Chapter four

Chapter four

The Amulet of Arma

"You're sure this is where you want to go?" Mrs. Figg looked through the glass on the bookshop with suspicion. "Doesn't look like a very reputable business."

"It's fine." Harry didn't really want to go in the bookshop. He wanted and needed to go into the Leaky Cauldron next to it. He knew Mrs. Figg and Daphne could see it, but they were pretending not to notice the old pub just as a good muggle should.

"Well, Harry…" Daphne smiled and kind of shrugged in an uncomfortable sort of way. "This is it. I guess I'll see you…later…?"

"Yeah, I'd like that," Harry said.

"Really?" she asked.

"Sure. Why wouldn't I want to see you again?"

"I dunno…I just thought that you…might not…like me." Daphne looked down to her feet.

"Oh, I like you…and I certainly can't wait till we see each other again!" Harry smiled in a clever sort of a way, knowing that the next time he'd see Daphne was probably going to be in the wizard realm.

"Well, 'til next time, Harry." They shook hands and shared a bit of an awkward moment before Mrs. Figg interrupted.

"You be careful around these parts, Harry. And I'll be back here to pick you up at 6:00 tonight." Harry wanted to object and say that he would be going home with Ron, but he remembered Sirius's letter and agreed. After a few good-byes, Harry watched them get into the car and drive out of sight, leaving him free at last to enter Diagon Alley the way Hagrid had shown him so many years ago.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

After wandering around Quality Quidditch Supplies for about an hour, Harry decided he'd better get busy with his actual school shopping. As he left the store, he couldn't help but wonder about his next year playing. Who would be the captain of the Gryffindor's team? Who would take Cedric's place on the Hufflepuff team? And would Cho be playing again this year? With his mind lost in his thoughts, Harry didn't even notice who was walking towards him.

"Well if it isn't lonely little Pottie!"

Harry glanced up at the blond boy with a grimace. "Malfoy."

"Where's your entourage? Or have you finally come to you senses and realized that hanging around a mudblood and a weasel will get you nowhere?"

"I'd watch what I was saying if I were you." Another voice said from behind Malfoy. He spun around to see Hermione Granger standing with her hands on her hips and her eyes focused with a determination Harry had never seen before.

"We were just talking about you, Mudblood. You know, I'm really surprised that you're even out on the streets at all! What with Voldemort back," Malfoy drawled.

"Only you would happy about something so rotten, Malfoy." Harry spat at him.

"Not happy…THRILLED! Maybe now we can keep people like her out of our schools!"

"Oh really? Well I guess then you'll be very pleased to know that I am now a prefect!" Hermione seemed to stand taller at this announcement.

"What?" Malfoy obviously hadn't seen this coming.

"You heard me. And I look forward to making your life, and the lives of your gang of hoodlums, absolutely miserable this year! So don't push me!"

"You wouldn't dare!" Draco had put it to a challenge.

"Try me!" Hermione wasn't going to back down.

Malfoy looked as if he'd seen a ghost. "You wait 'till my father finds out about this! A mudblood a prefect!" He turned and stalked away.

Hermione smiled with great satisfaction. Harry just looked at her, stunned. "Hermione! That was…WONDERFUL!"

"I told Ron being a prefect had its advantages!"

They walked down the street a while, laughing about Malfoy, when they both stopped in front of Flourish and Blotts. Harry couldn't believe his eyes. It appeared that they were sold out of just about every other book, leaving more than half the shelves empty! They stood staring for a few moments when another, more friendly voice broke the silence.

"Amazing, isn't it?" It was Ron. "Dad says it's only gonna get worse."

"What do you mean?" Harry wasn't used to Ron acting so seriously.

"Everyone's stocking up on curse books, potions, and any kind of device that they can use against the Dark Arts. They're all terrified of You-Know-Who."

"So, does that mean we won't be able to buy our new course books?" Hermione's voice was filled with disappointment.

"No, the shopkeepers have insisted that you have to be a Hogwarts student to buy many of the items, but that hasn't stopped people from buying more than their share."

"Good. I am really looking forward to reading Muggles: Our Last Line of Defense."

"What class is that rubbish for?'' Ron grimaced.

"Honestly, Ron! Do you ever look over your school lists?" She was using that scolding tone that Harry knew Ron didn't like. "It's for Defense Against the Dark Arts."

Ron and Harry both looked extremely puzzled and said simultaneously, "What? Why?"

"I don't know! I don't make up the lists. I just buy what's on them!"

After spending a good while buying course books, refilling their potions equipment, and helping Ron find suitable new dress robes, they were ready for a rest and decided upon having a butterbeer at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. They told Ron about the encounter with Malfoy causing Ron's jaw to drop.

"Hermione? I don't believe you!" Ron exclaimed.

"Ron, just because I'm a prefect doesn't mean that I have to start liking that Slytherin lot. I'm STILL a Gryffindor and I'm STILL your friend!" And as an after thought she added, "And I'm NOT Percy!"

"Hey you guys!" Fred and George Weasley came towards them looking very proud of themselves. "We have just been shopping for some very special items!"

"Yeah, " grinned Fred. "School is gonna be a real blast this year!" They shared a kind of devilish laugh between them.

"Remind me not to eat anything that they have had access to!" Harry said under his breath to Hermione.

"And what have you been doing?" George asked Ron.

"Oh, Hermione was just telling us that she's not Percy."

"That's a good thing. I certainly wouldn't want to see Percy in a dress!" George batted his eyes and fluffed his hair in a very feminine manner.

"No, and I don't ever want to see you do that again." Fred said to his twin. "But speaking of girls dresses…Ron, did you get your new robes?"

"Yes, and thank you very much." Ron looked a bit embarrassed that his brothers had paid for his robes. Harry wondered how Ron would feel if he knew it was really Harry who had provided the money.

But Fred stopped the thought with a whack on Ron's back saying, "Good, cause Percy as a cross-dresser is one thing, but you…" His poise and voice became very dramatic. "You have more dignity than that, Ron!"

George laughed and started down the street leaving Ron, Harry, and Hermione shaking their heads. "Sometimes it's hard to believe you're related to them. " Hermione said with a smile.

Ron rolled his eyes. "So anyway, I wanna hear about Harry's summer with the muggle cat lady. Was it as bad as it sounded?"

"Worse. I think she's been lying to me."

"Why do you say that?" Hermione took a drink of her butterbeer.

"Cause I think she's a witch."

This startled Hermione and she almost choked. "A what?"

Harry told them all about Mrs. Figg and Daphne, covering, in detail, the night the owl delivered the letter from Sirius, what the letter said, and the conversation he had over heard. Hermione was still in disbelief. "But why wouldn't she just tell you she was a witch? I mean, it doesn't make sense."

"You're right. It doesn't make sense. I just don't get it!" Harry said.

"You must have heard them wrong." Ron interjected.

"I didn't hear them wrong."

"Are you sure they said 'muggle'? As in our kind of muggle?" Hermione persisted.

"Yes, they both said 'muggle'. You have to believe me!" Harry pleaded.

"Well…it just that…it's nothing that's a secret to you anymore." Harry could tell Hermione was trying to work it all out in her head, but wasn't coming up with a good answer. "I can understand her not mentioning it when you were little, but you've know the truth since you were eleven. Why would she still lie about it?"

"That's what I wanna know!" Harry looked at Ron who seemed to be focusing on something else. "Ron, are you even listening?"

"That dog." Ron seemed to say it for no reason.

"No, Ron, she's not a dog. She's a witch!"

Ron shook his head. "No! Not Mrs. Figg…look! THAT dog!" He pointed to a large, black dog that was positioned across the street looking very attentively at Harry and his friends. Harry and Hermione knew at once why Ron was surprised.

"Padfoot?" Harry asked.

"Snuffles?" Hermione said at the same time.

The dog walked briskly up to Harry and he started scratching the dog's head. "It is him! What are you doing here?"

"Like a dog is going to answer you, Harry!" Hermione hopped off her chair and suggested, "let's go some place where he can safely talk to us for real."

They walked around a few corners, up a dark alley, and behind a deserted building close to Knockturn Alley. Within no time, Harry was face to face with his godfather, Sirius Black. Harry noticed that he looked healthier than he had ever seen him, excepting, of course, in photos.

"I didn't expect to see you here! How did you know I would be here today?" asked Harry, who was puzzled, surprised, and excited all at the same time. "You're in real danger here!"

"So are you, Harry." Sirius looked down at him as a parent would, gently scolding a misbehaving child. "What are you thinking walking around out here unprotected where Voldemort could get to you quicker than a flash?"

Harry frowned, "I didn't think anything would happen out in broad daylight…in front of all these people."

"Harry, I thought the incident last year at the tournament would have taught you that Voldemort can do just about whatever he wants, whenever he wants!"

Harry looked down at his feet, feeling very small indeed and wishing Ron and Hermione weren't here to witness his scolding. "I'm sorry, I just didn't…think about it like that."

"It's alright, this time. But you have to be more careful. That's why I came here today." He took off a necklace from his own neck and handed it to Harry. "I came to give you this."

Harry took it and began examining it closely. It was a gold chain with a large circular pendent that housed a bright red stone in the center. Around the outside were different chips of smooth stone. "What is it?"

"Lupin and I call it the Amulet of Arma." The three teenagers looked from the sparkling medallion to Sirius with confusion. "We took an amulet that was already enchanted and spiced it up a bit. All you need to know is that it will protect you in two ways, Harry. First, it will cause any curse or spell to be doubled in effect it you touch your wand to the ruby first. Secondly, once you do that, it will alert Remus and myself that you are in trouble and one of us will Apparate to your very position immediately."

Harry looked at his godfather with gratitude and concern. "Do you really think all this is necessary?"

"Absolutely. I wouldn't risk my life if it wasn't." Sirius smiled down at Harry and took him by the shoulders. "Now be sure to wear it at all times, but don't go showing it off. And only use it if you absolutely have to."

Harry put the amulet around his neck and tucked it under his shirt so that it was next to his skin. Sirius then said that he had to be leaving and the teenagers knew why. He also reminded Harry that he didn't have much time left either. "Didn't you promise to be outside the Leaky Cauldron at 6:00?"

"How did you know about that?" Harry had almost forgotten to ask Sirius about Mrs. Figg.

"I heard you. Didn't you notice me standing right next to the record store when you were talking?" Sirius shook his head and said, "You really need to pay more attention to your surroundings, Harry." A moment later, he had transformed back into his animal self and was walking Harry, Ron and Hermione back towards the crowded streets of Diagon Alley.

In Harry's opinion, today had been a fine day. He'd gotten to visit his favorite stores, caught up with his best friends (who didn't seem to be fighting for the moment), seen Malfoy verbally whipped by Hermione, and had a chance to talk his godfather face to face. But as they rounded the corner, Harry realized that there was still one thing bothering him. He hadn't asked Sirius about Mrs. Figg, and he had to return to her in a few short minutes. Sirius was in his Animagus form and couldn't answer any questions, so Harry just let the question fester in his mind. He said good-bye to his Godfather and waved at him as re ran out of sight.

Ron had to ask, "What did he mean when he said you have to leave at six?"

"I have to go back with Mrs. Figg to her house. Sirius insisted."

"I wonder why?" Hermione was obviously trying to work out another part of the puzzle.

"I'm not sure, but he said I would be safe with her. Safer than at the Burrow," Harry added.

Ron looked a little hurt. "Doesn't he trust my family?"

"I don't think that's it, Ron," Hermione said. "If Mrs. Figg is a witch, then maybe she has some sort of protective power that your family doesn't."

Harry's eyes lit up. "Yeah, like maybe she was sent to look after me," He smiled broadly. "I think you've figured it out!"

Ron put his hands on his hips. "Oh come on! If she was sent to protect you, then why didn't she just raise you? Why didn't you live with her instead of the muggles?" Noticing a frown form Hermione, he added, "No offence, Hermione."

"No, you make a good point. He's right, Harry." Hermione looked momentarily defeated, but quickly smiled again. "Well, you'll have the rest of the summer to figure it out!"

Just then, something strange caught Harry's attention. It was Colin Creevy stumbling around the corner. Normally, Harry would try very hard to avoid Colin, but something seemed wrong. Harry went up to him and helped him steady his balance.

"Are you ok?" he asked.

"Harry! Thanks! I didn't think I'd get to see you until school started!" Colin replied, breathlessly.

Ignoring the statement and getting back to the point, Harry asked, "Colin, were you just in Knockturn Alley?"

"Yeah, I got lost." He didn't look embarrassed for he was smiling and giggling a bit. "Don't worry though! A shopkeeper helped me out."

Harry, Ron, and Hermione shared a glance at each other. "You didn't buy anything, did you?" Hermione asked, knowing how gullible Colin was.

"Oh no! I know better than that!" Colin had gotten his balance and seemed to be standing just fine on his own, so the three friends decided to let him return to his family without an escort. But they weren't alone for long.

"Harry! Look Mum, it's Harry!" Ginny Weasley's voice could be heard down the street.

"Looks like the rest of your fan club has shown up!" Ron teased Harry. Harry just rolled his eyes and put on a nice smile for Ginny.

"Hello, Ginny. How was shopping?" Harry asked politely as Ron's parents and little sister approached.

"It was wonderful! I got some new dress robes that mother says brings out the color of my eyes," Ginny was smiling from ear-to-ear.

"Didn't Mum say the same thing about your dress robes, Harry?" Ron teased some more.

"Stop it, Ron!" Harry looked at his friend with daggers.

"Well, good to see you both again!" Mr. Weasley patted both Harry and Hermione on the shoulders.

"We've all been planning for quite some time for your visit!" Mrs. Weasley said clapping her hands together. "Are you all ready to go?"

Harry sighed, "I'm sorry Mrs. Weasley, but I can't come and stay with you."

"Oh dear, why not?" It was Mrs. Weasley who spoke, but Harry didn't notice Ginny go from euphoria to great depression upon hearing the news.

"I have to go back to Mrs. Figg's house. I don't know why; I just have to." Harry looked at the puzzled faces. "Sirius asked me…to stay …with her." He didn't want to hurt their feelings. "I really wanna come, but I promised," he shrugged.

"Well, it's probably for the best." Mr. Weasley stood behind Ginny, holding her shoulders, causing Harry to see her better. "Do you need us to take you home, Harry?" Ginny's eyes never left Harry's.

"No, thanks. She's coming to get me. In fact, she's probably already waiting." He looked at his watch, grateful for a reason to look away from Ginny, and saw that it read 5:50. "I've gotta get going."

After saying good-bye to everyone, Harry started on his way back to the Leaky Cauldron and the Muggle world. He chanced a glance over his shoulder, back to the where Hermione and the Weasleys were still chatting. Ginny was still looking at him. He turned back around and quickened his walk down the street. He couldn't help but think about what Ginny had said about her dress robes and wondered why she needed to "bring out the color of her eyes." Her eyes already were quite noticeable.

***Daphne Affigo is an Alphie creation. Harry Potter and all other characters are property of J.K.Rowling and Warner Brothers.