The Space Boy and The Red Head

6 - Bells and a Bang

Sunday - 31st December 1995

Apollo spent two hours trying to convince the house elf that he was in fact not a man named Regulus Black. Eventually Kreacher decided that his memory must have been affected by dark magic and that he had forgotten who he truly was. He insisted that the boy should stay in the room that he had brought them to, in hopes of restoring his memory. Apollo of course knew this to be nonsense but was getting tired of repeating himself. Eventually he was able to make it back downstairs to the Hogmanay party which appeared to be in full swing according to the loud bagpipe music playing and drunken cheers.

George ran up to Apollo as soon as he spotted him coming in through the door.
"Mate, I was so worried that Kreacher had hurt you or something, you ok?" He said, checking over the other boy for injuries.
"I'm fine. Kreachers nice enough, just a little confused is all"

"No. Honestly Kreacher is a bit of a dick. I don't know why but it seems you're the only one here he likes." George explained. This confused Apollo more, why was Kreacher so angry with the others but happy to see him? He'd heard that Sirius's family weren't very nice people and that Sirius had even run away from home as a teen because of them. So why would Kreacher be happy to potentially see one of the original people that lived there?

George brought Apollo back into the party, making there way over to where everyone was dancing. There wasn't long til the Bells now so most of the adults had a few drinks in them already. Sirius and Remus were laughing hysterically as they danced together, too distracted to notice anyone else around them. Mr and Mrs Weasley were dancing and chatting with the McLaggen couples. Apollo was pleased to see Cormac talking with Hermione in a corner, the girl occasionally blushing at something he said. Ginny was dancing badly with Bill. Kingsley and Tonks seemed to be rather animatedly talking with Fred, Kingsley discouraging his mischievous side whilst Tonks was providing tips on how to get away with more. Ron and Harry sat on a sofa, drinking butterbeer and looking rather miserable together.

George dragged Apollo over to grab a drink.
"I'm glad you're feeling better. Bloody miserable without you causing trouble round here" he said passing Apollo a bottle of butterbeer before grabbing his own. The two drank and danced together for the evening, eventually joined by Fred.

A few people had left early. Being too drunk or tired to wait until midnight to hear the bells. It was just the people who were staying at Grimmauld Place that remained now. Mrs Weasley cleared her throat and addressed the room.

"Only five minutes to go now. Make sure you've got a drink for the New Year" she spoke loudly. Some attendees scurried off to top up their glasses, whilst others discreetly tried to shuffle closer to one another.

"George, we need to get the surprise!" Fred yelled.
"Yes Fred! Wait here Apollo. We'll be right back"
The other twin replied.

Apollo stood alone for less than 5 seconds as the twins apparated to their room and back. When they suddenly popped back, Fred scurried off to the corner to set up their plan.

"You'll love this" said George. He stood beside Apollo, wrapping an arm over his shoulders. Fred returned, passing a bottle to his twin and friend so they all held one now. Then he spotted Tonks by herself.
"Sorry boys, I've spotted a Damsel in Distress" he said, walking off and leaving the two there.

George conversed a while longer with Apollo. They spoke about all the pranks that their friend group would be up to once they returned to school. Apollo had to hide his disappointment that he wouldn't be able to take part in one of the pranks as it fell on the first evening back at school, which unfortunately was a full moon. He couldn't tell them that or they'd get suspicious. He was brought back into the conversation when George suddenly asked a question. Apollo hadn't heard it and realised that George was waiting for a response. He nodded and quickly agreed, hoping that it was the right answer. George just chuckled and patted his back.
"Your mind up in space again Apollo?" He questioned.

"Yeah. Sorry just thinking about school. I don't really want to go back. Especially with DUMBridge there."

"We should really prank her too. Something big that'll scare her away from Hogwarts for good." George said, making a mental note to tell Fred about it. He also made a note of how anxious Apollo seemed to be for school starting back in a week's time.

"Alright everyone. It's almost time!" Rosie shouted. There was a cheer and laughter

"10! 9! 8! 7! 6! 5! 4! 3! 2! 1!"

"Happy New Year!" The crowd shouted turning, it was at this moment that the boys remembered the English tradition of kissing someone at midnight. They both went very red faced and opted for a half hug/kiss on the cheek as everyone else gave a quick peck on the lips to whomever they (intentionally or not) found themselves beside. Then the Scottish traditions set in again and the enchanted record player began playing Auld Lang Syne. Everyone said cheers, clinking glasses together and sang along. Then very suddenly small bangs were heard and some of the adults quickly drew their wands. Everyone turned to see the firework display created by Fred and George. Sounds of oohs and awws filled the space between bangs. Apollo deeply inhaled, smelling the faint gunpowder scent.

"That was incredible!" Ginny said running over to George and Apollo, as Fred also made his way over to the group.

"Thank you Ginny", "Just glad it worked" the twins said, smug grins plastered on their faces. They received a thumbs up across the room from Sirius and Remus, who were very impressed by the display. Then the mood changed, Molly Weasley had approached the group. A stern look on her face.

"I'm not a fan of your pranks or mischief boys! ...

But well done, that was marvellous. I'm very proud" she said and soon the boys were back to looking smug.

The party didn't last much longer and everyone made their way to bed. Apollo having to retrieve his things that Kreacher had brought to Regulus' old room during the party, and move them back to his shared one with the twins.

As the boys were about to all fall asleep, tucked into the beds, feeling very tired after all the fun from that evening, Apollo spoke up.

"Happy New Year lads"

"Happy new year Apollo" they said back in unison.

The next morning Professor McGonagall arrived to drop off letters from the School, just permission slips and the like. Bringing the first footing gifts too, as she was Scottish herself she was used to the traditions. She sighed when she saw how exhausted and/or hungover everyone was. Chuckling as she left again. She quickly pulled Apollo to the side before she left.

" I won't see you on the first feast back so I'd just like to make sure you are doing well now" she queried.

"Yes professor, thank you. I'm doing well."

"Good. Now you boys better stay out of trouble. Now that professor Umbridge is at the school it's most important you keep a low profile. I'll do my best to keep an eye out for you" she said with a slight tone to her voice that Apollo could almost mistake for genuine care, very surprising coming from the strict woman in front of him.

"We can't make any promises professor" he winked.