Toppers Wallow

Tuesday brought the lessons Harry was most worried about. The first half of the morning was reasonable, because it was the sixth-years. After coffee, were the returnees, Hermione and Ron were to take the DA Members whilst Harry took those others, amongst whom were Theodore Nott and Pansy Parkinson. Those two were particularly scathing and tried their best to disrupt the class. Eventually in desperation James Cadwallader aimed a Silencio at both of them. Harry pretended he had not seen it for quarter-of-an-hour whilst he finished testing the others. Eventually he came round to the two furious but silent Slytherins.



“Why are you two not speaking?” he asked, trying to look surprised. “You seemed to making a lot of noise beforehand … Oh, I see! Someone cast a silencing spell. If I agree to take it off you, will you consent to be tested, as all the other students have been?”



The pair glared at Harry for a few minutes before nodding their heads in agreed mortification. Harry just pointed a finger at them and silently lifted the restriction.



“Uh … How did you do that?” Pansy asked. “Where’s your wand?”



“I don’t need one any longer, Miss Parkinson. Neither do I need to say the words of a spell, I can just think them. You’ll find Professor Malfoy has the same ability.”



“That turncoat!” Theodore spat. “He should be slowly fried over hot coals for abandoning his father’s side.”



Pansy pulled at Theodore’s sleeve.



“What?” He looked at her, showing his annoyance.



“Theo, think for a moment. It’s Potter’s partner you’re talking about. No wands; how would anyone get near him?”



“I bet each professor’s wand is stuck up the other one’s arse. Pair of nancies!” Theodore’s face screwed up in disgust.



The other students made sharp intakes of breath, and Harry knew he had to deal with the situation quickly.



“Mr Nott! I presume you came here to learn DADA, not to vilify me or my partner. However if you wish to withdraw from the class make that decision now. For, if you stay, you will dance to my tune.” Harry thought Tarantallagra and Theodore danced. “You will be silent when being instructed, as you were a few minutes ago, or you will find yourself in the dark.” Harry thought of an area of black surrounding both Slytherins ‘Nox’. “I shall do my best to enlighten you.” He thought ‘Lumos’ and the pair reappeared.



The other students had had worried smirks on their faces as the procession of harmless spells were cast; now they started giggling.



“Am I understood, Miss Parkinson?”



“Y-yes, P-professor.” Pansy was wide eyed and quivering.



“Mr Nott?”



“Err … Err … Yes … Professor.” Theodore looked defiant, but Harry ignored it.



“Well then, I’ll start by testing you first, Miss Parkinson.”



Pansy had to nudge Theodore a couple of times when he was being tested, but Harry took them through the various tests, finding them reasonably proficient.



Once the tests had been concluded; Harry turned his best smile on and looked at the complete group. “You may not know it, friends. But I was given an Emeritus NEWT in Transfiguration, and a master’s degree in DADA, so I do have the knowledge that I wish to pass on to you. Don’t forget that I taught Dumbledore’s Army too. Now let’s sit down and work out what you will need to know for your delayed NEWT’s in December.”



Quietly, at lunchtime, Harry told Draco of the little contretemps and how he’d handled it.



“Careful of Theo, Harry; he’s known to hold grudges. I had the seventh-years today and Mordant nearly blew himself up. He’s the Slytherin equivalent of Neville. I’m going to have to do extra sessions with both of them, I think.”



“How about the late afternoon, today? You said you’d take my for my potions lesson then. You could add them to the list, just as you joined in with Septimus and co on Thursday. That’ll get us both learning again.”



“Right, you’re on, you don’t make quite such a mess as the others. Most of that was from Snape’s attitude towards you, I think.”



“Let’s see shall we? I have to learn to read instructions more carefully, too.”



Harry had the same group after lunch for one period. This time he set them to writing out the spells they were unsure of, wanted to practice, or wished to learn. During the scratching of quills, he started thinking about what to teach the DA group who were next on the timetable and made a few notes of his own. Theodore was a little surly when he handed in his paper, but Harry had no further trouble that day.



The DA group had a double period split by tea break. Whilst drinking their tea, Seamus reminded them that this Saturday was the monthly dance in the Church Hall.



“This time we’ll be able to enjoy it,” Ernie said.



“Are all of you coming?” queried Harry.



Enthusiastic nods all round.



“What are we going to do for beds? Most of them will be taken up by the other group of first-years.”



“Not to worry Harry. Neville and Luna, Ernie and I are staying at the Vicarage,” Lavender volunteered.



“Mr Foley’s found us some old army double bunks in the cellar of his ironmongers shop. He’s also ordered the bathroom gear for Bagshot Cottage. We’ll have the rooms finished by then.” Dean put in.



“We can accommodate six in our spare rooms, at a pinch,” Daphne offered. “But we’ll have to use the Magnet Cottage bathrooms, because ours won’t be ready until next week.”



“Billy’s got a big attic at Woodyates where the remaining males can sleep. And there’s a couple of bedrooms each with four bunks at Milkwood for the girls that don’t stay with Ginny and Daphne,” Seamus concluded. “We’ll all eat Saturday lunch in the big barn. Dinner at the dance, Sunday lunch at the Farmer’s Arms and Winky’s agreed ter do a buffet breakfast that morning, at Magnet Cottage.”



“What if I object?” asked Draco, folding his arms.



“Then we’ll sweet-talk Harry.”



“Maybe you won’t get round me that easily,” Harry smiled grimly, taking his lead from his partner and folding his arms.



“Then we’ll try a little blackmail,” said Dean mischievously.



Dean and Seamus whispered in Harry’s and Draco’s ears.



“You wouldn’t?” Harry tried to look serious.



“Refuse us and see?” said Seamus, winking.



“Okay! Okay. However, there is one stipulation; that a few of you volunteer to help me with my Imperio Study.” Harry was grinning enough to let them know that he had appreciated the big joke, right from the beginning.



There was silence whilst they thought about it; Justin was the first to indicate he was amenable; then Blaise said he would like to help.



“Please Guys, one from Ravenclaw would be nice, then we will have all the houses represented.”



The Ravenclaw’s went into conference and Anthony came out as their champion. The result was that those three spent the last period of the day with Harry, discussing the idea and then trying out things on the two dummies.



Whilst the students were doing homework, practising Quidditch, or the latest fad - Hex Tennis, Draco took his trio of students into the lab, setting Harry a solo potion and getting Mordant and Neville to work as a pair. In the more relaxed atmosphere Harry found he could cope better, occasionally having to ask about obscure words, special instructions, or substances. Without the pressures of class the other pair performed better too, not setting fire to themselves, though they did make a bit of a stink at one time during the class. Draco was relaxed enough to laugh with them, show them what went wrong and then let them try again.



§ § § § §



The normal pattern was now set, and the professors plus their students settled down to a regular flow of study and practice. There were rocks on the way, of course, but the stream of endeavour managed to ripple round them, reducing them, in retrospect, to pebbles. Each weekend brought new insights and achievements and major festivals gave islands of delight. It is on these that we shall concentrate the continuing saga.





§ § § § §



Justin, Anthony and Blaise asked if they could join the mass Apparation on Friday, and were offered the use of the four bunk room at Magnet Cottage.



“Thanks,” said Justin, “Would you mind if Michael joined us? He’d like to be in the Imperio group as well, but that would make two Ravenclaw’s.”



“I have no objections, Draco might be joining too. Will you tell Michael what we’ve done so far please?” said Harry, smiling.



At dinner in Magnet Cottage, on Friday; Hamish looked pleased with himself.



“Okay Hamish, spill the beans. You obviously have something to tell us,” Draco encouraged.



“You know that cottage that was for sale further down the row, this side of Ginny’s and Daphne’s abode. Well I’ve managed to buy it. Griphook wangled a bridging loan for me from Gringott’s, and my old family house is up for sale. I wasn’t spending too much time there anyway. There were too many memories of my wife and kids whom the Death Eaters tortured and killed.” Hamish looked sad.



Various people offered their condolences, saying that they had not known.



“No … Well … It’s not something I like to dwell on too much. I shall bring things that have happy memories attached to them, and leave the scarred and burnt memories behind. Here, I feel safe and I’ve made friends. Time to start afresh and there are musical opportunities too, they were missing at my last home.” Hamish had a look of happy defiance on his face.



The Dean/Billy team offered their services in sprucing the place up. Kellie and Kenneth said they would tidy the garden, which Hamish had admitted looked like a jungle. Harry thought there was still something left unsaid and indicated the same to Draco. However before they could explore this there was a crack in the Apparating area and Filius appeared.



“I hope you don’t mind Harry but I hung on to the medallion you lent me. I am the bearer of good news.”



“For the bearer of good news I have no recriminations,” replied Harry, smiling.



“The governors have just finished meeting, at long last, they have given their backing to the building for peace idea. Some of them want to have a practical demonstration, so they’d like to be invited for lunch on Sunday.” Filius looked hopeful.



“Do they know we have it at the local Muggle pub?” Draco remarked.



“Yes, some of them are intrigued by the idea of a mixed meal and are prepared to pay their whack.”



“If they came earlier they could attend church first, we all do. That is the staff and DA Members. We haven’t asked the students yet, but they all came last week.” Harry invited.



“I haven’t been for ages. I better go back and tell them.” Filius looked worn out.



“Why don’t you floo them instead, and then stop over for the weekend,” suggested

Draco.



“I’d love to, but Hamish has the room I used.”



“I’ve just bought Granary Cottage down the road, I could sleep there. I’d be camping out and use the bathroom here, but it would be fun.”



Pop: “No need to use the facilities here Goodman Hamish, we’ve cleaned the place thoroughly since we heard you’d bought it,” Dorothy advised. “Harvey and Hilda have asked me to ask you if they can move here as well, they say they’d like to join our team.”



“Who are Harvey and Hilda, Hamish?”



“My two old house-elves, Harry; I take it you have no objection.”



“None at all. Your domestic arrangements are your affair.”



“Master Harry, they want to join the team here, not just look after Goodman Hamish.” Dorothy reminded him.



“Oh … Sorry … I hadn’t taken that in. Are you and Kreacher happy to add them?”



“Masters should tell us what they want not ask us if it is convenient, but yes Master Harry. They’re very good cleaners, and that will free Marianne to work on the fish farm.”



“You forget the new regime is in force here, Dorothy. Hermione would have my ears for garters if I ignored it … Well Hamish, are you happy with that arrangement?”



“Of course Harry, I think my two got a bit bored because I was away so much.”



Pop: pop. “Thank you Goodman Hamish.” Hilda said hugging his knees. “We’ve moved the bed you use into your room, but you need to tell us what other furniture you want. Here are the keys to Granary Cottage. That nice vicar called in yesterday. He says he’s going to bless Bagshot Cottage after church on Sunday and wondered if you wanted yours blessed at the same time.”



“Have you moved your things yet?” Hamish looked compassionately at his breathless house-elves.



“Sort of, Goodman. Err …”



Pop: Kreacher appeared. “Master Harry. Your five elfin students so like the upstairs dormitory that they asked if they could move there permanently. I said they could, that gives Hilda and Harvey a room shared with Murdoch. As you know he’d partitioned his private space already, so that they will have private elf-space, too. Is that all right?”



“Of course Kreacher, you and Dorothy organise things just as you want them in your area. No need for the iron just yet.”



Kreacher giggled and thanked Harry, so did Hilda and Harvey.



“I’ll go and see John tomorrow and arrange the blessing, thank you Hilda. Now come and conduct me to our new home, please. Would you like to come, Harry, Draco?”



“Tomorrow, Hamish, once you’re settled in, and have your furniture, we’d love to.” Draco replied tactfully … Filius that means you can stay, doesn’t it?”



“Yes thanks. I’ll go and floo Minerva with the news.”



Sometime during the evening, whilst they were keeping an eye on the games and swimming, Hamish came back and had a conference with Dean and Seamus. The three of them went out. Harry presumed it was about Granary Cottage. When Filius came back from the floo, he watched the table games in progress and was surprised at the students’ co-operative attitude.



“I like your team-of-four idea, Harry. Would you give me a list of each one because I intend to use it in my classes too?”



During chocolate time, Harry made a repeat performance of the snake story, complete with Draco’s illustrations, and then advised bed. As the students were filing out Ginny arrived.



“Harry. Daphne and I have a special request to make of you and Draco.”



“This sounds intriguing. Say on!”



“Well … It’s about the village dance … Err …”



Draco caught the drift. “Ginny; would you and Daphne consent to be our partners tomorrow evening, please?” He made an extravagant bow.



“Oh … Um … Yes; would you, please?” Harry was slower on the uptake, as usual.



A look of relief flooded across Ginny’s face. “Why thank you kind sirs, we would be delighted to accept your invitation.” She swept an equally extravagant curtsey and winked at Draco. “I’d better get back to our cottage to help Daphne organise the girls.”



Once they were in the privacy of their own room, Harry looked at Draco quizzically. “Um … Exactly why did we ask those two to come to the dance?”



“Perhaps it was a peace offer, because they gave us the cold shoulder a month or so ago. Then again, maybe because it’s more difficult for two girls to go unescorted. I’m not the best person to ask why girls do things, anyway.”



“Um … Yes … Their motives are a bit of a mystery, aren’t they?”



“My motives won’t be mysterious once I get you under the shower, I can categorically assure you.”



Harry needed no second bidding, quickly divesting himself and going to turn the taps on. Once they were thoroughly wet, Draco turned the taps off and squeezed shower gel onto both their hands. Each soaped the other, carefully exploring their bodily curves, ending up in a tight bottom hugging embrace. They developed a slight rhythm. As Draco moved up, Harry bent his knees slightly; the resultant friction of trapped members between their bellies was highly arousing. What also added to the enjoyment was the feeling of his partner’s bum-muscles flexing and dimpling under his hands. Quarter-of-an-hour of increasingly vociferous noises had extra lubrication added to the soap bubbles in between them. Shuddering in delight Harry managed to turn the taps on again and hot steamy kisses were clouded by a hot steaming shower.



Lazily they patted each other dry and then meandered lovingly towards their bed. There was an orange harvest moon out, so they used the bubble to bask in its light, noting the autumn tints just beginning to show in the wood.



“Aren’t we lucky, Harry, to have such a beautiful place?”



“Yes, and such great friends too.” Harry put his arm round Draco’s waist and Draco followed suit. The stood in a happy reverie, watching their two owls hunt, and the moving shapes of the trees teased by the wind. One of them shivered slightly, that led in an agreement to get between the sheets, where they lay gently hugging and regaining the necessary warmth for sleep.