Unexpected Things

Disclaimer: Harry Potter and properties don’t belong to me but JK Rowling. I don't make money from writing this fic. This story hasn’t been betaed yet. So beware of the grammar mistake. I’m looking for a beta to help me fixing the story.


Unexpected Things


Chapter VI


Harry looked at his Christmas gift list. It was quite long. Today, he, Hermione and Ron would go to Hogsmeade to buy Christmas presents. They would go together and then split so they wouldn’t find out about the other’s presents. Ron, especially, was really excited about this because apparently his mother had sent him money to buy presents. Harry suspected that the money came from Fred and George.

“Harry! Are you ready?” Ron asked enthusiastically.

Harry put the list into his pocket. “Yes Ron.”

Together they walked out from the dorm. Hermione was already waiting for them. “So, we will meet again at Three Broomsticks at four p.m.” Hermione said.

“Okay Hermione,” Ron agreed.


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Harry looked at his list. So far, he had bought present for everyone on the list except for Remus. Harry was confused as what to buy for him. Harry walked through the array of shops. Maybe he could find something. Hogsmeade still looked like a Christmas card; the little thatched cottages and shops were all covered in a layer of crisp snow; there were holly wreaths on the doors and strings of enchanted candles hanging in the trees. Harry liked this place. He saw a jewelry shop and decided to enter it.

“Welcome to Cartier Jewelry Shop, Sir.” The sales girl at the counter said. She wore elegant back robe with silver trimmings. “Can I help you Sir?” she asked.

She didn’t recognize Harry, which was a good thing. Harry wore a hat today so there was no way the girl could see his scar. And also, he didn’t wear his glasses anymore so he didn’t quite fit the image of the bespectacled boy who lived. It was a good thing Daily Prophet hadn’t got a new picture of him. The last thing he wanted was to attract people attention or to get free things in all the shops he went to. The last time he went to Diagon Alley, the shop owners refused to accept his money.

“I’m looking for something for my godfather,” Harry explained. Well, he didn’t lie. After Sirius’ death, Remus had taken over the post.

“This way, Sir.” The girl said, walking to one of the counters there.

“We have watch, male jewelry and brooch.” She explained.

Harry walked forward to get a better look. His eyes fell to the watch.

“Good taste Sir,” the girl began. “It’s a white gold goblin made watch. It also functions as compass, calendar, and light. You don’t need Tempus or Lumos spell anymore.”

“I will take this,” Harry said. Since it was made of white gold, it wouldn’t hurt Remus. He also bought one watch for himself.

Harry already paid the watches when he saw something that caught his attention. This time he found a brooch in phoenix shape. The sales girl, please of getting such a royal customer, began her explanation. “It’s also a white gold goblin made brooch. The eyes, however, are made from sapphire.”

“I will take this too.” Harry said. “Could you wrap this one for me?”

“Right away, Sir.”

“Oh,” Harry said. “Could you wrap it using red paper and gold ribbon?”

Even though she find the request was rather odd she didn’t say anything. “Of course Sir.”

After jewelry shop, Harry went to the post office. He needed to send the gift so it will arrive right on Christmas Eve.

After that he went to Three Broomsticks to meet Ron and Hermione. They were already there.

“Over here Harry!” Ron said, waving his hand.

“Sorry, were you waiting for me?” Harry asked as he took a seat at the booth.

“No, it’s fine.” Hermione said. “We’ve just arrived too.”

“So, have both you bought everything on the lists?” Harry asked.

“Yeah!” Ron said, beaming.

“So do I,” Hermione responded with a warm smile.


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For Harry, this was the first Christmas he had without Voldemort interruption. Harry would go back to Grimmauld Place first before joining Ron in the Burrow. Harry had even invite Hermione’s parents to join him, to which they accepted. They would join Harry later.

Fleur, once again, helped decorating the place. Harry liked her, in spite of everything Hermione and Ginny said about her. The entire house was full of Christmas decoration. A giant Christmas tree adorned every living room. And poinsettia, a traditional Christmas plant, graced the stair at the front door.

So did with the Burrow. Christmas decorations had made their appearance already, overrunning the place and proclaiming to the world that the Weasleys thoroughly enjoyed the season.

Harry spent his time alternating between Grimmauld Place and the Burrow. Harry and Ron were playing chess when suddenly Mrs Wealey entered the living room, face panicked.

“What’s Mum?” Ron asked.

“Your father just called. Death eaters attacked Brockdale Bridge. The bridge collapsed into two, causing dozens of cars to fall into the rivers, and injured hundreds of muggle.” Mrs Weasley explained.

So, those death eaters finally made a move. Harry briefly wondered if Lucius was involved in this. Fred and George, who just entered the room, fell silent.
“And Harry,” Mrs Weasley continued, “Bellatrix Lestrange was spotted there. The aurors suspect that she’s the one who plan the attack.”

“Harry,” Ron looked at him with concern. Bellatrix was a sore topic with Harry. The same with Wormtail.

“Is she captured?” Harry managed to ask.

“No,” Mrs Weasley said, “she managed to escape again.”

“This will be a big problem,” Bill and Fleur joined them. “Now that they’re attacking muggle. Brockdale Bridge is vital for muggle transportation.”

“Don’t worry Harry,” Fred said, squeezing Harry’s shoulder.

“Yeah Harry,” George added, smiling mischievously. “After all, there were only what, six of you, against those slimy death eaters in the ministry but you won Harry.”

“Yeah,” Fred said, “you should call us next time Harry. We’re going to kick their ass!”

“Language young man!” Mrs. Weasley scolded them.

“Mum! It’s the truth!” Fred protested.

“Yeah! We’re so going to beat them. Just like you beat you no poo.” George added.

Harry burst into laughter and Ron wasn’t far behind. Bill snickered and Fleur smiled. Mrs. Weasley however shrieked at her twin son. “Fred and George Weasley!”

But Harry felt better after that. The next day Daily Prophet made it as its headline.

“Death Eaters Attacked Brockdale Bridge. Hundreds muggle are injured.” Harry read aloud.

“Harry!”

Harry looked up from the newspaper. “Yes Mrs Weasley?” He asked.

“You have a guess.” Mrs Weasley said. She looked nervous, which was weird.

Confused, Harry wondering who was the person who visited him this early in the morning.

“It’s the minister of magic. Cornelius Fudge,” Mrs. Weasley told him.

“WHAT?” Ron bellowed.

Mr. Weasley and Percy got up from their chairs.

“What does he want?” Mr. Weasley asked.

“I don’t know Arthur but he’s looking for Harry,” Mrs. Weasley replied.

Harry got up from his chair. “It’s okay Mrs. Weasley. I will speak with him,” Harry said.

It turned out that Fudge wanted Harry to act as spokesperson for the ministry. Harry flatly refused. He still remembered too well about how Fudge didn’t believe him at all and called him a liar, and how Daily Prophet had published story which portrayed him as crazy, attention seeking boy. And the last, was the toad Umbridge. For everything that had happened last year, Umbridge was Harry biggest disappointment. If anything, Umbridge finally showed Harry about the real ministry of magic. A department full of corruptor.

Personally, Harry thought that Fudge was an idiot to think that Harry would ever help him again. After Harry saw what Fudge really like, he came to conclusion that many problems in the wizarding world actually came from bureaucrats at the ministry. The fact that Fudge allowed Umbridge to rule was enough proof for Harry

“I suppose he wants to be elected again,” Mr. Weasley commented after Harry told them about Fudge’s purpose.

“The election for minister of magic will be held next year.“ Percy explained. “The candidates are Cornelius Fudge and Rufus Scrimgeour, the current Head of Auror.”
“Scrimgeour now is the strongest candidate,” Mr. Weasley said. “Many people are displeased with the way Fudge handles the government and especially after the ministry fiasco. You’re right Harry and he was wrong, yet he doesn’t admit it. Meanwhile Scrimgeour is well known as You Know Who hater. Most of people will vote for Scrimgeour now.”

“So he wants to gain people’s sympathy,” Harry concluded. “If I agree, he hopes to sway public’s opinion so he will be elected again as minister of magic.”

“Exactly Harry,” Mr. Weasley said.

“Never.” Harry told hem.

“Yeah,” Ron agreed. “Let him rot in hell!”

“Ronald Weasley!” Mrs. Weasley reprimanded her son.

“But Mum, it’s the truth,” Ron protested. “He called Harry a liar on Daily Prophet. And now he wants Harry to help him. That’s crazy!”

“Someone at Saint Mungo should check his brain,” George commented.

Harry totally agreed with George. Fudge must have lost his mind.


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Hermione and her parents came to Grimmauld Place one day before Christmas. Mr. Weasley was really happy to meet them. Harry knew Mr. Weasley couldn’t wait to ask about muggle life.

Harry turned to Hermione. Apparently Ron had told her about Fudge’s visit. She also agreed that Fudge might have lost it. Ron nodded his head in agreement vehemently.

“Hey Harry.”

“Yeah?” he looked at Hermione. Harry knew that she probably had planned something with the way she talked.

“I am thinking that maybe you should give another interview on Quibbler.” Hermione said.

“What?” Ron asked. “Why?”

“Everything the public know about Voldemort comes from daily prophet. And you know that the newspaper will print whatever story that suit the ministry.” She began.

Harry nodded. That made sense. Ron was also listening with full of attention now.

“Fudge tried to portray you as mentally unstable teen last year and I have to admit that he was quite succeeded doing that. Even though public know the truth, if they’re bombarded with the same story everyday, they would start believing it too. Just look at Seamus,” Hermione said, “he has known you for four years and shares the same dorm with you and suddenly he believed those lies. Then how about the public?”

Now, Harry had understood Hermione’s idea.

“I’m sick of getting news only from Daily Prophet. They only print whatever sensational story that would sell or whatever Fudge wants them to print.” Hermione said, making Harry and Ron to look at her. Hermione rarely cursed after all.

“You will tell them the truth on Quibbler Harry,” She continued. “About Fudge refusal to believe in you and about the battle at the department of ministry. Everything.”

“And my opinion about Voldemort,” Harry added.

Hermione and Ron looked at him.

“It’s time for public to know who he really was.” Harry said. “People were and still afraid of his name, which is absurd.” Harry looked at Ron as he said that and Ron managed to blush.

“It was true that he was powerful but I don’t think that the entire wizarding world combined together wouldn’t be able to beat him. People were afraid of him because they believed he was more powerful than them. He walked on them because they let him. Just think, even Malfoys, Blacks and other pureblood family that always think that they’re better than other wizard let old Tom to order them around like a house elves.” Harry said.

So, the plan was formed. After Christmas holiday, they would speak to Luna about publishing Harry’s interview on Quibbler. The interview, Harry, Ron, and Hermione, simultaneously agreed, was to be published one week before the minister election. Fudge could say goodbye to his minister position now, Harry thought in satisfaction.


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Christmas Eve was splendid, with guests overflowing the house. There were smiles and laughter everywhere. Harry was happy. He dropped himself to the bed and fell asleep almost instantly. He woke up next morning because someone was jumping in his bed. Groaning, Harry opened his eyes. It was Ron. Meanwhile, sitting on his bed was Hermione.

“It’s Christmas Harry!” Ron yelled. “Time to open present!”

“Honestly Ron,” Hermione said, rolling her eyes in exasperation. “Merry Christmas Harry,” she said, turning to Harry.

“Merry Christmas too Hermione,” Harry replied.

After opening his presents, Harry, Ron, and Hermione went to downstairs to have breakfast. Bill, Fleur, Remus, Tonks, Percy, Fred, George, Mr. and Mrs Granger, and Mr. Weasley were already seated on the chair.

“Harry!” Remus exclaimed when he saw him. “Thank you for the gift. But you don’t need to buy something that’s so expensive Harry.”

Harry smiled. Typical of Remus, always worrying about him. Remus was so different from Sirius in many aspects and Harry loved him liked he loved Sirius. “It’s okay Remus,” Harry said. “I hope that you like it.”

“I do. Thank you Harry.” Remus said once again.
After Sirius’ death, Remus was the only one left from the Marauders. His parent’s friends. Harry never considered Wormtail. That traitor. He always felt connection with them.

Harry had put the picture of his parents in their wedding day in display so he could always see them. He could see them in his mind now. His father, his mother, Sirius, and Remus, all were waving happily to the camera. Never knowing that soon the happiness will be torn apart.

Harry shook his head. It was Christmas and he really didn’t need this gloomy thought now. So, he went to sit in front of Hermione. Ron sat beside him. Harry had just filled his plate with food when Mrs. Weasley came from the kitchen. She brought a present with her. A box wrapped with green paper and silver ribbon.

“This is send to the Burrow for you Harry,” she explained.

Harry peeked up at her. “Who send it?” he asked, frowning.

“We don’t know Harry. Apparently because Grimmauld Place is still under Fidelius Charm so the sender send it to the Burrow.”

Harry instantly became suspicious.

“Don’t worry Harry. Remus had checked it earlier and there’s no dark magic.”

“Oh, okay. Thank you Mrs. Weasley,” Harry said. He took the present and opened it.

Harry couldn’t believe his eyes. He blinked. And then he blinked again. And then he pinched his right arm. Ouch. That was hurt. So he wasn’t dreaming. Harry began to laugh.

Hermione and Ron looked at him oddly. “Harry?” Hermione asked, confused.

“Are you okay mate?” Ron asked.

Harry only laughed louder. Hermione and Ron were really worried by now. Why was their best friend laughing like that? Ron’s gaze fell to the half opened present on his friend’s lap. He couldn’t see what was inside so he craned his neck to take a better look. And then he screamed.

“Ron!” Hermione said, appalled. What was wrong with these two?

“Dad! Mum! Remus! Tonks!” Ron screamed. “Get here NOW!”

Now, Harry and Ron got the whole attention. Remus walked closer. His face worried.

“That!” Ron pointed to the present.

Remus was confused. He didn’t detect any dark magic earlier. Although, maybe he should check for any magic. Not only just dark magic.

Hoping that Harry was okay, he cautiously asked. “Harry, can you tell me what the present is?”

Instead of answering, Harry merely took his present out. It was a small cage, and inside it there was unmistakable creature. Shocked gasps filled the dining room. Meanwhile Remus went pale. Trapped inside the cage was a thin grey rat.

Wormtail.

Meanwhile, in the same time but in the different place, Lucius Malfoy opened the present that was send to him. An unknown owl, which Lucius recognized came from Hogsmeade post office, came to deliver it in the morning. He then ordered his house elf to put the present on his desk on his study room. He would not have his wife and his son seeing it.

After breakfast, he went to his study room. Even without the sender name he knew the person who sent it. There was a small black box inside with Cartier craved on the box surface. Inside it, he found a white gold brooch in phoenix shape.

Lucius turned his attention to the red paper and gold ribbon that wrapped the small box. Trust a Gryffindor to use their color. He thought distastefully. But maybe he couldn’t complain, after all his present to the boy was also wrapped in green paper and silver ribbon.


Author’s Note:

My first Harry Potter fanfiction. So don’t be harsh ok. The challenge is there. If anyone wants to write a story based on the idea, go ahead. The more the merrier. Some part of the story I got from Half Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows. Like I said, I want to write story about powerful Harry. Harry who managed to become Head of Auror.

I actually want to insert some part of this story from Lucius’ point of view. However I don’t really understand him so maybe later. Another question, which animal do you think suit Lucius patronus the best? Snake, eagle, or anything else? I need it for the next chapter.

And the last, why nobody gives me review???? I hope for at least 100 reviews for this story. You don’t need to sign in. Just click review button. It makes me wondering if nobody read the story if I don’t get reviews. Is anybody out there who read this story? And thanks to you who had reviewed the story.