*
Since there were no lessons and a lot less students around, not much happened over the next week. The only thing of any interest was that Hermione had started to text him. True to her word, she’d started texting him once she’d got home. Their conversations were of nothing serious but it was enjoyable all the same. Tom hadn’t been in contact with anyone outside of Hogwash for months. For some reason his old Durmprang friends, to whom Tom had altered their phones, weren’t texting back.
All he had at Hogwash over Christmas were the teachers, who were cool but not the same as someone your own age, and Ryan. Mark had gone home with Ella but Ryan had stayed behind so Tom had spent a lot of time with him. They practised Quidditch, had eating competitions and Tom had even decided to show him the gym in the Anything Goes room.
Since Ryan had never used a gym before, he was no way near the level of Tom but due to his natural athletic ability, he quickly increased his strength. Tom had been used to working out alone for so long that he’d forgotten how fun it was to do it with a friend.
During a particularly strenuous session, where Ryan would have dropped 50kg onto his toe if not for Tom’s magic, stopping the plate an inch above it, they heard the door open and close. In bewilderment, they looked over to see Bonky coming over to them. “Good evening Tom, Ryan.”
They looked at each other and said at the same time, “You know Bonky too?”
They then laughed and looked back at Bonky. Tom said, “What are you up to? Last time I went to the kitchens, they said you were ill.”
“I’m much better now. I had a case of dragon pox but it’s all gone now.” Tom wondered to himself if Lyrotth had anything to do with it. Bonky continued, “I just came in to inform you that Professor Funwick is looking for both of you. Something about needing your help with decorations.”
Ryan was first to answer, “Thanks Bonky. But how did you know where we were and more importantly, how do you know about this room? I thought very few did.”
Bonky chuckled and said, “Know this. House elves know more about this school than anyone else. We are everywhere, cleaning and tidying, and we have ears in all places.”
Tom knew all along that you shouldn’t underestimate the houses elves and here was the proof. They hurriedly, thanked Bonky, showered and went to the great hall in search of Professor Funwick.
“About time boys. I was beginning to think you weren’t coming.”
“We’re sorry sir. We were in the middle of something,” they said together.
“No matter. You’re here now. Could you please give me a hand with the decorations around the castle tonight? I would not trust the task to any students other than talented Ravensnores.”
Ryan let out a gasp of surprise. “So that’s how it’s done. I’ve often wondered how all those decorations appeared overnight.”
Tom, of course, didn’t understand since this was his first year at Hogwash. Professor Funwick continued, “Yes well, this year I require you two. Can I count on you?”
“Of course sir,” Ryan said immediately.
“Excellent, I’ll give you 30 house points each. You need to cover the entire east and south side of the school. That’s everything from the transfiguration corridor to the owlery. I have told Mr Wilch about you so you won’t get into trouble for being out of bed. The decorations are in labelled boxes, ready to be taken to the right places. Remember this is a secret operation. Now get to work.”
The more time Tom spent at Hogwash, the more he realised just how much was kept secret around this place.
Putting up the decorations took almost all night and the most exciting thing that happened was Tom getting his hand caught by a suit of armour that refused to let go until he’d sung the national anthem. By the time they got to bed it was almost dawn. Tom entered his bedroom and didn’t even bother to get undressed. He just got straight into bed and fell asleep almost instantly.
Tom Collivander and the Order of the Thunderbird, A Potter Parody Page 14
