Chapter 112:
Harry snorted. "That’s ridiculous." "I know. This will be the first year that I won’t be able to take part in a proper celebration," Draco admitted, obviously sad and annoyed by the fact.
"Same here - even my gran thinks the laws are ridiculous," Neville said, shocking most of the group.
"I didn’t know you celebrated Samhain in the traditional way, Neville," Pansy said. "I would have thought your family would follow Dumbledore’s example." Her words thankfully didn’t come across as malicious, simply curious.
Neville blushed and looked around quickly. Seeing his nerves, Harry flicked his wrist and cast a privacy charm around himself and his friends. "Thanks, Harry," Neville said, now used to Harry’s casual use of spells well beyond their age group.
"Wow, that’s a fifth year spell," Blaise said, looking at Harry in shock.
"What can I say - people call me a prodigy." Harry said plainly, smirking to show he was joking. "Anyway Neville, you were saying?"
"Oh, yeah. Well, even though my family is Light, we still celebrate the Olde ways. The House of Longbottom is an Ancient and Noble one, and my gran thinks it’s important that, as the Heir, I knew all of the proper traditions and customs. Olde magic is Neutral, it’s only in the last few years that it was deemed Dark and banned."
"My aunt said our family used to do the same, we only stopped because of her job. She said she couldn’t disobey the law being the Head of the DMLE, even if she didn’t agree with it," Susan said.
"Same here," Hannah added.
"But you would celebrate if you had the chance?" Harry asked, curious as an idea formed.
The girls shared a glance before nodding. "Yes, I’ve always been curious," Susan confessed. Harry nodded and hummed as inspiration hit him. "I think I may have a way for us to celebrate, here at Hogwarts."