It has been a very long time my dears, a very long time. But never fear, I have not given up no matter how long each chapter may take! The new chappie for Dreaming Reality shall be up sometime, not sure when, but the chaps almost done.
Reviews ive received so far are amazing. thank you so much for your support in this story. you guys rock!
I hope you all have had a fantastic Christmas! And an even fantastical New Year! Bring on 2012!
Yeooooooooooooooooo!
Disclaimer: No matter how much begging to J.K Rowling, I do not and will not own the magnificent world of Harry Potter.
The scarring events at the World Cup still lingered, and now they are worriedly mixed with the mysterious disappearance of a Ministry Official: a Ms Bertha Jorkins.
Of course Amelia Dashwood became immediately linked with the witches vanishing, thus instigating even more pictures and posters of Mia's face to be placed everywhere in the Wizarding and Muggle World.
Unlike most 'Wanted' pictures (including Sirius's) her picture isn't a mug-shot. It is the picture that was used on the Daily Prophet that announced her return; a young, happy looking Mia. For Harry it was strange to see such a care-free, near innocent picture declaring words deeming how dangerous and unstable she is.
The morning after they moved, when looking in Sirius's bedroom drawer for an extra pair of socks, Harry came across that picture, messily cut up from the newspaper, haggardly placed under Sirius's pillow.
With the move, the change in the wizarding world, and the new allegations set against Mia, Sirius has become somewhat withdrawn.
He never ignored Harry, but Harry could tell his mind was always somewhere else; forever deep in thought.
To try and get him out of his mood Harry suggested they go into Diagonally. It was only a matter of time before the summer ends, and getting the school necessities were starting to become essential. A date for the following day was organised between Sirius, Mrs Weasley and even Hermione's parents to meet at the Leaky Cauldron.
However, on the morning of the trip a letter from Dumbledore appeared, requesting Sirius's presence as soon as possible.
"What could he want? We've moved haven't we, what else does he want us to change?" Sirius grumbled, callously shoving Dumbledore's letter into his pocket.
"Maybe Fudge wants to speak with you again." said Harry, trying to dismiss the dread that Fudge still believes Sirius as Mia's accomplice.
"Fudge wasn't mentioned." said Sirius, striding to the coat hanger to gather his jacket. "Dumbledore just said he wanted a word; no doubt he has a set of house rules he's made for us. Better ask Remus to take my place for the shopping trip; Molly would go spare without extra help as Arthur's stuck in the Ministry."
In Harry's opinion that would be an understatement. Mrs Weasley, including the majority of the wizarding community, was very much on edge over the whole situation of Mia. She knew a trip to Diagonally was inevitable but she didn't believe it would be requested so soon, but like Sirius said, best get it over with now.
Mrs Weasley wouldn't intentionally go without Arthur by her side but the Ministry has been on lock-down since the disappearance of Bertha Jorkins, all trying to find her along with still trying to lessen the mess made by the World Cup, and to quote Percy: "Mr Crouch needs all the help he can get!" So the help of Sirius was much appreciated.
Needless to say, when Mrs Weasley found Remus Lupin sitting beside Harry inside the Leaky Cauldron rather than Sirius, she wasn't much disappointed. It appears Mrs Weasley has almost the same amount of trust with Remus as she does with her husband; much to the half insulted, half amused full-grown wizard sons Bill and Charlie who also accompanied them.
After robes were bought, books been payed for, and ink wells and quills been purchased, Ron wanted to get a new cage for his owl Pigwidgeon, as due to the owls hyperactive energy the excitable bird has managed to cause quite some damage to the family owl Errol's old cage. When Ron informed this however, other's voiced where they too wanted to go.
Ginny wanted some new witch robes; Fred, George and Bill wanted to go to the Quidditch shop; Charlie wanted a new book on dragons; Mr and Mrs Granger became highly interested in inspecting a magical 'Do It Yourself' Dentistry Kit they heard about from Hermione; and Remus idly mentioned that Tonks asked him to get Teddy a new non-flammable high-chair, for Teddy somehow managed to set his last one on fire.
"No one is going to split up!" proclaimed Mrs Weasley.
Uproar from her children ensued.
"But Mum, Pig has practically destroyed his cage!" moaned Ron, "He needs a new one!"
"And I desperately need some out-door robes!" Ginny whined, "I've nearly out-grown my current ones!"
"Do you not understand how dangerous it is to be here?" Mrs Weasley demanded.
"Like Dashwood is really going to walk down the town; she can hardly do her shopping, can she?" Fred sniggered, indicating a shop window displaying Mia's 'Wanted' poster.
"She wouldn't come here to shop!" Mrs Weasley barked; glowering angrily at her son.
"How about this, Molly," Remus swiftly intervened, stepping in-between 'Mother and Children', "Charlie accompanies Ron, Harry and Hermione; Bill is with Fred and George, and I will stay with you, Ginny and Mr and Mrs Granger. We meet outside Ollivanders in an hour; that gives us all plenty of time."
After many begging "pleases" and wide pleading eyes from her children, Harry and Hermione, Mrs Weasley finally, with made known reluctance, agreed.
"You've got exactly one hour!" she said officiously, "And if any one of you," her eyes and index finger pointing on each of her children (lingering longer on Fred and George) and Hermione and Harry, "Is over a minute late this will be your last ever trip to Diagon Alley!"
And with a hasty "Thanks" to a frazzled Mrs Weasley, the crowd hurriedly split into their assigned groups.
The old headmasters in their portraits all watched Sirius enter the vast circular room. It was his great-great grandfather Phineas Nigellus Black that welcomed him first.
"Ah, there's my great-great grandson now; nice to know you're still not concerned about your time keeping." Phineas Black greeted sarcastically.
"Glad you approve." Sirius responded in equal sarcasm.
"That letter was sent to you over 10 minutes ago!" Phineas scolded.
Sirius rolled his eyes. "Well, sorry that my Godsons wellbeing came first in my priorities rather than immediately rushing to get here. But next time I'm asked to arrive I'll make sure that Harry is alone and doesn't know where I am."
A flash of green light and Dumbledore's firm voice entered the room, "That's quite alright, Phineas."
Turning to Dumbledore, Sirius found the Headmaster stepping out of his fireplace, but he wasn't alone. He was accompanied by none other than Snape.
"What's he doing here?" said Sirius in disgust.
Snape equally displayed his own show of distain, glaring at Sirius as if he was nothing more than a piece of dirt caught on his shoe.
"Severus is here because I have requested his presence, just like I have requested yours, Sirius." said Dumbledore. "You are both here for the same reason. I suggest that the two of you sit down."
Only noticing now, Sirius found three seats placed infront of Dumbledore's desk. Another is to be joining them. Nerves uncomfortably twisted deep inside Sirius's stomach, causing him to barely listen to Snape's silky enquiry.
"Professor, what could possibly require mine and Black's presence at the same time?"
"Just sit and all will be explained." replied Dumbledore, sitting prepared at his desk.
"Who else is coming, Albus?" Sirius demanded, eyeing the seats and Dumbledore suspiciously.
Now Snape is aware of the third seat and now he too became nerved. His pale face became even paler, and he seemed somewhat surprised.
Both men refused to budge. Both men simply stood at either end of the row of chairs; both staring almost manically at the Hogwarts Headmaster.
Three steady knocks drum from the door. Sirius's nerves have never been more tightened in his life.
His head darts straight at the door, not knowing if he wants the guest to arrive.
Not deciding if now at this very moment, is the right place, the right time to meet.
True, last night he concluded that he must see her, that answers must be given. But he wanted it set on his terms, at his convenience. It's the least he's granted after what he's gone through.
He must also protect Harry.
"Enter." Dumbledore's commanding voice resounded, almost echoing from the circular walls.
How could Dumbledore be so calm about this? Infact, how could he not even consider Sirius's feelings? He hasn't even asked if he has even thought about seeing her!
But there's no going back now. The guest is here and the command for her presence has been made.
The door opens, and for one heart stopping moment Sirius was excited. He would be able to see her in the flesh, to look deep inside those eyes, to hear her voice, and for her to equally gaze back.
The moment his eyes saw a foot step onto the polished floor Sirius knew that the guest wasn't Mia.
This wouldn't be her. No. He couldn't hate Mia no matter if he wanted too. But he can hate this person.
He can wish harm upon him with no guilt.
It was this person that lead the betrayal Mia bestowed on him; this person that helped separate a marriage.
The guest swiftly closed the door behind him as he nonchalantly strode inside the office, looking only at Sirius.
A snide grin came to his lips as Virgo greeted,
"Hello, mate."
"Come on, Charlie, how long does it take to find a book on dragons!" Ron moaned irritably; leaning bored-like against a bookshelf, carelessly dangling his newly obtained cage beside him.
"Obviously this is your first visit to a book-store or you wouldn't have known that there tends to be more than one variety of books on various topics." Charlie listlessly replied, whilst engross on a page of a book called 'Dragons Made Easy!'
"We've only got twenty-minutes left!" grumbled Ron, "I was hoping we could've made a quick visit to 'Quality Quidditch Supplies'."
"Then you should've went with Bill, Fred and George." said Hermione pragmatically; setting the book ('Arithmancy and Its Origins') back on its shelf.
"I thought we would've had time!" said Ron, "You knew I needed a new cage!"
"And you knew Charlie wanted to get a book! You should learn to prioritise, Ron!" Hermione retorted.
"'Learn to prioritise?'All I wanted was a cage-!"
Harry ceased to listen to his friends bickering. Glancing uninterestedly around the books, a figure passing by the shop outside alertly caught his eye.
Lucius Malfoy briskly walked passed, but that's not what Harry found odd. What caught his eye was that Lucius, an arrogant, pretentious, self-important jerk, didn't appear to hold those usual qualities. His customary haughty air is gone. Infact, he seems rather troubled; petrified even.
What has brought this on? Why does he seem so uncomfortable?
No longer wanting to be idly watched over like he's an expensive object, Harry allowed his curiosity to get the better of him. Pushing his luck on facing the wrath of Mrs Weasley, and possibly Sirius if he finds out, Harry decided there's only one way to try and find out the mysterious behaviour of Mr Malfoy.
"Harry? Harry! Where are you going?"Hermione cried after Harry's retreating form.
Charlie was blissfully unaware of Hermione's call or the noises of her and Ron running after Harry. Not even the clatter of Ron's new cage caught his attention; Charlie was completely absorbed in a thick book named: 'Are Dragons simply misunderstood?'
"Harry! What are-?"
Harry held a hand to silence Hermione who at last caught up with him; his sights and feet set on following Malfoy's tense self.
The path Malfoy was leading too made Diagon Alley become darker by the minute and the amount of crowds lessened. Harry quickly realised they were now entering Knockturn Alley.
Harry made sure he, Ron and Hermione kept their distance from Malfoy, it wouldn't be good if Malfoy found out that he was being followed by three teenagers he doesn't think much of, especially in a place as unwelcoming and as dodgy as Knockturn Alley.
Malfoy came to a stop outside one shop; a shop Harry accidently once visited: 'Borgin and Burkes.'
Finding large wooden barrels outside a badly derelict building diagonally facing from Borgin and Burkes, Harry pulled Ron and Hermione alongside him to hide behind the containers in order to get a proper view.
The ominous shop appeared closed even though dim lights glowed beneath the shut blinds.
"Borgin? Borgin!" Malfoy clipped; his cane rattling hurriedly on the door, "Borgin open up!"
Even Mr Malfoy's tone, that's usually smooth and low, is now taunted with anxiety. Something is clearly troubling him.
"Borgin, I need to speak with you!"
Without warning the door promptly opens causing Lucius and the hidden trio too all jolt in unison.
"Why Lucius, I was hoping I'd get the chance to see you." greeted the somewhat happy voice of Amelia Dashwood.
She welcomes her visitor by leaning casually on the door frame, wearing the same black cloak from the World Cup; the cloak partially unbuttoned, hints of a well-worn dark blue day dress could be seen yet she can still carry that air of intimidation.
Hermione gasped instantly on seeing her, making Harry to cover her mouth with his hand. Fortunately it appears that they have still remained unnoticed. Malfoy seems too stunned himself to be aware of anything other than the resurrected witch standing unbothered infront of him.
"Not even a 'hello'?" said Mia, feigning hurt with a frown. "It's been a while since we last saw one another."
It was hard to tell what happened next, for in rapid movements Malfoy's cane flew across the alley smashing one of the windows from the neglected building behind Harry, Ron and Hermione. Mia also seemed to have grabbed Malfoy firmly by the wrist, enabling him to gather his wand. Beneath Harry's own hand he felt Hermione shake.
"I think it's best if we talk without the presence of wands and canes; fight doesn't solve much, does it?" Mia remarked attentively, her eyes scanning Malfoy's disgusted expression. "Now, I hear you want to talk with Mr Borgin. I'm afraid he's currently indisposed at the moment, may I be of any assistance?"
The way Mia said 'indisposed' made Harry's already confused views on Mia jumble even more. Her casual notification on Borgin's whereabouts, and perhaps welfare, held an impression of something rather daunting.
"Nothing that concerns you." Malfoy spat tersely; his stance completely rigid.
"We both know that whatever you've got to talk to Borgin about concerns me greatly." said Mia. "Don't make me use Occlumency Lucius, I'm not in the mood."
"I've given you an answer-"
"To which is a lie." Mia cut brusquely; her hold on Malfoy's wrist tightened while her intimidating stare bored intently into his accessible one. "Your little stunt at the Quidditch was rather fascinating..." she added carefully quiet. "Did you do it in support for the Dark Lord, or just for fun?"
Malfoy made to subtract his trapped arm but it appeared unmoveable. He then tried his free hand but, like his cane, it was quickly caught-out. Mia now held both wrists securely and it seems painfully, for Lucius let out an injured gasp.
"I doubt Voldemort was pleased when he heard you lot scarpered from the presence of his Mark." Mia idly continued, watching Lucius's reaction. "Whoever casted the sign was the only faithful servant to him that night."
"You referring to yourself?" seethed Malfoy through gritted teeth; the pain and position of his wrists caused his knees to buckle and shake. "Call yourself faithful to him when you want nothing to do with him!"
A darkly amused grin came to Mia's features, "Coming from the man who has made no effort in finding his precious Dark Lord. Least he always knew where my loyalties lay."
"Then why did you maintain contact with him!"
"To find out what you lot were planning to which the Dark Lord freely complied in telling."
Malfoy's top lip curled into a snarl. "Like he would do such a thing; the Dark Lord was always careful as to who he revealed his secrets too."
""Was?"" Mia chuckled, again darkly. "You believe he's gone? I don't blame you for hoping Malfoy, he wouldn't be very happy with you nowadays, would he? Not after what happened with his diary two years ago..." Her cruel smile turned more prominent upon Malfoy's contorted expression. "But unfortunately for you the Dark Lord isn't dead; he's very much alive. The reason why I've returned is to figure out where he is. I needn't find my answer here though, you obviously have no clue."
Mia released her grip on Malfoy causing him to stagger backwards from the force. Mia's eyes flicked over to the barrel, resulting Harry, Ron and Hermione too crouch even lower.
"Don't worry about Borgin, he could do with some time off, and I'd forget the cane," said Mia smirking; bringing her eyes back to Malfoy, "Enjoy not being dependant on it; that choice of freedom may not last long."
With a final loathsome glare between them, Lucius Malfoy smartly turned away from Mia and walked hastily down the street.
Mia waited a few moments watching after him; it was until he disappeared she turned to lock the shop.
A hand waving over the door knob a small click insured indicating that the door is locked.
Still facing the door, she said distinctly, stilling the trio behind the barrels,
"Now, which one of you three is going to explain why you felt the need to eavesdrop?"
It's short but helps tie things along. Hope you enjoy the story so far no matter how long its taking to tell it, but alas, life gets in the way.
Happy Christmas and Happy New Year to all my fellow Harry Potter maniacs!