The Headmaster's Only Mistake

Hallowe'en

Harry heard a loud and purposeful throat clearing itself behind him so he stopped and turned around. His friends rolled their eyes, already knowing who it was, and turned around as well.

"Yes, Weasley? Do you need something?" Harry asked condescendingly.

"That's a broom."  the other boy said stupidly.

"Ever so smart, Ronald." Harry remarked, clapping slowly. "I actually thought it was a hippogriff."

"You're not allowed to have that. I'll tell Professor McGonagall. Or Dumbledore."

"Yes, go along and tell my godmother and the person who authorized my broom."

"You'll get in trouble."

"Thank you ever so much for the insight, Mr. Weasley, I'll keep that in mind. Now, if you don't have anything to say other than thing about my very obvious and authorized broom, I'll excuse myself from your company." Harry and his friends turned on their heels and walked off quickly, ignoring Ron's gaping looks.

They stayed in a comfortable silence for a few more corridors before Draco spoke.

"What model do you think it is?" he asked, referencing to the broom.

"Maybe a cleansweep?" suggested Tracy.

"Trace, you're talking about Sirius Black, lord of the most over dramatic house, and Remus Lupin-Black, the godfather who enjoys spoiling me way too much. I wouldn't be surprised if they somehow managed to get me a model that hasn't come out yet." Harry snorted. The other three giggled slightly and nodded, already used to Remus and Sirius' antics.

"So a nimbus, then?" Daphne said.

Harry nodded. "Probably."

···

The excitement the whole of Slytherin felt about Harry's shiny new broom did not die down, but instead transformed into the excitement of Samhain, or as Dumbledore insisted they call it in favour of the muggle-borns, Hallowe'en. 

The fourth years and older where already whispering about the wild party they were going to throw this year, which alcoholic beverages they were going to bring, and how a certain fifth year was getting questionable pills, mushrooms, powders and leaves from both magical and muggle dealers.

There was obviously the few purebloods who lurked as they quietly interchanged meaningful looks while talking about the night of the thirty-first, and  it was quite obvious to all of those surrounding them that they were planning to perform the ancient, and currently illegal, ritual.

Harry himself had been asked to take part of three rituals.

The first had been during a dinner as he and his fellow royals quietly talked about the upcoming celebration and the fateful night ten years ago when Rhysand had turned to him and Bianca and quietly told them about the tradition, sparing glances at the  head table.

"On Samhain night, the royals of Slytherin and Ravenclaw normally come together to practice the ritual, you are both obviously invited. It is not mandatory, and sometimes, some  monarchs are not invited, as they are firmly against the practice, but if you wish to join us, feel free to come with us after dinner." he had told them.

The second had been by Draco,  who sprung up the question to the whole group during a free period. Harry had expected Susan to disagree and report them to the headmaster, as she had always been one to follow the rules like a duckling it's mother, but the Hufflepuff had just shrugged and agreed, saying  that she and her Aunt Amelia always celebrated the holiday.

The last invitation Harry received was the one he accepted. Well, it wasn't really an invitation, as he was going to spend this Samhain alone. Mortem would be joining him for the ritual a little earlier than usual, so they could spend the rest of the celebration together in the Land of the Dead without having to worry about Harry feeling sick in the morning.