Chapter 7
A New Year
"Where you going?"
"Back to school…"
-From Scent of a Woman
The entire Granger household woke early on the morning of September 1st. The two parents were already up and dressed by the time Harry strolled into the breakfast room, his already messy black hair even more disheveled than usual. Hermione strolled in a few minutes later wearing a pair of faded jeans and a baby blue T-shirt. Breakfast for Harry was small and simple, consisting of a piece of toast and large glass of orange juice. The children's trunks were already stowed in the Granger's car, Hedwig had just returned from a night of hunting, and Crookshanks was curled sleepily around Hermione's feet.
Soon after breakfast, Harry and the Granger's piled into the car and started the short drive to the London rail station. Harry and Hermione were still discussing their discovery of the Potter house. Harry had seemed so shaken by the incident that Hermione had tried not to bring up the issue, but this time was an exception.
"I just don't understand," said Hermione. "Why is that I've never noticed it before? It was so obvious after you pointed it out, yet I cannot recall ever seeing it there."
"It's the Fidelus Charm," answered Harry. He had come to this conclusion after many sleepless nights, pondering the same question. "Apparently it's still in effect, even after all these years. You couldn't see it because only the people bound by the charm and who are informed by the charmed can actually see it. I was charmed along with my parents, so when I walked by, I saw it. And because I pointed it out to you, you could see it as well."
"That sounds like a plausible solution," said Hermione. She was impressed with Harry.
"Maybe," Harry said listlessly. "I would like it just as well if it was still invisible."
The group arrived in London around noon, leaving them just enough time to make their stop in Diagon Alley to replenish their school supplies. They bought all the necessary equipment on their lists, reminding them of the truly unusual nature of the items as they were purchased. The store clerks were likewise bewildered by the unusual demand of products. They were used to Hogwarts students asking for unusual materials for their courses, but this year seemed exceptionally peculiar.
The most tedious piece of equipment to purchase was the training armor. Harry had had his measurements taken in his first year for his school uniform, which was simple enough. Later on that year, he had his measurements taken again for his Quidditch gear. This took much longer than it had to make as simple set of clothes. The armor took even longer. The armorer had noticeable bags under his eyes from the long days(and nights) of work from previous orders. Harry was shocked to see how much effort went into creating every section, from the shoulder patches and thigh guards to the intricately woven gauntlets and bracers.
After they had gotten their necessary armor, the group moved on to get the piece of jewelry on the equipment. Harry was shocked at the multitude of rings, bracelets, necklaces, and medallions that hung on the walls of the small shop. He decided on a silver ring, shaped in the design of intertwined, white owl feathers. The ring reminded him of Hedwig. Hermione chose a simple locket and chain made of silver as well. The locket was in the form of a book(naturally).
When all their supplies had been bought, they left in the rail station. They had spent longer than they had intended to at Diagon Alley, and so were in a bit of a rush to get to Platform 9¾. When they arrived at the barrier that led to the platform, the group ran into the Weasleys. There stood Ron and Ginny, the last of the Weasley children, Fred and George having graduated the year earlier. Ron ran up to Harry and greeted him with a giant hug.
"We were getting worried!" Ron said, exasperated. "The train's going to leave soon. What took you so long?"
"We got a little hung up at Diagon Alley," Hermione answered.
"Yeah, tell me about it," said Ron. "What's with the weird equipment list? You don't think it's got something to do with You-Know-Who, do you?"
"Let's hope not," answered Harry.
The four of them got on to the train. Harry was wondering how to tell Ron that he was a Prefect. He became increasingly nervous, and it began to show as he answered the salutations of Dean, Seamus, Neville, and their other students in a voice that was thick with anxiety. Ron was beginning to notice.
"Somethin' wrong, Harry?" asked Ron.
Harry stopped. Well, at least he tried to. The scores of people moving through the rail car forced them to keep moving. Eventually, Harry was able to pull Hermione and Ron over to one side. Harry reached into his pocket and withdrew the small silver pin that signified him as a Prefect. Ron simply stared at it and Harry stared at him. They were silent for several moments. It was Hermione who broke the silence.
"You guys can speak whenever you like, you know," she said, startling both of them out of their reveries. Ron look straight at Harry.
"So you're a Prefect?" he asked.
"Yeah," Harry said, his voice low, doing his best to avoid Ron's gaze. He prepared himself for the hurt look that he had come to expect from Ron, waiting for Ron to speak in a choked and forced voice that he was proud of him, when both of them would now it was a lie. Instead-
"That's great, Harry!" Ron said jovially. Harry returned his gaze to look at Ron, seeing an expression of genuine jubilation.
"You're not angry?" asked Harry.
"Of course not," Ron said incredulously. "Why would I be?"
Harry didn't give him a verbal answer. Harry gave Ron a great bear hug, the two of them patting each other on the back. Hermione just stood there shaking her head.
"Sometimes I just don't understand you two," she said.
Harry and Hermione decided to forego the special car up front reserved for the prefects, thinking it was more important to stick with their friend. The trio moved down through the rail cars until they reached their normally empty car that they rode in every year. This year, however, the car was not empty.
A young boy, about their age was sitting silently in one of the rows of seats that filled the rail car. They couldn't see his face, because he was turned away from them, but they could see that he had a shock of dark brown hair. As they moved closer to the boy, they could see he was holding a small parchment sheet in his hand, the words on it written in a tight formal scrawl. At the bottom, the could see a seal of authenticity. When they were a few feet away, the boy heard them and turned to face them.
"I'm sorry," he said. "Can I help you?"
The boy had sharp features, with a pronounced chin and nose. His eyes were the same deep brown as his hair. When he spoke, his voice was light and quiet, but strong at the same time. He quickly rolled up the parchment in his hands and placed it in a small nylon backpack that sat next to him in the seat.
"Oh, we didn't mean to intrude," said Harry, curious as to who this unfamiliar boy was. "We were just looking for a car to sit in."
"Yes, that's right," said Hermione, equally as curious as Harry.
"Who are you?" Ron asked bluntly. He was not the most subtle of people.
The boy gave them a gentle smile, standing up to face them.
"My name is Darien," he said, extending his hand to them.
They each took turns shaking hand with Darien, and introduced themselves. Harry couldn't help but notice how strong his grip was.
"Nice to meet you, Darien," said Hermione. She told him her name.
"I'm Ron Weasley," said Ron.
"I'm Harry," Harry said. He didn't want Darien to know who he was. He truly disliked the look people gave him when they discovered his identity. "So, are you new to Hogwarts?"
"Uh, yes, actually," answered Darien. "You see, I-"
Just at that moment, Draco Malfoy entered the rail car with his two cronies, Crabbe and Goyle, at his side. Draco had grown over the summer and was now a bit taller than Harry, although he was just as thin, and his platinum blonde hair as slick as ever. He sauntered down the aisle toward the group of four.
"Well, well, well," he said, crossing his arms. "If it isn't the mudblood trio."
"Get out of here, Malfoy," said Ron, his fists already starting to clench at the insult. Harry could already tell that his temper was going to get the better of him. "You're not welcome on this end of the line."
"Oh, I think we'll stay right here actually," Malfoy retorted. "And I see you have a new little friend. Whom do I have the pleasure of meeting?" He mockingly extended a bony hand to Darien. Darien did not accept it.
"My name is Darien," he said simply, staring directly into Malfoy's eyes.
"Just Darien?" said Malfoy, lowering his hand. "Not even refined enough to give a last name?"
"My last name is not important," he said simply.
"Oh, I wouldn't be so sure about that," Malfoy replied. "You see, your last name can tell you a lot about a person. For instance, if your last name were 'Weasley,'" he shot Ron a glance, "then you know that you come from a poor upbringing and that you've got more red hair and freckles than you do brains or coins in your pocket, for that matter."
"Malfoy, I'm warning you-" started Ron.
"Get out," Darien interjected. His voice was carried a tone that clearly said, "Don't-Mess-With-Me."
"Or what?" asked Malfoy. Behind him, Crabbe and Goyle began cracking their knuckles and tried to put on intimidating scowls. "You want to take us on?"
Ron was up to the challenge. He jumped at Malfoy, but Harry grabbed and restrained him before the two of them could start fighting. Ron was spewing saliva as he spat every curse he could think of at Malfoy. He stopped abruptly when he heard a soft, but audible click behind them. Everyone turned to look at what had made the sound. It came from Darien.
He was pointing a gun at Malfoy.
"You know what this is?" Darien asked. "It's weapon called a Colt .45, one of the greatest handguns ever made. You know what it does?" Malfoy silently shook his head. "It fires a single metal bullet at high velocity towards the intended target. The bullet hits the target at close to the speed of sound. Upon impact, the bullet, due to the extreme force exerted on it due to the high velocity, mushrooms out, creating a blunt surface which causes major damage to anything it touches. Depending on where it hits, the bullet could go completely through, creating a hole all the way through the target, or it could get caught along the way. If it isn't removed, it can cause an infection that will slowly grow until it kills the target.
"However, the bullets in this gun aren't normal bullets. They're high powered, hollow-point bullets. That means that a few moments after impact, the enormous force exerted on the head of the bullet causes it to explode within the target, with enough force to blow off a limb Were it to hit in an area such as the head, the skull would be completely shattered. If someone had to identify the victim, they'd have to use the victim's dental records. Do you know why? Because there would be nothing left of his face.
"That's what's pointed at you now."
Malfoy stared at Darien, a look of absolute terror on his face. Crabbe and Goyle were in a similar state. Harry, Hermione, and Ron were shocked.
"Now," said Darien after a silence that seemed to stretch on forever. "I suggest you leave this car." Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle scrambled out.
It was a few moments before anyone said anything. Harry stood up and faced Darien.
"You brought a gun to school?" Harry asked incredulously.
Darien looked at Harry intently. Suddenly, he swung the gun in Harry's direction and pulled the trigger. Harry instinctively raised his arms…
And was greeted by a splash of water. Harry lowered his arms and stared at Darien, who was now laughing silently to himself.
"It's a water pistol," he said, tossing the toy at Harry. "It couldn't hurt a fly."
Everyone stared at Darien, too shocked to speak. Before long, however, Ron began to laugh.
"Did you see the look on Malfoy's face?" he said. "Absolutely priceless!"
Everyone began to laugh as the atmosphere lightened. The four of them sat down and began to have a light-hearted conversation as they waited for the train to arrive at Hogwarts. Throughout the conversation, however, Harry couldn't help but think there was something odd about the way Darien spoke. It sounded normal enough, but there was something else there that Harry couldn't quite describe. And just when he thought he heard it again, it was gone, elusive. Harry did his best to ignore it and concentrate on the conversation. Darien was open and jovial throughout the rest of the trip. After a few hours, the train began to slow, then stopped. They began to collect their things and get off the train.
Looking back on it years later, Harry would have had to say that he liked Darien the moment he met him, and Darien would have said the same. Yet neither of them could know or even fathom what unbelievable destiny awaited them both.
A New Year
"Where you going?"
"Back to school…"
-From Scent of a Woman
The entire Granger household woke early on the morning of September 1st. The two parents were already up and dressed by the time Harry strolled into the breakfast room, his already messy black hair even more disheveled than usual. Hermione strolled in a few minutes later wearing a pair of faded jeans and a baby blue T-shirt. Breakfast for Harry was small and simple, consisting of a piece of toast and large glass of orange juice. The children's trunks were already stowed in the Granger's car, Hedwig had just returned from a night of hunting, and Crookshanks was curled sleepily around Hermione's feet.
Soon after breakfast, Harry and the Granger's piled into the car and started the short drive to the London rail station. Harry and Hermione were still discussing their discovery of the Potter house. Harry had seemed so shaken by the incident that Hermione had tried not to bring up the issue, but this time was an exception.
"I just don't understand," said Hermione. "Why is that I've never noticed it before? It was so obvious after you pointed it out, yet I cannot recall ever seeing it there."
"It's the Fidelus Charm," answered Harry. He had come to this conclusion after many sleepless nights, pondering the same question. "Apparently it's still in effect, even after all these years. You couldn't see it because only the people bound by the charm and who are informed by the charmed can actually see it. I was charmed along with my parents, so when I walked by, I saw it. And because I pointed it out to you, you could see it as well."
"That sounds like a plausible solution," said Hermione. She was impressed with Harry.
"Maybe," Harry said listlessly. "I would like it just as well if it was still invisible."
The group arrived in London around noon, leaving them just enough time to make their stop in Diagon Alley to replenish their school supplies. They bought all the necessary equipment on their lists, reminding them of the truly unusual nature of the items as they were purchased. The store clerks were likewise bewildered by the unusual demand of products. They were used to Hogwarts students asking for unusual materials for their courses, but this year seemed exceptionally peculiar.
The most tedious piece of equipment to purchase was the training armor. Harry had had his measurements taken in his first year for his school uniform, which was simple enough. Later on that year, he had his measurements taken again for his Quidditch gear. This took much longer than it had to make as simple set of clothes. The armor took even longer. The armorer had noticeable bags under his eyes from the long days(and nights) of work from previous orders. Harry was shocked to see how much effort went into creating every section, from the shoulder patches and thigh guards to the intricately woven gauntlets and bracers.
After they had gotten their necessary armor, the group moved on to get the piece of jewelry on the equipment. Harry was shocked at the multitude of rings, bracelets, necklaces, and medallions that hung on the walls of the small shop. He decided on a silver ring, shaped in the design of intertwined, white owl feathers. The ring reminded him of Hedwig. Hermione chose a simple locket and chain made of silver as well. The locket was in the form of a book(naturally).
When all their supplies had been bought, they left in the rail station. They had spent longer than they had intended to at Diagon Alley, and so were in a bit of a rush to get to Platform 9¾. When they arrived at the barrier that led to the platform, the group ran into the Weasleys. There stood Ron and Ginny, the last of the Weasley children, Fred and George having graduated the year earlier. Ron ran up to Harry and greeted him with a giant hug.
"We were getting worried!" Ron said, exasperated. "The train's going to leave soon. What took you so long?"
"We got a little hung up at Diagon Alley," Hermione answered.
"Yeah, tell me about it," said Ron. "What's with the weird equipment list? You don't think it's got something to do with You-Know-Who, do you?"
"Let's hope not," answered Harry.
The four of them got on to the train. Harry was wondering how to tell Ron that he was a Prefect. He became increasingly nervous, and it began to show as he answered the salutations of Dean, Seamus, Neville, and their other students in a voice that was thick with anxiety. Ron was beginning to notice.
"Somethin' wrong, Harry?" asked Ron.
Harry stopped. Well, at least he tried to. The scores of people moving through the rail car forced them to keep moving. Eventually, Harry was able to pull Hermione and Ron over to one side. Harry reached into his pocket and withdrew the small silver pin that signified him as a Prefect. Ron simply stared at it and Harry stared at him. They were silent for several moments. It was Hermione who broke the silence.
"You guys can speak whenever you like, you know," she said, startling both of them out of their reveries. Ron look straight at Harry.
"So you're a Prefect?" he asked.
"Yeah," Harry said, his voice low, doing his best to avoid Ron's gaze. He prepared himself for the hurt look that he had come to expect from Ron, waiting for Ron to speak in a choked and forced voice that he was proud of him, when both of them would now it was a lie. Instead-
"That's great, Harry!" Ron said jovially. Harry returned his gaze to look at Ron, seeing an expression of genuine jubilation.
"You're not angry?" asked Harry.
"Of course not," Ron said incredulously. "Why would I be?"
Harry didn't give him a verbal answer. Harry gave Ron a great bear hug, the two of them patting each other on the back. Hermione just stood there shaking her head.
"Sometimes I just don't understand you two," she said.
Harry and Hermione decided to forego the special car up front reserved for the prefects, thinking it was more important to stick with their friend. The trio moved down through the rail cars until they reached their normally empty car that they rode in every year. This year, however, the car was not empty.
A young boy, about their age was sitting silently in one of the rows of seats that filled the rail car. They couldn't see his face, because he was turned away from them, but they could see that he had a shock of dark brown hair. As they moved closer to the boy, they could see he was holding a small parchment sheet in his hand, the words on it written in a tight formal scrawl. At the bottom, the could see a seal of authenticity. When they were a few feet away, the boy heard them and turned to face them.
"I'm sorry," he said. "Can I help you?"
The boy had sharp features, with a pronounced chin and nose. His eyes were the same deep brown as his hair. When he spoke, his voice was light and quiet, but strong at the same time. He quickly rolled up the parchment in his hands and placed it in a small nylon backpack that sat next to him in the seat.
"Oh, we didn't mean to intrude," said Harry, curious as to who this unfamiliar boy was. "We were just looking for a car to sit in."
"Yes, that's right," said Hermione, equally as curious as Harry.
"Who are you?" Ron asked bluntly. He was not the most subtle of people.
The boy gave them a gentle smile, standing up to face them.
"My name is Darien," he said, extending his hand to them.
They each took turns shaking hand with Darien, and introduced themselves. Harry couldn't help but notice how strong his grip was.
"Nice to meet you, Darien," said Hermione. She told him her name.
"I'm Ron Weasley," said Ron.
"I'm Harry," Harry said. He didn't want Darien to know who he was. He truly disliked the look people gave him when they discovered his identity. "So, are you new to Hogwarts?"
"Uh, yes, actually," answered Darien. "You see, I-"
Just at that moment, Draco Malfoy entered the rail car with his two cronies, Crabbe and Goyle, at his side. Draco had grown over the summer and was now a bit taller than Harry, although he was just as thin, and his platinum blonde hair as slick as ever. He sauntered down the aisle toward the group of four.
"Well, well, well," he said, crossing his arms. "If it isn't the mudblood trio."
"Get out of here, Malfoy," said Ron, his fists already starting to clench at the insult. Harry could already tell that his temper was going to get the better of him. "You're not welcome on this end of the line."
"Oh, I think we'll stay right here actually," Malfoy retorted. "And I see you have a new little friend. Whom do I have the pleasure of meeting?" He mockingly extended a bony hand to Darien. Darien did not accept it.
"My name is Darien," he said simply, staring directly into Malfoy's eyes.
"Just Darien?" said Malfoy, lowering his hand. "Not even refined enough to give a last name?"
"My last name is not important," he said simply.
"Oh, I wouldn't be so sure about that," Malfoy replied. "You see, your last name can tell you a lot about a person. For instance, if your last name were 'Weasley,'" he shot Ron a glance, "then you know that you come from a poor upbringing and that you've got more red hair and freckles than you do brains or coins in your pocket, for that matter."
"Malfoy, I'm warning you-" started Ron.
"Get out," Darien interjected. His voice was carried a tone that clearly said, "Don't-Mess-With-Me."
"Or what?" asked Malfoy. Behind him, Crabbe and Goyle began cracking their knuckles and tried to put on intimidating scowls. "You want to take us on?"
Ron was up to the challenge. He jumped at Malfoy, but Harry grabbed and restrained him before the two of them could start fighting. Ron was spewing saliva as he spat every curse he could think of at Malfoy. He stopped abruptly when he heard a soft, but audible click behind them. Everyone turned to look at what had made the sound. It came from Darien.
He was pointing a gun at Malfoy.
"You know what this is?" Darien asked. "It's weapon called a Colt .45, one of the greatest handguns ever made. You know what it does?" Malfoy silently shook his head. "It fires a single metal bullet at high velocity towards the intended target. The bullet hits the target at close to the speed of sound. Upon impact, the bullet, due to the extreme force exerted on it due to the high velocity, mushrooms out, creating a blunt surface which causes major damage to anything it touches. Depending on where it hits, the bullet could go completely through, creating a hole all the way through the target, or it could get caught along the way. If it isn't removed, it can cause an infection that will slowly grow until it kills the target.
"However, the bullets in this gun aren't normal bullets. They're high powered, hollow-point bullets. That means that a few moments after impact, the enormous force exerted on the head of the bullet causes it to explode within the target, with enough force to blow off a limb Were it to hit in an area such as the head, the skull would be completely shattered. If someone had to identify the victim, they'd have to use the victim's dental records. Do you know why? Because there would be nothing left of his face.
"That's what's pointed at you now."
Malfoy stared at Darien, a look of absolute terror on his face. Crabbe and Goyle were in a similar state. Harry, Hermione, and Ron were shocked.
"Now," said Darien after a silence that seemed to stretch on forever. "I suggest you leave this car." Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle scrambled out.
It was a few moments before anyone said anything. Harry stood up and faced Darien.
"You brought a gun to school?" Harry asked incredulously.
Darien looked at Harry intently. Suddenly, he swung the gun in Harry's direction and pulled the trigger. Harry instinctively raised his arms…
And was greeted by a splash of water. Harry lowered his arms and stared at Darien, who was now laughing silently to himself.
"It's a water pistol," he said, tossing the toy at Harry. "It couldn't hurt a fly."
Everyone stared at Darien, too shocked to speak. Before long, however, Ron began to laugh.
"Did you see the look on Malfoy's face?" he said. "Absolutely priceless!"
Everyone began to laugh as the atmosphere lightened. The four of them sat down and began to have a light-hearted conversation as they waited for the train to arrive at Hogwarts. Throughout the conversation, however, Harry couldn't help but think there was something odd about the way Darien spoke. It sounded normal enough, but there was something else there that Harry couldn't quite describe. And just when he thought he heard it again, it was gone, elusive. Harry did his best to ignore it and concentrate on the conversation. Darien was open and jovial throughout the rest of the trip. After a few hours, the train began to slow, then stopped. They began to collect their things and get off the train.
Looking back on it years later, Harry would have had to say that he liked Darien the moment he met him, and Darien would have said the same. Yet neither of them could know or even fathom what unbelievable destiny awaited them both.