Ninja Wizard 20
By David
Author's Notes: All HP characters belong to the wonderful Mrs. Rowling. The symbols indicate Japanese being spoken.
Ninja Wizard 20
"Return of the Death Eaters"
Two hundred miles away, Harry Potter sat up in bed, his scar bursting in white-hot pain. His chest was heaving as he tried to catch his breath and his mind whirled as he tried to grasp the meaning of his very strange dream. What the hell did it mean? He looked at the clock next to his bed and noted the time as being nearly four in the morning. He got out of bed and went into the bathroom to splash cold water on his face. He went down into the kitchen and made himself a cup of tea and sat there at the kitchen table, pondering the events in his dream. He stood up and slowly wandered the ground floor of the house, eventually ending up in Vernon's office. He sat down in the nice leather executive chair and leaned back for a moment, as if he was contemplating something. Then he reached forward and turned on the computer, his mind apparently made up. He would write this out and send it off to six people he knew he could trust. Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape (he wasn't so sure about Snape but knowing he was a former Death Eater, he needed to know so he could contact a few of the Death Eaters in hiding), Lupin, Sirius, and the Weasleys, because Arthur was in the Ministry. He wrote out the entire chain of events as he saw them happen in his dreams, and then ran seven copies through the printer. He was glad it was a quiet one. Going back upstairs, he sealed each copy into a piece of parchment and labeled them accordingly after writing a personal note on each one to the recipient. Hedwig was wide awake, knowing something had happened. Harry handed her the letters, telling her what order to deliver them in. She rubbed her head against Harry's cheek and then flew off.
The Burrow. Arthur Weasley rolled over in bed as Hedwig landed on top of him. He watched through bleary eyes as Hedwig dropped the letter to him on the bedcovers and flew right back out the window. He lit the candle next to him and noted the writing on the envelope as being Harry's. Frowning, he opened it and started to read. By the time he finished reading, he was in a complete state of shock. He couldn't believe this! Molly by now had woken up and took the letter from Arthur and read it. She slowly put it down and turned to Arthur. Both of them stared at each other for a moment and then they got out of bed, reaching for robes as they rushed down to the fireplace.
Lupin House. Remus blinked as Hedwig dropped his letter on his face. He took hold of it and watched her fly out the window, faster than a speeding bullet. He saw Harry's writing on the front of it and tore it open. As he read the letter, he felt the icy cold fear wrap it's fingers around his heart and squeeze tight.
Sirius Black. He was sleeping in a comfortable bed for the first time in weeks in an out of the way hotel in Hogsmeade. He felt something poke him in the stomach and woke up to find Hedwig standing on his chest. Her eyes glowed in the dark, and he could see the urgency in her eyes. She dropped his letter on his chest and then went barreling out the window towards Hogwarts. He sat up wondering what in hell was going on. He picked up the letter and noted Harry's writing on the envelope. He snapped to and quickly opened the letter, reading what Harry had typed out on the computer nearly a half hour ago. He gasped in horror as the implications of what he read sank into his weary brain. He sprang out of bed and pulled shirt and shorts on.
"Oh God, this can't be happening," he thought to himself.
Severus Snape. He stood over his cauldron, gently stirring the potion he was in the process of creating when Hedwig sailed into the room through an open window. He glared at the owl as if the angry look would fry her where she stood on his workbench. To his surprise, Hedwig returned the look with just as much intensity as the one he was giving her. He picked up the letter Hedwig had dropped on the table as she zipped out the window again. Snape looked at the envelope and recognized Harry's writing.
"What the hell does that brat want now?" he huffed. "Might be good for a few laughs, so I'll read it anyway."
He sat down in a chair next to the fireplace and drew a glass of brandy. He opened it up and started to read while sipping the brandy. Halfway through the letter he suddenly realized this was no joke.
"Oh Merlin, if that simpering fool Pettigrew gets a hold of Death Eaters, we're in seriously big trouble!" he said aloud.
He finished the letter as he spoke and then finished the glass in one gulp. He calmed himself, and then leaped out of his chair and started running for Dumbledore's office.
McGonagall's Bedroom. Minerva McGonagall sat up and looked at Hedwig in surprise. She noted the letter in Hedwig's talons and held out her hand for it. Hedwig dropped it into her hand and then shot out the window to her final destination. She opened the letter and read it, recognizing Harry's writing. Her heart nearly stopped as she read with growing horror the dream Harry described. She immediately jumped out of bed and grabbed the closest robe and threw it on as she dashed out her door. There was no time to lose.
Dumbledore's Office. The old wizard sighed as he picked up the next sheet of parchment and read it. This event that was about to be unleashed on the school was taking a lot more planning than he realized. He raised his head as Hedwig flew in his window and landed on his desk.
"Hello there Hedwig," Dumbledore gently scratched her head. "How is Harry?"
He noticed the letter addressed to him as she dropped it on his desk.
"How nice, a letter from Harry," he said as he reached for it and began to read.
Nothing ever scared Albus Dumbledore, not even when he was squaring off with the evil wizard Grindelwald. This letter did. Albus Dumbledore slowly went pale as the door to his office suddenly crashed open. The fireplace in his office flared up and the Weasleys with Remus Lupin behind them raced into his office. A big black dog suddenly appeared between Snape and McGonagall, morphing back into Sirius Black. Every one of them held letters from Harry in their hands. Albus Dumbledore looked up at them and said the only thing that came to his mind.
"Oh shit," he said.
Harry sat at the kitchen table as the sun slowly came up, his mind all jumbled up with the events that he had witnessed in his dream. Suddenly he moved lightening fast, his Katana coming up and stopping bare inches from Tino's throat.
"Easy Harry, just me," Tino said.
Harry stepped down and sighed. Forgive me brother. I have had a rough night.
It's alright, Harry. Do you want to tell me about it? Tino asked.
Harry nodded and started a pot of tea. After pouring Tino a cup, he took one for himself and sat down. He put his thoughts into order and then told Tino everything. Tino frowned as Harry related his dream to him.
This is very serious, Harry. Have you told anyone yet? Tino asked.
Yes. I have sent letters to Remus, Sirius, the Weasleys, Snape, McGonagall, and Dumbledore. All of them needed to know, especially Snape, since he used to be a Death Eater. I am sure they will come calling sometime today, Harry told him.
Tino nodded. We must step up the training. If he does get a body, then there will be a whole new can of worms to deal with as you have said once before, Tino said. Perhaps I should go up to this place and look around.
Please be careful. I do not want to lose you, Harry said.
I will. I promise you I will not try to engage him. I will only look to see what I can find, Tino reassured Harry. For now I want you to stay very close to this house. The wards here will protect you.
I give you my word I will stay here, Harry nodded.
Tino rose from the kitchen table and went out the door. Harry sighed and turned back to his now cold tea, wondering what would happen next.
Albus Dumbledore rose from behind his desk as Snape and Sirius began to square off but Remus beat him to it by stepping in between them.
"Please. Not now. Harry has informed us of his dream and we need to sit down and discuss this," Remus entreated.
Snape slowly nodded after a moment. "Very well. I will cooperate, Lupin."
Sirius nodded as Snape walked to the other side of the room and sat down in a chair as Sirius took one by the fireplace. The others sat down in chairs as Dumbledore conjured up some tea. He sat back down behind his desk and picked up the letter.
"I would assume that Harry worded his letter to all of you the same way he worded mine. I am unfamiliar with this style of writing though," Dumbledore said.
"Harry must have run it off his uncle's computer," Lupin said, solving the first puzzle as he reexamined his copy.
"Computer?" Snape asked. "What in hell is that?"
Lupin sighed. "It would take me a bit of time to tell you what it is. This situation takes priority, so the next we meet I'll tell you about it. The only two reasons Harry sent you a copy Severus, is because he knows you used to be a Death Eater, and the second reason is that you are currently England's number one potions master."
"What would this have to do with me being a potions master?" Snape asked.
"Think about it. If you were looking to build a new body for yourself, would you need a very powerful potion to do it?" Lupin asked.
Sirius immediately saw where this was going. "I can go walkabout and talk to some people I know as soon as Severus finds the potion and gives me a list of the ingredients. You can bet some of the ingredients will be very exotic and or illegal."
Snape nodded. "Yes, I see your point. I will get to work immediately. I shall inform you if I am contacted."
"Albus, if I were in a position to do any harm to Harry, I would use the upcoming competition as a cover to do so," Arthur said. "I would choose any one of the three tasks to whisk Harry away."
"Do you know what these tasks are to be?" Dumbledore asked.
Arthur shook his head. "No I don't. Secrecy is tight around this thing. They told me what it is I needed to know because I am supposed to be an observer at this thing."
"Can you try and find out just what they are?" Dumbledore asked.
Arthur sighed. "I can try. I'll make it a point to get around the Ministry and talk to different people about the event and see how they react."
"Albus, I'm frightened. Is there any way we can stop this event?" Molly cried.
Arthur turned to his wife and smiled, taking her hand into his. "Everything will be just fine, love. We must believe and have faith that nothing will happen to Harry. In fact, it might be a good idea to put observers onto Harry as he watches the event as it happens. He is a bit young to participate."
The tension in the office was thick as people sat there. McGonagall was the next to speak after she set down her cup of tea.
"Albus, I can contact the old members of the Order and ask them to come to Hogwarts as spectators to the events, and establish a volunteer security patrol around the castle," McGonagall said.
Dumbledore nodded. "An excellent idea Minerva. Please make it so."
McGonagall then turned to Snape. "Do you think he would need a transfiguration spell to along with the potion?"
"That is a distinct possibility," Snape admitted. "I won't know until I have completed my search for the potion he would need."
Dumbledore looked around the room. "We have made some progress here. Now we must make sure our efforts are not in vain. Good luck to all of you."
At that, everyone left the office.
Tino slowly made his way onto the Riddle property later that afternoon once he got to Little Hangleton. His senses were open and alert, ready to react at the first sign of danger. He stayed deep in the shadows, moving very slowly towards the house. He finally reached the back door and discovered it to be unlocked. He wasn't surprised.
"From the looks of the house, it's been unkempt for at least thirty years or more," he said to himself. "But the grounds are immaculate. That's a clue that somebody lives here if any."
He slipped in the door and made sure not to disturb any more of the dust and dirt than he had to. He drew Wakizaki in his right hand and palmed two shiriken in his left hand as he started his search of the house. He went through the ground floor rooms first, noting that nothing had been disturbed. As he started to climb the stairs, he became aware of a sick sweet smell in the air. The smell of death. He turned left at the top of the stairs just like Frank Bryce had in the final hour of his death had. He quickly searched those rooms and then came back to the top of the stairs and went past them, staying close to the wall. The smell of death got stronger as he moved forward and he knew he was on to something. He came to the doorway of the room where Frank Bryce had met his end and carefully peeked in. He saw the body of the man that was once Frank Bryce and moved forward. He checked the body and noted he had been dead for more than twelve hours. Harry's dream had been accurate. He noted the half full bottle of something, examined the ashes in the fireplace, and searched the room for any kind of evidence. He found nothing. Tino cursed silently and quickly left the room. Getting out of the house was easy, he simply went out the same way he came in. He discovered quite by accident an impression left in the grass by something very big. He followed it carefully down to Frank Bryce's house and entered. He searched it carefully and found noting to indicate who had been in the main house. Tino left Frank's house and slipped back into the brush. He needed to see Dumbledore immediately.
Remus Lupin arrived at the Dursleys like he normally did in the early afternoon for Harry's training. Harry let him in and followed him down to the basement. They sat down and didn't say anything for the first couple of minutes.
"Harry," Remus finally said, "Your letters were received by all of us and what you saw definitely was a very scary thing."
Harry nodded. "I've been thinking about that and the first thing that came to my mind was that when Voldemort gave me his scar, he transferred a part of him into me. We now have some kind of connection to each other through this scar. I can see and feel what he does and says."
Remus leaned back and rubbed his face, thinking about what Harry just said. "That's a very good theory, Harry. It's worth mentioning to Professor Dumbledore."
"I could provide information through that link before he discovers it and tries to manipulate it," Harry said.
"You would be running a serious risk doing that," Remus said.
Harry nodded. "I know. I've listed all the pros and cons of it," he said, handing Remus a sheet of paper.
"You really thought about this," Remus said, reading the two columns.
"That I did," Harry said. "I've trained to fight off psychic attacks from dark ninjas, but Voldemort's power is something entirely different."
"There is something called Occulemcy that you can learn to protect your mind from Voldemort if and when he discovers the link between you," Remus said.
"Something new for Hermione to research," Harry grinned. "Mention something to her and she's all over it."
Remus had to laugh at that. "That's the truth. But you have to admit she does come up with the right answers at the right moment."
Harry nodded as he sipped his lemonade. "Don't know what I'd do without her."
Remus smiled at the comment. "She is a beautiful girl."
Harry smiled as his eyes took on a far away look and Remus knew he was thinking of her right then.
"Hang on tight to all of the good memories you can, Harry. They will get you through the dark times ahead," Remus said.
Harry sighed and nodded. "One of my biggest fears right now is Voldemort ripping past the wards to get to my relatives."
"I can ask the Ministry for extra security around them if you want," Remus said.
"The wards around the house will be doubled, Remus. I will see to that," Dumbledore said as he came down the stairs.
Harry looked up at the old man. "I would appreciate that, sir."
"Consider it done. Your relatives will be protected. I will think of other ways to protect them," Dumbledore said.
"What do we do now?" Harry asked.
Albus Dumbledore sat down next to Harry and sighed. "We wait. Professor Snape is currently researching the potion that would be needed to revive Voldemort. Once he finds out what it is, he will inform certain people of the ingredients needed and then Professor McGonagall can start her own search for the spell needed for the transformation. Once we know what they are, we will be able to watch certain people and they will give us the clues or information needed to stop Voldemort."
"Then we'll be in a better position to act," Remus said.
Dumbledore nodded. "Yes, then we will be able to act."
Deep inside he knew that wasn't quite true. The debate raged deep inside of him as he thought about telling Harry what he knew. He decided to hold off a bit longer in telling Harry and in doing so, he quieted the voices inside his soul. He would tell Harry when he was a bit stronger and not before. He hoped he was doing the right thing.
Tino approached the castle Hogwarts in the early evening. He moved silently through the bushes and the trees to a place where he knew a door was hidden. He reached out and placed his palm against a dark colored brick. The magic that protected Hogwarts immediately recognized Tino and the door popped into existence and Tino got into the castle. Looking behind him he saw the wall reappear where the door had been. He made a note to thank the Professor Dumbledore when he saw him in allowing him access to the castle. Moving on, he found the spiral stairs to the headmaster's office and rode it to the top. These stairs took him to the back of the office and not the front, like the ones hidden by the gargoyle. He slipped quietly through that door at the top and into the dark shadows of Dumbledore's office. There was another man in the office with Dumbledore, and he recognized the man as Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic.
"Surely the boy is mistaken, Albus!" Fudge protested. "He couldn't have seen You-Know-Who! The man is dead, killed by his own curse!"
The voice of Albus Dumbledore was heard next. "I believe Harry."
That simple statement made Tino smile. Harry would be pleased to know people believed him. Tino knew he would stand behind Harry no matter what happened. Harry and Tino were brothers, bound by the Neko Ninja Oath.
"You would," Fudge snorted. "Perhaps he is touched in the head by that scar of his. Perhaps I shall talk to the healers at St. Mungo's to get that thing removed."
"You will do nothing of the sort," Dumbledore said. "Harry will be left alone."
There was a sound of a chair being moved. "I am the Minister of Magic! How dare you talk to me that way! I have power over you, Dumbledore!" Fudge ranted.
Tino immediately prepared a dart coated with sleeping potion on it and poked it into the tube and raised it to his mouth.
Dumbledore's calm voice replied. "You know as well as I do that Voldemort could come back to power at any time he chooses. If you choose to ignore Harry's vision, that is your business. It will also be your downfall. Do not bring down the Wizarding World with you in your blindness."
"I order you to remain silent about… him," Fudge growled.
"I cannot. If the people in the Wizarding World are not told about him, they will pay for your silence with their lives. I cannot allow that," Dumbledore said quietly.
"I will forget this conversation ever took place, Albus. But make no mistake, one word to the community and I will do what I can to get you out of Hogwarts!" Fudge snapped and then stormed out.
Albus Dumbledore leaned back in his chair and sighed. Tino came out of hiding and brought Dumbledore a steaming cup of calming tea. Tino sat in the chair across from Dumbledore and watched as the old man picked up the cup and relaxed, meditating while sipping the tea. Once he was finished with it he put the cup down on the desk.
"Thank you Tino, just what I needed. Now then, what brings you here?" Dumbledore asked.
"I have been up to Little Hangleton where the Riddle house once stood. I went inside and investigated everything that Harry told me. There is no question that what Harry saw was the truth. I found the man named Frank Bryce lying dead in the room where Voldemort was. I found a bottle with an unidentified liquid inside it. The body was cold, I estimate death at roughly eleven o' clock last night. I found a disturbance in the long grass, a very large snake. I searched the house that belonged to the man and nothing was disturbed in there. The ashes in the fireplace in that particular room were fresh. The question now is where have they gone?" Tino said.
Dumbledore pulled on his beard for a moment. "Hopefully Harry can provide a clue. Until then, we must be ever alert."
Tino nodded and then stood up. He walked around the desk and went down to his knees. Placing his Ninja-to on the floor before him, he bowed deeply.
"I have sworn an Oath to my masters to protect the Neko Ninja Clan. I have sworn and Oath to Harry to protect him from the danger that threatens him. Now I swear an Oath to you, of my own free will, to do everything I can to protect Hogwarts and all those who reside in her. Please accept me into your service," Tino said.
Dumbledore nodded, knowing full well from his many conversations with Tino that the Ninja took their Oaths seriously.
"Tino my friend, I accept your offer of assistance. If and when the time comes to restart the Order of the Phoenix, you shall have a place in it," Dumbledore said, placing his hand on Tino's shoulder.
Tino sat up. "Thank you, Master Dumbledore. Now please tell me about this Order."
Dumbledore motioned Tino to resume his seat. "Speak of this to no one until the time is right," Dumbledore began.
Tino nodded as Dumbledore began to tell him of the order.
Anjiro, Japan.
Master Koshou put down the letter he had just received from Tino and sipped his tea as he thought. He was clearly disturbed by the events that had transpired.
"This Dark Lord must be stopped," he thought. "Perhaps it is time I went to England to offer the Clan's assistance in this matter."
He picked up the letter and read it once more and then decided the issue. He rose and went into the main room where the Clan Elders were waiting. They bowed as he sat in his place.
I have decided to take twenty good men with me to England and offer our help in this battle that Harry is involved in. If you remember, this is the Dark Wizard who murdered his parents, Lily and James Potter, Koshou said. If this Dark Wizard has an army on his side, then we must do what we can to thin out his ranks of these Death Eaters as they call themselves.
How can we fight their Dark Magic? one of the Elders asked.
Koshou smiled. They are human, like us. They need sleep and food. That will be the time to strike, when they are least expecting anybody to attack them.
The Elders nodded. Master, you speak wisely. They may be trained in their Dark Magic, but they are not us.
Please assemble twenty of our best and inform them to meet me here this evening. Our mission now is critical. Time is of the essence. If this Dark Lord were to take a new body, then things will change and we will have to change tactics to fight this menace. I shall send a letter to Tino and inform him of plans, Koshou said.
The Elders nodded and bowed, silently withdrawing from the main room of Master Koshou's house. The old man was alone once more. He sighed and shifted his position. Deep inside of himself he had the feeling it would all come down to being between Harry and this Dark Lord. If that was the situation, then he would have to take Harry under his wing and give him private instruction in the Clan's most secret forms, ones he had kept to himself, waiting for the right man to pass them to, much like his own master had done years prior. He rose to his feet and went into the Hall of Ancestors, where it was said that the spirits of the Clan's Ancestors resided. He stopped before the shrine and dropped back to his knees and bowed before it. He closed his eyes and let himself drift. He felt the spirits close in on him and he felt their approval of his decision to help the Wizarding World in fighting the Dark Lord.
He seemed to glide out of the darkness of his house to the front porch in the early evening. The twenty men bowed as he sat down on his cushion in front of them.
Harry is in need of help, he said simply.
Then we must assist him Master, the Jonin (chief) said.
Koshou nodded. That is why all of you are here. We shall be fighting a Dark Lord who knows Wizarding Magic. I am told that they rely on these Dark powers and a wand to protect themselves.
If they know Dark Magic, how can we fight them? one ninja asked.
Brother, they are as human as we are. They need to sleep, eat, and bathe like we do. Those will be the moments that they will be vulnerable, another ninja said.
Koshou smiled. You have learned well my son. I am pleased.
The ninja bowed. Thank you master.
Koshou then informed them of the travel plans and it was decided to meet in the village of Hogsmeade where Tino had secured lodgings for all of them. They would meet with Dumbledore that evening inside the Forbidden Forest and offer to him the Clan's assistance. He hoped that this Dumbledore would accept.
They arrived in England the next afternoon, all traveling under different identities. Two of the ninja portrayed Koshou's sons and helped him as if he was their father. They arrived in Hogsmeade in the late afternoon and found the house in the forest between the village and Hogwarts. Albus Dumbledore bowed as Koshou stepped out of the van.
"Welcome to England, Master Koshou," Dumbledore greeted Koshou.
Koshou returned the bow. "At last we meet, Master Dumbledore. Harry has told me much about you."
Dumbledore gestured to the porch of the house. "I would be honored if you would join me for a cup of tea."
Koshou and Dumbledore went up to the porch and settled on the cushions on the porch while Tino sat behind Dumbledore and a ninja behind Koshou.
"May I offer you a cup of tea?" Dumbledore smiled.
"I would be honored to accept a cup from you. Thank you," Koshou smiled.
Once the tea was served and consumed, Dumbledore turned to Koshou.
"How can the Wizarding World be of help to you?" Dumbledore asked.
Koshou smiled. "I have come here with twenty of my best ninja from Clan Neko Ninja to offer you our assistance in fighting this Dark Lord Harry has spoken of. None of us posses this Wizarding Magic that Harry has spoken of. However one of my men has observed that these Dark Wizards are as human as we are and suggests their vulnerabilities lie in their needs to sleep, eat, and bathe. They may be trained in the Dark Magic, but they are not trained as we are. One of our other strengths is in our ability to move quietly and quickly in places they would not suspect us to move in and collect information on their actions and movements. This is critical in the efforts to stop this Dark Lord in regaining a body. To do that, we must watch his servants."
"Agreed. I have friends watching a tiny few of them right now. I need more to watch the rest," Dumbledore said.
"If this Dark Lord does succeed in regaining his body, then we will have a fight on our hands. We shall assist you to the very end. Even so, I have this feeling, a premonition, that it will fall on Harry's shoulders to face and destroy this Dark Lord," Koshou said, carefully watching Dumbledore's face.
Dumbledore slowly nodded as he considered Koshou's words. "You are right. Even I have that feeling as well. Only time will tell us this."
Koshou had the distinct feeling that Dumbledore knew more than he was telling. He would have to be very careful around this man if he needed to find out what secrets Dumbledore was holding from Harry.
"I will need a base to operate from, to house my men, and to provide training grounds for those who wish to learn the Martial Arts," Koshou said.
"Let me show you through this house then. I hope it will fill all your needs," Dumbledore said.
He stood up and let Koshou through the house. Koshou nodded at what he saw. Dumbledore even showed him an old forge on the edge of Hogsmeade.
"It has not operated in some time. Perhaps you can use it if you are able to get it working," Dumbledore said.
They watched as two of the ninja examined it and nod to Koshou. Koshou turned to Dumbledore and nodded.
"It will suit our needs perfectly," Koshou said.
Dumbledore nodded and bowed. "If you will excuse me, I must head back to the school. I have much to do before the school year starts."
Koshou bowed and watched Dumbledore walk off into the evening mist. One of his advisors moved up next to Koshou.
"Beware of this man, Master. He knows more than he is telling. Harry is involved," the man said as he bowed.
Koshou rubbed his face. "I have had the same feeling, old friend. I hope we are wrong."
Harry wiped the sweat off his face as he sighed. Remus handed him a bottle of water and Harry opened it.
"Your control is getting much better, Harry. You're getting the hang of it," Remus said as he sat down.
"Good. The more I work at it the better," Harry said. "Are you going to be at Hogwarts this year?"
"No. But you will see me on a regular basis to keep up this training," Remus replied. "Don't think anyone else would volunteer to teach you."
"Not to mention the new DADA teacher could be useless," Harry added.
"That thought did cross my mind, Harry. Certainly hope it's not Snape," Remus said. "I would really like to see a retired Auror teach the class."
Harry grinned. "Now that person would be ideal. Teach the real stuff from their experiences from the many fights and battles they've been in."
Remus nodded. "I agree. Those are the kind of people that are best suited to lead."
Harry leaned back and closed his eyes, finding his center at once and relaxing, dropping into Getsumi no Michi. He could feel who was in the house and those familiar feelings made him smile. He turned his mind away from that and concentrated on his center. Fifteen minutes later he opened his eyes and felt recharged.
"So what's the plan for the rest of the summer?" Remus asked.
"Ron wrote to me the other day and said that his Dad was going to get tickets for the World Quidditch Cup. I forget who the teams are," Harry said.
"You should be fairly safe there. Just stay close to your friends," Remus said.
Harry nodded. "I'm not sure of the dates yet. As soon as I find out, you'll be the first to know. Ron also said something about camping out there."
"That should be fun," Remus smiled.
"Ever seen one?" Harry asked.
"A few years ago. It was quite an event, too. Your Dad certainly got into the game as I recall," Remus smiled at the memory.
Harry grinned. "Sounds just like him."
Remus had to laugh at that.
When they came up from the basement, Vernon was sitting in the kitchen reading something on purple colored paper. Harry wondered what it was. Vernon looked up.
"A letter from your Weasley friends," he said, answering Harry's unspoken question. "They were asking me if you could go to something called a World Quidditch Cup. They certainly put enough stamps on the envelope," he said, raising the envelope.
Harry and Remus both broke out in laughter at the sight of the envelope. It was completely covered in stamps except for the space where the address was written.
"A little over kill, don't you think?" Remus gasped, as he laughed some more.
A smile was slowly creeping over Vernon's face. "Got a neighbor down the street who takes things to the extreme."
Harry finally wound down and got another bottle of water for himself and Remus. "So can I go?"
"Yes. Why don't you spend the last two weeks there? I have to go on a business trip and won't be back in time. Your Aunt Marge will be dropping Dudley at Smeltings for his year," Vernon said.
"That's cool," Dudley said, walking into the kitchen.
Remus stood up. "Then that's settled. I do have to be going, got things to do. See you tomorrow, Harry."
Remus apparated away as Harry stretched. "I'm going to go up and have a shower to cool down with."
Vernon nodded as he turned to the rest of the mail.
As Harry entered his bedroom, something hit him in the side of his head. Reacting instantly, he spun to his right to confront his attacker and reaching out at the same time. A second later he was holding a very surprised tiny Owl in his hand. Harry sighed once he realized who it was. The Owl belonged to his best friend Ron.
"Pig, you gotta calm down, okay?" he sighed as he took the letter from his right leg and let him go.
The tiny owl free fell a few feet and then resumed his normal flying pattern, flying at top speed around the room. Harry sighed and looked over at Hedwig as he sat down at his desk to read the letter. He could have sworn Hedwig rolled her eyes at the hyperactive owl. Harry turned to the letter.
Harry, Dad got the tickets! Monday night, Ireland vs. Bulgaria. We'll be coming for you at five Sunday evening. I am so looking forward to this! Ron.
Harry grinned as he folded the letter up. He wrote a quick note to Ron and plucked Pig out of his erratic flight pattern around the room without even looking. Hedwig blinked, Harry had moved so fast. Harry tied the letter to Pig's left leg and tossed him out the window. The tiny owl plunged a few feet and then took off like a rocket. Harry shook his head and sighed.
"Crazy owl," he remarked.
Hedwig hooted in agreement. Harry turned to the desk and picked up the letter to Sirius and added his postscript.
Going to the Quidditch match with the Weasleys. Never been to one so it should be fun. Yes I will be very aware of what is going on around me, I won't let my guard down. You should know me better than that. Hope you are safe where ever you are. I love you, Sirius. I'll be staying at the Burrow for the rest of the summer.
Harry sighed and folded up the parchment. He turned to Hedwig.
"Are you up to a long trip?" Harry asked.
An eagerness appeared in Hedwig's eyes and Harry took that as a sign she was. Harry tied the letter to her right leg. Harry rubbed her head in affection and Hedwig sighed, gently nipping Harry's finger in her way of showing affection. Harry turned and went into the shower.
Sunday afternoon Harry was ready to go, all of his things packed and his Hogwarts trunk in the living room. Aunt Petunia had a pot of tea on the table, intending to offer a bit of tea to Molly when she arrived. Right at five Harry lit the fire in the fireplace and waited. Two minutes later, Molly Weasley and Ron stepped out of the fireplace. Molly waved her wand and banished the soot away from her robes, Ron's shirt, and the living room carpet. Harry smiled as he gave Molly a hug.
"Aunt Petunia, this is Molly Weasley and my best friend Ron. Mrs. Weasley, this is my Aunt Petunia," Harry said, making the introductions.
"Pleased to meet you. I have a bit of tea on the table. Would you like a cup?" Petunia offered.
Molly smiled. "I'd be delighted. I have been wanting to meet you for some time."
"Ron, want a soda? We can go up to my room for a bit," Harry said.
"Sure mate," Ron grinned.
They left the two women alone in the living room as they went up the stairs with their sodas. Ron stretched out on Harry's bed as Harry sat at his desk.
"So what's going on in the Wizarding World?" Harry asked as Ron carefully opened the can of soda.
"Not much," Ron replied as he took a drink of the soda and immediately coughed.
"Sip it slow," Harry advised, clearly amused by Ron's introduction to soda.
"What kind of drink is this?" Ron asked. "Its very fizzy."
Harry explained what soda was and how the Muggles made it with different flavors. Ron was clearly intrigued.
"Well, this is different," Ron said. "I like it."
They talked for a few minutes more and then Molly called up to them. Harry and Ron went downstairs to the living room.
"Ready to go?" Molly asked. "I already shrunk your trunk, Harry."
"Thanks, Mrs. Weasley," Harry smiled.
The fire flared up and turned green as Molly tossed in a bit of Floo powder. Petunia looked on with interest as Ron stepped through first, and then Harry. Molly followed immediately after. Harry tumbled through the fireplace at the Weasley house, commonly referred to as the Burrow. A moment later Molly popped out behind him. The fire went out as she waved her wand, cleaning up the three of them.
"Your aunt is a very nice person," Molly smiled. "I'll have to invite them here for dinner some evening."
"I think they will be pleased with that," Harry said.
Molly levitated Harry's trunk after returning it to normal size and set it up to Ron's room. Harry glanced around the living room and saw it was the same as usual.
"Got a nice warm feel to the room," Harry mused out loud.
"You think so Harry?" Molly asked.
Harry nodded. "Yup. Wouldn't change it for anything."
Molly beamed as she kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you dear."
"Let's head up to my room so you can settle in," Ron said.
On the way to the stairs, Harry spotted a bowl of candy. He took one and popped it into his mouth after unwrapping it.
"Chocolate crème," Harry grinned at Ron. "I like these. From Honeydukes?"
Before Ron could answer, Harry suddenly felt his tongue swell up. He had no choice but to open his mouth and let it out. Before Ron could say anything, it grew longer, reaching the floor. Harry stood there, blinking in shock. Molly turned to say something but at the sight of Harry's very long tongue, he face turned dark red with fury. She waved her wand and Harry's tongue shrunk back to normal. Molly turned to the stairs and Ron hastily stuck his fingers in his ears. Harry quickly did the same.
"FRED! GEORGE! GET DOEN HERE RIGHT THIS MINUTE!" she roared in fury, as the boys backed up.
Harry swore the pictures on the walls cringed as they swayed from side to side. The twins appeared on the stairs.
"Yes Mum?" Fred asked.
Molly held up the wrapper from the candy. The twins looked apologetic.
"Oh so sorry, Mum. Who got it?" George asked.
"Does this have anything to do with what you call Weasley's Wizard Wheeze?" Molly growled.
The paintings on the walls cleared out.
Fred and George glanced at each other. "Yes Mum," Fred said calmly.
"I specifically told you both that you were not to go into that," she snapped. "Working at the Ministry is what you'll be doing. Every Weasley has served the Wizarding World working there of for Gringotts."
Fred came the rest of the way down the stairs. "We have no intentions of ending up being a stuffed shirt like Perfect Percy!" Fred declared.
Ron immediately saw where this was heading so he signaled Harry to follow him up the stairs quickly. They managed to get to his room with Hermione and Ginny behind them. Molly cut loose the moment Ron closed his door.
"Weasley's Wizard Wheeze?" Harry asked.
Ron sighed. "A joke shop Fred and George want to open. They don't want to work at the Ministry. They've been up in their room all summer, working on gags and jokes. Mum found out about it when she discovered a stack of their order forms when she was cleaning their room a few weeks ago. Since then the slightest mention of WWW sets off Mum and they get fired up themselves. Me, I have no intention of joining the Ministry myself. The only thing I can do real well is play chess. Don't think I can make a living at that."
"Not quite true Ron," Hermione said. "There are chess competitions out in the muggle world. There are Muggles who are famous for playing chess extremely well."
Ron perked up at that. "Really?" he asked.
"Yes, Ron. I'll have to get you a book sometime on famous chess players and the chess organizations around the world," Hermione said.
Harry grinned. Just like Hermione. He stood up and went to the door.
"Be right back," he called over his shoulder.
He walked down the hall. The house was quiet and the door to the twins' room was closed. Even the bathroom door was closed. Harry groaned in frustration and turned to head back to Ron's room when the bathroom door opened up. Percy walked out.
"Oh hello Harry. Didn't know you were here," Percy said as he shook Harry's hand rather stiffly.
"Arrived about fifteen, twenty minutes ago," Harry said.
"Ah, so then you heard the ruckus downstairs?" Percy inquired.
"Couldn't miss it," Harry replied. "Saw some candy in a bowl and took one. Turned out to be trick candy."
Percy snorted. "When will those two children ever grow up?"
Harry blinked at that.
"If they applied themselves to their studies they would be in a much better position to work at the Ministry in a decent job. Mum is right, they will never amount to nothing if they keep up their ways. They'll come to a sorry end," Percy huffed.
Harry was floored by Percy's words. He never thought anyone could ever say that about their own family.
"You've changed Percy," Harry said quietly.
Percy nodded. "I now work at the Ministry if Ronald hasn't told you yet. I am in the Department of International Magical Cooperation. I work for the great Mr. Crouch. He is a great man," Percy said loftily. "I must get back to my report on cauldron thickness."
"Caldron thickness," Harry said in a daze, feeling like he'd been run over by a stampede of wild Hippogriffs.
"Yes," Percy nodded. "There has been a flood of cheaply made caldrons flooding the market lately."
Harry watched Percy go back to his room and closed the door. Harry turned and went into the bathroom. There was no longer any doubt in Harry's mind. Percy had gone over the edge in his zeal to be the best at everything.
"No wonder you feel threatened by him Ron," Harry said to himself. "On the other hand if he keeps that up, he'll be in for a long hard fall when someone yanks the carpet out from underneath him."
Later that evening, Harry sat at the large dinner table out in the back yard. The only people who were talking were Arthur Weasley, Hermione, and Ron about the upcoming World Quidditch match the next evening. Harry listened with interest, having never been to one. The twins didn't look up at Molly as they ate, and Percy had sheets of parchment in his one hand as he ate. Molly was still angry about something.
"So how are we getting there?" Harry asked.
"Glad you asked, Harry. We will be going by portkey. We will have to get up early tomorrow morning and then hike up to Stoatshead Hill to catch the five 'o clock portkey. That will take us right to the match," Arthur explained.
"What is a portkey?" Harry asked.
"A portkey is another way to travel. All you have to do is get hold of the portkey and it activates by prior arrangement or by spell, Portus. The portkey can be anything. Most of the time it can be something Muggles consider junk, so there's no way they can pick up one and accidentally portkey someplace," Arthur said.
"Cool. Learned something new today, thanks. Can't wait to try it," Harry said.
Arthur beamed. "Anytime, Harry."
Hermione was looking thoughtful and Harry had to smile. "A new research project, dear?" he asked.
"Yes. They sound so fascinating. I thought brooms, Floo, and Apparating were the only ways to travel," Hermione said.
"There are some who prefer portkeys over brooms, Hermione. Others prefer the floo network. Some use whatever is handy at the moment. The majority apparate," Arthur said. "If you want more information, either Percy or I can get a name in the Ministry to write to."
Hermione smiled. "Thank you."
Harry sat at the table a bit longer with Ron, Hermione, Arthur, and Bill as Molly headed into the kitchen with Ginny to start the cleanup. The twins had stalked back into the house without saying a word. Percy followed a moment later. Charlie took a glass of wine and sat under one of the torches to read some reports about dragons he was going to be working with after the Quidditch match. Harry never felt more content in his life. He was with his girl and in the company of people he considered his closest friends and second family.
"Harry?" Hermione nudged him.
He turned to look at her. "Just looking up at the stars, dear. It's a beautiful evening, and what makes it even more special is the fact that you're here with me, and I've got my best friends and second family with me. There's nothing better than that."
Hermione leaned forward and kissed Harry. "Thank you."
"Thank you, Harry. We're glad that you consider us your friends and second family. Means a lot to us," Arthur said.
Harry stood up and offered his hand to Hermione. "Shall we go for a walk?"
Hermione stood up and took Harry's arm. "Yes."
"Don't go too far," Arthur warned.
Harry nodded. "Yes sir."
"Hey, check out Crookshanks," Ron said quietly.
They turned to watch the unfolding scene in the garden.
Hermione had brought Crookshanks with her. The cat had joyfully discovered the garden Gnomes at once and had spent most of her time chasing them. At the moment she was crouched down holding very still, eyes half closed, giving the appearance of being asleep. One of the gnomes was approaching her slowly, sneaking up to the cat's face. He turned around and gave a thumbs up to the other gnomes in the garden. The gnome that was sneaking up on Crookshanks got up very close to the cat and grinned. The gnome slapped Crookshanks on the face twice and then turned around, jumping up and down with his hands over his head, like he was doing a victory dance. Crookshanks woke up and stuck her head down close to the gnome. The gnome turned around and suddenly realized his predicament. He grinned widely and gave the cat a shy wave, and then suddenly grabbed the cat's nose, tweaking it. Then it turned and raced back to it's hole. Crookshanks blinked in surprise and shock, and then reacted, taking off after the gnome. Unfortunately it had a good head start on the cat and it dived right into the hole before Crookshanks got there. The hole was halfway covered by a pumpkin that was growing. Crookshanks was going so fast the poor cat slammed into the pumpkin headfirst, abruptly coming to a screeching halt. Hermione gasped as Arthur, Ron, Charlie, and Harry roared in laughter. The cat managed to get free of the pumpkin, her face completely covered in pumpkin innards.
"Crookshanks!" Hermione cried, finding her voice.
The cat walked away from what was left of the small pumpkin in very unsteady steps. Charlie reached for his wand and conjured up a small tub of soapy water and levitated the cat into it. He moved his wand back and forth, making the bath act like a washing machine. Then Crookshanks floated up and out of the bath. The tub disappeared. Charlie cast another spell to dry off the cat, which caused the fur to puff up, making Crookshanks look like a giant cheese puff. That set off everyone once more and even Hermione had to giggle at the sight. Then Charlie summoned the cat to him and settled her on his lap.
"Don't you think you have had enough tonight?" Charlie asked Crookshanks.
The cat snarled.
"Relax now. You can always dish out the paybacks tomorrow," Charlie chided.
Ron shivered at the sight of Crookshanks smiling. "That cat gives me the creeps."
Harry smiled and then turned back to Hermione. "Now where were we?"
"We were about to tale a walk dear," Hermione said.
Hand in hand, they strolled off into the woods.
In a dark room miles away from St. Ottery Catchpole, several men stood around a table. On the table was a detailed diagram, a layout of the World Quidditch Cup event and the surrounding area. The man standing at the head of the table nodded his satisfaction as the plan had been laid out.
"Good," he said softly. "The time is right to remind the people that the Death Eaters are alive and well. This event is only the beginning. They will soon realize that we are not weak and helpless as that fool Fudge makes us to be."
"What if Harry Potter is there?" one man spoke up.
The man at the head of the table laughed, a chilling sound to those who heard him.
"Then we shall avenge our master. He shall not get away with killing our Leige Lord. I will be the one to cast the fatal spell on the boy myself," he said.
There were nods of approval at the man's words. He glared at all of the men present.
"All of you know your assignments?" he asked.
There were nods of agreement.
"Good. I will not tolerate failure. We strike in the name of our late master, the mighty Lord Voldemort!" the man declared, clenching his fist.
"Success, my Lord!" one man cried out.
The others in the room echoed the man's words as the man at the head of the table smiled. This was now just the beginning. There was yet more to come.
The Death Eaters had returned.
Next up: "Let's Play Quidditch!"