Disclaimer; This story is based on characters and situations created and
owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to
Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros.,
Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is
intended.brbrbrbrLightning flashed, forked and dangerous, just outside the darkened window
panes. Moldy, ragged curtains blew forward, though each window was bolted
shut. Angry rain pounded from the outside, howling and demanding entrance.brbr
But even the rain backed away from the darkness that radiated from the
room.brbr
A frigid iciness leaked out from the closed doors and in spite of himself,
the messenger wrapped his expensive robes tighter around himself, grimacing
slightly before changing his cold face to its regular impassiveness.brbr
Three candles flickered, glowing green. They were the only light in the
room and even they seemed to leer at the entering figure. The high-backed
chair was black and glistened as though with a strange energy.brbr
One white, long-fingered hand rested on an armrest, the body it belonged to
unseen behind the formidable chair.brbr
The messenger cleared his throat softly and cautiously.brbr
"Luciusssssss"brbr
"Master"brbr
"What newsssss?"brbr
"I regret, none my lord."brbr
An angry hissing and a low slithering. Lucius Malfoy tensed slightly as a
huge snake crawled around the foot of the chair.brbr
"This isss unacceptable. I send for my loyal followers and inssssstead I
receive fools!!"brbr
"Master, if I can explain. Dumbledore has..."brbr
"I DO NOT WISH TO HEAR THAT NAME!!!" A furious high-pitched command,
terrifying in its intensity, caused Lucius to back a few feet away from the
chair.brbr
"Potter hassss left Hogwarts?"brbr
"Yes my lord"brbr
"And you have questioned for hisssss whereabouts?"brbr
"Yes, my lord"brbr
"Yessss, yes, that seemssss all you can utter, Lucius. I take from your
insubordination that you have not met with sssuccesssss?"brbr
"Forgive me Master, I mean no disrespect. We have been working through
various channels. The Ministry may yet still prove fruitful."brbr
"Dumbledore hasssss managed to secure the brat'ssss location. The ssspells
I have searched through have pointed to only one true posssssssibility."brbr
Malfoy, wisely, was silent.brbr
"Leave the Ministry. Let Fudge and his bumblersssss pave our way. The
only information that could be usssseful slipped through your fingerssss?"brbr
"It was the wrong one, my lord. Of course, there are so many, how can one
tell?" A look of absolute disgust crossed Malfoy's icy features. *That
flea-bitten family!! How many god-forsaken children can they have*brbr
"Luciusssss, take care your own personal grudgesssss do not interfere with
our goal."brbr
"Never Master. I live to serve you."brbr
A light hissing laughter. The temperature in the room dropped a few more
degrees and Lucius backed away even farther. The rain outside even seemed
to back away from the window panes.brbr
"Yessssss. So you do. Where is that miserable Wormtail?"brbr
"I do not know, my lord. Do you wish for me to summon him?"brbr
The white hand waved carelessly. "Let me remain in peace for now. I grow
tired of my followersssss and they're failingsssss."brbr
Silence. Still, Malfoy did not move to leave the room.brbr
"My lord, I wished to speak of my son."brbr
"Ssssspeak. Quickly"brbr
"He wishes to join us. He knows much of all of this. With your
permission, I would like to begin his formal training."brbr
"This boy, Draco, he is consssstantly losing to Potter, is he not?"brbr
Lucius stiffened. "Yes my lord. I have warned him but he is young and
impressionable. Also, Potter's disgusting little minions are constantly
flanking him, causing trouble."brbr"Alwayssss excuses. Tell the boy to watch from his position now, as a
student from the inside. I require no more assssisstance at the moment.
Although hissss past would certainly mark him as a current Death Eater."brbr
The thinly-veiled fury in the Dark Lord's voice caused the candle flames to
flicker, sputter, then blaze again.brbr
"I will....tell him, Master."brbr
"You are disssspleased, Lucius?"brbr
"He detests Potter and his sidekicks as much as I do, my lord. Perhaps
more so. I would have liked to see him prove himself."brbr
"I grow tired of your personal vendetta. The boy you sssspeak is no usssse
to us now. Ssssooon, of course, he will be of utmost importance. Then,
you may have your fun."brbr
"I thank you, my lord. And the Mudblood?"brbr
"Her blood will be the first that Potter and the red-headed brat will
ssssee. When the time issss right. For now, I wissssh to....."brbr
The Dark Wizard stopped speaking suddenly.brbr
Lucius cautiously stepped forward to the dark chair. Nagini hissed a
warning and raised her huge head.brbr
"Master?"brbr
The white hand clenched suddenly and a shrill, high-pitched scream of rage
echoed through the room.brbr
The two Death Eaters flanked outside of the room poked their heads in,
their terror apparent even with their faces hidden behind dark cowls.brbr
Malfoy backed away quickly.brbr
"NO!!!! Not NOW!!!!!! The sssseer....the dark one. She seessssss. She
is ssssearching...."brbr
Lucius paled and chewed his tongue for a moment. It couldn't possibly
be.....brbr
"How, Master?"brbr
"You did not kill her!!"brbr
Lucius clenched his teeth waiting for it and wasn't disappointed.brbr
"Crucio!" The pain did not subside for several moments until Lord
Voldemort, the newly-resurrected wizard, chose to let it go.brbr
"We...tried, my lord. Forg-give me....." Malfoy tried, in vain, to control
his oily voice.brbr
"Kill her!! She is sssearching, for the darknessssss. Ssshe will try
again!"brbr
"She, s-she wished to serve you, Master. Perhaps now?"brbr
"FOOL!! She is nothing but a threat! She will desssstroy all, I do not
wish for sssssuch insanity!"brbr
"But, her powers, against Potter?"brbr
"Potter will be dessssstroyed by my hand and mine alone!!" The shriek of
rage was now a roar. "I will have no interference. The world issssss
mine, ssshe will feed from ussss no longer."brbr
"We will try and locate her, my lord."brbr
"If sssshe attempts any contact, I wish for it to end quickly. No
misssstakes, no excuses. Or you will beg for the death which I will
eventually deliver."brbr
"Understood, my lord."brbr
"As for Potter, continue sssearching. When no one thinkssss of it, we will
ssstrike!"brbr
Lucius Malfoy paused in the door for a nanosecond. "My master, there is
news of three outsiders wishing to return as well."brbr
Silence. A tall, dark-robed figure stood and finally faced Malfoy. Lucius
didn't shudder, though most did much more than that upon seeing the Dark
Wizard. Slanted red eyes regarded the Death Eater calculatingly.brbr
"You have come to dissssturb me with news of them?"brbr
A tone of the darkest, foulest humor had crept into the evil wizard's tone.
Malfoy did not dare allow himself a smile, but one tugged at the edges of
his thin lips.brbr
"They have been inquiring in Knockturn Alley, Master. Rumors heard, though
praise to Grindelwald that no Dark Mark was ever placed on their stinking
skins."brbr
"Do as you wissssssh to them. Kill them, if you are bored, I care not.
Under no circumstances are they to be allowed into my pressssence again,
understood?"brbr
"Perfectly Master." Wish a snide smirk, Malfoy bowed deeply and left the
room, his dark robes swirling around him.brbr
Halfway down the hall, he disapparated with a *pop*brbr
****************************************************************************
**brbr
Malfoy Manor was dark, gloomy and completely befitting for the family which
occupied it. The rains also beset its walls and windows, pounding with a
now, half-hearted fury.brbr
The first thing Lucius Malfoy saw was a silver-blonde head in a dark room
lit by one candle. Pausing to curse that damned house elf that had
betrayed them one more time, he gruffly cleared his throat.brbr
"Do not skulk in the shadows Draco. The Dark Lord has requested you remain
in your current position until something useful can be made of you."brbr
The narrow, snide-looking face twisted in anger. "I've had more encounter
with that Potty then...."brbr
"Enough! When I wish to hear your pathetic whining I will ask for it. You
do not question our Master, it is neither prudent nor wise. Fulfill your
duties as instructed and be grateful for it.brbr
Draco's pale face tightened and his colorless eyes watched his father walk
stiffly from the room. "What will you do when you catch Scar-head?" His
characteristic drawl was barely heard.brbr
In spite of himself, Lucius' shadowed face twisted into a half-smirk.
"Show your emotions in a more befitting way, Draco. And that is yet to be
decided."brbr
"He got away last time"brbr
Lucius whirled on his son with frightening intensity. Grasping the front
of his son's fine robes he pulled the boy's pointed face closer to his own.brbr
"_How_ many times must you be reminded not to speak of such things? Idiot
Boy!! Do you wish for us all to be cast aside? I know your weak mind has
no comprehension of what can occur but, for your mother's sake as well as
your own, be silent about all events from that night, as well as the Potter
brat!"brbr
With a swish, Lucius was gone. Draco stood in the drafty hallway, seething
with fury. He wondered if any other pre-Death Eaters had ever felt this
way.brbr
****************************************************************************
**brbrbrbr"I'm not a child! You can't control me."brbr
"Percy"brbr
"It's my _job_. Do you have any idea of how hard I worked to get there?"brbr
Percy's face was flushed, the back of his neck and his ears bright red from
his anger. Arthur Weasley sighed and rubbed his head tiredly.brbr
"You're not listening to reason, son."brbr
A flash of something imperceptible was seen in Percy's hazel eyes and his
mouth hardened. "Since when do you take any interest in my life, or
anything that I do?"brbr
Now Arthur could feel his temper rising, even though it was an obvious
bait.brbr
"You won't be returning there until we, your parents, feel it's safe.
That's our right."brbr
"It's _not_ your right! I can go back anytime I choose!!"brbr
Arthur folded his arms. "No, you can't. I've already spoken to the
Minister and he's agreed to put you on suspension for a time until a more
thorough investigation can be conducted." Arthur's face twisted in
frustration at this, remembering his conversation with Fudge.brbr
The Minister had been reluctant to allow Percy to return at all,
considering his paranoia about all things that must not be named. Which
was suspicious in itself because of how much such things no longer existed
and were certainly _not_ back in action.brbr
There was no way that Arthur would ever tell Percy that, however. He
waited for the explosion, ready to take the heat if it meant keeping one of
his boys safe.brbr
It wasn't an explosion but something worse. Percy closed up completely.
His face was like a mask and his glasses hid his eyes.brbr
"Well, I guess you finally got what you wanted then. The only outlet I was
ever allowed and no you've taken it away because of Ron's friendship with
that brat."brbr
"Careful, Percy" Arthur's voice held a warning.brbr
"I mean it! Nothing around here has been the same since that kid came
around. I wish that Ron had never met him. For that matter, I wish that
Ron would handle the situation himself instead of the rest of us having to
be involved. I'm through dealing with this family's crisis. I'm leaving."brbr
Percy made to storm off but his father's attention was no longer on him.
Standing in the kitchen, in full view and hearing of the argument taking
place in the living room, was a shaking, white-faced Ron.brbr
Percy felt a twinge of regret before it was swallowed up by his fury. The
fact that he really had nowhere to storm off to was another problem. His
family needed the money he brought in from his job, which made his parents
reaction to all of this, not to mention his suspension absolutely
ridiculous.brbr
Arthur's calm, steady voice also infuriated him as he said something to his
younger brother who didn't pay attention. Just once Percy wanted to see
him give a damn about anything other than his precious Muggles and his job.
The hypocrisy of that was lost on the red-head, as was Ron's reaction to
him as he brushed past.brbr
"Why are you always listening in on everyone else's conversation?! Go
bother someone else."brbr
Ron's hands made tight fists and his ears turned a deep red. "How can you
have said that about my friend?"brbr
"It was none of your concern. Nothing I say or do is any of your concern
now get out of my way."brbr
"Fine!!" Ron yelled, his face draining more with rage. "Go back to the
stupid Ministry!! You don't care about what happened, all you care is your
own.....er, bloody things!" Ron's remark fell flat as he failed to come up
with anything creative as a retort.brbr
Percy was already out of the door, his face completely impassive but his
eyes spitting with anger. He stormed down the path, knowing he could
apparate wherever he chose but not knowing where to go.brbr
Ron was still following him. "That's right, run away like you always do!
Turn your back on the rest of us, because you don't give a damn!!" Ron's
voice was now screaming, a note of deep hurt in it.brbr
"Stop following me!"brbr
"Ron, watch your language. I know you're upset." Arthur had also followed
his two sons out, his expression concerned.brbr
Ron, now almost as tall as Percy, caught up to him just as Percy had had
enough. Something happened then, which Arthur was loathe to explain to
anyone and which no one could have foreseen. Ron apparated on the spot.brbr
Probably because in the split second Percy had, Ron grabbed onto the back
of his robes. Both were gone in a blink. Arthur stood staring and feeling
shell-shocked.brbr
Already, worry crept up past his realization of what must have occurred.
The Burrow's door swung open and Ginny stepped out, looking around in
confusion.brbr
Molly quickly followed, calling out her husband's name in anxiety.brbr
"I take it that the conversation didn't go well, dear?" Molly looked tired
and aged and Arthur nodded slightly before staring at the spot where his
two sons had disappeared.brbr
"Bloody hell....."brbr
****************************************************************************
**brbr
"Wow, you must have been _really_ upset"brbr
"Just stick close to me and don't wander off."brbr
Ron's mouth was already agape, clearly not registering his brother's words.brbr
"Ron!" Hazel eyes met his brothers'.brbr
"What? It's not like I'm a little kid. I'm already fifteen."brbr
"Fifteen going on ten. This place can be dangerous and you don't exactly
have the best record when it comes to avoiding that."brbr
"Yup, I guess my poor choice of friends has somethin' to do with that, huh
_Perce_?"brbr
The two brothers were leaning against a darkened wall in a rather
inhospitable area of London. And what is inhospitable to Muggles is
certainly more so for wizards.brbr
Percy sighed and readjusted his robes, picking at an imaginary piece of
dust. "You weren't supposed to hear that."brbr
"You weren't supposed to _say_ that"brbr
"You're right."brbr
"You're only saying that because you think I'm a baby and....huh? I'm...I'm
right?!" Ron's face changed to astonishment so quickly, Percy would have
laughed if they had been in a more fitting place to do so.brbr
"I'm sorry. I was angry. I'm tired of Dad, er,_Father_" Ron rolled his
eyes. "Only prying into my life when he thinks it's long overdue. He
never gives a never-mind any other time." Percy grasped his brother's
shoulder as an unsavory looking warlock sneered at the two of them and
moved on.brbr
The defensive glare gone from his face, Percy looked in concern at his
little brother who was completely oblivious to their danger, clearly
enjoying what their mother thought was taboo.brbr
But Ron was listening.brbr
"You didn't see them that night. Mum and Dad were so worried. I had to
calm Ginny down because they were too distracted. Y'know, because she was
scared......" Ron's voice trailed off and his eyes shifted. The words
that had not been spoken yet hung in the air.brbr
Percy hadn't brought up the events of that night since it had happened.
Not even then, actually. The first thing Ron remembered the morning after
it had all taken place was Percy coming into his own bedroom and sitting
beside him on the bed.brbr
The youngest Weasley brother, having fallen back to sleep was still quite
groggy but he remembered Percy smoothing his sleep-tousled hair back and
readjusting the quilts, allowing his stern face a small smile. He had then
leaned over and barely kissed the top of his youngest brother's head.brbr
Ron nearly groaned in disgust at the time but allowed his brother to show
his affection, since it was so rare that he did so.brbr
Percy put an arm around his brother's shoulders at the memory, and to ward
off the chill since the already darkened street was getting darker with the
setting sun. Bad time to argue with one's parents....as though there was a
good time.brbr
Percy remembered seeing the tall, lanky form in that uncomfortable chair
when he had woken up from that terrible night. Ron's head was lolling
every which way. The tenderness that had been present at the time came
back, reinforced with terrible guilt as his earlier remarks. He had gently
placed the boy into his own bed, making sure he didn't catch cold, able to
show his brotherly love in a way he had been unable to do since first
leaving for Hogwarts years ago.brbr
He had missed it. He didn't remember anything of his interrogation but he
remembered the accompanying emotions. Something about threatening his
siblings.brbr
And now, here they were as a result of Percy's temper and Ron's bad timing.
Great, just great.brbr
"What possessed you to grab onto my robes?"brbr
"What possessed _you_ to drag me into your stupid little argument with Dad.
He has a point, its not safe for you at the Ministry, especially with that
prat running things."brbr
"Minister Fudge is highly respected. Just because you and the rest of our
family have no respect for rules and order....brbr
"Blah, blah, blah. If you asking who's word I'm gonna believe, Harry and
Dumbledore over that, _esteemed_ Minister, you should already know the
answer."brbr
"We need to be getting home."brbr
"I thought you didn't want to go back there."brbr
"I...I was angry. I need to get some things anyway. Besides Mum will be
worried about you, Dad too."brbr
Ron began walking with his brother, for once obeying instructions and
sticking close in the unfamiliar territory. Percy should have been
comforted by this but wasn't, since he had no idea of where he was going
and now had a younger sibling to take care of, fifteen or not.brbr
"I shouldn't have blamed Harry. There, are you happy? Think I like being
stuck in the middle? What else have I prepared for then a job at the
Ministry and now you and everyone else I know is saying that was for
nothing! How else should I have reacted?!"brbr
Ron barely glanced at his brother, his hang-dog expression rather
endearing. Percy's tone softened.brbr
"I wish that stupid Tournament had never taken place."brbr
Ron nodded fervently. "Me too. Oh boy, me too."brbr
Percy stopped, Ron with him. "I guess I could try apparating back but I
don't dare risk it with you along. I honestly don't know how I did it the
first time."brbr
The street, sinister before-hand, was much more so in the lengthening
shadows.brbr
"Mum would kill us if she knew where we were."brbr
"She would kill _me_. One of the benefits of being older. You get blamed
for your siblings' insubordination."brbr
Percy, usually so stuffy and wooden around his family, ruffled Ron's hair
to his younger brother's surprise.brbr
"If we could find where Diagon Alley hooks up, then we could use floo
powder to head home."brbr
"Yes....but where exactly _does_ it hook up?" The two brothers, who looked
alike despite Percy's more groomed appearance and glasses, glanced at each
other in frustration.brbr
"Um..I dunno. Harry was in here a few years ago but Hagrid hurry an' got
him out before he could see anything. Well, not before he saw Lucius
Malfoy and his little ferret in here."brbr
"Doesn't surprise me." Percy's voice was dark. This really wasn't a place
where he wanted to talk about his father's mortal enemy.brbr
"Maybe if we just keep walking, we'll find it."brbr
Percy nodded. Ron tried to shrug his brother's arm off of his shoulders
but Percy ignored the hint, feeling anxious.brbr
He could feel....something. Eyes. Watching them. Percy no longer trusted
things to simply be his imagination after some recent experiences.brbr
That was stupid though. No one could know they were here, no one that
would want to hurt their family or the two brothers.brbr
Still, he pulled Ron a little closer, ignoring the younger Weasley's
protests. *Bloody.....of all the places we could have gone. And apparating
uncontrolled like that!* Percy would have lectured himself if it would have
changed the situation.brbr
His parents would be frantic by now. The sun was gone, in its place the
strange in-between light of day and night.brbr
A whisper. The street seemed that the two turned on was oddly empty.brbr
"Perce?"brbr
"Yes Ron?"brbr
"Did you hear something?"brbr
"No. But I've got my wand."brbr
"Good......I've got your back too."brbr
Percy actually smiled. "Thanks Ron"brbr
Two more whispers. Coming from behind them. Both Weasleys froze. The
whispers were coming closer.brbr
"In here!"brbr
Percy grabbed his brother and darted into a darkened door. The shop was
closed up, probably through lack of business, since night ventures was
something Knockturn Alley excelled in.brbr
Three burly boys walked by, Percy squinted his eyes. Slytherins. All
three of them. They were three years older than him and had tormented many
of his fellow Gryffindors unmercilessly during their time at school.brbr
Percy was having trouble remembering these particular names, though, since
most Slytherins did exactly the same thing.brbr
One figure stopped and looked around.brbr
"Are yeh sure they've come this way?"brbr
"How couldja miss that hair? There were two of 'em, just wanted to,
er..._talk_ to 'em, tha's all." Three gorilla-like grunts of laughter.
Ron raised his eyebrows at Percy before rolling his eyes and mouthing
'Thick'. Percy's lips thinned, not in disapproval as Ron supposed, but to
keep from laughing.brbr
The deserted street and the current atmosphere, not to mention the fact
that they were two well-known light magic supporters in dark arts central
made Percy's thoughts flitter away in a panic.brbr
His mind began to form a plan. If only Ron.....brbr
"Ron"brbr
"Yeah, what?" The three hulking figures had moved on but Percy still kept
his voice down.brbr
"I want you to stay here, no exceptions, got it?"brbr
"Where in bloody hell do you think you're going?"brbr
"I'm going to contact Dad and Mum. Just....don't wander off, please?"brbr
"Who were those guys?"brbr
"Just some dopey Slytherins from school. They left the year before you
came in. Doesn't surprise me that they're just wandering around here, but
I think it's better if the two of us don't attract attention."brbr
Ron looked at him with narrowed eyes before actually nodding. Percy let
out a breath.brbr
"Good, not that there's any real danger mind you, it's just...."brbr
"Constant vigilance!" Ron grinned, before his smile faded and some deep
emotion touched his eyes, leaving his older brother to wonder at it.brbr
"Right. I'll be right back. _Don't_ go anywhere!"brbr
"All right, all right, sheesh, dry up. You're worse than Mum."brbrPercy cautiously poked his head out, checking to see if the street was
still deserted. It was, luckily, and he turned back to see Ron leaning,
his back against the side of the darkened doorway, fiddling with his robes.brbr
Percy thought that continuing down the street seemed a safe bet, since he
and Ron hadn't been down that way yet. He walked for a few minutes,
relieved that the suspicious feeling of someone watching him was gone
before he looked up, even more relieved to see...brbr
*Gringotts, thank goodness!* The large, crooked building towered high above
him and he could hear some familiar noises, even if the night made it hard
to see them.brbr
Forgetting about dignity, Percy began a light jog down to Gringotts'
entrance to get his bearings, seeing his destination when he got there.brbr
The Leaky Cauldron. No doubt Tom would let him contact his parents.
Slowing to a walk (and huffing and puffing, cursing his slacking on staying
in shape his last few years out of Hogwarts) he tentatively opened the door
and saw the friendly bartender entertaining a few patrons before setting
eyes on him.brbr
"Why, Percy Weasley! What in Merlin's beard are you doin' here? Didja
know yer parents have set up some notices fer you an'...um, one of yer
brothers...."brbr
"Ron?"brbr
"Yes indeed, that's it. Young Potter's friend. Um...don't know the whole
story meself but if'n you'd like to contact 'em."brbr
Percy nodded gratefully. "Yes sir, that's what I was about to ask."brbr
Tom chuckled, showing his toothless gums. "Bless my soul, anytime young
Weasley. Only too glad to help. Better hurry though, yer parents were
soundin' awful worried."brbr
The few patrons smiled patronizingly at Percy who wanted to sink into the
floor. He grumbled to himself as he followed Tom back to his fireplace,
wishing his parents saw him as his actual twenty years instead of two.brbr
Tom lit the fire and Percy braced himself.brbr
****************************************************************************
**brbr
The two emerged from the back of the Leaky Cauldron looking as though a
small explosion had gone off. Even poor old Tom's face was one of sympathy
and fear.....fear of ever getting on Molly Weasley's bad side.brbr
Percy, who had never really been on the receiving end of one of his
mother's lectures, shook his head, trying to get rid of the ringing in his
ears.brbr
Now he knew what a Howler could be like. He wasn't keen for a repeat
performance. Ah well, he needed to get back to Ron. Still, it was hard to
hear his mother's obvious disappointment in him. Maybe he stayed out of
trouble less for his own sake than for her's.brbr
"I'll be right back, Tom. Just gotta go get Ron, I wanted to find out
where we were exactly or I would have brought him...."brbr
"No need to explain, just hurry along. I'm guessin' yer mum is losin' what
patience she still has."brbr
Percy nodded, putting a hand to his head to ward off the growing pain. He
simply couldn't _wait_ to get home.brbr
"It's all set up fer when you get back."brbr
Percy nodded and walked out, back into Diagon Alley, retracing his steps to
Gringotts and further.brbr
The street where he had left Ron was still deserted. Percy felt something
stand up on the back of his neck as he continued to walk down the Knockturn
Alley side-street. The absolute silence was unnerving.brbr
He just wanted to find Ron and get out.....brbr
Percy froze, his heart stopping for one moment. Ron wasn't where he'd left
him.brbr
Swearing fiercely and uncharacteristically, Percy looked around, growing
more frantic when he didn't see his little brother anywhere near.brbr
The entire place seemed empty.brbr
Clearing his throat, Percy called out. "Ron!" His voice echoed eerily in
the darkness.brbr
Trying to control his pounding heart, Percy called out louder this time.
"RON!!" Now his voice held a note of panic.brbr
Nothing.brbr
Percy began walking quickly past where he'd left Ron, willing his little
brother not to have wandered too far off and wanting to kill him for
disobeying instructions_again_.brbr
*Used to do it all the time....bloody....never grow up, age me before my
time.....what did I ever do to deserve this, grabbing on li...can't ever
not tag along.*brbr
Percy's growing fear was making it hard for him to think straight. There
was no sign of Ron anywhere.brbr
Feeling something twist inside of him, Percy knew he needed to avoid
panicking. The thought of anything happening to his precious little
brother made that very difficult.brbr
He found himself back to a more occupied part of the seedy place. Percy
stood on his tip-toes, desperately trying to spot the Weasleys' unavoidable
hair in the darkness and the unsavory crowd.brbr
He jumped out of his skin when a large hand came down hard on his shoulder.
In a flash, his wand was out.brbr
"Eh....you're a Weasley, right?"brbr
Percy turned slowly, recognizing one of the thugs he had seen earlier
grinning at him nastily. He nodded and turned away, not wanting to bother
with this goon when his brother could be in danger.brbr
"Follow me"brbr
Percy scowled at him.brbr
"Why?"brbr
The burly lad only shook his head and motioned for him to come. Percy, his
better judgement screaming at him, followed him up a rickety, cob-webbed
filled staircase and onto a filthy, landing, a story above Knockturn Alley.brbr
"Lost somethin'?"brbr
The two others came into view, holding a third figure who was struggling,
one of the larger boys holding a hand over his mouth.brbr
Percy felt his heart drop into his stomach.brbr
"Ron....."brbr
Ron kicked at the two behind him, to no avail, meeting his brother's eyes
and holding the gaze. Percy tried to smile reassuringly, seeing the fear
in the younger Weasley's expression but could only grimace.brbr
"Yup, found him just hangin' around our turf. Now what would a scrapper
like this be doin' where he don' belong, I asks meself."brbr
"Let him go."brbr"Now, why would I wanna do that? You both ain't in the right place. Maybe
we should teach ya not to go where yer not welcome."brbr
"Fine, then teach me, leave him out of it. He's just a kid."brbr
Ron scowled and made a furious sound which Percy ignored.brbr
"Awww, ain't that sweet boys? Watchin' out fer his ickle brother.
Should've watched harder, made it jus' too easy...."brbr
Percy stepped forward, his wand at the ready. The other three, he noted
with satisfaction, didn't seem to be carrying theirs.brbr
The larger boy stepped in front of him. "Ah, ah...don' wanna do nothin' ya
might regret." He motioned his head towards the goons holding Ron and one
twisted his brother's arm brutally behind his back.brbr
Ron made a sound of pain and Percy stepped back again, quickly. The older
Weasley was breathing hard, now furious and worried. If they did anything
to hurt him......brbr
"Now, I'll make this real easy for ya."brbr
Percy, had he had any knowledge of Muggle movies, might have thought this
was entirely too cliche'.brbr
Luckily for him (and the author) he didn't.brbr
"We've been hearin' some rumours. An' we wanna know if they're true. We
want you to contact someone who'll let us in on some little secrets."brbr
Percy's eyes never left his brother. "Who?"brbr
"Lucius Malfoy."brbr
Both Weasleys looked up in surprise at this. "You're barking mad. I don't
know Lucius Malfoy and even if I did, I'm certainly not the one to go up
and ask him for anything. He's hated our family for years."brbr
The burly lad looked confused at this before a cruel grin crossed his flat
features. "Well, tha's just too bad, ain't it? We needed some
cholesterol, colloqium, er...colla- somethin' er other, and we
remembered..."brbr
Here one of the other goons grinned proudly, Percy sneered. Oh boy.....brbrbrbr"That you and yer Dad work fer the Ministry. Best way to contact some
higher-up Death Eaters."brbr
At the actual name Percy blanched. So did Ron.brbr
"You've gotten your information wrong. Malfoy isn't on the Head Board any
longer. He's backed off of Ministry work for several years now."brbr
More confusion, the largest boy, obviously the leader, scratched his head.brbr
Percy risked stepping closer, trying to make his voice sound soft and
negotiating instead of cursing this thug for laying a finger on his
brother.brbr
"Come on, just let him go and we'll forget this...."brbr
"NO! I hadda good plan and yer gonna find a way to go through with it. Or
else we break every bone in his scrawny body....."brbr
More painful twisting. "Stop!!"brbr
Ron, now on his knees, was white under his freckles. The largest boy,
grinning at Percy maliciously, turned and sank a beefy fist into Ron's
stomach. The youngest Weasley brother groaned, gasping for breath.brbr
Percy looked feral. He made to wrap his hands around the hood's neck but
stopped when the other two cohorts picked his little brother up and hauled
him to the edge of the railing.brbr
"Easy enough to watch this little bug go _splat_, eh?" The evil in the
leader's eyes made Percy ill. He knew they would very well do what they
were threatening.brbr
Ron was coughing and weakly trying to speak. "Perce...."brbr
"Easy Ron, it'll be okay." Percy's voice was miraculously calm, despite
his overwhelming fear.brbr
He was going to kill these three. But first things first. "What should I
do exactly?"brbr
"Start by sayin' that we need a way back in the circle. We got the know-
how." Ron actually rolled his eyes, making Percy smile sadly at him before
glaring hatefully at the thug.brbr
"And if you tell anyone about this...." Ron was tilted back, struggling
against the larger boy's grips, his feet dangerously close to the edge.brbr
"Stop, NO!!" Ron was pushed forward, landing painfully on his knees before
being roughly hauled up again.brbr
"I understand." Percy's mind was whirling. He met Ron's eyes again,
trying to tell him everything was going to be fine but Ron was avoiding his
gaze, seemingly humiliated.brbrPercy wanted to say something else, but there was no way he could in front
of these three. They already had too much of an advantage.brbr
He was barely listening as the burly young man muttered some instructions
under his breath. From the sounds of it, it seemed as though these three
weren't the best asset to _any_ organization, even one as none picky as He-
Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.brbr
The other two pulled Ron into a barely seen door but not before Percy
flashed him the secret Weasley signal. Three fingers, then six then fists.
The 'I'm too embarrassed or now's not the right time but I love you'
signal.brbr
Ron nodded. Percy somehow knew that it was the 'you too' he needed to
hear. The leader and Percy stared each other down for a minute.brbr
"You're going to rot in Azkaban for this. Stupidest thing I've ever heard
of...."brbr
"Don' think so. There's a new order goin' around. Pretty soon we'll be in
control and little boot-lickers like you will be kissing our...."brbr
Percy turned to go before hearing the rest. "If you hurt him at all, I'll
personally hunt you down and make sure you're more sorry than you can
imagine."brbr
This wasn't Head Boy or Prefect Percy. It wasn't fuss-budget, overbearing,
boring, stuffy, pompous Percy. He wasn't a Gryffindor for nothing. Even
the thick-headed thug stepped back as Percy's red hair vanished down the
stairs.brbr
****************************************************************************
**brbrbrbr"No.....please, stay away. Want...sleep....no...." Harry Potter was
tossing and turning, oblivious to everything around him as he slept
fitfully, lost in a deep fog that his beloved owl, Hedwig, didn't
understand.brbr
She hooted and ruffled her wings in her cage. Her boy had been acting
strangely the past few days. Distracted. No smiles, no laughter. Even in
the environment the Dursleys' provided, Harry's good-nature usually
overcame most of the obstacles life had put in front of him.brbr
Except now.brbr
Hedwig turned her amber eyes on her boy, who's forehead was covered in
sweat and whose eyes were shut tightly, as though he were struggling
against an unseen enemy. Hedwig risked squawking, even though she knew
from experience that the other man, the large beefy one would come roaring
in, yelling at her boy.brbr
Nothing.brbr
Hedwig beat her wings against the side of her cage, feeling a owlish
version of panic. She wanted to get out, to get help. Something was
happened to her boy and she couldn't have that. She did, after all, love
him in her way. She had to look after him.brbr
Harry was oblivious to all except the voice in his head. It was circling
him, it wouldn't leave him in peace.brbr
Something had been happening to him. At first he welcomed the escape but
now the voice told him terrible things. Sad things. Things from deep
inside of his soul that he never revealed to anyone, exposed by those eyes
that were searching for him.brbr
His deepest fears and darkest depression. Like phantoms they circled him,
blocking out everything else. The Dursleys had merely nodded their heads,
knowing that the boy's _unnaturalness_ would lead to aimless muttering some
day.brbr
But Harry wasn't mad. He was being used, something enjoyed his pain.
Something wanted him to remember so he would give in and let it drain him.
It was a vicious cycle.brbr
Weakly, his inner voice cried out for help. Nothing.brbr
~Stupid boy....we're much, much too busy to have time for you. James and
Lily are dead, _dead_, and we've moved on. You have no right to ask for
anything from us, from _me_. Why, if it wasn't for you I would be off
somewhere safe, plenty of food, good environment. Instead, I have to try
and look after your ungrateful soul!~brbr
Harry moaned. The voice changed. ~Sorry Harry, we don't have any more use
for you now. You see, it's always just been about the two of us, you're an
intruder, like you've always been. You're not wanted, can't you just go
and leave us alone? You're always putting us in danger y'know. Besides,
you can never share in what we have so why don't you stop delaying the
inevitable and get yourself killed?~brbr
Was it Ron, Hermione? Who?! His best friends would never abandon him,
even if they had deeper feeling for each other. They wouldn't leave him
out in the cold, would they?brbr
~Harry, you've put my family in danger. You brought Voldemort back.
Innocent people are going to die because of you, just look at Cedric. You
hurt everyone around you, you're a plague. It would have been better if
Voldemort had just taken you, then James and Lily would perhaps still be
alive. Everyone loved them, what are you? Just some whelp who's latched
onto another family _mine_ and, selfishly, placed them in danger. Just
like you, you know.~brbr
A few tears streaked down Harry's thin cheeks. Hedwig was now throwing a
royal fit. A loud roar came from downstairs and thudding footsteps could
be heard.brbr
"That's it!! I'm gonna take that ruddy owl and....." The door open, then
slammed shut of its own accord. It locked then the doorknob was pushed
out, rolling under Harry's bed.brbr
Uncle Vernon continued roaring and pounding on the door but was unable to
get in.brbr
~Harry......~brbr
*Leave me alone, please.*brbr
~Sweet boy, I'm going to help you. I'm the only one left who can help you.
No one else cares, do they?~brbr
*No one, there's no one.....left.....*brbr
~Yes, give in. I'll help you to forget, just forget. Leave them behind.
I'll be your family, I'll take care of you~brbr
Something in Harry's subconscious screamed out, jerking him back to reality
before he was pulled down again.brbr
*Lies!!*brbr
The voices were back. Angry faces, then backs turned on him. He was
alone, completely alone.brbr
~You're not alone. I'll help you to forget. Everything you ever felt, all
of the pain. I can help you Harry.~brbr
Harry was sobbing and didn't know it. He couldn't get release.brbr
~Get rid of them. Before they can hurt you. They _will_ hurt you, Harry.
You can't trust them.~brbr
A memory. 'Good people are so easy to manipulate', and he had fallen for
it. Like he hadn't seen through Quirrell his first year. Or Tom Riddle
until it was almost too late. Poor, pathetic Harry.brbr
~Get rid of them. I'll help you to forget, I'll help you Harry.~brbr
*Yes. Thank you, please don't leave me. Don't leave me like them.*brbr
~Of course not, sweet boy. Send a message, tell them what I say......~brbr
Gradually, Uncle Vernon gave up on trying to break through the door,
swearing and stomping downstairs. He cursed him nephew's return the entire
way down.brbr
Harry, his eyes unfocused and bleak, picked up a quill and parchment. He
didn't even glance at the paper until he was reading it over again.brbr
Siriusbrbr
Please don't send me any more owls. I'll get in trouble. I'm fine,
everything's okay here. Since you're supposed to gather the old crowd,
maybe you could do me a favor and watch out for Ron? I have a feeling
something's going to happen to him. Don't ask me to explain, just do it as
a....brbr
Harry had to stop himself from writing _last favor_. He had no idea where
this was all coming from. It was like something was reaching into his
deepest memories and controlling the movements of his hand without him
realizing it.brbr
And most importantly, he didn't care. He found it simply didn't matter.brbr
favor, godson to godfather? I'll be fine here. Don't try and contact me
or come here, whatever you do. I really need some time alone to think
things through. Tell the Weasleys I won't be able to come and stay with
them. I think my safety is the most important thing.brbr
Harry Potterbrbr
Hedwig held out her leg obediently as Harry attached the message to it.
She nipped his finger, making a strange half-hoot, an owl-like plea for him
to come back. She missed her boy and this was not him.brbr
He didn't seem to see her at all. Hedwig flew out the window, thinking
thoughts no human can understand. But maybe a dog.....brbr
****************************************************************************
**brbrbrbrMappe smiled to herself. The boy was like an unending source. She had
thought that the werewolf had potential.brbr
This boy's heart was bruised and bloody. His soul was hurt and
withdrawing. She could feel herself growing stronger, though his young
mind held a great deal of power.brbr
The untapped wealth one could find there was more than exciting. No wonder
the Dark Lord was seeking the boy. He would be a rival unlike anything
they had ever seen.brbr
For now, however, he was young and easily manipulated. The shields that
Mappe had first detected around him were becoming weaker as the days went
on. It grew easier to delve into Harry Potter's emotions as his own fears
took shape, gained their own voice.brbr
The fire flickered. Trissy squeaked softly, as house-elf don't usually
cry. She cried now, though, as large tears fell from her bulbous nose.
Her view from the doorframe allowed her only to see Mappe Maleficent gazing
endlessly into the fire.brbr
Mappe stood up and smiled benignly at her servant. Trissy jumped and
tripped over her mussed uniform.brbr"I"m going on a little journey, Trissy. Don't expect me back for awhile."brbr
"M-Missus.....?"brbr
Mappe's eyes, swirling and dangerous, held a clarity they had not had for
years. Still, she giggled hysterically and Trissy glanced at her in fear.brbr
"I've often wanted to see Surrey this time of year."brbr
****************************************************************************
**brbrbrbrAuthor's Notes;brbr
I wanted to thank everyone for reviewing my stuff before this. In a time
of busy schedules and me who should be writing my thesis, (glances around
guiltily) I truly appreciate it.brbr
First, to GoldenWolf, for the wonderful LOTR's story she's writing about my
dear Sam and his Mr. Frodo.brbr
Second, all credit goes to Circee, a fabulous writer who has fics posted at
sugarquill.net. I urge you to read her stuff, especially all of you
Ginny/Harry shippers. So sweet!! Especially for a fence-sitter on the
subject like me. All credit, as I was saying, goes to her for inventing
that wonderful, secret Weasley "I love you" sign. I had nothing to do with
it and she, everything to do with it. It fit in well though and I must
thank her again. Thanks!!brbr
Finally, I know things may be confusing now but evil laugh, I'm addicted to
subtle a.k.a. confusing plot twists. All will come together in the end.
Thanks for reading and please R/R. Always appreciated.brbr
-Anlia
owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to
Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros.,
Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is
intended.brbrbrbrLightning flashed, forked and dangerous, just outside the darkened window
panes. Moldy, ragged curtains blew forward, though each window was bolted
shut. Angry rain pounded from the outside, howling and demanding entrance.brbr
But even the rain backed away from the darkness that radiated from the
room.brbr
A frigid iciness leaked out from the closed doors and in spite of himself,
the messenger wrapped his expensive robes tighter around himself, grimacing
slightly before changing his cold face to its regular impassiveness.brbr
Three candles flickered, glowing green. They were the only light in the
room and even they seemed to leer at the entering figure. The high-backed
chair was black and glistened as though with a strange energy.brbr
One white, long-fingered hand rested on an armrest, the body it belonged to
unseen behind the formidable chair.brbr
The messenger cleared his throat softly and cautiously.brbr
"Luciusssssss"brbr
"Master"brbr
"What newsssss?"brbr
"I regret, none my lord."brbr
An angry hissing and a low slithering. Lucius Malfoy tensed slightly as a
huge snake crawled around the foot of the chair.brbr
"This isss unacceptable. I send for my loyal followers and inssssstead I
receive fools!!"brbr
"Master, if I can explain. Dumbledore has..."brbr
"I DO NOT WISH TO HEAR THAT NAME!!!" A furious high-pitched command,
terrifying in its intensity, caused Lucius to back a few feet away from the
chair.brbr
"Potter hassss left Hogwarts?"brbr
"Yes my lord"brbr
"And you have questioned for hisssss whereabouts?"brbr
"Yes, my lord"brbr
"Yessss, yes, that seemssss all you can utter, Lucius. I take from your
insubordination that you have not met with sssuccesssss?"brbr
"Forgive me Master, I mean no disrespect. We have been working through
various channels. The Ministry may yet still prove fruitful."brbr
"Dumbledore hasssss managed to secure the brat'ssss location. The ssspells
I have searched through have pointed to only one true posssssssibility."brbr
Malfoy, wisely, was silent.brbr
"Leave the Ministry. Let Fudge and his bumblersssss pave our way. The
only information that could be usssseful slipped through your fingerssss?"brbr
"It was the wrong one, my lord. Of course, there are so many, how can one
tell?" A look of absolute disgust crossed Malfoy's icy features. *That
flea-bitten family!! How many god-forsaken children can they have*brbr
"Luciusssss, take care your own personal grudgesssss do not interfere with
our goal."brbr
"Never Master. I live to serve you."brbr
A light hissing laughter. The temperature in the room dropped a few more
degrees and Lucius backed away even farther. The rain outside even seemed
to back away from the window panes.brbr
"Yessssss. So you do. Where is that miserable Wormtail?"brbr
"I do not know, my lord. Do you wish for me to summon him?"brbr
The white hand waved carelessly. "Let me remain in peace for now. I grow
tired of my followersssss and they're failingsssss."brbr
Silence. Still, Malfoy did not move to leave the room.brbr
"My lord, I wished to speak of my son."brbr
"Ssssspeak. Quickly"brbr
"He wishes to join us. He knows much of all of this. With your
permission, I would like to begin his formal training."brbr
"This boy, Draco, he is consssstantly losing to Potter, is he not?"brbr
Lucius stiffened. "Yes my lord. I have warned him but he is young and
impressionable. Also, Potter's disgusting little minions are constantly
flanking him, causing trouble."brbr"Alwayssss excuses. Tell the boy to watch from his position now, as a
student from the inside. I require no more assssisstance at the moment.
Although hissss past would certainly mark him as a current Death Eater."brbr
The thinly-veiled fury in the Dark Lord's voice caused the candle flames to
flicker, sputter, then blaze again.brbr
"I will....tell him, Master."brbr
"You are disssspleased, Lucius?"brbr
"He detests Potter and his sidekicks as much as I do, my lord. Perhaps
more so. I would have liked to see him prove himself."brbr
"I grow tired of your personal vendetta. The boy you sssspeak is no usssse
to us now. Ssssooon, of course, he will be of utmost importance. Then,
you may have your fun."brbr
"I thank you, my lord. And the Mudblood?"brbr
"Her blood will be the first that Potter and the red-headed brat will
ssssee. When the time issss right. For now, I wissssh to....."brbr
The Dark Wizard stopped speaking suddenly.brbr
Lucius cautiously stepped forward to the dark chair. Nagini hissed a
warning and raised her huge head.brbr
"Master?"brbr
The white hand clenched suddenly and a shrill, high-pitched scream of rage
echoed through the room.brbr
The two Death Eaters flanked outside of the room poked their heads in,
their terror apparent even with their faces hidden behind dark cowls.brbr
Malfoy backed away quickly.brbr
"NO!!!! Not NOW!!!!!! The sssseer....the dark one. She seessssss. She
is ssssearching...."brbr
Lucius paled and chewed his tongue for a moment. It couldn't possibly
be.....brbr
"How, Master?"brbr
"You did not kill her!!"brbr
Lucius clenched his teeth waiting for it and wasn't disappointed.brbr
"Crucio!" The pain did not subside for several moments until Lord
Voldemort, the newly-resurrected wizard, chose to let it go.brbr
"We...tried, my lord. Forg-give me....." Malfoy tried, in vain, to control
his oily voice.brbr
"Kill her!! She is sssearching, for the darknessssss. Ssshe will try
again!"brbr
"She, s-she wished to serve you, Master. Perhaps now?"brbr
"FOOL!! She is nothing but a threat! She will desssstroy all, I do not
wish for sssssuch insanity!"brbr
"But, her powers, against Potter?"brbr
"Potter will be dessssstroyed by my hand and mine alone!!" The shriek of
rage was now a roar. "I will have no interference. The world issssss
mine, ssshe will feed from ussss no longer."brbr
"We will try and locate her, my lord."brbr
"If sssshe attempts any contact, I wish for it to end quickly. No
misssstakes, no excuses. Or you will beg for the death which I will
eventually deliver."brbr
"Understood, my lord."brbr
"As for Potter, continue sssearching. When no one thinkssss of it, we will
ssstrike!"brbr
Lucius Malfoy paused in the door for a nanosecond. "My master, there is
news of three outsiders wishing to return as well."brbr
Silence. A tall, dark-robed figure stood and finally faced Malfoy. Lucius
didn't shudder, though most did much more than that upon seeing the Dark
Wizard. Slanted red eyes regarded the Death Eater calculatingly.brbr
"You have come to dissssturb me with news of them?"brbr
A tone of the darkest, foulest humor had crept into the evil wizard's tone.
Malfoy did not dare allow himself a smile, but one tugged at the edges of
his thin lips.brbr
"They have been inquiring in Knockturn Alley, Master. Rumors heard, though
praise to Grindelwald that no Dark Mark was ever placed on their stinking
skins."brbr
"Do as you wissssssh to them. Kill them, if you are bored, I care not.
Under no circumstances are they to be allowed into my pressssence again,
understood?"brbr
"Perfectly Master." Wish a snide smirk, Malfoy bowed deeply and left the
room, his dark robes swirling around him.brbr
Halfway down the hall, he disapparated with a *pop*brbr
****************************************************************************
**brbr
Malfoy Manor was dark, gloomy and completely befitting for the family which
occupied it. The rains also beset its walls and windows, pounding with a
now, half-hearted fury.brbr
The first thing Lucius Malfoy saw was a silver-blonde head in a dark room
lit by one candle. Pausing to curse that damned house elf that had
betrayed them one more time, he gruffly cleared his throat.brbr
"Do not skulk in the shadows Draco. The Dark Lord has requested you remain
in your current position until something useful can be made of you."brbr
The narrow, snide-looking face twisted in anger. "I've had more encounter
with that Potty then...."brbr
"Enough! When I wish to hear your pathetic whining I will ask for it. You
do not question our Master, it is neither prudent nor wise. Fulfill your
duties as instructed and be grateful for it.brbr
Draco's pale face tightened and his colorless eyes watched his father walk
stiffly from the room. "What will you do when you catch Scar-head?" His
characteristic drawl was barely heard.brbr
In spite of himself, Lucius' shadowed face twisted into a half-smirk.
"Show your emotions in a more befitting way, Draco. And that is yet to be
decided."brbr
"He got away last time"brbr
Lucius whirled on his son with frightening intensity. Grasping the front
of his son's fine robes he pulled the boy's pointed face closer to his own.brbr
"_How_ many times must you be reminded not to speak of such things? Idiot
Boy!! Do you wish for us all to be cast aside? I know your weak mind has
no comprehension of what can occur but, for your mother's sake as well as
your own, be silent about all events from that night, as well as the Potter
brat!"brbr
With a swish, Lucius was gone. Draco stood in the drafty hallway, seething
with fury. He wondered if any other pre-Death Eaters had ever felt this
way.brbr
****************************************************************************
**brbrbrbr"I'm not a child! You can't control me."brbr
"Percy"brbr
"It's my _job_. Do you have any idea of how hard I worked to get there?"brbr
Percy's face was flushed, the back of his neck and his ears bright red from
his anger. Arthur Weasley sighed and rubbed his head tiredly.brbr
"You're not listening to reason, son."brbr
A flash of something imperceptible was seen in Percy's hazel eyes and his
mouth hardened. "Since when do you take any interest in my life, or
anything that I do?"brbr
Now Arthur could feel his temper rising, even though it was an obvious
bait.brbr
"You won't be returning there until we, your parents, feel it's safe.
That's our right."brbr
"It's _not_ your right! I can go back anytime I choose!!"brbr
Arthur folded his arms. "No, you can't. I've already spoken to the
Minister and he's agreed to put you on suspension for a time until a more
thorough investigation can be conducted." Arthur's face twisted in
frustration at this, remembering his conversation with Fudge.brbr
The Minister had been reluctant to allow Percy to return at all,
considering his paranoia about all things that must not be named. Which
was suspicious in itself because of how much such things no longer existed
and were certainly _not_ back in action.brbr
There was no way that Arthur would ever tell Percy that, however. He
waited for the explosion, ready to take the heat if it meant keeping one of
his boys safe.brbr
It wasn't an explosion but something worse. Percy closed up completely.
His face was like a mask and his glasses hid his eyes.brbr
"Well, I guess you finally got what you wanted then. The only outlet I was
ever allowed and no you've taken it away because of Ron's friendship with
that brat."brbr
"Careful, Percy" Arthur's voice held a warning.brbr
"I mean it! Nothing around here has been the same since that kid came
around. I wish that Ron had never met him. For that matter, I wish that
Ron would handle the situation himself instead of the rest of us having to
be involved. I'm through dealing with this family's crisis. I'm leaving."brbr
Percy made to storm off but his father's attention was no longer on him.
Standing in the kitchen, in full view and hearing of the argument taking
place in the living room, was a shaking, white-faced Ron.brbr
Percy felt a twinge of regret before it was swallowed up by his fury. The
fact that he really had nowhere to storm off to was another problem. His
family needed the money he brought in from his job, which made his parents
reaction to all of this, not to mention his suspension absolutely
ridiculous.brbr
Arthur's calm, steady voice also infuriated him as he said something to his
younger brother who didn't pay attention. Just once Percy wanted to see
him give a damn about anything other than his precious Muggles and his job.
The hypocrisy of that was lost on the red-head, as was Ron's reaction to
him as he brushed past.brbr
"Why are you always listening in on everyone else's conversation?! Go
bother someone else."brbr
Ron's hands made tight fists and his ears turned a deep red. "How can you
have said that about my friend?"brbr
"It was none of your concern. Nothing I say or do is any of your concern
now get out of my way."brbr
"Fine!!" Ron yelled, his face draining more with rage. "Go back to the
stupid Ministry!! You don't care about what happened, all you care is your
own.....er, bloody things!" Ron's remark fell flat as he failed to come up
with anything creative as a retort.brbr
Percy was already out of the door, his face completely impassive but his
eyes spitting with anger. He stormed down the path, knowing he could
apparate wherever he chose but not knowing where to go.brbr
Ron was still following him. "That's right, run away like you always do!
Turn your back on the rest of us, because you don't give a damn!!" Ron's
voice was now screaming, a note of deep hurt in it.brbr
"Stop following me!"brbr
"Ron, watch your language. I know you're upset." Arthur had also followed
his two sons out, his expression concerned.brbr
Ron, now almost as tall as Percy, caught up to him just as Percy had had
enough. Something happened then, which Arthur was loathe to explain to
anyone and which no one could have foreseen. Ron apparated on the spot.brbr
Probably because in the split second Percy had, Ron grabbed onto the back
of his robes. Both were gone in a blink. Arthur stood staring and feeling
shell-shocked.brbr
Already, worry crept up past his realization of what must have occurred.
The Burrow's door swung open and Ginny stepped out, looking around in
confusion.brbr
Molly quickly followed, calling out her husband's name in anxiety.brbr
"I take it that the conversation didn't go well, dear?" Molly looked tired
and aged and Arthur nodded slightly before staring at the spot where his
two sons had disappeared.brbr
"Bloody hell....."brbr
****************************************************************************
**brbr
"Wow, you must have been _really_ upset"brbr
"Just stick close to me and don't wander off."brbr
Ron's mouth was already agape, clearly not registering his brother's words.brbr
"Ron!" Hazel eyes met his brothers'.brbr
"What? It's not like I'm a little kid. I'm already fifteen."brbr
"Fifteen going on ten. This place can be dangerous and you don't exactly
have the best record when it comes to avoiding that."brbr
"Yup, I guess my poor choice of friends has somethin' to do with that, huh
_Perce_?"brbr
The two brothers were leaning against a darkened wall in a rather
inhospitable area of London. And what is inhospitable to Muggles is
certainly more so for wizards.brbr
Percy sighed and readjusted his robes, picking at an imaginary piece of
dust. "You weren't supposed to hear that."brbr
"You weren't supposed to _say_ that"brbr
"You're right."brbr
"You're only saying that because you think I'm a baby and....huh? I'm...I'm
right?!" Ron's face changed to astonishment so quickly, Percy would have
laughed if they had been in a more fitting place to do so.brbr
"I'm sorry. I was angry. I'm tired of Dad, er,_Father_" Ron rolled his
eyes. "Only prying into my life when he thinks it's long overdue. He
never gives a never-mind any other time." Percy grasped his brother's
shoulder as an unsavory looking warlock sneered at the two of them and
moved on.brbr
The defensive glare gone from his face, Percy looked in concern at his
little brother who was completely oblivious to their danger, clearly
enjoying what their mother thought was taboo.brbr
But Ron was listening.brbr
"You didn't see them that night. Mum and Dad were so worried. I had to
calm Ginny down because they were too distracted. Y'know, because she was
scared......" Ron's voice trailed off and his eyes shifted. The words
that had not been spoken yet hung in the air.brbr
Percy hadn't brought up the events of that night since it had happened.
Not even then, actually. The first thing Ron remembered the morning after
it had all taken place was Percy coming into his own bedroom and sitting
beside him on the bed.brbr
The youngest Weasley brother, having fallen back to sleep was still quite
groggy but he remembered Percy smoothing his sleep-tousled hair back and
readjusting the quilts, allowing his stern face a small smile. He had then
leaned over and barely kissed the top of his youngest brother's head.brbr
Ron nearly groaned in disgust at the time but allowed his brother to show
his affection, since it was so rare that he did so.brbr
Percy put an arm around his brother's shoulders at the memory, and to ward
off the chill since the already darkened street was getting darker with the
setting sun. Bad time to argue with one's parents....as though there was a
good time.brbr
Percy remembered seeing the tall, lanky form in that uncomfortable chair
when he had woken up from that terrible night. Ron's head was lolling
every which way. The tenderness that had been present at the time came
back, reinforced with terrible guilt as his earlier remarks. He had gently
placed the boy into his own bed, making sure he didn't catch cold, able to
show his brotherly love in a way he had been unable to do since first
leaving for Hogwarts years ago.brbr
He had missed it. He didn't remember anything of his interrogation but he
remembered the accompanying emotions. Something about threatening his
siblings.brbr
And now, here they were as a result of Percy's temper and Ron's bad timing.
Great, just great.brbr
"What possessed you to grab onto my robes?"brbr
"What possessed _you_ to drag me into your stupid little argument with Dad.
He has a point, its not safe for you at the Ministry, especially with that
prat running things."brbr
"Minister Fudge is highly respected. Just because you and the rest of our
family have no respect for rules and order....brbr
"Blah, blah, blah. If you asking who's word I'm gonna believe, Harry and
Dumbledore over that, _esteemed_ Minister, you should already know the
answer."brbr
"We need to be getting home."brbr
"I thought you didn't want to go back there."brbr
"I...I was angry. I need to get some things anyway. Besides Mum will be
worried about you, Dad too."brbr
Ron began walking with his brother, for once obeying instructions and
sticking close in the unfamiliar territory. Percy should have been
comforted by this but wasn't, since he had no idea of where he was going
and now had a younger sibling to take care of, fifteen or not.brbr
"I shouldn't have blamed Harry. There, are you happy? Think I like being
stuck in the middle? What else have I prepared for then a job at the
Ministry and now you and everyone else I know is saying that was for
nothing! How else should I have reacted?!"brbr
Ron barely glanced at his brother, his hang-dog expression rather
endearing. Percy's tone softened.brbr
"I wish that stupid Tournament had never taken place."brbr
Ron nodded fervently. "Me too. Oh boy, me too."brbr
Percy stopped, Ron with him. "I guess I could try apparating back but I
don't dare risk it with you along. I honestly don't know how I did it the
first time."brbr
The street, sinister before-hand, was much more so in the lengthening
shadows.brbr
"Mum would kill us if she knew where we were."brbr
"She would kill _me_. One of the benefits of being older. You get blamed
for your siblings' insubordination."brbr
Percy, usually so stuffy and wooden around his family, ruffled Ron's hair
to his younger brother's surprise.brbr
"If we could find where Diagon Alley hooks up, then we could use floo
powder to head home."brbr
"Yes....but where exactly _does_ it hook up?" The two brothers, who looked
alike despite Percy's more groomed appearance and glasses, glanced at each
other in frustration.brbr
"Um..I dunno. Harry was in here a few years ago but Hagrid hurry an' got
him out before he could see anything. Well, not before he saw Lucius
Malfoy and his little ferret in here."brbr
"Doesn't surprise me." Percy's voice was dark. This really wasn't a place
where he wanted to talk about his father's mortal enemy.brbr
"Maybe if we just keep walking, we'll find it."brbr
Percy nodded. Ron tried to shrug his brother's arm off of his shoulders
but Percy ignored the hint, feeling anxious.brbr
He could feel....something. Eyes. Watching them. Percy no longer trusted
things to simply be his imagination after some recent experiences.brbr
That was stupid though. No one could know they were here, no one that
would want to hurt their family or the two brothers.brbr
Still, he pulled Ron a little closer, ignoring the younger Weasley's
protests. *Bloody.....of all the places we could have gone. And apparating
uncontrolled like that!* Percy would have lectured himself if it would have
changed the situation.brbr
His parents would be frantic by now. The sun was gone, in its place the
strange in-between light of day and night.brbr
A whisper. The street seemed that the two turned on was oddly empty.brbr
"Perce?"brbr
"Yes Ron?"brbr
"Did you hear something?"brbr
"No. But I've got my wand."brbr
"Good......I've got your back too."brbr
Percy actually smiled. "Thanks Ron"brbr
Two more whispers. Coming from behind them. Both Weasleys froze. The
whispers were coming closer.brbr
"In here!"brbr
Percy grabbed his brother and darted into a darkened door. The shop was
closed up, probably through lack of business, since night ventures was
something Knockturn Alley excelled in.brbr
Three burly boys walked by, Percy squinted his eyes. Slytherins. All
three of them. They were three years older than him and had tormented many
of his fellow Gryffindors unmercilessly during their time at school.brbr
Percy was having trouble remembering these particular names, though, since
most Slytherins did exactly the same thing.brbr
One figure stopped and looked around.brbr
"Are yeh sure they've come this way?"brbr
"How couldja miss that hair? There were two of 'em, just wanted to,
er..._talk_ to 'em, tha's all." Three gorilla-like grunts of laughter.
Ron raised his eyebrows at Percy before rolling his eyes and mouthing
'Thick'. Percy's lips thinned, not in disapproval as Ron supposed, but to
keep from laughing.brbr
The deserted street and the current atmosphere, not to mention the fact
that they were two well-known light magic supporters in dark arts central
made Percy's thoughts flitter away in a panic.brbr
His mind began to form a plan. If only Ron.....brbr
"Ron"brbr
"Yeah, what?" The three hulking figures had moved on but Percy still kept
his voice down.brbr
"I want you to stay here, no exceptions, got it?"brbr
"Where in bloody hell do you think you're going?"brbr
"I'm going to contact Dad and Mum. Just....don't wander off, please?"brbr
"Who were those guys?"brbr
"Just some dopey Slytherins from school. They left the year before you
came in. Doesn't surprise me that they're just wandering around here, but
I think it's better if the two of us don't attract attention."brbr
Ron looked at him with narrowed eyes before actually nodding. Percy let
out a breath.brbr
"Good, not that there's any real danger mind you, it's just...."brbr
"Constant vigilance!" Ron grinned, before his smile faded and some deep
emotion touched his eyes, leaving his older brother to wonder at it.brbr
"Right. I'll be right back. _Don't_ go anywhere!"brbr
"All right, all right, sheesh, dry up. You're worse than Mum."brbrPercy cautiously poked his head out, checking to see if the street was
still deserted. It was, luckily, and he turned back to see Ron leaning,
his back against the side of the darkened doorway, fiddling with his robes.brbr
Percy thought that continuing down the street seemed a safe bet, since he
and Ron hadn't been down that way yet. He walked for a few minutes,
relieved that the suspicious feeling of someone watching him was gone
before he looked up, even more relieved to see...brbr
*Gringotts, thank goodness!* The large, crooked building towered high above
him and he could hear some familiar noises, even if the night made it hard
to see them.brbr
Forgetting about dignity, Percy began a light jog down to Gringotts'
entrance to get his bearings, seeing his destination when he got there.brbr
The Leaky Cauldron. No doubt Tom would let him contact his parents.
Slowing to a walk (and huffing and puffing, cursing his slacking on staying
in shape his last few years out of Hogwarts) he tentatively opened the door
and saw the friendly bartender entertaining a few patrons before setting
eyes on him.brbr
"Why, Percy Weasley! What in Merlin's beard are you doin' here? Didja
know yer parents have set up some notices fer you an'...um, one of yer
brothers...."brbr
"Ron?"brbr
"Yes indeed, that's it. Young Potter's friend. Um...don't know the whole
story meself but if'n you'd like to contact 'em."brbr
Percy nodded gratefully. "Yes sir, that's what I was about to ask."brbr
Tom chuckled, showing his toothless gums. "Bless my soul, anytime young
Weasley. Only too glad to help. Better hurry though, yer parents were
soundin' awful worried."brbr
The few patrons smiled patronizingly at Percy who wanted to sink into the
floor. He grumbled to himself as he followed Tom back to his fireplace,
wishing his parents saw him as his actual twenty years instead of two.brbr
Tom lit the fire and Percy braced himself.brbr
****************************************************************************
**brbr
The two emerged from the back of the Leaky Cauldron looking as though a
small explosion had gone off. Even poor old Tom's face was one of sympathy
and fear.....fear of ever getting on Molly Weasley's bad side.brbr
Percy, who had never really been on the receiving end of one of his
mother's lectures, shook his head, trying to get rid of the ringing in his
ears.brbr
Now he knew what a Howler could be like. He wasn't keen for a repeat
performance. Ah well, he needed to get back to Ron. Still, it was hard to
hear his mother's obvious disappointment in him. Maybe he stayed out of
trouble less for his own sake than for her's.brbr
"I'll be right back, Tom. Just gotta go get Ron, I wanted to find out
where we were exactly or I would have brought him...."brbr
"No need to explain, just hurry along. I'm guessin' yer mum is losin' what
patience she still has."brbr
Percy nodded, putting a hand to his head to ward off the growing pain. He
simply couldn't _wait_ to get home.brbr
"It's all set up fer when you get back."brbr
Percy nodded and walked out, back into Diagon Alley, retracing his steps to
Gringotts and further.brbr
The street where he had left Ron was still deserted. Percy felt something
stand up on the back of his neck as he continued to walk down the Knockturn
Alley side-street. The absolute silence was unnerving.brbr
He just wanted to find Ron and get out.....brbr
Percy froze, his heart stopping for one moment. Ron wasn't where he'd left
him.brbr
Swearing fiercely and uncharacteristically, Percy looked around, growing
more frantic when he didn't see his little brother anywhere near.brbr
The entire place seemed empty.brbr
Clearing his throat, Percy called out. "Ron!" His voice echoed eerily in
the darkness.brbr
Trying to control his pounding heart, Percy called out louder this time.
"RON!!" Now his voice held a note of panic.brbr
Nothing.brbr
Percy began walking quickly past where he'd left Ron, willing his little
brother not to have wandered too far off and wanting to kill him for
disobeying instructions_again_.brbr
*Used to do it all the time....bloody....never grow up, age me before my
time.....what did I ever do to deserve this, grabbing on li...can't ever
not tag along.*brbr
Percy's growing fear was making it hard for him to think straight. There
was no sign of Ron anywhere.brbr
Feeling something twist inside of him, Percy knew he needed to avoid
panicking. The thought of anything happening to his precious little
brother made that very difficult.brbr
He found himself back to a more occupied part of the seedy place. Percy
stood on his tip-toes, desperately trying to spot the Weasleys' unavoidable
hair in the darkness and the unsavory crowd.brbr
He jumped out of his skin when a large hand came down hard on his shoulder.
In a flash, his wand was out.brbr
"Eh....you're a Weasley, right?"brbr
Percy turned slowly, recognizing one of the thugs he had seen earlier
grinning at him nastily. He nodded and turned away, not wanting to bother
with this goon when his brother could be in danger.brbr
"Follow me"brbr
Percy scowled at him.brbr
"Why?"brbr
The burly lad only shook his head and motioned for him to come. Percy, his
better judgement screaming at him, followed him up a rickety, cob-webbed
filled staircase and onto a filthy, landing, a story above Knockturn Alley.brbr
"Lost somethin'?"brbr
The two others came into view, holding a third figure who was struggling,
one of the larger boys holding a hand over his mouth.brbr
Percy felt his heart drop into his stomach.brbr
"Ron....."brbr
Ron kicked at the two behind him, to no avail, meeting his brother's eyes
and holding the gaze. Percy tried to smile reassuringly, seeing the fear
in the younger Weasley's expression but could only grimace.brbr
"Yup, found him just hangin' around our turf. Now what would a scrapper
like this be doin' where he don' belong, I asks meself."brbr
"Let him go."brbr"Now, why would I wanna do that? You both ain't in the right place. Maybe
we should teach ya not to go where yer not welcome."brbr
"Fine, then teach me, leave him out of it. He's just a kid."brbr
Ron scowled and made a furious sound which Percy ignored.brbr
"Awww, ain't that sweet boys? Watchin' out fer his ickle brother.
Should've watched harder, made it jus' too easy...."brbr
Percy stepped forward, his wand at the ready. The other three, he noted
with satisfaction, didn't seem to be carrying theirs.brbr
The larger boy stepped in front of him. "Ah, ah...don' wanna do nothin' ya
might regret." He motioned his head towards the goons holding Ron and one
twisted his brother's arm brutally behind his back.brbr
Ron made a sound of pain and Percy stepped back again, quickly. The older
Weasley was breathing hard, now furious and worried. If they did anything
to hurt him......brbr
"Now, I'll make this real easy for ya."brbr
Percy, had he had any knowledge of Muggle movies, might have thought this
was entirely too cliche'.brbr
Luckily for him (and the author) he didn't.brbr
"We've been hearin' some rumours. An' we wanna know if they're true. We
want you to contact someone who'll let us in on some little secrets."brbr
Percy's eyes never left his brother. "Who?"brbr
"Lucius Malfoy."brbr
Both Weasleys looked up in surprise at this. "You're barking mad. I don't
know Lucius Malfoy and even if I did, I'm certainly not the one to go up
and ask him for anything. He's hated our family for years."brbr
The burly lad looked confused at this before a cruel grin crossed his flat
features. "Well, tha's just too bad, ain't it? We needed some
cholesterol, colloqium, er...colla- somethin' er other, and we
remembered..."brbr
Here one of the other goons grinned proudly, Percy sneered. Oh boy.....brbrbrbr"That you and yer Dad work fer the Ministry. Best way to contact some
higher-up Death Eaters."brbr
At the actual name Percy blanched. So did Ron.brbr
"You've gotten your information wrong. Malfoy isn't on the Head Board any
longer. He's backed off of Ministry work for several years now."brbr
More confusion, the largest boy, obviously the leader, scratched his head.brbr
Percy risked stepping closer, trying to make his voice sound soft and
negotiating instead of cursing this thug for laying a finger on his
brother.brbr
"Come on, just let him go and we'll forget this...."brbr
"NO! I hadda good plan and yer gonna find a way to go through with it. Or
else we break every bone in his scrawny body....."brbr
More painful twisting. "Stop!!"brbr
Ron, now on his knees, was white under his freckles. The largest boy,
grinning at Percy maliciously, turned and sank a beefy fist into Ron's
stomach. The youngest Weasley brother groaned, gasping for breath.brbr
Percy looked feral. He made to wrap his hands around the hood's neck but
stopped when the other two cohorts picked his little brother up and hauled
him to the edge of the railing.brbr
"Easy enough to watch this little bug go _splat_, eh?" The evil in the
leader's eyes made Percy ill. He knew they would very well do what they
were threatening.brbr
Ron was coughing and weakly trying to speak. "Perce...."brbr
"Easy Ron, it'll be okay." Percy's voice was miraculously calm, despite
his overwhelming fear.brbr
He was going to kill these three. But first things first. "What should I
do exactly?"brbr
"Start by sayin' that we need a way back in the circle. We got the know-
how." Ron actually rolled his eyes, making Percy smile sadly at him before
glaring hatefully at the thug.brbr
"And if you tell anyone about this...." Ron was tilted back, struggling
against the larger boy's grips, his feet dangerously close to the edge.brbr
"Stop, NO!!" Ron was pushed forward, landing painfully on his knees before
being roughly hauled up again.brbr
"I understand." Percy's mind was whirling. He met Ron's eyes again,
trying to tell him everything was going to be fine but Ron was avoiding his
gaze, seemingly humiliated.brbrPercy wanted to say something else, but there was no way he could in front
of these three. They already had too much of an advantage.brbr
He was barely listening as the burly young man muttered some instructions
under his breath. From the sounds of it, it seemed as though these three
weren't the best asset to _any_ organization, even one as none picky as He-
Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.brbr
The other two pulled Ron into a barely seen door but not before Percy
flashed him the secret Weasley signal. Three fingers, then six then fists.
The 'I'm too embarrassed or now's not the right time but I love you'
signal.brbr
Ron nodded. Percy somehow knew that it was the 'you too' he needed to
hear. The leader and Percy stared each other down for a minute.brbr
"You're going to rot in Azkaban for this. Stupidest thing I've ever heard
of...."brbr
"Don' think so. There's a new order goin' around. Pretty soon we'll be in
control and little boot-lickers like you will be kissing our...."brbr
Percy turned to go before hearing the rest. "If you hurt him at all, I'll
personally hunt you down and make sure you're more sorry than you can
imagine."brbr
This wasn't Head Boy or Prefect Percy. It wasn't fuss-budget, overbearing,
boring, stuffy, pompous Percy. He wasn't a Gryffindor for nothing. Even
the thick-headed thug stepped back as Percy's red hair vanished down the
stairs.brbr
****************************************************************************
**brbrbrbr"No.....please, stay away. Want...sleep....no...." Harry Potter was
tossing and turning, oblivious to everything around him as he slept
fitfully, lost in a deep fog that his beloved owl, Hedwig, didn't
understand.brbr
She hooted and ruffled her wings in her cage. Her boy had been acting
strangely the past few days. Distracted. No smiles, no laughter. Even in
the environment the Dursleys' provided, Harry's good-nature usually
overcame most of the obstacles life had put in front of him.brbr
Except now.brbr
Hedwig turned her amber eyes on her boy, who's forehead was covered in
sweat and whose eyes were shut tightly, as though he were struggling
against an unseen enemy. Hedwig risked squawking, even though she knew
from experience that the other man, the large beefy one would come roaring
in, yelling at her boy.brbr
Nothing.brbr
Hedwig beat her wings against the side of her cage, feeling a owlish
version of panic. She wanted to get out, to get help. Something was
happened to her boy and she couldn't have that. She did, after all, love
him in her way. She had to look after him.brbr
Harry was oblivious to all except the voice in his head. It was circling
him, it wouldn't leave him in peace.brbr
Something had been happening to him. At first he welcomed the escape but
now the voice told him terrible things. Sad things. Things from deep
inside of his soul that he never revealed to anyone, exposed by those eyes
that were searching for him.brbr
His deepest fears and darkest depression. Like phantoms they circled him,
blocking out everything else. The Dursleys had merely nodded their heads,
knowing that the boy's _unnaturalness_ would lead to aimless muttering some
day.brbr
But Harry wasn't mad. He was being used, something enjoyed his pain.
Something wanted him to remember so he would give in and let it drain him.
It was a vicious cycle.brbr
Weakly, his inner voice cried out for help. Nothing.brbr
~Stupid boy....we're much, much too busy to have time for you. James and
Lily are dead, _dead_, and we've moved on. You have no right to ask for
anything from us, from _me_. Why, if it wasn't for you I would be off
somewhere safe, plenty of food, good environment. Instead, I have to try
and look after your ungrateful soul!~brbr
Harry moaned. The voice changed. ~Sorry Harry, we don't have any more use
for you now. You see, it's always just been about the two of us, you're an
intruder, like you've always been. You're not wanted, can't you just go
and leave us alone? You're always putting us in danger y'know. Besides,
you can never share in what we have so why don't you stop delaying the
inevitable and get yourself killed?~brbr
Was it Ron, Hermione? Who?! His best friends would never abandon him,
even if they had deeper feeling for each other. They wouldn't leave him
out in the cold, would they?brbr
~Harry, you've put my family in danger. You brought Voldemort back.
Innocent people are going to die because of you, just look at Cedric. You
hurt everyone around you, you're a plague. It would have been better if
Voldemort had just taken you, then James and Lily would perhaps still be
alive. Everyone loved them, what are you? Just some whelp who's latched
onto another family _mine_ and, selfishly, placed them in danger. Just
like you, you know.~brbr
A few tears streaked down Harry's thin cheeks. Hedwig was now throwing a
royal fit. A loud roar came from downstairs and thudding footsteps could
be heard.brbr
"That's it!! I'm gonna take that ruddy owl and....." The door open, then
slammed shut of its own accord. It locked then the doorknob was pushed
out, rolling under Harry's bed.brbr
Uncle Vernon continued roaring and pounding on the door but was unable to
get in.brbr
~Harry......~brbr
*Leave me alone, please.*brbr
~Sweet boy, I'm going to help you. I'm the only one left who can help you.
No one else cares, do they?~brbr
*No one, there's no one.....left.....*brbr
~Yes, give in. I'll help you to forget, just forget. Leave them behind.
I'll be your family, I'll take care of you~brbr
Something in Harry's subconscious screamed out, jerking him back to reality
before he was pulled down again.brbr
*Lies!!*brbr
The voices were back. Angry faces, then backs turned on him. He was
alone, completely alone.brbr
~You're not alone. I'll help you to forget. Everything you ever felt, all
of the pain. I can help you Harry.~brbr
Harry was sobbing and didn't know it. He couldn't get release.brbr
~Get rid of them. Before they can hurt you. They _will_ hurt you, Harry.
You can't trust them.~brbr
A memory. 'Good people are so easy to manipulate', and he had fallen for
it. Like he hadn't seen through Quirrell his first year. Or Tom Riddle
until it was almost too late. Poor, pathetic Harry.brbr
~Get rid of them. I'll help you to forget, I'll help you Harry.~brbr
*Yes. Thank you, please don't leave me. Don't leave me like them.*brbr
~Of course not, sweet boy. Send a message, tell them what I say......~brbr
Gradually, Uncle Vernon gave up on trying to break through the door,
swearing and stomping downstairs. He cursed him nephew's return the entire
way down.brbr
Harry, his eyes unfocused and bleak, picked up a quill and parchment. He
didn't even glance at the paper until he was reading it over again.brbr
Siriusbrbr
Please don't send me any more owls. I'll get in trouble. I'm fine,
everything's okay here. Since you're supposed to gather the old crowd,
maybe you could do me a favor and watch out for Ron? I have a feeling
something's going to happen to him. Don't ask me to explain, just do it as
a....brbr
Harry had to stop himself from writing _last favor_. He had no idea where
this was all coming from. It was like something was reaching into his
deepest memories and controlling the movements of his hand without him
realizing it.brbr
And most importantly, he didn't care. He found it simply didn't matter.brbr
favor, godson to godfather? I'll be fine here. Don't try and contact me
or come here, whatever you do. I really need some time alone to think
things through. Tell the Weasleys I won't be able to come and stay with
them. I think my safety is the most important thing.brbr
Harry Potterbrbr
Hedwig held out her leg obediently as Harry attached the message to it.
She nipped his finger, making a strange half-hoot, an owl-like plea for him
to come back. She missed her boy and this was not him.brbr
He didn't seem to see her at all. Hedwig flew out the window, thinking
thoughts no human can understand. But maybe a dog.....brbr
****************************************************************************
**brbrbrbrMappe smiled to herself. The boy was like an unending source. She had
thought that the werewolf had potential.brbr
This boy's heart was bruised and bloody. His soul was hurt and
withdrawing. She could feel herself growing stronger, though his young
mind held a great deal of power.brbr
The untapped wealth one could find there was more than exciting. No wonder
the Dark Lord was seeking the boy. He would be a rival unlike anything
they had ever seen.brbr
For now, however, he was young and easily manipulated. The shields that
Mappe had first detected around him were becoming weaker as the days went
on. It grew easier to delve into Harry Potter's emotions as his own fears
took shape, gained their own voice.brbr
The fire flickered. Trissy squeaked softly, as house-elf don't usually
cry. She cried now, though, as large tears fell from her bulbous nose.
Her view from the doorframe allowed her only to see Mappe Maleficent gazing
endlessly into the fire.brbr
Mappe stood up and smiled benignly at her servant. Trissy jumped and
tripped over her mussed uniform.brbr"I"m going on a little journey, Trissy. Don't expect me back for awhile."brbr
"M-Missus.....?"brbr
Mappe's eyes, swirling and dangerous, held a clarity they had not had for
years. Still, she giggled hysterically and Trissy glanced at her in fear.brbr
"I've often wanted to see Surrey this time of year."brbr
****************************************************************************
**brbrbrbrAuthor's Notes;brbr
I wanted to thank everyone for reviewing my stuff before this. In a time
of busy schedules and me who should be writing my thesis, (glances around
guiltily) I truly appreciate it.brbr
First, to GoldenWolf, for the wonderful LOTR's story she's writing about my
dear Sam and his Mr. Frodo.brbr
Second, all credit goes to Circee, a fabulous writer who has fics posted at
sugarquill.net. I urge you to read her stuff, especially all of you
Ginny/Harry shippers. So sweet!! Especially for a fence-sitter on the
subject like me. All credit, as I was saying, goes to her for inventing
that wonderful, secret Weasley "I love you" sign. I had nothing to do with
it and she, everything to do with it. It fit in well though and I must
thank her again. Thanks!!brbr
Finally, I know things may be confusing now but evil laugh, I'm addicted to
subtle a.k.a. confusing plot twists. All will come together in the end.
Thanks for reading and please R/R. Always appreciated.brbr
-Anlia