Hi, welcome to another chapter of Phoenix and Basilisk. I was amazed at the positive feedback for the first chapter. This one isn't quite as good, but it's mostly for set up purposes. We'll really get into it the next chapter and hopefully it will be a bit more organized. I just got excited and wanted to crank out another chapter.
Once he was all healed, Cedric had to go back out to tend to the sheep and herd them home for the night. Harry rode behind the older boy and felt much better than he had all summer. They had a plan.
"So, I hear the Weasleys are in Egypt," said Cedric. "That sounds fun."
"Yeah," said Harry. "Ever been?"
"I go to Africa to visit my grandmum every other year," he said. "She's Algerian and raises camels, we were going to stop by Egypt last year, but I got sick. I also went to France once, but other than that I don't really go anywhere. I mostly tend the farm, herd the sheep, study for school."
"Urgh, damn," Harry groaned. "I left my stuff back at the Dursleys. I wouldn't be surprised if they burned my things by now. At least I let Hedwig loose before dinner. Hopefully she'll be able to find me."
"Magic owls are taken from their homes as chicks," Cedric replied. "They go through this training program and they have these enchantments cast on them."
Harry chuckled lightly. "I think you and my friend Hermione would get along. She knows everything, too."
"Maybe," said Cedric. "It might depend on how well she takes having someone know things like she does?"
"What do you mean?"
"Some people take pride in knowing what others don't," he said. "That's why I don't talk much at school. People love to share what they know and I like to listen which is how I learn so much. I'm just chatty now because I haven't had contact with another bloke close to my age for a month. I love my grandpa, I do, but he's not one for conversation and my dad's always working, so the person I talk to most is my mum, and Luna when she's around. Stop me if I'm rambling."
"You're fine," said Harry.
Cedric did stop talking however when he had to herd the sheep back claiming that he once bit his tongue while riding and it was painful to grow it back.
The sheep were herded to a paddock near a large, white barn. Cedric pulled close to the fence so Harry could dismount, which he did with a little difficulty.
"Ow!" Harry hissed in pain a little and walked bow-legged towards the stables.
"You'll be alright," said Cedric. "Just takes a couple days. I'm always a little stiff when I come back from school."
Harry sat down on a hay bale and watched the chickens peck at the ground before turning his attention to the stone manor.
"Habibi? Is that you?" a woman's voice called.
"Yes, Mama!" Cedric called.
"It's late! I thought you fell asleep in the field again."
"I didn't, Mama. I'll explain when I come inside."
"Don't forget to lock up the barn."
"Habibi?" Harry questioned.
"Arabic term of endearment," Cedric explained. "Mama calls me Habibi often."
"Do you speak, Arabic?" Harry asked.
"Well enough to get around," he said. "I also speak some Tamazight, but it's hard to keep up with at school. The only other person at school who speaks Arabic is Shaylyn Ramsey of Slytherin, but we don't have a lot in common to really maintain conversation."
"That's cool," said Harry.
They passed through a lush garden and entered a mudroom. Cedric kicked off his work boots.
"Mama?" he called. "Where are you?"
"The parlor!"
Cedric beckoned Harry to follow him. They passed through a kitchen, then a dining room, then a ballroom, and finally into a parlor where a woman sat in an armchair with a book in her lap, an old man with a massive mustache sat across from her doing a puzzle on a coffee table. The woman was absolutely gorgeous with sharp features and long black hair. Harry felt a little flushed and tried to flatten his hair.
"Oh, you brought home a friend," she said, placed a hand on her chest, and bowed her head. "Belphoebe Diggory. Habibi, I think you had better explain why you are home so late."
"Do you want me to explain, Harry?" Cedric asked.
Harry had suddenly become tired and nodded.
"Play for me and Grandpa while you do," Belphoebe requested.
"Yes, Mama," said Cedric, taking a seat at the grand piano in the corner of the room.
"Have a seat, Harry," said Belphoebe, gesturing to the couch.
Harry, still painfully aware of the holes and stains in his clothes, sat down on the couch and traced the damask pattern with his finger as Cedric explained everything. Harry felt himself dozing at the music.
"Okay," said Belphoebe, nodding. "Harry, you are not going back to the Dursleys, you will stay here with us. I know it's late, but why don't we go and get your things?"
Harry perked up. "You mean it?"
"Of course," said Belphoebe. "I don't like what I heard and you will stay with us. I work from home, so I will be able to keep an eye on you in your condition."
"Not to mention that Sirius Black business," Grandpa Diggory muttered. "Boy needs to be where he's safe."
"Grandpa, you know how I feel about how that was handled," said Belphoebe.
"Mrs. Diggory…"
"Call me Belphoebe, please."
"Belphoebe… I think I seriously hurt Aunt Marge… what if I'm expelled?"
"Then I will tutor you," she said waving her hand. "I did my seventh and eighth years of school at Beauxbatons Academy and I schooled Cedric since he was three, I can school you, too and you will help me around the house if they expel you."
"Why are you helping me?" Harry asked.
Belphoebe smiled kindly. "Because I want to Harry. Now, let's take the Knight Bus and get your things."
She picked up two crutches and got to her feet… foot. Harry couldn't believe he hadn't noticed that Belphoebe only had one leg. She maneuvered easily around and kissed her son on the temple.
"Lovely, Habibi," she said. "Absolutely lovely."
Cedric smiled and stopped playing. "Can I go with you?"
"No, love, I need you here with Grandpa," she said. "Your father floo'd and said he's working late tonight."
"He always works late," Cedric muttered.
"Hey, now," said Belphoebe sternly. "Your father works very hard. It isn't easy being Head of a department, okay?"
"Okay," said Cedric softly.
"Ask Tavi to prepare the guest bed for Harry," she continued. "And if wizards come over, don't invite them in. If they aren't invited, they can't leave the floo room."
"Yes, ma'am." Cedric stood, kissed her cheek, and left the room.
Belphoebe led Harry through a study that connected to the foyer just in time to see Cedric disappear at the top of the curved stairs. Rather than go up the stairs, they went through the double front doors and down to the end of the road. Belphoebe extended her left hand.
"Step back," she said and conjured a hat to put on his head.
Harry did just in time for a purple triple-decker bus to pop into existence. A zit-faced boy who looked fresh out of school opened the door.
"Good evening," he said. "Welcome to the Knight Bus, my name is Stan Shunpike and I will be your conductor this evening."
"Where to, Habibi?" Belphoebe asked Harry. She must've been protecting his identity.
"Number Four, Privet Drive," he said. "Little Whinging, Surrey."
They boarded the bus which was dotted with beds. Belphoebe sat down on one and placed her crutches across her lap. Harry sat down next to her and kept his eyes on his lap. He didn't want to petrify anyone by mistake again.
"That'll be sixteen galleons," said Stan. "Seven more an' you get an hot chocolate."
"No, thank you," said Belphoebe, paying double. "But we will only be there for a moment, so this will be a round trip."
"Yes, ma'am," he said. "Take it away, Ern."
The old man in the driver's seat grunted and closed the doors. With a bang, the bus took off and Harry would have fallen over the bed completely if Belphoebe hadn't wrapped an arm around him to hold him fast.
"This is the fastest method of transport when you can't floo or apparate," she explained quietly to Harry. "When you need to get somewhere, stick out your wand hand and the Knight Bus will appear."
Stan ignored them in favor of reading his newspaper. A crazed man was laughing on the cover and Harry realized he recognized him from the news earlier that week.
"Mrs. Diggory- I mean- Belphoebe," he said. "Who is that man in the paper?"
"That is Sirius Black," she murmured. "It is rumored that he is the one who turned your parents over to Voldemort."
"You say his name."
"Fear of a name is foolish fear," she said.
Harry furrowed his brow and felt a little sick. "You said Sirius Black turned my parents over … And now he's escaped … Does that mean he's after me?"
"Now you listen here," said Belphoebe. "I am suspicious of all this and I do not know if Black is innocent or guilty. I knew of him in school and he did not seem evil to me. Misguided, yes, but he had a strong sense of justice when it really mattered. He did not receive a trial and for all we know he could have been in the wrong place at the wrong time. The only other people who shared my suspicions were Pandora Lovegood and Amelia Bones."
"Couldn't they have gotten him a trial?" Harry asked.
"I don't see how they can now," she said. "He escaped. He's a fugitive. If he is innocent, I hope it's to get as far away as possible."
"And if he's guilty?"
"Then I hope he's captured."
"What if he's after me?"
"He doesn't know where you are," she assured him. "We will protect you and then you'll be at Hogwarts."
"And I'll be safe there, right?" he said.
"Well… there's safety in numbers," she said.
That didn't make Harry feel any better.
"So," said Stan. "What business you got in Surrey?"
"Business," said Belphoebe.
"What happened to your leg?"
Belphoebe wiggled her right foot. "Nothing."
"I meant your left one."
"Fell off."
"How did that happen?"
"It happened."
Stan scowled and went back to his newspaper. They had to make a couple stops to let other passengers off, many of which got sick, but soon they were on Privet Drive.
"We shouldn't be long," said Belphoebe. "Please wait for us?"
"Yes'm," said Ernie.
Belphoebe got off the bus and Harry stuck close to her feeling sick to be back here so soon. What if the police were waiting to arrest him? Before he could change his mind, she knocked on the door.
"Go away!" Aunt Petunia shouted. "We're fine! It was just a gas leak!"
"I'm here for Harry's things," Belphoebe called.
There was some rummaging and the door opened to Uncle Vernon with his hunting rifle. Belphoebe pushed Harry behind her.
"Is Marjory alright?" she asked in a tone that indicated she really didn't care.
"No thanks to him!" Uncle Vernon bellowed. "Had those filthy wizards crawling all over the place! That codger Dumbledore came by and tried to make us promise to take that freak back! He nearly killed my sister! I'll make sure he never sees the light of day again. No one will miss that brat."
"I would miss him," said Belphoebe coldly. "I've known Harry for less than an hour and if you did anything to hurt him, I would make sure you never receive a calm day for the rest of your miserable life you pathetic excuse for a human being. We are getting his things and he will never come in contact with you again. To make sure you don't stop us…"
She waved her wand and pushed him to the side. Another flick and the Dursleys were trapped behind a forcefield.
"Where are your things?" Belphoebe asked.
"Cupboard under the stairs," said Harry. "And upstairs."
"Okay, get everything together, I'll make sure these people can't stop you."
She unlocked the door under the stairs with a flick of her wand. Harry grabbed his trunk and dragged it upstairs to pack up his things, making sure to get his textbooks from under the floor board and Hedwig's empty cage. When he made it downstairs, Uncle Vernon was cursing Belphoebe and calling her awful names. She stood there stony-faced and silent.
"I've got everything," Harry announced.
"Wonderful," said Belphoebe. "Any last words to your relatives?"
Harry looked at Vernon, Petunia, and Dudley.
"You've punished me my entire life for the way I was born," he said. "Not just for magic but for being half-desi, too. I hope I never see you again."
"And if you try to take this boy from me, I will make your life a living hell while remaining within the law," Belphoebe threatened. "Have a nice day."
She removed the force field and led Harry out to the Knight Bus where they boarded and took their seats again.
"Right," said Stan. "We've got a few stops to make but we'll get'chu back to Ottery St. Catchpole."
Harry released a shuddering breath and gripped to the edge of his seat. Belphoebe rested a hand on his shoulder and murmured calming words to him.
It was well after midnight when they finally made it back to Ottery St. Catchpole. Belphoebe didn't seem surprised to find the lights still on when they arrived.
"Tavi," she said to the air. "Please, bring Harry's things to his room, prepare tea for our guests in the guest parlor, and if you don't mind prepare Harry an egg, some toast with jam, and jasmine tea."
"I'm fine," said Harry.
"Harry, you are underfed," said Belphoebe. "We need to get you eating and that means small meals several times a day. You are a growing boy and you need your nutrients. I don't want you getting stomach problems."
He couldn't argue with that. As soon as they entered the house, his trunk disappeared and a light to the right turned on. There were voices coming from a room there as well. Belphoebe opened the sliding doors to reveal five wizards milling around a room that was bare save for the massive fireplace.
"It's late Minister Fudge," said Belphoebe coolly.
"Yes, well, your husband refused to let us out," said the short man in the lime green bowler hat. "Said that you must've had a reason to keep us trapped in here!"
"Harry, dear, go upstairs," said Belphoebe. "I'll handle this."
"Are you sure."
"Positive. Tavi will bring you your snack."
Harry backed away and ran up the stairs. He jumped sky-high when he saw Cedric sitting on the top step.
"Come with me," he said and led Harry down a hallway to a room that looked to be a private library. Cedric crossed to the farthest wall and crouched down next to a vent. Perplexed, Harry followed and settled on his knees. Looking down, he realized he could see into the room next to the floo.
"We're lucky the boy found his way here!" said Minister Fudge. "Imagine where he could have ended up! We had to use memory charms to convince the entire neighborhood that what they saw was a gas explosion. We're lucky there was still Mandrake potion left over from this year's unfortunate incident!"
"That boy is dangerous," said one of the wizards. "I've never seen accidental magic cause damage like that."
"We should bring him to the Department of Mysteries."
"You will not experiment on him like a laboratory rat!" said Belphoebe. "I trained to be an Unspeakable, I will watch over him and take care of him here where he'll be safe."
"What if Sirius Black comes after him? If it isn't to kill Harry, it might be to manipulate him and use him as a weapon."
"Williamson, you know how I feel about Sirius Black."
"Oh, yes," said the man mockingly. "He might be innocent! Do we really know? Tell that to those dead muggles!"
"Nobody was able to trace or replicate that spell and you know it! I still think it's suspicious and if a proper trial were conducted-"
"But it wasn't," said Minister Fudge. "I saw Black myself. Talked to me and asked for my paper as if we were in a coffee shop! And now he's escaped after rambling that 'he's at Hogwarts' and those sorts of things."
"Well, of course Harry would be at Hogwarts," said Belphoebe crossly. "He's thirteen. All children are at Hogwarts. For all we know, he could be talking about Severus Snape. Gods know that he should not be around children and he and Black were rivals. We're getting off topic, Harry will be safe here with me and Amos. Research is already being done to help him by Xenophilius Lovegood and his daughter. You know Phil was an Unspeakable until the death of his wife three years ago."
"If I may interject-"
"Dumbledore," Harry whispered.
"You may not," said Belphoebe. "Did you know Harry was being abused?"
"He was perfectly safe."
"He was not! You should have seen how his Aunt and Uncle looked at him! As if he were scum! I did not see a single indication that he was well cared for in his life. That was a nice house and yet Harry wears hand-me-downs and has bruises and he is malnourished! Please, explain why you put a child, no matter how famous, in the hands of people like that?"
"Mrs. Diggory," said Dumbledore, "there are blood wards placed around the Dursley's home. If Voldemort makes his return, those wards would keep Harry protected."
"Ha!" Belphoebe spat. "I see right through you, old man. You are a curse to that child. Amelia, we're friends, put Harry in my care, you know I'll take care of him. I've had Harry for less than a day but if anything happened to him I would destroy everyone in this room."
"My Mum loves fiercely," Cedric whispered with more than a tinge of pride.
A tray of food appeared next to Harry with some extra for Cedric.
"Thanks, Tavi," said Cedric.
"Who's Tavi?" Harry asked.
"Our house-elf," said Cedric. "She actually used to belong to the Lestrange's, but she was freed and jidha paid the tax for her to come live with us. She's still technically free and wears clothes and everything, but she likes it here with us."
"I've never met house-elf besides Dobby," said Harry.
"You'll run into her soon," said Cedric. "She's the best."
While the two boys ate, they turned back to the conversation downstairs. Belphoebe was still chewing out Dumbledore for Harry's treatment the past twelve years and demanding custody. Harry then wondered if anyone else, even Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, saw how he was being treated and felt slightly angry that nobody did anything. Hell, Ron got in trouble when he rescued Harry last year!
It wasn't fair.
"Hey, deep breaths," said Cedric.
Harry looked down and realized his skin was sizzling. These powers were going to be trouble he just knew it.
"I agree with Belphoebe," said Amelia. "I think she and Amos are more than well-equipped to help Harry even with these changes in him. I also think it best that he don't return to the Dursleys. Not ever. He'll be safe here. From Sirius Black and himself."
"I can see I'm outnumbered," said Dumbledore.
"Yes, you are," said Belphoebe.
"Still as fiery as ever, I see, Belphoebe," he said. "It's no wonder you were a Champion duelist."
"Flattery will get you nowhere," she replied. "Now, it is late and my son and I have to get up in a few hours to milk the cows, so if we can get the custody taken care of now, that'd be great."
Cedric closed the vent and stood up.
"I'll show you to your room, Harry," he said.
Harry abandoned the remaining food and followed Cedric. He was amazed and overwhelmed by all that had happened today.
"Where do you sleep?" Harry asked.
"Attic," said Cedric. "Don't look at me like that, I asked to. I like looking up and seeing the stars. Plus, I can decorate it however I want. Sure, it gets a little cold in the winter, but I like it. Here's your room."
It was a very old-fashioned, Jacobean style room. Harry noticed that most of the house was decorated with old furniture and antiques. At least it didn't smell that way. It smelled nice and clean.
"Hedwig!" Harry cried ran to open the window.
The snowy owl flew into the room and perched herself at the top of the canopy bed.
"Bathroom is through those doors," said Cedric, pointing. "I already put a new toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste in there. If you get cold, blankets are in the wardrobe here."
"Thanks, Cedric," said Harry.
"No problem," said Cedric. "Goodnight, Harry."
"Goodnight."
Cedric closed the door behind him. Harry released a breath and flopped onto the large bed. A knock came at the door.
"Come in," he called.
Belphoebe opened the door and walked in.
"Hello, Harry," she said. "So, good news, you'll be staying with us for the rest of the summer and you're welcome to stay for Christmas as well. We'll need to "revisit" the topic for next summer, but I'll persuade them to let you stay indefinitely."
"You mean it?" said Harry, heart soaring.
"With all my heart," said Belphoebe. "Sleep for as long as you need to, okay?"
He nodded. "Okay."
She smiled. "Goodnight, Harry."
"Goodnight, Belphoebe."
When she left, Harry changed into his pajamas and brushed his teeth before crawling into bed. The covers were heavy and warm, and the mattress was so soft. With a broad yawn, he buried his cheek into the pillow and dozed off, feeling the happiest he'd had in a while.