Another chapter ready for your reading pleasure. Once again: If you recognize it from somewhere, odds are it isn't mine.
Enjoy
~Shadow
Terry couldn't help but stare in fascination as the Burrow came in to view, his mind desperately trying to make sense of how all of the jumbled floors managed to stay connected together as they were. (Let's give it up for magic, people. Prime example right there, because that should NOT work)
He had spent most of the previous night in the library before retiring to his room. The guest room wasn't anything fancy, just a midsized room that had its own fireplace and a few pieces of furniture. But it had its own attached bathroom, which was a bonus in his book. (And that giant bed, oh that sweet, comfy, wonderful bed.) After forcefully pulling himself out of his monster of a bed he had met up with Albus and they discussed the day's plans over breakfast. Albus had easily agreed to let him come along for the day and had lent Terry what was soon be Harry's Invisibility cloak in order to stay out of sight. The old headmaster had been reluctant to produce Terry's next request, but after some cajoling and many promises of later explanations, he had complied.
(Boy, is he in for a shock after this one) Terry couldn't help but grin at the back of the old wizard's head. Hidden as he was under the cloak, he figured he was safe from being questioned about it. Carefully navigating the front gate, the pair approached the door and after a quick glance back toward his invisible follower, Albus knocked politely. Moments later the Weasley matriarch herself answered.
"Good afternoon Albus. Please, come inside." She greeted, stepping back to make room for him to enter the home. Albus greeted her in return and maneuvered himself through the door while still making room for Terry to slip in undetected behind him. (Mmm… Do I smell baked goods?)
"Good to see you again Molly, I trust all is well? Arthur is at the Ministry I take it?" She nodded, leading Albus to the kitchen.
"Yes, he did try and to get the day off but he couldn't seem to find a replacement quickly enough. Tea? Biscuit? I have some fresh out." (Biscuit…? COOKIES! Aww… I want a cookie, they smell divine. Albus! Take some to go!)
"No. Thank you, Molly." Albus declined politely "I have a few other places that require my presence today, so unfortunately I do not have much time to delay." (Drat, no cookies –Sigh-)
"Yes, of course…." She seemed to hesitate a moment before continuing. "I just don't understand Headmaster, who would send you a nomination for my Ginny. And Why?" Albus seemed to expect this question as he chuckled and replied back quickly.
"There is a reason it is called an "Anonymous" nomination Molly." He paused a moment, placing a kind hand on her arm. "But whoever it was, and for whatever reason, I am sure you have nothing to fear. This is a very rare opportunity that is being offered to young Ginevra and I do hope that you both will welcome it with open arms." There was something in the way his words sounded and the look he gave her. It was almost like a teacher scolding a favored student or a Grandfather speaking to his youngest. (So that's his trick. I'm on to you, you sly old fox)
Molly looked away, sniffling slightly. "Yes, yes your right. Let me just call Ginny down for you then." Sticking her head into the stairwell she called up for her youngest. It wasn't long before she came down into the kitchen.
"Mum? What did you… Oh, umm Hi." Ginny had stopped rather abruptly at seeing Albus in the kitchen although did not seemed to surprised that he was there. (Maybe he visits on occasion or something, if that's the case how did he miss…..)
"Hello Ginevra, I was hoping I may have a word with you. I believe I may have an offer for you that you would very much like to hear." The young redhead made a face at the use of her full name but was clearly curious as to what the headmaster want to speak about. After a quick glance to her mother who gave her an encouraging nod she came to sit at the table next to him and he smiled kindly at her before beginning.
"It has come to my attention that…." Terry didn't stay to hear the rest of what was said. (Now is my chance, I better hurry) Slipping silently out of the kitchen he came to the entrance of a nice sized sitting room. A quick glance showed the rooms sole occupant hunched over a battered chess board in deep thought. ('Lo Ron. Playing against yourself? No wonder he is so talented at the game) Not seeing his quarry in the room he moved on. Making his way up to the second floor landing he spotted only one door which was open allowing him to see inside. It was smallish and brightly lit with a few posters adorning its walls, one of which read "Hollyhead Harpies" and had a half dozen witches in matching robes flying across the front in dizzying displays. (Guess this one is Ginny's then. Moving on….)
The next landing up he heard muffled voices coming from behind one of the two doors here and made sure to move extra carefully. (Be varwe varwe quite, Im hunting for wabbits…. Huhuhu SHIT!) Just as he passed the door it cracked open and a head poked out into the hallway. Terry froze mid step.
"Anything?" Came a voice from farther inside the room. The figure in the doorway shook his head in confusion.
"Nothing, guess I'm hearing things…." He replied in the exact same voice "Maybe we should crack the window to let some of these fumes out." The only answer Terry heard as the door closed was laughter and he let go of the breath he had been holding. (That was waaaay too close)
He quickly made his way up the last few flights into the smallest room at the very top. It was a bit messy, clothing and books strewn across the floor but it could have been worse Terry figured. There sitting on top of the very orange bed, fast asleep, was his prey. (Bingo! I've got you now you dirty rat) Unhooking the cage he had Albus create and spell for him, he crept closer to the unsuspecting animagus and in one swift movement he scooped him up and locked him inside. Lifting the cage to eye level he gave it a firm shake and smiled when he heard no sound from within. (Ukeire no shimei. {1} Now to get back downstairs)
Terry managed to get back downstairs with no problems and slid back into the kitchen just as a green glow was dissipating from around the now standing Ginny. From the big smile on her face Terry guessed this to be a good thing.
"It seems that Congratulations are in order then Miss. Weasley. I look forward to seeing you on September 1st." Albus's eyes swept across the room pausing to rest on the spot were Terry stood near the door before turning to the quietly weeping Molly.
"Now Molly I must say my goodbyes. I have one more stop in the area, and I dare say that if the Nominator was correct about you, Miss. Weasley, than the young Miss. Lovegood will be joining for the start of term."
"Luna was picked too?! YES!" Ginny gave a little fist pump before turning to run from the room. "Ron! Ron! You will never guess what…." Molly, who had pulled herself together laughed quietly at the antics of her youngest before turning to Dumbledore who was also smiling happily.
"I am very glad she was able to pass the test, poor Ginny was so upset when she realized that she couldn't go to Hogwarts with Ronald this year. They are very close those two and I was afraid of what would happen to that closeness while he was away." She sniffed again and dabbed at her eye. "This is the best for the both of them."
(You have no idea how right you are Ms. Weasley….)
They made their way to the door and Albus once again made sure that Terry was able to slip out before exiting himself. They were out of the gate and onto the path beyond before Dumbledore spoke.
"So where did you disappear to, if I may ask?"
"Had to go hunt something down real quick." Terry replied vaguely
"Would that something require a charmed cage by any chance?"
"Indeed it would good Sir." Terry quipped back, causing the old man to chuckle.
"And I would guess that you are not planning on telling me more until later?"
"Your guess would be correct and I have a reason for waiting. Promise." Albus nodded his understanding and held out an arm for him to grab hold of.
"Off to the Lovegoods' then, shall we?" Terry quickly grasped his elbow and they apparated away.
They arrived just outside of a gate that seemed to be in need of a bit of fixing. Terry quickly noted that some signs had been hung on either side that read "Editor of the Quibbler" and "Pick Your own Mistletoe" (Does mistletoe even grow year round?)
They made their way up the zigzag of stairs and Terry admired the well-kept gardens on either side. (Some odd looking plants in there…. Oh, that one's a crabapple. I'll never forget what one those look like, that was not a fun night….){2}
Reaching the door of the miniature castle of a house, Albus again checked to make sure his invisible follower was near before reaching for the knocker. (It looks like an eagle, that's kinda nifty)
The door was pulled open swiftly revealing a rather tall man with wispy silver hair and a slightly unfocused look in his eyes. He looked around wildly for a moment before seeming to notice Albus standing in front of him.
"Albus Dumbledore! So you have finally come back then have you? Found something new? I always have time for an old friend such as you. Come in, come in." He rambled excitedly and gesturing for Albus to enter before turning quickly back into the house. (Oook…. Excited much?) Albus shook his head slightly before following the odd man inside, Terry just a step behind.
They came into what Terry guessed to be a kitchen, although it was hard to tell as almost every inch of table, countertop and even some of the floor was covered in books or some random knickknack. At the very center of the cluttered room stood a wrought iron spiral staircase that led to the upper floors.
Terry found himself a mostly unused space that he hoped would keep him out of the way and sat back to watch as the odd man rummaged through the random piles while muttering to himself. (This should be entertaining)
"I know it was here somewhere, I think I found it this time Albus. Wait till you see…."
"Xeno."
"And then there is the interview that man in Rustford gave me. The things he witnessed were so…"
"Xenophilius!" Albus all but barked. It seemed to do the trick though. Xeno finally stopped his rummaging and turned to face him with what looked like a rainbow colored slinky in his hands.
"Yes Albus?" he asked innocently, completely unfazed at the fact that the normally unflappable headmaster had just raised his voice to him.
"I am unfortunately not here for a social visit Xeno, did you not read my letter?" Albus asked accusingly.
"Letter?" Xeno repeated with confusion before he smacked himself on the forehead with a palm. "You letter, of course. Afraid it slipped my mind." Terry choked back an amused snort (If that is all that slipped his mind than I'm an English schoolgirl)
"Well then?" Albus looked at the odd man expectantly who just stared right back.
"Well what?" Xeno asked after a moment causing the older man to audibly sigh.
"May I please speak to Luna now Xenophilius?" Albus asked tiredly.
"Oh that. Yes, of course. Let me call her for you." And with that he turned his head toward the staircase and took a deep breath.
"LUNA, THE HEADMASTER IS HERE FOR YOU." (Gah! My ears!) To his credit, Dumbledore only flinched slightly at the noise and after a few moments there was another person in the crowded room.
"Hello Headmaster, are you here to see if I can go to Hogwarts this year?" Luna asked in a soft voice, her eyes sweeping the room, only pausing on the headmaster for a moment before moving on. Albus smiled at the young girl.
"Yes, I take it that your father explained everything to you?" He asked and Luna once again returned her focus to him.
"No. Daddy was busy, but I found out anyway." She answered unconcerned before her eyes once again began to roam around the room. (It looks like she is trying to find something, but with Luna who really knows.) Her gaze came to a sudden stop. In the exact spot Terry was standing. (Naw… She can't see me. Wait, can she?!) Terry tilted his head sideways to try and get a better look at the girl only to have her mimic the action exactly. (ACK! Not good! What should I do?) Luna's gaze stayed on him for a few moments longer before she turned back to Dumbledore, whom had just noticed where she was looking.
"Sir, you never told us you had a pet Wrackspurt ."
It was sometime later that Albus and Terry returned to the headmaster's office. Albus immediately collapsed into his chair while Terry snagged a lemon drop from his desk before sitting down himself.
"No, seriously Albus that was a beautiful save on your part. I thought for sure we were caught out." Terry stated with a laugh. Albus merely sighed heavily and massaged his temples slowly.
"Now I remember why I do not visit Xeno more often. He seems to have become even more eccentric since his wife passed last year and now young Luna is following him." Sighing again he lifted his head to look at Terry. "Do you know why she acts as she does?" He asked hopefully, to which Terry only shook his head.
"I'm afraid that one is a mystery to me as well. I have a couple of theories but no facts to go with them, sorry."
"Care to share them with me?"
"Not really." Terry answered with a small smile and Albus actually rolled his eyes. "There really isn't that much to it. Don't worry, if I come up with some facts I will let you know." Dumbledore nodded his acceptance at that.
"Which reminds me, you owe me an explanation bout your little disappearance at the Weasleys and why it required a cage." Terry sighed and carefully reached into his jacket to pull out the cage hidden there.
"Be glad you're sitting down, because this one's a doozy." Albus leaned forward in his chair and looked at him expectantly.
(With a Knick-Knack Paddywack, give the dog a bone)
"Inside this cage I have the rat animagus known as Wormtail. AKA: Peter Pettigrew."
(The lucky old son is coming home.)
A/N
{1} Japanese: Mission accomplished. Some of you may recognize this as a favorite line of Hero Yuy's
{2} To those of you who have found out the hard way what happens when you eat a Crabapple: You have my sympathies. Been there done that. To those that haven't, trust me when I say it isn't fun.
I have to give credit to Harry Potter Wiki. I've been double checking a lot of my facts on their site when I couldn't find it in the books.
Hope you enjoyed it. A bit longer this time, wrote it in two parts instead of one sitting this go round and it seemed to help. As always - Questions, Comments, and Constructive Criticism are very much so appreciated.
Until next time,
~ShadowZeroV7