Some notes appear at the bottom. Thanks for the reviews!
Dagmar proved unwilling to switch owners. She'd apparently imprinted on the Dursley family. When they took her to Colin, she went along willingly enough, but once left at Colin's house, after realizing she wasn't going to be given a letter to send, she flew away, back to the Dursley's.
Mr. Pinion said that this was not usual. "Normally once an owl has bonded with an owner or a family, they remain with that family as long as the family remains. If the family dies, it's not uncommon for the owl to simply revert to the wild. Occasionally we hear stories of rogue owls."
"Rogue owls?" asked Harry.
"Yes. They go feral, but retain the instinct to deliver letters. One such owl is said to have roosted at the owlery at the Ministry for several years before it was discovered that all of the letters it had been given had been delivered to the ruined house of a family that was lost during the war.
"The intended recipient of one of these letters nearly wound up in Azkaban for tax evasion before the situation was uncovered."
"Azkaban?" asked Dudley, wrinkling his nose.
"Oh my, you children are too young for my stories. Never you mind," said Mr. Pinion.
Dudley, at the ripe old age of nine, did not appreciate being called "too young," but Mr. Pinion refused to say more, so he and Harry resolved to inquire elsewhere.
Harry was secretly convinced that the story about the owls was a smokescreen, anyway. Mr. Pinion had avoided their eyes as he told the story. "Perhaps," Harry thought, "Mr. Pinion simply saw an easy mark. And in any case, Dudley and I will need an owl for school, so it's no real loss."
Dudley was thrilled with this plan, since he'd taken quite a liking to Dagmar.
The Sunday after the floo was installed, Colin and Mrs. Figg came over for another council. The four adults and two children settled around the dinner table and sampled the scones and clotted cream that Harry had prepared for the occasion, sipping tea and chatting politely about the food and the weather.
Once everyone was settled, Colin brought the meeting to order. "We are now getting regular information from the newspapers. There are two approaches we need to take on this. First, use the articles in the papers to gather information. Second, use them to understand the reporters. When the time comes to share information, we need to know which reporters to use for straight pieces, and which reporters will spin things to our advantage.
"So, we need to go through each newspaper and write down the names of all the reporters. We make a file and a scorecard for each reporter. Each article by each reporter has to be scored by two of us. When we're done scoring, we compare notes. We won't learn anything very quickly, but over time we should get a sense of which reporters we should talk to and what to say to them."
Dudley raised his hand. "Do Harry and I help with this?"
"Yes, Dudley. You and Harry are younger, so you have fewer preconceived notions. We'll want an adult on any story that you review, but your review is as important as the adult's. If you don't understand what's being said, just ask, and we'll help you out."
Dudley felt his chest puff up with pride at this. He had been feeling pretty helpless about the situation so far. Dudley was a big, stocky boy. His baby fat had long since melted away, but he took after his father, and his father was not a small man. The bullies at school picked on Harry, but not when Dudley was around. And they never picked on Dudley.
So before the attack at Colin's house, Dudley had felt like he was Harry's big brother, even though he was only a month older. But he couldn't protect Harry from magic. And Harry, with his scar, had become the center of attention. He could tell that his Mum and Dad cared very much about protecting him, but the conversation kept going to Harry. Dudley was excited to finally be doing something.
"Next order of business is training," said Colin. "Petunia, Vernon, if you are going to open up to magic again, that's going to take a while. I have a few other students who are interested in going deeper into their practice, and so we're all going to start practicing together. I have an approach that I want to try with you that produces quick results."
"What about Harry," asked Vernon. "And Dudley, for that matter?"
"These practices really aren't right for children. They're there to help you to let go of your attachment to being a separate self in the world. For Harry and Dudley, the self is still under development. It doesn't fully solidify until young adulthood. So these practices won't help Harry and Dudley, and in fact they could hurt them."
Harry privately decided that he was going to try anyway.
"Can you teach us karate?" asked Dudley.
Surprised, Colin thought for a moment. "That's actually not a bad idea, Dudley. Karate isn't all that useful when you're being attacked by a wizard, but you saw me use it, and it did work. And it will actually be good for Harry in particular. You're more physical than he is. You can help him with this."
"I shall," Dudley nodded earnestly.
"Good. Mrs. Figg, have you heard from Dumbledore about meeting Ms. Bones?"
"Yes," Mrs. Figg replied. "She's agreed to come tomorrow night if that's all right."
"That works," said Colin. "Vernon?"
Once that was settled, the newspapers were passed out, and they set to work.
The Quibbler had three reporters, one of whom was also the editor, a Xenophilus Lovegood. The other two reporters were also Lovegoods: Pandora and Luna. Xenophilus seemed to concentrate mostly on conspiracies in the wizarding world. Pandora's specialty was charms. Luna seemed fascinated by magical creatures.
Although published monthly, the Dursley's first Quibbler had arrived the day after Harry sent Hedwig with the subscription. A note was attached, sealed in a purple and green envelope, addressed to Harry Dursley, Dursley Manor, Little Whinging, Surrey, England, U.K., Earth. The note seemed to be written in a neat but childish hand, the letters carefully formed and rather large.
Dear Harry Dursley, the note began,
It is with great pleasure that we welcome you as our newest subscriber. We had heard from Tom Yeats at the Leaky Cauldron that two new young wizards had been by, with a name not heard before in Diagon Alley. We bid you both welcome to wizarding England, from whatever foreign land you have arrived. We would quite like to interview you to find out what magical creatures you may have encountered, both in your travels and in whatever distant land you once called home.
Our editor, Mr. Xenophilus Lovegood, is also curious to know whether your family may have relocated from the continent in order to flee from the Rotfang Conspiracy, which we understand has taken hold in Europe. Can you help our readers to be forewarned about this potential crisis on the horizon? We would be most appreciative of any help you may have to offer. Whether you can help or not, please do not hesitate to floo call us at "The Rookery". Perhaps you could drop by for nettle-and-peppermint tea?
Sincerely,
Luna P. Lovegood
Reporter at large
Harry and Dudley were both intrigued by this offer. Luna clearly had the wrong idea, but they suspected that she was a magical girl, and they'd not met any children their age who were magical.
Harry and Dudley had both made friends at school, but as they'd gotten older it had gotten harder and harder to talk to them. It was too easy to let slip that Harry (and now Dudley) were magical, but they'd been warned by Colin and Petunia not to talk about it. So they had fun playing football, or talking about school work or movies, but there was always an awkwardness because of the secret. Where before an accidental slip of the tongue would be taken in stride, now it was seen as weird, or childish.
Being able to play with another nine-year-old (so they hoped) with whom they could speak freely was an exciting prospect. And perhaps she had friends?
"Mother, look here," said Harry. "We've been invited to tea!"
Petunia had been busy reading the Quibbler and taking notes. "Let me see that," she said. Harry handed her the note, which she scanned quickly.
"That's odd," she said. "But then, that seems to be the theme here. You think this 'Luna' might be interested in meeting two nine-year-old boys?"
"Yes, I think so," said Harry earnestly. "Look at the handwriting! I think she's somewhere near our age."
"And a reporter?"
"Yeah, isn't that brilliant? Maybe Dudders and I can be reporters too!"
"Well, I suppose we can see if your powers of deduction are accurate, or if she just doesn't write much. Let's ask Ms. Bones what she knows about the Lovegoods, and we can take it from there."
"Cheers, Mum!" said Dudley.
"Yeah, thanks!" smiled Harry.
The next evening, at 6:30 sharp, the floo burst into green flame and a stern-looking witch stepped out. Colin and Vernon stood up to meet her.
"Welcome," said Vernon. "Madame Bones, I presume?" Colin had given him a bit of a lesson on wizarding etiquette the previous evening.
"Thank you," said Madam Bones. "Mr. Dursley, I presume?"
"Yes, and this is Colin Swickworthy, my wife Petunia, Harry, and Dudley."
"Pleased to meet you. Your reputation precedes you, Mr. Swickworthy. Kingsley Shacklebolt speaks highly of your tutelage in the mind arts."
"I'm delighted to hear that," smiled Colin. "Kingsley is an excellent student—I quite enjoy working with him."
Dinner was served—Haricots Verts with Brick au Chevre melted on top, a hearty lentil and carrot soup, potatoes with chives and butter, and a Pain Poilane fresh from the Poilane bakery in Chelsea, which Colin had acquired by way of the floo to the Leaky Cauldron. Petunia had been feeling a bit light-headed from the practices that Colin had started them on, and so she and Harry had decided to make some heavier fare.
Once the meal had succumbed to the depredations of the Dursleys, Colin and Amelia, they all retired to the sitting room. Harry had recently impressed Dudley into service as an assistant, but so far the only thing he knew how to make properly was a pot of tea. So Dudley brought out the tea and adulterants, and everyone spent a few moments fussing over their teacups before Vernon cleared his throat.
"Now that we are properly prepared, perhaps it is time to get down to business. Madame Bones, the reason we asked Dumbledore to arrange this meeting is that we have recently become concerned about Harry's security, and by extension, the security of our family. We have a very small list of witches and wizards who are permitted to pass through our wards, and you are the only such person we have not yet met."
"Indeed," said Madame Bones. "Dumbledore told me as much. What would you ask of me?"
"Can you tell us why you think Dumbledore singled you out as a person who should have access?"
"Well, I've recently become the head of the DMLE—the Department of Magical Law enforcement. Kingsley works for me, as does Penelope. But before that, I was Dumbledore's primary official contact at the Ministry during the wizarding war." She looked down and away from Vernon as she spoke the word "official," a look of discomfort on her face.
"Why did the Headmaster at Hogwarts need an official contact in the DMLE?" asked Vernon.
"Ah, well, as I'm sure you know, Dumbledore wears many hats. He is Supreme Mugwump of the Wizengamot, and the head of the International Confederation of Wizards. And during the war, he organized a band of vigilantes who tried to fight You-Know-Who. I very much do not approve of vigilantes," she said, the look of discomfort returning. "But we had no choice but to work with him, because the ministry had been infiltrated. His vigilantes saved my life more than once. And of course, quite a few of them worked for the Ministry in the DMLE."
"So they were taking orders from two masters?" asked Vernon.
Madame Bones looked like she had bitten into a lemon. "Yes," she spat. "And all because we couldn't keep the Ministry itself secure."
"Has that improved at all since?" asked Colin.
"No. We now have a Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, whose chief support comes from several wealthy individuals who I am certain were death eaters, but who bought their way out of conviction. When the previous minister, Millicent Bagnold, retired, he used that support to claim the role of Minister."
"That always puzzled me," said Colin. "Magic can be used to determine if a person is being truthful. Why don't you require everybody who joins the ministry to take a magical oath that they are not working for any other master, and that as long as they work for the Ministry they will not?"
"The Wizengamot won't let us," said Madame Bones.
"And who elects the Wizengamot?" Colin inquired.
Madame Bones snorted. "The Wizengamot is a cross between your House of Lords and a bureaucracy. Three things influence who sits on the Wizengamot. Those three things are money, magical power, and the Minister. Most of the Wizengamot are wizards from old families who effectively own their seats. They are not elected. Wizards with a great deal of power, like Dumbledore, tend to get appointed by a majority as a result of heroic deeds; in Dumbledore's case, defeating the dark wizard Grindlewald. Some high officials in the Ministry get seats by virtue of their position—for example, I have a seat as director of the DMLE. And the Minister has a few discretionary appointments within the Ministry that have automatic seats on the Wizengamot. His assistant, for example."
Colin, Petunia and Vernon were all aghast. "No democracy?"
"None," answered Madame Bones.
"And so effectively, if you want to change how the Ministry operates, you either have to have a lot of money, or you have to go to war."
"That's correct."
"How much power does Dumbledore have?"
"Dumbledore has the admiration of a fair number of Wizengamot families. He doesn't control a majority, but nobody else does either. So he has some influence, but he can't push anything through without the help of factions other than his own."
"And how do you feel about this, Ms.-I-mean-Madame Bones," asked Vernon.
Madame Bones smiled at Vernon's slip. "I would like to see it change."
"But you wouldn't like to see a war, and you don't have money, right?"
"Right." Madame Bones smiled sadly.
"Neither do we. But our children's lives are at stake. Suppose we could come up with a third approach. How would you feel about that?"
"I am open to discussion, as long as it is legal."
Despite the fortification of the tea, Harry and Dudley were not really following the discussion. When Dudley finally fell asleep, his teacup dropped to the floor with a loud thump.
"Let's put the children to bed," suggested Petunia. Madame Bones vanished the spill.
"Mum, ask her about the Lovegoods!" urged Harry.
"Xeno and Pandora?" asked Madame Bones.
"Luna!" said Harry.
A light dawned. "Ah, yes. And interesting girl. They live in a town called Ottery St. Catchpole, a bit south of Ottery St. Mary on the Otter river. Lovely location—there's a deep wood there with quite a few magical creatures not found elsewhere in the south of England. Perfect for that lot—they're a bit odd, but they love their magical creatures."
"How old is she?" asked Harry.
"I think she's a year younger than you are, Harry," said Madam Bones.
"Are the Lovegoods trustworthy?" asked Petunia. "Would it be safe for Harry and Dudley to visit them?"
"Pandora is a powerful witch. I'm sure her wards are adequate to the task. And the Lovegoods wouldn't harm a flea. Well, except to protect their daughter. Heaven help you if you cross them. Even You-Know-Who never tested Pandora."
Petunia smiled. "Wonderful! They've invited Harry for tea."
"Oh, I think the kids will have a great deal of fun."
Nanettez asks,
How did Bella use a wand if she is a squib?
It appears to be the case that squibs are not non-magical. They just don't have the ability to perform magic. If you look at Filch, he could see Hogwarts, and was able to navigate the castle, including, one assumes, all the trick doors and so on. And Mrs. Figg also seems to be able to get around the magical world generally. She shows up for Order meetings at Grimmauld Place, for example. So I think it's reasonable to think that squibs can activate enchanted objects and things like that. And since the entrance at the Leaky Cauldron requires a wand to operate, it makes sense that she would have one. It just wouldn't do her much good other than for this one purpose.
Naya Snake asks,
Interesting, I like Dudley as a wizard "because he wanted it so badly"; but why there are Squibs, then?
Why should they reject magic when it brings them only problems?
I also enjoy a nice explanation of the Dursley's hatred to magic and how it was overcome.
First, full disclosure, I just don't like books that exclude people because of genetics. So I like the idea that Colin, coming from a different world, has a different view of how it works that is consistent and has useful implications for the story. So in my AU, magic is chosen during childhood, and once that choice has been made, it's locked in as the child becomes preadolescent. If you study the progress of the formation of self in the psychological literature, this kind of makes sense.
Why would a magical child not choose magic? Most likely trauma, either experienced or witnessed. This seems pretty plausible—a lot of magical families are pretty horrible, and the things that affect childhood development can be a bit obscure. And the problem is, once the choice is made and the child reaches preadolescence, it's too late to go back, without a lot of work. That's the process that Petunia is about to undergo.
Dudley doesn't become a wizard because he wants it so badly. He becomes a wizard because he has internalized the reality of magic as a result of Harry being outed by Vernon at age six, and he wants it. He doesn't even have to want it a lot—he just has to choose, unconsciously. Most muggle children never get to make this choice because magic doesn't have that level of reality for them—a muggleborn child either was exposed to real magic at some point, or else got extremely lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you look at it!).
I couldn't tell if that last line was a question—I think it's answered in chapter 7, and also foreshadowed in the last line of Chapter 1. :)
BTW, sorry there's so much magical polisci in this chapter. This is just what the characters wanted to talk about. I'm looking forward to the visit to the Rookery. :)