How to Prevent a War

Home Sweet Home

"What do you think?" Sirius asked, looking over to the six teens.

They were all staring wide-eyed at the Mansion in front of them. It had a large court in front with high trees on either side of the path and two statues of pegasii on either side of the iron gate. The House itself was three stories high and very wide, made of classic red stone and a grey stone roof. It had large windows, so there should be enough light getting inside, and the porch, double front door and windowsills were all painted white. It was definitely the most beautiful house Harry had ever seen.

"It's definitely not the Burrow, that's for sure," Ron muttered awe.

"Unfortunately, I couldn't find a home with that sort of unique charm."

"Oh no! This is perfect, really!" Ginny said immediately, unable to keep her eyes off the building.

"Great!" Sirius said grinning.
"It has a pretty big backyard, for those of you who want to play Quidditch. A pitch is easily enough set up."

"Wicked!" the twins said together, high-fiving each other with wide grins.

"We could set up a few nice flower beds too!" Hermione said smiling.
"Give some colour and personality to the home."

"I'll help," Harry agreed right away, grinning widely at the brunette.
"I used to tend the garden for aunt Petunia all the time, so I know how."

Hermione's face lit up brightly and she beamed at Harry.

"That's wonderful!" she exclaimed happily.
"We should definitely discuss which flowers fit together best, and where they should go!"

Harry laughed and nodded, looking back at the home.

"I can't wait to show the house to Tom," he murmured.

He didn't even notice how the others all lost their smiles.

. . . . .

"Tom! You have a visitor!" the plump old woman yelled.

Harry shuffled around nervously when he saw how several ratty looking kids stared at him so openly. A little girl, not even 10 years old, slowly inched her way towards Harry and pulled his sleeve with her greasy little fingers, her brown eyes wide and curious.

"You look nice," she said.
"Why would you want to see Tom?"

"Because he's my friend," Harry replied grinning.
"We go to school together, and I promised I'd pick him up when he could come visit."

"So that school of his is real?" a boy about Harry's own age asked.

His voice was gruff, as if he'd gotten sick and never really recovered, and his teeth were yellowed with already three missing. Harry felt a pang of pity, but he supposed that was just how things were for orphans at this time in history. Many died of bad hygiene and sickness.

"Of course it is. Why wouldn't it be?" he asked confused.

"We never saw anyone from his school except for that weird man when he was accepted," the boy shrugged.
"He must not be liked well if no ever comes to see him during the summers. Can't blame them for that."

Harry scowled and glared at the boy.

"What are you talking about?" he asked annoyed.
"Tom is the most popular guy in school. Everyone loves him."

"Then it has to be a school for weirdo's and freaks."

"Yes, thank you, Billy," Tom drawled as he walked up to them.
"You're here early, Harry. I expected you at least a week later. Have you already found a place to live?"