Disclaimer – JK Rowling and various publishers own the world of Harry Potter.
Chapter Four SENTINELHarry slowly opened his eyes. He could remember his dream. He was talking to a snake in a shop at Knocturne Alley. But it was just a dream, although he thought that the idea of talking to a snake was not that strange. After all he could talk to snakes thanks to Voldemort. People were saying that talking to snakes is the mark of a Dark Wizard, but if he remembered correctly the sign of muggle pharmacy were a snake wrapped around a staff. So perhaps the snakes were not all that bad. May be this was also prejudice of most people.
Harry looked around. Ron was still sleeping and snoring like a sawmill. He stood up and stretched. Then dressed up and silently left the room. Once on the floor, he wondered whether to go down or to go and wake Ginny. After few seconds of indecisiveness he moved towards the girls room. To his surprise, Ginny and Hermione were already awaked. He could hear them talking as he approached the door. He leant on the door.
"I bet everybody will be surprised as to what we achieved." – Harry heard Hermione saying.
"Well. Mum and Dad won't be thrilled. I think, yesterday, we scared them quite a bit."
"Yeah. And mostly your brother. I hope he is all right."
"I hope too. The vial did its job."
"Well. I've been thinking about last night, Ginny."
"Me too. At first, I thought that it'd be very difficult for us. But in the end we got the vial and it did no longer seem that tough."
"We were very well instructed what to do and what to expect. I wonder whether the boys could have done it."
"Nah. They would have done the same."
"I am not so sure. But it doesn't matter now. What?" – Hermione whispered.
"Nothing" – Ginny said and pulled her wand. A swift wrist move and then all of sudden the door opened and Harry lost his balance and dropped on the floor.
"Eavesdropping, are we?" – Ginny said giggling.
Harry quickly stood up. He felt muddled and ashamed a bit. Being caught in action – he thought.
"Not exactly."
"What would you call it?" – Hermione asked crossing her arms.
"Coming to wake you but I accidentally stumbled and leant on the door when you opened it." – Harry threw an innocent look.
"And do you think someone actually believes you…stumbled accidentally…walking silently as a cat approaching a mouse?" – Ginny frowned and raised her finger. But to Harry was obvious that her expression is going to soften. He approached her, still looking guilty, leant forward and kissed her gently. Then moved back staring at her and said:
"You do."
"I don't and I won't until you confess."
"Ok. I surrender. I was there for merely a minute" – looking at her expression – "Well ok two minutes."
Ginny's expression softened and she laughed. Hermione joined her.
"What were you two talking about anyway?" – Harry was quite eager to learn what they have done.
"Well in few words – we rescued Bill."
"How? And what is this vial, you were talking about?"
"So you did stay longer eavesdropping? Ha. I knew it."
"Ginny!" – Harry glared at her
"The Vial of moonlight. We had to find it first. And then we went to the Lovegoods where Mum and Dad took Bill, for him to transform. And then we came in, stunned Bill and gave him the potion and it was all over." – Ginny shot the explanation. Harry nodded and looked at Hermione in total disbelief.
"Would you explain to me what exactly did you do?"
"Ginny said it."
"I heard. I meant the details."
"Oh! Ok."
Hermione began with the letter they read on the moonlight. Then how they appeared at the Vale. How they enter into the cave and took the vial. Then how they returned to the spot they first arrived. And added the vial to the potion and at last appeared in the house startling everyone and giving the modified potion to Bill.
"Then we returned back to here. We are actually waiting for Mr. and Mrs. Weaseley to come back and take us to St Mungo to see Bill. That's it Harry."
Harry was silent. His eyes widened upon the story but did not interrupt. He looked up first at Hermione and then at Ginny. He had mixed feelings about their night adventure. What were they thinking – he thought. They look quite happy about their achievement. What if something went wrong? He and Ron were sleeping and no one would have found out. Harry put away those thoughts. They were safe nonetheless it was reckless.
"You know" – Harry began – "What you did is completely reckless. What if something happened to you? How would anyone know where were you? Did you think about this before embarking on this adventure?"
"Wow! Harry! There was a danger. We know that. But we were instructed in details what to do." – Ginny answered.
"That's not a reason to go. You could have at least told Ron and me where you were going. You could have taken us with you."
"Harry!" – Hermione interrupted – "There was no time. We had to act quickly. We could not have known how much time we would need to find the vial. And second we weren't sure that you could have joined us."
"That's right. Harry, listen to me please. We had an opportunity to save Bill's life. Would you really like me to walk away from such an opportunity?" – Ginny was in tears.
"No. Of course not. I'm sorry, Ginny. I did not mean this. But you could have been hurt or stayed at that damn cave."
"We told you. We did exactly as we were instructed. If we couldn't provide an answer we could walk away empty-handed."
"But the wolfbane potion would have done the same."
"No. It wouldn't."
"Do you know that for sure? Do you?" – Harry raised his voice a little bit looking with reproachstraight at Ginny.
"No. We don't." – Hermione said quietly. – "But the effect of the modified potion was completely different. Bill collapsed and was normal again within seconds. The Wolfbane potion does not act that quickly. "
Harry sighted heavily. He still felt worried and angry with the girls. Ginny looked at him but he turned away from her. He sighted again and went towards the door. He turned back and said with a slightly trembling voice:
"I'm going to wake Ron. He has to right to know as well I guess."
And he walked away. Ginny followed out with tears in her eyes. Hermione decided not to say a word. The girls stood quietly for a time till a knock on the door.
"Come in." – Hermione said.
Fleur entered the room. She was holding the note Mrs. Weaseley has left last night. Sending a question look at Ginny.
"Bill is at St Mungo. Mum and Dad are with him. They will send us an owl or will come to take us."
"When did they leave?"
"Last night, around 11. Mum did not want to wake you."
"But …" - Fleur said but it was clear that she was not happy with Mrs. Weaseley decision. "What happened? Is he all right?"
And Hermione described the events of last night. Fleur's reaction however was different from Harry's. She hugged both Hermione and Ginny. Then she left the room.
Meanwhile Harry went to wake Ron, which proved quite difficult. He did not wanted to wake him the hard way. But his efforts so far were unsuccessful. He took his wand out and levitated Ron's blanket. He then opened wide the window. The sunlight poured into Ron's face that began to stir. Ron tried to cover himself but as there was no blanket he opened his eyes and looked around. He saw Harry grinning.
"Ah. Good Morning Ron."
"Good Morn…what time is it?"
"It is about 9:30."
"So early, Harry. Leave me sleep."
"I have something to tell you first. Then if you still want, go back to sleep".
"O…ok." – Yawned Ron and sat. Harry told him what Hermione and his sister did last night. Ron woke quite quickly after hearing the story. He jumped out of bed and went straight to Ginny's room. Harry followed.
"-GINNY!" – Harry heard Ron yelling. – "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? HAVE YOU TWO LOST YOUR MINDS?"
"Ron, come down." – Hermione was trying to soften him.
"HOW CAN I? DO YOU HAVE ANY…"
"Oh! Put a zip on it." – Briskly interrupted him Ginny. – "What would you have done if it came to you and Harry?"
"That is not the point. It came to you. You could have been hurt. You could have told us at least." – Ron's voice had softened but he was still upset.
"Ron. We told you there was no time. Beside you knew." – calmly intervened Hermione.
"We did not." – Ron stressed.
"Yes. You did. You saw us take the potion and the parchment. We told you we are going to see what is it written on it at midnight. That you did not come at midnight with us is not really our fault, now is it?"
"You could have come to our room at first. Then we would have gone all together."
"Yes, yes we could but we did not. But you could have taken the initiative. Given you always want to be overprotective. You did not. So don't complain."
"I am not overprotective." – Ron raised again his voice. – "I just care for you. But it seems that you don't understand this."
"We do understand it."
"And where's the proof of that? Ah?"
"Ronald. We are ok. Come down at last. We…" - Hermione was interrupted.
"I will certainly do so when you two begin to…" - Ron did not finish. His anger was again growing.
"Oh. Zip it, Ronald. And let me finish. We did not go without considering the danger. But I do believe that there was no danger at all."
"May be because of the excellent instructions?" – Ron mocked her.
"No. Not exactly because of them. "
"Then what?"
"I am not sure exactly but I do believe that it was a test."
"A test? How so?" – Ginny and Ron asked in unison.
"Yes a test." – confirmed Hermione. – "Last night, when Ginny fell asleep I took out on of the books I brought. There was a chapter for the hydrozoa – or as wizards refer to it – Medusa Queen. Half snake half human. The behavior was well described. And Ginny I can tell you that what we saw last night had nothing to do with their usual behavior. At some point it seemed too easy. Then I asked myself why is that?"
"And?" – Ron urged her.
"And then I went through the instructions again. There was no way we could have deviated from them. There were so detailed. As the one who wrote them wanted to see how we would proceed? Were we going to trust them based only on the fact that it could save Bill's life? He was probably counting on the fact that Ginny would not resist to the desire or the temptation of this opportunity. Who can actually?" - Hermione took a deep breath and continued. – "Or would we have the courage to go? Would we go on a hazardous adventure trusting only the instructions from a person we don't know? Would we find the hidden entrance of the cave? Because that was the only thing that we did not have instructions for. Would we enter the cave? How would we react to the appearance of the Queen? Will we dare answer the nonsense riddle? Or will we fail?"
"Wow, Hermione. It seems you have given quite a thought to that." –Harry exclaimed.
"Well. Yes I did. I told you it seemed too easy. Of course it did not sound this way the first time. But the important thing then was, were we going to miss the opportunity of saving Bill's life or not? Well the responsibility for this decision fell to Ginny."
"Yeah. But you convinced me, Hermione." – Defended herself Ginny.
"Ok. So why do you think this someone wanted to test you two?" – Ron asked.
"Frankly I don't know. May be…" - Hermione thought for a second. – "May be he first tested Harry? Then he tests Ginny and me. You, Ronald will be the last. I guess." – Hermione answered with a smile.
"He first tested Harry? When?" – Hermione's logic was confusing Ron.
"In his dreams. What exactly however I am not sure."
"Hermione. You are making things up." – Harry looked at her in disbelief. – "They were just dreams. How can you test someone in his dream?"
"Were they really dreams, Harry? Or the golden swirling light was a mere coincidence?"
"I don't know. But what you are suggesting is really crazy. It is just too…" - Harry did not finish. A burst of light suddenly appeared in the middle of the room. A piece of paper dropped on the floor and the light disappeared. The four stared at each other. Then Hermione bent down and picked up the paper.
"Hah!" – That was what Hermione said. Harry went to her and looked on the paper.
"What is it?" – Ginny asked.
"Well it says – 'Good job, last night. I am very impressed. You proved yourselves worthy.'"
"Worthy?" – Ron repeated. – "What's the meaning of that?"
"Well. It seems I was right. It was a test." – Hermione answered.
"Yeah but worthy for what?"
"I don't know, Ronald." – Teased him Hermione.
"Stop calling me Ronald." – Ron emphasized.
"Ok. We will figure that out later." – Harry intervened before Ron and Hermione get to yell at each other. – "Breakfast time."
"Great idea, Harry. I'll go to make it." – Ginny said. – "Any volunteers?"
"Me." – Harry answered. – "Join us in ten minutes you two, if of course you don't strangle each other before that."
Harry and Ginny left the room. Ron looked down. Hermione sat on her bed. The silence lasted only two minutes. Ron turned to Hermione.
"Look. I am sorry that I yelled at you." – Hermione gave him a playful look before she stood up and kissed him.
"Apology accepted."
"But I am …"
"Yes, I know Ronnie." – She cut him off and hugged him. And they stayed in each other arms. Sometime later, they heard Harry calling them down and went for breakfast.
It was midday already. Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione were outside in the garden. They were still waiting news from St Mungo. Harry sighted.
"We can't sit like that all day doing nothing."
"What would you like to do?" – Asked Ron.
"Well. Lets play quidditch." – Hermione said. Everyone looked at her with their mouth open. – "What? We have to do something. And since this is what you all like best."
"Ok. Then I'll go get my broomstick". – Said Harry.
"I'll get mine." – Ginny affirmed.
"I'll get one for Hermione and Me." – Ron added.
Ten minutes later, they went to the meadows. Ron was teamed with Ginny and Harry with Hermione. It was obvious that Harry's broomstick was the best. And he and Hermione were wining no matter what the effort Ron and Ginny were putting in. As they were playing, they saw two more broomsticks in the air - Fred and George.
"Hey guys!" – Said the twins in unison. – "You could have called us."
"If only we knew where were you." – Said Hermione.
"Hmm. Yeah. She is right bro." –Fred confirmed.
"Yeah. She's got a point." – George added.
"Where were you?" – Ginny demanded.
"Well. We were developing some new stuff." – Answered George
"Yeah. We got some ideas." –Fred added.
"Wow. And what have you come up with?" – Asked Harry excited.
"You'll see soon enough." – Answered mysteriously the twins. – "Can we join in?"
"Yeah sure. Fred will come with Hermione and me. And George will join Ginny and Ron."
And so the game resumed. It was interesting to see the twins playing separately and against each other. They played nearly four hours before they were all exhausted.
Around six, Mr. Weaseley returned home. He found the Harry, Hermione, Fred and George in the garden; Ron and Hermione were in the kitchen – cooking. Mr. Weaseley was pleasantly surprised when he saw Ron cooking. He gathered the rest in the living room and waited for Ron and Hermione. As they came in, Mr. Weaseley said:
"Well. You are all here. I'm pleased to announce that Bill has recovered completely. The healers of St Mungo are confident, that the werewolf within has been eradicated for good. Although they as well as your mother and me have no idea how this happened. Now, Ginny, Hermione, you will be so kind to explain us all of what happened." – he paused and then continued. – "We will just wait for Molly, Fleur and Bill. They will be here shortly."
Mr. Weaseley sat down on the couch. It has been an exhausting day for him. After he left Molly and Bill, he went straight to work. Things, there were not going well. After Dumbledore's death, everything became more and more confusing and difficult. And now, the Order of the Phoenix had no leader. Death tolls were raising no matter of the efforts of the ministry and the order. The latest news was terrifying. Two bridges in northern England were brought down. Many muggles were killed in the process. Molly saved him mid-afternoon, when she asked him to join her in St Mungo. She told him the healers have confirmed through various methods that the werewolf part of Bill has been eradicated completely. The only thing, they were unable to explain is how exactly that happened. Molly and he have told them about the vial of Moonlight but it seemed that none of the healers has ever heard about it. This particularly was the one thing that bothered him. How did the girls found that vial and how did they know what it does. He was going to find out soon. A loud crack put him out of his thoughts.
Molly, Fleur and Bill have arrived. They went in the living room, where they found everybody. Molly and Fleur sat down on the couch – exhausted. Bill went to Hermione and Ginny and hugged them both.
"I don't know how to thank you enough!" – He said in thankful voice.
"We are all thrilled to learn, how did you do it." – Added Molly.
"Well. Harry and Ron already know." – Hermione began.
"But the others do not." – continued Ginny. – "So here it goes." – She took a deep breath and started explaining. As the story was developing, Fred and George's faces were growing in complete surprise. When Ginny finished, she tried not looking at her parents. Molly and Arthur were very quite. Bill and Fleur were looking at each other amazed. Harry and Ron were also quite. Arthur spoke first.
"The result of your actions was not only astonishing but also very helpful. However what you did was not only dangerous but also reckless. You could have been hurt and …"-
Ginny cut him off, which surprised everyone.
"Dad. Before you continue saying what terrible outcomes might have happened, please listen to Hermione. She has something to add." – Ginny turned to Hermione as everyone else.
Hermione took a deep breath as well and explained her reasoning. After all, she had the whole night to think it over. She showed them as well the piece of paper, they received today. Molly took the piece and looked it over and over.
"What "You proved yourselves worthy" means?" – She asked.
"I guess we completed the task beyond expectations." – Answered Hermione.
"Expectations?" – Repeated Molly. – "Whose expectations?"
"Of the one, that sent us the parchment in first place. But who is he, Mrs. Weaseley, we don't know. Although in the parchment, there was an indication that he would meet us soon and answer all our questions."
Suddenly Harry had an idea. He turned to Arthur Weaseley, while everyone was assimilating Hermione's reasoning.
"Ah. Mr. Weaseley?"
"Yes, Harry."
"Could you invite as well to the wedding Professor Slugghorn?"
"Slugghorn?" – Repeated Arthur with astonishment.
"Yeah."
"What for?" – Asked Ron.
"Well. He is a potion master. He might have heard something about the vial of moonlight."
"Harry! What is this got to do with what we are discussing now?" – Asked Ginny.
"All!" – Answered Harry and looked at her. – "You said that the healers at St Mungo have no idea what the vial do. Also I think, if Professor Slugghorn has heard about the vial, he might know also who uses such powerful ingredients."
"It is a very wild theory, Harry." –Hermione intervened.
"Yes, I know. But Professor Slugghorn has knowledge of most potion ingredients, some of which I'm pretty sure the healers have never heard of."
"May be. Harry. But this doesn't prove, that he might know who uses them. And even if so, there is no guarantee that it will be the one, which sent us the parchment."
"I know, Hermione. But it could give us some clues."
"Ok. That settled we could enjoy supper, which Ron and Hermione have prepared." – Concluded Arthur.
"-Supper, prepared by Hermione and R..Ron?" – Repeated Mrs. Weaseley stupefied.
"Yeah." – Answered Ron as his ears went red.
"All right. We will re-discuss later that issue." – Said Mrs. Weaseley getting up.
Everyone enjoyed supper. Then they moved back to the living room. Harry turned to Mrs. Weaseley.
"Mrs. Weaseley, I was wondering, when could we go to Diagon Alley?"
"Call me Molly, Harry. We'll go tomorrow. Right, Arthur?" – Molly said.
"Yes. Tomorrow." – Answered Arthur. – "Now, everyone to bed!"
So everyone, except Molly and Arthur, stood up. Bill and Fleur climbed upstairs. Harry and Ron accompanied Ginny and Hermione back to their room.
"Good night." – Harry said and kissed Ginny. Ron did the same with Hermione. Then they entered into Ron's room. Ron sat on his bed and looked at Harry.
"What?" – Harry asked.
"Well. It was an eventful day. What do you think of this unknown guy?"
"I don't know what to think."
"I'm still puzzled why he chose them, instead of us?"
"There is a reason for sure. But why it has to be us all the time, Ron. Why not for a change someone else?"
"Yeah. You're right. But …"
"Ron! We spent the whole day discussing that with them. You don't want to spend the night still talking about it? Lets get some sleep. I'm sure; we'll get the answer of that mystery."
"Yeah. You're right mate. I'm sorry. I'm just concerned."
"No need to apologize mate. I'm also concerned but right now what is most important is sleeping. We'll have plenty of time to figure it out."
"Well. Good night, Harry."
"Good night, Ron."
The next morning, Molly awakened Ron and Harry. Harry dressed up quickly and went to the girls' room. Hermione has already dressed.
"Morning Harry."
"Morning Hermione."
"She's still sleeping. May be you could help waking her up." – Smiled Hermione as she exited the room.
Harry bent down gently. He looked at her and sighted. She was so beautiful, when she was asleep. His lips touched slowly hers. Ginny, slowly, opened her eyes purring like a cat.
"My alarm clock." – She smiled and kissed him back.
"Time to get up. We have many things to shop today."
"Ok. I'll be up in a minute."
"Now, Ginny or else…" - he pointed jokingly a finger at her.
"Ok. Ok. I'm up." – Ginny stood up and went to the bathroom.
Harry stood by the window. He was still concerned. He hasn't decided what to do with her. Being with her again was so good but was it right. That question haunted him everyday since he arrived at the Burrow. Well – he thought – I'll decide later. Ginny returned with a smile.
"What so funny?" – Harry asked.
"Dad woke Bill and Fleur with a bit of water. He is still apologizing."
"Ha ha…" - Harry chuckled. – "Lets go".
Ginny passed first and Harry followed. In the kitchen, Ron was attacking two pancakes. Hermione and the others were just sitting down. Arthur came last with Bill and Fleur. They were still wet. As they were eating two owls arrived. One was the family owl Errol and the other was obviously from Hogwarts.
"Oh. Hogwarts letters." – Arthur said. – "Harry's here as well. That comes perfect as we are going to Diagon today."
He distributed the letters to each. Harry has put his aside. Ron and Hermione opened theirs just to find two badges.
"Wow. Head Boy and Girl." – Exclaimed Bill.
"Ron. Congratulation!" – Ginny praised his brother. Molly stood up and hugged his son.
"Hermione, Congratulation!" – Added Harry. All looked very happy but Harry could see the doubt in Ron and Hermione as they looked at him. Harry did not say anything but made a sign – "We'll talk later."
When everyone has finished, they went to the fireplace. Arthur found the pot with the floo powder.
"We have to buy some today, dear." – he said to Molly.
"Yes, of course. Well Ron you're first." – She gave him a little powder.
"Mum. We can apparate." – Ron protested.
"Yes, I know. But it'll be safer with floo powder. Now come on."
Ron took some of the floo, entered the fireplace and said – Diagon Alley. A burst of green flames and he was gone. Then Hermione and Ginny passed, Harry and Arthur went afterwards and at last Bill, Fleur and Molly. Fred and George have left before them. They had business to do, so they went to open their shop.
They all appeared in the fireplace of The Leaky Cauldron. Molly brushed them and then they went straight to Gringorts. The Weaseleys took a cart and went to their vault. Hermione joined Harry. As they arrived at Harry's vault, Hermione saw that it was full there was no place to drop even a needle. Harry took a big bag and filled it up. Soon they returned up and waited for the Weaseleys.
"Now, everyone listen up." – Arthur gathered them. – "We'll meet back in the Leaky Cauldron in two hours."
Arthur, Molly, Bill and Fleur went to Madame Malkin to choose dresses for the wedding. Harry and others went to buy supplies for school, as Harry led them to think. They first went to buy supplies for potions. Harry bought some books for defensive spells, dragons and snakes, the history of Dark Arts and advanced potion making. After that they all agreed to visit Fred and George.
The Weaseleys shop was full already. They couldn't see the brothers. They started looking around. It seemed that Fred and George have developed brand new stuff. Due to the crowd they had to split. Harry was looking for the back room. When he founded it, he went in. There, he saw a lot of stuff, different in size and color.
"Harry!" – Fred appeared. – "How nice of you to drop by."
"Yeah, mate." – George added. – "Come! We have some interesting things to show you."
They moved to another room. George picked up a silver cloak.
"A normal looking invisibility cloak but we added a motion sensor, here."
"Did you get the idea from the muggles?" – Harry asked.
"Yeah. Well sort of." – Answered George. – "Also, stunners. They are quite in demand by the ministry. Blackness powder. And something new – a flash-porter."
"A what?"
"Flash-porter! It is something like a port key but it transports to a short distance, just enough to escape. But be careful with it. It has no, well, direction set. So if you are in danger, you just grab it. It emits a blinding light and transports you to a short distance, well, in almost any direction, random direction."
"How far?"
"Well as we tested it, it was no more than 100 meters. The only trouble is that you have to do it in an open space. You will not want to materialize inside rock or something like that. We haven't mastered it quite; it is still in developing stage. But it could prove useful."
"Here are some deflectors. They would deflect stun and other spells if not too strong. Take then all." – Fred gave him a bag.
"And Harry" – added George – "You don't pay for anything here."
"But…"
"We told you. No pay. If come later, we could show you something really interesting. Lets say in 1 hour."
"Yeah. All right. I have to find the others. We have still things to buy."
Harry found himself out of the back room and looked for the others. He pulled them out of the shop. He took the invisibility cloak out and said:
"Now. I need Hermione to come with me."
"Where will we go Harry?" – Hermione asked.
"We are going in muggle London. I have to buy some things there. In the meantime, Ron, Ginny you will look for dragon robes for the four of us. Here." – He handed Ron a handful of galleons.
"Harry I can't take them."
"Ron, dragon hides and robes are very expensive. Also go and select a good and big magic trunk with at least 7 compartments. We will meet back here in an hour. Ok?"
"Yeah. Ok."
Harry and Hermione went back to the Leaky Cauldron. They left their bags for safekeeping to Tom the bartender and went out in muggle London.
"Now. We need to buy a map of England. Then I have to find a pharmacy."
"What for?" – Asked Hermione.
"Well, we'll the map and …"
"I mean why in the pharmacy?"
"Ah. I need a cream to hide this." – He pointed at his scar.
"But why?" – Insisted Hermione.
"When we return back to Diagon, we're going to Knocturne Alley. I don't want anyone to recognize me."
"Knocturne Alley?" – Hermione repeated looking stunned.
"Yes. We have many things to buy there. Now come on. Lets go."
Ginny and Ron have finished with their shopping. They were standing in front of The Weaseleys shop waiting for Hermione and Harry. Ron was a little puzzled as to why Harry wanted dragon robes. Ginny and he saw different types. There was one even from a Hungarian Horntail but it was quite expensive.
"What could they possibly do?" – Ron asked, after a while staring at his watch.
"Harry said that he has to buy some things from muggles, which he can't buy from here."
"Hmm. I wonder what that could possibly be?"
"Perhaps a map."
"A map? Of what?"
"England. If he wants to go his parents' house, he has to know where to go."
"Yeah. You're right. "
Harry and Hermione had just bought the cream Harry wanted. He hid the scar and they headed back to Diagon Alley. Soon they found Ron and Ginny.
"Hey guys!"
"Harry, what have you done? Your scar is missing!" – Exclaimed Ginny.
"I've hidden it."
"Any particular reason for that?"
"Yes. But first wait for me here. I'm going inside to see Fred and George. It won't take long." – Harry entered the Weaseleys shop. He found Fred near the cash desk.
"Hey Fred!" – Harry called.
"Hey Harry! Come with me." – Fred waved at him. They went in the back room where they found George.
"Hey Harry, you came."
"You said that you have something interesting to show me."
"Yeah. We do. Now come here." – George entered into another room and Fred and Harry followed. – "I've prepared a bag of good stuff for you. Take it. And…"
"And…" – Fred continued the echo of George. – "This!" – They showed him a battle robe.
"A battle robe?" – Harry asked in surprise.
"Yeah but it is special."
"I see. It is a dragon robe."
"Well, yes and no."
"What do you mean?"
"Well one part of it is from a dragon and other from a snake. Wait. Now on the sleeves and almost everywhere on it, we have put small thorns. Be careful with them."
"Yeah. We have smeared them with snake poison. It can turn you unconscious for hours. That's what you put these caps on them. Just in case. But when you want to remove them just tap on of them and they will all go off."
"Also this!" – George was holding a silver chain mail. –"We bought it last week, actually."
"Bought it? Was it worth?"
"Oh. Yeah. Don't worry we have already tested it."
"Ok. What makes it so special?"
"Well. First, it can stop almost any muggle-piercing weapon from cutting in two, stubbing you and all other pleasures. Then we made further tests. It is resistant to most stunning spells. Fred put it on."
Fred took off his shirt and put on the chain mail. George took out his wand.
"Stupefy!" – He cried. A red light went off and stroke the chain mail and to Harry's surprise the spell was deflected. George attacked again 4 times in row. And Harry could see another effect. A shield appeared 3 or 4 inches in front of Fred and surrounded him. George continued to fire at him all sorts of stunning spells. And instead of being deflected, they have been absorbed by the shield.
"See, Harry. After a time, it begins to absorb the spells thus strengthening the shield. However I don't think it could stop cruccio, the killing curse or other more powerful spells. But for all remaining variety of spells it will work."
"Guys. This is priceless. I can't take it." – Harry protested.
"You'll need it more than us. You need more protection, Harry. Fred, take it off and Harry put it on."
Fred took off the silver chain mail. He handed it to Harry who was still hesitating.
"I can't take it." – Harry tried again to protest but Fred and George insisted. Sighting Harry dressed it under his shirt.
"See. No one would ever suspect what defense you possess. Don't forget the bag."
"Harry, are you going after the dirty prat of a dark lord?"
"Yeah. I am."
"Then you'll need all these. And as we told you a thousand times, Harry you don't pay here."
Harry surrendered, thanked Fred and George and headed outside where the others were waiting for him. He decided not to tell them about the chain mail at first.
"Harry. What took you so long?" – Ron asked.
"Sorry guys! But your brothers wanted to give me so many things that it took eternity."
"Wow. It is a big bag. Now where are you going?"
"Yeah. Big bag." – Harry laughed. – "Now you three will each put on an invisibility cloak and follow me to Knocturne Alley. "
"Knocturne Alley?" – Ginny asked shocked.
"Yeah."
"Why have we to be invisible?" –Ron looked puzzled.
"You'll watch my back, if there are Death Eaters or other trouble. While I'll look defenseless, you will be able to surprise them far more easily than if you are visible."
"But Harry…"
"No buts. Come on, now. We have less than an hour."
And so Ron, Ginny and Hermione went under the cloaks. Harry started ahead. He turned to Knocturne Alley. His first stop was at Mr. Borgin's shop. He entered and as the doorbell ringed, Mr. Borgin appeared.
"Welcome young sir!" – He growled – "What could I do for you?"
"I want something that will make me undetectable. Also I would like to buy the Hand of Glory." – Harry mugged mischievously.
"Of course, young sir. These bracelets will let you pass unnoticeable. However, I'm sorry to say the Hand has been sold." – Muttered Borgin.
"Hmm" – Harry frowned. – "Would you have something quite like it?"
"Yes, the Task Hand but you'll have to come again tomorrow."
"Very well." – Harry said coldly. – "Also I want slow acting poisons."
"Of course sir. I have just the thing."
Borgin moved to the back of the store and returned with several filthy bottles. Harry examined the bracelets with satisfaction.
"I take all the bracelets."
"All?" – Borgin's eyes shined in greed.
"Yes, all."
"Very good. The bracelets will be 400, the poison another 50 and the Task Hand another 300."
"I'll give you half today and half tomorrow, when I'll come to get the Task Hand."
"Of course sir. Thank you sir." – Borgin bowed as he took the gold. – "The Hand will be here tomorrow by noon."
"Good." – Harry said in a cold voice and tipped Borgin. – "Till noon tomorrow then."
Harry stepped out of Borgin's. He moved down the alley. He saw another filthy and messy shop. It was full of Dark Magic books. He bought some books that captured his eye. He was about to return to Diagon Alley, when he saw a reptile shop. He moved quickly and entered. It was dark inside. There were different reptiles. He looked around. From a dark corner a figure appeared.
"Good day, sir!" – it barked. Harry looked coldly at the man before he spoke.
"I need a pet. And I prefer a snake, deadly poisonous."
"Ah. A snake? Of course sir. We have many of them. Come, this way."
They went near the cash desk. There were many snakes, some big, some small. Some were black, other light brown and slick, and other fewer slides. Harry saw one snake that was alone in the corner. No other snake was near it.
"What about that one?" – Harry pointed at her.
"Oh. This one. No one wants her, actually. But she is not poisonous."
"It seems that the other snakes don't want to approach her."
"Hell no! She starts to fight them. She actually killed some of them that cost me quite a fortune."
"What would become of her?" – Harry asked.
"I'll probably sell her off. But I doubt someone will ever take this beast. She doesn't let anyone around here."
"She seems ok to me." – Harry approached her.
"Careful, she'll bite you."
Harry moved carefully. He crouched so his eyes were at equal level with the snakes. He saw a small crest right to the eyes. The snake was also looking curiously at Harry and to the owner's surprise she did not attack.
"Well. I'll get you some day near me." – The snake hissed turning her head to the owner.
"Why would you do that?" – Harry asked. The owner looked stupefied. The snake turned to Harry.
"You can speak our tongue?"
"Yes. What's your name?"
"I am Sentinel. He treats me not good. I've been hurt and when he found me I was an easy target. But when I get well…I'll show him." –Harry looked astonished.
He did not expect a snake to have such reasoning. But there was something familiar about that snake. He couldn't recall ever seeing before that snake but he liked her already.
"I'll take good care of you." – Harry started. He was stunned of the way he was talking to that snake but he felt he must be courteous. – "If you come with me. My name is…"
"Harry Potter." – cut him off the snake looking straight at him.
"How d o you know?"
"Clever way to hide the scar, Harry." – The snake paused. – "I'll call you sentry-child and I accept."
Harry stood up and turned to the stunned owner.
"I'll take her."
"Twen.. twenty galleons." – Mumbled the owner.
Harry gave him the gold. Then turned and took out carefully Sentinel. She wrapped around his waist. Harry went out of the shop and headed to Diagon Alley. When he arrived, he sat on a bench to wait for his friends. They arrived shortly, pulling out their cloaks.
"Wow! That was cool." – Ron said. – "No danger at all."
"Speak for yourself." – Hermione snapped. – "Harry, what was this bidding for the Hand of Glory for?"
"The task hand, Hermione, you mean."
"Yeah."
"Well. We are going to look for hidden objects, dark objects. With the task hand that will be easier."
"Aha. What about the poisons?"
"I'll tell you later about them."
"Ok." – Hermione has satisfied her furious curiosity but not Ginny.
"Harry. What about the snake?"
"Snake?" –Ron snapped. – "What snake?"
"Harry bought a snake while you are off somewhere."
"Here she is." – Harry said with a tender voice and showed them Sentinel.
"Sentinel. These are my friends. They are not to be harmed."
"The red haired are brother and sister, ah?"
"Yes. And their family, we will meet them soon."
"Ok, sentry-child."
"Guys, this is Sentinel."
"Sentinel? Strange name for a snake." – Hermione said.
"I think it is perfect, Ron?"
"Yeah."
"Have you bought the trunk and the robes?"
"No. For the robes you know you have to measure it and as to the trunk they're many. We couldn't pick one."
"All right. We'll go now to buy them and then return to the Leaky Cauldron."
Arthur and Molly were waiting for the kids at the Cauldron. Molly looked at her watch.
"They should have been here already."
"Don't worry, dear. They'll be here any minute now."
He was right. Five minutes have only passed and the four entered. Arthur noticed the robes and the trunk but said nothing.
"Are we ready?" – He asked.
"Yes, Dad. Where are Phlegm and Bill?" – Ginny asked.
"Bill and Fleur will join us later." – Molly answered. – "Now time to get back home."