Chapter 35 Things looking Grim

Harry, Ron, and Hermione, stood in front of Grimmauld Place along with Professor McGonagall and Mad-Eye Moody. The sky was grey with clouds, blocking the sun.

"Is Dumbledore here, Professor?" asked Harry.

"Yes, Harry," answered Professor McGonagall. "Dumbledore is here."

She held the note like Moody did the first time Harry came here. Then the house came into view, more gloomy than ever, and Moody stepped forward and opened the door. The others went inside.

It looked the same as it ever did. Mrs. Black's portrait was covered with the red curtain, and elf heads went up against the side of the staircase. It was also dark and dusty.

Professor McGonagall led them all down to the kitchen. And sitting at the head of the table was none other than-

"Professor Dumbledore!" shouted Harry.

"Harry!" said Dumbledore, looking up. "Glad to see you are well." He cleared his throat. "That is, besides the Malfoys and the Daily Prophet."

Harry smiled, although he sure didn't feel all that well. He glanced at three others sitting at the table, their heads together over that day's edition of the daily prophet.

Mrs. Figg, Lupin, and Mundungus were sitting on one side of the table, mumbling to each other as they read various articles. Lupin looked up and smiled at Harry.

"Harry," he said, getting up and pulling Ray in an embrace. "Good to see you again."

"Good to see you too, Remus," said Harry.

"That Malfoy has done it again!" exclaimed Mrs. Figg, putting her fist down on the table.

"What's he does this time?" asked Ron, going over to look. He read some of the article, Mrs. Figg was pointing at and then looked back up, clearly digusted.

"What is Ron?" asked Harry.

"Says here that Lucius Malfoy has been rounding up muggleborns, claiming to be protecting them from the Death Eaters." He snorted. "More like he's going to kill them for Voldemort."

Harry and Hermione groaned.

"Listen everyone," said Dumbledore, "we must not give up hope. I am going to St. Mungo's in a few minutes to check on the Dursleys. Harry, would you care to come along?"

Harry had no idea. He knew he should feel sorry for the Dursleys, but wasn't sure what he would say to them if he did see them at St. Mungo's.

"Well, Harry," said Dumbledore, smiling up at him.

Harry made a decision. "All right, Professor, I'll go."

Ron and Hermione chose to stay behind, but Mad-Eye and Mrs. Figg would be coming along.

Once they were in the hospital, Dumbledore led them down corridor after corridor, until he came to a room with the door closed. He politely knocked on the door.

The door opened, and a nurse came out. "Ah, Albus," she said then looked down at Harry. "Come to see the Dursleys I see. They're right in. I've just fixed them up with bandages. Go in and see them.

They went in, and Harry stopped. There were three beds up against the wall. From left to right lay Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia, and Dudley. Vernon had spots all over his face. Aunt Petunia's nose had grown five times as long. It wasn't clear what had happened to Dudley, but it had something to do with his arms since they had bandage over bandage on them.

Dumbledore strode over to Petunia's bed and smiled. "I'm glad we meet again Petunia."

Petunia looked at him for a moment without saying anything then looked passed him and at Harry. "Harry," she croaked. The Death Eaters had clearly done something to her throat.

Harry wasn't sure what to do. He strode over to his aunt.

"Remember my last Petunia," said Dumbledore pleasantly.

"Of course I remember your last letter," said Petunia, struggling with her voice. "I should've know those Death Eaters would've come back. They sure were upset with my friendship with Severus Snape."