ch 63. A busy day ...

December 21, 1991, 7:11 am Great Hall

- Marshall's POV-

"Are you sure you guys don't want to spend Christmas at my place?" I asked Harry and the Weasley brothers.

Harry and Ron shake their heads and thanked me for offering. The twins also said they had 'plans' now that there are fewer people in the castle.

Percy was having a headache because he was tasked by his parents to watch over his three brothers while the rest of the family visit Charlie in Romania during the Holidays.

Today is the official start of our holiday break and our train leaves at 9:00 am. Those who will be leaving need to be in Hogsmeade Station before then.

I choose to spend my breakfast in the Gryffindor table before we depart.

In the middle of our conversation, Wigby suddenly appeared beside me. The head elf handed me a parchment and said, "Master Witcherly, please check the dishes to be served on Christmas Eve and on the New Year eve banquet."

I excuse myself from the group and review the list.

Wigby asked, "Are you sure about serving the food we usually have in the past banquets, Master Witcherly? Shouldn't we change it to something new?"

Still reading the list, I replied, "Hmmm… No. There's nothing wrong with the dishes the school always served in the past. Let's treat it as honoring the school's holiday tradition. We just need to add a few new ones, like the seafoods that Professor McGonagall requested..."

Turning to Harry and the Weasleys, "Do you guys have any request?"

Harry said, "Can you add the pizza that we had at your house?

I tried to remember, "Oh, the one I made? You mean the one with pineapple?"

"Yeah, that one." Potter nod.

Turning to Wigby, "Add the pizza with 'everything' to the optional menu. And also…" I reached in my pouch and took out 20 cases of wine, "... If the Professors asked for my wine, give them these. Use a decanter first before serving it."

"Sure thing, Master Witcherly. On behalf of the castle's house elves, we wish you happy holidays." The elf was going to snap his finger to leave when an owl swooped above us and dropped a letter, that landed in front of me.

"Wigby, wait a moment..." I opened a letter and read it. With a frown, I handed the letter to the elf and requested, "Can you please give this to the Headmaster and ask him to help me decline the invitation? Thanks."

The elf nodded and disappeared with the letter and the wine.

Ron asked, "What's that about?"

"Ugh, an invitation from the Ministry to a banquet." I complained.

Percy reacted, "And you declined the invitation?! That's a chance to form connection, Marshall."

With a look of disgust, I quickly said, "Pass. I want to relax on my break. And I'm pretty sure those people just want to ask me about the potion I gave to Neville's parents."

Fred(or George) question me, "But is that a bad thing?"

George(or Fred) added, "Won't they want to buy your potion?"

The twins then said in unison, "You can make so much money!!"

"Again pass." It was my reply, I can see they want an explanation, so I just said, "I have my reasons." Putting an end to the topic.

"Anyway, I'll check on my housemates if they are ready." I said my goodbye and went to the Hufflepuff table and sat next to Justin and the others.

I asked them, "You guys packed and ready? The train leaves at 9."

Everyone said, yes. They are just finishing their breakfast.

While we're having some idle chat, another owl entered the Great Hall and dropped a letter above me, but it landed on Susan instead.

While reading the letter, Susan was giving me a weird look and then passed the letter to me.

With a sigh, I took the letter and read it. Not surprisingly, it came from Amelia Bones. It appears that the head of DMLE wants to invite me to her home during the break.

I pondered a bit and motioned Susan to talk in private.

We left the group, who looked at us silently. They would like to inquire, but I just said, "secret".

On a bench in the viaduct courtyard...

When I'm sure that no one is around, I isolated the space we are in, which Susan didn't notice.

Susan asked, "So can you help my aunt?"

"Yes, but I want to ask a favor from her, " I said while handing her a parchment, a quill and ink.

"It's best to have the patients in one place before I give them the potions. For the favor, I want her to arrange an audience with someone…"

Susan was writing my instruction to be sent to her aunt. She looked at me and asked, "Who?"

"Cassiopeia Black..." I said.

"Black?... From the Black Family?" Susan was shocked.

"Yes."

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Susan and I walked back to the Great Hall after our talk.

I just entered the door, when I was stopped by Daphne Greengrass who said, "Marshall, Do you have a moment to talk?"

She then turned to Susan,"In private?"

Susan was surprised and looked at me. I sigh and told her to wait for me with the others.

Again. On a bench in the viaduct courtyard....

I isolated the space we are in which Daphne didn't notice.

Silence ~

It seems Greengrass is having a hard time telling me what she wanted to say.

'Wait? Is this a love confession? I'm not ready? I haven't brushed my teeth!!'

Daphne took a deep breath and said, "Can I buy one of your potions?"

"Pfft!!" I tried not to laugh. It took a moment to compose myself and said, "My potions are not for sale."

Frowning from hearing my refusal, she was going to say something, but I continued, "I can give it to you in exchange for a favor, but I must ask, who is it for?"

She let out a sigh of relief but became silent again.

'This girl really is very frugal with her words.'

"It's for my younger sister?" She finally talked.

I acted surprised, "Eh? You have a sister?... Wait? She was tortured to the point of insanity as well? Who would do su--"

"Stop!.. Stop! She's not like the Longbottom couple." Daphne quickly stopped my train of thought. "She is suffering from a serious case of blood malediction."

"Blood malediction? Hmm...Not sure if my potion is the proper cure for it?" I honestly said.

She had a dejected look, hearing my reply.

Trying to remember what I read about the Greengrass Family curse and what happened to Daphne's sister, Astoria, I'm really not sure if using my Spring water is the best solution.

At most, it will provide a temporary relief.

Since this needs a more in-depth look, I said, "Can I meet your sister to check her condition?"

"What for?" Daphne frowned.

With a calm tone, I explained, "Well... You said it yourself. What she has is blood malediction. I haven't encountered anyone with such condition. So I'm not sure if my potion is the correct treatment for her."

Greengrass seems to be calculating something in her head.

'Ugh... There's nothing worse than a patient with a paranoid and demanding family.'

I sighed and said, "Look... You're asking me for help, but it seems you don't trust me. "

After saying that, I turned around and was going to walk away when she finally agreed, "Fine, I'll let you meet her. When are you free?"

"Ugh... I just want to relax during the break...." I complained out loud while pinching the bridge of my nose and closing my eyes.

Remembering that we're actually going home today, I suggested, "Will she be waiting for you later in King Cross? If she is, I can just meet her there after we get off the train?

"I'll send a letter to my father and make arrangements," She quickly said and walked past me, not saying anything else.

'Hah!' Finally done, I started walking back toward the Great Hall.

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8:55 am Hogwarts Express

- Hermione's POV-

"Finally made it! Haah..hah.." Exhausted from running, I finally got on the train.

On our search for any information about Nicholas Flamel, I had borrowed numerous books and had to wait for the library to open and return them.

When I went to the Great Hall, everyone was gone, and I just found Harry and Ron playing Wizard's Chess. They told me that the 1st years had already left to the train station.

Catching my breath and wiping the sweat on my forehead, I began searching for where my fellow first years were staying.

'Where are they?' I had already walked through all the passenger carriage and peeked in every compartment but can't find any of my fellow first years.

"Where are you going, Granger?" Katie Bell called me out. She was with Angelina and Alicia.

"I'm looking for the other first years but can't find them. Did they not board the train?" I asked.

Alicia had a puzzled look as she answered, "We saw then went in the last carriage. When I saw them earlier, all the first years were walking in one group. That Marshall was leading them."

But I just went there, and the whole carriage was empty. I just thanked the three and return to the last carriage.

The entire place was silent and all I can see is the lady pushing the trolley full of snacks.

When the lady pass in the compartment in the middle, Marshall appeared and talked to her. I immediately approached him.

"Ma'am, can you recommend some snacks that can be seen by Muggles?" I heard Marshall asked the lady.

As I approach, Marshall noticed me and said, "Oh? Where had you been, Hermione? "

Not caring for anything, I yelled, "Where have I been?! Where have you been!? I've searched the whole train and I can't find you guys."

"Eh?... Oops... Sorry about that. Everyone is staying in my suitcase.." He points inside the compartment.

Me, and the trolley lady, look in to see an opened suitcase on the floor. I can hear the sound of laughter coming from it.

"Grrr... " This guys is just so.... I glared at Witcherly and entered the compartment leaving my luggage and walked down in the suitcase.

Inside the suitcase, I was shocked at everything I saw.

There are several sofas and lounge chairs facing a beach. Some of the students are relaxing while reading books and sipping juice and ice tea.

Others are playing darts, billiards, and foosball. There were a few boys trying out the treadmill and lifting dumbbells in front of a mirror.

My attention was caught by Witcherly's elf cooking in the kitchen.

"What are you doing just standing there?" Marshall called and passed by me while holding various snacks and sweets, so I made way for him.

Taking off my scarf and jacket, I just went and lay down the sofa next to the Patil twin.

"Where have you been, Hermione?" asked Parvati.

"Haa.." I just answered with a sigh.

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4:10 pm, Platform 9 3/4

"That was such a relaxing ride. Thanks, Marshall." said Hannah.

I nodded and said, "You're welcome."

Everyone had fun staying in my suitcase where they can play games and have proper sleep. We also had our lunch there that Jolly cooked.

As we exited the train with our luggage, we were greeted by a crown.

My friends introduced me to their family members.

While greeting some parents, I was hugged by an old lady, "Thank you! Thank you! Words can't express how much we are thankful for what you did for our family!"

"Grandma. You're choking him!" Neville came to my side, giving me an apologetic look.

It was only then that I realize who the old lady is. She let me go and wiped her tears and said, "Sorry... I'm Neville's grandmother. Thank you, child for healing my son and daughter-in-law"

"You're welcome, Ma'am. Are they out of the hospital?" I asked. In the corner of my eyes, I can see several eyes observing us. Some were show surprised, some puzzled, and there were a few that show resentment.

Augusta realized the scene she caused and apologize, "Sorry about that... And yes, they are already waiting at home. They didn't come here because they might attract some unwanted attention."

After, she invites me to visit in the future. She and Neville left.

When I turn around, I noticed Susan walking towards me with a elegant but stern looking lady.

"Marshall, this is my aunt, Amelia Bones." said Susan.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Witcherly. About my request, I'll send you a letter in the following days when everything is ready." Amelia didn't beat around the bush.

I just nodded but asked, "What about... HER?"

She replied, "SHE already agreed, and you'll meet HER after you accomplish my request. But I'm curious, what do you need to talk about with HER?"

"I'm sorry, Ma'am. I can't tell you at the moment. But, you can be present when I meet HER. Thinking about it now, our topic will also concern you." Acting mysterious, I gave her a vague answer.

Amelia raised an eyebrow, hearing my reply. Thankfully, she didn't pursue it further.

The Bones said their farewell after wishing me happy holidays.

"Now the last one..." I looked around but didn't find Daphne. 'What do I do?'

"Mr. Witcherly?"

I turned around to see an English gentleman in butler's outfit greeting me with a slight bow. Not recognizing the person, I asked Siri...

Me: Who is he?

Siri: Thomas Davis.

Me: Is he Tracy Davis' father?

Siri: Yes.

Me:His intentions?

Siri: He is the Greengrass family butler and want you to follow him.

'Sigh..' I came forward and extended my hand for a handshake, "Good Afternoon, Mr. Davis. So... where are they?"

Thomas was surprised that I know who he is, but quickly composed himself and shake my hand, "The masters are waiting at a nearby restaurant with the two young misses."

I nod and said, "Then please lead the way."

We quickly left the platform and walked through the busy station.

~end chapter ~