A/N: I have been working on this story for almost a month! This story is like my baby. I want to share it but I also want to know exactly what you think of it so PLEASE r/r thanks!
Disclaimer: I own nothing that has to do with the Harry Potter books!
When Goodbyes Are Said
How many times in our lives have we had to say goodbye? Those of us who went to a primary school or a preschool even have said goodbye to our parent's everyday. Those who go to boarding school say goodbye at the end of every holiday. If you've ever moved you've had to say goodbye to lots of people at once. And when we graduate we have to say the most awaited goodbyes of all. But in all those instances our goodbyes have had the chance to be well thought out or maybe even routine. The point is the people we were saying them too could say them back to us. But Harry didn't get to say goodbye. When we loose a loved one forever...well that is the type goodbye that hurts the most.
" Hey um... Harry." Said Hermione cautiously, " Um. I was kinda wondering..." Her voice trailed off.
" Err what she means to say Harry is that..." Picked up Ron. " Well you see it's like this. Next week is our 1-year anniversary and we were wondering if maybe you would umm."
" Harry would it be all right if Ron and I went to Hawaii umm.... Instead of us all goes to Godric's Hollow."
" What do you mean?" Asked Harry. " You're just ditching Ginny and I?" Asked Harry heatedly.
" Oh Harry you don't know what it's like when you have a girlfriend." Ron had embraced a very touchy subject. When their trio had grown to a foursome Ron used the extra person as an excuse to spend time alone with Hermione. As a result Ginny and Harry had become especially close. Neither of them was "going out" with anyone and they rather enjoyed the friendly company. But Ron used this to reign over them. For once he had something Harry did not and he relished in that thought.
Harry was not about to listen to another one of his friend's excuses. He heard Ron muttering something about " Touchy," and "Ginny didn't seem this mad" as he stormed out of the Common Room and headed towards to The Great Hall. Harry sighed and reckoned that if he were a girl he probably would have been crying. His own friends ditching him. That's when he heard voices.
" Well Ron I reckon you may have been a tad insensitive." It was Hermione's voice and it was getting louder as the approached The Great Hall.
" Ron you prat," said Fred who had heard the whole thing in the Common Room. " Of course Harry's mad, heck I would be too, you practically told him to get lost."
" I didn't mean it like that!" Moaned Ron. " It's just that well I'd rather see Hermione in a Bikini then a snowsuit and that's something that's perfect for our anniversary." Ron blushed at this last part.
" But Ron, think about it did it have to be now. You guys have had this planned since the summer! Harry is always alone for the holidays and the two of you going to America for the first time without him probably hurt him." This new voice belonged to Angelina. Her and Fred had been walking to Dinner with Ron and Hermione.
" Well let's hope that we can smooth things over with Harry." Said Hermione. That was Harry heard for the four of them had come to the entrance of The Great Hall. Harry couldn't believe his ears.
" Smooth things over..." He wasn't going to forgive so easily. They had cancelled plans on him before and that was fine. But the fact that they all forgot hurt him so much. They weren't only going to Godric's Hollow to be by the ski resort, they were going so Harry could say goodbye. It had been almost a year since Harry had asked them for there support. It had been very hard for him to do but he knew he couldn't go on his own. It was 15 years since his parents died, and Harry had not yet gotten the chance to say goodbye. Well Harry was sorry that he had to say goodbye to his friends. That was one goodbye that caused a lump to form in his throat.
Harry walked into the Great Hall feeling pretty sorry for his self. This was something that Harry didn't usually do. It pained him to show weakness in front of other people. Spending 15 years with the Dursleys was enough to teach anyone that lesson. Harry sat down next to Ginny and they sat in silence for a few minutes before Ginny spoke.
" Harry," she said quietly, " Maybe you shouldn't hold this against them." At this she glanced over to look at Harry and how he would react to her statement. To her surprise the look on his face turned from hurt to ashamed. Harry was sorry now for how he had reacted. Of course he was hurt, that couldn't be helped, but he wasn't going to forever hold that against his friends. Harry decided to just play it cool for a while, no matter how much it hurt.
" Harry, " Ginny said as an idea dawned on her. " I've got it! Why don't you and I go to Godric's Hollow?"
"That's all right Ginny. Look I'm sorry for being such a grouch. You don't have to come you'll probably be...bored...out of your mind anyhow."
"Well all right Harry if you insist." Ginny walked away feeling rather glum. Poor Harry she thought. She had remembered their promise even if the others hadn't.
The next few days were ruff and when Winter Break finally rolled around everyone was finally happy again. Well, almost everyone was happy. Harry for one was most certainly not. Because of his haste to push Ginny away she was going to have to spend the Break at home by herself. But she didn't mind, Harry minded enough for her. He promised to make it up to her but he knew he had to make the journey alone. After all, Hermione and Ron didn't want to come, so why would Ginny? The day class's got out Harry took the Hogsmede Dinky to the muggle airport. He would have to try to find gate 13 and tap the staff lounge door 3 times. From there the Knight Bus would pick him up. Since there was no emergency this time they asked that he arrive there, where they had to pick up another person.
Harry slept through most of his train ride. The muggle airport wasn't very interesting to him, and he had to try and relax himself before the upcoming events in his life. Saying goodbye was going to be hard. By the time he arrived into the secret port to the Bus pickup it was getting very dark outside. Harry couldn't wait to get on the Knight Bus and hopefully return to his nap. When the bus finally arrived he looked up from the Daily Profit he was reading and was surprised to see a little girl boarding the bus in front of him.
" I'm Buddy," said the conductor, " welcome to the Knight Bus." " The driver is Tim." At this a Jolly looking man tipped his hat to Harry and the child. " You all are getting off at Godric's Hollow. But that won't be for quite a while seeing as we're filled to the roof." He wasn't kidding either. Harry looked around at the crowd that filled The Knight Bus. He was to awed to take notice of the fact that the little girl; was also going to Godric's Hallow. Buddy led them to their seats, (the beds were all taken), and Harry sat down to think.
Harry was surprised to see that the little girl who had boarded the bus with him was crying. He noticed now that her luggage had a little ID tag on it that read: Margaret-Elizabeth Taylor. The little girl had her head in her arms and was practically shaking. Harry didn't know what to do so he just stared at her for a moment. When she looked up he noticed she was an adorable little girl of about 8 years old. She had chestnut brown hair pulled into pigtails and beautiful green eyes. When she noticed Harry was looking at her she gave a shudder and her tears fell silently as she stared back.
" What's your name?" Harry asked cautiously as if thinking she was going to erupt any second. She just stared silently at him for a moment. " I'm Harry." He volunteered.
"I'm Margaret-Elizabeth." She whispered this so softly that Harry had to lean over to hear her.
" It's nice to meet you Margaret-Elizabeth." That's a very cute looking dog you have there." Harry was referring to the plush velvety looking black dog she was holding in her lap.
" He's Pluto," she declared. " And he loves me." At this she stifled another sob. She then turned over and laid her head against the seat. Within minutes she was asleep. Harry was wondering what was bothering this beautiful little girl. She seemed to glow while she was asleep. She seemed heavenly almost. It was as if she was setting out into the world to accomplish something. Of course Harry could only guess this much. He had a rough few weeks himself and he liked to daydream about someone else's mission instead of the one that lay before him. The Knight Bus rumbled on and Harry slept. And as he did so a little girl next to him was wondering why there was a big boy next to her being so nice. And whether he would be her friend.
Harry woke up with a start. The conductor had shaken him and Margaret-Elizabeth awake. "Your stop is the next one up." He smiled at them and offered to help him and Margaret-Elizabeth with their luggage. When the bus finally stopped they were in front of a beautiful log cabin. The sign on top read: The Next Stop Lodge. Harry liked the Lodge's name. He could just picture a lost wizard on his way to find his place in the world. He could picture himself in 20 years.
Harry and Margaret-Elizabeth walked into the pub. The bartender stepped out from behind the bar to introduce himself. " I'm Jake," he said " If you need anything just come to me. I also own this place so I'm here 24/7."He invited them to sit down at a table. " Let me put some food in your stomachs. Margaret-Elizabeth your Aunt sent ahead some money for you and Harry, I received the money your godfather sent as well." He winked at Harry. Harry almost fell off his seat in surprise.
" You know my godfather? Harry asked completely taken aback.
" Of course I do." He smiled. " I'm Jacob Flag. Sir-...uh.... Snuffles helped me out quite a bit."
" Talk about a small world." Muttered Harry. Harry was so surprised at Jake knowing Sirius that he didn't noticed that Margaret-Elizabeth looked sullen almost depressed at the mention of her aunt. A tear slid down her cheek and she barely touched the grilled cheese sandwich Jacob had placed in front of her. Jacob and Harry mistook her loss of appetite as a sign of fatigue and Jacob whisked her off to a bedroom above the restaurant.
Harry sat and talked to Jacob for a long time before retiring to bed. He found out that Jacob was a year above Sirius, James, Remus, and Lily in school. Sirius had saved Jacob's life when they were in school. They had been flying around the school grounds on broomsticks. Jacob's broom bucked for some reason and he was thrown of about 30 feet above the Whomping Willow tree. Sirius swooped down and caught Jacob just in time. James managed to catch his broom before it could be destroyed. Jacob told Harry story after story about his father and the rest of the Marauders. Harry was extremely content by the time he was ready to go upstairs to bed. He even learned that his mom was always there to get the Marauders out of the trouble they got themselves into. It sounded as though his mother was just like Hermione, though by the sounds of it she wasn't as uptight.
The next morning Harry awoke early to an extremely gray sky. It looked as though it would snow any second. Harry decided that it would be nice to explore for a little while and then return to the lodge for some hot Butterbeer and a late breakfast. He had packed robes as well as muggle clothes so that he wouldn't stand out too much. He decided to go muggle today and bundled up in his new jeans that Hermione had given him for his birthday and a new green Weasly sweater.
The world outside was beautiful. There was a certain peace about Godric's Hallow. First Harry decided that he wanted to visit the ruins of the house he had lived in for only a year. He asked a local passing by how he could reach the Potter house.
" Tourists are you?" Said a stocky man standing outside the bakery when Harry asked him for directions.
" Err you could say that." Said Harry hastily. The man looked Harry up and down before giving directions.
" Of course I can show you to the Potter place. They were real nice folks so you better be sure to pay your respects when you get there." He looked Harry up and down again and said " are you sure you've never been here? You look awfully familiar." Harry shifted uncomfortably.
" Nope never been here."
" Well then you best be off before the storm comes. By this afternoon no one will be able to get in or out of town. That you may tie to."
Harry thanked the man and set off. " Two blocks down and make a left...." He muttered to himself. It took Harry a good 15 minutes to walk to the house. When he saw it he gave an involuntary shutter. The house had obviously been worked on a little since the attack. A plaque had been erected and stood at the front gate of the house. As Harry walked up the path he could just start to make out the words, it read:
We dedicate this plaque to the Potters, Lily and James. May we remember them and celebrate their lives. May we pray for their son Harry, the boy who lives on. May you remember him in your prayers each night. We weep not tears of sadness but tears of joy. They would have wanted us to remember the good times instead of the bad.
Harry was surprised. No where on the plaque did it mention Voldemort. The people of the town celebrated there lives- not their deaths. It was a first and Harry was touched by it. Making sure that no one was around, Harry wiped his eye with his sleeve. After taking a moment to collect himself Harry proceeded to walk through the gate and up to the front door of the house. He knocked to see if anyone was there, though not really expecting an answer. To his surprise a kind young looking witch opened the door.
" Hello there, how may I help you?" She asked Harry.
" I was wondering if I could have a look around, uh...for schools...err...History of Magic report." Said Harry lamely.
" Of course you can come on in. My name is Arabella."
" I'm Harry." He slapped his forehead when she turned around. "Should've said Ron." He mumbled to himself.
"I'm leaving do to predictions of a bad snowstorm." Said the lady. " You may have a look around and let your self out when you're done."
" You don't live here then?" Said Harry relieved.
" Oh no, of course not. I was a friend of the Potters and I like to come check on the house every once in a while."
" Do you know who fixed up part of the house?" Asked Harry. Looking around he saw that there was some furniture and things scattered throughout the front room.
" Well any stuff you see here belonged to the Potters. The men reconstructed the house and I'd hardly call it fixed up." She had a faraway look in her eyes. " Well, I know you probably want to get to work but I'll surely see you around town. Goodbye." Without another word she exited the house.
Harry looked around. Now that he was alone he felt sudden warmth spread through him. He decided to have a look around. It was obvious that very little of the house had been restored. There where only four rooms that could actually be walked in. Harry started with the front sitting room. There was a small rug sitting in the center of the room. There were also two wooden chairs. Harry walked over sat on the rug. It was just a simple faded creme and blue colored room, but it was familiar. It was something that Harry might have crawled on when he was little. Harry traced his finger over the stitching in the rug. In the bottom corner it said: L loves J. Harry smiled at it. After tracing his fingers over the letters one last time he got up and proceeded into the next room.
The next room could very well have been a family room. There was a broken wizard radio on a dusty old table. There was a chessman sitting on the floor. Harry also noticed an old picture on the wall. He stepped closer to get a better look. The picture was so thickly covered in dust that Harry had to take out his wand and mutter a scouring charm that Hermione had taught him. When he finished cleaning it he gazed into a picture of Lily, James, and him sitting on the steps of a house, this house, with a bunch of other people. He could pick out Sirius and Remus among the group. He also noticed the Witch who had just left the house. To Harry's surprise a smiling Albus Dumbledore also stood in the picture. Harry used his wand to open up the back of the picture frame. There were words and a date on the back of the photo. It said The Gang at our new house Dec 12, 1989. Harry put the photo back in the frame and pocketed it. Then he decided to move into the third room. This room had a rocking chair in it. That was all. Harry sat in the chair and he could almost here his mother singing him a lullaby. He sat there for what seemed like an eternity but in reality was only a few minutes. Harry then decided to explore the fourth and final room.
The forth room seemed as though it were empty at first. Then an oddly colored floorboard caught Harry's attention. He remembered that Draco had mentioned something about a secret chamber under his drawing room floor, and he remembered that the Weasly's had a secret compartment under their dining room. He thought that maybe this was common in all wizard houses so he decided to check this floorboard out. He prodded the floorboard and muttered all kinds of words to no avail. Then Harry had an idea he tapped the floorboard and said " I solemnly swear I am up to no good." To his surprise a brick in the fireplace behind him gave way to reveal a drawer handle. So there wasn't anything under the floor after all he smirked.
Harry pulled at the handle and a piece of parchment flew out of it. The parchment read:
Here lays the official secret drawer of the grownup Marauders. We solemnly swear we will teach our children to fulfill their entire prank playing abilities
Prongs, Moony, Padfoot, and Wormtail
Harry smiled. He always had a slight suspicion that his father was the type of person that never grew up, and he rather liked the conformation of this thought. Harry picked his head up and suddenly caught a glimpse of what it looked like outside. He saw hoe gray the sky was and decided that he better get going. He pocketed the piece of parchment and decided he would send it to Sirius to frame and put in his new house. The ministry had been so distraught when Peter was spotted in Hogsmede they decided to reinvestigate. When Peter was caught he immediately collapsed. With the help of Virita Serum they were able to get the whereabouts of Voldemort and he was finally killed by a sneak attack resulting in Mad Eye Moody's fame. Harry thought Sirius would definitely appreciate the souvenir of "the good old days".
Harry walked through each room one more time before exiting the house. "Well," he thought to himself " I guess I'm that much closer to saying goodbye." And with that he set off towards the pub. The walk home took an extra few minutes due to the fact that it had started to snow. Harry was exceedingly elated to see the lights of the pub. By the time he was reached the inside he was freezing.
" Harry it's nice to see a young person up early for a change." Joked Jacob. " Sit down by the fire and I'll bring ya a kip to eat."
Harry gratefully complied. " I'll have a Butterbeer if you don't mind." He said
" Not at all." Replied Jacob cheerily. " Harry." He said seriously. " Would you mind doing me a favor?" " I need someone keep an eye on Margaret-Elizabeth. She has no one in the world that loves her. If you knew her story..." Harry saw a glint in Jacobs eyes. " Anyways her aunt asked me to ' watch over the brat' I almost told her off. She's the biggest dolt ever Harry. After Margaret-Elizabeth's parents died the poor thing got stuck with her. Every Christmas she ships the girl here to spend the holidays."
Harry didn't know what to say he didn't want to hurt Jacob's feelings but he needed this time to help himself. "What am I thinking" Said Harry to himself. "If I can give her someone to hang out with... How hard could it be?" This last part he said out loud. Jacob was thrilled.
" Thanks Harry. I think she's already taken a liking to you." With that Jacob went to wake her up. It was already 10:30. Margaret-Elizabeth came downstairs dressed in a cute little over-all outfit. Apparently her aunt liked to keep her dressed well. While she had been upstairs still Harry found out from Jacob that Margaret-Elizabeth's aunt paraded around with her like she was parent of the year but in reality neglected her terrible. They lived in a mansion and Margaret-Elizabeth was raised by the houselves.
Harry wasn't too keen on the idea of being a babysitter but it couldn't be all that bad. At first Margaret-Elizabeth was really shy. She just sort of kept near Harry but never actually said much. When the snow began to come down heavily and it was apparent that they both had a shared love of blizzard she started to warm up to him a bit. At around three Harry offered to play a game with her.
" Will you read to me?" Asked Margaret-Elizabeth shyly
" Sure." Said Harry. "Anything in particular you want me to read?" He asked. She smiled and pulled out "The Big Book of Wizard Tales" by Lauren Myth. Harry pulled her up on the chair with her and began to read. By the third of about 100 stories Harry started to do the voices and everything. He read to her for almost two hours until she fell asleep next to him. He carefully signaled to Jacob who quietly crept over and picked her up, setting her gently on the couch.
" Harry," He said, " I do think that you were meant to be a big brother." He smiled at Harry and told him that dinner would be ready in an hour. Harry thanked him and thought about what he had said.
"What if I was a big brother?" Thought Harry. If it wasn't for Voldemort I could have been. He sighed and picked up a copy of "Martin Miggs the Mad Muggle" that Ron had given him. Wizard's ideas of muggles amused him.
At around 6 o'clock Harry woke up Margaret-Elizabeth for dinner. He had to shake her a bit before she complied. Harry smiled. The best part was she laughed all the way up the stairs. Harry knew he had made a friend.
A/N: okay so this part is just sort of an introduction. Harry's going to learn a lot from his new small friend. and no for all you sickos they're not going to like fall in love (eww) but it will be a big thing....so please r/r this one and look out for the next one.
Disclaimer: I own nothing that has to do with the Harry Potter books!
When Goodbyes Are Said
How many times in our lives have we had to say goodbye? Those of us who went to a primary school or a preschool even have said goodbye to our parent's everyday. Those who go to boarding school say goodbye at the end of every holiday. If you've ever moved you've had to say goodbye to lots of people at once. And when we graduate we have to say the most awaited goodbyes of all. But in all those instances our goodbyes have had the chance to be well thought out or maybe even routine. The point is the people we were saying them too could say them back to us. But Harry didn't get to say goodbye. When we loose a loved one forever...well that is the type goodbye that hurts the most.
" Hey um... Harry." Said Hermione cautiously, " Um. I was kinda wondering..." Her voice trailed off.
" Err what she means to say Harry is that..." Picked up Ron. " Well you see it's like this. Next week is our 1-year anniversary and we were wondering if maybe you would umm."
" Harry would it be all right if Ron and I went to Hawaii umm.... Instead of us all goes to Godric's Hollow."
" What do you mean?" Asked Harry. " You're just ditching Ginny and I?" Asked Harry heatedly.
" Oh Harry you don't know what it's like when you have a girlfriend." Ron had embraced a very touchy subject. When their trio had grown to a foursome Ron used the extra person as an excuse to spend time alone with Hermione. As a result Ginny and Harry had become especially close. Neither of them was "going out" with anyone and they rather enjoyed the friendly company. But Ron used this to reign over them. For once he had something Harry did not and he relished in that thought.
Harry was not about to listen to another one of his friend's excuses. He heard Ron muttering something about " Touchy," and "Ginny didn't seem this mad" as he stormed out of the Common Room and headed towards to The Great Hall. Harry sighed and reckoned that if he were a girl he probably would have been crying. His own friends ditching him. That's when he heard voices.
" Well Ron I reckon you may have been a tad insensitive." It was Hermione's voice and it was getting louder as the approached The Great Hall.
" Ron you prat," said Fred who had heard the whole thing in the Common Room. " Of course Harry's mad, heck I would be too, you practically told him to get lost."
" I didn't mean it like that!" Moaned Ron. " It's just that well I'd rather see Hermione in a Bikini then a snowsuit and that's something that's perfect for our anniversary." Ron blushed at this last part.
" But Ron, think about it did it have to be now. You guys have had this planned since the summer! Harry is always alone for the holidays and the two of you going to America for the first time without him probably hurt him." This new voice belonged to Angelina. Her and Fred had been walking to Dinner with Ron and Hermione.
" Well let's hope that we can smooth things over with Harry." Said Hermione. That was Harry heard for the four of them had come to the entrance of The Great Hall. Harry couldn't believe his ears.
" Smooth things over..." He wasn't going to forgive so easily. They had cancelled plans on him before and that was fine. But the fact that they all forgot hurt him so much. They weren't only going to Godric's Hollow to be by the ski resort, they were going so Harry could say goodbye. It had been almost a year since Harry had asked them for there support. It had been very hard for him to do but he knew he couldn't go on his own. It was 15 years since his parents died, and Harry had not yet gotten the chance to say goodbye. Well Harry was sorry that he had to say goodbye to his friends. That was one goodbye that caused a lump to form in his throat.
Harry walked into the Great Hall feeling pretty sorry for his self. This was something that Harry didn't usually do. It pained him to show weakness in front of other people. Spending 15 years with the Dursleys was enough to teach anyone that lesson. Harry sat down next to Ginny and they sat in silence for a few minutes before Ginny spoke.
" Harry," she said quietly, " Maybe you shouldn't hold this against them." At this she glanced over to look at Harry and how he would react to her statement. To her surprise the look on his face turned from hurt to ashamed. Harry was sorry now for how he had reacted. Of course he was hurt, that couldn't be helped, but he wasn't going to forever hold that against his friends. Harry decided to just play it cool for a while, no matter how much it hurt.
" Harry, " Ginny said as an idea dawned on her. " I've got it! Why don't you and I go to Godric's Hollow?"
"That's all right Ginny. Look I'm sorry for being such a grouch. You don't have to come you'll probably be...bored...out of your mind anyhow."
"Well all right Harry if you insist." Ginny walked away feeling rather glum. Poor Harry she thought. She had remembered their promise even if the others hadn't.
The next few days were ruff and when Winter Break finally rolled around everyone was finally happy again. Well, almost everyone was happy. Harry for one was most certainly not. Because of his haste to push Ginny away she was going to have to spend the Break at home by herself. But she didn't mind, Harry minded enough for her. He promised to make it up to her but he knew he had to make the journey alone. After all, Hermione and Ron didn't want to come, so why would Ginny? The day class's got out Harry took the Hogsmede Dinky to the muggle airport. He would have to try to find gate 13 and tap the staff lounge door 3 times. From there the Knight Bus would pick him up. Since there was no emergency this time they asked that he arrive there, where they had to pick up another person.
Harry slept through most of his train ride. The muggle airport wasn't very interesting to him, and he had to try and relax himself before the upcoming events in his life. Saying goodbye was going to be hard. By the time he arrived into the secret port to the Bus pickup it was getting very dark outside. Harry couldn't wait to get on the Knight Bus and hopefully return to his nap. When the bus finally arrived he looked up from the Daily Profit he was reading and was surprised to see a little girl boarding the bus in front of him.
" I'm Buddy," said the conductor, " welcome to the Knight Bus." " The driver is Tim." At this a Jolly looking man tipped his hat to Harry and the child. " You all are getting off at Godric's Hollow. But that won't be for quite a while seeing as we're filled to the roof." He wasn't kidding either. Harry looked around at the crowd that filled The Knight Bus. He was to awed to take notice of the fact that the little girl; was also going to Godric's Hallow. Buddy led them to their seats, (the beds were all taken), and Harry sat down to think.
Harry was surprised to see that the little girl who had boarded the bus with him was crying. He noticed now that her luggage had a little ID tag on it that read: Margaret-Elizabeth Taylor. The little girl had her head in her arms and was practically shaking. Harry didn't know what to do so he just stared at her for a moment. When she looked up he noticed she was an adorable little girl of about 8 years old. She had chestnut brown hair pulled into pigtails and beautiful green eyes. When she noticed Harry was looking at her she gave a shudder and her tears fell silently as she stared back.
" What's your name?" Harry asked cautiously as if thinking she was going to erupt any second. She just stared silently at him for a moment. " I'm Harry." He volunteered.
"I'm Margaret-Elizabeth." She whispered this so softly that Harry had to lean over to hear her.
" It's nice to meet you Margaret-Elizabeth." That's a very cute looking dog you have there." Harry was referring to the plush velvety looking black dog she was holding in her lap.
" He's Pluto," she declared. " And he loves me." At this she stifled another sob. She then turned over and laid her head against the seat. Within minutes she was asleep. Harry was wondering what was bothering this beautiful little girl. She seemed to glow while she was asleep. She seemed heavenly almost. It was as if she was setting out into the world to accomplish something. Of course Harry could only guess this much. He had a rough few weeks himself and he liked to daydream about someone else's mission instead of the one that lay before him. The Knight Bus rumbled on and Harry slept. And as he did so a little girl next to him was wondering why there was a big boy next to her being so nice. And whether he would be her friend.
Harry woke up with a start. The conductor had shaken him and Margaret-Elizabeth awake. "Your stop is the next one up." He smiled at them and offered to help him and Margaret-Elizabeth with their luggage. When the bus finally stopped they were in front of a beautiful log cabin. The sign on top read: The Next Stop Lodge. Harry liked the Lodge's name. He could just picture a lost wizard on his way to find his place in the world. He could picture himself in 20 years.
Harry and Margaret-Elizabeth walked into the pub. The bartender stepped out from behind the bar to introduce himself. " I'm Jake," he said " If you need anything just come to me. I also own this place so I'm here 24/7."He invited them to sit down at a table. " Let me put some food in your stomachs. Margaret-Elizabeth your Aunt sent ahead some money for you and Harry, I received the money your godfather sent as well." He winked at Harry. Harry almost fell off his seat in surprise.
" You know my godfather? Harry asked completely taken aback.
" Of course I do." He smiled. " I'm Jacob Flag. Sir-...uh.... Snuffles helped me out quite a bit."
" Talk about a small world." Muttered Harry. Harry was so surprised at Jake knowing Sirius that he didn't noticed that Margaret-Elizabeth looked sullen almost depressed at the mention of her aunt. A tear slid down her cheek and she barely touched the grilled cheese sandwich Jacob had placed in front of her. Jacob and Harry mistook her loss of appetite as a sign of fatigue and Jacob whisked her off to a bedroom above the restaurant.
Harry sat and talked to Jacob for a long time before retiring to bed. He found out that Jacob was a year above Sirius, James, Remus, and Lily in school. Sirius had saved Jacob's life when they were in school. They had been flying around the school grounds on broomsticks. Jacob's broom bucked for some reason and he was thrown of about 30 feet above the Whomping Willow tree. Sirius swooped down and caught Jacob just in time. James managed to catch his broom before it could be destroyed. Jacob told Harry story after story about his father and the rest of the Marauders. Harry was extremely content by the time he was ready to go upstairs to bed. He even learned that his mom was always there to get the Marauders out of the trouble they got themselves into. It sounded as though his mother was just like Hermione, though by the sounds of it she wasn't as uptight.
The next morning Harry awoke early to an extremely gray sky. It looked as though it would snow any second. Harry decided that it would be nice to explore for a little while and then return to the lodge for some hot Butterbeer and a late breakfast. He had packed robes as well as muggle clothes so that he wouldn't stand out too much. He decided to go muggle today and bundled up in his new jeans that Hermione had given him for his birthday and a new green Weasly sweater.
The world outside was beautiful. There was a certain peace about Godric's Hallow. First Harry decided that he wanted to visit the ruins of the house he had lived in for only a year. He asked a local passing by how he could reach the Potter house.
" Tourists are you?" Said a stocky man standing outside the bakery when Harry asked him for directions.
" Err you could say that." Said Harry hastily. The man looked Harry up and down before giving directions.
" Of course I can show you to the Potter place. They were real nice folks so you better be sure to pay your respects when you get there." He looked Harry up and down again and said " are you sure you've never been here? You look awfully familiar." Harry shifted uncomfortably.
" Nope never been here."
" Well then you best be off before the storm comes. By this afternoon no one will be able to get in or out of town. That you may tie to."
Harry thanked the man and set off. " Two blocks down and make a left...." He muttered to himself. It took Harry a good 15 minutes to walk to the house. When he saw it he gave an involuntary shutter. The house had obviously been worked on a little since the attack. A plaque had been erected and stood at the front gate of the house. As Harry walked up the path he could just start to make out the words, it read:
We dedicate this plaque to the Potters, Lily and James. May we remember them and celebrate their lives. May we pray for their son Harry, the boy who lives on. May you remember him in your prayers each night. We weep not tears of sadness but tears of joy. They would have wanted us to remember the good times instead of the bad.
Harry was surprised. No where on the plaque did it mention Voldemort. The people of the town celebrated there lives- not their deaths. It was a first and Harry was touched by it. Making sure that no one was around, Harry wiped his eye with his sleeve. After taking a moment to collect himself Harry proceeded to walk through the gate and up to the front door of the house. He knocked to see if anyone was there, though not really expecting an answer. To his surprise a kind young looking witch opened the door.
" Hello there, how may I help you?" She asked Harry.
" I was wondering if I could have a look around, uh...for schools...err...History of Magic report." Said Harry lamely.
" Of course you can come on in. My name is Arabella."
" I'm Harry." He slapped his forehead when she turned around. "Should've said Ron." He mumbled to himself.
"I'm leaving do to predictions of a bad snowstorm." Said the lady. " You may have a look around and let your self out when you're done."
" You don't live here then?" Said Harry relieved.
" Oh no, of course not. I was a friend of the Potters and I like to come check on the house every once in a while."
" Do you know who fixed up part of the house?" Asked Harry. Looking around he saw that there was some furniture and things scattered throughout the front room.
" Well any stuff you see here belonged to the Potters. The men reconstructed the house and I'd hardly call it fixed up." She had a faraway look in her eyes. " Well, I know you probably want to get to work but I'll surely see you around town. Goodbye." Without another word she exited the house.
Harry looked around. Now that he was alone he felt sudden warmth spread through him. He decided to have a look around. It was obvious that very little of the house had been restored. There where only four rooms that could actually be walked in. Harry started with the front sitting room. There was a small rug sitting in the center of the room. There were also two wooden chairs. Harry walked over sat on the rug. It was just a simple faded creme and blue colored room, but it was familiar. It was something that Harry might have crawled on when he was little. Harry traced his finger over the stitching in the rug. In the bottom corner it said: L loves J. Harry smiled at it. After tracing his fingers over the letters one last time he got up and proceeded into the next room.
The next room could very well have been a family room. There was a broken wizard radio on a dusty old table. There was a chessman sitting on the floor. Harry also noticed an old picture on the wall. He stepped closer to get a better look. The picture was so thickly covered in dust that Harry had to take out his wand and mutter a scouring charm that Hermione had taught him. When he finished cleaning it he gazed into a picture of Lily, James, and him sitting on the steps of a house, this house, with a bunch of other people. He could pick out Sirius and Remus among the group. He also noticed the Witch who had just left the house. To Harry's surprise a smiling Albus Dumbledore also stood in the picture. Harry used his wand to open up the back of the picture frame. There were words and a date on the back of the photo. It said The Gang at our new house Dec 12, 1989. Harry put the photo back in the frame and pocketed it. Then he decided to move into the third room. This room had a rocking chair in it. That was all. Harry sat in the chair and he could almost here his mother singing him a lullaby. He sat there for what seemed like an eternity but in reality was only a few minutes. Harry then decided to explore the fourth and final room.
The forth room seemed as though it were empty at first. Then an oddly colored floorboard caught Harry's attention. He remembered that Draco had mentioned something about a secret chamber under his drawing room floor, and he remembered that the Weasly's had a secret compartment under their dining room. He thought that maybe this was common in all wizard houses so he decided to check this floorboard out. He prodded the floorboard and muttered all kinds of words to no avail. Then Harry had an idea he tapped the floorboard and said " I solemnly swear I am up to no good." To his surprise a brick in the fireplace behind him gave way to reveal a drawer handle. So there wasn't anything under the floor after all he smirked.
Harry pulled at the handle and a piece of parchment flew out of it. The parchment read:
Here lays the official secret drawer of the grownup Marauders. We solemnly swear we will teach our children to fulfill their entire prank playing abilities
Prongs, Moony, Padfoot, and Wormtail
Harry smiled. He always had a slight suspicion that his father was the type of person that never grew up, and he rather liked the conformation of this thought. Harry picked his head up and suddenly caught a glimpse of what it looked like outside. He saw hoe gray the sky was and decided that he better get going. He pocketed the piece of parchment and decided he would send it to Sirius to frame and put in his new house. The ministry had been so distraught when Peter was spotted in Hogsmede they decided to reinvestigate. When Peter was caught he immediately collapsed. With the help of Virita Serum they were able to get the whereabouts of Voldemort and he was finally killed by a sneak attack resulting in Mad Eye Moody's fame. Harry thought Sirius would definitely appreciate the souvenir of "the good old days".
Harry walked through each room one more time before exiting the house. "Well," he thought to himself " I guess I'm that much closer to saying goodbye." And with that he set off towards the pub. The walk home took an extra few minutes due to the fact that it had started to snow. Harry was exceedingly elated to see the lights of the pub. By the time he was reached the inside he was freezing.
" Harry it's nice to see a young person up early for a change." Joked Jacob. " Sit down by the fire and I'll bring ya a kip to eat."
Harry gratefully complied. " I'll have a Butterbeer if you don't mind." He said
" Not at all." Replied Jacob cheerily. " Harry." He said seriously. " Would you mind doing me a favor?" " I need someone keep an eye on Margaret-Elizabeth. She has no one in the world that loves her. If you knew her story..." Harry saw a glint in Jacobs eyes. " Anyways her aunt asked me to ' watch over the brat' I almost told her off. She's the biggest dolt ever Harry. After Margaret-Elizabeth's parents died the poor thing got stuck with her. Every Christmas she ships the girl here to spend the holidays."
Harry didn't know what to say he didn't want to hurt Jacob's feelings but he needed this time to help himself. "What am I thinking" Said Harry to himself. "If I can give her someone to hang out with... How hard could it be?" This last part he said out loud. Jacob was thrilled.
" Thanks Harry. I think she's already taken a liking to you." With that Jacob went to wake her up. It was already 10:30. Margaret-Elizabeth came downstairs dressed in a cute little over-all outfit. Apparently her aunt liked to keep her dressed well. While she had been upstairs still Harry found out from Jacob that Margaret-Elizabeth's aunt paraded around with her like she was parent of the year but in reality neglected her terrible. They lived in a mansion and Margaret-Elizabeth was raised by the houselves.
Harry wasn't too keen on the idea of being a babysitter but it couldn't be all that bad. At first Margaret-Elizabeth was really shy. She just sort of kept near Harry but never actually said much. When the snow began to come down heavily and it was apparent that they both had a shared love of blizzard she started to warm up to him a bit. At around three Harry offered to play a game with her.
" Will you read to me?" Asked Margaret-Elizabeth shyly
" Sure." Said Harry. "Anything in particular you want me to read?" He asked. She smiled and pulled out "The Big Book of Wizard Tales" by Lauren Myth. Harry pulled her up on the chair with her and began to read. By the third of about 100 stories Harry started to do the voices and everything. He read to her for almost two hours until she fell asleep next to him. He carefully signaled to Jacob who quietly crept over and picked her up, setting her gently on the couch.
" Harry," He said, " I do think that you were meant to be a big brother." He smiled at Harry and told him that dinner would be ready in an hour. Harry thanked him and thought about what he had said.
"What if I was a big brother?" Thought Harry. If it wasn't for Voldemort I could have been. He sighed and picked up a copy of "Martin Miggs the Mad Muggle" that Ron had given him. Wizard's ideas of muggles amused him.
At around 6 o'clock Harry woke up Margaret-Elizabeth for dinner. He had to shake her a bit before she complied. Harry smiled. The best part was she laughed all the way up the stairs. Harry knew he had made a friend.
A/N: okay so this part is just sort of an introduction. Harry's going to learn a lot from his new small friend. and no for all you sickos they're not going to like fall in love (eww) but it will be a big thing....so please r/r this one and look out for the next one.