Harry could not believe it.
He got up and moved back to the other side of the compartment, with the rest of them.
'I never knew you were a witch! You were a friend of the Dursleys! Do they know?' asked Harry.
'No, they don't. I don't have much more to do, so I think I will take a seat here and explain to you the story.'
Mr. Paws, her cat, took a seat at her ankles. She sat in the seat right next to Hermione.
'So, you two are Weasley?' said Mrs. Figg, pointing to both Ron and Ginny, who both nodded.
'Nice to meet you,' said Ron.
'Oh, but Ron, you know me a bit more than you think. You know that tent of yours that you used last year at the Quidditch World Cup? It was mine at one time.'
'Wow,' was all Ron could say. Harry now knew why he thought it smelt a bit like cabbage when he slept in it last year.
'Now, you must agree, all of you... that you will not breathe a word of what I am going to tell you to anyone... No! In fact, I want the three of you out, leave me with Harry,' said Mrs. Figg.
Dejected, the two Weasleys and Hermione left the compartment.
'Harry, here is how the story goes. Back in the last days of Voldemort's rise, before he murdered your parents, there was a group of people who protected as best could against Voldemort. Now, I can not give you their names or what this group takes on, but I can tell you that I was part of it, and that you most likely will understand everything sometime this year. But here is what I can tell you. After your parent's death, I was asked to move into your town as a Muggle. The reason, Harry, why you must always return to your Aunt and Uncle, is that there is magic protecting you there.'
This hit Harry rather forcefully.
'You mean, that I am safe with the Dursley's by magic? Why?' asked Harry.
'Do you think a Muggle could protect you from Voldemort's people? Absolutely not! I along with other whom I will not name, live as Muggles in your area. Now, I wish to go on.'
Harry understood now, why he couldn't live anywhere else other than Privet Drive.
She continued, 'I moved into your town, just a day after Dumbledore put you on their doorstep. I moved my little Muggle house on Magnolia Crescent road. I befriended the Dursley's the best I could, in hopes of perhaps baby sitting you when they needed. I didn't make this goal apparent to them, but I at one point said I would baby-sit for you. As you can imagine, we all feel much happier when you are in our view. I know you may not have liked my house much, or my cats, but all along it was the safest place for you out of Hogwarts. Perhaps you may or may not remember a time just weeks before you found out about what you are and started at Hogwarts, that you were locked in your cupboard for a very long time? Well, you may have heard that your baboon of a cousin knocked me over while I wore crutches for my broken leg. I was trying to check up on how you are.'
Harry remembered it vividly. She had broken her leg, thus he was unable to go to her house while the Dursley's brought Dudley to the zoo for his birthday. Harry had gotten in a very big heap of trouble when he had by mistake, unleashed a large snake.
Harry nodded.
'We were very worried about you when you did not come out of the house for days. You always spend time outside; there is a reason for that. We can see you better.
Also, back in your third year when you attempted to run away because of the accident with your Uncle's sister, you came down my very road, which ends the safe zone for you. You were out of bounds of our protection. So I called the Knight Bus for you.'
Harry smiled at this. He finally figured out why that bus came, and perhaps why he didn't get in trouble for using magic.
'Mrs. Figg, may I ask a question?'
'Sure.'
'Did you really break your leg falling over one of your cats?'
'No. But if you must know, all I can say is that one of my cats didn't turn out to be who I thought he was. No more can be said about that.'
'So, now you're a Professor?'
'Well, yes. But only because Dumbledore has asked me to be. I am not really qualified at all for that, but it is important that us old crowd be together this year. Any other questions?'
'Ah... well, where were you back in June?' asked Harry, about why she hadn't been there on Dudley's birthday.
She gave him a look that suggested he better not ask that again.
'I was taking care of some business which involves my new job, that's all. I'll see you at the dinner.'
With that, she got up and left.
Within a few minutes, Ron, Ginny and Hermione all came back to their seats.
'So, what did she tell you?' asked Ron.
'I can't tell you, but maybe another time, okay?'
'That cat of hers is very odd,' said Hermione, 'I swear he gave me a dirty look.'
Ron laughed.
The food cart came by, and they ordered many sweets.
After a long travel, which was uneventful except for the visit by Mrs. Figg, the Hogwarts Express arrived at Hogsmeade Station to a star filled rather crisp for the season night.
After a few minutes, Harry and the others made their way out onto the ground.
'Firs' years this way!' came a familiar yell.
'Hagrid!' yelled Harry, rushing over to his giant friend.
Hagrid gave Harry a big hug.
'Boy am I glad teh see yeh Harry! Hey Ron, Hermione, Ginny.'
Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Fred and George got together for the walk up to the oak front doors.
After a rather long walk and the wear and tear of the ride on the Hogwarts Express, Harry was happy to be sitting again. He took his seat at the Gryffendor table with the others. The Great Hall, which was filled with stars on the ceiling, was now beginning to pile in the familiar faces.
Everyone from Lavender Brown to Colin Creevy were now in.
Then, to the sadness of Harry, Draco Malfoy and his friends Crabbe and Goyle came in and took their seats at the Slytherin table.
Soon, the whole hall was full and buzzing. Then, the doors opened and the first years entered.
'I will place the hat upon your head,' said Professor McGonagall at the front of the student.
'It will assign you to your house.'
She walked away, and the sorting hat sprung to life.
The hat gave a sort of look around, and began a song:
"I may be ugly, yes indeed
but I am very helpful you see
put me on and, you wont find no
smarter hat then me.
I'll sort you into the house that time
will past you by, where you'll
live, learn, laugh dine
you may belong to Gryffindor
where you'll meet others like
you, clever and brave, where
futures will rant and rave
perhaps Hufflepuff where those
are patient and nice, those Hufflepuffs
wouldn't even hurt mice,
how about Ravenclaw, if your of
a speedy mind, your always find you're
kind. Or perhaps Slytherin, where those
make true friends, and learn all sorts of
Things, with their wits and brains, many
will have enemies. So put me on, I'll tell you
where home is new, don't be afraid, I wont bite
cause I can't chew"
The dinning hall burst into applause.
Professor McGonagall began reading names from the scroll in her hand and one by one the new students made their way to be sorted. Harry began to wonder what happened with Dudley once they pulled into Hogsmeade station. Harry looked around the staff table for the first time. He noticed that Mrs. Figg was not there yet.
Also, Professor Snape's usual seat was also vacant.
Finally, after Linda Zoller, the sorting was finished. Professor McGonagall took the sorting hat away.
Professor Dumbledore stood, and silence took place of chatter.
He spoke, 'hello! And welcome, to another year at Hogwarts. But, to our first years and exchange students, welcome to our school. Now, there are a few things that must be spoken for. In fact, quite a few. First, Quidditch will be returning this year to our activities.'
A loud amount of clapping came after this.
'But two houses will need a new captain. Ravenclaw and Gryffindor will need new captains, so tryouts will begin on Monday. Next, we have a new teacher. She doesn't appear to be here yet...
Ah! That must be her.'
The doors began to open, and indeed it was Mrs. Figg, with her cat Mr. Paws walking around her ankles. She took a seat next to Hagrid.
'Students, this is your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Arabella Figg.'
There was scattered amount of applause. Harry clapping most hard.
'Now, you may notice that your Potions Master is absent. He is quite fine, don't worry.'
There were a few snorts at that comment.
'He is simply on Hogwarts business. He will be returning at the first of October, hopefully. So, for the time being, you will have a new potion's teacher... he's not with us at the moment, but should by the first class. That should be it, everyone! Let's eat!'
With a wave of his hand, the empty plates filled with food.
While Harry and the rest of the students enjoyed a very warm and fulfilling meal, not more than three miles away, darkness was brewing. Well past Hogsmeade, well past Britain. Voldemort was strong, and his followers were gathering in a dark and empty field. The Dark Mark shined brightly into the star lit sky. All around, the ground, the trees, even the sky seemed to be covered in a black shadow. Many Death Eaters popped in to form a circle around their master, who has been well in hiding. Not all the Death Eaters were summoned however. Within the bushes around, another shadow formed, only it wasn't from Voldemort, but from a person, who would go undetected by those in the meeting.
In a strong hiss, the man in the middle, very thin and pale and ugly, cloaked in a brown cloak, bore these words, which were overheard by the undetected spy in the bush, 'He's at Hogwarts now, we bide our time.'
He got up and moved back to the other side of the compartment, with the rest of them.
'I never knew you were a witch! You were a friend of the Dursleys! Do they know?' asked Harry.
'No, they don't. I don't have much more to do, so I think I will take a seat here and explain to you the story.'
Mr. Paws, her cat, took a seat at her ankles. She sat in the seat right next to Hermione.
'So, you two are Weasley?' said Mrs. Figg, pointing to both Ron and Ginny, who both nodded.
'Nice to meet you,' said Ron.
'Oh, but Ron, you know me a bit more than you think. You know that tent of yours that you used last year at the Quidditch World Cup? It was mine at one time.'
'Wow,' was all Ron could say. Harry now knew why he thought it smelt a bit like cabbage when he slept in it last year.
'Now, you must agree, all of you... that you will not breathe a word of what I am going to tell you to anyone... No! In fact, I want the three of you out, leave me with Harry,' said Mrs. Figg.
Dejected, the two Weasleys and Hermione left the compartment.
'Harry, here is how the story goes. Back in the last days of Voldemort's rise, before he murdered your parents, there was a group of people who protected as best could against Voldemort. Now, I can not give you their names or what this group takes on, but I can tell you that I was part of it, and that you most likely will understand everything sometime this year. But here is what I can tell you. After your parent's death, I was asked to move into your town as a Muggle. The reason, Harry, why you must always return to your Aunt and Uncle, is that there is magic protecting you there.'
This hit Harry rather forcefully.
'You mean, that I am safe with the Dursley's by magic? Why?' asked Harry.
'Do you think a Muggle could protect you from Voldemort's people? Absolutely not! I along with other whom I will not name, live as Muggles in your area. Now, I wish to go on.'
Harry understood now, why he couldn't live anywhere else other than Privet Drive.
She continued, 'I moved into your town, just a day after Dumbledore put you on their doorstep. I moved my little Muggle house on Magnolia Crescent road. I befriended the Dursley's the best I could, in hopes of perhaps baby sitting you when they needed. I didn't make this goal apparent to them, but I at one point said I would baby-sit for you. As you can imagine, we all feel much happier when you are in our view. I know you may not have liked my house much, or my cats, but all along it was the safest place for you out of Hogwarts. Perhaps you may or may not remember a time just weeks before you found out about what you are and started at Hogwarts, that you were locked in your cupboard for a very long time? Well, you may have heard that your baboon of a cousin knocked me over while I wore crutches for my broken leg. I was trying to check up on how you are.'
Harry remembered it vividly. She had broken her leg, thus he was unable to go to her house while the Dursley's brought Dudley to the zoo for his birthday. Harry had gotten in a very big heap of trouble when he had by mistake, unleashed a large snake.
Harry nodded.
'We were very worried about you when you did not come out of the house for days. You always spend time outside; there is a reason for that. We can see you better.
Also, back in your third year when you attempted to run away because of the accident with your Uncle's sister, you came down my very road, which ends the safe zone for you. You were out of bounds of our protection. So I called the Knight Bus for you.'
Harry smiled at this. He finally figured out why that bus came, and perhaps why he didn't get in trouble for using magic.
'Mrs. Figg, may I ask a question?'
'Sure.'
'Did you really break your leg falling over one of your cats?'
'No. But if you must know, all I can say is that one of my cats didn't turn out to be who I thought he was. No more can be said about that.'
'So, now you're a Professor?'
'Well, yes. But only because Dumbledore has asked me to be. I am not really qualified at all for that, but it is important that us old crowd be together this year. Any other questions?'
'Ah... well, where were you back in June?' asked Harry, about why she hadn't been there on Dudley's birthday.
She gave him a look that suggested he better not ask that again.
'I was taking care of some business which involves my new job, that's all. I'll see you at the dinner.'
With that, she got up and left.
Within a few minutes, Ron, Ginny and Hermione all came back to their seats.
'So, what did she tell you?' asked Ron.
'I can't tell you, but maybe another time, okay?'
'That cat of hers is very odd,' said Hermione, 'I swear he gave me a dirty look.'
Ron laughed.
The food cart came by, and they ordered many sweets.
After a long travel, which was uneventful except for the visit by Mrs. Figg, the Hogwarts Express arrived at Hogsmeade Station to a star filled rather crisp for the season night.
After a few minutes, Harry and the others made their way out onto the ground.
'Firs' years this way!' came a familiar yell.
'Hagrid!' yelled Harry, rushing over to his giant friend.
Hagrid gave Harry a big hug.
'Boy am I glad teh see yeh Harry! Hey Ron, Hermione, Ginny.'
Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Fred and George got together for the walk up to the oak front doors.
After a rather long walk and the wear and tear of the ride on the Hogwarts Express, Harry was happy to be sitting again. He took his seat at the Gryffendor table with the others. The Great Hall, which was filled with stars on the ceiling, was now beginning to pile in the familiar faces.
Everyone from Lavender Brown to Colin Creevy were now in.
Then, to the sadness of Harry, Draco Malfoy and his friends Crabbe and Goyle came in and took their seats at the Slytherin table.
Soon, the whole hall was full and buzzing. Then, the doors opened and the first years entered.
'I will place the hat upon your head,' said Professor McGonagall at the front of the student.
'It will assign you to your house.'
She walked away, and the sorting hat sprung to life.
The hat gave a sort of look around, and began a song:
"I may be ugly, yes indeed
but I am very helpful you see
put me on and, you wont find no
smarter hat then me.
I'll sort you into the house that time
will past you by, where you'll
live, learn, laugh dine
you may belong to Gryffindor
where you'll meet others like
you, clever and brave, where
futures will rant and rave
perhaps Hufflepuff where those
are patient and nice, those Hufflepuffs
wouldn't even hurt mice,
how about Ravenclaw, if your of
a speedy mind, your always find you're
kind. Or perhaps Slytherin, where those
make true friends, and learn all sorts of
Things, with their wits and brains, many
will have enemies. So put me on, I'll tell you
where home is new, don't be afraid, I wont bite
cause I can't chew"
The dinning hall burst into applause.
Professor McGonagall began reading names from the scroll in her hand and one by one the new students made their way to be sorted. Harry began to wonder what happened with Dudley once they pulled into Hogsmeade station. Harry looked around the staff table for the first time. He noticed that Mrs. Figg was not there yet.
Also, Professor Snape's usual seat was also vacant.
Finally, after Linda Zoller, the sorting was finished. Professor McGonagall took the sorting hat away.
Professor Dumbledore stood, and silence took place of chatter.
He spoke, 'hello! And welcome, to another year at Hogwarts. But, to our first years and exchange students, welcome to our school. Now, there are a few things that must be spoken for. In fact, quite a few. First, Quidditch will be returning this year to our activities.'
A loud amount of clapping came after this.
'But two houses will need a new captain. Ravenclaw and Gryffindor will need new captains, so tryouts will begin on Monday. Next, we have a new teacher. She doesn't appear to be here yet...
Ah! That must be her.'
The doors began to open, and indeed it was Mrs. Figg, with her cat Mr. Paws walking around her ankles. She took a seat next to Hagrid.
'Students, this is your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Arabella Figg.'
There was scattered amount of applause. Harry clapping most hard.
'Now, you may notice that your Potions Master is absent. He is quite fine, don't worry.'
There were a few snorts at that comment.
'He is simply on Hogwarts business. He will be returning at the first of October, hopefully. So, for the time being, you will have a new potion's teacher... he's not with us at the moment, but should by the first class. That should be it, everyone! Let's eat!'
With a wave of his hand, the empty plates filled with food.
While Harry and the rest of the students enjoyed a very warm and fulfilling meal, not more than three miles away, darkness was brewing. Well past Hogsmeade, well past Britain. Voldemort was strong, and his followers were gathering in a dark and empty field. The Dark Mark shined brightly into the star lit sky. All around, the ground, the trees, even the sky seemed to be covered in a black shadow. Many Death Eaters popped in to form a circle around their master, who has been well in hiding. Not all the Death Eaters were summoned however. Within the bushes around, another shadow formed, only it wasn't from Voldemort, but from a person, who would go undetected by those in the meeting.
In a strong hiss, the man in the middle, very thin and pale and ugly, cloaked in a brown cloak, bore these words, which were overheard by the undetected spy in the bush, 'He's at Hogwarts now, we bide our time.'
