Chapter 4 - The Cloak
August 30, 1997Ron and Hermione were both sitting at the kitchen table slowly eating their breakfast when two owls pecked at the nearby window. Ron went over and let in an exhausted Errol and Hedwig. Hedwig wasn't an unusual visitor to the Burrow, in fact she'd only left a few times since the beginning of August so Ron didn't even notice the letter tied to her leg. He took the Daily Prophet from Errol and returned to his seat at the table. Annoyed, Hedwig flew over to the table and squawked at him.
"What?" he said a bit irritably to her. "You know where the food is."
She turned and squawked at Hermione, obviously too irritated with Ron. Hermione immediately saw the envelope on her leg and removed it. She patted Hedwig on the head. "He's a boy," she told the owl. "Thank you." Hermione's heart raced in her throat as she saw the sloppy scrawl on the envelope addressed to her and Ron. "It's from Harry!" she nearly screamed as she fumbled to open the letter.
Dear Ron and Hermione,
I'm sorry if you guys have been worrying about me. Things were dicey and I'm sure you've heard by now that I was injured again. Luna and her father happened across me and I stayed with them while I was recovering. I know you saw me at the Ministry but I couldn't talk. I was in hurry to get in and out and honestly wasn't really planning on attending… I didn't want to be expelled and have Aurors coming to get my wand. I've got enough to deal with.
If you haven't heard yet I've been staying at Headquarters since letting Ron's dad and Dumbledore know where I was. Parvati and Padma are here too. Padma is doing much better. Parvati is… well, a bit irritating honestly. I don't mean to complain but… never mind. I'll talk to you more about it when I see you again.
I've been working on some things here and doing a lot of reading (aren't you proud, Hermione?) and I need to ask your help on a subject. I'm researching blood magic and want to trace the genealogy of the founders. Voldemort holds their bloodline in very high esteem. He is convinced that only a descendant of the founders can wield certain powers. I really want to know why and what powers he thinks they are. So, Hermione, when you get back to Hogwarts can you please start reaching their genealogy? I'd ask you too, Ron, but I know you'll leave the reading to Hermione.
Oh, I also took my end of term exams and I'm told by Professor McGonagall that I did excellent, even better than you did, Hermione!
"What?" Hermione grasped the parchment tighter as Ron laughed.
"Relax, Hermione," Ron told her. "keep reading."
Just kidding, Hermione. Who could possibly outscore our new Head Girl? Congratulations to you. Head Girl, you deserve it.
I'm sure it goes without saying that this year is going to be intense, so please, please what ever you do, watch yourselves, use caution in who you trust, and always listen to your instinct. I'm learning quickly that what I feel is more important than what I think.
In addition to the blood research I'm doing, I've also been going out on Order business and meeting with Fred and George about some products they're developing. Those guys really are brilliant you know? Anyway, I won't be coming to school on the Hogwarts Express. I'm disappointed because I was really looking forward to our last ride together on the train but… well, I can't say more than that now. It probably will be a few days before I get to Hogwarts, so you guys will be starting term without me. Weird, isn't it? It's like I'm not really a student anymore.
And take care of each other. You both know that you're targets as well (Hermione, I'm so sorry about your home). Nowhere is completely safe anymore, not even Hogwarts.
I'll see you soon,
Harry
"At least we got a letter from him," Ron said.
Hermione didn't seem as grateful though. She crumpled up the letter and threw it onto the ground. "Some letter. It's been ages and all we get is this," she was turning red. "He's not coming to school, Ron…"
"For a day or so," Ron added. "He's going to be there, Hermione."
"How much? If Dumbledore is letting him miss now, then he'll let him go off and fight Voldemort again later won't he? Harry's already missed so much school. Why does he have to be the one?"
Her words stung Ron deeply. Where was this surge coming from? They had known for some time that Harry was going to face Voldemort, and war had already begun. Harry fighting in it seemed a logical conclusion. Ron couldn't help but question Hermione's true emotions regarding Harry.
"Hermione, if I told you that I was going to leave school and go fight Voldemort, would you be acting the same way?"
"Of course not—"
Ron was stunned. "What has been going on between us if you're in love with Harry?"
"I'm not in love with Harry!" she insisted. "I said of course not because I would be devastated if you went to fight Voldemort! I wouldn't know what to do without you, Ron!"
"You seem devastated enough already."
"You are so dim sometimes, Ron. Of course I'm devastated. He's one of my best friends and I think this is unfair for Harry. Why can't he just be with us and go to school? Why does he have to be a member of the Order? Why does it have to be him that goes on assignment? There are some many other wizards out there. If it were you…"
She didn't finish because she couldn't. Instead she stood and stormed up the stairs exhausted and frustrated. She wanted to weep but she had cried enough in the past month. She wanted to scream but her voice was already hoarse from all of the shouting she'd done. She wanted to blame someone but only one person came to mind and it wasn't his fault. Harry was just trying to do what he thought was best for everyone. He was finally trying to be the hero everyone held him out to be.
Hermione entered Ginny's bedroom and lay down on her cot. Ginny was lying in her own bed, not really sleeping but not really wanting to be awake. "What's with you? Did you and Ron have another row?" she asked.
"No," Hermione said, frustration still present in her voice. "We got a letter from Harry." When she said this Ginny sat straight up in her bed. "He said a lot but nothing at all… you know what I mean?"
Ginny nodded. "Well he was probably concerned that that letter might be intercepted. I'm sure he was just being careful."
"And," Hermione added as if she didn't even hear Ginny. "he won't be on the train with us and doesn't know when he will be coming to Hogwarts to start school."
"Is it true he's got long hair now?" Ginny asked. She hadn't gone with them to the Ministry for Harry's trial so she didn't see first hand what he looked like now.
"What?" Hermione lifted her head up looking a bit annoyed with the change of subject. "I'm venting here, Ginny."
"I know but you got a letter at least, and you've seen him. You know he's safe. I just wanted to know if he really had long hair now."
Hermione finally smiled. "Yes, Ginny, he's got long hair now."
"How does it look?"
"A bit tidier. He was wearing it in a ponytail." Hermione realized that Ginny hadn't asked about him at all until just now. "Ginny, are you still… what I mean is, do you still like him?"
"No," Ginny said quickly, almost a little too quickly and it was obviously that Hermione didn't buy it. "No, I just… well, you know I love him." She was trying her best not to succumb to the thoughts of Harry, not like she had done when she was younger. The last few years as friends had been great and she was bound not to spoil that.
"Why don't you tell him?"
"I don't want to ruin our friendship. I cherish his friendship and I just can't let myself be that little girl with a crush on Harry Potter again," answered Ginny very simply.
"Well, I don't think this is a crush you have," Hermione said as she laid her head back down. "I think you should tell him."
"What about Parvati?"
"I don't think he loves her."
"It doesn't matter does it?" she wondered. "He's with her and he's never said he'd like to be with me instead. I'm trying not to be too hung up on it. Sometimes I think I'm better and everything is fine… you know, having him as a brother figure, but then times like this happen and I can't do anything but worry."
Hermione wasn't sure what to say. She knew the feeling that Ginny was talking about, the worry felt constant. Just as she was about to say something to Ginny Ron opened the bedroom door. He peaked his head in and looked straight at Hermione.
"Can I have a word?"
"Sure," Hermione got up off of her bed and when she walked by Ginny she patted her softly on the foot. "He's fine. At least we know that." Ginny just nodded as her brother and Hermione slipped out of the room.
Hermione was about to ask Ron what he wanted when he swooped her up into his arms and engulfed her in a passionate kiss. When they finally broke apart he held up a piece of parchment. "Write to him. It will make you feel better if you can ask him your questions directly. Hedwig is still here and I'm sure she'll take him the letter this time." Hermione nodded, taking the parchment from him and turning to go downstairs to the kitchen to write her letter.
Dear Harry,
Thank you for finally sending us a letter. I can't help but feel it fell terribly short of really letting us know how you are doing. I know your life is hectic and yes, Mr. Weasley did tell us that you were injured, but why did we have to hear it from him? Don't you think we deserved to hear it from you? You were standing just feet away from us at the Ministry but you never even looked at us. You're trying to brave, I know. You're trying to keep us out of danger, I know that too, but for some reason you don't seem to acknowledge our position. WE ARE IN THIS WITH YOU. You need us to help you and if you'd let us we could save you some pain.
Yes, I'm upset. I just wish we were more a part of your life.
Hermione
She put the letter in an envelope, gave it to Hedwig and sent her on her way. She watched as the snowy owl disappeared into the sky. Two hours later Hedwig returned carrying another letter. This time it was addressed to Hermione only.
Okay, I get that you're cross with me. I expected that. I'm sorry I didn't come to your house when it was attacked, but I didn't know about it until I read it in the Daily Prophet. Had I known I still wouldn't have been able to get to you. I couldn't have Apparated then, I was too weak. And you didn't need me, Hermione. You saved yourself and your parents. I never doubted that you could do that nor have I ever doubted what a big help you and Ron are to me. But before you go flying off of the handle at me just remember that I am trying to do what is best for everyone… including you.
Harry
Hermione immediately flipped that parchment over.
Harry,
I appreciate that you are trying to do what is best for everyone, but are you trying to do what's best for you? That is all I'm trying to do right now. Knowing you're in pain and in danger is almost too much to bear. Please just let us help.
Hermione
His response came back very quickly this time.
The best way you can help me right now is to watch out for yourself and Ron, and to look into the founders for me. It is what I need. As for my safety, I'm safe now.
We'll talk more when I get back to Hogwarts.
Hermione didn't respond again. She knew it wasn't the best conversation to try and have through letters. She needed to see him face to face to try and talk some sense into him.
Fred and George laid a cloak on the edge of Harry's bed as he sat up. "What's this?" he asked looking at the deep, dark green velvet cloak.
"Put it on," they said in unison.
Harry got out of bed and picked up the cloak. He held the thick garment for a moment before looking back at Fred and George. All his encounters with them this summer had been serious in nature but they were still jokesters and he needed to survey them for a moment to make sure this cloak wasn't going to transform him into a troll or something. But their looks were a mixture of seriousness and excitement so Harry slipped into the cloak.
"Fasten it," Fred told him. "It works better that way."
Harry fastened the three buckles that went across the chest then looked down at it expecting something to happen. He didn't feel any different and he certainly still looked like they'd dragged him out of bed and thrown a cloak on him. He was about to say something smart to them when George shouted "Stupefy!" at him. He was so caught off guard by this that he didn't have time to erect his shield but the charm did not have any effect on him. It felt like it hit him, nudging him slightly but it definitely did not stun him. Harry's eyes lit up in realization.
"Fantastic!" he shouted in excitement as he walked over to the mirror and looked at his own reflection. The cloak was such a dark color of green it almost appeared to be black. It looked thick and heavy but it was feather light.
"A shield cloak," George announced happily. "We've been working on it for some time now. Charlie helped supply us with dragon hide… boy that isn't easy to come by."
"We know you can cast a shield charm no problem but why bother if you don't have to?" Fred asked quickly. "Think of the time this saves. And," he walked over to Harry and pulled the hood up over his head. It literally went all of the way over the head and fastened in the front to completely cover the face. "What do you think?"
Harry was truly impressed. He could see just fine and while his feet and hands were completely exposed and the cloak moved a bit in the lower leg area when he walked but this was an amazing device. "You two are brilliant!"
"This was no easy feat," Fred assured him. "And it won't protect against every curse but it can help a great deal."
"How many have you made?" Harry asked them.
"We've only got this one complete right now," George said. "We've got enough material for ten more, so this supply will be very limited. You're going to have to chose who gets one."
Harry nodded. "You two obviously," he said quickly. "Will you give me the other eight when you've completed them?" They nodded at him. "Do you guys want me to pay for them?"
"No," they said together. "We don't take your money, you know that."
"I realize this took you guys a while to do, but when do you think you'll have them ready?"
"Honestly, its just assembly now," Fred told him. "so a week or so."
Harry turned back to the mirror and looked at himself again. He was just amazed with this cloak. Fred and George Weasley were definitely two of the most cunning and innovative people he had ever met. Not only did the cloak serve a purpose it was also nice looking, simple but sophisticated, a cross between formal dress robes and an everyday cloak. They'd done a fabulous job.
"Harry?" Fred said.
"Yes," Harry removed the cloak and set it on his bed.
"While we've got you looking in a mirror have you noticed how much like Charlie you're looking these days?"
Harry chuckled as he looked at the twins' reflection in the mirror. They were pointing at his messy ponytail. "I guess it doesn't really work for me does it?"
"It was a great disguise for the summer though," George said helpfully. "I'm sure it threw Voldemort for a loop."
"Well at least you're wearing your glasses again," added Fred. "They make you more recognizable."
"That charm doesn't last long," Harry explained. "I don't use it much."
"You mean you've been charming your eyesight back to perfection?"
"From time to time." Harry smiled. "I guess I did get a bit rebellious didn't I?" He didn't need an answer. He removed his wand from his leg Hollister (it was almost always there) and the end turned into a pair of scissors. He quickly chopped the ponytail away and then handed them to George to crop the top and back a bit more. When he was finished he handed Harry his wand back and they all looked at Harry in the mirror.
"There he is… the wizard who is going to save us all."
Harry turned and faced them. "You guys are doing a fine job without me."
"Everyone needs a leader, Harry," Fred told him as he and George walked to the door. "and you are our leader."
They both ducked out of the room leaving Harry alone in front of his mirror. He turned and faced himself again suddenly feeling more comfortable in his skin. Not because of what the twins said but because he looked like himself again.