Chapter Text
The first two months at Hogwarts were getting to a close, and it seemed that it’s not really what he was hoping for.
Sure, getting away from Dursleys was a huge relief, not to mention the huge opportunity of getting to learn about magic! But lately, Harry could see more and more flaws in this great dream.
It started with Ron being jealous every single time Harry did something first or better. Then, came Ron’s scathing remarks to other first-years when they were around. It looked more and more that his first friend was just as a big bully as his cousin Dudley. This time, only it seemed that thanks to his fame (at this Harry couldn’t hold the grimace of distaste and sadness), he wasn’t the target of a bully for the first time in his life.
And when we’re talking about fame, the constant nagging and evil-eye of Snape definitely did not help in trying to be better. When finally, no teacher could be unfairly influenced by the unsavoury image of Harry presented by his lovely Aunt, it turns out that just being him is enough for some teachers to plain hate him.
This week, however, to all of this negative events, joined one even more depressing thing. The whole wizarding world was dead-set on celebrating the day his parents died and expected him to be not only alright but join them in joyous celebrations! Not even his supposed best friend cared enough to ask him how is he doing or if he commemorates it somehow – of course he does not, Dursleys haven’t even deigned it important to tell him when did they die! But still, it would be nice to know that he cared to some degree. It seemed that having a friend is not all that he hoped and dreamed of for all of the lonely years in Surrey.
All of that culminated in him blowing off Ron after he made fun of the bushy-hair girl at Charms and deciding on having as much alone time as he could, away from the loud redhead and hopefully the rest of the nosy kids trying to ask him stupid questions, like what he did to survive. How was he even supposed to know that? He was a toddler when he almost died and he didn’t remember anything from that night.
So, that’s how Harry found himself alone, in a corner of the Gryffindor common room, on the night of the Halloween feast. Trying to melt into a background in hopes that everyone will forget about him and allow him to stay far from all the happy celebrations. He was sure that Percy would personally raise hell for him trying to break another one of the Hogwarts rules, but he really wanted some peace.
Suddenly, someone cleared throat just next to a table he was sitting at. Startled, Harry looked and a girl and boy from his year stood nervously biting their lips. Lavender and Neville, if he remembered correctly. They made quite a strange pair, as Harry seemed to remember Lavender to be a rather talkative and brush person, while Neville was a shy and withdrawn individual. Quite like himself, if he could say so.
After a long silence, Harry decided to get the conversation going, so they could get what they needed and he could continue contemplating his disaster of a life.
“Uhm, hey guys, can I help you?”
“Hi Harry. I’m sorry for bothering you, but we were wondering if you would like to join us for the Samhain ritual.” said the boy, visibly fidgeting.
“Oh! Um… Thanks for the invitation, but I don’t really know anything about that ritual. Maybe ask someone else who has some experience in it? Like a prefect?” At their widening of eyes, Harry rushed to try and assure that he didn’t mean to offend them. After all, they were nice enough to invite him to some celebration and not assume, like everyone else, that he’ll just appear where they expect him to be and do what they expect him to do. Maybe even they could become friends, and this way he could distance himself from a bully. “I’m sure it is great and any other day I would love to learn about it and join you, but today is the day my parents died and I would like to spend it remembering them instead.”
He expected to leave him alone, but instead Lavender and Neville exchanged a long look and sat down on the couch across from him. He never saw them so serious and at the same time determined. After a while Lavender spoke up.
“Harry, I’m not sure how much you know about the Wizarding world, but there are few festivals that were introduced and followed for centuries. Nowadays, mostly purebloods follow them, while the rest either are ignorant of it, or decided to give up on it in favour of accommodating to the muggle world and warping our culture to what muggleborns and muggle-raised know from their childhoods. Today, is the day of Samhain celebration. The day, when the veil between this world and afterlife is the thinnest. During a ritual, we offer a bit of our own magic to the Lady Magic by imbuing the runes with it or create blood-powered runes. We do that to show our respect and how we miss those, that passed away and made it possible for us to be where we are.”
“Well, nowadays, the blood element is mostly eliminated because of the Light families view of those rituals as Dark and dangerous” interjected Neville. “Which angered a lot of people. With a use of the blood-powered runes, one was allowed even to have a short conversation through the veil. My grandma rants all the time that Light faction in fear of Dark Lords decided to go to opposite extremes”
“Either way, it’s a way to get in contact with those that passed away and show them we care and we haven’t forgotten about them. And even if it’s just a bit of magic, it allows for the feelings to pass through to the recipients on the other side. Most of our year do not participate in the festivities because they prefer the New Ways like Weasleys, or are muggleborns and if we try telling them about it they run for the hills.” At that the trio simultaneously cringed. Harry understood that learning about magic, and all the aspects it brings with itself, is drastically different in some ways than what muggles teach. He understood the difficulty of switching the mindset, from he was taught to believe from cradle, to what is a truth in this world. For Harry, learning about magic was an escape, a way to be free. But for others, it meant separation from loved ones for long periods of time and being isolated in unknown, and frankly sometimes terrifying world.” There are also students following other festivals, due to their family origins, for example Patils. But we thought, that with how you are from such a prominent family that used to follow the old traditions for so long and probably miss your parents so much, you wouldn’t be so willing to hex us.”
Harry was shocked! Even if he couldn’t talk to his parents right now, there was a hope for the future! After a beat, with a moist eyes, Harry jumped and hugged them both. He wasn’t really experienced in that field, but he hoped that it passed as good enough. It was the least he could do to show them how grateful he was for them allowing him to participate in such an important for him event.
“Thank you so much! I would love to join you in that celebration!” he exclaimed.
At that, both Gryffindors relaxed and let out a short laugh each, hugging the raven-haired boy back.
“It’s nothing Harry. We’re glad that you want to join us.” said Lavender.
After a while, the trio separated and Harry impatiently asked them about the details. At that, Neville took over the conversation.
“An hour before the feast we’re going to meet up at the entrance to the common room, and then walk to the abandoned classroom that is reserved for our year-mates to conduct the ritual. We’re too young for the runes, so the older years will provide us with them, all you need to do is bring your wand.”
“And it would be great if you could wear the dress robes. After all it’s one of the most sombre celebrations. Neville can help you out with getting ready, right?” asked Lavender.
“Yeah, sure, that won’t be a problem” answered with a shy grin Neville.
“Great! Then that would be all. Just one quick word of caution. The ritual is done as we said by years, so we will be joined by several other students from every house.” At Lavenders intense gaze Harry finally caught up with the meaning.
“You mean there will be Slytherins present.” said flatly Harry.
“Not only Slytherins, but Malfoy with his friends. They’re purebloods and their families follow the Old way” answered Neville. Seeing the uncertainty at the Harry’s face he continued “But as we said, that’s a very sombre celebration and they respect the traditions too much to give you or anyone else grief when you join us. So don’t worry about them, they shouldn’t be a reason you give up on showing respect to your ancestors.”
After mulling over Neville’s words he had to agree.
“Okay, if he behaves than I won’t be bothered. After all, it’s mostly Ron who picks up fights with them. I just want peace.”
At that Lavender smiled broadly and stood up.
“Great! Than all is settled. I’ll see you boys later, I have quite a bit to do in order to get ready!“ she said and cheerfully bounced up to the girls dormitory.
Harry met Neville’s eyes and they both simultaneously rolled eyes.
“Well, let’s better start getting ready as well Neville. I’m so excited, that I don’t think I can sit still right now.”
At Neville’s nod, the duo with broad smiles, stood up from the corner and started upstairs.
It seemed that Harry’s time at Hogwarts may improve in the near future. And Harry hoped that it was not only the beginning of the new tradition for him, but also possible start to new and exciting friendships.
Walking to dormitory Harry made decision to ask Lavender and Neville later on other traditions of Wizarding world. Even after two months of living in it, he had little knowledge of it and it was high time he rectified that.
The gathering turned out to be at the same time everything he hoped for, and nothing he expected it to be. The group turned out to be mostly built up by Slytherins, just as he was warned beforehand. There was Malfoy ponce, flanked by his gorillas, Crabbe and Goyle, with Parkinson simpering right next to the blonde. Harry decided immediately to stir clear from them.
However, what intrigued him most, was the other half of the snake-group, that stood far away from them to indicate that they are not associating with them, but still showing reasonably united front with others wearing silver and green of house of snakes.
Two girls and two boys. He had to fish for a bit in his memory to match faces with names.
Nott and Davis were polar opposites when it comes to their personalities, one serious and contemplative, while the other loud and ready to talk your ear off about latest topic that took her interest, with Greengrass and Zabini being somewhere in the middle, keeping to themselves, while ready to throw in a quip at the most unexpected moment and turn the current speaker into blabbering mess, when they can’t refute.
It was clear that there is no way to understand or get a feel of who Nott is at the time and Davis’s mask was being laud. However, Harry couldn’t help but feel drawn into examining the other duo, and trying to read what is behind the masks they put for the public. He wasn’t sure why, but something inside him was telling him to look closely in their direction.
He seemed to remember the dark-skinned boy standing near him at the sorting. He seemed distant and cold at that time as well, but now, when he could take time to examine him, he could see small cracks in the façade. There was definitely something about him that was screaming at Harry to get closer and investigate him more. He made silent decision to look more closely at the boy from now on, for as long as it wouldn’t be called stalking. After all, solving a good mystery always made Harry feel alive and come out of shell.
It was necessary for Harry to understand small ques in people’s behaviour to omit any further bad treatment from his carers. And with time, he learnt to use that skill to separate strangers into dangerous or neutral category. Greengrass was almost as intriguing as Zabini, however, Harry still had very small experience in interacting and conversing with girls. So far he could see that she was distant to any boy and ready to even threaten any who dares to look wrong way at her. She had the air of someone who knows they’re better and can easily prove it.
As big a part of a group was made up out of Slytherins, it was just it, a part. Harry saw MacDougal, Boot and Brocklehurst from Ravenclaw, Bones and Jones from Hufflepuff. At the Gryffindors arrival, all of the occupants raised eyebrows. It was apparent that no one expected him there, but after Susan and Megan rushed to them to greet them jovially and his cordial response, the gathering started back on with the conversations.
After a short conversation with Hufflepuff girls, Harry decided to be brave, just as his house demands to be, and approached less hostile group of Slytherins. After all, he was supposed to join them for a ritual, as innocent as it will be, but it would be nice to have some kind of rapport with those that openly don’t detest him, hem hem Malfoy. So that’s how he found himself in a circle with Davis, Greengrass, Zabini and Nott.
“Hello Potter!” said Davis, the only one ready to break the ice “I must say, it was a great surprise to see you walk in and join us. Pleasant surprise, but surprise nonetheless.”
“Yeah, well, when Lavender and Neville approached me with an invitation I was a bit apprehensive, I admit. But spending time with the blonde ponce and his entourage is a small price to pay in order to show respect to my family. Finding out that it is even possible brought me hope to connect with them at least at some level, no matter how illusive or border-illegal it might seem to others.”
At the surprised looks on Greengrasses and Zabinis faces he felt a bit smug. So they weren’t that unflappable, he thought.
“Wait, so you didn’t know about any of this before today?” asked perplexed Zabini.
“Well, no. I was raised by my Aunt and Uncle, and they’re Muggles, so I had no idea about anything ‘wizardy’ until I got the letter from Hogwarts.” At that he received four set of incredulous looks. Undeterred, he ploughed on. “And ever since I’m trying to play catch up, but it’s infinitely hard, when those that are willing to answer all my questions don’t care about such things, or don’t understand them enough, or are like Malfoy and prefer to insult instead of providing chance to understanding of culture.”
He stopped himself before going into a full rambling mode. It wasn’t their fault that he had those kind of problems, so it wasn’t fair to take it out on them. However, it seemed that they didn’t take offence, and instead Davis with determination in eyes started recounting all four Gaelic festivals that modern, devoted wizards and witches still followed: Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane and Lughnasa.
“Of course, we cannot forget about the most important Yule celebrations, which Muggles turned into Christmas.” Finished off Greengrass. “And as it is, this year my family is hosting the Yule ball. If you are interested and committed to learning about the Old Ways, my family would be honoured if you participated in thecelebrations at our manor. I can ask my father to extend an invitation to you.”
“Thank you! That would be amazing. But I’m planning on staying for the holidays at the castle, so I’m not sure if I could make it though.”
“Don’t worry” at that Zabini came with the answer. “You can always ask your Head of House to lend you access to floo network and that way you can easily join us for the celebration.”
Harry had no idea what floo network was, but he still had some time to figure it out, and he didn’t want to come across as complete dunderhead.
“Well, in that case I would love to accept the invitation and cannot wait for when it arrives.”
He tried to keep the excitement bottled up, just like his companions, but soon enough he gave up and full on smiled at the rest. He felt like his cheeks were going to burst, due to how much he was smiling recently. In turn he received small and polite smiles from Greengrass and Zabini, making them look more like the kids they all were. He could see that despite the cold exterior and air of superiority, they had kind hearts. However, they showed them only to those who they deem worthy of their time and effort. He hoped that in time he’ll prove to them that their faith put in him wasn’t misplaced. It looked like despite his first impressions, Slytherins weren’t all that bad.
They chatted a bit longer, and Harry found out that Zabini has origins on his father side in Italy and still frequently goes there to visit family. He fluently speaks Italian, French and obviously English, as well as loves Charms. He has also an interest in artefacts and more obscure magics due to his mother’s interest in that fields. Greengrass is the older sister and her family is huge investors in potions-related merchandise, and hence one of the best in that subject. Davis is the only half-blood in the room excepting him. Her place in this gathering was ensured by close relation and partnership between fathers of two girls. She enjoys Astronomy, but thanks to her father’s business is quite well accustomed with dealing with magical creatures and herbs.. Nott was the only one of the bunch to still be decidedly withdrawn and spent most of the time watching and contemplating Harry. He didn’t offer any information on his family or interests. In turn, Harry shared a bit about his upbringing (mostly that he attended primary school and quite enjoys playing soccer – here came quite a long explanation of the sport with a bit of help from Davis) and his interest in DADA.
“Well, in that case I would advise you to make use of the library. Our defence professor may have some knowledge, but he’s not really useful for anyone looking for deeper and more advanced knowledge. ” Said dark-skinned boy. “Usually, everyday an hour between dinner and two afterwards, all four of us spend time in library studying and doing homework. We help each other’s out with the subjects we’re better at. You could bring Longbottom and Brown if you like.”
Zabini didn’t have to mention Ron for Harry to understand that the invitation was clearly meant only for those listed and any other will be shunned along with person that brought them. Harry cringed a bit at the thought of how he’s going to have to dodge or slip from redhead, but invitation from this group seemed too good for him to pass on. They could probably shed more light on the Wizarding world for him and at the same time help him out with coursework that recently started to pile up on him and overwhelm him due to need to cater to Ron’s need of attention.
“I would like that very much, thank you. I’ll talk with Neville and Lavender later.”
At that it seemed that the time for ritual came to be. An older student from Ravenclaw, as identified by her tie, came into the room and started handing out small parchments with Runes for each person. Harry wasn’t sure how she knew to bring one for him, but after handing everyone their piece, he noticed that she still had few left.
Everyone gathered around a small fireplace which was lit by the Claw before she left, probably to her own ritual partners. They formed a semicircle, with Malfoy on one end and Harry, next to Neville on the other.
“May Lady Magic bless us on this holy night,” Malfoy started out the ritual. His tone was soft, while he poured a bit of his magic through his hands into a parchment he was holding. “May she warm us with her firelight.”
Then, each student, one by one followed him in actions. Harry could feel ambient magic gathering around the group and revelled in feeling of peacefulness. Then came time for him to start the closing part of the ritual, just like Neville told him when they were preparing in Gryffindor dormitory.
“May Lady Magic bless us on this holy night. May she warm us with her firelight.” Harry repeated after everyone, then he infused the paper with all his yearning and love for his parents and thrown it into a roaring fire beginning the last stage of the ritual’s blessing. “May our fire call the dead to us from beyond the veil. May our loved ones come forth to hear our last year’s tale. May they hear about our love and respect. May they hear how we honour those that came before us and let us be where we are.”
After Harry, each gathered first-year one by one thrown their parchments into the fireplace. When Malfoy’s paper touched the flame all offerings suddenly incinerated and a calming and powerful wave of magic rushed out of the fire and engulfed everyone. Harry wasn’t sure how it was for others, but he felt it like a kiss from a mother at his cheek and bone-crushing hug from his dad. Two things he never experienced, or not remembered at least, but which at that time felt like they were his constant companion. The love filled his whole body and for the first time in long time the scar stopped bothering him.
With misty eyes he looked around to see that Malfoy’s group was already on their way out the door, and only him, Susan and Zabini were still standing close to fireplace, with faraway looks. He remembered that Susan lost her parents when she was a baby, and the Italian haven’t mentioned only mother during their talk. That’s when it clicked for him, probably only those three out of the group lost someone really close to them, while the rest participated only out of sense of obligation or to pay respect to further family.
On impulse he came closer to the two and for the second time in his life initiated a hug. Susan went willingly and gripped him tightly melting into him, while the other boy stiffly stood in arms of the other two. Harry was about to let him go and apologize, when he suddenly felt a squeeze on shoulder and looking up, he saw Zabini giving him a grateful nod and wobbly smile. And even though it was faint, it was the first time he saw a real smile on the boy’s face. A smile that took away Harry’s breath away, as it was filled with pain, longing and understanding only one who lost a parent could feel.
That was when he found companionship he was looking for ever since he could remember. He finally found someone to share grief and sadness that comes with loss of a parent, along with understanding and peacefulness. He knew that if any of that trio will ever have a need to be with someone who understand, they will be there for each other.
When they separated only Nott, Jones, Lavender and Neville were still in the room. The trio exchanged one small smile, full of silent promise, before re-joining their respective housemates and left for the Great Hall. After what he just experienced, Harry decided that it may be okay to join the rest of the castle for a feast. He wasn’t going to go there to celebrate, but just to spend time with his new friends and that was definitely something that his parents would approve of.
They were just passing a bathroom, when they heard a roar and a crash. Startled, the seven student decided to investigate.
Being closest to the source, Harry found himself opening a door behind which, a huge troll was demolishing bathroom stools.
He knew that his life was getting too good!