Dudley hesitated for a few seconds. He had promised Dumbledore to keep what he had heard to himself, and yet … he couldn't keep secrets from his friends. It would be wrong. He looked up at Ron—he was sat on his bed, Scabbers lying on his lap, an expectant look on his face. Fred, George and Ginny were looking eager, too.

"Go on, Dud," Fred urged. "What did Dumbledore say?"

"He told me why Voldemort wanted to kill Neville and me," Dudley said, finally. "He told me not to tell anyone, but …" he tried to pick his words carefully. Maybe he could tell them part of what Dumbledore had said while not technically breaking his promise.

"… well, Dumbledore heard that either me or Neville might be a threat to him." Dudley finished.

Fred and George looked puzzled and Ron looked baffled, like he did when McGonagall asked him to explain a transfiguration theory.

"You mean a prophecy?" Ginny said.

"Shit," said Dudley, so much for being vague.

"A prophecy naming you, Dud? What did it say?" Ron asked, sitting upright. Scabbers fell off his lap and squeaked angrily.

"Dumbledore didn't say—he just told me, well, that Voldemort believes a prophecy means that either Neville or me would be the one to kill him. Permanently, I think."

"Blimey," said Ron. "No wonder he has it out for you."

"Yeah,' Dudley said. He had shared enough information with the others, he decided. Dumbledore's warning he would keep to himself. At least that way he wouldn't have broken all of his promise to Dumbledore at least.

"Didn't dad say there's a prophecy room at the Ministry of Magic?" Fred said, looking at George.

"Yeah, he confiscated a fake prophecy orb that Mundungus Fletcher was trying to sell," George said. "I remember him saying Unspeakables came to collect it.'

"They work in the Department of Mysteries," Ginny supplied.

Dudley nearly swore again. The cat was fully out of the bag now. He had managed to keep his promise to Dumbledore for less than half an hour. But still—why should he keep secrets from his friends? They could be trusted, and he wouldn't be pleased if Ron kept something like that from him.

He looked at Ron who had a thoughtful look on his face. "I bet that's what the Order are guarding," he said, after a few seconds. "Remember? We hear them talking about guard duty sometimes."

"If it's in the Ministry, surely it's safe?" Ginny said.

"Not if the Ministry is compromised," George said. "Remember, we heard on the extendable ears dad mentioning the fact he thinks some bloke called Runcorn can't be trusted."

"What's in the Department of Mysteries?" Dudley asked, feeling that since the cat was out of the bag, he might as well find out.

"Nobody knows," said Fred. "It's top secret. I guess there's a prophecy room, and I think Bill said something about time turners being made there."

"I always imagined it being were the Ministry experiment with magic and new spells," said George.

"If he knows the prophecy refers to Dud or Neville, why would You-Know-Who be bothered about getting it?" Ron asked.

"I don't think he's sure," Dudley said. "He thinks he refers to me—but I bet he wants it to make sure."

"Dudley will be safe though, right?" Ginny said. "No way can he get you here."

"And he wouldn't dare try anything at Hog …" Ron began and trailed off.

"What?" asked Dudley.

"Sorry, I just realized how stupid that sentence was," Ron admitted. "Of course he would dare try something there. He does it almost every year."

They all laughed—even Dudley chuckled.

"This year will be different though," Fred said. "There'll be Aurors at the school."

"There will?" This was news to Dudley.

"Oh, yeah—we overheard Dad telling the Order. Madame Bones announced it a few days ago—hasn't been made public yet,' Fred said.

"Don't want to scare the parents before they send their brats off for the year," George speculated.

They stopped talking as the sound of footsteps came up the stairs. "What are you lot up too?" Mrs. Weasley said, suspiciously.

"Making plans to go and play quidditch," Fred said.

"Got to stay sharp," George said.

Mrs. Weasley looked suspicious, but didn't press them any further. "An owl arrived for you, Dudley, dear," she said, holding out a piece of parchment.

Dudley took it. He recognized the writing at once. "It's from Lockhart," he said, tearing it open. They all leaned over to look—Mrs Weasley included, Dudley knew she was quite a fan of Lockhart and had read all of his books.

"My friend, Dudley,

By now I'm sure you have heard the news! Yes, it's true, I am going to be the next Minister for Magic—or at least, that's the plan. For far too long I have spent my time adventuring, little did I realise that what the wizarding world needs is one Gilderoy Lockhart at the helm. Especially now that You-Know-Who is back with us! He won't dare mess with us if I'm in command! We'll soon have him sorted!

I know I am bound to be the favorite pick—I have a lot of friends in high places. But I could do with an added edge, Dudley. That's where you come in. I would love it if you would accompany me to my first campaign speech at Diagon Alley tomorrow, and, again, on Saturday to give my speech to the Wizengamot! Bring your dear friends along too—there's a very fine restaurant that has just opened in Diagon Alley. My treat!

Your friend

Gilderoy Lockhart, Order of Merlin 1st Class, Order of Merlin 2nd Class, Order of Merlin 3rd Class, Prospective Minister for Magic, Former Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Honorary Member of the Dark Force Defense League and Seven-Time Winner of Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award.

"Ohhh dinner with Gilderoy Lockhart! That would be amazing!' Mrs. Weasley said.

"Terrific," Ron said, sarcastically.

"Will I be allowed to go?" Dudley asked.

"Well, we need to go to Diagon Alley at some point," Mrs. Weasley said. "And we can't really restrict your movements—and Gilderoy may become the Minister for Magic. We can't burn bridges. I'm sure you will be allowed—I expect Dumbledore will insist on security."

Dudley, it turns out, was given permission to go. Dumbledore had provided the Weasley family with the school book list early, so they could buy the school supplies there-all accept the Defence Against the Dark Arts position. He was struggling to find someone for the role, it seemed. Dudley sent an owl to Dean, Hermione and Luna to see if they could join them. Hermione was still on vacation in Jamaica and Dean had gone on a fishing trip with his uncle. Luna had replied back saying she would arrive the next morning.

They wouldn't be going alone. As well as Mrs. Weasley, Bill and Fleur would accompany them as protection. Mrs. Weasley was still fretting, despite Bill's efforts to comfort her.

"Everything will be fine-Diagon Alley is too well protected. Madame Bones has a bunch of Aurors stationed there, plus I bet Lockhart will bring some of the Dark Force Defence League with him. Then there's Fleur and I."

"Us too," Fred and George said, together. "We know how to duel."

"And us," Ron said, pointing to his chest and then at Dudley. "We've been practicing a lot."

"Nobody is to leave my sight," she warned, looking especially hard at the twins. She was pleased with Bill, however. He worked at the bank and had gotten everybody's gold out early so they didn't have to wait.

Luna arrived the next morning, accompanied by an oddly-dressed man who was wearing multicolored robes that were a size too short. He had long, white hair the texture of candy floss and wore a short, triangular hat on his head.

"Can't stay, Molly, can't stay," he said. "I have a potion brewing at home-one dab and it will reveal any secret runes in a location. Very useful."

Dudley wondered whether he should step forward and introduce himself, but before he could do so, the oddly attired man had hurried off back the way he came.

"Come in, Luna, dear," Molly said, taking her case.

Luna was wearing muggle clothes a plaid skirt with polka-dot leggings underneath and a T-Shirt declaring "They Are Out There!" with a picture of a Crumple-Horned Snorkack on the front.

"Dudley!" she said hurrying forward.

Dudley hugged her, then, noticing Mrs. Weasley looking teary eyed and the twins giggling like schoolgirls, he blushed and let go of her.

"Hi, Luna!" Ginny said, coming down the stairs. "I've got a bed set up in your room. Dud, grab her bag."

"Her bag? It's only a small one ... oh!" he cottoned on to what Ginny meant and he picked Luna's bag up.

"Breakfast will be ready soon!" Mrs. Weasley called after them.

"How are you doing after ... you know?" Luna asked as they followed Ginny up the stairs.

"Not good," Dudley said. "Well, it's better here ... but back home, I had nothing to think about except what happened."

"Nightmares?" Luna asked.

"Yeah, how did ..."

"I had them too, after mum died," she said. "I can get dad to brew you a potion to help with them?"

"Erm ..." Dudley began, uncertainly. He had just seen Luna's dad, briefly, and his appearance didn't exactly inspire confidence in his potion making skills.

"Don't worry," Luna said. "He's very talented. He made it for me after mum. Helped me to sleep."

"Sure," Dudley said, finally. "If he can get some."

"I'll send him an owl," Luna said and smiled. "It's good to see you again. I like having a boyfriend. I wondered if things might be different this year, but I'm glad you still want to be with me."

"Why wouldn't I?" Dudley asked.

"Well, you might want somebody cooler," Luna said.

"You are the coolest," Dudley said and Luna smiled.

"You need to give Ron a lesson on being charming, Dud," Ginny said.

"He did ok with Cho," Dudley replied, deciding to defend his friend.

"Give it time. It's Ron-he's bound to either do something stupid, say something stupid or wear something stupid at some point." replied Ginny.

They had a filling breakfast of sausage, egg, tomatoes, toast, beans and black pudding. They were to use the floo network to arrive at Diagon Alley. Lockhart said he would meet them at Flourish & Blotts for his campaign speech and then he would treat them all for dinner.

When they arrived, everything was different than usual. There was none of the casual chatter and friends meeting and shopping together. Indeed, the street was far emptier than Dudley had ever seen and the wizards and witches who were about were hurrying to get their shopping done as quickly as possible. There were a few makeshift stalls set up with hand-drawn signs outside advertising protection charms and potions.

"Scammers and conmen," Fleur said, eying them darkly. "Ze mineestry should arrest zém all!"

The walls of the shops were covered with wanted posters. Everywhere they looked, the faces of Death Eaters like Bellatrix Lestrage, Abaddon Nott and Augustus Rookwood peered out at them. In the middle of the street stood a cluster of stern, tough looking wizards wearing plain black robes with a yellow band around their right arm.

"Aurors," Bill said in a low whisper. "Madame Bones has stationed a team in any place that the Death Eaters might attack."

The Aurors watched them silently as they passed, heading into the cauldron shop. Ginny's cauldron had a whole, so she needed a new one. After they had bought the cauldron, they headed to Madame Malkins' to get some new robes for Ron who seemed to get taller every year and for Fred who had torn the sleeve of one of his.

Dudley found it irritating, being herded to and from the shops like cattle. He walked next to Luna, holding hands. Next to him, the twins were planning a way to sneak off to visit the joke shop. Dudley thought it would be tricky for them to do so. Bill and Fleur were walking in front, their hands bunched around their wands, while Molly Weasley brought up the rear, keeping her sharp eye on the children.

Once in Madame Malkins, Bill and Fleur took up position outside while Mrs. Weasley went in. Usually, Madame Malkin was quite chatty, but she was quiet and subdued today. The whole of Diagon Alley was on edge.

"Looking pretty serious isn't it," Ron muttered to Dudley, while Madame Malkin measured his sleeve.

"No chance of us getting to visit Gambol & Japes," Fred muttered darkly. "Not with Mum, Bill and Fleur watching every move."

"What's up with those two? Are they going out?" Dudley asked.

"Not officially," Ginny said. She lowered her voice. "Mum believes the crap about Bill tutoring her," she snickered. "I don't know how she'll react when Bill breaks the news."

"What's that?" Mrs. Weasley said, sharply. "Not planning to sneak away are you?"

"As if I would!" Ginny said. "It's Fred and George you need to keep an eye on!"

"Come on, mum!" Fred protested. "You know us-we never put a foot out of line."

Mrs. Weasley snorted. "I do know you. That's why I have both eyes firmly on the two of you."

"That wounds me!" said George, clasping his hands to his chest.

"I'll wound you if you sneak off," Mrs. Weasley said darkly and turned to keep an eye on the door.

George looked surprised that his mum had got the better of him while Fred snickered.

After getting new robes they all went to get new potions supplies. Dudley raised an eyebrow when he saw how much the twins were buying. "It's for Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes," George said with a quick glance at Mrs. Weasley to make sure she wasn't listening. "We have some great new ideas-we'll show you once we've got some perfected."

Finally, it was time to head to Flourish & Blotts. Here, at last, Diagon Alley looked more like its usual self. A small stage had been set up outside the shop. Behind it hung a banner with an image of Gilderoy Lockhart's grinning face winking at them. Below it was the caption "Lockhart for Minister! The Best Choice!"

There was already a crowd of mostly middle-aged witches gathered to listen with a few wizards scattered among them. Ron nudged Dudley and pointed, hanging around near the stage were a cluster of witches and wizards wearing black robes. They looked grim and suspicious. "I reckon that's the Dark Force Defence League lot," Ron whispered.

Dudley eyed them curiously. The leader who was giving orders was short and stocky with a bit of a belly. He had a tough, lined face and his eyes were constantly darting around. He positioned one of the DFDL towards the back of the crowd and another pair on either side of the stage. He positioned himself at the back, where he could see all.

"Dad says they're all ex-Aurors or all ex-hit wizards," said Ron.

"Are they any good?" Dudley asked. They certainly looked tough, but they also looked like their past years are behind them.

Bill had heard him. "They are capable," he said. "They have decades of experience in fighting dark wizards and dark creatures. In recent years-they've mainly being running training camps, giving talks, carrying out research. Their arrest of Nott was their first real action for a long time."

"They got what's his name too-Avery," Dudley said.

Bill nodded. "Yes, they certainly seem capable. Between us, Dumbledore is a bit concerned about vigilantes-they're not strictly Ministry."

"Isn't that the same as the Order?" Dudley pointed out.

Bill laughed. "That's what I said."

They were interrupted by Lockhart striding towards them. "Dudley! Glad you could make it!" he said. Lockhart was actually dressed far less extravagantly than usual. His robes were navy blue and well cut, but looked more formal and businesslike.

"Good to see you," Dudley said, shaking his hand.

"Bit of excitement this isn't it," Lockhart said, rubbing his hands together. "It's nothing to worry about-I'm going to give my speech, let them know why I'm the perfect choice to be the new Minister. Then, you can come up on stage and we'll have a photo together. In fact, perhaps you should give a statement too."

"A statement?" Dudley asked, suddenly feeling unsure.

"Nothing to worry about!" said Lockhart. "Just a few words about why you endorse me as Minister! That sort of thing." and he bustled off before Dudley could reply.

The Watcher

The Watcher stood at the back of the crowd, eyeing Lockhart as he talked to the large mudblood. Dumbledore had the boy well protected, the watcher noted. He saw three Order of the Phoenix members with him-the chubby housewife who was an unknown quantity, but she posed very little threat. Then there was the beautiful blonde French girl. The Watcher knew she had been a Triwizard Champion. She could prove a handful he supposed. Then, last, there was the wizard with a ponytail, Bill Weasley. A cursebreaker for Gringott's, he was a strong wizard.

Still, despite the protection, he felt he could snatch the boy. A blasting curse to cause panic in the crowd. The Dark Mark to spread more confusion-an Avada Kedavra on one of his guardians, then he could snatch the boy and apparate away before the Aurors arrived. The Aurors were lax, he had noted. They had staked out the center of Diagon Alley-a decent position, allowing them to cover lots of ground quickly, but they didn't move around. They stood in that one spot, eyeing anyone who passed but not actually patrolling. It was a weakness, he decided, making a mental note to pass the information onto Voldemort. Diagon Alley was vulnerable, despite the stationed Aurors.

He looked at the mudblood Dursley once more. Lockhart had left now and the mudblood looked irritated about something. It would be so simple to snatch him, but, he had his orders. Lord Voldemort had ordered him to watch-nothing more. Observe how Dursley was protected. Observe how the Dark Force Defence League guarded Lockhart. Listen to Lockhart's speech. Watch, listen and report back-nothing more.

The Watcher wanted action. He couldn't wait for the war to start in earnest, but, Lord Voldemort was insisting on taking things slow until a new Minister was elected. The Dark Lord was waiting to see if Corban Yaxley was elected. Lord Voldemort had struck a huge blow by breaking out the prisoners of Azkaban, but now he had settled back-watching and waiting and planning. Waiting for the moment to strike. But now wasn't the time to strike. Now was the time to watch.

A plan was in place, Voldemort had promised. One that would wipe out the Order of the Phoenix in one fell swoop.

Voldemort

"You have done well to bring me this information," Lord Voldemort said to the sniveling specimen in front of him. "So, there is a prophecy and it is in the Department of Mysteries. Interesting ..." Voldemort looked up, deep in thought.

"There is also the Dursley boy ... The Weasleys are taking him to ..."

"I'm aware, you have already said," Voldemort interrupted. "Don't both me unless you have new information. You have done well my little spy, but don't come sniveling, expecting a pat on the head."

"No, my lord!" Pettigrew squeaked.

"Now, be gone!" Voldemort ordered.

Once Pettigrew had left, he leant back in his throne. Now wasn't the time to strike the Dursley boy. His time would come, but Voldemort was patient. He would strike the Dursley boy at the right moment. He thought about the prophecy lying in the Ministry of Magic. He needed it. He needed to hear it all-to confirm what he believed. If the Ministry fell soon-if his servant Yaxley was elected Minister, he would have his hands on it quickly. If Yaxley didn't succeed, then he would have to think of something else, Voldemort decided. It was vital he get his hands on that prophecy. As for Dursley heading to Diagon Alley, he would dispatch one of his Death Eaters to watch-nothing more.

Plus, he was curious to hear Lockhart's election campaign. Lucius assured him that he was a fool, and yet, Lockhart kept succeeding time and time again. He had even somehow fooled the wizarding world into believing that it was he who had saved Dudley Dursley. That amused Voldemort. Lockhart hadn't been anywhere nearby. Less amusing was Lockhart's claims of dueling Lord Voldemort. He would die for that. For now though, Voldemort would listen. Lockhart may prove a trickier opponent than Lucius Malfoy believed.