Chapter 36 A Magical Christmas and Mystic New Year Part 2

Jul 23, 2006 22:15

“Ok Harry what is this really about?” Lupin asked as soon as Harry was done.

“What do you mean?” Harry replied.

“Doesn’t take an Auror, to figure that your up to something” Tonks said smiling.

“And that whatever it is, you don’t want your friends, and least of all Rose finding out about it” Lupin finished.

Harry smiled, “Well you are right, in a way, there is not time to explain though. Mooney take your shirt off” Harry ordered.

“Why?” Lupin asked surprised by the request.

“Just do it, we don’t have much time” Harry ordered.

Lupin did so, trusting in Harry.

“Ok Harry what now” Lupin asked impatiently.

“Axel give me the knowledge I need” Harry said looking at his Professor.

“Normally I would let you discover it on your own, but just this one time. I will give you what you want. Just remember Harry, you might not always have me around, you will have to learn this stuff all on your own” Axel replied as he telepathically sent Harry the knowledge he required.

“Harry what is this about?” Tonks asked again.

Harry didn’t answer, he quickly focused his power, and started striking several power points on Lupin. With quick speed he went through each of the combos that Axel had sent him mentally. When he finished, Remus just fell on his knees.

“What did you do to him?” Tonks screamed as she ran towards the fallen Remus.

Harry looked at Axel nervously.

“You did it perfectly, he should get up in a sec” Axel replied.

Remus stirred, and opened his eyes. “Did someone get the train number that just ran over me?” Lupin said dazed.

“What did you do to him?” Tonks asked again.

Harry looked at Axel. “Would you mind? I am sort of drained from the technique” Harry said smiling, he was only pretending so Axel would handle it.

“Bastard” Axel replied telepathically, then turned to Tonks. “Ok Lupin, do you know how the first werewolf was created?” Axel asked.

Lupin shook his head, since he was still dazed.

“Ok then, some idiot over two thousand years ago, decided he wanted to create a special Animagus form. To do it he asked his friends to curse him the very moment he was in the middle of his transforming into his wolf Animagus form. They did so and the plan actually worked, or they thought it did. Immediately his mind became trapped between the animal instincts and mind of a real wolf, and the brutality and anger of the human mind. He attacked his friends and infected them with the curse. When they came too, it was to late, they were all cursed. They searched for the cure, but eventually died without ever finding it. Well Harry, and I discovered how to do it a couple of weeks ago when we were reading an old book I have on Animagus techniques gone wrong. Through some heavy research, mostly on my part, we came up with a cure…of sorts” Axel finished.

It was partly a lie, the truth was that Harry had learned of the cure when he gained the Stone of Life. He knew of it, but not how to do it. The Stone enlightened him to the fact that everything has a cure, sometimes, even death.

Remus smiled ecstatically, he felt like for the first time in ages he could see the light of day. The weight of his curse was off of him, he was free. Then it hit him, nothing could be that easy. “Alexander you said it was a cure…of sorts. What did you mean by that?” Remus asked suddenly feeling even more constrained.

“Remus the wolf can never be fully removed from your body” Harry explained.

The weight got even heavier, the hope he had being eradicated.

“So what we did was make is so that you could control it. First we cut off the ability to pass along the curse, from now on you can’t curse anyone else. Additionally we completely wiped out the wolf instinct and the unnecessary aggressiveness that the curse causes. Also we made it so that the full moon has no effect on your transformation. Finally we made it so that you have complete control as to when you transform and control over your mind once you transform” Alexander finished explaining.

Remus looked at the two men standing in front of him in awe. “So that mean?” he asked.

“From now on your master the wolf, to you it will be like an animagus form. Complete control of self, and additionally a powerful weapon that you can use at a moments notice” Harry said smiling.

“I’m free” Remus said getting up. He hugged Tonks hard, “I am free” he insisted. He then began to jump up and down loosing all composure.

“Yea pretty much now can you control yourself man, they will hear you in the next country for crying out loud” Harry joked.

Remus crushed Harry and Axel in a hug. “Thank you, thank you, you don’t know what this means to me” Lupin said still hugging them.

“Yea we do, now let’s get back. We still have two more gifts to give” Harry suggested as they headed back to their places.

“Well then, took you a while to get back” Rose said looking at Tonks suspiciously.

“No worries, just wanted to explain a few of the security options in Tonk’s new pad” Harry explained.

“Ok then, just making sure” Rose replied calming down.

Harry smiled at his girl and gave her a wink, then got up and looked at Dobby. “Dobby front and center” Harry ordered.

“Yes, Master Potter” Dobby said nervously as he got up and stood before Harry. “Dobby is sorry he didn’t move fast enough to get the chocolate for Mr. Harry” he blurted in fear.

Harry just grinned, “No worries Dobby, that isn’t what this is about. Here you go” Harry said handing Dobby a key.

“What is this Master Potter?” Dobby asked as he looked at the key in his hand.

“That is the key that will open your new closet. You shall find it in your quarters” Harry explained.

“We all chipped in Dobby” Hermione explained.

“Yea we bought you all sorts of fun and trendy clothes” Ginny added.

Dobby smiled and tears ran down his face. Then he lifted a finger and prepared to ask a question.

“Yes Dobby we got you plenty of socks” Ron answered before the house elf had a chance to ask.

“Thank you, thank you, Master Potter and all of you” Dobby said in tears. Then a thought crossed his mind.

Harry detected it, “Dobby you have already been freed, I can’t free you again. I can fire you, but given your incredible performance I doubt I will be doing so ever” Harry explained.

Dobby nodded and then got up. “I will go prepare breakfast, excuse me sirs, and ladies” Dobby said before taking a bow and disappearing to the kitchen to cry in happiness.

“Well then that just leave me with one more gift to give out” Harry commented as he got up and pulled something out of his pocket as everyone looked at Rose.

Rose suddenly felt very nervous as Harry walked up towards her.

Harry took her by the hand and got her up. “Rose, you’re my one and only, that is why I am able to give you this” Harry said as he places a ring with a large red stone on it.

Rose looked at the ring in her hand, “Harry it is beautiful, thank you” she said as she hugged him and kissed him. Just then the ring felt warmer in her hand and she was invaded by a sense of love, one that dug to her core and ignited the true love in her heart. She kissed him even more passionately. Then when she finally came up for air she looked at him surprised. “What was that?” she asked a bit worried as she regained her regular composure.

“Well that ring isn’t a regular ring. It holds a piece of my heart. As long as I truly love you, the stone will burn red and bright. The more I love you the brighter and warmer it will be. And as long as you love me, you will never be able to take it off” Harry said with a grin.

“Oh Harry, it is perfect” Rose said crying and kissing him even harder feeling the stone burn her finger. Then the second part of what Harry said hit her. “Did you say that I will never be able to take it off?” she asked concerned.

“Nope, never, only I can take it off. That is as long as you love me, if you ever stop loving me or die, then anyone can take it off.” Harry explained.

“Wow, that is intense” Ron said gawking.

“Typical, really Ron you are such a boy” Hermione said shaking her head.

“It think it is romantic, that way you always know that the love between you stays strong” Ginny said sighing.

“Typical, really Ginny you are such a girl” Neville said shaking his head. Everyone laughed.

When the laughter died down, Harry got up, “Ok everyone, let us go sit at the table and get some breakfast, cause I am starving” Harry suggested.

“Here, here” Ron said happily getting up.

“He will never change will he?” Hermione asked out loud.

“Nope, sorry Mione, that is just the way Weasley men are built. I blame mom, she spoiled us with her cooking” Ginny explained.

They all sat down and enjoyed a good breakfast, which was followed by a fun and relaxing Christmas day filled with food, fun, and relaxation. All were merry, and carefree, all but three of them. Axel who was always off thinking of something else, Rose who was still trying to reconcile who she was with what she felt, and Harry that’s only thought was destroying Voldemort. Still all three of them tried to enjoy the holidays as much as possible and having fun with their friends. And so the days passed and finally it was the night before New Years. They had already had dinner and were getting ready to leave.

“So Harry where are we heading?” Ron asked lugging his bad and Hermione’s

“Told you Ron it is a secret” Harry replied.

“Oh come on Harry please tell us” Hermione retorted filled with curiosity.

“Nope, not going to tell you” Harry insisted.

Ron kept lugging the bags behind his friends.

“Ron, mate, you look like you need some help” Neville commented.

“It’s her bags, they weigh like bricks” Ron replied.

“Hermione what did you put in your bags?” Rose asked looking at the size of them and the thumping noise that came from them every time Ron laid them on the floor.

“Not much, just some light reading” Hermione replied.

Harry rolled his eyes, “Mione for the love of Merlin stop torturing Ron. I bought you a bloody book that probably contains all those books and more. So you don’t need all the extras.” Harry explained.

“Oh, right, my bad. In any case Ronald I don’t know why you don’t just levitate them” Hermione said taking out her wand and levitating both Ron’s and hers.

Ron just looked exhausted. “I don’t think I will ever be able to keep up with her” he murmured.

“No Ron, I am afraid not” Ginny replied looking sympathetic to her brother.

Finally, they were all outside and ready to go. “Axel would you do the honors” Harry said looking at his teacher.

“Roger that” Axel said opening a portal and moving everyone through.

When they opened their eyes they were in a plateau, all around they were surrounded by vegetation and beyond that was the ocean. They were on an island that looked to be completely deserted. The sun was almost completely set, but the skies were a gorgeous shade of orange. Harry immediately started setting up his tent with his wand while the others stayed gawking at the surrounding paradise.

“Harry where are we?” Rose finally asked.

Harry continued to set up his tent. “Give me a sec I am almost done. Alexander would you mind explaining it to them.” Harry replied.

“Unbelievable, why do I always end up doing this?” Axel replied telepathically. “Well we are in an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean that has been disenchanted so that that no Muggles can’t find it. Now start setting up your tents. Tonight’s party has only begun, we still have 5 hours until the New Year” Alexander explained.

“It is beautiful here” Rose said admiring the view of the twilight.

“It often is, most people fear the coming of the night, but I always found that the Twilight dispels all fears. How can something so beautiful be a forbearer of anything evil?” Axel commented.

“Indeed, Ronald set up our tent will you?” Hermione ordered as she stared at the sunset.

“What am I your house elf?” Ron replied annoyed.

Hermione turned around and was about to tear Ron a new one, but then she saw Ron’s face. All red and annoyed, he looked so cute. “No Ron, far from it, but if you want tonight I can play your slave if you want” Hermione whispered in his ear just before biting it. Then added, “Your sex slave that is” causing Ron to gulp then turn around and start assembling the tent at an inhuman speed.

Ginny looked over to Neville. Neville just raised his hand to stop her from speaking, “No need, I get the picture gorgeous. I will get it up in a while” he said.

Ginny walked over to him sensuously, “I sure hope not, I was kinda looking forward do a quickie before the New Year” Ginny whispered in his ear. Neville then turned around blushing and started putting up the tent at a pace similar to Ron’s.

Ginny smiled and gave Hermione a high five. “Works everytime” Ginny said smiling.

“Men are so simple and predictable” Hermione added. Then both the girls just looked at Rose.

“Hey don’t look at me, my man doesn’t need any inspiration. He knows he is getting some tonight, and every other night he asks. In fact, most of the time I’m the one that has to ask him” Rose replied smiling.

“Your joking right?” Hermione said surprised.

“No she is not, I used to date Harry and I can attest to that. Bastard has incredible stamina, but unbelievable self control” Ginny replied.

“Plus he is DAMN good at it, not that I have a point of comparison” Rose added.

“Nope, I have points of comparison, and he is still DAMN good. Unfortunately, half the time he is either too tired or distracted to do anything. So you nearly have to beg him to get some, damn frustrating” Ginny commented.

“Yea, there is no way to manipulate him, most of the time it is the other way around. The worst part is that he seems to know it, it is almost like he is a bloody mind reader” Rose added sighing.

“Yea it is bloody scary isn’t it? How he can just seem to know exactly what you are thinking” Ginny sighed looking at Harry taking his shirt off to hammer the tent in himself.

“Wow maybe I should give him a go” Hermione said smiling.

“NO!” both Ginny and Rose said simultaneously.

“He is mine” Rose said.

“Yea, and after he screws it up he is mine” Ginny added.

“When did you decide that?” Rose said smiling sarcastically.

“Hey there is always a chance” Ginny replied.

“True, but don’t expect it to happen” Rose retorted.

“Works for me, that means there is still a chance” Ginny replied smiling.

“Slut” Rose said chuckling

“Bitch” Ginny replied laughing as well.

“Awe got to love friendship” Hermione said shaking her head and smiling.

Harry looked up to them and waved, sweat glistening off his built chest.

“Bastard, evil sexy bastard” Rose said waving back with a smile.

“And he bloody knows it” Ginny said doing the same thing.

“I really should have given that a shot while I had the chance” Hermione commented doing the same thing.

Ron looked at her and smiled thinking she was waving to him and waved back.

“REALLY” Hermione added.

“Hey Ron isn’t that bad, all the Quidditch training seems to have done wonders for him” Rose said looking at Ron.

“Yea, but sometime I just wish he could master some other subject. He is a bloody genius at Quidditch, but totally an idiot at everything else” Hermione commented, then smiled. “But he is my idiot” she added sighing and realizing just how much she loved the red headed boy.

“Yea Neville isn’t bad either, Harry has done him some good. He has a backbone now, and every once in a while he makes me weak in the knees” Ginny commented and went to help her boyfriend as well.

“Guess that just leaves me. Better go help out as well” Rose said as she headed towards their tent.

Alexander and Seamus had already finished their own tents since they were smaller and were enjoying some drinks in Seamus’s new glasses.

While everyone else set up their tents, Harry started up a fire. Harry had it nice as tall, it was then when something inside him made him want to stick his hand inside the flame. The fire still felt warm, but the pain would not come, at least not from such a small fire. He almost felt inhuman, a monster, a freak. He felt someone approaching and quickly withdrew his hand from the flame and acted normally.

“It happens to the best of us, sometimes we gain so much power that we no longer feel like we belong with the people around us. I know that better than anyone else. I never belonged, even when I tried. Everyone always felt I was different and because of that I was always marginalized: Alexander explained as he put a hand on Harry’s shoulder. “But trust me Harry, your still human, you aren’t a monster. You are getting stronger that is all, some of the laws of nature no longer apply to you. And if you ever think anything to the contrary just remember that your friends will never consider you a monster, Remus sure as hell won’t. You are tracing your own path, you will never be a monster as long as you remember why you are doing what you are doing. Remember you fight for justice and good. You’re a hero not a monster” Alexander finished and then got up and walked away.

Harry sat watching the fire. Alexander’s words rang in his ears. He was right, he was always right. There really only was one monster in this story. He would get him in due time though.

“So Harry I see you got the fire ready. Why don’t you join me inside?” Rose asked as she walked out of the tent.

“Sure Rose, let’s head in” Harry said getting up.

“Are you ok? You seem sort of down” Rose commented looking at Harry’s face.

“I’m fine, just a bit tired from all the vacations we have been taking. I am actually looking forward to going back” Harry explained with a smile.

Rose could feel he was lying, there was something he was hiding. Both her mind and her heart sensed it.

“Now you on the other hand, I have a feeling that you don’t exactly want to relax” Harry said as they walked into their tent and Harry picked her up. The inside of the tent was magicked, inside it was a small mansion. Harry carried her up the stairs to the bedroom.

“Put me down” Rose giggled forgetting what she was thinking.

“Ok if you insist” Harry said throwing her on the floor of the bedroom that was actually a bed onto itself. The whole room was a big bed, the floor was a bed, and there were cushions everywhere. And sot hey lost themselves in each other and in time.

Harry lay awake as Rose lay beside him. She was his heart, and his enemy. Well not so much she but Voldemort. His mind was riddled with what was left to do, the other stones, the other Horcruxes, old scores that needed to be settled. Harry looked at his watch, the time was almost there.

He went to the fridge and put the champagne on ice and levitated the tray outside so that they could celebrate next to the fire.

When he got outside Alexander was waiting for him.

"Do you ever sleep?" Harry asked chuckling.

"No, you ready for this?" Axel replied sharing the smile.

"As always, you wanna wake them up or should I?" Harry asked.

"Your turn" Axel said as he took a seat by the fire

"Fine" Harry said pretending to be upset. He put his wand to his throat and said "Sonorous. Everybody, could all Marauders please listen, may i have your attention please...WAKE UUUUUUUUUUP" Harry bellowed in a voice that echoed throughout the island and caused the birds to take flight and several animals to howl and grunt.

"WHAT THE BLOODY HELL?!?!?!?" Ginny said running out with her wand in one hand, Neville's arm firmly grasped in the other.

"Ginny, let me go. It is bloody cold out here" Neville complained.

"Neville really, this could be an attack and your complaining about the weather" Ginny replied

"But Ginny..." Neville insisted.

"No, buts, now cover my back" Ginny said as she continued to look around.

"Hey Gin, maybe he should cover your front" Harry said trying to contain the laughter.

"Maybe you should listen to Neville’s buts, or maybe notice that both of your butts are rather exposed" Axel added tearing up.

"What are you two talking about? Where is the attack?" Ginny said stomping her foot.

Harry lost it and began to crack up, "For starter Ginny I only wanted to wake you up, there is no attack. Secondly, though I don't mind the view, the both of you might want to go back inside and put some clothes on" Harry replied between laughter.

It was then that Ginny noticed that both Neville and her were completely stark bloody naked. She turned as red as her hair and quickly ran back in dragging Neville behind her at an alarming rate.

"Ginny please slow down, my arse" Neville complained.

"Get your arse into the tent fast, you could have bloody told me I was starkers" Ginny said angrily as they disappeared into the tent.

Seamus emerged from the tent with a large smile, "Normally Harry, I would have hexed you for that messed up wake up call, but given the show i just saw I am so going to let this one slide" Seamus said as he too began to laugh a bit at what he had seen from the entrance to his tent.

"Really, I actually think that this was a bit dragged on don’t you think?" Harry jested as he began to laugh again.

"So true, one must wonder how irritating it must be to be bustled back and forth in the middle of such a rocky situation" Axel added as the laughter grew louder.

Now they were all laughing like crazy.

"What are you all laughing about?" Hermione asked as she exited her tent as she finished to button her shirt. "And what was that ruckus about?" she added.

"Well Hermione for starters that was a wake up call, as for why all the laughs, let me tell you..." Harry began and then explained the whole thing.

Hermione listened to the whole story including the final comments. She tried to remain composed, but her smile broke out. Trying hard to remain serious and hold back the laughter she said "Harry that was mean, I mean poor Ginny and...oh screw it that was bloody funny" she finished and the busted out into laughs.

The laughter continued as a very flustered Ginny and a very sore looking Neville exited their tent, now fully clothed. Neville was still rubbing his backside.

"Really, that was not that funny" Ginny said angrily as she saw everyone snickering.

"Oh come on Ginny, it was funny" Harry said laughing.

"No mate, it was not" Neville said rubbing his backside.

"It was very funny" Seamus added.

"Was not!" Ginny insisted.

"Ginny I could show you the memory, in fact i think i will send it to Fred and George. They will make a killing out of it" Harry said with a devilish smile.

Ginny walked up to him, her normal sexy swagger replace by an impatient and violent march. "Harry James Potter, if you do such a thing I will assure you that the only killing that will be occurring will be your own with my bare hands" she said with authority as she stood on her toes just to seem taller and get closer to Harry's face.

Harry could clearly see that she meant business.

"Alright Gin no need to get angry. I was just kidding" Harry explained

"You better" Ginny warned one last time before calming down and walking back to Neville and sitting down by the fire.

"So where is Ron?" Harry asked looking around.

"You know Ron, he is fast asleep, not even a meteor crash next to his bed would wake him up" Hermione replied looking up from her book.

Harry smiled evilly.

"Harry, no!" Hermione exclaimed seeing the look in his eye.

"Go Harry, go" Ginny said catching the drift.

"Who said I was doing anything?" Harry replied innocently.

"Trust me Harry..." Hermione started.

"We know" they all said together as they followed him.

Harry smiled evilly again, "Oh Ronald..." Harry said softly as he entered the tent. Everyone followed close behind staying very quiet. Ron was still asleep.

Harry got right next to Ron and put his head close to Ron's ear.

"Ron, watch out its Snape" Harry shouted loud.

"Ugh, bloody hook nose, want to break it in two I do" Ron mumbled in his sleep.

Everyone laughed. “You go Ron beat the bloody hook nose” Ginny said chuckling.

Harry chuckled some more, “Hum, let’s try something else. Ron, wake up Hermione says she wants us to study for the NEWTS. They are tomorrow so wake up, we need to study” Harry whispered.

“Grr, who cares, studying sucks. Stinky books, only Hermione likes them. Go to sleep” Ron mumbled in his sleep.

“Ronald who said books were stinky. Books are not stinky” Hermione shouted angrily.

“Harry help, she wants to kill me” Ron mumbled in his sleep.

Everyone laughed, except Hermione who was blushing.

“Quick Ron get up Ginny and Hermione are running around naked” Harry shouted this time.

“Grr, Ginny get something on right now or I’m calling mom. Hermione, get your cute butt in my bedroom, you need a spanking for your bad behavior” Ron mumbled.

Everyone busted a gut, Hermione was now totally crimson.

“Harry stop it or I’ll hex you” Hermione commanded pulling your wand.

“Ok, ok” Harry said lifting his hands up. “Guess we will have to try something a bit more drastic” he added as he turned towards Ron. “Ron it’s Voldemort and an army of Death Eaters we are being attacked” Harry screamed.

“Hmm, you go Harry. Beat them all to pulp. Give that Vol…Vol…give Riddle a bloody nose…forgot, no nose…well kick his pasty white ass” Ron mumbled as he threw a jab. “And all his idiot friends too. Let’s hex em all” he added as he continued to sleep.

Everyone chuckled, even Hermione and Rose.

“Harry this is impossible, he is not going to wake up. Not even mom can do it when he is this stubborn” Ginny explained.

“Yea mate, we have seen him in action when he is this asleep nothing will work” Seamus replied.

“Guess he is going to miss the New Year” Neville commented.

“That is dreadful. Wake up you bloody lazy oaf” Hermione said irritated as she kicked him to no avail.

“Marauders, I believe it is time to bring out the secret weapon” Harry said with a grin. “There is no other way, people clear the door” he ordered.

They did so, looking perplexed.

Harry lowered himself to Ron’s ear one more time. “Ron, they want you to dance, hundreds of them. Giant bloody spiders want you to tap dance, run for you life Ron. The giant, hairy spiders want you to tap dance” Harry screamed at the top of his lungs.

“FUCKING HELL I DON’T WANT TO BLOODY TAP DANCE” Ron said waking up and running for deal life out to door half asleep. He blindly grabbed a shirt and pulled it over his head as he dashed. He ran full force all the way outside till he tripped and fell on the dirt.

Everyone ran behind him and caught up.

Ron got up and looked around, fear written all over his face. “Where are they? Where are the bloody horrible spiders? Get them off of me, make them go away. I am not bloody tap dancing” he ranted as he violently looked around.

Everyone dropped on their knees laughing their heads off. They were rolling on the floor having a hard time breathing.

Ron looked at them perplexed. He looked at Hermione, she was also on the floor laughing, though she was vainly trying to control herself. Slowly the fear drifted, and he looked at Harry. “Mate what is going on? Where are the giant spiders? Why are you all laughing?” he asked.

“Well Ron” Harry began between laughs. “For starters we were trying to wake you up. Secondly, there are no bloody spiders. And finally we…we…” he explained then couldn’t contain the laughs.

“Harry your right, this was bloody funny” Ginny said still laughing on the ground.

“What is so bloody funny about waking me up? It is not funny. Harry don’t ever do that to me again. I hate spiders, I bloody nearly had a heart attach” Ron shouted angrily.

“Shouldn’t you be more concerned with a cold...little girl?” Seamus said laughing hard.

Everyone began to laugh even harder.

“What the bloody hell are you talking about?” Ron screamed. “You are all bloody mad” he added.

“Ron…” Harry couldn’t finish he just pointed at Ron.

“What?” Ron said as he began to look down at himself. It was then he noticed that with the exception of a very, very tight shirt that was stretched over his chest, he was stark naked. In addition, the shirt was pink and bore the words “Sexy little school girl” on them. Ron did not respond, he face went from normal, to full white, to absolutely blood red in a matter of seconds. He then ran back into the tent just as fast as he had exited.

Meanwhile, everyone else was still on their knees laughing.

“Harry, you are bloody evil incarnate” Seamus said laughing.

“Look who is talking” Harry replied. “You were the one that made the last joke”

“Hey, if anyone is evil incarnate. It should be me” Rose said laughing. “I taught Harry all about the dark side” she added.

“You wish woman, if anything I have corrupted you” Harry replied.

“True, you have warped my pure mind” Rose said getting up.

“And boy was it fun” Harry said getting up and kissing his girlfriend.

“Corrupt me more, oh master” Rose said returning the kiss.

“Get a room you two” Ginny said as she got up.

“Already have one thank you” Harry said smiling. Then added, “Let’s head over to the fire. It is almost time” Harry said as he walked towards the fire.

They all took a seat around the flame. Soon Ron came out fully dressed and still red.

“Harry, bloody hell, just don’t do it again or I’ll kill you” Ron said as he sat down.

“Awe but I thought you looked cute” Hermione said trying to comfort him. Then mischief got the best of her, “If you ever want me to lend you that shirt again just ask. You are definitely one sexy school girl” she added and everyone laughed again.

“Mione!” Ron said regaining his red color again.

“What do you want to spank me? I know I deserve a good one, we can get to it later” Hermione whispered into his ear and then bit his earlobe.

Ron was shocked, pleasantly so. The blood left his head and he mumbled, “That would be nice” as a goofy look took over his face.

Harry levitated the glasses of champagne to each of the Marauders hands “Ok everyone, it is almost time. Axel if you will” Harry said gesturing towards his professor.

Axel smiled and lifted up his hands. Suddenly a bright red orb appeared next to the moon. “When the orb covers the moon, it will be the New Year” Alexander instructed as he took a seat and ate some of the delicious food that was levitating around them.

They all looked up and saw how the red orb slowly began to overtake the moon.

“It has been a hard year” Hermione said reminiscing.

“But a fun one” Seamus replied.

“That it has” Neville concurred.

“This war will only get harder” Harry said as he stared into his glass. Rose felt sorrow in her heart, and pity in her head. Yet one was always stronger than the other.

“Let’s hope it will all end soon” Ginny added.

“To fallen friends” Ron said raising his glass.

“To fallen friends” They all replied toasting.

“To fallen friends…and to the end of the war” Harry said as a tear rolled down his eye.

“Wars come and go, but my soldiers stay eternal” Axel mumbled as he drank from his glass.

“What was that professor?” Hermione asked.

“Nothing Hermione, just something a wise Muggle once said” Axel replied.

“What happened to him?” Ron asked intrigued.

“He was killed” Axel replied simply.

“Why? Did he die in a war or something?” Ginny continued.

“You could say that, but it wasn’t one in the traditional sense of the word” Axel replied.

“Please elaborate professor” Hermione requested.

“He died because of the war that lives in the heart of man. Greed, hate, lust, foolish pride. The things that plague both Muggle and Wizard alike. He was an innocent that got killed some say for his fame, others simply because someone felt like it. In any case he said that phrase once. ‘Wars come and go, but my soldiers stay eternal’” Axel explained.

“Sounds to me like he liked to fight” Seamus commented.

“Not really, he was a musician. He simply wanted to live. What he meant was that there will always be struggles, lives saved, lives lost. Endless bloodshed over stupidity. But in the end, wars are something you read about. Your comrades are something that will live forever, even after we are all dead and gone. The principles and bravery they fought with and died for, those will forever live on in humanity, even after their names are forgotten. It also means that in the end the greatest leaders are only great because of the men who fought and died for them” Axel explained

“That is deep. So what was his name?” Neville asked.

“Tupac” Axel replied with a smile.

“Oh” Hermione said smiling.

“Yea who would have thought?” Axel replied smiling. “Ok, seconds to go” he added.

“So who was this Tupac?” Ron asked.

“I’ll explain later, your gonna miss it?” Hermione replied.

The red orb overtook the moon and the sky lit up in a beautiful haze of red. Then as they all looked in awe, it exploded.

“Wow” Ron screamed.

“That was gorgeous” Ginny said getting up from the shock.

“You ain’t seen anything yet” Axel replied.

Then the pitch black sky was lit up again by multi colored blasts that lit everything around for miles. Explosion after explosion rocked the sky.

“Happy New Year” They all screamed and then began to hug each other and wish each other a Happy New Year. Lovers kissed, and friends rejoiced. They looked at the sky for half an hour as the explosions kept going. They sang the New Years song and danced afterwards to the music that Axel played on his guitar.

Eventually after the fireworks and the music had all died down and everyone went to bed. Only Axel remained outside he looked at the sky and pondered everything he had done so far. The infinitely complex web he was weaving, a complex game of chess. “In the end Harry will understand, I know he will” Axel mumbled to himself as he looked at the dying moon dive into the ocean.

“It is beautiful out here. Thanks for bringing us Axel” Harry said coming out of his tend and taking a seat next to Axel.

“No worries Harry, it was my pleasure” Axel replied still staring at the ocean.

“It won’t be an easy year will it” Harry commented sadly.

“It won’t, but then again life never is. Still like every night, there must always be a dawn” Axel replied as the sun rose in their backs.

“Nice” Harry said as he looked at the new day.

“The dawn of a new year. Are you ready Harry? There is much to do” Axel said looking over at Harry.

“Quidditch World Cup, NEWTS, Horcruxes, Stones, Voldemort, bring it all on. I am ready” Harry said confidently.

“Good, now get back in there. I think Rose is getting cold without you” Axel taunted.

Harry chuckled, “You have a one track mind” Harry replied getting up and going back in. “But you are never wrong” he thought with a smile.

“For your sake, and that of the world I hope your right” Axel thought to himself reading Harry’s thoughts. “And by the way, if anything my mind is far from one track. You can’t even begin to imagine how multitracked it is” he mumbled to himself. Then he stared at the new sun as it rose from the ocean. “Harry, you have no idea how complicated this year will be. The things on your mind are the tip of the iceberg” he said out loud talking to himself. The gravity of his words reflected in the shadows on his face cast by the light of the new sun. “I will say one thing, from now on your story is going to get a lot more interesting” he continued with a smile. He stared out into the fading darkness of the previous year that lay behind him and with a smile of mischief, hope, and determination he headed out to prepare. He sighed one last thing into the breeze that crashed on his face, “Let the games begin”
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