Harry Potter and the Fallen Angel
Harry Potter theme and related characters are property of J.K. Rowling. Plot and characters Hercule Stonewall and Renate Engl are property of Meisako Pyoko-Chan (Melissa Pomeroy), copyright 2002. Any and all reviews appriaciated.
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chapterTWO: Grey
Harry thanked Madam Malkin as she handed over his new robes. It seemed ages ago when he had last visited her at Madam Malkin's Robes for all Occasions. Two years ago, in fact. Last year Mrs. Weasley had boughten all of his things for him. "Hello Sirius. Sorry it took me so long," he said to a large black dog who was waiting for him by the front door. Unlike the other stores, Madam Malkin HAD minded if Sirius came into the shop. So he had waited out side the door. Sirius was of course, an Animagus, a person who could turn into an animal.
The dog didn't seem to mind and nudged Harry down the street to a shop where Harry had boughten his first cauldron. The place had no name, but the window housed dozens of signs. 'Collaspable' 'Extra Light' 'Self Mixing' 'Standard Weight:Ministry of Magic Approved'. There were more, but he didn't read them. Sirius padded along quietly inside with Harry, trying not to be noticed..
"Hogwarts?" An old mad asked. Harry nodded and walked over to him with his list.
"I need a-"
"Standard weight, I know. The Ministry made me stock up on them for this year. That Weatherby fellow, quite impressive. Managed all this by himself, standardizing the weight and thinckness and all." He walked over to a shelf and pulled down a medium sized cauldron. Harry smiled. The store keeper was talking about Percy Weasley, but no one ever seemed to get his name right.
"Will that be-" The store keeper stopped. He was staring at Harry's forehead. Harry was getting impatient. He didn't like it when people stared at his scar, a 'suvenior' from his first encounter with Voldermort. "Blimey... you're Harry Potter!" The shop keeper shook Harry's hand several times before letting go. "Honored, sir. I heard these rumors about last year, they ain't true- are they?"
Harry avoided the man's eyes. "Yes. Vol- erm, You-Know-Who, attacked last year. He's getting stronger."
The man stared blankly. "Dear me- Erm, here. Take the cauldron. Free of charge." Harry was used to getting free things, but it didn't mean he enjoyed it. Harry thanked the man and left the store with the great black dog right behind him. Mentally, Harry checked his list. He had everything important, but the UN-important things are what he was worrying about. Christmas presents. Hogsmede didn't exactly have a great selection for gifts, unless you counted all the varieties of candy and prank supplies. Harry bought his gifts, with some thought.
For Hermione he bought a crystal-ball with a moving model of the galaxy, and for Ron, a Bottomless Bog of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. Ginny Weasley was going to get a green diary (Harry wrote: 'Don't worry. This one doesn't talk back.'), and Neville Longbottom, a bottle of invisible ink, where only the writer can read what is writen. George and Fred Weasley, Ron's twin older brothers, they were getting nothing. Harry gave them one-thousand Galleons last year. Who was Harry forgetting? Cho Chang. He forgot about Cho. He blushed so obivously that Sirius gave a distinct doggy-grin. "Hush Sirius," Harry said angrily. He thought for a moment and turned to his godfather. "Sirius, what do... erm- girls like?" Sirius merely barked.
"Cho likes... erm... QUIDDITCH?" Harry smiled at his own stupidicy. Cho was Seeker of the Ravenclaw House Quidditch Team. Of course she liked Quidditch, DUH. "C'mon Sirius. I've got an idea." Harry led the dog down the alley and into a Quidditch supply store. Inside was an array of mismatched things. Goal posts (shrunken, of course), Snitches in a terarium, broomsticks, Quaffles, Bludgers, Bludger clubs, safety gear, and How-To books. Harry bent over so his face touched the glass of the terarium. The Snitches were going haywire. The store keeper, a grumpy looking old man with liver spots, walked over to them.
"Can I be of any service?" He growled as he glared at Sirius at Harry's feet.
Harry looked up. "Erm- I want a Snitch."
The man raised his eyebrow. "Just the Snitch? Not the set? It's cheaper to buy the set than to buy them individually." He looked horrified to have to open the Snitch cage.
"It's a gift. For a friend. My friend's a Seeker, so I thought a Snitch would be nice." Harry mumbled as he looked at his feet. It wasn't going to be as easy as he thought to get Cho's gift.
"Yes yes. But Seekers should always practice with other people, and a Bludger at least." The man looked desperate.
Harry began to get impatient. "I think I should just get her a Snitch. Just a Snitch."
The shop keeper frowned. "Very wel- Did you say 'HER'?" The man looked hopeful.
"Ye-yes."
"Come with me then. I think I have something she might like. Is she a 'special' gal?" The man took Harry's deep blushing as a yes. "This way."
The man led Harry to the back room. He rumaged through some boxes and pulled out a jewelry case. The man turned back to Harry. He frowned when he saw Sirius had followed. "I don't exactly mind having a dog in the store, but in the store room is not allowed." Sirius rolled his eyes and padded back out the door. "Here," he said when the dog left. "Go on, open it."
Harry opened it. "Is that a Snitch?" The man nodded happily.
"Only one like. EVER! Bought it from the Ministry, you know. Some witch charmed it, and when she died, a Muggle found it. Odd little thing. Ministry declared it perfectly fine, but stuck that pretty little chain on it to keep it from going berzerk."
Harry examined it. The 'berzerk' Snitch wasn't moving at all. "Um, is it broken?" Harry asked the old man.
"Oh, no. Hold onto the chain. That's it. Now- touch both wings. Go on." Harry did as the shop keeper instructed and the golden Snitch fluttered to life. Harry's Seeker instincts came in and he made a grab for it. Once he had touched the wings again, the fluttering stopped.
The old man smiled. "You're a Seeker, too, aren't you? Even the Ministry had trouble catching it once it started flying. And you, you caught it in one try! That necklace is great for practice, by the way. " Harry blushed a bit. The man studied him. "What House is this girl in, assuming she goes to Hogwarts, of course."
"Ravenclaw."
The man's mouth stood open for a moment. "And what house are you in?" He asked suspisiously.
"Gryffindor- why?" Harry cocked an eyebrow at him. Why was this man asking so many questions?
The old man's mouth dropped. "Then you're Harry Potter!"
"Ye-yes." Harry tried to avoid the man's gaze. "Why were you asking about my friend?"
The man stopped gawking and shook his head, smiling. "Because. Cho happen's to be my granddaughter!"
Harry's eyes got wide. Cho's GRANDFATHER!? "Are you really?"
"Of course, my name's Ping Li. Her mother's side, of course." The man shook Harry's hand vigourously. Harry's face got red.
'He's going to tell Cho, I know it.' Harry thought.
"So, Harry. You'll be wanting that necklace, right?" The man changed the subject slightly, his tone was different. "What's it for?"
"Christmas..." Harry whispered, handing Mr. Li two Galleons and 7 Sickles.
Mr. Li nodded. "Of course. I wont spoil the surprise, that's my word Mr. Potter." He smiled at Harry. "Alright now, best be taking your dog and shoving off now." Mr. Li showed Harry and Sirius to the door, smiling. "Come again!"
Harry began walking, with Sirius beside him, to the Leaky Cauldron, where they planned to make their entrance into the Muggle world. Harry blushed still as they walked a bit. Sirius, who had very keen hearing, being a dog and all, had heard the entire conversation. He was making very distinct giggles as the plodded along. "Sirius- Not a word from you." Harry warned, gving the great black dog an evil look. The dog merely smiled.
"I mean it Sir-" Harry stopped in the middle of the street. Witches and wizards walked by, not noticing the look of terror on his face. Sirius turned to look at Harry. Beads of cold sweat trickled down his face and he bagan to shake violently. Harry's eye's glazed over slightly and he began to wobble. Sirius panicked and began to bark at Harry. A few witches passing by moved away from the dog, but paid no heed to Harry. Sirius clamped his canines into the hem of Harry's pant leg and yanked. Harry didn't move, and it seemed as if he were frozen in fear. Sirius jerked again, this time harder. Harry toppled over into the dirt infront of Olivander's Wand Shop (Makers of fine wands since 341 B.C.). Harry looked dazed and scared, but okay. Sirius began to pull on Harry's pant legs until he understood and crawled out of the street of his own will. Sirius barked for Harry's attention as he headed down another alleyway.
Once in the shadows, Harry heard a soft POP. "Harry! What happened?" Sirius, now back in his human form, pulled Harry into the darkness.
Harry was still a bit shaken, his eyes showed it. "I couldn't move."
Sirius looked concerned. "I know that. I have eyes."
"I- I- I felt like some one was watching. They were searching me, as if who ever it was, could read my thoughts and see into my soul. It's not a nice feeling." Harry looked up at Sirius. He had bits of mud on his face where the dirt from the street had mixxed with his sweat.
Sirius nodded, acting very motherly in wiping the mud off Harry's face. When he wiped his forehead, Harry winced. "What's wrong?"
"My scar. It burns-"
"WHAT! Voldermort can't be here, can he?!"
"BUT! As I was trying to say, the burning- it's not the same. It's more throbbing, than pain. It's a different burning." Harry brushed Sirius's hand away irritably.
"Fine- We need to get you out of here." Harry nodded and stood up. Sirius changed with a POP, and led his godson into the doors of the Leaky Cauldron.
"G'bye 'Arry!" Some one from the bar inside called. Harry didn't look to see who said it, but lifted a hand in a guesture of farewell. Harry opened the door and a stream of fresh air hit his face. He sighed and took a step onto the Muggle pavement. A sudden wave of foreboding hit him. Some thing was wrong, some where.
He and Sirius walked in silence for some time. Harry was lost in his own thought. Sirius whimpered, and Harry looked at him. "What?" The dog gave him a concerned looked. "Oh, it's nothing, really. I'm fine, Sirius. You worry too much." Sirius scwoled. "I'M FINE!" Harry pleaded.
Harry stopped in his steps again. The sense of foreboding returned, stronger. "Something's wrong Sirius." Harry took off running, Privet Drive was three blocks away. Even as a dog, Sirius had difficulty keeping up with him. After a few minutes of strenuos running, Harry arrived at the door step of number four, Privet Drive, home of the Dursleys. Harry discovered the door wide open. Petunia would have a fit if anyone ever left the door open. Some thing HAD GONE WRONG.
"Great Heavens-" Harry entered the house with caution, surveying the scene. The kitchen table was over tunred, a chair was smahed to splinters, the sofa looked at thou the fluff inside had exploded, and yellow-green burn marks were marking the wall here and there. Harry looked around for any sign of the Dursleys. "Hello? Aunt Petunia? Uncle Vernon? Duddly?" Harry panicked and stormed through the house. He found no trace of them. They had escaped. Harry sighed. For the first time in Harry's life, he was glad the Dursleys were safe.
"Harry?"
Harry returned down the stairs, to the sitting room where Sirius was. "They made a bit of mess, didn't they?" Harry tried to make a joke, but the situation was too serious for jokes.
Sirius looked at him oddly. "I'm going to write a letter. Where's your parchment?" Harry led Sirius to his room and pulled the neccessities out of his school trunk. Sirius merely nodded and began scrwaling away. After a long while, Sirius spoke. "May I borrow Hedwig?"
"Actua-" Harry was about to say she was already delivering a letter when he noticed the snowy owl sitting in a tree across the street. "Yeah." Harry opened the window and beckoned her. When she flew to him, he noticed that the letter he had writen to Sirius was gone. She delivered it to his place, but not to Sirius.
Sirius tied his letter to Hedwig. "Be swift." She nodded and flew off. Harry watched Hedwig as she turned into a small dot in the distance. Sirius was pacing back and forth around Harry's room. It had been minutes without any one speaking.
"Sirius, this isn't REALLY serious, is it? I mean, probably just some punk kids, right?" Sirius looked at his godson sincerely.
"I only hope."
"It's not Voldermort, is it?" Harry was getting a bit uncomfortable.
"I don't thing so. Voldermort couldn't get in this house. Your mother left that mark on you, you know."
"What does that have to do with this house?"
Sirius sighed and finally took a seat next to Harry on the bed. "Like it or not, Petunia is related to your mum. Therefore, you have this connection with your aunt. When you are with your family, Voldermort can't get a hold of you," he said matter of factly.
Harry frowned. "That's fine and dandy and all, but something is wrong with that."
"What do you mean?"
Harry shuddered to think he'd have to recall the horrible night of last year. "Voldermort has part of ME in him, remember? He took my blood the night he returned. Now he has my mother's protection, too. Doesn't that mean he can cross the border he couldn't before?" Harry looked up at his godfather. Sirius looked like he had once before, dark and mysterious. His face was full of grief and torment, like his picture in the newspaper from two years ago, when he escaped from Azkaban.
"Have you told Dumbledore?" He asked darkly.
"Told him what? He already knows about my blood."
"No- about the dreams?" Sirius turned to look at Harry. His face covered with shadow.
"How did you know?" Harry stared at him intently.
He smiled. "You sent me a letter, didn't you? I was a few miles away why I noticed Hedwig. She gave me the letter, and I hurried to send you a letter (via another owl), and then took you to Diagon Alley." Sirius looked at Harry's gaping face. "If your dreams are bothering you THAT much, why didn't you tell me before?"
Harry looked at his hands. "I-"
"Harry?!" There was a voice downstairs, follwed some muffled crys and other various noises. Sirius looked at Harry fearfully. "Harry?!" The voice creid again. "It's me, Arthur Weasley! You up stairs?" Some foot steps were heard on the bottom step, it creaked.
"I'll be in touch." Sirius smiled, then, with a faint POP turned into a great black dog. Harry was about to say something to the dog when his door opened.
"Harry? Good, you're safe. I got your letter." Arthur Waesley entered the room holding a peice of parchment. "You must have been in a hurry, this doesn't look ANYTHING like your handwriting." Harry understood, Sirius sent for the Ministry of Magic, signing it as Harry. Sirius was, of course, still a wanted criminal. Sirius dashed out the door, past Arthur's legs, and down the stairs. Arthur looked at the dog, but said nothing.
"Erm- yeah. You saw the downstairs. The Durselys are gone, too." Harry got to his feet.
Mr. Weasley nodded. "I used a telofram at the Ministry, there was one set up in my department I just happened to find, to call Hermione's parents. they're going to take you until school starts." He turned and walked down the stairs, Harry follwed.
"The Grangers? Her parents REALLY said okay?" Harry called after him as he tried to catch up.
"Of course! Hermione's parents would love to have you, you're a friend of 'Mione's, aren't you?"
"Yeah-"
"Luke, the kitchen seems to be the target area. Start there-" Mr. Weasley said to a man with thick glasses. Luke walked over to the kitchen doorway, where he poured a thin purple liquid on the floor. "Watch, Harry." Mr. Weasley whispered.
Harry stared in amazement as a dark smoke billowed up from the potion and a screen began to form. It was like an instant reply on the telly.
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Vernon was sitting at his seat, still reading his paper while Petunia was fusing over Dudley's nose. "That monster Black could have broken Duddikins nose! Look at the poor dear!" Petunia hug DudLey again.
"Petunia, the boy's fine, but next time that Black fellow comes in this house, I'm calling the police!"
"Don't be silly. That thing would turn you into a-" Petunia stopped complaing and began to scream. Vernon looked up from his paper and stumbled oput of his chair. A grey cloaked figure had entered the kitchen. Yellow-green sparks flew out of the creature's wand, held by a boney hand. Whatever spell it was, struck the wall above their heads.
"Give me the boy-" It's voice had no gender, but disturbing nonetheless. "Potter-"
Petunia pulled a whimpering Dudley closer and whispered to Vernon- "He want's Harry!"
"Where? Potter?" The figure stepped closer.
Vernon shook his head. "Don't know."
The figure knocked over the kitchen table in a frenzy. "POOOOTTTTTTEEEERRRR!" It walked over to Dudley and raised it's wand. Dudley began to cry.
"Alright! At Dragon Avenue or something! Erm- SHOPPING! Harry went shopping for school supplies- Sirius Black was here earlier-" Vernon pulled his wife and son away from it.
"Not Dragon Avenue-" It hissed again.
"I don't know then!" Vernon pulled them closer to the door.
The creature in grey had a fit and began to tear to sofa, in the next room, to bits.
Petunia screamed, the sofa was an heirloom. "Stop him!"
"Diagon Alley! Harry went to Diagon Alley!"
The figure turned around instantly and lifted his wand to them, laughing in it's unnerving voice. Vernon grabbed his family and they ran out the door.
The creature destroyed the house a bit more before Disappating. the sound of the Dursley's car could be heard squealing away.
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Harry stared in disbelief at the now empty doorway. The Dursleys had tried to protect him-
"Harry?" Harry looked at Mr. Weasley. "The Grangers don't know about this. I think it best if they, and everyone else, not find out until later. Go get your things." Harry nodded, still disorriented, and walked up the stairs to get his trunk. When he returned, Mr. Weasley pointed his wand at the fireplace. "Incendio!" Harry dragged his stuff to the fire. "Erm- Harry, can I ask you something before you go?"
"Yeah, I guess."
"your uncle, said Sirius Black came for you too. Do you know any-"
"No," Harry quickly lied.
"Alright then- Here. The Grangers are expecting you by floo powder, I set up their fireplace, just for today." Harry took the powder offered by the man, and tossed it into the fire. He and his belongings stepped into the fire.
"GRANGERS," and then he was gone.
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Meisako: *sigh* Today's guest is Harry Potter, survivor of You-Know-Who's evil attempts to kill him. Welcome Harry.
Potter: Yeah- You sound very melancholy today, Meisako.
Meisako: You have no IDEA! *bursts into sobs*
Potter: Are you okay? *pats her back*
Maisako: Yeah, I guess-- If you like rewriting the same chapter over and over and over, SIX TIMES!
Potter: I'm sorry, maybe next time it will work out better, and you will remember to SAVE before exiting programs.
Meisako: Save?
Potter: Yes *sigh* SAVE.
Meisako: OHHHH!!! Thanks TONZ Harry! So, now that my problem is fixxed, what's it like traveling by floo powder?
Potter: Ick! Last time I traveled by floo powder, I kept my eyes open. BIG mistake. I got very motion sick, and lost my lunch on the Weasley's new rug.
Meisako: Charming...
Join us next week for the dazzling new adventure saga, 'I lost my cookie in the chimney' or 'To Save or not to Save'.
Harry Potter theme and related characters are property of J.K. Rowling. Plot and characters Hercule Stonewall and Renate Engl are property of Meisako Pyoko-Chan (Melissa Pomeroy), copyright 2002. Any and all reviews appriaciated.
chapterTWO: Grey
Harry thanked Madam Malkin as she handed over his new robes. It seemed ages ago when he had last visited her at Madam Malkin's Robes for all Occasions. Two years ago, in fact. Last year Mrs. Weasley had boughten all of his things for him. "Hello Sirius. Sorry it took me so long," he said to a large black dog who was waiting for him by the front door. Unlike the other stores, Madam Malkin HAD minded if Sirius came into the shop. So he had waited out side the door. Sirius was of course, an Animagus, a person who could turn into an animal.
The dog didn't seem to mind and nudged Harry down the street to a shop where Harry had boughten his first cauldron. The place had no name, but the window housed dozens of signs. 'Collaspable' 'Extra Light' 'Self Mixing' 'Standard Weight:Ministry of Magic Approved'. There were more, but he didn't read them. Sirius padded along quietly inside with Harry, trying not to be noticed..
"Hogwarts?" An old mad asked. Harry nodded and walked over to him with his list.
"I need a-"
"Standard weight, I know. The Ministry made me stock up on them for this year. That Weatherby fellow, quite impressive. Managed all this by himself, standardizing the weight and thinckness and all." He walked over to a shelf and pulled down a medium sized cauldron. Harry smiled. The store keeper was talking about Percy Weasley, but no one ever seemed to get his name right.
"Will that be-" The store keeper stopped. He was staring at Harry's forehead. Harry was getting impatient. He didn't like it when people stared at his scar, a 'suvenior' from his first encounter with Voldermort. "Blimey... you're Harry Potter!" The shop keeper shook Harry's hand several times before letting go. "Honored, sir. I heard these rumors about last year, they ain't true- are they?"
Harry avoided the man's eyes. "Yes. Vol- erm, You-Know-Who, attacked last year. He's getting stronger."
The man stared blankly. "Dear me- Erm, here. Take the cauldron. Free of charge." Harry was used to getting free things, but it didn't mean he enjoyed it. Harry thanked the man and left the store with the great black dog right behind him. Mentally, Harry checked his list. He had everything important, but the UN-important things are what he was worrying about. Christmas presents. Hogsmede didn't exactly have a great selection for gifts, unless you counted all the varieties of candy and prank supplies. Harry bought his gifts, with some thought.
For Hermione he bought a crystal-ball with a moving model of the galaxy, and for Ron, a Bottomless Bog of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. Ginny Weasley was going to get a green diary (Harry wrote: 'Don't worry. This one doesn't talk back.'), and Neville Longbottom, a bottle of invisible ink, where only the writer can read what is writen. George and Fred Weasley, Ron's twin older brothers, they were getting nothing. Harry gave them one-thousand Galleons last year. Who was Harry forgetting? Cho Chang. He forgot about Cho. He blushed so obivously that Sirius gave a distinct doggy-grin. "Hush Sirius," Harry said angrily. He thought for a moment and turned to his godfather. "Sirius, what do... erm- girls like?" Sirius merely barked.
"Cho likes... erm... QUIDDITCH?" Harry smiled at his own stupidicy. Cho was Seeker of the Ravenclaw House Quidditch Team. Of course she liked Quidditch, DUH. "C'mon Sirius. I've got an idea." Harry led the dog down the alley and into a Quidditch supply store. Inside was an array of mismatched things. Goal posts (shrunken, of course), Snitches in a terarium, broomsticks, Quaffles, Bludgers, Bludger clubs, safety gear, and How-To books. Harry bent over so his face touched the glass of the terarium. The Snitches were going haywire. The store keeper, a grumpy looking old man with liver spots, walked over to them.
"Can I be of any service?" He growled as he glared at Sirius at Harry's feet.
Harry looked up. "Erm- I want a Snitch."
The man raised his eyebrow. "Just the Snitch? Not the set? It's cheaper to buy the set than to buy them individually." He looked horrified to have to open the Snitch cage.
"It's a gift. For a friend. My friend's a Seeker, so I thought a Snitch would be nice." Harry mumbled as he looked at his feet. It wasn't going to be as easy as he thought to get Cho's gift.
"Yes yes. But Seekers should always practice with other people, and a Bludger at least." The man looked desperate.
Harry began to get impatient. "I think I should just get her a Snitch. Just a Snitch."
The shop keeper frowned. "Very wel- Did you say 'HER'?" The man looked hopeful.
"Ye-yes."
"Come with me then. I think I have something she might like. Is she a 'special' gal?" The man took Harry's deep blushing as a yes. "This way."
The man led Harry to the back room. He rumaged through some boxes and pulled out a jewelry case. The man turned back to Harry. He frowned when he saw Sirius had followed. "I don't exactly mind having a dog in the store, but in the store room is not allowed." Sirius rolled his eyes and padded back out the door. "Here," he said when the dog left. "Go on, open it."
Harry opened it. "Is that a Snitch?" The man nodded happily.
"Only one like. EVER! Bought it from the Ministry, you know. Some witch charmed it, and when she died, a Muggle found it. Odd little thing. Ministry declared it perfectly fine, but stuck that pretty little chain on it to keep it from going berzerk."
Harry examined it. The 'berzerk' Snitch wasn't moving at all. "Um, is it broken?" Harry asked the old man.
"Oh, no. Hold onto the chain. That's it. Now- touch both wings. Go on." Harry did as the shop keeper instructed and the golden Snitch fluttered to life. Harry's Seeker instincts came in and he made a grab for it. Once he had touched the wings again, the fluttering stopped.
The old man smiled. "You're a Seeker, too, aren't you? Even the Ministry had trouble catching it once it started flying. And you, you caught it in one try! That necklace is great for practice, by the way. " Harry blushed a bit. The man studied him. "What House is this girl in, assuming she goes to Hogwarts, of course."
"Ravenclaw."
The man's mouth stood open for a moment. "And what house are you in?" He asked suspisiously.
"Gryffindor- why?" Harry cocked an eyebrow at him. Why was this man asking so many questions?
The old man's mouth dropped. "Then you're Harry Potter!"
"Ye-yes." Harry tried to avoid the man's gaze. "Why were you asking about my friend?"
The man stopped gawking and shook his head, smiling. "Because. Cho happen's to be my granddaughter!"
Harry's eyes got wide. Cho's GRANDFATHER!? "Are you really?"
"Of course, my name's Ping Li. Her mother's side, of course." The man shook Harry's hand vigourously. Harry's face got red.
'He's going to tell Cho, I know it.' Harry thought.
"So, Harry. You'll be wanting that necklace, right?" The man changed the subject slightly, his tone was different. "What's it for?"
"Christmas..." Harry whispered, handing Mr. Li two Galleons and 7 Sickles.
Mr. Li nodded. "Of course. I wont spoil the surprise, that's my word Mr. Potter." He smiled at Harry. "Alright now, best be taking your dog and shoving off now." Mr. Li showed Harry and Sirius to the door, smiling. "Come again!"
Harry began walking, with Sirius beside him, to the Leaky Cauldron, where they planned to make their entrance into the Muggle world. Harry blushed still as they walked a bit. Sirius, who had very keen hearing, being a dog and all, had heard the entire conversation. He was making very distinct giggles as the plodded along. "Sirius- Not a word from you." Harry warned, gving the great black dog an evil look. The dog merely smiled.
"I mean it Sir-" Harry stopped in the middle of the street. Witches and wizards walked by, not noticing the look of terror on his face. Sirius turned to look at Harry. Beads of cold sweat trickled down his face and he bagan to shake violently. Harry's eye's glazed over slightly and he began to wobble. Sirius panicked and began to bark at Harry. A few witches passing by moved away from the dog, but paid no heed to Harry. Sirius clamped his canines into the hem of Harry's pant leg and yanked. Harry didn't move, and it seemed as if he were frozen in fear. Sirius jerked again, this time harder. Harry toppled over into the dirt infront of Olivander's Wand Shop (Makers of fine wands since 341 B.C.). Harry looked dazed and scared, but okay. Sirius began to pull on Harry's pant legs until he understood and crawled out of the street of his own will. Sirius barked for Harry's attention as he headed down another alleyway.
Once in the shadows, Harry heard a soft POP. "Harry! What happened?" Sirius, now back in his human form, pulled Harry into the darkness.
Harry was still a bit shaken, his eyes showed it. "I couldn't move."
Sirius looked concerned. "I know that. I have eyes."
"I- I- I felt like some one was watching. They were searching me, as if who ever it was, could read my thoughts and see into my soul. It's not a nice feeling." Harry looked up at Sirius. He had bits of mud on his face where the dirt from the street had mixxed with his sweat.
Sirius nodded, acting very motherly in wiping the mud off Harry's face. When he wiped his forehead, Harry winced. "What's wrong?"
"My scar. It burns-"
"WHAT! Voldermort can't be here, can he?!"
"BUT! As I was trying to say, the burning- it's not the same. It's more throbbing, than pain. It's a different burning." Harry brushed Sirius's hand away irritably.
"Fine- We need to get you out of here." Harry nodded and stood up. Sirius changed with a POP, and led his godson into the doors of the Leaky Cauldron.
"G'bye 'Arry!" Some one from the bar inside called. Harry didn't look to see who said it, but lifted a hand in a guesture of farewell. Harry opened the door and a stream of fresh air hit his face. He sighed and took a step onto the Muggle pavement. A sudden wave of foreboding hit him. Some thing was wrong, some where.
He and Sirius walked in silence for some time. Harry was lost in his own thought. Sirius whimpered, and Harry looked at him. "What?" The dog gave him a concerned looked. "Oh, it's nothing, really. I'm fine, Sirius. You worry too much." Sirius scwoled. "I'M FINE!" Harry pleaded.
Harry stopped in his steps again. The sense of foreboding returned, stronger. "Something's wrong Sirius." Harry took off running, Privet Drive was three blocks away. Even as a dog, Sirius had difficulty keeping up with him. After a few minutes of strenuos running, Harry arrived at the door step of number four, Privet Drive, home of the Dursleys. Harry discovered the door wide open. Petunia would have a fit if anyone ever left the door open. Some thing HAD GONE WRONG.
"Great Heavens-" Harry entered the house with caution, surveying the scene. The kitchen table was over tunred, a chair was smahed to splinters, the sofa looked at thou the fluff inside had exploded, and yellow-green burn marks were marking the wall here and there. Harry looked around for any sign of the Dursleys. "Hello? Aunt Petunia? Uncle Vernon? Duddly?" Harry panicked and stormed through the house. He found no trace of them. They had escaped. Harry sighed. For the first time in Harry's life, he was glad the Dursleys were safe.
"Harry?"
Harry returned down the stairs, to the sitting room where Sirius was. "They made a bit of mess, didn't they?" Harry tried to make a joke, but the situation was too serious for jokes.
Sirius looked at him oddly. "I'm going to write a letter. Where's your parchment?" Harry led Sirius to his room and pulled the neccessities out of his school trunk. Sirius merely nodded and began scrwaling away. After a long while, Sirius spoke. "May I borrow Hedwig?"
"Actua-" Harry was about to say she was already delivering a letter when he noticed the snowy owl sitting in a tree across the street. "Yeah." Harry opened the window and beckoned her. When she flew to him, he noticed that the letter he had writen to Sirius was gone. She delivered it to his place, but not to Sirius.
Sirius tied his letter to Hedwig. "Be swift." She nodded and flew off. Harry watched Hedwig as she turned into a small dot in the distance. Sirius was pacing back and forth around Harry's room. It had been minutes without any one speaking.
"Sirius, this isn't REALLY serious, is it? I mean, probably just some punk kids, right?" Sirius looked at his godson sincerely.
"I only hope."
"It's not Voldermort, is it?" Harry was getting a bit uncomfortable.
"I don't thing so. Voldermort couldn't get in this house. Your mother left that mark on you, you know."
"What does that have to do with this house?"
Sirius sighed and finally took a seat next to Harry on the bed. "Like it or not, Petunia is related to your mum. Therefore, you have this connection with your aunt. When you are with your family, Voldermort can't get a hold of you," he said matter of factly.
Harry frowned. "That's fine and dandy and all, but something is wrong with that."
"What do you mean?"
Harry shuddered to think he'd have to recall the horrible night of last year. "Voldermort has part of ME in him, remember? He took my blood the night he returned. Now he has my mother's protection, too. Doesn't that mean he can cross the border he couldn't before?" Harry looked up at his godfather. Sirius looked like he had once before, dark and mysterious. His face was full of grief and torment, like his picture in the newspaper from two years ago, when he escaped from Azkaban.
"Have you told Dumbledore?" He asked darkly.
"Told him what? He already knows about my blood."
"No- about the dreams?" Sirius turned to look at Harry. His face covered with shadow.
"How did you know?" Harry stared at him intently.
He smiled. "You sent me a letter, didn't you? I was a few miles away why I noticed Hedwig. She gave me the letter, and I hurried to send you a letter (via another owl), and then took you to Diagon Alley." Sirius looked at Harry's gaping face. "If your dreams are bothering you THAT much, why didn't you tell me before?"
Harry looked at his hands. "I-"
"Harry?!" There was a voice downstairs, follwed some muffled crys and other various noises. Sirius looked at Harry fearfully. "Harry?!" The voice creid again. "It's me, Arthur Weasley! You up stairs?" Some foot steps were heard on the bottom step, it creaked.
"I'll be in touch." Sirius smiled, then, with a faint POP turned into a great black dog. Harry was about to say something to the dog when his door opened.
"Harry? Good, you're safe. I got your letter." Arthur Waesley entered the room holding a peice of parchment. "You must have been in a hurry, this doesn't look ANYTHING like your handwriting." Harry understood, Sirius sent for the Ministry of Magic, signing it as Harry. Sirius was, of course, still a wanted criminal. Sirius dashed out the door, past Arthur's legs, and down the stairs. Arthur looked at the dog, but said nothing.
"Erm- yeah. You saw the downstairs. The Durselys are gone, too." Harry got to his feet.
Mr. Weasley nodded. "I used a telofram at the Ministry, there was one set up in my department I just happened to find, to call Hermione's parents. they're going to take you until school starts." He turned and walked down the stairs, Harry follwed.
"The Grangers? Her parents REALLY said okay?" Harry called after him as he tried to catch up.
"Of course! Hermione's parents would love to have you, you're a friend of 'Mione's, aren't you?"
"Yeah-"
"Luke, the kitchen seems to be the target area. Start there-" Mr. Weasley said to a man with thick glasses. Luke walked over to the kitchen doorway, where he poured a thin purple liquid on the floor. "Watch, Harry." Mr. Weasley whispered.
Harry stared in amazement as a dark smoke billowed up from the potion and a screen began to form. It was like an instant reply on the telly.
Vernon was sitting at his seat, still reading his paper while Petunia was fusing over Dudley's nose. "That monster Black could have broken Duddikins nose! Look at the poor dear!" Petunia hug DudLey again.
"Petunia, the boy's fine, but next time that Black fellow comes in this house, I'm calling the police!"
"Don't be silly. That thing would turn you into a-" Petunia stopped complaing and began to scream. Vernon looked up from his paper and stumbled oput of his chair. A grey cloaked figure had entered the kitchen. Yellow-green sparks flew out of the creature's wand, held by a boney hand. Whatever spell it was, struck the wall above their heads.
"Give me the boy-" It's voice had no gender, but disturbing nonetheless. "Potter-"
Petunia pulled a whimpering Dudley closer and whispered to Vernon- "He want's Harry!"
"Where? Potter?" The figure stepped closer.
Vernon shook his head. "Don't know."
The figure knocked over the kitchen table in a frenzy. "POOOOTTTTTTEEEERRRR!" It walked over to Dudley and raised it's wand. Dudley began to cry.
"Alright! At Dragon Avenue or something! Erm- SHOPPING! Harry went shopping for school supplies- Sirius Black was here earlier-" Vernon pulled his wife and son away from it.
"Not Dragon Avenue-" It hissed again.
"I don't know then!" Vernon pulled them closer to the door.
The creature in grey had a fit and began to tear to sofa, in the next room, to bits.
Petunia screamed, the sofa was an heirloom. "Stop him!"
"Diagon Alley! Harry went to Diagon Alley!"
The figure turned around instantly and lifted his wand to them, laughing in it's unnerving voice. Vernon grabbed his family and they ran out the door.
The creature destroyed the house a bit more before Disappating. the sound of the Dursley's car could be heard squealing away.
Harry stared in disbelief at the now empty doorway. The Dursleys had tried to protect him-
"Harry?" Harry looked at Mr. Weasley. "The Grangers don't know about this. I think it best if they, and everyone else, not find out until later. Go get your things." Harry nodded, still disorriented, and walked up the stairs to get his trunk. When he returned, Mr. Weasley pointed his wand at the fireplace. "Incendio!" Harry dragged his stuff to the fire. "Erm- Harry, can I ask you something before you go?"
"Yeah, I guess."
"your uncle, said Sirius Black came for you too. Do you know any-"
"No," Harry quickly lied.
"Alright then- Here. The Grangers are expecting you by floo powder, I set up their fireplace, just for today." Harry took the powder offered by the man, and tossed it into the fire. He and his belongings stepped into the fire.
"GRANGERS," and then he was gone.
Meisako: *sigh* Today's guest is Harry Potter, survivor of You-Know-Who's evil attempts to kill him. Welcome Harry.
Potter: Yeah- You sound very melancholy today, Meisako.
Meisako: You have no IDEA! *bursts into sobs*
Potter: Are you okay? *pats her back*
Maisako: Yeah, I guess-- If you like rewriting the same chapter over and over and over, SIX TIMES!
Potter: I'm sorry, maybe next time it will work out better, and you will remember to SAVE before exiting programs.
Meisako: Save?
Potter: Yes *sigh* SAVE.
Meisako: OHHHH!!! Thanks TONZ Harry! So, now that my problem is fixxed, what's it like traveling by floo powder?
Potter: Ick! Last time I traveled by floo powder, I kept my eyes open. BIG mistake. I got very motion sick, and lost my lunch on the Weasley's new rug.
Meisako: Charming...
Join us next week for the dazzling new adventure saga, 'I lost my cookie in the chimney' or 'To Save or not to Save'.