"What is there to explain, Minister?" I asked calmly glaring at Lucius.
"You know very well what, Liz," he said glaring just a little. "A boy's hand...Green!"
"It was his fault. He's the one who touched it. He grabbed the bag, he touched the plant, and now his hand is green. It will go away in a few days," I said innocently but knew he wouldn't care which way I said it. I was in trouble...again. "For all the muggles know he just touched a painted plant or a plant that stains. They'll forget after a while."
"Minister, sir, if I may intervene for a second, but I think at this rate she'll have revealed the whole magical world in just one more week," Lucius smoothly said. And Fudge was slightly nodding to it as if it made sense! That was it.
"Boy what a Minister! Listening to former death eaters for advice on how to run things!" I said rising my voice but looking off to my side like I was talking to someone next to me. I turned my head to face them. "Really Fudge I didn't do anything wrong. The Muggles don't suspect anything! It's too easy to give an explanation it almost isn't even funny. I mean the teacher is d-"
"Liz! Please! That is no way to talk to the Minister of Magic," Lucius said with an "I got you now" glance that I wished I could punch into his big pointy nose.
"Yeah like you knew anything about being polite to the Minister in your Death Eating days, *Lucius*, " I was so mad. But couldn't help thinking what the scene must look like. A 4 year old floating up in the air about 2 feet to meet eye to eye with a 30 year old standing up tall and an old man sitting in a chair clueless about most of it anyway.
"I think you've done much worse than I could ever have, Liz," he smiled and she knew what was coming...."What about your record huh? Murder and chaos."
"That was 1000 years ago and I was framed anyway! You know very well I haven't killed anyone since I've joined the magical community. 1,500 years ago!"
"Oh well you've done enough to cause chaos. That is true even today. Even after You-Know-Who these last three years are full of your records," his eyes flashed as he went on. "Apparating into the Department of Mystery and getting into top-secret files..."
"I did not! Sure I went in but only to say 'Hi,'" I objected.
"Illegal showing of magic to muggles," he sneered.
"I was playing in for a sick magician! The muggles had-" I protested but was cut off by Lucius's "Unlicensed magician."
"Associating with a Dark Wizard," he said coolly eyeing me. That was it!
"He is innocent!" I yelled at him. "You leave him out of this!"
"I could go on and on Minster, sir," He turned toward the Minister with a phony smile that I seemed to only notice. "The point is Liz is a dangerous person. Do you really think we should leave Harry Potter. The Harry Potter. In the hands of this, this lunatic."
"Lunatic! You're a good actor Lucius but you don't fool me," I said glaring at him as the Minister just stared at her. "Dumbledore put me in charge of Harry. So did Lily and James. I'm going to stay with Harry. What can you do? send the police and Ministry on me? Where would you put me? I wouldn't harm Harry if my soul were on the line. Please Minister understand. Harry needs a friend. Who would you send who could better do it? I can protect him and be his best friend at the same time."
"Someone else can do it. Someone who doesn't have such a...record," Fudge finally said but I could see my own persuading act wasn't that bad either.
"Why would I reveal the magical world, Minister?" I said catching his eye. "I would have no where to go. I'm not stupid Minister. I wouldn't bring a dragon to school for show-n-tell or read a "How To Do Magic" book in front of the class. All I want to do is give Harry a friend. You yourself have cleared all those charges held against me. It's obvious Lucius hates me. I don't think many people...reporters...would like the idea that the Minister himself made decision on a person from the very ideas of the one who probably hates her the most."
That did it. His whole career was based on his image mostly. Sure he did a couple of things here and there but mostly the other Ministry members did the work.
"Point made, Liz," he said not noticing Lucius's stare of disbelief. "You still have my favor of watching over the Potter boy. But no more magical acts!"
"Oh yes, sir!" I said with enthusiasm that seemed to come with this small body. I jumped around and did a flew backflips in the air then apparated out of the room and into the hall. "He's too easy, I'm sure Lucius is arguing the point right now but he won't get anywhere." When Fudge makes up his mind he does. At least until I mess up again. I smiled. That's how it always worked. Even if he had said "No" she still would be with Harry. They couldn't control her. She could apparate anywhere and out of any place.
I decided to just walk out and maybe see a few more people when I came across a red haired woman with dark green eyes coming out of an office. She looked over at me. "Liz?"
"Trista? Trista Turnpike? Is that you?" I asked looking at her face. I hadn't seen her since she had left Hogwarts 4 years ago. She was probably one of the first Slytherin she had met that hadn't despised her. (To think my own house despises me.) She had become an Auror so I hadn't seen her much. Especially since the first year she joined Voldemort was still in power.
"Liz! Oh it's so good to see you again, you're smaller than I remember you," She said with a smile on her face and laughter in her eyes.
"Auror huh?" I asked looking at her black outfit.
"Yep, and a good one too. Learned a lot of sneaking around from you though," she said with a mischievous look. They had always wondered at night around the school avoiding Filch who was just new there and his nosy cat.
"Glad to help anytime I can," mimicking her facial expression.
" I got to go. I'm on call. Hopefully I'll see you again sometime," she said running off to the other direction.
"Bye!" I yelled back to her. as she almost flew down the hall. I almost felt sorry I delayed her.
I decided I'd better get home so I flew down the last couple of floors till I reached the door to the secretary's area. But before I could reach the door it came open and a young man came in. He looked at me with his blue, almost purple, eyes and I knew who he was.
"Peter!" I said happy to see yet another familiar face, especially from Gryffindor.
"Liz? Is that you?" Peter said looking at me as I floated up to his height.
"Yep It's me! I haven't heard from you since you graduated 2 years ago. What have you been doing with your life huh" I said smiling at him.
"I'm a journalist now. Heard of the "Active Magic Magazine"?" he asked looking proud.
"Sure it's only the best Sports and Recreation Magazine in the wizarding world! I haven't been getting it though these past three years. I've been busy."
"Oh I heard. Yeah I have to interview umm... Ludo Bagman."
"The Ludo Bagman? The Quidditch Player? Why are you here then?"
"Oh he just got a job here. That Mr. Crouch isn't happy. My friend over at Headquarters had to interview him and said Crouch said nice things but had hate in his eyes."
"No kidding, I was at the trial."
"Huh?"
"Nevermind. Well, good luck on the paper. I have to go."
"Bye Liz, Nice seeing you again!"
"Nice seeing you, Peter," I said looking back.
I left the building still getting a strange look from the secretary. She must have her some really wild things about me. With people like Lucius around all the rumors will never end. 'They're only mad because I could kick some Death Eater butt' I thought to myself cheerfully.
'See,' I told that little voice in my head. 'I told you I wouldn't get in trouble.'
'Yeah but you're gonna do more stupid things like that before the end of the 7 years.'
'So? It makes life interesting. Don't you wanna see me get outta more punishments with Fudge?'
'You're impossible.'
'Of course I am. I'm gonna watch over Harry and be his friend. Even if I'm his only friend. And I'm gonna need magic to do it too.'
'Ok you keep your promise but be more careful.'
'Course I will. Next time I won't get caught.'
I sighed and then smiled. The next couple of years will be tough. Who knows what will happen? Maybe one day Fudge will send an Auror after me. But not any time soon. I smiled and walked off in the direction of my tree house and slowly, while walking, apparated home.
12) Seven Years~
I walked down Privet Drive towards Number Four. It had taken me so long to get Mr. Dursley to approve of me even to let me in the house. I could remember that day 5 years ago in 1st grade....
*I was walking up privet drive towards Harry's house. The 1st grade year had just started and this was the first weekend of the school year and Harry had finally gotten the nerve to ask his uncle if I could come over. Even after everything that Dudley had said about me (which was a lot) he decided he wanted to "the little demon child."
They last two summers I had written to Harry but couldn't do much because I was going to too many trials brought on by Lucius, the jerk. I dropped off the letter by apparating in the mailman's truck and sticking it with the others. Then doing the same when Harry sent his letter. I used simple magic to take his stamp of his envelope and put it on mine with lines through it, so the post man wouldn't know it was sent.
It wasn't easy and one time the mailman caught me in the back of his truck...I changed my looks before he got a good look at me so I looked homeless and he let me off at an orphanage door where I apparated back home. Even though I got away with it Lucius's spy (who ever he was) gave Lucius yet another thing to hold against me and all. I have began to wonder if Fudge told Lucius to shut up because I hadn't gotten a letter in a month and a half now telling me to come to the Ministry. Even though just yesterday I paid a group of fairies to bounce around Dudley and gang. To muggle eyes they only look like balls of light so when Dudley followed on into the basement of the school and the others followed they got caught by the janitor and given detentions. I never told Harry that it those were fairies though or even that I had anything to do with it.
I reached the door and jumped up to ring the door bell. I heard a low thumping inside the house...It sounded like someone was stumping up stairs and I heard scampering from around the same area as the stairs. Harry opened the door and smiled but I could see his eyes were worried.
We walked to the kitchen where Mrs. Dursley was making sandwiches. She seemed to at least show she some hospitality even if she didn't really approve of Harry or any friend of his. I decided before I even entered the house that I was going to do my best acting of manners and being a good guest as possible so I could come over to the house often enough. I wouldn't be able to get 10 miles near their house if I showed any sign of magic or bad behavior.
I curtsied when Mrs. Dursley turned around and said "Hello Mrs. Dursley. Thank you for inviting me for the day." I looked up and saw a somewhat change in Mrs. Dursley's face from the glimpse I saw before I curtsied. It had become a little softer. It was obvious to me that she had expected a little brat with no manners and probably looked a horror. I had on a little red dress with no sleeves and my hair was up in the usually pulled back way by a red head band.
I could feel Harry's on shocked stare at my side but I didn't look at him. All I could really think about was how much that spy of Lucius's was probably laughing at her from where he was hiding.
"It's nice to meet you too, Liz," she said it like she almost meant it but, as I had hoped, she felt she should give the a greeting similar to the mannerly one I gave to show her own manners and properness. "Lunch will be soon. Harry, you and Liz go outside and play."
I was almost shocked by how sweetly she said this that I had to try very hard to show an expression as if this were normal. She was obviously trying to hide any fact of how she really talks to Harry.
Harry was somewhat caught in the moment of being talked to in the nice sense to realize what she had actually said. The words soon settled in though and he walked me through the house to the outside.
I looked around the garden as if it were the first time. Petunia had a beautiful rose garden and the grass was a lush green. I had almost forgotten about how it looked for I was only around the house at night.
We chased each other around for a few minutes just for fun and raced across the yard avoiding flowers and bushes so Mrs. Dursley wouldn't yell. Soon lunch was ready and we ate on the bench making sure not to drop one crumb on the seat or we would probably end up cleaning the whole bench.
Soon after lunch and about a half an hour more of just playing around in the back yard I heard a car drive up. 'This is it,' I thought to myself. 'If I can't make Mr. Dursley believe I'm a normal, well-behaved child, I'll never get in here again.'
Harry motioned for the back door and then to the living room. When we got to the living room Mr. Dursley came in and sat down in a comfy armchair, seeming to just fit. It almost reminded me of having to talk to Fudge. Harry sat down on the couch and I followed, for some reason unable to think for myself at the time.
'You can't freeze now!' I heard myself telling me. 'You need to act remember?'
'How about I just answer whatever questions he asked. Once he's satisfied he'll leave, hopefully.'
'Yes, but why are you freezing?'
'I don't know. I must be another effect of being playing a small child against an adult-'
My thoughts were cut short by Mr. Dursley's; "What's your name again?"
Apparently he wasn't in for manners just questions. "My name's Liz, Liz Magica, Mr. Dursley, sir." I answered a little uneasily. 'What's wrong with me?'
"Hmmm...Magica. That's an unusual name," he said eyeing me questionably.
"Yes, a crazy name really. It's rather drear," I added looking at him with a 'I don't believe in magic' look. At the moment making that expression seemed like the hardest thing I'd ever done. But it worked for Mr. Dursley stopped eyeing me and I could see his shoulders that had tensed with the sound of my last name had relaxed a little.
"You live with your grandpa?" he asked. I was almost shocked he knew that part of my "life." He must have talked with the teachers...
"Yes," I said with a sad expression as if it were painful. Hopefully he would get a hint from my reaction to the question and not ask more. I didn't like going in detail about my life or I might slip up and if I did I was sure they'd send an auror or some sort of creature on me.
He bought it and went on to another subject.
"What does your grandfather do for a living," He asked curiously.
"What he does? Umm..." I got nervous though if you looked at me you'd probably think I was trying to remember a big word or something. I had never really thought about that question. What does he do? I can't say Headmaster because Mr. Dursley might look up whatever school I say...But I have to pick a busy job so if Dursley ever wanted to meet him I could say he was busy...what job?
"Don't you know your grandfather's job?" he said with a somewhat snort. I heard a little giggle in the doorway and saw Dudley there with his hand over his mouth. He must find it entertaining that one of the smartest people in the class looked so dumb right now. Then something came to me.
"Well, I don't exactly know. He works for the Ministry," Liz said looking at the shocked on Mr. Dursley's face. 'The Ministry! How are you gonna pull this off?!' I was being yelled out in my head but all I could respond was 'I'm making this up as I go.'
"He works at the Ministry? Which department?" he asked with a blank look on his face.
"Oh I don't know," I answered sighing. "He just says 'top secret' a lot."
The look on his face was payment enough for my struggle on finding the right job. He looked uneasy. I figured it was because he had figured I was a "demon child" or something and now he found out that I was the granddaughter of some under cover" agent of the Ministry.
"Oh," was all he said for a long time until finally he added. "Off you go now, play."
When I left I could see I had impressed Mr. and Mrs. Dursley but Dudley was still angry and wouldn't make mine or Harry's life any easier even after this visit. But I thought I wouldn't have any more problems with the Dursleys.*
I sighed thinking about that memory as it went by in a second. 'Well, we can't be right all the time.' I thought as I passed Number Three. It had been fine for a while after that day but then the Dursley lost much respect for my "Ministry Grandfather" when he never turned up for occasions. So I dropped to where the Dursley's pretty much ignored me and Harry. Or at least they ignored Harry until I left to go home.
I reached Number Four and looked at a small orange spot on the drive way that was almost completely covered by their blue car. I smiled remembering that 4th grade year when I had gone to see Arnold and he had shown me the Paint Flower. It was a magical plant that had a different color petal around a white center with white brushed in the middle. The leaf looked regular except that right when you reached the middle it was a little darker. I looked under the leaf and noticed there was a loop or some kind that made the leaf look like a bowl. Arnold said it was from practical jokes. It will come off with water but you stay wet and that color till you wash of if your dumped with it. I had a whole bunch of them and when I was looking around I plucked an orange petal.
I laughed aloud for a second as I remembered Dudley's face when an orange balloon filled with orange "paint" was spashed on him. And apparently, when it fell on the ground and the sun burned it on the spot, it didn't come out.He never really saw who did it but blamed it on us anyway. I had to run not only from Dudley but from the Ministry as well with that one.
"It's an untested plant! You dumped magical coloring on a Muggle?!" I remember Fudge saying...Those were the days. I walked up to the door and it opened before I could knock. Harry smiled and we went into the kitchen grabbing a bite to eat before Petunia saw us. She had decided a time ago that I was no better than Harry, ever since Dudley came home in Orange. So she gave little respect to me and eating freely was not something she would allow.
I smiled again thinking 'In one month he will know everything and those Dursley's can't do one thing about it. They failed trying to take any magic from him. 'With all the little things, teacher's wig turning blue, jumping on the roof, and his dreams...Yes they failed miserably.'
I am the only person he trusts enough to tell me of his dreams and I have to hold back a tear when he talks of the green light and laugh.
"Come on Dudley and Piers will be here soon we better go in the cup board," he said noticing the Polkiss's green car coming down Privet Drive.
"Yeah, let's go," I said, then I saw an owl come up to the window. 'Oh no!' Luckily Harry had turned around. "Umm...I'll be there in a minute I've got to go to the...bathroom."
"Ok but hurry up," he said heading towards the cupboard under this stairs, his room. I ran to the window and opened it. The owl dropped the letter in my hands and flew off. I put it in the big pocket at the chest of my overalls that I was wearing and ran off to the cupboard as I heard the front door open.
13) Flavors~
I shut and locked the cupboard door as I came in. Harry was on his bed looking at a spider crawling in its web but turned towards me as I entered.
"Close one," he said smiling as we heard foot steps above us on the stairs. "One more second and you would have been caught, again."
I shivered at the thought of what had happened the last time I hadn't made it on time in the cup board. It was just after the "orange paint" incident and Dudley wasn't happy. He had gotten the old paints out of the garage and gotten both Harry and me. We were painted with clown faces and even got some in my mouth. Then Dudley decided to play "punch the clowns." It took us an hour or so to clean off all the paint with our sore arms and legs.
"I got the beans," I said clearing the image from my mind.
"Beans? I thought you said you were bringing rotten fruit or something," he sighed looking a little disappointed.
"Oh no these are more fun," I mischievously smiled. I searched in the pockets on the short legs of the overalls that only went down to my knees. I hit a soft velvet fabric and pulled out the pouch. It was a deep royal blue and the size of my hand. I dumped the continents on Harry's bed as Harry scooted over to sit on his pillow.
"Jelly beans!?" he said in a shocked tone of disbelief. "Jelly beans are going to ruin Dudley's day? How? He loves jelly beans."
"I know that," I said a little defensively. "But these aren't your usual flavors of popcorn and orange and coke. Oh no. These are flavors not sold in stores. They're experiments mostly."
"Experiments?" he said looking a little more interested. "And how did you come by them?"
"My grandpa has a friend who works there and he gave me a bag," I said hiding the fact that I hated to lie a lot to hide magic from him. He told me so much yet I told so little. I think the only thing that I never lied about when I talked about me was my name.
"Oh," he said still looking a little skeptical like he suspected I went into the factory and stole it. "And what flavors do you have?"
"Hmm...pepper, gasoline, spinach, grease, salt, vinegar-"I said counting off the beans as I named them. But was cut short when Harry put his hand over my hand and the beans and said; "That's enough, I get the picture. I can almost taste them as you say the names so please, stop," he said with a smile.
"Ok fine," I said giving a disappointed look but my eyes were smiling. "Now all we gotta do is put these 'delicious' jelly beans in a place where Dudley and the others will see them. Where are they?"
"In Dudley's room..." He answered listening hard. "Playing video games."
"Well, then they won't be out in a long time," I said a little upset that plan wasn't going to work. "Plan B then."
"Plan B?" he asked puzzled.
"We just say how wonderful these jelly beans are," I said with an innocent voice. Harry just smiled mischievously.
We unlocked the door and headed for the kitchen. Harry grabbed a small bowl from the cabinet and I poured the beans in quietly. We then walked towards the beginning of the stairs and said in rather load voices...
"Good thing Dudley isn't here to take these treats for us. What luck, don't you think Harry?"
"Yeah I just love Jelly beans!"
"Come on let's-"
But I was cut off right there when I heard Dudley yell; "Freeze!" and come rushing down the stairs and grabbing the bowl.
"Oh no! Not our jelly beans!" I said looking depressed. "They're my favorites!"
"Tough!" Malcolm yelled coming down as fast as he could and shoving me aside to see the delicious looking treat.
"Bring them up!" I could here Dennis yelling from the room.
Dudley looked at Harry and I with a triumphant glance and turned towards the stairs with Malcolm steady behind.
I stared back amazed at how well it had worked. I glanced at Harry who had the same expression on his face. Then I realized that we had to get out of the house and pointed towards the door. Harry ran towards it and opened it quietly. I went out and he followed close behind.
No sooner had we closed the door but did we hear screams of "Ewwww!" and "Yuck!" and last but not least "You two are Dead!"
Harry and I ran as hard as we could down a couple streets and ended at Mrs. Figg's house. Mrs. Figg was a kind old lady but very boring though there was something about her that made me feel like I was forgetting something. We sat on the white bench in front of her house and sighed and gasped catching our breath. We finally looked at each other and smiled giving each other a high five.
"Told you jelly beans could be 'fun," I smiled happily. All we had to do now was go home slowly and sneak into the house and then in the cup board. They should be calmed don by then so they won't bang down the cupboard door. I put a hand on my chest, for I was still breathing hard when I noticed my envelope was missing.
"Oh no!" I said aloud. "My letter!"
"What letter?" Harry asked as his smile faded to a bit of concern.
"I got a letter before I came and put it in my pocket I must have dropped it! No one can see that letter!" I almost screamed. If it was from the Ministry she was a goner. They had gotten more elaborate in their letters instead of just "Ministry Now!" They actually sounded official. I guessed it was because they wanted to sound more threatening and powerful. She wasn't impressed.
But if Mr. or Mrs. Dursley saw that letter...Her cover would be blown and he would know I was working with the wizards! "Harry, we HAVE to get that letter!"
"Calm down, Liz," he said looking worried for me. "We'll get it, don't worry."
We ran down the streets again towards Number Four. My heart sank when I saw Mr. Dursley at the front door. He was a little paler than usual and an open letter was in his hands. He looked at me with a mixture of shock and terror and anger. I knew right then that my cover was blown. I could almost see Lucius's smirk of happiness when he hears I had failed one month before I was to finish.
14) Cover: Blown~
I stopped running as Harry ran ahead. He noticed I stopped and slowed down, but Mr. Dursley went forward and grabbed the neck of Harry's shirt.
"Get in the house, boy," he ordered through clenched teeth but stared at me. Harry looked at me but went in the house and closed the door. I could see him in kitchen window that looked out to the scene. I just sighed dropping my head back to look at the clouds moving unusually fast, but I could hear Mr. Dursley yelling at me.
"You-you brat-I can't believe-you-I welcomed you in my house-" he was yelling. Though I wasn't looking at him I could almost see his face get redder with every word.
"Some welcome," I said coolly looking at him finally with a devilish look in my eye. "You shouldn't look at other people's mail you know. May I have my letter back now? Or are you saving it for something?"
"You-" but he stopped himself and threw the paper in the air. I focused on it and chatted an incantation in my head;
'The wind blows
Life follows
The wind blows
It picks up the life
My paper is falling
Wind blow!'
A very primitive incantation, but it worked. The wind blow the paper over to me. I picked it out of the flow of wind and looked it over:
Dear Liz,
It's almost time, as you probably know. Please come back to Hogwarts soon to help with the school since you'll be coming back this year. The Ministry has mentioned some of your "magic tricks." No, I don't mind as long as no muggles were harmed. I know you have your way of handling things. I hope you are well and I'll see you soon.
Sincerely,
Dumbledore
I smiled slightly. It had been a long time since I had heard from Dumbledore. But after a moment I remembered Mr. Dursley standing only 5 feet away and how my cover had just been blown.
"Magic tricks? Hogwarts? Muggles?" Mr. Dursley yelled over to me. If I knew one thing about Mr. Dursley it was that he hated the mention of the word "magic" in his presence. "Who are you, Liz? If that's even your real name. What are you really doing here?"
"Oh really Mr. Dursley. You know the answer to that," I said eyeing him evilly again which made him take a step back. "Now that you've read my mail you already know."
"You work for those...for those weirdoes!" he exclaimed. I looked over at Harry who had a puzzled look on his face. I'm sure he couldn't hear much through the glass. At least not my voice, maybe Mr. Dursley's.
"They're not weirdoes you blubber ball!" I yelled taking a defense for Dumbledore and James and Lily. Mr. Dursley took another step back by the intensity of my voice. "I've only come to be Harry's companion through these rough years when he has to live with muggles like you and that disgusting and brutish son of yours!"
"Well, you won't be seeing him anymore!" he said standing on what was left of his pride and ground. "You'll never see him again!"
"Ha!" I yelled back glaring. I was rather enjoying how Mr. Dursley seemed to get smaller every time I talked back. It was really a show for me. I had always said I was a good actress. "That's what you think Muggle. Good day!"
I looked over to Harry still at the window but with a sad expression. He must have heard that wasn't to see him again. I smiled a winked at him. He smiled back and then left the window. He was probably going to his room. He knew he would see me again. And I'm going to guarantee that.
I gave Mr. Dursley one last smirk and walked off down the road disapparating till I was back home. I went around my house packing the few things I had. I stopped at a little wooden box that I had made and opened it. There were assorted sock puppets and friendship bracelets that Harry and her had made together. It had been some seven years. I had even learned things about telephones, wars, great muggles, and even muggle math. More than enough muggle studies to last me a while.
Suddenly an eagle owl flew in from the far window and dropped a letter on my head then flew off. It read:
Liz:
One month to go. You failed. Not surprising. It figures you'd screw up, again. Then you apparated in a muggle area. The Minister isn't happy with the Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans incident either. Get to the Ministry at once. You're not going to visit everyone in the building beforehand. There are wizards waiting at the front of the building for you. Good day.
-Lucius Malfoy
'Well it looks like I'll be paying Fudge another visit,' I said to myself as I picked up my bag.
'Malfoy sounds happy. You've really done it now.'
'You say that every time and every time I get out of it.'
'I guess you're right. So how long are you betting you can get out of it this time?'
'10 minutes.'
With that I went out my door and said another incantation.
"Foresoris. Coverious. Wrap your vines of illusion round. Cover this dwelling from top to ground. Let no soul see window nor board. Cover it with your illusion gourd."
And with that the house disappeared but I put a hand out and felt the solid house. Then I disappeared to meet my appointment with the Minister.
15) Back to Hogwarts~
I reappeared at the front of the Ministry's door. Sure enough there were two of Malfoy's goons. I knew them well enough. Misters Crabbe and Goyle. They were two big men that looked like body guards in movies. They reminded me strangely of Malcolm and Gordon.
I walked up to them and passed them walking through the doors. They followed close. We walked the first 4 floors and I decided to test if these guys were paying attention. I started going down the opposite hallway from the direction of the Office. Crabbe's big hand covered my shoulder and directed me the other way.
"Don't make this hard, Liz," He said in a low grunt. I innocently looked up at his glare.
"You mean this isn't the right way?" I said giving a cute puzzled expression.
"No, it isn't," he answered not fooled. I decided I didn't want to go up the rest of the way with their guidance like a real child. So I looked at him with a "you're mean" look that only this little body could make.
"Well, you're no fun," I said looking at him as his expression changed to more of a blank expression like he lost interest. "Well, I don't like hanging around people so silent. I'll just go to Fudge directly thank you. See ya!"
And with that I apparated to Fudge's Office. I didn't care that I was told not to but I really couldn't stand their silence. I never could. Even when they were at school in Slytherin. I reappeared just in front of Fudge's desk.
Fudge jumped a foot out of his chair before he realized it was me.
"I thought I told you not to do that!" he yelled with a hand clutching his chest.
"Sorry," I said not really caring. "I just don't like Lucius' goons hanging around my back. I'm not a child you know."
"You don't seem to prove that much, Liz," Lucius hissed from behind me.
"Considering how many times you've been here because of your repeated breakings of every single rule you know."
"Oh you're one to talk," I said still with my back to him. "I remember a kid at Hogwarts who had a knack for breaking rules as well. And then that kid became a death eater and performing the Cruciatus Curse daily."
"I-" Lucius was starting but got cut off by Fudge's yell of "Shut up!"
"Why I say Fudge," I said eyeing him with laughing eyes. "That's no way for a Minister to talk."
"Well, you two take that argument somewhere else," He said actually sounding convincing. "You know why you are here, Liz."
"Well, from the rude letter I got from Lucius here," I said turning to glare a Lucius. "Yes, I understand. Apparating in a muggle zone and giving muggle food to a muggle."
"Yes," he said with some power behind his voice. "What do you have to say for yourself?"
"Well, if I say I didn't do it would be pointless cause you know and I know that I did it," I said almost rolling my eyes. "So, what's my punishment?"
Fudge looked surprised that I skipped my whole act but I was getting really bored with all this. Once I get into Hogwarts walls again he'll leave me alone.
"Well, umm..."He said thinking hard. I had to stop myself from laughing. He didn't even know what punishment he was planning to give me!
"Banishment," Lucius said coldly.
"Banishment?!" I said trying to hold my voice on an even tone but it still went higher than usual. That was probably the only thing that Fudge could do to me that would be a real punishment. But you had to something as drastic to get banished. "I didn't blow up a part of the world or join the Dark Arts, Lucius! If I get banished than you go with me! You did even more than I ever did!"
"I have to say I agree with Liz on this one Lucius," Fudge said. I was shocked. I had never heard the words 'agree with' with 'Liz' right after ever from Fudge. For once he was making a good decision!
"But, sir," Lucius said a little shocked himself.
"No, buts Lucius. She hasn't done that much," he said looking for the first time ever like a real minister.
"Thank you...sir," I said with a smile. "Well, Dumbledore needs me at Hogwarts. I have to clean toilets and halls and alot of work," I said looking tired. "I'll be in hard labor for the next month or so."
"Well, that sounds like a good enough punishment," he said losing the image of a minister again. "Off you go then."
"Bye Fudge!" I apparated out hearing Malfoy start up again as if out of a daze.
I ended up in Dumbledore's office. Fawks, Dumbledore's phoenix, made a startled squawk, but Dumbledore didn't look up.
"Hello, Liz," He said finishing a letter. I took in the sight. Dumbledore had always been a model of pure wisdom and good in my eyes. I respected him a lot and when he looked up I made a real curtsey, not like the fake one I gave while bowing for some prank I did.
"Hello, Professor Dumbledore, sir," I said smiling as I looked up. "It's good to be back."
"I guess my owl got to you at Harry's house," he smiled with a twinkle in his eye.
"You knew it was going to get me at Harry's house?" I asked puzzled.
"Yes, did they tell him?" he asked looking a little more serious.
"No," I answered dropping my head. "Dumbledore?"
"Yes," he said.
"Umm...well Mr. Dursley read the letter. I'm pretty much banned from Harry. I-I-I failed to tell Harry anything. They'll keep him inside most of the time I'm sure now. No owl will get to him. How can we get it to him now?" I said faintly not looking at him.
"Don't worry, Liz," I looked at him as he said this smiling. "We still have the muggle mail to use. But I dare say you've done your share already. I'll have Hagrid bring the letter and so on. He does need something to do. You can relax now."
"I agree Hagrid should help but can I be in it to, Professor,sir," I asked eager to see Harry sooner than two months from now.
"As you wish, Liz," He answered, the twinkle back in his eye. "But no hanging around the muggle's house until I tell you to send the letter. Ok?"
"Got it, Professor Dumbledore, sir," I said smiling with joy that I get to help show Harry his real heritage and take him away from that dreaded muggle house for at least 10 months in the year, and I also get to work with Hagrid who was one of my favorite people around Hogwarts. "Now, I told Fudge I'd do some kind of work to make up for my 'crimes.' Any ideas, Professor?"
"Ok Liz," he said with a shine in his laughing eyes. "I need you to locate Peeves and tell him to clean up Filch's Office. Can you handle this terrible horrible job?"
"Oh I think I could stand it, Professor," I said amused with Dumbledore's acting. I wonder if he got it from me sometimes? One knows I do it all the time. This was my favorite job ever too and Dumbledore knew it. I loved going through the castle looking for him and it will help me get the whole place down again. Peeves always messed up Filch's Office at the end of the year and Dumbledore never let one of the house elves near it, no matter how hard they wanted to clean it. It was my pleasure to make Peeves clean up his own act as Filch was off on vacation. "Have a good day, Professor Dumbledore, sir. I'll see you when I get Peeves."
And with that I apparated to my room and laid down on my bed. "It's good to be back."
I dropped my bag on the side of my bed but stayed lying down and staring at the ceiling sighing deeply. Finally I sat up and looked at one side of the curved wall that surrounded my room and stared at it thinking of the kitchen that was somewhere beyond that. 'I wonder if Peeves is taunting the House Elves about the dirty office? Well, I'll just have to see. Get ready Peeves, cause I'm back at Hogwarts!'
16) House Elf Help~
I apparated just inside the kitchen, getting the whole site in as if it were the first time. I watched the elves sitting around mostly. They were really bored right now. I could tell. I had taken the time to get to know all of them. Abby, Sonia, and Jenny were leaning on the oven door talking. It was a very peaceful time for the house elves. I almost forget how fun it was to hang out with all of them. Most don't see them, which is what makes a good house elf, but I see each and every one of them.
Gini, a small house elf with red-orange hair and freckles, ran in a somewhat happy skip.
"May we help you young miss?" she asked happily.
"Gini don't you recognize me?" I asked smiling. She looked deep in my eyes and her eyes brightened even more, which was impressive.
"Liz! I is so happy to see you!" She said brightly. "But Liz, where your crystal?!"
I looked down and realized I hadn't uncovered it yet. I put my hand over it and willed it to appear. I knew it was back when Gini gave a little gasp of relief and amazement. "It's here, Gini. As always."
"You is smaller too! Oh!" she covered her mouth embarrassed. "I is sorry, Liz. I is not meaning offense."
"It's ok, Gini," I said still smiling. The house elves were so kind and considerate. Better than certain people I knew. "I made a spell so I could be small again. So I could be Harry's companion."
Gini gasped even loader in bewilderment. "Harry Potter? Liz been with the Harry Potter!" She exclaimed in her squeaky little voice excitedly jumping up and down a little.
"Yes," I answered looking at all the eyes now on Gini and me. "He'll be a student this year."
With that, any elf around was paying close attention.
"Then Gini will work her hardest this year," she said still excited. "What is Harry Potter like, Liz?"
"He's nice, kind, and all and all a fun guy," I said looking at all the little heads turned. I knew them all. Rini, Dabby, Tonnia, Guster, Wen, Yin, and so many more of my friends. Then, I remembered my job. "Gini can you take me to see your sister Galina?"
"Oh yes, yes Liz. Galina just over here," she said happy to help me out. We walked past a couple of long tables in the gigantic kitchen towards a corner with a tiny desk sitting there.
Galina was standing at the edge of the desk, with on hand on and the other waving around pointing directions in the air, talking to Bom, a rather round house elf with brown dirty hair and his tea towel toga wasn't very clean either. Bom usually worked on outside duty, cleaning the grounds. Galina, on the other hand, was very impressive looking, even for a house elf. Her blonde hair was cut short and waved around a little. Her tea towel is very clean and almost seemed to shine compared to Bom's. She is the head of the House Elves, and a did a great job. She'd been promoted just a year before I left and, by the look of the place, she was doing a very good job. She knew where every elf was and with a communicating system that even I didn't understand she knew all the news.
Gini waited patiently until Bom had gotten his directions for whatever job he was doing and then said; "Galina! Galina! Liz is back! Liz is wanting to see you Galina!"
I walked up when I heard my name and smiled at Galina.
"Liz," she said with a more even voice compared to Gini's. She had always been a very good friend of mine. "What can I do for you?"
"Well, Dumbledore gave me the job to catch Peeves. I need to find him," I answered. "Any elves seen him?"
"Well, I is hearing lots about Peeves," she said looking up at the ceiling with a hand on her cheek thinking. "Tweek and Gadget were bothered by Peeves just 15 minutes ago. They were on the 3rd Floors bathrooms. But then I is remember hearing something about a disturbance over in the green houses where Fig and Tootie are. I thinks you should go there, Liz."
"Thank you very much, Galina," I said smiling. "I'll check the green houses first. I'll come back soon and we can talk about what's been happening these last 7 years."
"I be looking forward to it, Liz," she said smiling happily. "I is hoping you catch Peeves."
"I will, I will. Bye and Thanks!" I said. And with that I apparated over to the green houses.
"Fig? Tootie? Where are you?" I said looking through the plants.
"We is over here!" I heard a small voice yell. I guessed it was Tootie. It was coming from behind a huge plant I was close to. I floated over to the plant and looked over. I saw the two figures digging in the dirt. They looked up and their eyes shone so brightly to see me.
"Liz! Fig thought it was you!" Came the same high voice I heard before from Tootie. Fig and Tootie were twins with long black hair and stubby noses. They were a cute pair and loved the dirt.
"Hi you two. I was hoping Peeves might be here," As I said that I saw Fig's face screw up.
"Peeves was here," he said with a high angry voice. "Peeves knocked over the bucket of the bugs we is taking away from the plants. All because we is following orders."
"We is good elves. We is not cleaning the dirty office. We is told not to," Tootie added in her higher pitched voice.
"Did he say where he was going?" I asked feeling sorry for them that Peeves had ruined their work. "I've been sent to catch him to make it clean it up."
"Peeves saying something about other ghosts and the Hall," Tootie said helpfully.
"Thank you Tootie. I'll get him yet," I said turning around about to leave, but then; "If I catch him soon I'll come back to help you ok?"
"We is needing no help, Liz," Fig said. "Thank you for asking Liz. We is ok. I is cheering you on."
"Ok then. Thank you. Bye!" I said apparating off towards the Great Hall. It figures Peeves would try to coax some other ghost to do it for him. Probably the Fat Friar, he always let Peeves get away with things. 'I'll get you yet Peeves!'
17) Peeves~
When I reached the Great Hall I stood a moment to look up at the magical ceiling I had helped build. Godric had said I looked at the stars too much. He laughed when I told him a ceiling should imitate the outside. But if he had known how very special and historic the Hall has become now, partly because of it, that he wouldn't have laughed.
I saw Peeves and talking loudly with Nearly Headless Nick and Fat Friar at the other end of the Hall over the Professors Table.
"Professor Dumbledore wants one of you to clean up Filch's office," I could here him saying. I floated up so I was even height to them on the other side of the room when I heard Nearly Headless Nick say: "You don't expect us to believe that do you?"
"Bad Peeves! You shouldn't try to give orders with Dumbledore's name," I said in a load playful voice laughing as I saw his face show a shock of confusion. "If you don't go clean up that office, then I'll have to punish you."
"Punish me?!" he said half laughing. "I don't know who you are little girl but you can't punish me!"
"Don't you recognize me P?" I asked with my eyes laughing as his face fell, realizing who it was.
"Liz," he said as if it were a rotten word. "Don't tell me it's been 7 years already?"
"Glad you remember me," I said in a cheery voice. "Now go clean up the mess."
"Maybe I don't wanna," he said sticking up his chin. With that I apparated right in front of his face and said in a low chilling whisper that even scared me; "It may have been 7 years since I've been here but I still remember *many* spells on how to torture ghosts and poltergeists. And unless you want to have a screaming yell in your head for days or see things that aren't there, then I suggest you get going."
"You're no fun!" he said pouting a little. "I'm going...I'm going!"
"Thank you," I said happily beaming. I never want to hurt Peeves but the Bloody Baron and I are the only people, if you can call an immortal and a ghost people, who can control Peeves. As Peeves left I turned to Nearly Headless Nick and Fat Friar who looked relieved and a little scared at the same time. I never liked showing my darker side.
"How did anyone get him to clean the Office these last 7 years?" I asked wondering.
"Well, it took us a week of trying the first year till we finally just got the Bloody Baron to demand it," Nick said with a face of disgust as he remembered the last couple of years of trying.
"He'll never learn," Fat Friar added. "Glad your back though do you have to be so ... umm."
"Yes, unfortunately," I answered knowing what he meant. "There's no other way really, and I don't approve of the Baron."
"Well, it's good to have you back," Fat Friar said joyfully.
"Harry Potter will be coming this year then?" Nick said looking hopeful.
"If I have anything to say about it he will," I said confidently. "I have to help with that in a month."
"I can't wait! The Harry Potter! I hope he's in Hufflepuff!" Fat Friar said excitedly jumping up and down in the air. He reminded me of Gini when he did that.
"Well, I must be off," I said turning my back to them and apparating out of the Hall towards Dumbledore's office.
When I got to Dumbledore's office I could hear Dumbledore talking to someone before I landed so I changed course to just outside his door.
"Well, it's the end of another school year, Severus," I could faintly hear Dumbledore say. "What did you want to tell me?"
"Well, it's actually two things, I guess," I could hear Snape say coolly in his own oily voice. He was Head of Slytherin so I had to obey him. And like every other Slytherin Head he pretty much hated my guts. Why would he be here? "Someone rearranged all my potions. I'll need to put it all back so I'll be here for a while. I'm positive that it was those 2 year Weasley twins. I wonder if a detention when they get back from their summer could be arranged?"
"Really Severus. Do you have proof they did it?" Dumbledore said sounding disappointed. "I mean we can't just give them a detention on their first week because of an assumption."
"You're right," he agreed but I could tell by his voice that he didn't agree at all. Well, I think this is a good time. I knocked on the door. Snape answered it and whatever face he had on before turned sour in an instant. I just smiled and waved a "Hi" at him. Then I passed him to Dumbledore.
"Peeves is cleaning Filch's office as we speak," I reported looking at Snape in the corner of my eye. "Anything else I can do for you, Professor?"
"Excuse me for interrupting," Snape said with a sneer. "But I believe I have something for her to do since she's in the mood for some job."
My heart sank to the depths and I looked at Snape with a matched expression. "And what would that be, Professor?"
But he didn't look at me, just straight at Dumbledore. "If you have nothing for her to do, Headmaster. She is very good with Potions, and I do need help with my disarrayed ingredients."
"More like you want me to do all the work," I muttered under my breath. Dumbledore though nodded and I followed Snape out of the office. When we were out past the gargoyle, that guarded Dumbledore's office, he finally said something.
"So your back," he sneered. "All to soon. So Potter's coming too."
"Yes, I'm back, glad you missed me," I said with my spirits sinking. "And his name is Harry."
"Hold your tongue," he snapped then in his cool but sharp voice. "Don't talk back. I know very well what his name is. You may have been able to run free and cause whatever chaos you wanted in these past years but not anymore. Yes, I've heard about your almost weekly trips to the Ministry. Why is it that every time you go out into the real world you prove more and more that you are a fool? That age suits you well, Liz. Now this year try and act like a Slytherin."
And with that we came to the dungeon's and I set to work on the potions and ingredients in silence with a hurt spirit. 'Now I remember one of the only reasons I liked being away from Hogwarts.'
18) Messenger~
Luckily, after his potions were ordered the right way, Snape finally left. At least I knew I wouldn't have to worry about him until the beginning of the school year. Though I had to fight the urge to go and destroy the office myself.
Peeves had ended up being my entertainment, with his yelling and fairly funny conversations with the paintings when they made remarks about him as he passed. It was very interesting to see a poltergeist arguing with a piece of art.
The House Elves were very happy to see me and I spent most of my time with them when I wasn't watching Peeves make a complete fool of himself. They had told me all of the big news. Like Slytherin winning the House Cup for the past 6 years and winning the Quidditch Cup 5 years in a row as well. In fact, Tunny mentioned that one of the only reasons Slytherin won so much was because of one student named Lae Demonia, who came the year I left.
"She was the smartest one in her year, and very pretty. With yellow blonde hair that had a tinge of green and deep green eyes that seemed to open to another world. And she was a superb Keeper. Not many Quaffles got past her. And last year when she as a 7th year she demolished Gryffindor in a match and the other houses! She was Snape's pride and joy, she was. He looked disappointed to lose such a talented student, " I remember Gad, an elf that cleaned the Slytherin Common Room, saying excitedly at the mention on Lae.
I met Hagrid halfway heading towards Headmaster Dumbledore's office. Dumbledore usually didn't hang around the school much over the summer but when he did he was in his office. Hagrid and I were the only living people, other than the house elves, that actually lived at Hogwarts. Though, Hagrid usually stayed over at Hogsmead and the Leaky Cauldron at Diagon Alley. He smiled and I had to float very high to meet him face to face. He always looked much to big to be allowed. Only in the Great Hall did he look remotely like he was an average height.
We went up to the office in silence. Hagrid came to the door first and was about to knock, when Dumbledore suddenly opened the door before he got the chance. He smiled with the regular twinkle in his eye shining bright, and he spread his hand out to the whole room, inviting us in.
Hagrid stood, slouching just a little, and I floated down to meet Dumbledore eye to eye. He sat down properly and cleared his throat.
"Now, Liz you know what I'm about to assign you so I'll be brief and you can fill Hagrid in on the details while you start, ok?" he asked looking very official looking that it caught me surprised for a moment. But I quickly got over and said, "I understand."
"Now, as I understand it we need to send Harry his letter and get him to Diagon Alley and so forth," he proceeded mostly looking at Hagrid because I already knew most of this. "Unfortunately, I'll be too busy with the other letters to do this myself. Hagrid, Liz, I'm need you two to find some way to give it to him. Here's the letter. Obviously owl post and handing it to him in person aren't going to work very well. So you will probably need to use muggle mail. Do it any way possible, you are allowed to use a little magic to get it to him but after that no magic. Is that clear?"
"Yes, sir," I said a little sad that he had to add the words 'a little magic' and 'no magic after'.
"Got it Headmaster," he said confidently.
Then, looking thoughtful, Dumbledore added; "Hagrid, I need you to get something important for me when you are at Diagon Alley with Harry. I need you to get the Sorcerer's Stone out of vault 713. Here's a letter to give to the goblin."
My jaw dropped open in shock as my mind raced. 'The Sorcerer's Stone?', 'Nicholas is a good friend of mine since he was practically immortal as long as he had that Elixir of Life with him and a really nice guy.' , 'There's something I don't know.' , 'What would be so important as to get *the* Sorcerer's Stone out?' , 'Why am I always the last to know these things?!'
"Is there something bothering you, Liz?" Dumbledore asked ruining my chain of thought.
"No," I lied calmly. "Nothing at all."
I looked over at Hagrid who now was putting in the letter in his giant vest of many pockets and looking very happy by these two important jobs he had. I must have missed him accepting the job and everything, when I was caught up in my thoughts.
"You can count on us, Headmaster!" Hagrid said with his final good-bye and started off out the door. I smiled and waved good bye when I closed the door to Dumbledore's office.
I followed Hagrid out to his hut and waited outside as he got a few things. Finally, he came out and I smiled as he grabbed his pink umbrella.
"How are we goin' ter get to Harry's house, Liz?" he asked looking as if thinking and looking at his umbrella for a second, but made a hesitating face.
"I can make you light and then we can fly above the clouds over to Harry's house," I suggested looking hopeful cause it would be about the easiest way. Flying always was for me.
"Ok, but we mus' make sure not ter be seen," he said looking a little nervous about blowing this mission.
"Of course," I said smiling. Then I stood straight and began to circle Hagrid in my up-right position. Concentrating on the words and power in the chant.
"Light as a feather
Hard as a rock
Light as a feather
From the great hawk
Light as a feather
This chant will lock"
Another crude incantation, but effective. Once I held Hagrid's hand when I said 'lock' I could feel he lighten and fidget a little by the change in mass. His face looked amazed and he weary at the same time.
"Don't worry, Hagrid," I said insuring him. "All my chants I learned from Merlin. They aren't taught much but they are very effective. I've learned them all."
"Yer more powerful than they know. Even without yer wand," he said smiling.
"Hardly," I said but smiled back. "I just know a lot of little tricks. You don't hang out with one of the most powerful wizard's in the world for 500 years and not learn something. Let's go, shall we?"
With that I floated up to the clouds a little awkwardly. I felt like I had a gigantic balloon in my hand. But if I let go he would fall like a rock down to the world below. I wasn't going to tell him that, though.
I didn't need to see through the clouds. I knew where I was going. When I had pledged my protection over Harry, I had made a bond between me and him so I could feel if he was close or not and get a general direction on where he was.
Finally I could tell that we were right above the general area where ever he was. I looked down below the clouds and saw Number Four just a block away. I dropped down as fast as I could in the street just before Privet Drive.
No one was around so I let go of Hagrid's hand and he went back to his normal weight. He breathed a little sigh of relief and I looked at a park not to far away that had a pretty but small forest. I started to walk over to the park and Hagrid, noticing my direction, followed. I looked at Hagrid as we entered the little forest.
"We'll stay here until we give Harry his letter," I said smiling at how roomy it was. Hagrid looked around.
"It's not bad fer a night," he said sitting down. I looked down at my outfit and figured that my red skirt showed out to much in the scenery. I turned around thinking of a more causal, less stand out color. When I finished my turn I was in short leaf green shorts and a white shirt. I looked down a frowned that the green would show out in the streets, but matched the tree's leaves perfectly. I guess it would do. Then I hid my crystal again, willing it to disappear for a while.
"That's amazin' how yeh can change like that yeh know. Yer pretty talented, Liz. Wand o' no," he pointed out smiling. "Now how we goin' ter send this letter without gettin' caught?"
"Easy enough. I'll apparate into the mail man's truck and place it in there," I said thinking about all the times I had before. "They'll probably make Harry get the mail. They make him do everything that might involve getting up during breakfast."
"Sounds a little to easy, Liz," he said frowning a little.
"You're right, Hagrid. We'll just make a copy of the letter," I said looking at it and thinking again about how Mr. Dursley loved to look at other people's mail. "Think you could do a duplicating charm?"
"Sure," he said and held up his umbrella and muttering a few words. Another letter appeared beside the original.
"That's great!" I said looking as his face turned a little red. "Well, mail's already gone out today. We'll start tomorrow. What's today again?"
"Monday," he said absentmindedly because he was looking at a couple of birds who were chirping on a branch near his head.
"Thanks, then we'll start on tomorrow, Tuesday. That means we have a week before July 31st, that's our last day. It's Harry's Birthday too," I said staring at the clouds that were barely visible through the trees leaves. I closed my eyes taking in the sweet air and thinking.
'I'm just the messenger. Maybe I can give Mr. Dursley a message too. Like a kick in the head for not telling Harry about being a wizard. Oh well, Harry will know soon enough. I'm sure he'll like it at Hogwarts. I hope Hagrid doesn't get made that Harry doesn't know. Dumbledore and I only said it would be hard to get Harry. He loves Harry like a son. He's not gonna be happy...' And with that I slowly fell asleep.
19) Plan: Fun~
When I woke up it was already dark and the moon was pouring in light. I flew up so my head was over the trees and sat on a branch looking at the moon. It wasn't full, but it still reminded me of one of my best friend's, Remus. I sighed staring from star to star. I could go up to space if I wanted. I didn't need air or anything but I heard space travel really messed up time or something like that. I really should have listened more in that History class.
I heard Hagrid stir a little as the sun came up an hour later. I floated down and grabbed the copy letter. Hagrid opened one eye and then the other as a dark brown owl dropped the Daily Prophet on his head. He picked out five knuts and put it in the little owl's pouch. Then it flew off.
"Guess that's a sign fer us," he said rubbing his eyes as the sun light hit them. "Mails goin' out. Off yeh go then."
"Right!" I said and apparated to the postman's car and looked at the back of his seat. He was on Privet Drive now. 'Lucky Hagrid told me to go now,' I thought still looking at the mail man who was now putting mail in Number Three's door slot. I looked at the next batch of letters waiting....a postcard and a bill. I looked at my letter and realized I didn't put the address down! I concentrated on Hagrid back in the forest, then more on his vest, then more on the upper pocket, then more on the black pen inside. I concentrated on the pen drawing it in my mind and then it was right there in front of me. I smiled and then wrote a very exact address on the envelope:
Mr. H. Potter
The Cupboard under the Stairs
4 Privet Drive
Little Whinging
Surrey
I slipped it between the bill and postcard and apparated to the top of Harry's House behind the chimney. I watched the postman walk up to the house, oblivious as to what I did. And put it in. I could hear Mr. Dursley telling Harry to get the mail. I was right! As the postman drove off I looked through the kitchen window just in time to see Mr. Dursley grab it out of Harry's hands.
"Darn him!" I cursed under my breath. Harry was never going to read it know. I watched in disgust as Mr. and Mrs. Dursley argued about responding or not and watching Mr. Dursley curse my name. They were so caught up in the event that they didn't even notice me watching from the window. They left the kitchen and I floated over to the roof again sighing.
Then, after a while, I heard someone come into the room I was laying over. But if I remember the house set right, I was over Dudley's second storage room. What was anyone doing in there? I decided to look through the window for a peek. Harry was carrying the little belongings he had into the room!
'They think moving him into a better room is going to make me leave them alone?" I said smirking coming up to the roof again. "No way! I would give Harry a letter now but.'
'Why not! You're job would be done! The word would be out! What are you waiting for?'
'I think I'll play with the Dursley's minds a little. Mr. Dursley especially!'
'How far are you going to go?'
'Far enough to make him crack,' I said smiling evilly. This was going to be more fun than I thought. If they went as far as to give Harry a real room.
I could hear Dudley yelling about Harry being in *his* room and decided Harry should enjoy this, he'll get that letter soon enough. I apparated back to Hagrid who was reading the paper.
"Did he get it?" he asked not looking up.
"Nope," I said smiling. "I guess we'll just try again tomorrow. I'll need another copy."
"Don' yeh think yeh'll be able ter get it to him tomorrow?" he asked looking up this time.
"Well, I think we should always take precautions," I said smiling to myself as I flew up to my branch at the top of the tree. "Those Dursley's aren't going to let Harry go without a fight."
"Al' right," he said going back to his paper. "But remember the dead line."
"I remember," I said, now sitting on the branch looking off to the castle that was too far away to see. "Harry will get his letter, but I want to have a little fun while I do it."
"Fun, huh?" he said smiling as well.
"Yep," I said looking down as he looked up. "Can't blame me. It's not every day I'm allowed to do magic. Even just a little."
"Ok, do what yeh want then," he said looking back down at the article he was reading. "I'll make as many copies as yeh want."
"Thank you, Hagrid," I said looking back up at the sky. "Thank you very much."
20) Vernon Cracks~
The next day I woke up before the sun again and waited until the owl came from the Daily Prophet to apparate to the postman's car. Either the owl was early or the postman was late, but he was on Number Two this time. I decided to send one letter to him with his new address just to show the Dursley's I wasn't going to stop. I figured they would probably not let Harry get the mail but maybe Harry will be able to get it anyway. I scribbled:
Mr. H. Potter
The Smallest Bedroom
4 Privet Drive
Little Whinging
Surrey
Then placed it just after Number Three's mail. The Postman came into the car and I just apparated out before he saw me. I watched him, from behind the chimney, go to Number Three and finally to Number Four. I strained my ears and heard Dudley yell, "There's another one! 'Mr. H. Potter, The Smallest Bedroom, 4 Privet Drive-"
I smiled as I heard Mr. Dursley give a cry and charge to the door. I started hearing a load noise of bangings and rolls. It could only be them fighting over the letter. I sat over Harry's bedroom and listened as he entered the room. I went upside down and looked from the top of his window.
He grabbed the alarm clock he must have worked on all day when he got bored and set it. That was enough for me. I apparated straight to my branch and saw Hagrid reading his paper looking up as I landed there.
"He didn' get it did he?" he asked looking a little disappointed.
"Nope," I sighed. "He put up a good fight for it but it didn't work. I'm leaving early tomorrow so I can put the letter in before the postman reaches Privet Drive."
"Why?" he said looking a little puzzled. "Does it mat'er when you put it in?"
"Well," said looking at the clear blue sky. "Our little Harry has a plan and I'm going to make sure I at least do my part."
"Ok," he said sighing himself looking rather bored. "I'll make another copy."
"Umm," I said thinking. "Make that three copies, Hagrid."
The next day I woke up again before the sun came up. 'I need to do my part,' I thought. I waited a little and then apparated to the postman's car.
He was driving on a street two blocks from Privet Drive and didn't notice a new arrival in the back. As he walked out I scribbled the address and put it in Number Four's little pile. Then I apparated to the roof again. I heard Harry's alarm ring once.
"Wonder if he gets it this time?" I said aloud floating down to the side of the house closest to the door. Suddenly I heard a load growl and it made me jump.
'Oh no!' I thought. 'He must have anticipated this! He's smarter than I thought!'
I listened as he yelled at Harry and lectured and yelled some more. I watched the postman come and go and I was about to leave when I saw Mr. Dursley walk out to the garage. I watched intently curious as he took nails and boards out.
He closed the door and I could hear him hammering. "Oh is that how's it's gonna be," I said in a whisper. "No nails are going to hold me, Vernon Dursley."
I apparated out and looked down to see an empty area. 'Was I gone so long that Hagrid's already on his walk?' then aloud; "Hagrid?"
"I'm righ' here, Liz," he said. "Yeh were gone longer. Did he get it?"
"No," I sighed slowly floating to the ground. "He's smarter than I thought."
"Why is he doin' this?" he asked. "Harry needs ter get ter Hogwarts."
"They are bigger muggles than you think, Hagrid," I said then smiling. "I need twelve more copies, Hagrid. This means war."
"Twelve!" he said looking straight in my eyes. "Liz, that's an awful lot."
"Believe me," I said staring back. "I need them."
"Ok," he said looking at a snake crawling in the grass then starting his walk again around the forest.
The next day I took the twelve letters and apparated straight to the house. I watched the postman look puzzled about the blockage but just put them on the door step and walked away. I went to the door and pushed three under. Then on the sides I pushed six through the door sides.
'If this doesn't freak him out, I don't know what will," I said quietly. "Now where to put these last three?"
My eyes fell on the bathroom window on the side of the house. I smiled and slide them in the side there.
I had to hold huge bursts of laughter as he burned the letters with a weary face and then sang "Tiptoe Through the Tulips' as he boarded up the cracks. Every now and then, I lightly tapped the side of the house and watched him jump at the sound. I stayed until he finished and then apparated back to the forest.
Hagrid wasn't back yet but it didn't matter. I'd ask him for twenty-four more copies when he gets back.
I apparated to the house the next day and sighed to have to work on a Saturday. I watched the milk man come up near the house carrying 2 one dozen egg cartons. I apparated to his car at the side of the side of the road and concentrated on the brake. I finally got it to release and pushed the car with all my body could and it started to roll slowly. Then I apparated back to the milk man who was about to reach the door.
"Mister, sir," I said innocently. "I think your car is moving a little."
He looked around and saw it rolling slowly. "Oh no! Not the brakes too! Kid watch these eggs for a minute would you?"
"Yes, sir," I said kindly. I watched him race towards the car and I put the already folded letters around the eggs. The milk man finally came back and smiled. "Thank you little girl."
"You're welcome," I said and as he turned toward the door I apparated to the roof. He looked behind him and saw nothing and then looked at the boarded up door and gave a puzzled sigh and held his head like he had a headache. He then walked over to the kitchen window and back to his car. He looked quite confused by that time.
I heard Mr. Dursley yell and knew Harry didn't get the letters. "Oh well," I said sighing. "His tone isn't as calm as before. He's getting more tense. Soon he'll crack." I smiled and apparated back.
"I need a 2 hundred, Hagrid," I said with a mischievous look.
" 'Undreds!!" he said looking exasperated and shocked. "What do yeh need that many fer?"
"I just need them, Hagrid," I begged. "Come on, it only takes a second to make them all."
"Yea," he said thinking. "But where yeh gonna put 'em all?"
"I'll enchant my bag to be huge inside," I said quickly giving a pleading little face that made me like this body more because it could make it. "Come on, Hagrid. Help a girl out."
"Al'right," he said giving in. "But don' go too far."
"Thank you, Hagrid," I said smiling. "You're so kind."
"An' don' yeh forget it," he said smiling.
I sat on the roof listening through the chimney.
"No post on Sundays," I heard Mr. Dursley say cheerfully.
"Oh yeah?" I said getting out one of the letters from my bag.
"Follow your orders
Follow the flow
Follow the way
To hit my foe...
Mr. Dursley
Down below"
I dropped it down the chimney and smiled at yet another of my simple incantations. Then I turned the bag upside down over the chimney opening. I heard Mr. Dursley scream "OUT! OUT!" and then tell everyone to pack.
"He's finally cracked!" I said cheerily not even bothering to lower my voice. "Though, I guess Harry didn't get a letter."
I sat watching the Dursleys and Harry gather in the car about ten minutes later and smiled.
"You want to play chase?" I said softly watching them about to pull out of the drive way. I looked in my bag and saw that I still had a ton of letters left. "I can play that game, Dursley."