Chapter 12; The Best Laid Plans
When the big day finally arrived, Harry was in a state of hyperactive energy. He was up, as usual, with the sun. He tried making breakfast, but just ended up with burned bacon and half-cooked eggs. When Remus awoke, Harry immediately pounced on him, peppering him with questions that he already knew the answers to. Remus bore it all with good grace (at first), but ended up having to stick Harry to his chair with a well placed sticking charm. He didn't have the stomach to leave it for long, but he did manage to extract a promise from Harry to tone down his questions until after he had finished his tea.
When the time came for their departure, they donned their robes and made their way onto the lawn. Remus wore his usual brown robes, but concealed underneath were the ladies robes he would need to complete his transformation into Narcissa Malfoy. Remus checked his pockets for the third time, verifying that he had the throwaway wand and polyjuice potion. He did. Satisfied, Remus grabbed Harry's arm and apparated them both to Diagon Alley.
Just like his last visit, the street held only a moderate amount of traffic. The weather was less forbidding, however, and the shoppers were less hurried in their activities. Scattered groups of wizards and witches could be seen chatting on the street corners, discussing their latest purchases or the news of the day. Remus watched amused as a group of hags bickered with the owner of the apothecary over the freshness of his pickled newt's eyes. The shopkeeper wrung his hands on his dirty apron, obviously trying to usher the hags from his property. His protestations and feeble gestures did little to dislodge the unruly hags, who seemed to take great delight in the man's discomfort.
Harry watched it all with a look of unmitigated wonder on his face. He darted his head, back and forth, trying to take in everything at once. Never in his life had he been in the company of so many magical folks. He was agog at all the sights and sounds in Diagon Alley. As he looked around at the various shops, he immediately noticed Quality Quidditch supplies. Without warning, he darted over to the window, looking in awe on the brooms displayed in the window. What he saw took his breath away. There were brooms made by Comet, Cleansweep and numerous other companies. The most impressive by far, to Harry's eye, was a highly burnished broom with it's name engraved on the shaft in shimmering, golden letters.
"Nimbus 1000." Harry said in an awed whisper. "S' beautiful!"
By this time, Remus had discovered that Harry was not at his side and managed to catch up with his overenthusiastic charge.
"Harold! I thought I told you to stay by my side!" He admonished, using the alias that they had agreed on for Harry.
His chastisement didn't register in the slightest. Remus was about to repeat himself when he noticed the rapt look in Harry's eyes. Sighing to himself, Remus nudged Harry with his hip, nearly overbalancing him in the process. Brought back to awareness, Harry grinned up at Remus.
"Look Remus!" He urged. "Aren't they great?"
Remus turned his attention to the brooms in the window. He had to admit, they did look impressive. While he was never as enamored of all things quidditch as James and Sirius were, he could appreciate their sleek and powerful appearance.
"They are." He replied. "Would you like to go inside or just stand here fogging up the glass?"
"Could we? That'd be great!" Harry said, seizing Remus' hand and dragging him into the shop.
When the shopkeeper heard the telltale ringing of the bell, indicating patrons had entered his shop, he immediately came from behind the polished counter and offered his hand in greeting. With a practiced eye, he noticed Remus' worn cloak and Harry's rather unkempt appearance. Surpressing his sigh, he addressed the pair.
"What can I help you two gentlemen with? In the market for a new broom?" He asked.
"Not as such, no." Remus answered. "Young Harold here is fascinated with their construction and wanted to talk to someone about how they were made."
Hearing that, the man's eyes lit up as he looked down at Harry. Having spent his adult life in the broom business, he was quite used to having his merchandise gawked over by adolescent boys. But seldom, if ever, did he find such youth interested in the magic involved in their making. Usually, he found, they just wanted to rub their grubby hands over them in abject avarice. While not a broom crafter himself, he shared with the boy a great appreciation of the spellwork behind these wonderful creations.
"I see." He said. "What was it you wanted to know?"
"Oh, everything! I think their fascinating." Harry replied.
The shopkeeper was just preparing himself to give his standard pitch, when Harry interrupted him.
"Are the interlocking runes on the Nimbus from Young or Old Futhark?" Harry asked. "How did they compensate for the interference between the levitation and steering charms? I read that many brooms use grounding runes to lessen the effect, but that doesn't seem to be the case here. Is that…..an Egyptian ward cluster?"
The shopkeeper blinked at Harry for several long seconds. Harry shifted nervously from foot to foot, mortified that he had asked such an obviously stupid question. Just as he was about to apologize and slink his way from the shop, the shopkeeper interrupted him.
"My word! What an extraordinary young man!" He said. "You're exactly right. The Nimbus line pioneered the integration of Egyptian ward glyphs in broom design. Increased their performance by a factor of three, at least. How on earth did you notice it?"
Remus turned to look at the broom sitting in the window. Even his preternaturally sharp eyes could detect no sign of runes or wards. It was then he realized that Harry must have used his mage-sight to pick up on the hidden runes. Suddenly, Remus was worried. Such remarkable talents as Harry's would not go unnoticed or unremarked upon. Before Harry could answer, Remus spoke.
"I'm sorry, sir, let me introduce ourselves. I'm Remus Lupin and this is my ward, Harold James. Whom might we have the pleasure of addressing?" remus asked.
"Oh, right. My apologies, Mr. Lupin. In my astonishment, I have forgotten myself. Leopold Gentry, at your service." He said with an exaggerated bow.
Harry giggled at his theatrics which brought a smile to the proprieter's face. "I must say, you have a remarkable young man there, Mr. Lupin. How ever did he come upon such a talent, if I might ask?"
"Not at all." Remus replied. "The boy has an incredible mind for runes, as I'm sure you'll agree. I've been tutoring him for several years in the subject and I can tell you he's a most apt pupil. We were both admiring the spellwork on your brooms in the window. I know a charm to reveal hidden runes and Harry here was quick to pick out their significance. Since he's long shown a fascination with brooms, we thought we'd come in. I do hope you don't mind."
"Not at all, my good man! I'm delighted to find a kindred spirit among our youth! Tell me, Harold, why do you think they used an Egyptian ward cluster instead of the typical grounding rune?" The shopkeeper asked with a look of expectation on his face.
Harry scratched his head in thought. After a few seconds, he replied, "I couldn't say for sure, sir. I've read that different runic families shouldn't be used together. Too much interference, if I remember right. I wonder…"
"Yes?" The man asked, encouraged by Harry's reasoning.
"Maybe that's the answer." Harry said, his young face deep in thought. "Yes! I'm sure of it! The Egyptian ward must be activated when it detects conflict between the charms. It would create just enough interference to reduce the conflicting energies. That's bloody brilliant! Whoever thought of that must be proud as a rutting rooster! What a pip! Who was it, do you know? I wonder if he has written any books. Remus, do you think we could check at the bookseller?"
The shopkeeper smiled in amusement at Harry, whether at his childish enthusiasm, his insightful answer or his vulgarity, is anyone's guess. Remus was sure, whatever else happened, this would not be a day the man would soon forget. Which is exactly why Remus felt an urgent need to move on, as quickly as Harry could be convinced.
"I do believe you've got it!" The shopkeeper said, clapping his hands together in glee. "Charms Master Gladstone, I'm sure, would be happy for your endorsement. As for the books, I doubt he has any in his name. The broom makers, as a rule, guard their secrets very jealously. Still, I might have something that would interest you."
The shopkeeper reached behind his counter and pulled out a battered copy of The Broom Maker's Almanac. He glanced down at it wistfully for a second, and then handed the copy to Harry. Harry was speechless. From it's well worn cover, he could tell it was a prized possession. That the man was giving him such an important gift, left him humbled. "Are you sure?" Harry asked the man.
The shopkeeper smiled. "Young man, I'm delighted to help you in this way. A talent such as yours is exceedingly rare. It is my proud duty to encourage it. With hard work, I'm sure you will one day make your mark in this world. I just hope I'm around to see it."
I will, sir. I promise!" Harry replied.
"I know you will, son. Just think, one day I might be selling brooms of your own design! I will look forward to that day with great earnest."
With glad goodbye's and handshakes all around, Remus and Harry made their way outside. Harry was so encouraged by his encounter, that he all but dragged Remus down the street. Remus next took Harry down to the Leaky Cauldron, where he showed him the portal. Harry studied it minutely, impressed with it beyond measure. He had numerous questions, most of which Remus couldn't answer. Eventually Harry had taken out a notebook and scribbled down his observations. When he was satisfied, Remus took him on a brief tour of the Alley, pointing out the various shops and explaining what wares they had to offer. Perhaps an hour later, Remus decided that they had done enough sightseeing for one day. Harry grumbled a little, but soon acquiesced. Both of them were eager to get on with the task at hand.
Remus found a deserted alley, just off the main thoroughfare. He pulled Harry into its darkened recesses and bid him to stay hidden. Remus then took the polyjuice potion from his pocket and swallowed it with a grimace. When the transformation was complete, he handed Harry his old robe and reminded him of his instructions. It was unnecessary, he knew. They had both gone over the plan until they could recite it in their sleep. Just as they planned, Remus walked out of the alley, with Harry following at a discreet distance. With unhurried steps, they made their way toward the Ministry of Magic.
Shortly thereafter, Harry found himself standing in the atrium of the Ministry building. He was mightily impressed with the architecture. It was built on a grand scale and was quite unlike anything he had ever seen before. He was less than impressed, however, with the fountain in the center of the room. The Fountain of Magical Brethren may have been an important and valuable work of art. It certainly appeared so, if the shimmering gold from which it was made was any indication. But Harry practically seethed at the mocking and distasteful representation it depicted. The creatures in the statue were all fawning in admiration for the proud witch and wizard that stood tall at its center. The pitiable house elf, in particular, drew his ire.
Harry sat daydreaming, imagining taking an axe to the gold monstrosity, almost oblivious to the comings and goings around him. He was therefore, completely startled by the hand that suddenly materialized on his shoulder. Looking up quickly, he was reassured to see Remus Lupin's smiling face gazing down at him.
"Did you get it?" Harry whispered.
Remus nodded, quickly drawing out the pass and showing it to him. "Yes. Now I believe it's best if we don't tarry. Keep behind me and we'll make our way out the same way we came in. Understand?"
Harry nodded. Doing just as Remus asked, Harry followed a few strides behind him as they made their way to the exit. Before they had crossed half the distance, Harry nearly bumped into Remus as he came to an abrupt halt.
"Oh, bugger." Harry heard Remus mutter.
"What is it?" Harry asked, peeking around him to see what the problem was. Harry immediately noticed a tall, striking figure walking toward them. The wizard had a long, white beard and small, half-moon spectacles on the end of his crooked nose. Most striking of all, however, were the sky blue robes he wore. They were decorated with twinkling stars. Even as he looked at it, Harry watched a star streak across the fabric, on its way to parts unknown. Harry had never seen anyone, either wizard or muggle, who could cut quite the figure this man did.
"Who is that?" Harry whispered.
"Albus Dumbledore. Try not let him see you and for the love of Merlin, don't look him in the eyes." Remus whispered back.
Harry ducked back behind Remus. He could hear the old wizards soft footfalls approaching. Harry held his breath. He had heard of Albus Dumbledore. More specifically, he had heard Uncle Charlus complaining about him. Harry knew he was a powerful figure, both as Headmaster of Hogwarts and Chief Mugwump of the Wizengamot. Harry held his breath, hoping to get by unnoticed.
"Good morning, Madam Malfoy." The ancient wizard said, a cheerful note in his voice. "What an unexpected delight. What brings you by the Ministry this fine day?"
"Greetings to you, as well. I'm just here for a little business, Headmaster. Nothing of import, I assure you. Yourself?" Remus answered in Mrs. Malfoy's high voice.
Perhaps it was Harry's imagination, but he thought he could detect the uncertainty in Remus' voice.
"The very same, Lady Malfoy. I daresay, the longer one lives, the tasks requiring attention grows longer still." Dumbledore replied.
"Yes, of course. Well, we must be off. It was a pleasure as always, Headmaster."
"Aren't you going to introduce me to your little companion. Surely that's not Draco. I seem to remember him with a rather striking collection of blonde hairs."
"Ummm. Yes, of course." Remus reluctantly agreed. "May I present to you Harold James, the youngest son of a very dear friend. Come around here, Harold. Please greet the Headmaster."
Harry stepped around Remus and extended a hand toward the aged wizard. The man was even taller up close and his long, flowing beard was topped with bright blue, twinkling eyes. Seeing them, Harry remembered Remus' warning and immediately ducked his head.
"A pleasure." Harry said.
"The pleasure is all mine, my boy. Mr. James, was it? "
"Yes sir."
"Well, Albus, we really must be off. I promised the lad's mother that I would have him back soon. She takes a fright when he's gone too long. I'm sure you understand. Come along Harold."
Remus grabbed Harry by the hand and started to head toward the exit. They had barely gone a step before the Headmaster's voice interrupted them. "Madam Malfoy. Seeing you today reminded me of a recent acquisition I made. A most delightful piece of embroidery I picked up on the continent. Tell me, do you still collect them?"
Remus came to a slow stop. Sighing quietly, he turned around, unobtrusively maneuvering himself so that he was between Harry and the venerable wizard.
"Not for a while, Headmaster. I just haven't found the time. Now, if you'll excuse us?" Remus said.
"Of course, of course. Time does slip away, doesn't it? I wouldn't bother you with it, but I know you have a good eye for the art. I happen to have it, right here with me. Would you mind having a quick look? I'm sure it would be no bother."
"I….suppose. Just a quick look, mind you." Remus replied. While he was talking, Remus placed his hands behind his back. Before Harry knew it, Remus was blindly thrusting the visitor's pass and the vial of polyjuice potion into his hands. Harry quickly grabbed them and hid them in the folds of his robes.
Harry watched as Remus walked over to the Headmaster. When he drew near, he could see the older wizard reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a frilly lace handkerchief, that he held up for Remus' inspection.
"There. Do you see the stitching. A fine example of a Gordian knot, don't you think, my lady?" The Headmaster asked. Even from a distance, Harry could see the twinkle in his eyes as he spoke.
"Yes, it's quite lovely. Remarkable stitching. Well, if that is all, I really must be…"
"Oh! You haven't seen the best part!" The Headmaster enthused. "It's charmed, you see. Here let me show you." The headmaster pulled out his wand to touch the handkerchief in Remus' hand.
"I'm not sure I see…" Remus said, squinting at the cloth.
"It's simple, my dear lady. You just have to know the incantation." With that said, the Headmaster touched his wand to the cloth and said, "Portus." Remus Lupin disappeared in a bright flash of light.
"A Gordion Knot, indeed." The Headmaster said, spinning around on his heels. With a frown, he looked around for the boy he had seen earlier. The crowd in the Atrium had paid him little mind after he had unobtrusively cast a notice-me-not charm on the area. His eyes darted back and forth, looking for the errant boy. After a minute's fruitless search, he gave it up as a lost cause. With hurried steps he walked over to the floo and soon after, disappeared in a gust of green flames.
