. “About a matter our Headmaster Dumbledore probably won’t approve-“
“Harry, there you are!” Draco called. Harry whipped around to see his best friend at his shoulder with a scowl.
“What’s the matter?” Harry frowned.
“Millicent’s drunk, the silly girl chugged before she could swallow.”
“Oh dear, I have potions that can assist, let me grab them-“
“It’s alright Professor.” Draco interrupted. He took Harrys elbow and led him through the maze of dancing students.
In a secluded corner, Draco let go and leaned against the wall.
“Where’s Millicent?” Harry looked around.
“It was a lie, Potter. Goodness, are you that daft?” Draco spat.
“I was concerned for my friend.” Harry sat back. “Why’d you lie anyway?”
“To help you.” said Draco like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
“Help me? From what?”
“From Riddle.” Draco yelled.
“What’s wrong with Riddle?” Harry yelled back.
Draco rolled his eyes and talked to Harry like he was an idiot with his hands on his shoulders. “Because he was looking at you like he wanted to do things that a grown man shouldn’t do to a thirteen year old.”
“What?” Harry gasped. "Our conversation wasn't even that long."
Draco’s jaw tightened and so did his grip on Harry’s shoulders. “I don’t trust him.”
“He was just being nice.” Harry muttered. He knew he was oblivious most of the time but it was absolutely disgusting to talk about what Draco was referring too.
“What did he say to you before I interrupted?”
“He was saying that he wanted to talk to me about something Dumbledore won’t approve of.”
Draco raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, that certainly doesn’t sound like something a pedophile would say.”
“I really don’t think-“
“Oh don’t be naive, Potter.” Draco scolded. “You look amazing this year and the wrong type of person has noticed, get your head out of your arse and stop acting like those type of people don’t exist.”
“It didn’t even occur to me.” Harry whispered, feeling very foolish.
Draco looked sympathetic and wrapped Harry into a hug. Harry sniffled and put his arms comfortably around Draco’s waist.
“Thanks for looking out for me.” Harry whispered into his friends shoulder.
“Anytime.”
Meanwhile, Millicent was dancing the night away with Crabbe in a headlock as she drank a caverns worth of firewhiskey.