The corridors of the magical school Hogwarts were now mostly deserted. Summer vacation had just started a few days ago. All of the students and most of the teachers have left the magical school to enjoy their summer break.
A small elf was running through the corridors rushing toward a suit of armor, with a large dish of water, towels, and a small bag.
"I have the potions Professor!" squeaked the elf as she pushed open the suite of armor, revealing a small-enclosed room. It was empty except for a bed that was placed in the middle, and Dumbledore.
A young woman was lying on the bed. She seemed like she was in asleep in a nightmare. Her hazelnut hair was untidily lapped over her black robes. Her hand was clutching the white blanket that covered her and there were beads of sweat coming down her forehead. Dumbledore was watching over her, his face revealed his worries.
"Is mistress Corra going to be okay?" Asked the elf in her high voice.
"She's fighting the curse, it will be soon." Dumbledore replied wiping the sweat off Corra's face. "Hand me the concentrate of the Bezoar and the Bestir potion."
Gently, Dumbledore lift Corra's head and fed her the stirring liquids. Corra's body cased up then started to jerk. She went calm after a while, and then green smoke sizzled out of her mouth. It hovered for only a moment then disappeared.
"Mistress Corra!" The elf squeaked, as Corra's eyes fluttered weakly.
"Dumbledore… Dido." She whispered.
"The curse's been broken, rest. I will inform Lupin and Sirius. They will be most glad that you have recovered." Dumbledore noted. "As a matter a fact they would be most glad to hear that you have lived."
"Thank you." Corra replied, and then she slowly slipped back to sleep.
* * *
A rapid tap from the window caught Harry's attention. He looked up and the small, luminous alarm clock in front of him stated that it was two in the morning. He's been studying five hours straight.
With caution Harry went to open the window. His face was relieved to see Hedwig, and what seemed like a flying ball of fluff carrying a letter twice the size of it self.
The two owls fluttered to a large empty cage that stood on the edge of a small wooden desk. For the first time – to Harry's surprise – Pigwidgeon, the flying fluff–ball, was perching silently next to Hedwig, who gave Pigwidgeon an approving click of her beak. Somehow Harry highly suspected that Hedwig was giving lessons to Pigwidgeon, since it was the first time that Pigwidgeon did not zoom around the room.
He quickly relieved the burdens from each of the owl. Hedwig had two letters tied to her. One was from Ron the other was from Hermione. Pigwidgeon had a letter from Sirius.
Harry opened Ron's first:
Dear Harry,
How are you doing? Hermione have already finished most of her homework! And it has only been two weeks of vacation! I haven't even started mine!
Anyway Mum and Dad are going crazy, Bill and Charlie are officially moving back in. Percy had to go to eastern Asia to do some "research work" which is about the only good news. Everything and everyone is very busy and the house is crowded, even more than usual. Mum recon that I should write to you every other day to check up on you. Have you heard anything from Snuffles lately? (Snuffles was name they used when they were talking about Sirius.)
Mum is still not over the fact that Snuffles was innocent. I don't know if she is glad that he is innocent or not. I overheard her talking to herself while doing dishes that she was so embarrassed, that she screeched like a banshee when she saw Sirius in the Hospital Wing.
Mum and Dad are worried about why Dumbledore hadn't told you to come and live with us, or at least move to somewhere safer than that Muggle house that you live in.
Don't worry too much.
Write back soon because Mum is going on edge.
Ron
Harry sighed then opened Hermione's letter.
Dear Harry
It's beautiful here in Bulgaria. My parents are enjoying the seaside view and the unusual heat wave. I'm very busy with the papers of course. Snap asked for three roles of parchments on truth potions! I hope you have started yours. There is more work than usual for the Defense Against the Dark Arts. I've just finished.
Have you heard from Snuffles lately? I do hope he's okay. Ron told me that Dumbledore haven't told you about where you'd be staying. I'm worried as well, and I'm not surprised that he hasn't told you to stay at Ron's yet. It's not a secret that he's your best friend you know.
Have you heard? Fudge just removed the Dementors of their posts at Azkaban! It was all over the Daily Prophet.
Take care of yourself.
Krum says "Hi"
Love from
Hermione
Harry moved his hands over the last piece of mail. He had been corresponding with his godfather, Sirius Black, every day that he has left Hogwarts. Sirius made it clear in his first letter, that Harry received right after he arrived at number four at Privet Drive; that he expected answers for his letters as soon as possible. Ron had lent him Pigwidgeon because Hedwig would look too suspicious flying to the same place all the time. After all Sirius is wanted by the Ministry of magic, for the killing of many muggles.
Harry opened the letter and found it blank. Quickly he took his wand from his pocket and murmured to the letter.
"Padfoot" Ink began to appear on the blank parchment, which formed into words.
Harry
I heard rumors of Voldemort's plan of attack, but their just rumors. You can't be hurt if you stay at your uncles. But still there is a big chance that the defenses might fail. The Death-eaters are extremely active right now. Fudge had just removed the Dementors from the post in Azkaban so they're very unstable and angry. Trust no one.
It also would be wise if you use the concealment charm when you are corresponding with your friends. Voldemort will use any tactics to hurt you. I won't be surprised if he tried to hurt your friends first.
Dumbledore has taken precaution to protect them, but they're still in danger. Hermione is not in much danger if she stays with Krum. Still, you must warn them. There is no reason to alarm your Aunt and Uncle.
Remember to write back as soon as possible and tell me of anything unusual. And stay in. Never come out of the house if you can help it. I will inform you if there is anything that will tip off when and where Voldemort's supporters are going to attack.
Dumbledore and I had arranged a place for you to stay during the summer. We have also arranged a time to pick you up. I will be able to see you soon.
Stay put.
Sirius
Harry sighed then flopped down on his bed. He hadn't been able to sleep for days. Yet he was not tired at all. Two weeks that he's been back from his school, Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, he'd been restless. For Harry's no ordinary boy, he's a wizard. And not even in wizard standards is he normal.
Harry put his hand over the lighting shaped scar on his forehead, a scar that was left behind by an unforgettable curse. And wondered what if he never got the scar. What if a powerful wizard, Voldemort, didn't kill his parents? What if he wasn't Voldemort's target? He stared up at the blank white ceiling, for how long he doesn't know, until he finally drifted into a dreamless sleep.
* * *
The sun is high in the sky now. Noises of feet shuffling came from the hall outside of Harry's room. And a knock from the door woke Harry up.
"Up! Its morning." Screeched Aunt Petunia, in her regular piercing voice.
Harry opened his eyes; in his hands were still the three letters. He got dressed up in one of Dudley's big old sweatshirt then went down stares.
With effort, he maneuvered through the large brown paper boxes that blocked the entrance to the kitchen. Aunt Petunia was already there making bacons and eggs on the skillet.
"What are the boxes for?" Harry asked casually.
"There for Dudley's new diet." Aunt Petunia replied with pursed lips.
Dudley was Harry's cousin, and it wasn't until last year when Dudley came back with a report card, which stated that he had reached the weight of a small Killer Whale and must be put under a diet. That Harry's Aunt and uncle were able to see what Harry had been looking at all along. Dudley was enormously over weight. Obviously last year's eating diet didn't work, so the fridge was stocked up again with Dudley's favorite things, sweets, sodas, and donuts. Not one fruit or vegetable in sight. Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia took up another technique on trying to get Dudley a proper diet, the exercise diet.
"O' what is it?" Harry asked innocently.
"It's a walk machine." Aunt Petunia said shooting a dark look at Harry. She never liked for Harry to ask too many questions.
She put the food on four different plates and carried three out to the living room. Harry took the last plate of food and ate it in silence. When he finished he mindlessly rinsed his plate then put it in the dishwasher. Aunt Petunia had just walked in, as Harry was about to leave the small kitchen.
"Vernon wants a word with you," she announced
"Why?" Harry asked. Aunt Petunia didn't answer, she had a sour look on her face.
"A word with me? What could he want to talk to me for? He hasn't spoken a word to me since I came back from school. And I didn't do anything since I came back. Did I?" Harry was thinking fast. Trying to guess why his uncle would want to speak to him. Having a word with his uncle is usually not a good thing. So far this summer has been a relatively good one. Mainly because the Dursley's fear of Harry's godfather, and the fact that Harry has suitably forgotten to tell them that the Ministry had made a mistake and Sirius was innocent. But now Harry has a nagging feeling that things are going down hill.
"Er… Aunt Petunia said you wanted to speak to me?" Harry asked standing in the shadows of Uncle Vernon huge mass.
Dudley was standing by the stairs snickering loudly, when Aunt Petunia shooed him away.
"Yes. Your aunt and I had won… A lottery…yes… and the prize is a trip to Hawaii for three. We are leaving this afternoon." Uncle Vernon chocked out in what seemed to be his best attempt to be nice.
Harry frowned a little, knowing the Durelys they would never enter a lottery or a drawing, as they did not hold with such nonsense as luck.
"And?" Harry asked.
"And, we were wondering if you can ask your er… friend to stay at their house. If not right away then you can stay at Mrs. Figg's for a while, but no funny business. " Then he forced out a very painful smile.
"Now go up to your room, your aunt and I have to finish packing." He added quickly. His face looked pale as if he went through a roller coaster, and was about to throw up. He usually looked like that when he was being nice to Harry.
Harry had no choice but to walk up to his room, because he knew that if he had stayed and argued, Uncle Vernon would have exploded like a volcano. There's no way that Harry can convince them not to leave. He paused then wondered why he wanted the Dudleys to stay.
To Harry's discontent, Dudley was grinning very broadly by his door.
"I get to go somewhere for vacation. And I don't have to exercise!" He announced. "But you have to stay at Mrs. Figg's! Ha!"
"Maybe you'll have to swim to Hawaii." Harry added glumly.
"Hum?" Dudley said scratching his head.
Before he can work what Harry said out. Harry already dodged into his room.
He sighed and looked around the small room. His magical schoolbooks were piled up on the small desk and there were pieces of parchment scattered on top of everything else. Aunt Petunia had stopped coming in to tidy because of the letter that arrived at the house the second day that Harry got home. It stated that "Because of certain situations at the ministry. Mr. Potter will be permitted to use magic during the summer holidays. Certain restrictions are listed as follow …" The list of restrictions took up four pages in very small fonts.
As much as Harry hated to admit Dudley might be right. Ron's house was already considered as a very dangerous place to be from the way Hermione puts it. And there is no way that he can go to Bulgaria to join Herminone. Sirius said he has arranged a place but it doesn't look like it was doing to be ready in a moments notice.
Then it happened, the splitting pain came to his forehead, like hot iron being pressed there.
"Argg." Harry grunted. But as soon has he reached up to press his scar to ease the pain, it stopped. Harry's mind was racing and his heart was beating so fast that it was surprising that it didn't just pop out of his chest.
Harry grabbed a quill and a piece of parchment. "Sirius..." Harry scribbled down but then he stopped. It had just occurred to him now that the fact that his cursed scar sting is probably related to the Dursley going on a trip. For as far as Harry remembered they had never interred a lottery, actually they never enter anything that is based on luck or fortune.
An awful thought suddenly floated across Harry's mind. What if it Voldemort is the one that entered the contest under Dursley's name. Harry felt as if that some one had punched him in the stomach. He didn't like the Dursleys but he never wanted them to die.
Sirius,
My scar stunned today after I got news of the Dursleys trip to Hawaii. Apparently they won a lottery. Which is very surprising because as long as I can't remember they never did enter a lottery or anything like it.
Harry folded up the note then took out his wand. "concealda-padfoot." he quickly tied it to Pigwidgeon, who was perching unusually still.
"Get this to Sirius as fast as possible." Harry told Pigwidgeon. He watched for a while as Pigwidgeon soared out of sight.
Then tried to busy himself by writing to Ron and Hermione, but it seemed to be no use, because when ever his scar hurt it usually meant that Voldemort is feeling deadly and has a strong urge to kill. It seemed like only a split second between Harry picking up his Quill, and then fastening them on to Hedwig's leg.
Two long hours had passed, since Hedwig glided beyond the horizon, it was now high noon. Harry decided to go down stairs to get a drink of water. As Harry made his way down the stairs, he heard Dudley complaining loudly about the fact he can't bring his new PlayStation with him to Hawaii. When he got downstairs the boxes were already cleared away. Harry assumed they were now in the small cupboard under the stairs (where Harry used to sleep), which now had turned into a small personal gym.
As he reached the entrance to the kitchen, the doorbell rang. Uncle Vernon answered the door. From the kitchen, Harry heard the loud greeting that announced Mrs. Figg. He was obviously trying to acknowledge Harry of her presence and from the sound of his voice he couldn't wait to get rid of Harry, which was not surprising.
"Where's Harry?" Mrs. Figg asked.
Harry walked miserably into the living room, where Uncle Vernon and Mrs. Figg were exchanging house keys. However when he was in plain sight of the whole room, Harry stopped and gazed in amazement. There was a large black dog sitting obediently next to Mrs. Figg. The dog looked extremely liked the one his godfather turns into. At the sight of Harry, the dog barked happily and flapped his tail.
"Sniffles always liked children. My niece told me to take care of him for a while. He also gets along with my cats fairly well." Mrs. Figg explained when Uncle Vernon looked stunned at the dog's behavior. He apparently believed that all dogs, or all living animals for that matter, should be disgusted at the site of Harry.
But Harry wasn't paying any attention to his uncle or to Mrs. Figg. Instead he was staring in to the dog's huge black eyes, expecting an answer to his unasked Question.
"Sirius? Is that you?"
Surprisingly, the dog soundly stood up and gave out another joyful bark. Harry took that as a yes.
"Vernon! Our plane is leaving at one. We need to go!" Aunt Petunia's voice screeched from the hall, behind Harry.
"O' right I suspect the house to be in good hands?" Uncle Vernon told Mrs. Figg, a little louder than he meant to. Then he pulled Harry into the hall. "Now listen here boy. Don't you dare tell Mrs. Figg of … what you are! You hear me? And did you ask your … your friend?"
"Yes, I won't mention a word to Mrs. Figg. And I will leave here as soon as possible." Harry answered trying to hide the joy on his face. Uncle Vernon raised an eyebrow, but then he said.
"Good." The fact that he was going to Hawaii had obviously over come the urge to give Harry the third degree.
As Harry, Snuffles, and Mrs. Figg watched the Dursley's family car back out of the driveway of Number four, Privet Drive, and disappearing down the street. Harry smiled for the first time that he ever did since he arrived at Privet Drive.
* * *
The three walked slowly to Mrs. Figg's house.
"How?" Harry asked.
"I work at Ministry and I was appointed to look over you. And so did the animagi, those who can turn into cat at least." Mrs. Figg answered. "I watched you grow up over the years, I was even there when you were born."
"So you knew my parents then." Harry added.
"Yes I did." Mrs. Figg answered softly as they reached the front porch. "Lupin is waiting for you in the kitchen. I need remove this ageing potion." Mrs. Figg added. Harry then quickly followed Sirius into the kitchen.
Lupin, and a woman in spectacles were all talking intensely about something around the small antique table.
"O' Hello Harry." Greeted the rather attractive woman with long dark hair, she was wearing silver glasses. Harry had the feeling that he had seen her before but couldn't seem to remember where.
"Harry, how nice to see you again." Lupin said looking up. On the table was The Daily Profit and he was looking at an article on the latest news on voting to impeach the current Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, because of his decision to outcast the demetors of Azkanban.
Harry turned to look at Sirius but instead of a large dog, a grown wizard was standing beside Harry. His face looked much younger and fuller than the last time that Harry saw him.
"Would you like some tea?" Mrs. Figg was back and she looked twenty years younger. She was holding a tray with five teacups and a large teapot. "Please sit down Harry, Sirius." She added as she put the tea on the table.
"Thank you, Arabella. Let me introduce you this Corra Isis" Sirius said while gesturing to the dark haired woman.
"Nice to meet you." Harry replied.
"We were planning to pick you up a week from now, after the trial. But when I read your letter, now's a good as time as any." Lupin explained.
"Trial?" Harry asked.
"Yes, didn't Sirius tell you the good news?" Mrs. Figg grinned at Harry who looked politely puzzled.
"The ministry had agreed a trial for Sirius. It is to be held next Tuesday." Lupin answered.
"Won't there be a riot? I mean I'm sure a lot of people will be against this trial." Harry asked
"We've thought of that but we are taking the advantage of the vote of impeachment for Cornelius Fudge." Corra replied. "With all the fuss that is going on in the ministry Sirius's trial won't get as much `publicity'."
"Won't it be a risk for Sirius to show up at the trial?" Harry asked once again.
"Well no, we've found a loophole in the system. Sirius was put in Azkaban without a trial. There for Sirius does not really have a sentence that he has to serve out on the count of a technicality, and since Sirius was convicted by Crouch. Who unfortunately had passed away Sirius isn't really convicted." Mrs. Figg answered.
Just then a coo-koo clock that was hung on a wall near by announced that it was two in the afternoon.
"Well we better get going." Corra said standing up. "We have to fly to my house."
"Yes I suppose you should go, I have to get back to the ministry myself." Said Mrs. Figg who looked a little sad.
As they walked out the door Harry heard a faint pop, which acknowledged him that Mrs. Figg had disapparated.
"I heard that you are a quite a good flyer." Corra said to Harry. She then took four broomsticks out of her normal looking handbag.
The brooms looked like Firebolts, they had the same shimmering handle and the smooth twigs that made up the tail. But there were no words near the tip of the broom. Instead there was a gold button.
"Wow." Harry blurred out. As Corra handed Harry one of the brooms.
"Dido, has already moved all your things to my house." So you'll be riding one of the brooms that I designed.
Harry mounted the broom it felt the same as a Firebolt. He didn't really have time to wonder about who Dido was.
"Before we take off press the gold button." She said to Harry.
"What does it do?"
"It makes the rider and the broom invisible. But you'll still be able to see the other riders that are riding on a similar broom. One of the things invented." She said in a proud voice.
"You were always the smart one in the group." Lupin added pushing the button. His outline then began to get hazy then he turned transparent. Harry did the same. At first he felt a small electric shock running through his fingers, then he saw his hands going hazy like Lupin.
The four took off at the same time. Harry felt he was leaving all his troubles behind as the wind whistled by his ear.
"You fly as well as your father." Harry heard Corra say behind him.
"So you knew him then." Harry said slowing down so she could talk to him.
"Not as well as Sirius and Lupin." Corra answered. They flew in silence after that.
"My house is right over the next hill in the valley." Corra announced, just when Harry was going to ask if they're there yet.
As Harry flew over the hill, a beautiful sight was before him. The clouds were at his feet. They reminded him of the bubbles that came out of the prefect's bathroom's taps, which he used to figure out one of the task clues last year. The green mountains surrounded the clouds like a fence. Above them the sun was setting and the sky was in the color of pink and gold.
"This is it." Corra announced as her broom tilted down and she drove into a steep dive. Sirius, and Lupin followed. The valley around them was deep and was carpeted with lush green trees. Harry pulled out of the dive his feet skimming the tip of a pine tree. A magnificent mansion stood proudly before them. They landed lightly on the soft ground. As Harry got off the broom the invisibility slowly faded.
A hippogriff, which Harry recognizes as Buckbeak was being washed by a small elf in front of the door. The elf was wearing a small silver vest and small gold sandal. There was also had a beautiful chain around its wrist.
"Everyone this is Dido." Corra said gesturing toward the elf. "And I suppose we all recognizes Buckbeak"
Harry, Lupin, and Corra all bowed to Buckbeak who returned the gesture.
"O' mistress Corra! Your back!" Dido said in a gleeful voice while opening the door.
The mansion was as grand as Hogwarts. The steps and floor was covered in marble and the ceiling was enchanted like in the great hall. The rails were handsomely polished wood and marvelously done tapestries linked the walls. Corra set her broom in a closet by the front door Harry followed.
"I'll show you to your room." Corra said.
"Sirius and I need to work on something in the library. We'll see you." Lupin added.
"Er. Sure." Harry replied.
"Follow me."
They climbed the spiral marble staircase to the second floor. On the wall was a skillfully painted picture of four people, like all pictures in the wizarding world the subjects moved. One of whom Harry recognizes.
"Is that Salazar Slytherin?" Harry breathed out. Although Harry had never meet Salazar Slytherin, harry had once saw his statue in the chamber of secrets in his second year of Hogwarts.
"Yes he is, this painting was painted before he parted from the other Hogwarts four." Corra sighed. It was true; in the painting, the four people were talking happily among them selves. Perhaps they were celebrating the building of Hogwarts.
"This way Harry." Corra led Harry two paintings down. She stopped in front of a painting of a fears dragon. It had bronze colored spike all over its body, its tail of spikes slashed wildly, its wings were stretched out as if it was going to take off. When it saw Corra and Harry it showed its fangs and attempted to breath fire upon them. It was a Horntail; Harry recognizes it because he had to get past one last year as a task in the Triwizard Tournament.
"Here we are. Phoenix Feather." Corra said to the roaring dragon.
It was obviously a password because the painting soundenly swooshed open. Exposing a beautifully decorated room inside. A highly polished desk stood by a clear sliding door that led to a balcony that over looked a stunning garden. Rolls of parchment were placed beside a bottle of light blue ink and a snow-white quill. There was a roll of books on the bookshelf next to the desk. An extremely cozy four-post bed in the color of light blue and green was placed on the opposite side of the room. A grand wooden closet was placed on the right hand side of the bed, on the left was a birdcage placed on top of a wooden structure. And cream-colored carpet covered the floor.
"This will be your room for the rest of the summer, do you like it?" Corra asked.
"Like it? It's fabulous," Harry replied.
"Great. Your things are in the closet." She said happily, "Sirius's room is on your right is the painting of a lion, the pass word is, limp lop. And my room is behind, the picture of the Hogwarts four. I guess you would like to unpack. Dido will come and tell you if its time to eat dinner. I'll give you a tour of the house later." Corra said closing the door behind her.
Harry sat on the bed for a while; things had gone better than he thought. He was now in a mansion protected by powerful magic, and his godfather, Sirius, was with him. He is as safe as ever and it seems nothing could go wrong. Harry walked to the closet and began to unpack his things. Just then Hedwig flew in from the open balcony door, her feathers were all ruffled like she just escaped from something, or someone.
Harry quickly untied the letter from Hedwig. It was from Ron and from the look of it, he wrote it in a great hurry.
Harry ~
The Death-eaters, they attacked our house. Sirius was right. We're hiding in a safe place now. Mum and Dad told me to tell you to tell Sirius this.
Ron
"Sirius! Corra! Lupin!" Harry yelled at the top of his lungs. There was a loud crash as if some one dropped something. Then he heard Sirius yell:
"Phoenix Feather." The painting swing open and Sirius was standing there looking extremely pale.
"What? What, happened?"
"Ron. His family, they..." Harry managed to mumble out.
"What?" Sirius took the letter from Harry's hand and read it out loud. Corra and Lupin was now by the door.
"I'm going and I'm taking the carpet." Corra said instantly.
"I'm going too." Harry said quickly.
"No you stay here, Sirius you too." Corra said in a demanding voice.
"I'm coming with you." Lupin volunteered.
"No you stay, you need your treatments." She said walking out the room. The three walked with her to the door. She took out a large carpet out of the closet by the front door and hoped on to it.
"Harry don't worry, they'll be fine." She said in a comforting voice. Some how Harry didn't believe her.
"I'm going. He's my friend!" Harry shouted.
"No! You're staying here. Sirius, keep an eye on Harry. Dido, go and try to get in contact with Hermione She's in danger. There are three plane tickets reserved for them at the airport. A muggle plane would be less obvious, and inform Dumbledore."
She then floated out the door, pressed a small gold button on the carpet and disappeared.
