Chapter Thirteen – The End of Term
Harry was enjoying his breakfast with his friends a few days before Christmas Break when a letter came for him. He set it aside for a moment while he talked with Ron and Hermione. Everyone seemed to be in a better mood now that the Slytherins were forced to take their meals in their own dormitory. In fact, there was a complete breakdown of house division. Instead of everyone sitting according to their house the students were mixing with each other. Because of this, Gabrielle was now sitting in between Harry and Godric.
Harry had finally got a straight answer out of Godric about why he seemed to hate Harry so much. It seems that being one of the most powerful wizards alive had prevented Albus Dumbledore from seeing his grandchildren that often. In fact, Godric could only remember seeing his grandfather three times in his life and the last time all he could do was to talk about Harry Potter. He seemed to love Harry more than his own relatives and this infuriated Godric. He had spent a large part of his life hating the Boy Who Lived and had marked him even before talking to him. Luckily, their mutual friend had made them try and reconcile. For the time being Godric seemed to put up with Harry being around but he still did not want to be friends.
"Harry, what's the letter?" Asked Gabrielle.
"I don't know but it's not a howler so it doesn't have to be opened."
"Well, I want to know what it is so could you please open it?" Asked Gabrielle.
"Okay, I'll open it."
Harry,
I thought I would let you know that your egg is about to hatch. A new hatchling will trust whomever it sees first so I suggest you get down here.
Charlie
"Cripes!" Said Harry.
"What is it?" Asked a few people around him.
"My egg is about to hatch." Harry shot out of his seat and his friends followed. He quickly ran up to the teacher's table and grabbed Fleur.
"What is it Harry?" She asked as she was being torn out of her seat.
"Something you won't want to miss." There were four of them heading down to Hagrid's hut; Ron, Hermione, Harry, and Fleur. Godric had decided to stay behind and Gabrielle wanted to stay with him. The group made it down to the hut in record time.
"Just in time, it's about to break through." Said Charlie.
Harry once again grabbed Fleur by the arm and placed her squarely in front of the egg.
"Harry, what's going on?"
"Just sit right there and don't move." He told her.
Fleur was confused but decided that it would probably be best not to move. The others sat around her as the shell began to crack. Slowly the beak of the magical bird broke through into the world. Just as Harry had thought, it was an ugly bird at birth. It finally made it through the egg and it had its eyes set on Fleur.
"Congratulations, you're a mother." Said Harry.
"What?" Said a surprised Fleur.
"The Phoenix saw you first so you are now its mother. Consider this an early Christmas present."
"I don't understand, it was your egg Harry."
"And now it is your Phoenix Fleur. I already have a bird and I want you to have this one. Besides, soon I'll be able to transform into a Phoenix myself."
"I don't know what to say."
"Just say thank you."
"Thank you." Fleur then got up and gave Harry a hug. Hermione gave Ron a smile at what they just witnessed.
"What does she have to do to take care of the bird?" Asked Ron of his brother.
"The best thing right now is for it to go up and live with Fawkes for a while. You'll still have to go up and feed it Fleur. I'm sure Dumbledore won't mind the company when you're up there."
"I'll be up there every day."
As they were talking about Dumbledore Harry began to hear something. It started out really faint but soon it was audible. It wasn't a sound that any other person in the hut could hear, rather it was a voice in his head.
Harry, Harry, Harry
Yes?
Ah, there you are my boy. Are you out of the castle?
Yes, I'm down at Hagrid's hut.
That's why it took so long to find you. I need to talk with you right away.
Sure, I'll be right up.
Great, the password is Angel Tits
Err, alright.
"Hey guys, I gotta go."
"Where are you going Harry?" Asked Hermione.
"Dumbledore needs to see me about something."
"How do you know he needs to see you?" Asked Fleur.
"I'll explain later, bye." Harry rushed out of the hut and made his way back up to the castle.
"Angel Tits." The door to Dumbledore's office opened and Harry made his way up.
"You needed to see me?"
"I need you to leave the castle this break."
"What? Why?"
"Harry, did you know that you've been receiving death threats?"
"I only received the one and I assumed it was from Avery."
"Actually, you've been receiving a few a day but I've just been intercepting them."
"Why?"
"I wanted you to be in a good mood, a daily death threat really hampers a persons mood. Don't worry though, I've also been getting them."
"Is that supposed to make me feel better?"
"No, but I hoped it would make you feel like you aren't alone."
"Fine, I get to die with someone. Now explain to me why I have to leave. I thought this place was my home."
"It is your home, and you don't have to leave for the entire time. I just want to make it seem that you have left for the break so the negative attention you are receiving is diverted away from the school. After it is assumed that you are gone then you can return here and stay in the bunker with Sirius."
"Aren't the two of us enough to protect the castle?"
"No, and as it is I will be gone for most of break."
"Why? Where are you going?"
"These are terrible times Harry and I have other duties. Voldemort is steadily gaining more power and we are going to need all the help we can get."
Harry left Dumbledore's office a little confused. He was hoping that he could have an enjoyable Christmas with his friends and Sirius but it looked like he would have to remain hidden. Oh well, at least Ron and Hermione could visit him using the invisibility cloak.
"What do you mean you're not going to be here for Christmas?" Asked Harry. He had just told Ron and Hermione about what happened up at Dumbledore's.
"Well, Hermione's parents asked me to come to their place over break. Besides, Fred and George are going to be gone."
"Where are they going to be?"
"They are flying to meet the head of Zonkos. I guess their corporate offices are down in Australia."
"I thought they were based out of London. And why are they going down there?"
"I guess the owner wanted the warmer weather and they are flying there because they sent some stuff to the offices. The head honcho seemed to be impressed with their work."
"I guess I should be happy but you know what? That means I'm alone for the first time since coming to Hogwarts. I might as well go and visit the Dursley's."
"Oh Harry, you're over exaggerating." Said Hermione. "You have Fleur, Gabrielle, and Sirius."
"Correction, I have Sirius. Fleur and Gabrielle will most likely be going home. And I guess you're right, I should spend some more time with Sirius. This will be the first time we can hang out for any good length of time."
"Yeah, so you can thank me later." Said Ron.
"See if you get a gift from me Ron." Said Harry.
"Hey, you already gave me mine. Sucker."
Soon the time to board the train for home had come. The Slytherins were all brought down to the station before anyone else. They were given the last few cars of the train and each car had its own teacher acting as a guard. There would be no repeat of the initial trip from London.
Harry went through all of the motions as if he would be heading somewhere for a great length of time. As he was boarding the train he made sure that all of the Slytherins could see that he was leaving the castle. He knew that if any plan to attack was in the works it would have to change. This was the first year that Harry would be leaving for break, at least boarding the train and returning to London.
Harry got into a car with Ron, Gabrielle and Godric. Hermione was once again up in the Prefects car while Fleur was on patrol. Once again, Godric was just sitting there staring at Harry.
"What?" Harry asked. It drove him mad when Godric stared at him.
"Nothing." Said Godric.
"Why do you keep staring at me with a look of murder?"
"Hey, I still haven't forgiven you."
"Forgiven me? For what? What have I done?"
"Nothing I guess, but I've spent my whole life hating you."
"Godric, Harry is a nice boy and he doesn't need any extra agitation." Said Gabrielle.
"Yeah, listen to your girlfriend and give the kid a break." Said Ron.
"Like you're one to talk Ron." Said Harry.
"What do you mean?"
"Please, how many times have you been angry with me for being who I am?"
"Good point, but that was ages ago."
"A year!"
"Fine, but I've forgiven you."
"Wow, what compassion. You've forgiven me for being who I am."
"Harry, are you looking for a fight or something."
Gabrielle and Godric were staring at Ron and Harry in disbelief. They were the best of friends yet they appeared to be fighting. Godric did feel a little bad for starting the argument.
"Sorry, I'm just a little pissed about the break."
"Why Harry, what do you have going on?" Asked Gabrielle.
"Well, I get to go hang out with my godfather in a secret bunker while my friends get to experience the world."
"Come on Harry, you and Sirius will have a blast." Said Ron.
"I guess, but I'm going to be confined to a small bunker. I'm going to go crazy."
"Just work on your spells and transformations. You'll get through it."
Godric was looking at them with a confused expression. Who was Sirius and what was that about transformations? He thought it best not to ask. He was very proud of himself for being in the same compartment as Harry Potter. A few months ago he would be ripping Harry apart but Gabrielle had calmed him.
The rest of the trip occurred without consequence. Harry brought his light travel bag off the train and said his goodbyes to his friends. The last thing he saw before entering the car that Dumbledore had arranged was Gabrielle and Fleur talking to their parents. He thought about going over and talking to them but he remembered that Dumbledore said it was best to get out of there as soon as possible. Not wanting to be rude Harry gave a wave to the group and then got in the car.
"Where to?" Asked the driver.
"Hyde Park." Said Harry. Harry enjoyed the ride very much. It was a first time experience for Harry, he was traveling by himself in public transportation. He watched the people go by on the street as the radio in the cab was blasting out some Oasis. They finally arrived at their destination.
"How much do I owe you?" Asked Harry.
"It was already paid for."
"Thanks."
"No problem, have a good day." The cab then drove off.
Harry made his way into a building and headed for the public toilet. Once he made his way into a stall he disapparated back to Hogsmeade. Snow was falling in the small village and Harry could feel the icy wind on his skin. Heading behind a building he became invisible and made his way up to the school grounds. As the snow began to fall more heavily Harry knew he had to run. If anyone saw an invisible set of feet moving across the grounds his cover would be blown.
Harry made it into Sirius' bunker and shook off the snow. He found that Sirius was sitting before a roaring fire reading a current events book for wizards.
"I'm amazed at the amount of stuff I missed." Said Sirius.
"Hey, you think you missed out? I spent nearly all of my life not knowing about this world."
"I know Harry and not a day goes by that I'm not sorry about that. So, how was the train ride?"
"Fine, got into it with Ron a little bit but it was no big deal."
"What was it about?"
"Nothing really, I was just a little pissed that everyone was leaving me. Well, at least I've got you."
"Only for a couple days, I have to leave soon."
"Why?"
"I have some things I have to do and that's all I'm going to tell you."
"Great." Said Harry sarcastically. "When are you going to be back?"
"Not sure, probably not for a few weeks. I'm sorry to do this to you Harry but I'm the only one that can do it."
"But you can't tell me what IT is?"
"Afraid not, it's probably best that you don't know."
"So, what am I supposed to do when I'm confined to this bunker by myself?"
"Do what I do, read. Work on your magical transformations, develop new potions, do whatever you want. This is your place for the break Harry."
"Great, a bachelor pad where you can't bring any women."
"Hey, don't rub it in."
"Is that where you're going, to go get a little lovin'?"
"Very funny." Sirius ran over and put Harry in a headlock. "You better behave yourself when I'm gone. If I find out that you went anywhere I'll get Dumbledore to lock you in here for your own safety."
"You can count on me, I won't go anywhere."
Harry and Sirius enjoyed their time together for the first few days of break. Sirius would transform into his animal form and Harry would transform into a dog as well. They would then tug at a piece of rope to see who was the strongest. Harry would usually lose the battle of strength but would then change into a larger creature to intimidate Sirius. Unfortunately, the plan never worked on Sirius because he knew Harry was joking.
A few days passed and soon there was a knock at the door. Harry knew that only a few people had knowledge about the invisible cabin so he wasn't surprised to see Mrs. Figg outside. However, he was surprised to see that she was fully visible and on a broomstick.
"Aren't you afraid someone will see you?" Asked Harry.
"Oh heavens no. All of the students that remained are at Hogsmeade for the day. I'm only riding the broomstick to hide my travels. Besides, I'm here to pick up Sirius."
"You're going too?"
"Yes, and we have to leave right now. There may be people coming back prematurely and we don't want to be seen."
Sirius came from behind Harry with travel pack and Harry's broomstick. "You don't mind do you Harry?"
"It's fine, not like I'm going to be needing it anyways."
"Great, I'll see you in a few weeks. Work on those transformations and no sneaking out. I have ways of monitoring you and don't you forget it." Sirius then gave Harry a hug and hoped on the broomstick. He and Mrs. Figg flew off towards the south and Harry went back into the cabin.
Harry spent much of the day working on transforming into a Billywig. He thought he could have some fun transforming into one and stinging his friends.
He had just finished preparing his dinner with a simple spell when there was a knock at the door. Harry knew that everyone that had knowledge of the bunker were not at Hogwarts. Luckily, Harry knew about the security defenses around the bunker. The bunker was equipped with sensors that could even detect invisible cloaks, that is how Sirius knew Harry was coming the first time he visited.
Harry looked through the security monitor and his jaw nearly dropped. Standing in the front way was Fleur Delacour.
