Author's Notes: Part 6 was quite light-hearted, Part 7 is a bit more ominous...
* * * * *
No Easy Goodbyes - Part 7
Harry woke slowly, trying to remember the fragments of his dream. He knew he had had the same dream before - the grassy hilltop with the grey stones - the dark figures in the mist - the sense of having lost someone - but the dream always seemed to evaporate before he could recall it properly, and it would get mixed up in his head with memories of climbing over the ruins of Blackdale House on a summer's day.
Something soft brushed his chin, and he blinked his eyes open to find Blackie batting her paws against his face, her usual morning greeting. The sun was streaming through the now-clean attic window, and it looked like another warm sunny day.
Harry stroked Blackie's furry black head, and rolled on to his back again, letting himself savour - as he did every morning - the knowledge of being Dursley-free all summer and staying with Remus and Sirius. It had been several weeks now since his birthday, and he found it hard to believe how quickly the time had slipped past. He had spent a lot of time in the open air, exploring the local countryside, practising with his crossbow, going for long walks with Remus or Sirius, and even taking a few cookery lessons. He had visited the village several times with Mrs. Figg, carrying her basket for her and waiting patiently while she shopped. He had even managed to get his homework done, and found some fascinating books on Remus's shelves he was sure Hermione would love to read. He had listened avidly to Remus and Sirius's stories about their schooldays with his parents, and also - without Remus or Sirius's knowledge - he had learned some nasty little hexes from Mundungus he was longing to try out on Malfoy and his cronies next term.
The threat from Voldemort had not gone away, of course. It was always there in the background. It was the reason why Harry always took his wand with him when he went out on those long rambles, and it was the reason why Remus, Sirius, Mundungus and Mrs. Figg took turns to stay awake during the night and keep watch around the cottage. Harry knew that Remus was constantly in touch with Professor Dumbledore, Mr. Weasley and other wizards who were actively planning a defence against Voldemort. Remus spent much time writing letters, and he and Sirius both spent a good deal of time going through old spellbooks in the hope of discovering useful strategies to use. On a few occasions, Remus and Mundungus had gone away to meet other members of the magical community. They never told Harry exactly where they were going, or who they were going to meet, and he knew better than to ask. It was enough for him to know that they all trusted him, and would not treat him like a helpless child if a sudden danger did come.
He had not asked questions, either, when Remus had disappeared for the two days around the full moon, returning looking tired and ill. There was no need for questions.
Harry wondered how Ron and Hermione's holidays had compared with his own. He had exchanged quite a few letters with both of them, and they both seemed to have been having fun. Ron had gone camping for a few days with the twins, despite Mrs. Weasley's misgivings at this scheme, and they had all survived the experience. Hermione had visited Austria with her parents, and from what she said in her letters, she seemed to have enjoyed herself.
Today, however, was the day Harry would be seeing them both again, he hoped. They had arranged to meet up in Diagon Alley to get their school things. Harry's letter from Hogwarts, with his list of school requirements, had arrived a few days ago. Remus was going to accompany him to Diagon Alley. Harry knew that - with Voldemort rising and gathering his supporters - Remus and Sirius would feel happier if one of them was with him for the trip to London. Harry regretted that Sirius could not come with him, but Sirius was still a wanted man, a fugitive, unjust though it was.
"Harry! Are you ever getting up this morning?" Sirius's voice demanded at that moment, from the foot of the attic ladder. "Breakfast's waiting for you, and Remus seems quite keen to get going."
"I'm just coming!" Harry called back, shifting Blackie so that he could get out of bed, and reaching for his glasses. On his way to the ladder, he patted the two broomsticks which stood propped together in the corner - his Firebolt and his father's Silver Arrow.
* * * * *
"Right, we must be off," Remus said, as they finished clearing the breakfast table. "I'm not sure what time we'll be back, Sirius, but definitely before dark."
"We'll keep an eye out here, don't worry. Don't forget to give those documents to Arthur Weasley."
"I won't."
"Don't forget my shopping, Harry," Mrs. Figg was saying, as she pressed her list of potions ingredients into Harry's hand. "I just can't get these things in Frittleton. And make sure the domino beetles are REALLY finely crushed - the last lot I had was full of great big lumps - no use at all."
"Let him be, Arabella," said Sirius, sounding slightly exasperated, "or they won't even get to Diagon Alley before it's time to come back. Give my regards to Ron and Hermione, Harry."
"I will." Harry shouldered his empty bag and followed Remus to the fireplace, where a blazing fire had been conjured up minutes earlier. Blackie followed him, purring and staying close to his ankles.
"You can't come with me, Blackie - you wouldn't like the journey. Stay with Sirius."
"Oh, lucky Sirius," said Sirius ruefully, as Blackie growled deep in her throat, and gave him a nasty look. She seemed to understand Harry's order though, as she sat down reluctantly, no longer trying to follow him.
Remus took the bowl of Floo Powder from the mantelpiece. "The Leaky Cauldron!" he said loudly, before he stepped into the flames and vanished. Seconds later, Harry followed him.
Harry had never really grown to enjoy travelling by Floo Powder, and he didn't think he ever would. His glasses safely in his pocket, he had his eyes tightly shut for the whole duration of the journey, as he whizzed along, the smell of smoke in his nostrils. When he was finally spat out, coughing and sooty, on the hearth of the Leaky Cauldron, he was thoroughly glad to have arrived safely. Remus was standing waiting for him, smiling quietly.
"You might want to wipe the smuts off your face before we do our shopping, Harry," he said. "Hullo, Tom."
The landlord of the Leaky Cauldron nodded at him - he was an old acquaintance of Lupin's - and grinned at Harry when he saw him. "Back again? Time goes quickly, don't it?"
In a few minutes, Harry and Remus were walking down Diagon Alley, which was just as bustling as usual, although not quite as noisy. The atmosphere was a little subdued, and Harry wondered if he was imagining that many of the adults were looking slightly worried or tense. As they passed Florean Fortescue's, a small girl asked her mother if she could have an ice-cream, and her mother snatched her away crossly. "Not today. Let's get home as quickly as we can."
Remus had noticed the tension in the atmosphere too; Harry knew that when Remus said "Let's get a Daily Prophet - find out if anything's happened."
The headlines in the Daily Prophet made the reason for the subdued atmosphere quite clear.
"MUGGLES ATTACKED IN WALES - DARK MARK SEEN AGAIN!"
Harry and Remus sat down at a table in front of Florean Fortescue's to read the Prophet together. Florean greeted them and brought them drinks, but even he was not quite his usual cheery self.
'Ministry Wizards have been sent to Wales to investigate an attack on a party of Muggle students who were hiking in Snowdonia," Harry read. "Two students were killed and three others appear to have been subjected to the Cruciatus Curse. A Ministry spokesman confirmed that several hours of work had taken place to make the attack seem like a climbing accident for the benefit of local Muggles. Several witnesses have insisted that they saw the Dark Mark over the scene of the attack. This is the third sighting of the Dark Mark in recent weeks, and has led to more rumours that You-Know-Who is regaining power or that his old supporters have joined together to attack Muggles. Minister Fudge has consistently denied these rumours, but the Daily Prophet has learned that Albus Dumbledore is said to have alerted several well-known members of the wizarding community to the possible danger of attacks on the wizarding public. Minister Fudge's spokesperson said today, "The Ministry believes that these attacks are the work of isolated former supporters of You-Know-Who. We believe that our efforts will soon lead to the apprehension of these people, and that the wizarding public should not be unduly alarmed." Despite these reassurances, several important Ministry officials are known to be lobbying the Minister to take firm action to stamp out the threat of further attacks. Readers will remember the public alarm which followed the unfortunate events surrounding the appearance of the Dark Mark at the Quidditch World Cup last year.'
Harry let out a long sigh as he finished reading the article, and exchanged worried looks with Remus. "It must be the Death Eaters, like the ones I saw at Mrs. Figg's house - people like Lucius Malfoy, going out and doing Voldemort's dirty work!"
"Ssh," Remus cautioned him. "Not so loud. You and I both know what Lucius Malfoy is, but we can't prove it, so don't go shouting about it in public."
Reluctantly, Harry lowered his voice, aware that he had already attracted a few curious looks from people nearby who probably recognised him. "I suppose it amuses them to go out and attack a few Muggles for practice," he muttered.
"I'll have to contact Dumbledore again as soon as we get home," Remus said, folding the Prophet quickly and putting it in the pocket of his shabby robes. "But let's get our shopping done, now we're here. We're supposed to be meeting the Weasleys at half past ten, don't forget."
"And I want to go to Gringotts first to get some money," Harry said, feeling for his money bag.
Gringotts was not too busy that morning, so it did not take Harry long to visit his vault and get out as much money as he thought he would need for the new term. As he was coming out of the bank to find Remus again, he ran into Parvati and Padma Patil, who were climbing the steps, accompanied by their mother and a boy of about eleven.
"Hi, Harry!" Parvati greeted him sunnily. After the fiasco of the Yule Ball last year, she had treated him rather coolly for a while, but that had more or less worn off in the following months. "Had a good summer?"
"Yes thanks. Hi Padma." Harry nodded to Parvati's twin, who was talking to her mother.
"This is our brother, Prashant," Parvati said, indicating the boy next to her. "He's starting at Hogwarts this term. This is Harry Potter, Prash - I've told you about him."
Prashant, who was small but wiry-looking, grinned at Harry, but didn't say anything more than, "Hi."
"He's mad about Quidditch," Parvati said, looking fondly at her brother. "Oh well, we'd better get on. We've got to go and get Prash's wand after Gringotts."
"Bye, Parvati. Bye, Padma!" Harry called after the Patil family, as they disappeared into the bank. Looking at the astronomy watch Sirius had given him, he realised it was almost time to go and find the Weasleys - he had better find Remus first.
It was not hard for Harry and Remus to find the Weasley family outside Quality Quidditch Supplies. He could see Ron's red head some way off, tallest in the group, which consisted on this occasion of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Fred, George, Ron and Ginny. All the Weasleys waved when they saw Harry and Remus approaching. "Hiya, Harry! Had a good time?" Ron asked, as his mother hugged Harry.
"Great, thanks." Harry nodded to the twins. He wanted to ask them how their inventions for Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes were coming along, but this did not seem the best time to do so, with Mrs. Weasley standing there.
"Seen this, eh, Harry?" Fred said, jerking his head towards the window of Quality Quidditch Supplies. "New make of Quidditch balls - supposed to be more streamlined, the Quaffle's quicker through the air."
"Wait till you see *our* new Quidditch balls," George muttered in Harry's ear. "The Quaffle explodes when it goes through the goal, and it's full of lemonade - we thought we might give Angelica, Alicia and Katie a shock at team practice one night!"
Harry grinned at this, but turned as he heard Ron saying impatiently, "*There* you are! Where have you been?" Hermione had just arrived, rather out of breath.
"My parents couldn't find anywhere to park in Muggle London," she explained, pulling a face at Ron and greeting Mr. and Mrs. Weasley more politely. "They're going to pick me up again at three-thirty."
"Go on then - break the news to Harry," Ron said to Hermione, meaningly. "Let him get over the shock."
"News?" Harry looked curiously at Hermione, who blushed, rather to his surprise.
"Don't tease her, Ron," Mrs. Weasley said firmly. "Your parents must be proud, Hermione - I know I was when Bill and Percy got their Prefects' badges - "
"You're a Prefect?" Harry said to Hermione, who looked rather embarrassed. "Congratulations, though I'm not surprised, really."
"Well, hardly," Ron said, grinning at her. "It was bound to happen."
"You never know, Harry, I wouldn't be at all surprised if Professor Dumbledore made you a Prefect in sixth year," Mrs. Weasley said to him, obviously thinking he might be disappointed to have been passed over. "That's when Arthur got his badge." Privately, Harry was deciding that he would only like to be a Prefect if Ron was one too.
"Congratulations, Hermione," Remus said, smiling at her, before he turned to Mr. Weasley. "Arthur - any chance of a quiet word?"
Mr. Weasley, who was looking even more worried and harrassed than usual, nodded quickly. "Yes, let's go to the Leaky Cauldron. Molly - I'll come and find you later, is that all right?"
The group split up, having arranged to meet later on. Mrs. Weasley dragged the twins into Madame Malkin's shop to have their school robes altered. "It's not worth getting you new ones for your last year, but you must have the hems taken down, they're not decent -"
Remus and Mr. Weasley hurried off in the direction of the Leaky Cauldron, and Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny were left standing by Quality Quidditch Supplies. They were just deciding where to go first when a very unwelcome voice spoke just beside them.
"Well well, if it isn't Potty, Weasel and the Mudblood - and the Weasel's little sister - how nice." Draco Malfoy was regarding them with his usual sneer, and sketched a mock bow to Ginny, who reddened and retreated behind Hermione, scowling.
"Shut up, Malfoy," Ron said automatically. "And how was your summer - lousy, I hope?"
"Very interesting, actually," Malfoy said. "A lot of important business to deal with. My father's a very busy man."
"Yeah, and we know what your father's business is - going round attacking Muggles!" Harry blurted out angrily. Hermione nudged him hard in the side, and Harry saw Lucius Malfoy coming out of a nearby shop.
Draco opened his mouth to retort, but shut it again when he saw his father. Mr. Malfoy's eyes swept coldly over Harry and his friends, and Harry shivered as a sudden memory swept over him of the night when he had been circled by Death Eaters, who had watched him drag Cedric's body away - he knew all too well that Lucius Malfoy had been one of that hooded group. For a moment, he thought Mr. Malfoy was going to speak to them, but he merely gave them that long, cold look, before saying, "Come, Draco." Father and son turned and walked away.
Ron waited till the Malfoys were a few feet ahead, then very deliberately spat on the ground where they had stood. He exchanged looks with Harry, but neither of them said anything. There was nothing useful to say.
"Well, I want to get some treats for Crookshanks," Hermione announced, clearly trying to divert everyone's attention from the Malfoys. "Anyone want to come to the Magical Menagerie?"
"Oh, they've got some adorable owl chicks in the window," Ginny told her, brightening. "I saw them when we went past before."
"You go and drool over them, then," Ron said, rather scathingly, "and we'll go to the apothecary's. I need some potions ingredients."
"Me too," Harry said, remembering his errands. "And I've got to get some stuff for Mrs. Figg."
The apothecary's shop, as usual, was dark and very smelly. Harry and Ron skirted the barrels on the floor, ducked the bundles of feathers and strings of fangs which hung from the ceiling, and looked curiously at the jars which lined the walls. Ron recoiled as he sniffed a jar of thick lumpy pink paste. "Eeewww, that's disgusting."
"Can I help you?" The man who usually stood behind the apothecary's counter was not there today. The person who had spoken was a dark-haired woman with a pleasant smile. Harry smiled back as he handed her Mrs. Figg's list.
"Can I have all the things on here, please - oh, and can you make sure the domino beetles are very finely crushed, she said."
"No problem. Take a seat." The woman busied herself finding the ingredients and decanting them into small paper bags and tiny glass phials. "Going back to Hogwarts?" she asked cheerfully, watching Harry and Ron examining the things which stood on the counter.
"Yes - fifth year," Harry told her, watching her crush tiny beetles with a pestle and mortar. There was something about the woman that seemed vaguely familiar. It was hot in the apothecary's shop, and he brushed his fringe away from his sweaty forehead, and saw the woman's eyes widen with sudden recognition as she saw his scar. He was used to being recognised by now, and often people said, "Oh - you're Harry Potter!" This woman, however, said nothing, until she had finished weighing out all Mrs. Figg's ingredients, and Harry was finding the right money in his money-bag.
"So - you're Harry Potter," she remarked quietly, as she took the coins from him.
"Yes," Harry agreed, stepping to one side to let Ron put his choice of potions ingredients on the counter.
"You look like your father," the woman said.
"I know. Did you know my father?"
"Yes, at Hogwarts, and your mother." She gave Harry another friendly look as she counted out Ron's change. She had rather nice, though slightly wistful, brown eyes, and her face was still quite pretty, although there was a worry-line between her brows and a few grey hairs by her left temple. Harry knew he had never met her before, but he still felt that there was something familiar about her. Perhaps she was related to someone he knew, at Hogwarts? He would have liked to have stayed longer to talk to her, but Ron was waiting for him.
"Come on, Harry, Hermione's outside with Ginny. We've got to get our books next."
"Coming." Harry picked up his shopping. "Thanks," he said to the woman behind the counter.
"You're welcome. Have a good term."
When Harry joined the others outside the apothecary's shop, he turned back to look as they moved away. The woman with the wistful brown eyes was still watching him through the window.
End of Part 7.
Please review, hopefully Part 8 will be up in a few more days. Thanks to those who reviewed Part 6, I really appreciate your comments.
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No Easy Goodbyes - Part 7
Harry woke slowly, trying to remember the fragments of his dream. He knew he had had the same dream before - the grassy hilltop with the grey stones - the dark figures in the mist - the sense of having lost someone - but the dream always seemed to evaporate before he could recall it properly, and it would get mixed up in his head with memories of climbing over the ruins of Blackdale House on a summer's day.
Something soft brushed his chin, and he blinked his eyes open to find Blackie batting her paws against his face, her usual morning greeting. The sun was streaming through the now-clean attic window, and it looked like another warm sunny day.
Harry stroked Blackie's furry black head, and rolled on to his back again, letting himself savour - as he did every morning - the knowledge of being Dursley-free all summer and staying with Remus and Sirius. It had been several weeks now since his birthday, and he found it hard to believe how quickly the time had slipped past. He had spent a lot of time in the open air, exploring the local countryside, practising with his crossbow, going for long walks with Remus or Sirius, and even taking a few cookery lessons. He had visited the village several times with Mrs. Figg, carrying her basket for her and waiting patiently while she shopped. He had even managed to get his homework done, and found some fascinating books on Remus's shelves he was sure Hermione would love to read. He had listened avidly to Remus and Sirius's stories about their schooldays with his parents, and also - without Remus or Sirius's knowledge - he had learned some nasty little hexes from Mundungus he was longing to try out on Malfoy and his cronies next term.
The threat from Voldemort had not gone away, of course. It was always there in the background. It was the reason why Harry always took his wand with him when he went out on those long rambles, and it was the reason why Remus, Sirius, Mundungus and Mrs. Figg took turns to stay awake during the night and keep watch around the cottage. Harry knew that Remus was constantly in touch with Professor Dumbledore, Mr. Weasley and other wizards who were actively planning a defence against Voldemort. Remus spent much time writing letters, and he and Sirius both spent a good deal of time going through old spellbooks in the hope of discovering useful strategies to use. On a few occasions, Remus and Mundungus had gone away to meet other members of the magical community. They never told Harry exactly where they were going, or who they were going to meet, and he knew better than to ask. It was enough for him to know that they all trusted him, and would not treat him like a helpless child if a sudden danger did come.
He had not asked questions, either, when Remus had disappeared for the two days around the full moon, returning looking tired and ill. There was no need for questions.
Harry wondered how Ron and Hermione's holidays had compared with his own. He had exchanged quite a few letters with both of them, and they both seemed to have been having fun. Ron had gone camping for a few days with the twins, despite Mrs. Weasley's misgivings at this scheme, and they had all survived the experience. Hermione had visited Austria with her parents, and from what she said in her letters, she seemed to have enjoyed herself.
Today, however, was the day Harry would be seeing them both again, he hoped. They had arranged to meet up in Diagon Alley to get their school things. Harry's letter from Hogwarts, with his list of school requirements, had arrived a few days ago. Remus was going to accompany him to Diagon Alley. Harry knew that - with Voldemort rising and gathering his supporters - Remus and Sirius would feel happier if one of them was with him for the trip to London. Harry regretted that Sirius could not come with him, but Sirius was still a wanted man, a fugitive, unjust though it was.
"Harry! Are you ever getting up this morning?" Sirius's voice demanded at that moment, from the foot of the attic ladder. "Breakfast's waiting for you, and Remus seems quite keen to get going."
"I'm just coming!" Harry called back, shifting Blackie so that he could get out of bed, and reaching for his glasses. On his way to the ladder, he patted the two broomsticks which stood propped together in the corner - his Firebolt and his father's Silver Arrow.
* * * * *
"Right, we must be off," Remus said, as they finished clearing the breakfast table. "I'm not sure what time we'll be back, Sirius, but definitely before dark."
"We'll keep an eye out here, don't worry. Don't forget to give those documents to Arthur Weasley."
"I won't."
"Don't forget my shopping, Harry," Mrs. Figg was saying, as she pressed her list of potions ingredients into Harry's hand. "I just can't get these things in Frittleton. And make sure the domino beetles are REALLY finely crushed - the last lot I had was full of great big lumps - no use at all."
"Let him be, Arabella," said Sirius, sounding slightly exasperated, "or they won't even get to Diagon Alley before it's time to come back. Give my regards to Ron and Hermione, Harry."
"I will." Harry shouldered his empty bag and followed Remus to the fireplace, where a blazing fire had been conjured up minutes earlier. Blackie followed him, purring and staying close to his ankles.
"You can't come with me, Blackie - you wouldn't like the journey. Stay with Sirius."
"Oh, lucky Sirius," said Sirius ruefully, as Blackie growled deep in her throat, and gave him a nasty look. She seemed to understand Harry's order though, as she sat down reluctantly, no longer trying to follow him.
Remus took the bowl of Floo Powder from the mantelpiece. "The Leaky Cauldron!" he said loudly, before he stepped into the flames and vanished. Seconds later, Harry followed him.
Harry had never really grown to enjoy travelling by Floo Powder, and he didn't think he ever would. His glasses safely in his pocket, he had his eyes tightly shut for the whole duration of the journey, as he whizzed along, the smell of smoke in his nostrils. When he was finally spat out, coughing and sooty, on the hearth of the Leaky Cauldron, he was thoroughly glad to have arrived safely. Remus was standing waiting for him, smiling quietly.
"You might want to wipe the smuts off your face before we do our shopping, Harry," he said. "Hullo, Tom."
The landlord of the Leaky Cauldron nodded at him - he was an old acquaintance of Lupin's - and grinned at Harry when he saw him. "Back again? Time goes quickly, don't it?"
In a few minutes, Harry and Remus were walking down Diagon Alley, which was just as bustling as usual, although not quite as noisy. The atmosphere was a little subdued, and Harry wondered if he was imagining that many of the adults were looking slightly worried or tense. As they passed Florean Fortescue's, a small girl asked her mother if she could have an ice-cream, and her mother snatched her away crossly. "Not today. Let's get home as quickly as we can."
Remus had noticed the tension in the atmosphere too; Harry knew that when Remus said "Let's get a Daily Prophet - find out if anything's happened."
The headlines in the Daily Prophet made the reason for the subdued atmosphere quite clear.
"MUGGLES ATTACKED IN WALES - DARK MARK SEEN AGAIN!"
Harry and Remus sat down at a table in front of Florean Fortescue's to read the Prophet together. Florean greeted them and brought them drinks, but even he was not quite his usual cheery self.
'Ministry Wizards have been sent to Wales to investigate an attack on a party of Muggle students who were hiking in Snowdonia," Harry read. "Two students were killed and three others appear to have been subjected to the Cruciatus Curse. A Ministry spokesman confirmed that several hours of work had taken place to make the attack seem like a climbing accident for the benefit of local Muggles. Several witnesses have insisted that they saw the Dark Mark over the scene of the attack. This is the third sighting of the Dark Mark in recent weeks, and has led to more rumours that You-Know-Who is regaining power or that his old supporters have joined together to attack Muggles. Minister Fudge has consistently denied these rumours, but the Daily Prophet has learned that Albus Dumbledore is said to have alerted several well-known members of the wizarding community to the possible danger of attacks on the wizarding public. Minister Fudge's spokesperson said today, "The Ministry believes that these attacks are the work of isolated former supporters of You-Know-Who. We believe that our efforts will soon lead to the apprehension of these people, and that the wizarding public should not be unduly alarmed." Despite these reassurances, several important Ministry officials are known to be lobbying the Minister to take firm action to stamp out the threat of further attacks. Readers will remember the public alarm which followed the unfortunate events surrounding the appearance of the Dark Mark at the Quidditch World Cup last year.'
Harry let out a long sigh as he finished reading the article, and exchanged worried looks with Remus. "It must be the Death Eaters, like the ones I saw at Mrs. Figg's house - people like Lucius Malfoy, going out and doing Voldemort's dirty work!"
"Ssh," Remus cautioned him. "Not so loud. You and I both know what Lucius Malfoy is, but we can't prove it, so don't go shouting about it in public."
Reluctantly, Harry lowered his voice, aware that he had already attracted a few curious looks from people nearby who probably recognised him. "I suppose it amuses them to go out and attack a few Muggles for practice," he muttered.
"I'll have to contact Dumbledore again as soon as we get home," Remus said, folding the Prophet quickly and putting it in the pocket of his shabby robes. "But let's get our shopping done, now we're here. We're supposed to be meeting the Weasleys at half past ten, don't forget."
"And I want to go to Gringotts first to get some money," Harry said, feeling for his money bag.
Gringotts was not too busy that morning, so it did not take Harry long to visit his vault and get out as much money as he thought he would need for the new term. As he was coming out of the bank to find Remus again, he ran into Parvati and Padma Patil, who were climbing the steps, accompanied by their mother and a boy of about eleven.
"Hi, Harry!" Parvati greeted him sunnily. After the fiasco of the Yule Ball last year, she had treated him rather coolly for a while, but that had more or less worn off in the following months. "Had a good summer?"
"Yes thanks. Hi Padma." Harry nodded to Parvati's twin, who was talking to her mother.
"This is our brother, Prashant," Parvati said, indicating the boy next to her. "He's starting at Hogwarts this term. This is Harry Potter, Prash - I've told you about him."
Prashant, who was small but wiry-looking, grinned at Harry, but didn't say anything more than, "Hi."
"He's mad about Quidditch," Parvati said, looking fondly at her brother. "Oh well, we'd better get on. We've got to go and get Prash's wand after Gringotts."
"Bye, Parvati. Bye, Padma!" Harry called after the Patil family, as they disappeared into the bank. Looking at the astronomy watch Sirius had given him, he realised it was almost time to go and find the Weasleys - he had better find Remus first.
It was not hard for Harry and Remus to find the Weasley family outside Quality Quidditch Supplies. He could see Ron's red head some way off, tallest in the group, which consisted on this occasion of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Fred, George, Ron and Ginny. All the Weasleys waved when they saw Harry and Remus approaching. "Hiya, Harry! Had a good time?" Ron asked, as his mother hugged Harry.
"Great, thanks." Harry nodded to the twins. He wanted to ask them how their inventions for Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes were coming along, but this did not seem the best time to do so, with Mrs. Weasley standing there.
"Seen this, eh, Harry?" Fred said, jerking his head towards the window of Quality Quidditch Supplies. "New make of Quidditch balls - supposed to be more streamlined, the Quaffle's quicker through the air."
"Wait till you see *our* new Quidditch balls," George muttered in Harry's ear. "The Quaffle explodes when it goes through the goal, and it's full of lemonade - we thought we might give Angelica, Alicia and Katie a shock at team practice one night!"
Harry grinned at this, but turned as he heard Ron saying impatiently, "*There* you are! Where have you been?" Hermione had just arrived, rather out of breath.
"My parents couldn't find anywhere to park in Muggle London," she explained, pulling a face at Ron and greeting Mr. and Mrs. Weasley more politely. "They're going to pick me up again at three-thirty."
"Go on then - break the news to Harry," Ron said to Hermione, meaningly. "Let him get over the shock."
"News?" Harry looked curiously at Hermione, who blushed, rather to his surprise.
"Don't tease her, Ron," Mrs. Weasley said firmly. "Your parents must be proud, Hermione - I know I was when Bill and Percy got their Prefects' badges - "
"You're a Prefect?" Harry said to Hermione, who looked rather embarrassed. "Congratulations, though I'm not surprised, really."
"Well, hardly," Ron said, grinning at her. "It was bound to happen."
"You never know, Harry, I wouldn't be at all surprised if Professor Dumbledore made you a Prefect in sixth year," Mrs. Weasley said to him, obviously thinking he might be disappointed to have been passed over. "That's when Arthur got his badge." Privately, Harry was deciding that he would only like to be a Prefect if Ron was one too.
"Congratulations, Hermione," Remus said, smiling at her, before he turned to Mr. Weasley. "Arthur - any chance of a quiet word?"
Mr. Weasley, who was looking even more worried and harrassed than usual, nodded quickly. "Yes, let's go to the Leaky Cauldron. Molly - I'll come and find you later, is that all right?"
The group split up, having arranged to meet later on. Mrs. Weasley dragged the twins into Madame Malkin's shop to have their school robes altered. "It's not worth getting you new ones for your last year, but you must have the hems taken down, they're not decent -"
Remus and Mr. Weasley hurried off in the direction of the Leaky Cauldron, and Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny were left standing by Quality Quidditch Supplies. They were just deciding where to go first when a very unwelcome voice spoke just beside them.
"Well well, if it isn't Potty, Weasel and the Mudblood - and the Weasel's little sister - how nice." Draco Malfoy was regarding them with his usual sneer, and sketched a mock bow to Ginny, who reddened and retreated behind Hermione, scowling.
"Shut up, Malfoy," Ron said automatically. "And how was your summer - lousy, I hope?"
"Very interesting, actually," Malfoy said. "A lot of important business to deal with. My father's a very busy man."
"Yeah, and we know what your father's business is - going round attacking Muggles!" Harry blurted out angrily. Hermione nudged him hard in the side, and Harry saw Lucius Malfoy coming out of a nearby shop.
Draco opened his mouth to retort, but shut it again when he saw his father. Mr. Malfoy's eyes swept coldly over Harry and his friends, and Harry shivered as a sudden memory swept over him of the night when he had been circled by Death Eaters, who had watched him drag Cedric's body away - he knew all too well that Lucius Malfoy had been one of that hooded group. For a moment, he thought Mr. Malfoy was going to speak to them, but he merely gave them that long, cold look, before saying, "Come, Draco." Father and son turned and walked away.
Ron waited till the Malfoys were a few feet ahead, then very deliberately spat on the ground where they had stood. He exchanged looks with Harry, but neither of them said anything. There was nothing useful to say.
"Well, I want to get some treats for Crookshanks," Hermione announced, clearly trying to divert everyone's attention from the Malfoys. "Anyone want to come to the Magical Menagerie?"
"Oh, they've got some adorable owl chicks in the window," Ginny told her, brightening. "I saw them when we went past before."
"You go and drool over them, then," Ron said, rather scathingly, "and we'll go to the apothecary's. I need some potions ingredients."
"Me too," Harry said, remembering his errands. "And I've got to get some stuff for Mrs. Figg."
The apothecary's shop, as usual, was dark and very smelly. Harry and Ron skirted the barrels on the floor, ducked the bundles of feathers and strings of fangs which hung from the ceiling, and looked curiously at the jars which lined the walls. Ron recoiled as he sniffed a jar of thick lumpy pink paste. "Eeewww, that's disgusting."
"Can I help you?" The man who usually stood behind the apothecary's counter was not there today. The person who had spoken was a dark-haired woman with a pleasant smile. Harry smiled back as he handed her Mrs. Figg's list.
"Can I have all the things on here, please - oh, and can you make sure the domino beetles are very finely crushed, she said."
"No problem. Take a seat." The woman busied herself finding the ingredients and decanting them into small paper bags and tiny glass phials. "Going back to Hogwarts?" she asked cheerfully, watching Harry and Ron examining the things which stood on the counter.
"Yes - fifth year," Harry told her, watching her crush tiny beetles with a pestle and mortar. There was something about the woman that seemed vaguely familiar. It was hot in the apothecary's shop, and he brushed his fringe away from his sweaty forehead, and saw the woman's eyes widen with sudden recognition as she saw his scar. He was used to being recognised by now, and often people said, "Oh - you're Harry Potter!" This woman, however, said nothing, until she had finished weighing out all Mrs. Figg's ingredients, and Harry was finding the right money in his money-bag.
"So - you're Harry Potter," she remarked quietly, as she took the coins from him.
"Yes," Harry agreed, stepping to one side to let Ron put his choice of potions ingredients on the counter.
"You look like your father," the woman said.
"I know. Did you know my father?"
"Yes, at Hogwarts, and your mother." She gave Harry another friendly look as she counted out Ron's change. She had rather nice, though slightly wistful, brown eyes, and her face was still quite pretty, although there was a worry-line between her brows and a few grey hairs by her left temple. Harry knew he had never met her before, but he still felt that there was something familiar about her. Perhaps she was related to someone he knew, at Hogwarts? He would have liked to have stayed longer to talk to her, but Ron was waiting for him.
"Come on, Harry, Hermione's outside with Ginny. We've got to get our books next."
"Coming." Harry picked up his shopping. "Thanks," he said to the woman behind the counter.
"You're welcome. Have a good term."
When Harry joined the others outside the apothecary's shop, he turned back to look as they moved away. The woman with the wistful brown eyes was still watching him through the window.
End of Part 7.
Please review, hopefully Part 8 will be up in a few more days. Thanks to those who reviewed Part 6, I really appreciate your comments.