Chapter 4
Harry
When I arrived back at Grimmauld Place I was immediately accosted by all there wanting to know the results of the hearing. I truthfully couldn't tell what the results were. I was found to be not responsible for whatever happened, although an elderly wizard had to examine my wand to determine it had not been used. Mostly the argument focused on what the dementors were doing there, and who the kid was, if there was one. Many though I had just made him up, but Mrs Figg testified as to his being there as well. That neither of us had seen him use a wand was one of the things they argued about, the whole sorcery thing, but it came to no end. If Dumbledore knew who he was he wasn't telling. Finally they decided that there must be something wrong with the trace as there was no way two dementors could die, since they are supposed to be immortal. And that came back around to Mrs Figg and myself being liars. Dumbledore pointed out that we were not the ones who reported the dementors dead, even if it were true, and accused the Ministry of either letting dementors roam free, or otherwise this being more proof that Voldemort is back. The Minister would hear none of that. But, at least I'm going back to Hogwarts. Oh, and there was this one troll of a woman, Umbridge. There's something about her... just evil.
Once I had told them all I knew, Hermione, Ron, and the Order that was there had dozens of questions but I had few answers. I might have had more answers if Dumbledore hadn't just blown by me at the Ministry as we left. It was like I wasn't there, even though I tried to stop him if just to thank him for defending me.
Most of the day I hung out with Sirius. It was wonderful seeing him and he told me all the stories about he and my father. Had it not been for the Ministry and the owls it would have been a great day.
The owls arrived mid afternoon and gave us our lists for school and announced that Ron and Hermione has been named Prefects by Dumbledore. Great. I was happy for Ron, don't get me wrong, but after all I've done you would think... oh well, no use worrying about it. Ron has been there most every step of the way for me, and as quidditch captain I have my work cut out for me. Something about having to show first years where the bathrooms were didn't appeal to me.
A week cooped up at Grimmauld was finally over with a trip to Diagon Ally the day before we left for Hogwarts. I was guarded by the Weasley's the whole time, and I noticed Moody, Shackleford and Tonks conspicuously nearby too. There were probably others that I didn't see. I guess it made sense that the Order wanted to keep me alive but I was confused as to why it was necessary. Sirius, before we left, tried to explain that Voldemort must think that defeating me is absolutely necessary because of what happened the last time, but since I don't know what I did then, its hard for me to see myself as a threat to anyone. Still, after watching him order the murder of Cedric and attempt to kill me I was perfectly happy to dream about killing Voldemort at the earliest opportunity.
My dreams continued, but I decided not to trouble Sirius with them. Perhaps when I got a chance I would talk to Dumbledore.
A couple of other things I noticed in Diagon Ally though. While in the robe shop, out the window I could have swore I saw the kid in black, along with some other teens that seemed out of place. I thought I knew all the witches and wizards about my age, since they all went to Hogwarts, but I had never seen any of this gang. One of the girls saw me looking, said something and they all scattered quietly away. I, Ron and Hermione went to follow the kid, but it was as though they disappeared into the shadows.
