Chapter 11 It's in the Blood
Teddy went back onto the stoop to check the number. Yes, it was Number 12 Grimmauld Place. He was in the right house. Scratching his head, he stepped back inside and walked down the hallway.
Someone had gotten rid of the stupid umbrella stand that tripped everyone when they walked in, and the house smelled great, like lemon and pine. The moth-eaten curtains covering the painting of the Black matriarch were gone. Magic had silenced the old woman in the black cap. Someone had added several strips of duct tape across the furious woman's mouth, and her hands appeared to be tied behind her back. When Teddy threw back his head and laughed, the woman's face took on a purplish hue from her muffled fury. Why had no one thought to do that before?
He placed his backpack on the sofa and viewed his surroundings with amazement. All the surfaces gleamed, light poured in from freshly washed windows, and all the furniture had been repaired or replaced. The leather sofa had colorful plump pillows resting in the corners and a soft throw was placed over the back, inviting guests to nap, if they so desired. There was no dust. No cobwebs or spiders. No infestations of doxies.
"What happened to this place?" he wondered aloud.
He heard a thump overhead. Someone was here! He pulled out his wand and started towards the stairs. He hadn't made it a step or two before a loud pop caused him to jump.
"Master Teddy!" said a squeaky voice.
"Winky!"
"Oh yes, Master Teddy. Good to see you. You always know my name. I am honored, good sir!"
"What are you doing here?"
"Master Harry was so good to my… to Dobby," she squeaked with a sob. "I wanted to do something for him."
"He didn't say a word."
"He doesn't know."
"Winky, you're amazing! I thought I'd gone to the wrong house!"
"Oh," Winky squeaked, "I thank you, Master Teddy. I made up a room for you. Third flight up, first door on the left."
"How did you know I was coming?"
"I didn't."
"So how, you know what, never mind. Thank you, Winky."
"It's my pleasure. Lunch will be at noon, and dinner at 7 PM, just like Hogwarts. I have to go. Oh, wait!" Winky disappeared, then with another loud pop, she stood before him with a small silver bell in her hand.
"Ring this if you need anything." And with another pop, she was gone.
A few hours later…
Teddy heard a pop and went into the kitchen where Winky had left for him a veritable feast. He took a deep draw from a frothy mug filled to the rim with cold butterbeer and eyed the mound of sandwiches made with thick slices of ham on buttery bread. His favorite green bean salad and treacle tart rounded out his meal.
"Thanks, Winky!" he said aloud, not sure if she heard him or not. He grabbed a ham sandwich and took a bite, savoring the smoky taste.
He heard a noise at the door. "Finally!" he thought to himself. He put his sandwich down and went to meet Harry in the living room.
"I thought you'd never get here!" Teddy exclaimed. "Winky brought some lunch. There's enough for two."
Harry stood awkwardly; his arms held stiffly away from his body. He held his head at an unnatural angle, as if listening for something.
"Are you OK?" Teddy asked.
"Where is it?" Harry responded.
"Someplace safe," Teddy replied slowly.
"Where?"
"Are you in a hurry? Why don't we have lunch? We need to talk." Teddy motioned to the kitchen, but Harry didn't respond, or move.
Teddy's stomach churned. Something was wrong. How could he be so stupid? So trusting?
"Do you remember the name of my first girlfriend?" he asked, knowing it was something only Harry would know, but it was too late. Harry leveled his wand at Teddy and struck him in the chest. Teddy flew across the room, crashed into a wall, and slumped down as darkness claimed him.