THE THIRD CAMP
CHAPTER VII-- SUTRA
The small brick house was on the left side of a tiny lane running parallel to the flow of the River Exe. Its black iron fence was freshly painted and the tiny walk up to the red painted door was lined with flowers. In fact, 12 Rivermede Road was so blisteringly normal that Harry felt rather disappointed; he had expected more from Remus Lupin.
Last night had all been a blur... the long slow drive from Ottery St. Catchpole to Exeter... finally arriving at the house at 2 AM... going to sleep...
A blast of light hit his face, peeling one eyelid open, Harry rolled over trying to avoid the bright indignation, "Rise and Shine!" he heard from above him as he unsuccessfully tried to turn over and stuff a pillow on top of his head. The pillow was snatched away by stronger, more awake, hands and he was forced to peel open the other eyelid and greet his tormentor.
"Sirius..." Harry muttered, sitting up reluctantly. This was not the life with his godfather he had dreamed about. "What time is it?"
"Five thirty-- now get up."
Harry yawned, "Why?" but it was too late, after opening his eyes there was no way he could go back to sleep.
"You're up aren't you?" Sirius grinned. "And you don't want to miss breakfast?"
"No." Harry sighed, rather reluctantly swinging his feet over the side of the bed. "But why five-thirty, its so early..."
"I have to start being a responsible parent sometime," Sirius gave him a grin that made it clear he intended nothing of the sort, "Remus doesn't like these mornings either, but since my culinary ability extends to fishsticks and burnt toast he has to make my breakfast." By this time they were halfway down the stairs, "Its actually go for him, he could sleep forever. Right, Remus?"
"What?" sounded the reply from what had to be the kitchen.
"You could sleep forever," Sirius repeated, opening the door to find a very droopy eyed Lupin pouring milk into four bowls of cereal, while Ron sat on top of the kitchen table.
Lupin sat down the milk jug, his eyes taking a faraway expression, "I remember the days when I got enough sleep, days before certain house guests needed me to pour their cereal in the wee hours of the morning..."
Harry slid on top of the table beside Ron. who was watching the playful dogfight with much zest. "You never would have thought they were like this," he said, "from the Shrieking Shack."
"Well there wasn't much opportunity..." Harry pointed out as he took a bowl of cereal from Lupin's hands.
"Thanks Professor," Ron said through a yawn.
Seating himself on top of the stove, Sirius shook his head. "Who'd have ever thought that you would have been a Professor? Snape I can see... but one of the Marauders? Heaven forbid."
"All we need now," said Lupin with a slight smile, "Is for Dumbledore to offer you the Dark Arts post."
"I think I'd skip that class," said Sirius between bites of cereal.
The thought having just occurred to him, Harry looked at Sirius, "What do you do all day?"
"Lay low," he sighed, "Never escape from prison, boys, for the sheer sake that being in hiding is one of the most boring things on earth. Occasionally Dumbledore sends me an owl to talk to someone, but I still am the Ministry's most wanted man. Most of the time I go into work with Remus."
"Where do you work?"
"Soon to be worked," Lupin shrugged, "Its a Muggle place, I had to give six weeks from the time I turned in my resignation to when I could leave."
"Its a neat little shop," Sirius said.
"Sutra, it was the closest I could find to anything magical.." Lupin remarked absentmindedly staring down at his cereal bowl. The silence filled a few beats before he continued, "Why don't we all go in today-- I can't leave you two alone," his eyes gave a slight twinkle, "especially with Sirius..."
----
Sutra was a tiny shop squeezed in between a pricey French restaurant and a classic British pub. The pink beaded curtain hanging on the door gave was toy a room so drenched with the stench of incense that it reminded Harry of his divination classroom. Sirius bounded in, to be caught in the arms of a waiting woman, who began scratching his head, "Oh you are such a cute mutt, Snuffles, yes you are-- Remus this is absolutely the most adorable dog I have ever met- yes you are, you know you are," she rubbed Sirius's head as he wagged his tail, obviously enjoying the attention. Standing up, she looked at Remus, "You're late."
"I am well aware of that," he said pulling off his coat.
"Not that it matters," said the woman petting Sirius as she blew a bubble of gum, "The shop hasn't even opened yet..."
Lupin turned to her, "I have company. Maureen, this is Harry and Ron. Harry and Ron, this is Maureen."
Completely non-plussed Maureen stared down at Harry, "Is that for real?" she finally asked, pointing at his scar.
"Er... yes..." Harry said.
"Damn, I want it!" said Maureen, "It's really cool, I should have cut my head open when I was in my goth stage." Harry on the other hand thought that Maureen had little need of a lightening scar. Her hair was a bright pink, which was gelled into spikes that rather gave her the look of a cotton candy porcupine. Every single inch of pierceable skin held an earring, even her tongue, which had a stud through it that wobbled when she talked. "Some old bloke's been looking for you, Remus. White hair, weird robes..."
"Dumbledore?" Lupin asked, his face darkening.
"Dunno," Maureen walked behind the counter "He didn't leave a name."
Lupin shrugged, "Why don't you two take a look around, I don't think I'll be long."
Sutra was full of incense, candles, little Asian figurines and books on subjects that would send Sibyl Trelawney into seventh heaven. Taking refuge behind one of those shelves, Harry and Ron were beginning to smirk at the titles.
"The Gatuma Buddha: Five Noble Paths to Enlightenment..."
"The Past Life Reincarnations of Edgar Cayce..."
"Extra Sensory Perception: The Secret to Expanding Your Inner Eye, better send that one to Professor Trelawney, hmm?"
"Oh look at this one, Phisgomancy: Friend or Foe? Test your friends and determine your enemies by the shake of their head."
"This I have to see," Ron sniggered as he pulled out the book, on which's cover was a picture of the human head-- divided into little quadrants each labeled with a different trait. Turning to the first page, Ron's smirk grew, "Phisgomancy," he began in a pompous mocking tone, "Is the ancient study of the human head. Held in the shape of the skull are all the mysteries of the soul, bare to the world for those that can read them. Phisgomany has changed the cource of history..." Harry's snickers were cut short by the ringing of a bell, someone had finally entered the shop. Through the bookshelf they could see the black robes of a wizard.
"Where is Lupin?" The cold patronizing drawl was followed by a growl from Sirius.
"I'll get him for you," Maureen said flatly, "You can wait while I do, Mr...?"
"That is not important," the man snapped and almost immediately Harry recognized him as Lucius Malfoy. At Ron's black look he knew he wasn't the only one to put two and two together.
"There's no need to get me, I'm here--" Lupin's feet walked into view from a storeroom. If he was surprised to see Malfoy, his voice showed no hint of it. "What can I do for you, Lucius?"
"I don't recall us being on first name terms," Malfoy's voice lashed out, dripping patronism.
"Mr. Malfoy then," said Lupin with the slightest touch of sarcasm.
Malfoy took a step nearer to Lupin, "Where is the boy?"
"I beg your pardon?"
"The boy, Lupin. Harry Potter. I know Dumbledore has contacted you, I know you know his whereabouts. Don't lie to me."
"I haven't heard of him for two years," Lupin said amiably unconcerned. "Knowing as much as you do I'm surprised you don't know that."
"Don't play games with me, Lupin."
"I honestly don't know, Mr. Malfoy."
The haughty drawl became even more threatening, "I think you do. I really think you do, you worthless piece of werewolf filth."
Harry could hear Maureen's laugh, but it was the only sound in the entire shop. Finally Lupin spoke, his voice barely audible, but its quiet anger all the more terrible than any of Malfoy's threats. "You have been waiting to say that all day haven't you, Mr. Malfoy? I want you to get out of this shop, now."
The cold voice snickered, "You're fighting a loosing battle, Lassie, with only old doddering men at your head. You're really going to regret this one day, you are really going to regret this."
"No Malfoy, it's you who will be regretting--" Maureen screamed as Sirius stepped out from behind the counter.
"Black--" Malfoy gave a sneer, "Say hello to the dementors for me, maybe even give them a little kiss--"
With a roar, Sirius made as if o throw himself at Malfoy, but Lupin grabbed his arm. "Sirius, he's not worth your time."
"I want you to know-" Sirius yelled, "That if you ever come near Remus or Harry or any of us again, I will kill you! Get out! Get the hell out!"
"The Dark Lord sends his greetings, Potter!" Malfoy yelled, dissapperating as Sirius's fist hit empty air.
"Wow," said Maureen slowly, "That was so amazing!"
Ignoring her, Lupin was muttering something to Sirius, who stood stock still, trembling with anger.
"Professor Lupin?" said Harry stepping out from behind the bookshelf with Ron. Lupin looked at him, his face as gray and gaunt as it was the day after the full moon. "I never thought they would move that quickly. I have no doubt Malfoy will be back."
"Let me go..." Harry said, "He just wants me, if I leave--"
"Don't be stupid, Harry," Ron said.
"Dumbledore," Sirius said hollowly. "Dumbeldore's the only way."
"I'm sorry Maureen," Lupin gave her a smile, "But I doubt you'll ever see me again."
Maureen nodded dumbly, her face still in a state of shock, "You guys are so cool..." she said in a tone of worship.
"In a manner of speaking," Lupin sighed as they ran out the door, hopefully towards safety.
----
"What the hell?"
12 Rivermede Road was no longer the picture of suburban serenity. Squeezed into the front lawn was the largest group of wizards imaginable, all pounding on the front door, unable to accept that the house was empty.
"What the hell is going on?" Sirius made as if to walk right into the fray, but Remus grabbed his arm, "Just wait a minute--"
"Harry! Ron!" Running towards them out of the crowd was a bushy haired smiling someone they hadn't seen since they left the Hogwarts Express.
"Herimone!" Ron's smile stretched all the way across his face. "What are you doing here?"
"Trying to varn you," Ron's smile dimmed somewhat as the Bulgarian National Seeker strode out of the crowd of wizards and stopped at Herimone's side. Viktor Krum was carrying what looked like a very battered broomstick and a newspaper.
"They're all reporters!" Herimone said hurriedly, gesturing at the front lawn, "Sirius, you have to get out of here."
CHAPTER VII-- SUTRA
The small brick house was on the left side of a tiny lane running parallel to the flow of the River Exe. Its black iron fence was freshly painted and the tiny walk up to the red painted door was lined with flowers. In fact, 12 Rivermede Road was so blisteringly normal that Harry felt rather disappointed; he had expected more from Remus Lupin.
Last night had all been a blur... the long slow drive from Ottery St. Catchpole to Exeter... finally arriving at the house at 2 AM... going to sleep...
A blast of light hit his face, peeling one eyelid open, Harry rolled over trying to avoid the bright indignation, "Rise and Shine!" he heard from above him as he unsuccessfully tried to turn over and stuff a pillow on top of his head. The pillow was snatched away by stronger, more awake, hands and he was forced to peel open the other eyelid and greet his tormentor.
"Sirius..." Harry muttered, sitting up reluctantly. This was not the life with his godfather he had dreamed about. "What time is it?"
"Five thirty-- now get up."
Harry yawned, "Why?" but it was too late, after opening his eyes there was no way he could go back to sleep.
"You're up aren't you?" Sirius grinned. "And you don't want to miss breakfast?"
"No." Harry sighed, rather reluctantly swinging his feet over the side of the bed. "But why five-thirty, its so early..."
"I have to start being a responsible parent sometime," Sirius gave him a grin that made it clear he intended nothing of the sort, "Remus doesn't like these mornings either, but since my culinary ability extends to fishsticks and burnt toast he has to make my breakfast." By this time they were halfway down the stairs, "Its actually go for him, he could sleep forever. Right, Remus?"
"What?" sounded the reply from what had to be the kitchen.
"You could sleep forever," Sirius repeated, opening the door to find a very droopy eyed Lupin pouring milk into four bowls of cereal, while Ron sat on top of the kitchen table.
Lupin sat down the milk jug, his eyes taking a faraway expression, "I remember the days when I got enough sleep, days before certain house guests needed me to pour their cereal in the wee hours of the morning..."
Harry slid on top of the table beside Ron. who was watching the playful dogfight with much zest. "You never would have thought they were like this," he said, "from the Shrieking Shack."
"Well there wasn't much opportunity..." Harry pointed out as he took a bowl of cereal from Lupin's hands.
"Thanks Professor," Ron said through a yawn.
Seating himself on top of the stove, Sirius shook his head. "Who'd have ever thought that you would have been a Professor? Snape I can see... but one of the Marauders? Heaven forbid."
"All we need now," said Lupin with a slight smile, "Is for Dumbledore to offer you the Dark Arts post."
"I think I'd skip that class," said Sirius between bites of cereal.
The thought having just occurred to him, Harry looked at Sirius, "What do you do all day?"
"Lay low," he sighed, "Never escape from prison, boys, for the sheer sake that being in hiding is one of the most boring things on earth. Occasionally Dumbledore sends me an owl to talk to someone, but I still am the Ministry's most wanted man. Most of the time I go into work with Remus."
"Where do you work?"
"Soon to be worked," Lupin shrugged, "Its a Muggle place, I had to give six weeks from the time I turned in my resignation to when I could leave."
"Its a neat little shop," Sirius said.
"Sutra, it was the closest I could find to anything magical.." Lupin remarked absentmindedly staring down at his cereal bowl. The silence filled a few beats before he continued, "Why don't we all go in today-- I can't leave you two alone," his eyes gave a slight twinkle, "especially with Sirius..."
----
Sutra was a tiny shop squeezed in between a pricey French restaurant and a classic British pub. The pink beaded curtain hanging on the door gave was toy a room so drenched with the stench of incense that it reminded Harry of his divination classroom. Sirius bounded in, to be caught in the arms of a waiting woman, who began scratching his head, "Oh you are such a cute mutt, Snuffles, yes you are-- Remus this is absolutely the most adorable dog I have ever met- yes you are, you know you are," she rubbed Sirius's head as he wagged his tail, obviously enjoying the attention. Standing up, she looked at Remus, "You're late."
"I am well aware of that," he said pulling off his coat.
"Not that it matters," said the woman petting Sirius as she blew a bubble of gum, "The shop hasn't even opened yet..."
Lupin turned to her, "I have company. Maureen, this is Harry and Ron. Harry and Ron, this is Maureen."
Completely non-plussed Maureen stared down at Harry, "Is that for real?" she finally asked, pointing at his scar.
"Er... yes..." Harry said.
"Damn, I want it!" said Maureen, "It's really cool, I should have cut my head open when I was in my goth stage." Harry on the other hand thought that Maureen had little need of a lightening scar. Her hair was a bright pink, which was gelled into spikes that rather gave her the look of a cotton candy porcupine. Every single inch of pierceable skin held an earring, even her tongue, which had a stud through it that wobbled when she talked. "Some old bloke's been looking for you, Remus. White hair, weird robes..."
"Dumbledore?" Lupin asked, his face darkening.
"Dunno," Maureen walked behind the counter "He didn't leave a name."
Lupin shrugged, "Why don't you two take a look around, I don't think I'll be long."
Sutra was full of incense, candles, little Asian figurines and books on subjects that would send Sibyl Trelawney into seventh heaven. Taking refuge behind one of those shelves, Harry and Ron were beginning to smirk at the titles.
"The Gatuma Buddha: Five Noble Paths to Enlightenment..."
"The Past Life Reincarnations of Edgar Cayce..."
"Extra Sensory Perception: The Secret to Expanding Your Inner Eye, better send that one to Professor Trelawney, hmm?"
"Oh look at this one, Phisgomancy: Friend or Foe? Test your friends and determine your enemies by the shake of their head."
"This I have to see," Ron sniggered as he pulled out the book, on which's cover was a picture of the human head-- divided into little quadrants each labeled with a different trait. Turning to the first page, Ron's smirk grew, "Phisgomancy," he began in a pompous mocking tone, "Is the ancient study of the human head. Held in the shape of the skull are all the mysteries of the soul, bare to the world for those that can read them. Phisgomany has changed the cource of history..." Harry's snickers were cut short by the ringing of a bell, someone had finally entered the shop. Through the bookshelf they could see the black robes of a wizard.
"Where is Lupin?" The cold patronizing drawl was followed by a growl from Sirius.
"I'll get him for you," Maureen said flatly, "You can wait while I do, Mr...?"
"That is not important," the man snapped and almost immediately Harry recognized him as Lucius Malfoy. At Ron's black look he knew he wasn't the only one to put two and two together.
"There's no need to get me, I'm here--" Lupin's feet walked into view from a storeroom. If he was surprised to see Malfoy, his voice showed no hint of it. "What can I do for you, Lucius?"
"I don't recall us being on first name terms," Malfoy's voice lashed out, dripping patronism.
"Mr. Malfoy then," said Lupin with the slightest touch of sarcasm.
Malfoy took a step nearer to Lupin, "Where is the boy?"
"I beg your pardon?"
"The boy, Lupin. Harry Potter. I know Dumbledore has contacted you, I know you know his whereabouts. Don't lie to me."
"I haven't heard of him for two years," Lupin said amiably unconcerned. "Knowing as much as you do I'm surprised you don't know that."
"Don't play games with me, Lupin."
"I honestly don't know, Mr. Malfoy."
The haughty drawl became even more threatening, "I think you do. I really think you do, you worthless piece of werewolf filth."
Harry could hear Maureen's laugh, but it was the only sound in the entire shop. Finally Lupin spoke, his voice barely audible, but its quiet anger all the more terrible than any of Malfoy's threats. "You have been waiting to say that all day haven't you, Mr. Malfoy? I want you to get out of this shop, now."
The cold voice snickered, "You're fighting a loosing battle, Lassie, with only old doddering men at your head. You're really going to regret this one day, you are really going to regret this."
"No Malfoy, it's you who will be regretting--" Maureen screamed as Sirius stepped out from behind the counter.
"Black--" Malfoy gave a sneer, "Say hello to the dementors for me, maybe even give them a little kiss--"
With a roar, Sirius made as if o throw himself at Malfoy, but Lupin grabbed his arm. "Sirius, he's not worth your time."
"I want you to know-" Sirius yelled, "That if you ever come near Remus or Harry or any of us again, I will kill you! Get out! Get the hell out!"
"The Dark Lord sends his greetings, Potter!" Malfoy yelled, dissapperating as Sirius's fist hit empty air.
"Wow," said Maureen slowly, "That was so amazing!"
Ignoring her, Lupin was muttering something to Sirius, who stood stock still, trembling with anger.
"Professor Lupin?" said Harry stepping out from behind the bookshelf with Ron. Lupin looked at him, his face as gray and gaunt as it was the day after the full moon. "I never thought they would move that quickly. I have no doubt Malfoy will be back."
"Let me go..." Harry said, "He just wants me, if I leave--"
"Don't be stupid, Harry," Ron said.
"Dumbledore," Sirius said hollowly. "Dumbeldore's the only way."
"I'm sorry Maureen," Lupin gave her a smile, "But I doubt you'll ever see me again."
Maureen nodded dumbly, her face still in a state of shock, "You guys are so cool..." she said in a tone of worship.
"In a manner of speaking," Lupin sighed as they ran out the door, hopefully towards safety.
----
"What the hell?"
12 Rivermede Road was no longer the picture of suburban serenity. Squeezed into the front lawn was the largest group of wizards imaginable, all pounding on the front door, unable to accept that the house was empty.
"What the hell is going on?" Sirius made as if to walk right into the fray, but Remus grabbed his arm, "Just wait a minute--"
"Harry! Ron!" Running towards them out of the crowd was a bushy haired smiling someone they hadn't seen since they left the Hogwarts Express.
"Herimone!" Ron's smile stretched all the way across his face. "What are you doing here?"
"Trying to varn you," Ron's smile dimmed somewhat as the Bulgarian National Seeker strode out of the crowd of wizards and stopped at Herimone's side. Viktor Krum was carrying what looked like a very battered broomstick and a newspaper.
"They're all reporters!" Herimone said hurriedly, gesturing at the front lawn, "Sirius, you have to get out of here."