Harry Potter and the Hidden Truth
Chapter 3 Trouble in the Alley
Hermione awoke early the next day, with an uneasy feeling. She had found it difficult to get back to sleep, but she had managed to get some rest. As far as she could remember, she did not have another dream, but she still felt uncertain about the day.
Deciding that she had too many things to do, Hermione got out of bed to get ready for the day. After a quick shower and change, she still had to pack her trunk. Once she was confident that she did not forget anything, she pulled the heavy trunk down the stairs to the foyer. She could have left some of her books at home, but she thought maybe she would need them. Better safe than sorry. She fed Crookshanks, and got his basket ready for the trip. Now that she was packed and ready to go, all she had to do was wait. Sirius had said that someone would pick her up, and take her to Diagon Alley. She knew that there were wizards living next door, to keep her protected, but she had never seen them. She was a little nervous, how would she know if the person who showed up, could be trusted? But, she decided, with wizards next door she would be safe. She pulled her trunk, and Crookshanks basket out onto the front porch, to wait for her escort.
She had been looking forward to this day for weeks now. She would meet up with one of her best friends, Ron Weasley, and Sirius Black. They were going to spend the day getting their supplies for the new term, and then stay the night at the Leaky Cauldron. They would then head for King's Cross Station in the morning.
She could not wait to see Ron, and Sirius again. The constant owls that she and Ron had been exchanging all summer long were the only things keeping her going. Ron was a good distraction. He always knew what to say, to make her laugh, and forget about Harry's disappearance. Her happiness was short lived, but it did help her keep her sanity. Of course they still had their fights. One of the biggest was over who else, but Viktor Krum. She had been invited to go to Bulgaria, to visit over the summer. She did want to go, not because she liked Krum, but for the education it might provide. She had been on vacations before, but they had all been to muggle areas. She was curious how other magical families lived. The only one she had ever been around was the Weasley's, and she felt that they were probably a very unique family. Ron was livid when she told him she wanted to go, especially when no one knew where Harry was. She decided Ron was right, but she would never tell him that. She also come to the conclusion that she did not love Krum, and that they should just be friends. But they continued to owl each other on a regular basis.
Hermione was snapped back to reality by the screech of an eagle from across the street. She looked up, and noticed a women coming over from the next house. She was an older woman, with silvery white hair flowing down her back. She had midnight blue robes on, and was walking with a cane. Hermione noticed a white cat, following close behind her. Hermione, thought that the cat reminded her a little of Crookshanks, same bow-legged walk and bushy tail. The women opened the gate to the Granger home, and strode over to where Hermione was. "Hello Miss. Granger. My name is Arabella Figg, and I'm here to take you to meet Snuffles." She said with a slight bit of sarcasm in her voice. Hermione knew immediately that she could trust this woman. Only a very few people knew of Snuffles.
"Hi Mrs. Figg. I'm ready to go." Hermione heard a hissing noise from the porch, and turned to see the white cat circling Crookshanks basket. "Is that your cat?" she asked the elderly lady. "Yes she is with me. Her name is Snowy. " She then turned to the cat, "Snowy leave Crookshanks alone. Go back to the house, and get ready to leave. I will be back later to take you home." As she said this Snowy walked back through the open gate, and headed toward the house next door.
"Well, we should be on our way Miss. Granger." Arabella turned towards Hermione's things, and raised her wand. She muttered an incantation, and the trunk shrank. "Put your things in your pocket, and then follow Me." she turned and started walking back the way she came.
"Mrs. Figg, how are we getting to Diagon Alley?" Hermione asked, stuffing her trunk in her pocket, grabbing Crookshanks basket, and following behind the elderly witch. "We will be traveling, by floo, to the Leaky Cauldron, using the fireplace next door. Come along Hermione, don't delay." she said rather sternly.
Hermione was briefly reminded of professor McGonagall, and decided it was best not to cross this woman. She hurried along behind her and followed through the door of the house that Mrs. Figg had been staying. The house was rather large, and Hermione was shocked to find that it was completely empty except for a couple of chairs and a table with some strange contraptions on it. She thought that she recognized a Sneakoscope, but she wasn't sure. She saw Snowy, and at least five other cats; they were going about the room, like they were on a mission. They soon stopped at a large fireplace in what she assumed was the dining room. Mrs. Figg took a jar of powder down from the mantle, and turned to Hermione, "You do know how to use floo powder, Correct." Of course I know how to use floo powder, honestly how stupid does she think I am. Hermione thought, but decided it was not the best thing to say. "Yes, I do. All you have to do is throw the powder in the flames, and say the name of the place you wish to go, and step into the fire." Hermione said rather sharply. The witch, showed no signs that of the tone of her voice bothering her, instead she handed the jar to Hermione and said, "Well, get on with it then." Hermione took the jar, grabbed a pinch of the powder and tossed it into the flames. The flames turned a brilliant green color. Handing the jar back to Mrs. Figg, she walked into the flame and clearly shouted "The Leaky Cauldron", and with a whoosh she was gone.
She emerged from the fireplace in the Leaky Cauldron, brushing the soot from her robes. She glanced around the room, noticing a few witches and wizards scattered about the room. There was a loud roar from behind her, as Mrs. Figg stepped from the fireplace.
She noticed a man approaching her and Mrs. Figg, from a table in the corner; a large black dog followed him. "Snuffles," she cried. She bent down, and started to scratch the dog behind the ears, getting licked in the face in return. Hermione turned her attention from the dog, back to the two adults. The man, she guessed, was probably older than Sirius, but not as old as Mrs. Figg. He had black hair, with specks of gray, and he was wearing glasses. He was dressed in muggle clothes, and didn't do a bad job. Hermione remembered some of the other witches and wizards she had seen trying to blend in with the muggles, specifically an old man in a women's nightdress at the World Cup last year.
"Mundungus, how very good to see you."
"Yes, Arabella, it has been much too long." replied Mundungus. He turned to Hermione, "And who might this lovely lady be?"
"This is Hermione Granger. Miss. Granger, this is Mundungus Fletcher, an old colleague of mine," said Arabella.
Hermione extended her hand to Mr. Fletcher, "It is very nice to meet you sir."
"Ah, no the pleasure is all mine. Rarely do I get to see such beauty as what stands before me now." He looked from Hermione to Arabella, as he said this, then he took Hermione's hand, and kissed the top of it.
"Mundungus, you shameful flirt, I need to discuss some things with you, but first I need to show Miss. Granger and her mutt, to Diagon Alley. If you will excuse me a minute, I shall be right back," she held out her hand, to shut up Snuffles, who was now growling at her, and turned to Hermione. "Come along Miss. Granger. I will show you to the opening, and you are to meet up with Mr. Weasley and his family at Gringotts. Snuffles here will be with you until then. Leave your things here, and they will be taken to your room." She started towards the back of The Leaky Cauldron, to exit out the back door, with Hermione and Snuffles close behind. When she reached the brick wall, she lifted her cane, and tapped it to one of the bricks, mumbling something. The bricks started to shift and move, eventually leaving an archway for them to pass through.
Arabella turned to leave as Hermione said, "Thank you Mrs. Figg. It was very nice to meet you."
"You are welcome Miss. Granger," she said without even turning around.
"Well, she was interesting. What do you say we go find Ron, Snuffles," Hermione said as she patted the big black dog on the head. The dog gave a soft bark, and they both proceeded through the archway into Diagon Alley.
Hermione and Snuffles continued to walk through Diagon Alley, making their way to Gringotts. Hermione kept glancing around to the shops as they passed. When she passed "Eeylops Owl Emporium" she noticed a snowy owl, and could not help but think of Hedwig, Harry's owl. After Sirius had first told her that Harry had disappeared, he had went back to Privet Drive, to look for clues. When he went to Harry's room, all of his things were gone. Including Hedwig, which made him and Dumbledore believe that Harry had in fact left on his own. Though she did not want to believe that Harry would just leave everyone who cared for him, it gave her hope that he was safe, and that he was not with Voldemort.
Someone yelling her name brought Hermione out of her thoughts, glancing to the voice; she noticed Ron and the rest of the Weasley family waiting on the steps of Gringotts. Without thinking, she rushed forward and embraced Ron in a tight hug, holding on to him for what seemed like hours, before finally releasing him. Ron raised his hand to her face, and brushed away the tears that were falling, looking directly into her eyes, "Harry is going to be ok, Hermione. We have to believe that."
"I know. Your right Ron, but it is so hard not to fear the worse. This is Harry we are talking about." she grabbed the tissue Mrs. Weasley was holding out for her, wiping away the tears. "Well, enough of that. I need to exchange some money, and then we can start shopping," she said has she started to the doors of Gringotts. She heard Snuffles bark from behind her, and turned to look at him. Mr. Weasley started towards her; "Perhaps it would be better if I came along with you."
After exiting the bank, the group made their way though the streets. Mr. Weasley stopped the group, "I have some things to discuss with some people from the Ministry. I'll have to leave you all here. But I will be in the Leaky Caldron if I am needed." He gave Mrs. Weasley a small peck on the lips, and headed to the pub.
Mrs. Weasley then turned to everyone, "Well I have a few things to do as well, but I want you, Ron and Hermione to promise me that you will stay with Snuffles."
"We will," they said in unison. Mrs. Weasley smiled to the children, and then left to wherever she was going leaving Ron, Ginny, Hermione, and the twins alone with Snuffles.
After the departure of Mrs. Weasley, Ginny ran off, to find some of her friends. Fred and George exchanged glances at each other, then at Ron and Hermione, and finally to Snuffles.
"Ron, where did this dog come from, and why is it important that you stay with it." Fred asked.
Ron's eyes darted to Hermione's, then back to Fred," Well, you know that Dumbledore has done some things to protect Hermione and I, because of our friendship with Harry right?" Fred and George both nodded their heads. Ron continued, "Snuffles isn't a dog, he is a wizard. An animagus, who Dumbledore has here to watch us, But I can't tell you who, and you have to promise not to tell anyone that he isn't a real dog."
The twins looked at Ron, like he was completely bonkers. "Fine Ron, don't tell us, but you don't have to go making up things. Just say it's none of your bloody business, and leave it at that," said Fred. "Yeah," said George, " If you want to spend some time alone with your girlfriend, why didn't you just tell us to shove off." The twins winked at each other, and then headed down the street towards Gambol and Japes, snickering the whole way.
The now red faced Ron turned to Hermione, "Girlfriend, Honestly. Those two are complete nutters."
Ron's blush intensified as Hermione grabbed his hand, "Forget them Ron. We have some shopping to do."
Hermione and Ron made their way back past the shops, intending to go to Flourish & Botts, Hermione had insisted on going there first, so she could get her books. She was now especially eager to get the book required for their Defense Against the Dark Arts class. Magical Defenses and Devices by A. Figg. She suspected that A. Figg was probably the same Arabella Figg she had met this morning. She wondered if it was just a coincidence that the new teacher chose this book, or if perhaps she was going to be their new teacher.
As they walked, Hermione could not get over the feeling that someone was watching her. She kept glancing around to see if she noticed anyone, however all she saw was some birds perched on top of the rooftops. She decided that she was just being paranoid. Besides she was with Ron and Sirius, nothing could happen to her.
Before they made it to Flourish & Botts however, Ron had insisted that they stop at Quality Quidditch Supplies, so he could gawk at the new broom that was in the window. It was called "The Lightning Bolt." It is supposed to be 3 times faster than the Firebolt.
From behind them came a voice they both new very well, "Dream all you want Weasley, but that broom costs more than your whole family is worth."
Ron and Hermione turned around at the same time, to see Draco Malfoy, flanked on either side by Crabbe and Goyle.
"Shove off Malfoy. Nobody asked you," stated Ron.
Hermione grabbed at Ron's arm, "Come on Ron. Why don't we finish our shopping?"
"You had better listen to the mudblood, Weasley."
"Or what Malfoy? Are you threatening me?" asked Ron.
"Malfoys' don't make threats." came a husky voice sounding much like Draco's.
Hermione and Ron turned around to find Mr. Malfoy staring at them with a smirk on his face, much like the one they have seen on Draco's face many times.
"And who are your finds Draco? Judging by the hair, I would guess this one is a Weasley," said Lucius pointing to Ron.
"Correct father. And that is the mudblood Granger." stated Draco.
Lucius came from behind Ron and Hermione, to stand next to Draco, the whole time watching Hermione. "Ahh, the intelligent mudblood." He said, as he started laughing. "Bit of an oxymoron if you ask me."
Draco and his father both laughed at Lucius' joke. Ron was getting so angry, that he stated to shake.
"Take that back Malfoy. Hermione is a better person than you can ever be," yelled Ron.
"Come on Ron. It's not worth it." Hermione said as she grabbed Ron by the arm, and tried to lead him away.
"Come Draco. We have business and don't have time to waste with the likes of them."
"Yes father." Draco said as he and his father headed back toward Knockturn Alley.
Hermione still had Ron by the arm, but he jerked away from her, and started walking toward the Malfoy's retreating backs.
"That's right, you had better run to do your masters bidding." Ron yelled as the Malfoy's turned to listen. Many of the other people in Diagon Alley, also stopped to watch. " Wouldn't want You-Know-Who to get lonely. Everybody knows what you and your family are. You will get what is coming to you. One of these days."
Lucius was seething now, as he strode back to Ron. Sirius, still in his dog form, pulled in front of Ron, blocking him from Lucius, growling the whole time. Luscius grabbed his wand from his pocket, and pointed it at the dog, yelling, "Stupefy", before grabbing Ron by his robes. "You listen to me. Its people like you associating with mudbloods and muggles, that is destroying our world. Diluting our magical blood, making a weaker and weaker race." He screamed at Ron. He started shaking Ron by the neck of his robes. Hermione grabbed his arm, "Stop. You're going to kill him."
Lucius jerked his arm away from Hermione, "Don't ever lay your filthy hands on me!" He pushed Ron to the ground; he then slapped Hermione across the face, with the back of his hand. Hermione fell with a thud to the ground next to Ron. They both were stunned. Ron reached over to Hermione, and put his arm around her. She buried her face in his chest, and began to cry.
The silence was deafening. They crowd couldn't believe what they had just witnessed. Lucius Malfoy, a man whom many respected, and thought to be an upstanding citizen, had just stunned a dog, declared that pure blooded wizards were the superior race, pushed a boy, and slapped a girl.
The silence was shattered by the screech of an eagle. The wind, which up to this point had been non-existent, started to pick up, it started howling fiercely. Soon everyone had to hold on to his or her hats. Then the ground started to shake. Faintly at first, but before long it was hard to remain standing. The crowd started to get frantic. It was clear that some sort of powerful magic was happening. People began to run in every direction. There was a loud explosion, and then every window in the area exploded out, causing glass shards to shoot all over Diagon Alley. The weird thing was that that glass did not harm anyone except for Lucius Malfoy.
He stood there, with a look of pure fright on his bloodied face. Then without any warning, an unseen force threw Lucius some forty feet back, where he smashed into the wall of a local shop; Hermione watched his seemingly lifeless body slump to the ground.
The air was so thick with flying glass and blowing dust, that it was hard to see much of anything. Hermione began to wonder what was going on. The amount of raw magical energy in the air was so strong that you could feel it. And she hated to think whom the witch or wizard was that could harness this much power.
The shards of glass, and the dust began to rotate in the air, like a funnel. The spiral of the cloud began to get tighter and tighter, and then there was a brilliant flash of white light. It was so bright; that everyone had to close his or her eyes. Just as suddenly as the wind had begun, it stopped. The world was calm again.
Hermione opened her eyes. Shocked at what she saw. Where the funnel and then the light had been, stood a boy, with dark hair, green eyes and glasses.
"Harry!"