A/N:
Oops, I lied.
Disclaimer: Any of the characters or places mentioned in J.K. Rowling's books are hers and I do not claim ownership to them. I do however, own Dumbledore's castle, Meghann, and my ideas.
Harry Potter and the Golden Ring of Siador
by Canis Lupus
Chapter One:
"Mum said that Dumbledore might let you come to stay with us at the end of the summer," Ron told Harry as he and the rest of the Weasleys left Kings Cross.
"Ok," Harry replied. "Keep in touch over the summer!"
"Bye Harry!" called the (now blushing) Ginny Weasley.
Uncle Vernon then yanked Harry away from his friends towards his car. "Come on boy, we've got to get home. Aunt Marge is arriving in an hour. She'll be staying for a few weeks and I don't want any nonsense out of you! Do you understand?"
"Yes, but she better not insult my parents," replied Harry. There was a note of amusement in his voice. "Otherwise, my godfather will hear of it."
At that, Vernon Dursley looked a bit frightened. It was his biggest fear that Sirius Black, Harry's godfather, would turn the Dursleys into bats if Harry asked him to. Harry hardly noticed though, because his thoughts were of his last week at Hogwarts. Harry had tied with Cedric Diggory for the Triwizarding Cup but it turned out that the Cup was a portkey and had transferred Cedric and him to the graveyard where Voldemort was preparing to return to power. Voldemort killed Cedric instantly and then Harry had witnessed Voldemort's rebirth. He had dueled with Harry but Harry had escaped when Voldemort's wand repeated all the spells it had performed. Shadows of Voldemort's past victims had come out of the wand and helped Harry to escape with Cedric's body. It
had all been a horrible ordeal for Harry and he was still getting over it. Harry's thoughts now turned to what Voldemort might be planning next as he loaded his belongings into Uncle Vernon's expensive sports car.
They arrived an hour later at 4 Privet Drive. Harry's mood hardly matched the sunny weather. He got out and brought all of his stuff to his room before heading downstairs for a snack. It was then Harry saw Dudley. He didn't look much skinnier than he was last summer.
"It doesn't look like your diet worked, eh Dudley?"
Harry then scampered out of the kitchen to avoid being beaten up.
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Aunt Marge arrived a short while later. To be nice to Harry, Uncle Vernon made Dudley bring up her baggage. Then they all sat down at the table for dinner.
"Ah, so you're still here." Aunt Marge spat at Harry as he sat down at the dinner table. "I'm surprised that your aunt and uncle haven't gotten rid of you yet."
"I wish they had," Harry muttered under his breath. "May I be excused?" he asked Mr. Dursley, not wanting to hear anymore of what Aunt Marge was going to say.
Vernon Dursley let Harry go, mainly because of what happened last year when Harry's anger had caused Aunt Marge to blow up. Harry ran up the stairs and into his small bedroom and decided to write a letter to Ron:
here except for the arrival of my aunt. (the one who I blew up
last summer) I don't think she's fully recovered from that incident,
considering that she seems to have nothing better to do than
insult me.
When do you want to meet in Diagon Alley to get our school
supplies? Could you let Hermione know also? I wonder how her
summer is going and if she has visited Viktor Krum yet. Well,
let me know when you want to meet in Diagon Alley. Hope you're
doing well and having a much better summer than I am. Say hi to
your mom for me.
Harry
He tied the letter to Hedwig's leg and she gave him an affectionate nip. Then she flew out the window into the dark sky. He watched her for a moment and then shut the window. Harry got into bed and took off his glasses, wondering how scared Uncle Vernon was right now.
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Harry didn't know how he survived these next weeks with Aunt Marge. She was still insulting Harry and Uncle Vernon was as nervous as a mice in a field full of cats. After seeing Aunt Marge onto the train that would finally take her home, Harry and the Dursley's got back into the car. They drove for awhile when all of a sudden Uncle Vernon broke the silence.
"Harry, have you written your godfather lately? Umm.... I mean about Aunt Marge's visit?"
"No, but thanks for reminding me," said a very amused Harry. "I was thinking of writing him tonight."
That remark shut Uncle Vernon up and they drove in silence the rest of the way home from the King's Cross Station.
After eating dinner that night, Harry went to his room in a hurry to see if he had received any letters for his birthday which was tomorrow. Sure enough, Hedwig, Pig, and what looked like a school owl were sitting patiently on his bed.
"Hi Hedwig," Harry told her as he stroked her gently. Hedwig was clicking her beak at Pig who was now flying happily around the room.
Harry relieved the three owls of their burdens. Pig and the other owl went back out the window.
He unwrapped Ron's package first. There was a letter which Harry read to himself:
Happy Birthday! I hope you enjoy reading the new book. It will give you something better to do than listen to your annoying aunt. I do hope the muggles let up! Mum reckons you can stay with us for the last week of the holidays. That way, we can go to Diagon Alley together. I will write Hermione and ask her if she would like to stay also. We will go to Diagon Alley the last Wednesday before term starts. Have a good rest of the summer (if it is possible!) and I will see you soon! Mum says hi, P.S. Hermione's been made a prefect. (What else is new?)
Happy Birthday! I hope the muggles are better than last year!
How are you? I'm well. Guess what? I received the letter yesterday that
says I have been made a prefect! I'm so excited! I've always wanted to be
one. Right now my parents and I are visiting Russia. I'm busy with schoolwork of course, but I have enough time to tour the beautiful countryside. Ron tells me we are going to stay with his family for the last week of the holidays. I'm glad, because I haven't seen both of you for what
seems like so long! Keep in touch and enjoy the rest of your summer.
Love from
HOGWARTS SCHOOL
of
Headmaster: A
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Please note that the new school year will begin on September the first.
The Hogwarts Express will leave from King's Cross station, platform nine
and three-quarters, at eleven o'clock.
A list books and supplies for next year is enclosed.
Yours sincerely,
Deputy Headmistress
After reading the letter and the enclosed parchment, Harry put it away in the crack under the floor and prepared to go to bed. He pulled on his pajamas climbed into bed. No sooner had he done that when an old, strange-looking brown bird flew into his room. It was not very big and it looked pretty weary from the long journey. It turned to Harry and Harry looked deep into its black, beady eyes.
"Where did you come from, old boy?" Harry asked the bird.
He untied the letter from the owl's leg, gave it a drink of water, and it gave a thankful hoot and flew off. Harry turned the letter over and read who it was from: Remus Lupin. Filled with curiosity, Harry opened the letter and read it out loud:
Go straight to Dumbledore. You are not safe at the Dursley's right now.
Harry wondered how he was supposed to get to Dumbledore when he hadn't the faintest idea where Dumbledore lived in the summer.
Sincerely,
P.S. Sirius sends his regards.
Harry finished the letter and a feeling of fear washed over him. Voldemort must be after him and Lupin realized the safest place for him was where Dumbledore was. Harry was extremely happy to be leaving the Dursleys for the rest of the summer; however. He wouldn't have to see Dudley for another whole year! He wondered where Dumbledore lived. Maybe a house like Ron's that was supported by magic? Perhaps Dumbledore had a house-elf?
Harry was jerked back to his senses by Hedwig nudging his arm.
"Oh yeah, I'd better get going!"
Harry got out of bed and changed back into his clothes. He then put all his books into his trunk and put Hedwig back into her cage. After that he checked all the loose floorboards for anything he might be missing. He new the Dursleys wouldn't care if he left and never came back but he decided to write then a short note anyway. Finally, Harry opened Lupin's package and took out the portkey. It was an old candy wrapper. He still had five minutes to go until it was time to go. Harry checked everything one more time. Four minutes. Harry wondered where Dumbledore's house was. Three minutes; he grabbed hold of his trunk and Hedwig's cage. Two minutes, one minute, thirty seconds, five....four....three...two...one............
Harry felt as though the wind was being knocked out of him. He was spinning very, very fast. A second later, Harry and his belongings were being transported to where Dumbledore lived.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Seconds later, Harry found himself on the floor of what looked like a large study. There was a desk in the corner and a great chair next to a few bookshelves. On the opposite side of the room there was a fireplace with a roaring fire. Next to it stood none other than Albus Dumbledore in robes and hat of deep green.
"Good evening, Mr. Potter," said the smiling face of Dumbledore.
"H-hello Professor," Harry gasped, catching his breath.
"Welcome to my home, Harry. I'm sure the students have been most curious to where I abide in the summer," said Dumbledore, looking very amused. "Remus Lupin, no doubt, has told you that you will be staying with me for the remainder of the holiday." He paused for a moment, then continued, "Why don't I give you a brief tour and then take you to your room."
Dumbledore took out his wand, muttered something, and Harry's belongings flew out of the room. "Now I suppose we should start in here. This - I'm sure you have noticed - is my study."
Harry glanced over at Fawkes who was sitting on Dumbledore's rather large armchair. He then followed Dumbledore out the door and into the corridor.
Dumbledore's "home" was huge. Harry thought it was more like a castle than anything else. Dumbledore led him down a staircase and through a long corridor full of old pictures.
"This is the Dining Hall," said Dumbledore as he stopped in front of a door which magically opened showing Harry the large room.
The Dining Hall had a long table which looked very similar to the High Table at Hogwarts. Harry thought this was probably where the teachers had meetings during the summer. In the center of the long table was a golden chair. Harry looked around for another minute and then Dumbledore closed the door. Harry followed him a couple doors down the deep green carpeted hall. He opened the door and revealed to Harry his enormous library with many bookshelves full of books. In the middle of the library there was a cozy deep blue carpet. A few soft chairs stood on top of it.
"I have no doubt you'll make good use of this," was all Dumbledore said before shutting the door with his wand and once more, leading Harry towards another room. They climbed a few staircases and strode down a dark corridor before arriving at what Dumbledore declared was Harry's bedroom for the next weeks.
Inside the room was a large, comfy-looking bed with a scarlet bedspread and a nighttable. To the right of it was a window with matching curtains. Below the window was a desk and chair on Harry's things were already placed. In the opposite corner stood a large wardrobe. Glancing past the wardrobe at the fireplace, Harry spotted a house-elf dusting.
For some reason, Harry thought to himself, that elf looks very familiar.
"Harry, I'm sure you know Winky. She has consented to work for me at this house," said Dumbledore. "I have a few more around here, also. You might meet them later." He paused for a moment, giving Harry the look that only he could give; then continued. "Yes...., I'm sure you'll be fine for the night. Winky is here if you need anything. Goodnight, Harry." Then he strode quietly out of the room.
Winky turned to Harry and smiled. "Kind Professor Dumbledore gave Winky a job at his house, sir! Winky is very honored. I is Professor Dumbledore's house-elf now," she said happily.
Well, it's about time she figured it out, Harry thought.
"Is you needing anything, sir? Winky is happy to serve Harry Potter too. Harry Potter is a great and wonderful wizard."
"No thanks, Winky," Harry told her. He had just realized how tired he was. "I think I'll just go to sleep now." He stifled a yawn. "Good night, Winky."
"Good night, Harry Potter, sir!" Winky said cheerfully as she hurried out of the room.
Harry walked over to his desk and opened Hedwig's cage. She gave him a grateful hoot and flew out of the window to hunt. After she left, Harry got into his new bed and took of his glasses. As he put out his candle he thought about how much there was to discover about Dumbledore's home. He decided that could wait until morning and then fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
Hours later, Harry felt himself being shaken awake. He opened his eyes and saw Winky standing over him.
"It is time for Harry Potter to wake up, sir," whispered Winky, pulling off his covers.
"Aw, Winky," whined Harry sleepily. "What time is it?"
"Seven-thirty, sir," replied Winky. "Master Dumbledore requests Harry Potter be in Dining Hall at eight-thirty for breakfast."
Harry got up and put on his glasses. This was the first time he got to look out onto the grounds for last night it had been too dark. It was beautiful sunny day. Dumbledore's home was surrounded by green rolling hills and full of trees and bushes. Next to a huge tree was a garden that seemed to grow magical plants and herbs. At the edge of the grounds lay a thick forest which, to Harry, resembled the forbidden forest at Hogwarts.
"Please hurry, sir," said Winky as she walked out of the room.
Harry got dressed and was attempting to brush his hair when Winky came back into his room.
"Is Harry Potter ready?" she asked.
"I guess," said Harry as he followed Winky down the hall.
"After being led down corridors and up a few staircases, Harry found himself in front of the Dining Hall. Dumbledore was already seated in the large, golden chair reading the Daily Prophet. He looked up and saw Harry standing in the doorway.
"Good morning, Harry," spoke Dumbledore and he motioned for Harry to sit next to him at the long table. "You've had a good night's sleep, I hope."
"Yes I have, sir," answered Harry as breakfast appeared in front of them.
"I have some business with the Ministry of Magic today," said Dumbledore, putting down the finished paper. "So I won't be back until dinner. You are free to roam the grounds and castle. But please stay out of the forest for it is much like the forest at Hogwarts. I trust you'll keep yourself entertained." Dumbledore added with an almost mischievous twinkle in his azure blue eyes.
Harry didn't answer. They finished their meal in silence. After Harry had finished eating, Dumbledore spoke again.
"I've heard from the Weasleys that they wanted you to stay for the last week of the holiday. I will allow them to come and pick you up then. They will see you onto the Hogwarts Express on September First."
"Thank you, Professor," Harry replied, his spirits greatly lifted.
Dumbledore finished his breakfast and rose from the table. "I'll leave you now, Harry." With that, he walked quickly out of the room.
A moment later Harry stood up and made his way back to his room. He found it quite easily. Harry had a strange feeling that the rooms in this castle moved. When he walked into his room, he found Winky in there changing his sheets. She smiled when she saw him.
"What is Harry Potter doing today?" she asked, wiping her forehead with her tea towel.
"I don't know Winky, probably go exploring. I think I'll start with the grounds."
"They sure is beautiful, sir," replied Winky, now dusting the curtains.
Harry walked over to his desk, eager to write letters to Ron and Hermione to tell them about Dumbledore's castle. He took out some parchment and began to write:
Dear Ron,
Last night I got a letter from Lupin telling me to use the portkey to go straight to Dumbledore. I did and I was transported to Dumbledore's castle! It's huge and full of interesting rooms. I think I'll go explore the grounds today. There is a forest that reminds me of the forbidden forest at Hogwarts.
Oh, and Dumbledore said I can stay with you for the last week of the term like we planed. Well, I'm off to exploring. Can't wait to see you!
See you soon,
He wrote a letter to Hermione also, telling her about Dumbledore's castle and the huge library. Then he tied the two letters to Hedwig's leg and she flew off into the sunshine. He watched her for a long time and then he heard Winky calling him for lunch. Harry hurried down to the Dining Hall and met Winky on his way. She told him to follow her to the kitchen where a large group of elves were preparing something. They all bowed politely and then Winky showed him a small table where he was bombarded with food. He ate hungrily until he was full. Harry then decided to head out to the grounds. He wondered down the stairway and down a long corridor until he saw what looked like an entrance way. He pushed open the door and saw he was looking onto the grounds. Spotting Dumbledore's garden, he decided to take a look inside. The gate was open so Harry walked slowly through it. All at once he was staring at gigantic plants. A few of them reminded Harry of the mandrakes at Hogwarts. There were three paths to take in the garden. He finally chose the path in the center. Walking for awhile, Harry saw very odd-looking plants. Some had thorns a foot long while others looked extremely soft. Coming to a circular enclosure with two paths in it, Harry decided to take the left one which looked a lot more colorful. After walking down that path, he came to what looked like a dead end. Surrounding the enclosure were pink, red, and white roses. In a corner was an old bench covered in ivy. Next to it was a small tree a little taller than Harry. This garden room looked like it hadn't been visited for years. The grass was about two feet tall and weeds were growing up everywhere. All of a sudden, Harry heard a rustling in a bush behind him. He turned around and saw two eyes peering out from the bush.
"Who's there?" Harry asked, a bit nervous. "Come out of that bush!"
The two eyes disappeared and a witch climbed out of the bush. She looked about seventeen with matted medium brown hair and amber eyes. The patched and torn gray robe she wore hung loosely around her skinny frame. Staring up at Harry, she stared him in the eye defiantly.
"Who are you?" he asked, curiously.
"That's none of your business!" she snapped, whirling around and marching off in the opposite direction, towards the thick forest.
"Wait, maybe I can help you!" Harry called after her, a bit taken back by her statement. She turned to face him.
"Can you tell me where to find Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry?"
"Well, if you're interested in having a word with Albus Dumbledore, you've come to the right place."
"He's the Headmaster of Hogwarts Witchcraft and Wizardry, is he not?"
"Yes. I can take you to him if you like, but could you at least tell me your name?"
She looked suspicious for a moment. Deciding that she really had nothing to loose anyway, she replied, "Meghann McFinkle. And you're the famous Harry Potter, aren't you?"
"Yes I am. Would you like me to take you to Professor Dumbledore now?"
Meghann smiled at him. "Lead the way." He turned to go and she followed behind him. It took him awhile to find their way out of the garden because he forgot which way he had turned. When he finally reached the gate, Harry checked his now repaired watch. It read four o'clock. He figured that Dumbledore would be home shortly. As he approached Dumbledore's castle, he realized how big it was. The old castle was gray with white shutters. There were three towers sticking out at weird angles. This was another house that Harry thought was supported by magic. It almost looked as if the house were floating! Harry shook his head and stared at the castle again. It was floating!! How strange! Harry thought to himself. As they entered through the large front door, he heard Winky calling.
"Harry Potter! Harry Potter, sir!" she yelled when she spotted him through the entrance way. Harry and Meghann rushed over to her.
"Winky, this is Meghann McFinkle. I met her in Professor Dumbledore's garden."
"Pleasure to meet you," said Meghann, with a bit of sarcasm at Winky's sheer happiness.
Winky's face turned to one of glee at the prospect of having more company. Bowing low, Winky replied, "Hello Miss McFinkle. Winky is very pleased to be meeting you as well." Beckoning for them to follow her, she added, "Professor Dumbledore is in the dining hall waiting for you, Harry Potter, sir. Professor Dumbledore will be ever so happy to have more guests, Winky knows."
Reaching the doorway, Harry and Meghann stepped into the room. Dumbledore was seated in his usual chair, looking mildly surprised.
"Is she always that enthusiastic? It's almost sickening." Meghann whispered to him as they walked over to the Headmaster.
"Good evening, Harry," said Dumbledore warmly. "And who is this young lady?"
"Oh not again," Meghann thought out loud. With that she fell to the ground, grabbing her hair. "Don't kill him!," she screamed, "Why must you do that!"
In one motion, Dumbledore slid off his chair and bent in front of the girl. With anxiety apparent on his face, Dumbledore grabbed her wrists and muttered a few words. Instantly she became limp in his arms. Turning toward Harry, he replied, "Follow me." Dumbledore then scooped the women into his arms and carried her off, Harry following.
Next Chapter: We learn a bit more about Meghann and Harry heads off to the Weasleys. He alsos visit Diagon Alley and have a close encounter with, well most of you probably know anyway, but for those of you who don't, you'll be surprised :). Chapter two will probably be up Tuesday night, Friday at the latest.
Until then,
~Canis Lupus~
