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Chilling Out
Harry liked the Burrow better than number four, privet drive. He knew he was only a
guess, but he felt like the Weasley's being his family. Also, living with wizards was like a dream. If
ever he would have felt lonely or bored, he could have a chat with one of the painting or mirrors,
train for Quidditch, play the rude wizard's chess, send Owls to his schoolmates and many other
things that seemed impossible for muggles. On the other hand, muggles never had to Degnome a
garden, keep a ghoul quiet, have a fight with a book that doesn't feel like being opened or with
twins putting canary cream into real desserts!
The morning fallowing his arrival, Harry was woken up by Ginny entering Ron's room,
where he was sleeping.
-Hummm? asked Harry sleepily.
-Harry, I'd like to talk to you...
-Humm, said Harry.
-Okay. You know, ehm, I've had a crush since the day I first saw you on platform 9รณ. But now, I
grew up a bit and, ehm... My feeling too...
-Yes? asked Harry trying to keep his mind on her.
-Well, you know... I know that I am not as pretty as Lavender or as smart as Hermione. But, ehm,
I was wondering...
-What do you want Ginny, asked Ron, who had been woken up by Ginny's words.
-Nothing, nothing..., she said leaving.
-Sorry, usually she leaves me alone before noon..
-You know Ron, you got to have to learn how to talk to girls, said Sirius entering the room.
-She's my little sister...
-I know, he added. But a girl is always a girl. Try to learn with her and train on her...
-WHAT???
-You know what I mean... Try to find what they like!
-I thought you were talking about boys and girls stuff.
-I was indeed, but only on the social side, not the romantic or sexual side...
-I got your point.
-Good! Now, I talked to your mother and she wants us to degnome the garden.
-Not again...
-I'll help! And your brothers too.
-Me too, added Harry.
-Sounds like you like it, said Sirius.
-I do like it!
Sirius and Ron looked each other.
-Sirius, you got to do something about him... His muggle siblings are driving him nuts!
Sirius smiled and leaved.
-Breakfast ready! said Mrs Weasley.
Harry and run stood up, changed and went downstairs.
-Owls in! said Ginny. One for Daddy, another for Daddy, one for Mommy and...
-Must be from the office, said Mr Weasley taking it.
-Witch Weekly! One day late... As always...
-And one for Ron! added Ginny giggling.
-For ME???
She handed it and Ron opened it.
-Who is it? asked Ginny still giggling. Is she a beautiful brunette?
-It's from a boy! replied Ron sharply.
Sirius looked him and Ron remembered what he said a little earlier.
-What does he want? asked Harry.
-He says he tried to owl Hermione but the owl came back with its letter. Says she told him she
would help him with his potion asked us for the summer. Asks for some tips and asks if we knows
where she is, says he tried for a week now...
-An owl that comes back with its letter?!?
-It the worst shame for an owl, said George. It means he didn't find it and other nearby owls had
no idea
where to find her so he came back. Or she, if she is a female, like Ron's Piggy...
-HEY! STOP IT!
The twins laughed. Harry looked Ron and he said.
-Harry, don't ask!
-The twins gave love potion to Pig with some of Ron's hair in it.
-Like a polyjuice?
-Yes... So Pig fell in love with him... And you should have seen it!
-STOP IT! said Ron.
-The potion wore off a week latter.
-A week latter??? asked Harry.
-Well, on human it lasts a day or two but it looks like it's not the same on animals...
-How do you know it all? asked her mom.
Ginny went pink and Harry, who was about to drink from his glass put it away.
-I ehm... I made some research on it...
-Why?
-She brewed it for us, said Fred. And she is quite a brewer!
-I want to be a Potion teacher, said Ginny trying to change subject.
It worked. Her parents seemed to be proud of her and Harry smelled his pumpkin juice. Since it
smelled as it should have, he began drinking it.
-You know Harry, said George. It is odorless, tasteless and color-less in most liquids...
Harry choked and had to spit back.
-I didn't put some in, said Ginny.
Harry took a long red Hair out of his glass.
-No, but someone has..., said Ron getting closer and taking a look.
-We did! said the twins together. But don't worry Harry, we diluted it in some boiled toad liver
juice with some powdered roots of asphodel. It will wear off in an hour or so...
It was like if the Knight Bus would have Apparated in the dining room.
-HOW DARE YOU DO THAT TO HARRY??? yelled their mom.
Ginny began crying and ran to her room as Harry began feeling something strange as Molly kept
screaming after he sons. His stomach was hurting bad and he had a big headache.
-I... I think I'm going to be... sick! he said running to the bathroom.
-Too much toad liver, said Sirius to the twins, like if their mistake was common.
-How do you know that? asked Ron.
He smiled as the twins got to their rooms.
-When I was at Hogwarts, such prank happened once on a while. But it was Severus who made it
first!
-Wicked!
Harry came back.
-Harry, don't worry now, in a minute or so you will be okay and you won't feel Potion's effect
anymore...
He was glade to hear that.
-What other prank where made?
-Why do you ask?
-Well, it could be useful against Malfoy, said Ron.
Harry made a mental note to thank Sirius for giving them such an idea as soon as Mrs Weasley
would be away.
-I guess will be only the three of us to degnome the garden after all, said Harry smiling.
-Go first, I finish my glass and I'll join said Sirius.
The two friends went outside. It was a beautiful sunny day, birds were singing, an slight breeze
was blowing and two trees were walking side by side.
-Hold on! What is that???
-What? asked Ron.
-That, said Harry pointing the trees.
-Remember in herbology? The giant spruce?
-Yes, you mean that it STILL exists in England???
-Sure, why not? said Ron looking for gnomes.
-I had no idea the woods around here where holding that much magic!
-Wait until you fall on a wild whopping willow... Here they come!
A bunch of gnomes came out of a gnome hole. Harry forgot they were THAT ugly. Ron caught
on, and spined it wildly and threw it. As it landed a few yards away, a big black dog began
running after it.
-Look! Sirius is scaring away the dazzled gnomes! They'll get lost for sure!
Harry and Ron went on, and soon the air was gnome thick and the underground gnome less and
Sirius returned to his human shape.
-Would you care for a pepper gnome, asked Ron.
They all laughed. When they came back into the kitchen, it was lunchtime and Mrs Weasley
thanked Sirius for such a good thinking. They heard a loud bang from the roof.
-It must be the ghoul hitting the pipes, said Ron to a surprised Sirius, don't bother.
-You know, I still have half of the Ministry of Magic after me, so I have to be careful!
Some strange noise went from the fireplace.
-What is that again? asked Mrs Weasley.
Errol fell from the chimney on the ashes.
-Mail in! cried Ron.
But Errol was the only owl today.
-Strange, two letters... First for me, then, for... Harry, said Ron handing him the letter.
They opened it and read it pretty fast.
-It's from professor McGonagall. She says that the owl sent to Hermione came back with its
parcel! She asks us if we have an idea where she is... Says it is important... And etc..., summarized
Ron.
-Same thing here, added Harry.
They looked each other.
-I don't like it, said Ron. How long as it been?
-Since what?
-Remember Nevile's letter. He couldn't reach her either.
-It came this morning, reminded Harry.
-I know, but if we get it from Nevile right now, it means he wrote it a week ago and forgot to owl
it.
-You're right, added Ginny.
-By the way, could you give him a hand with his potion, asked Ron. You know, he would be
grateful. You could use Pig.
-Which potion is it?
Ron looked Harry, he couldn't remember it.
-Aging potion, reminded Harry.
-That an easy one, said Ginny. I'll send him Pidwidgeon this evening.
Harry looked Ron.
-I worry about Hermione you know.
-Me too!
They ate their meal and decided to do some Quidditch practice that afternoon.
-Were you a player when you were a Hogwarts? asked Harry to Sirius.
-I was a beater.
-How many brooms do you have here? asked Harry.
-Well, two old Shooting Stars, one Clean Sweep and a Dazzled Moon in the attic.
-What do you think a three vs three game? Do you have real balls?
-We do have a set, but we haven't used it for many years! And what if they leaves and roam
towards a
muggle town?
-Hand me your wand, Harry, asked Sirius.
He obeyed and Sirius cast a few spell. Some threes got closer, the leaves and branches of some
began moving and soon they had what looked like a Quiditch field.
-Wicked!
-And the Budgers and snitch will stay on that field.
-Excellent! Now, we need a sixth player..., said Harry.
-What about Ginny, asked Ron, remembering what Sirius told him.
-Go and ask, said Harry. We'll then divide in teams and begin. Bring all your brooms...
Soon Harry returned to his trunk and took his Firebolt and his Pocketbroom. When he returned to
the garden, there were four brooms, four read heads and a box of Quidditch balls.
-Okay, any ideas for the teams?
-Me and the twin against you three, said Ron.
Harry looked. Sirius may have been good, but he must have been rustled by now and Ginny had
never played.
-Fine.
-We will be beaters/chasers, said George pointing to his twin and Ron will be chaser/keeper. What
about you?
Harry looked his team.
-Me and Sirius will be chasers/beaters and Ginny will be chaser/keeper.
-Chaser/keeper? asked Ginny.
-When we have the quaffle, you join us on offense and when the other team does, you run back to
our hoops.
-Okay... I'll give it a try...
-Okay now... But, even with your Firebolt it only makes five brooms, reminded Fred.
Harry took his pocket broom and deployed it.
-Six. We will take the Shooting Stars, said Fred and George.
-I'll lend my Firebolt to Sirius and take my Pocketbroom.
-Ginny, take the Cleansweep and I'll take the Dazzledmoon, said Ron.
-Eh, okay... but we need a referee...
They all looked her.
-Why?
-For the face-off, she said shyly.
But she was indeed right. They all took their brooms
-Ask your mom, suggested Sirius.
Ron sprinted back to his house and the other player took off and tried their broom. Harry
understood now why it is written to use only in emergency! It wasn't either slow or fast, but it
was hard to keep on track and slightly unstable. At least, it had a decent turning. On they other
hand, Sirius was pleased to use the Firebolt. As Mrs Weasley arrived, they all landed.
-Okay, so all I have to do it to throw the Quaffle and note the score?
-Yes mom.
-Should be good. By the way, Charlie sent his head in the fireplace. He said he will have
something to deal with in London, so he will be sleeping here tonight, but he may Apparate
anytime now.
-Okay, can we begin now? asked Fred.
-Very well then, she said walking to the center of the field, fallowed by the players.
She freed the snitch and buldgers and made the box levitate away.
-Get ready, she said.
They all mounted their brooms. Mrs Weasley threw the ball hard and Disapparated and Apparated
on one side, as they all kicked the ground. Fred caught the Quaffle, so Ginny sped to the hoops.
Seeing to sight of the Golden Snitch, Harry flew to face Fred, who passed the Quaffle to Ron, but
was intercepted by Sirius. Since Ron couldn't outran a Firebolt, Sirius scored easily.
-Ten to zero for Harry's team! said Mrs Weasley.
George took the Quaffle, passed it to Fred, who threw it back to Heorge, avoiding Harry and
dodging to avoid Sirius. Seconds latter he shot. Ginny blocked the Quaffle and sent it back to
Sirius, who was sent off track by a Bludger. Fred stole the quaffle, who was then stolen back by
Harry. But he was hit on the shaulder by a Bludger sent from George and the Quaffle fell toward
the ground Quickly, Ginny flew, caught it, passed it to Sirius, Harry covered him from Bludgers,
Sirius shot, Ron tried to block, but it went through.
-Twenty to zero!
When Charlie Apparated, there was no one in the house so he went to the garden and look the
game.
-Welcome home! Said his mother.
-Who's winning?
-Harry's team leads with forty and Fred's teams has ten.
He looked the game. George threw the Quaffle to Ginny, but she block it. Fred caught it and
quickly threw it, but Ginny blocked it again. Ron caught it, passed it to George who shot, but
again Ginny blocked it. "Whoa! thought Harry, I guess we have found a new keeper!" Sirius
caught the Quaffle and sped towards the again unkept hoops and scored. While covering him,
Harry saw a golden glimpse and raced it. Ron saw it too and flew toward it. Sirius bet a Bludger
coming from behind to cover Harry, but the twins were bombarding poor Ginny who was doing
the best she could. Harry's Pocketbroom made things harder but Ron's lack of experience against
a fast moving snitch balanced for it, so Sirius stopped and sped towards the hoops, hitting the
Bludgers to scare away the twins.
Harry was almost touching the snitch, but it flew down towards the ground. He fallowed,
but since they where already close to the ground, Ron gave up and fallowed it for a little higher.
But Harry put his hand in front of him and touched it. He extended his arm again a caught it.
-Harry's team win! said Mrs Weasley.
The twins caught the Bludgers and landed, fallowed by Sirius, Ron and Ginny.
-How was it? asked Fred.
-A disaster..., began Charlie.
-We already knew it, said George. But how many?
-Two hundred to twenty.
Harry looked Ginny. Even while being bombarded, she managed to block all but one shot!
-Ginny, ever though of being a keeper?
-I could? She asked hopefully.
-Yes and you are pretty good at it! added Charlie. Nice catch Harry, he added!
He hit twice the writing and put his Pocketbroom in his pocket where it belongs.
-And you caught it with a Pocketbroom?!? he added. You are definitely better than me!
Harry went red and they walked back to the house.
As they entered the kitchen, Harry saw the twins climbing the stairs, going to their rooms,
taking something and going outside. Intrigued, Harry fallowed them.
-We'll finish the degnoming, they explained to a puzzled Harry.
-But we've done it already.
-Perhaps, but we'll close the gnome holes.
-How?
They showed him several handfuls of dungbombs.
-Come on! We'll show you!
They took one and yelled: "FIRE IN THE HOLE!" as the threw it into the first gnome hole they
saw. A smelly explosion came from it and the ground around it collapsed a few inches. Ron came
to tel them that the supper was ready and Mr Weasley Apparated behind them.
-Ah! You are finishing the degnoming!
-Yes dad.
-Ehm, why not use a shovel? asked Harry.
They looked him.
-A what?
-A shovel! A muggle tool to dig and bury stuff.
-I need one of these! said a smiling Arthur Weasley. Could you buy one for me tomorrow? I'll
give you the money, of course!
Harry looked Ron.
-Okay, but we is the nearest town or village?
-Two miles and an half south of here.
-We could use the walk, he said looking to Ron.
Ron look confused, but knew Harry must have had something in mind. They returned inside and
sat at the table. After eating, Harry knew Sirius had to leave. Somehow, he would have loved that
his godfather wouldn't go, but he knew that Sirius had to. Too soon, the dishes were empty and
Harry would have loved this meal would have lasted forever.
-Harry, could I have a word with you? asked Sirius as Mrs Weasley and her sons bean collecting
the dirty dishes.
-Of course!
They went outside.
-Harry, there are many things I have to tell you but you know I don't have much time...
-Well, I do have some myself. But go first!
-Okay then... I know you are growing up and since your parents are long dead, well... You need
someone to teach you the "things of life".
-You mean sex?
Sirius looked at him with a surprised look...
-Okay... Looks like you don't need any explanations about it...
-Well, yes and no, but I have plenty friends for that. I mean, to explain them to me...
Sirius seemed relieved.
-Okay, so I'll only tell you one thing. I know Hermione is still only your friend...
Harry tried to say something but Sirius cut him.
-Harry, please, I know what I'm talking about... If ever you feel something for her, ANYTHING,
don't mess up your friendship.
-But how can you tell it? How do you know...
-Harry, you look just like your father, brave and courageous, and Hermione is much like your
mother, smart and kind.
Harry shed a tear by earing that.
-Sirius, I.. I mean... I...
Sirius listened.
-I have dreams about her. And she forgot my birthday and it makes me feel like she is avoiding
me...
-Remember the owls, nobody can reach her.
-I know, but still, it make me feel weird and I miss her, very much...
Sirius put a hand on his nephew's shoulder.
-I know what it is... Then I have other things to talk you about.
Harry looked him.
-First, I don't want you to join the Order of Phoenix. We met last night because some member are
missing. And they are presumed dead. And we believe that Voldemort will soon make something
very big...
-Sirius, cut Harry, if I tell you something, would you please not laugh?
-Of course!
-Well, you know, divination?
-Yes I do...
-Well I don't believe this crap at all, but still, I think I have premonitions. When my scars hurt
when I sleep, I see Voldemort making terrible things. And I'm pretty sure he really does it!
-Harry, no, dreams may seems sometimes real but...
-NO! Trust me! Last year, I saw him killing someone, and I latter saw that old man within his
victims in the dome.
-Who did you see die?
-Well, I saw Igor Karakov and Ludo Bagman being kissed by many Dementors as Voldemort was
making a deal with them.
-With Karakov and Bagman?
-No, with the Dementors... But, they seemed dead after these kisses...
-Yes, the first time a Dementors kiss, he sucks the soul, but then, he sucks the life, and the
soulless, lifeless victim will become a Dementor latter, after some kind of dark ritual they do...
-Well?
-Okay then, if you have any other premonition, tell them to Dumbledore. Also, do you know the
difference between a book of spells and a spellbook?
-There is one???
Sirius shook his head.
-Unfortunately I don't have enough time to explain it to you, so ask your Charms teacher, your
Defense against the Dark Arts teacher or Hermione or the Weasleys. They'll explain it, said Sirius
giving Harry a small wrapped box.
He opened it.
-Here is your very first spell book. I bought a new empty one and I've added some spells.
Unfortunately, began Sirius as Harry opened it.
-It is written in runes.
-Yes. I talked with Dumbledore and Professor Crazy Old Witch isn't doing you anything good. So
he agreed that, if you want, he could arrange something by moving you to the right class.
-Hermione told me too ages ago!
Harry felt something move in his chest only thinking of her...
-You still think about her... And one more thing and that one is almost an order. DON'T USE
THAT LOVE POTION ON HER! Trust me, it wouldn't do anything good... So, I have to go
now, but Harry, trust me, I loved your parents very much and I DON'T want you to die that
young, especially after James and Lilly died to protect you. See you next time, added Sirius
handing his hand in front of him to make Harry shake it, but instead, Harry gave Sirius a childish
hug.
-I'll miss you. Try to came back alive!
-I promise I'll do everything to stay alive to protect you!
Sirius went inside to tell the goodbyes, morphed into the black dog, ran outside and vanished in
the dark night. Harry came back inside, but someone else was waiting for him.
Hedwig was one the table, his letter still on her talon and a shy and disgrace look in her
eyes. Harry took his letter, threw it into the fire and grabbed Ron.
-Look, you understand now why we have to go to the muggle village tomorrow?
-No, why?
-Do you remember what a phone is?
-Yes, but Harry, we don't have her number!
-Well, another muggle thing is called a phonebook...
They latter went to bed and Harry didn't sleep well that night, being too woried.
Ron woke him up very early in the morning.
-Umhph? asked Harry.
-It's seven am, perhaps we should go to the muggle town right now, so we would be there and
come back
before noon?
Harry agreed. They both changed to muggle clothes., hiding their wand in their jeans and climbed
down the stairs. Ron's parents were talking about the school supplies when they got in.
-You know Arthur, we will only need to buy new quills, parchment and another copy of the last
year book of spell this year! And for the clothes, the twins can wear their last year uniforms, Ron
could use Percy's old one so we would only need to buy Ginny a new one! And there's something
special with the schoolbook list. There is a Post-Scriptum on all of the boys ones. It says that
ANY former Defense Against the Dark Arts book would suffice and that, if possible, any
Encyclopedia about dark creatures or related topics would be good. So, I think that we could buy
them one and they could share it?
-Should be perfect then!
They looked at Ron and Harry.
-Ah! So you are going to shop for that shove to told me about?
-Shovel, corrected Harry. So, where did you say was the nearest city?
-Two and an half miles south of here. Just fallow the road.
-Where's Charlie? asked Ron.
-You missed him! He already left for Diagon Alley, but he'll be back for supper. Want some
bacon?
They ate and left. Harry slowly saw the forest change from a magical/non-magical mix to only
"normal" trees and weeds. In a little more than an hour, they reached the town. It was pretty small
and Ron seemed to be both surprised and intrigued by what he saw.
-Do you know what is that? he asked pointing at a movie theater.
-It is a place where muggle look images moving on a big white screen.
-So their image DO move! said Ron.
-Yes and no. They only move here and on a tv or computer screen and they always do the same.
-Oh! It's boring then!
-Well, some movies are...
-Movie?
-Motion picture! Movie! In a movie theater!
-I give up, resigned Ron. Where do we need to go?
-A hardware store.
-A what?
-Fallow me, said Harry giving up his explanation.
They got in and Ron looked intrigued and afraid of lawn mowers, and mechanical tools and Harry
quickly bought the shovel and grabbed Ron before he could ask to many questions that could
expose them.
-What do we do then? asked Ron.
-We'll find a public phone and use it...
-Okay, but you do the talking!
They soon found one and they searched the phone book...
-Where do you think Hermione lives? asked Harry.
-I think I heard her say that she was from the Oxfordshire, but it was a long time ago and I'm not
sure...
-And What is her father's name?
-I don't know...
Harry tried to remember as hard as he could.
-Frank, I think, he said.
-Possible, I truly don't know, admitted Ron.
Harry searched the phonebook.
-Got it!
He dialed and waited. Soon, he heard a message recorder.
-Sorry, but none of us is available. If you wish, you may leave us a message and we will call you
back as soon as we are available. Frank and Samantha Granger will be back home on the August
10th and Hermione will be back from Bulgaria around August 20th...
Harry hanged up.
-So, where is she?
Harry couldn't speak. He felt betrayed, dirty, sick, sad and more. He felt like a Dementor had been
kissing him...
-Harry? Are you alright?
He muttered something Ron understood as "Bulgaria".
-WHAT??? You mean that she finally went to Bulgaria???
Harry didn't say a thing. Ron looked angry and Harry looked hurt. They somehow managed to
return to the Burrow.
Love is pain and loving pain is nothing good...
Chilling Out
Harry liked the Burrow better than number four, privet drive. He knew he was only a
guess, but he felt like the Weasley's being his family. Also, living with wizards was like a dream. If
ever he would have felt lonely or bored, he could have a chat with one of the painting or mirrors,
train for Quidditch, play the rude wizard's chess, send Owls to his schoolmates and many other
things that seemed impossible for muggles. On the other hand, muggles never had to Degnome a
garden, keep a ghoul quiet, have a fight with a book that doesn't feel like being opened or with
twins putting canary cream into real desserts!
The morning fallowing his arrival, Harry was woken up by Ginny entering Ron's room,
where he was sleeping.
-Hummm? asked Harry sleepily.
-Harry, I'd like to talk to you...
-Humm, said Harry.
-Okay. You know, ehm, I've had a crush since the day I first saw you on platform 9รณ. But now, I
grew up a bit and, ehm... My feeling too...
-Yes? asked Harry trying to keep his mind on her.
-Well, you know... I know that I am not as pretty as Lavender or as smart as Hermione. But, ehm,
I was wondering...
-What do you want Ginny, asked Ron, who had been woken up by Ginny's words.
-Nothing, nothing..., she said leaving.
-Sorry, usually she leaves me alone before noon..
-You know Ron, you got to have to learn how to talk to girls, said Sirius entering the room.
-She's my little sister...
-I know, he added. But a girl is always a girl. Try to learn with her and train on her...
-WHAT???
-You know what I mean... Try to find what they like!
-I thought you were talking about boys and girls stuff.
-I was indeed, but only on the social side, not the romantic or sexual side...
-I got your point.
-Good! Now, I talked to your mother and she wants us to degnome the garden.
-Not again...
-I'll help! And your brothers too.
-Me too, added Harry.
-Sounds like you like it, said Sirius.
-I do like it!
Sirius and Ron looked each other.
-Sirius, you got to do something about him... His muggle siblings are driving him nuts!
Sirius smiled and leaved.
-Breakfast ready! said Mrs Weasley.
Harry and run stood up, changed and went downstairs.
-Owls in! said Ginny. One for Daddy, another for Daddy, one for Mommy and...
-Must be from the office, said Mr Weasley taking it.
-Witch Weekly! One day late... As always...
-And one for Ron! added Ginny giggling.
-For ME???
She handed it and Ron opened it.
-Who is it? asked Ginny still giggling. Is she a beautiful brunette?
-It's from a boy! replied Ron sharply.
Sirius looked him and Ron remembered what he said a little earlier.
-What does he want? asked Harry.
-He says he tried to owl Hermione but the owl came back with its letter. Says she told him she
would help him with his potion asked us for the summer. Asks for some tips and asks if we knows
where she is, says he tried for a week now...
-An owl that comes back with its letter?!?
-It the worst shame for an owl, said George. It means he didn't find it and other nearby owls had
no idea
where to find her so he came back. Or she, if she is a female, like Ron's Piggy...
-HEY! STOP IT!
The twins laughed. Harry looked Ron and he said.
-Harry, don't ask!
-The twins gave love potion to Pig with some of Ron's hair in it.
-Like a polyjuice?
-Yes... So Pig fell in love with him... And you should have seen it!
-STOP IT! said Ron.
-The potion wore off a week latter.
-A week latter??? asked Harry.
-Well, on human it lasts a day or two but it looks like it's not the same on animals...
-How do you know it all? asked her mom.
Ginny went pink and Harry, who was about to drink from his glass put it away.
-I ehm... I made some research on it...
-Why?
-She brewed it for us, said Fred. And she is quite a brewer!
-I want to be a Potion teacher, said Ginny trying to change subject.
It worked. Her parents seemed to be proud of her and Harry smelled his pumpkin juice. Since it
smelled as it should have, he began drinking it.
-You know Harry, said George. It is odorless, tasteless and color-less in most liquids...
Harry choked and had to spit back.
-I didn't put some in, said Ginny.
Harry took a long red Hair out of his glass.
-No, but someone has..., said Ron getting closer and taking a look.
-We did! said the twins together. But don't worry Harry, we diluted it in some boiled toad liver
juice with some powdered roots of asphodel. It will wear off in an hour or so...
It was like if the Knight Bus would have Apparated in the dining room.
-HOW DARE YOU DO THAT TO HARRY??? yelled their mom.
Ginny began crying and ran to her room as Harry began feeling something strange as Molly kept
screaming after he sons. His stomach was hurting bad and he had a big headache.
-I... I think I'm going to be... sick! he said running to the bathroom.
-Too much toad liver, said Sirius to the twins, like if their mistake was common.
-How do you know that? asked Ron.
He smiled as the twins got to their rooms.
-When I was at Hogwarts, such prank happened once on a while. But it was Severus who made it
first!
-Wicked!
Harry came back.
-Harry, don't worry now, in a minute or so you will be okay and you won't feel Potion's effect
anymore...
He was glade to hear that.
-What other prank where made?
-Why do you ask?
-Well, it could be useful against Malfoy, said Ron.
Harry made a mental note to thank Sirius for giving them such an idea as soon as Mrs Weasley
would be away.
-I guess will be only the three of us to degnome the garden after all, said Harry smiling.
-Go first, I finish my glass and I'll join said Sirius.
The two friends went outside. It was a beautiful sunny day, birds were singing, an slight breeze
was blowing and two trees were walking side by side.
-Hold on! What is that???
-What? asked Ron.
-That, said Harry pointing the trees.
-Remember in herbology? The giant spruce?
-Yes, you mean that it STILL exists in England???
-Sure, why not? said Ron looking for gnomes.
-I had no idea the woods around here where holding that much magic!
-Wait until you fall on a wild whopping willow... Here they come!
A bunch of gnomes came out of a gnome hole. Harry forgot they were THAT ugly. Ron caught
on, and spined it wildly and threw it. As it landed a few yards away, a big black dog began
running after it.
-Look! Sirius is scaring away the dazzled gnomes! They'll get lost for sure!
Harry and Ron went on, and soon the air was gnome thick and the underground gnome less and
Sirius returned to his human shape.
-Would you care for a pepper gnome, asked Ron.
They all laughed. When they came back into the kitchen, it was lunchtime and Mrs Weasley
thanked Sirius for such a good thinking. They heard a loud bang from the roof.
-It must be the ghoul hitting the pipes, said Ron to a surprised Sirius, don't bother.
-You know, I still have half of the Ministry of Magic after me, so I have to be careful!
Some strange noise went from the fireplace.
-What is that again? asked Mrs Weasley.
Errol fell from the chimney on the ashes.
-Mail in! cried Ron.
But Errol was the only owl today.
-Strange, two letters... First for me, then, for... Harry, said Ron handing him the letter.
They opened it and read it pretty fast.
-It's from professor McGonagall. She says that the owl sent to Hermione came back with its
parcel! She asks us if we have an idea where she is... Says it is important... And etc..., summarized
Ron.
-Same thing here, added Harry.
They looked each other.
-I don't like it, said Ron. How long as it been?
-Since what?
-Remember Nevile's letter. He couldn't reach her either.
-It came this morning, reminded Harry.
-I know, but if we get it from Nevile right now, it means he wrote it a week ago and forgot to owl
it.
-You're right, added Ginny.
-By the way, could you give him a hand with his potion, asked Ron. You know, he would be
grateful. You could use Pig.
-Which potion is it?
Ron looked Harry, he couldn't remember it.
-Aging potion, reminded Harry.
-That an easy one, said Ginny. I'll send him Pidwidgeon this evening.
Harry looked Ron.
-I worry about Hermione you know.
-Me too!
They ate their meal and decided to do some Quidditch practice that afternoon.
-Were you a player when you were a Hogwarts? asked Harry to Sirius.
-I was a beater.
-How many brooms do you have here? asked Harry.
-Well, two old Shooting Stars, one Clean Sweep and a Dazzled Moon in the attic.
-What do you think a three vs three game? Do you have real balls?
-We do have a set, but we haven't used it for many years! And what if they leaves and roam
towards a
muggle town?
-Hand me your wand, Harry, asked Sirius.
He obeyed and Sirius cast a few spell. Some threes got closer, the leaves and branches of some
began moving and soon they had what looked like a Quiditch field.
-Wicked!
-And the Budgers and snitch will stay on that field.
-Excellent! Now, we need a sixth player..., said Harry.
-What about Ginny, asked Ron, remembering what Sirius told him.
-Go and ask, said Harry. We'll then divide in teams and begin. Bring all your brooms...
Soon Harry returned to his trunk and took his Firebolt and his Pocketbroom. When he returned to
the garden, there were four brooms, four read heads and a box of Quidditch balls.
-Okay, any ideas for the teams?
-Me and the twin against you three, said Ron.
Harry looked. Sirius may have been good, but he must have been rustled by now and Ginny had
never played.
-Fine.
-We will be beaters/chasers, said George pointing to his twin and Ron will be chaser/keeper. What
about you?
Harry looked his team.
-Me and Sirius will be chasers/beaters and Ginny will be chaser/keeper.
-Chaser/keeper? asked Ginny.
-When we have the quaffle, you join us on offense and when the other team does, you run back to
our hoops.
-Okay... I'll give it a try...
-Okay now... But, even with your Firebolt it only makes five brooms, reminded Fred.
Harry took his pocket broom and deployed it.
-Six. We will take the Shooting Stars, said Fred and George.
-I'll lend my Firebolt to Sirius and take my Pocketbroom.
-Ginny, take the Cleansweep and I'll take the Dazzledmoon, said Ron.
-Eh, okay... but we need a referee...
They all looked her.
-Why?
-For the face-off, she said shyly.
But she was indeed right. They all took their brooms
-Ask your mom, suggested Sirius.
Ron sprinted back to his house and the other player took off and tried their broom. Harry
understood now why it is written to use only in emergency! It wasn't either slow or fast, but it
was hard to keep on track and slightly unstable. At least, it had a decent turning. On they other
hand, Sirius was pleased to use the Firebolt. As Mrs Weasley arrived, they all landed.
-Okay, so all I have to do it to throw the Quaffle and note the score?
-Yes mom.
-Should be good. By the way, Charlie sent his head in the fireplace. He said he will have
something to deal with in London, so he will be sleeping here tonight, but he may Apparate
anytime now.
-Okay, can we begin now? asked Fred.
-Very well then, she said walking to the center of the field, fallowed by the players.
She freed the snitch and buldgers and made the box levitate away.
-Get ready, she said.
They all mounted their brooms. Mrs Weasley threw the ball hard and Disapparated and Apparated
on one side, as they all kicked the ground. Fred caught the Quaffle, so Ginny sped to the hoops.
Seeing to sight of the Golden Snitch, Harry flew to face Fred, who passed the Quaffle to Ron, but
was intercepted by Sirius. Since Ron couldn't outran a Firebolt, Sirius scored easily.
-Ten to zero for Harry's team! said Mrs Weasley.
George took the Quaffle, passed it to Fred, who threw it back to Heorge, avoiding Harry and
dodging to avoid Sirius. Seconds latter he shot. Ginny blocked the Quaffle and sent it back to
Sirius, who was sent off track by a Bludger. Fred stole the quaffle, who was then stolen back by
Harry. But he was hit on the shaulder by a Bludger sent from George and the Quaffle fell toward
the ground Quickly, Ginny flew, caught it, passed it to Sirius, Harry covered him from Bludgers,
Sirius shot, Ron tried to block, but it went through.
-Twenty to zero!
When Charlie Apparated, there was no one in the house so he went to the garden and look the
game.
-Welcome home! Said his mother.
-Who's winning?
-Harry's team leads with forty and Fred's teams has ten.
He looked the game. George threw the Quaffle to Ginny, but she block it. Fred caught it and
quickly threw it, but Ginny blocked it again. Ron caught it, passed it to George who shot, but
again Ginny blocked it. "Whoa! thought Harry, I guess we have found a new keeper!" Sirius
caught the Quaffle and sped towards the again unkept hoops and scored. While covering him,
Harry saw a golden glimpse and raced it. Ron saw it too and flew toward it. Sirius bet a Bludger
coming from behind to cover Harry, but the twins were bombarding poor Ginny who was doing
the best she could. Harry's Pocketbroom made things harder but Ron's lack of experience against
a fast moving snitch balanced for it, so Sirius stopped and sped towards the hoops, hitting the
Bludgers to scare away the twins.
Harry was almost touching the snitch, but it flew down towards the ground. He fallowed,
but since they where already close to the ground, Ron gave up and fallowed it for a little higher.
But Harry put his hand in front of him and touched it. He extended his arm again a caught it.
-Harry's team win! said Mrs Weasley.
The twins caught the Bludgers and landed, fallowed by Sirius, Ron and Ginny.
-How was it? asked Fred.
-A disaster..., began Charlie.
-We already knew it, said George. But how many?
-Two hundred to twenty.
Harry looked Ginny. Even while being bombarded, she managed to block all but one shot!
-Ginny, ever though of being a keeper?
-I could? She asked hopefully.
-Yes and you are pretty good at it! added Charlie. Nice catch Harry, he added!
He hit twice the writing and put his Pocketbroom in his pocket where it belongs.
-And you caught it with a Pocketbroom?!? he added. You are definitely better than me!
Harry went red and they walked back to the house.
As they entered the kitchen, Harry saw the twins climbing the stairs, going to their rooms,
taking something and going outside. Intrigued, Harry fallowed them.
-We'll finish the degnoming, they explained to a puzzled Harry.
-But we've done it already.
-Perhaps, but we'll close the gnome holes.
-How?
They showed him several handfuls of dungbombs.
-Come on! We'll show you!
They took one and yelled: "FIRE IN THE HOLE!" as the threw it into the first gnome hole they
saw. A smelly explosion came from it and the ground around it collapsed a few inches. Ron came
to tel them that the supper was ready and Mr Weasley Apparated behind them.
-Ah! You are finishing the degnoming!
-Yes dad.
-Ehm, why not use a shovel? asked Harry.
They looked him.
-A what?
-A shovel! A muggle tool to dig and bury stuff.
-I need one of these! said a smiling Arthur Weasley. Could you buy one for me tomorrow? I'll
give you the money, of course!
Harry looked Ron.
-Okay, but we is the nearest town or village?
-Two miles and an half south of here.
-We could use the walk, he said looking to Ron.
Ron look confused, but knew Harry must have had something in mind. They returned inside and
sat at the table. After eating, Harry knew Sirius had to leave. Somehow, he would have loved that
his godfather wouldn't go, but he knew that Sirius had to. Too soon, the dishes were empty and
Harry would have loved this meal would have lasted forever.
-Harry, could I have a word with you? asked Sirius as Mrs Weasley and her sons bean collecting
the dirty dishes.
-Of course!
They went outside.
-Harry, there are many things I have to tell you but you know I don't have much time...
-Well, I do have some myself. But go first!
-Okay then... I know you are growing up and since your parents are long dead, well... You need
someone to teach you the "things of life".
-You mean sex?
Sirius looked at him with a surprised look...
-Okay... Looks like you don't need any explanations about it...
-Well, yes and no, but I have plenty friends for that. I mean, to explain them to me...
Sirius seemed relieved.
-Okay, so I'll only tell you one thing. I know Hermione is still only your friend...
Harry tried to say something but Sirius cut him.
-Harry, please, I know what I'm talking about... If ever you feel something for her, ANYTHING,
don't mess up your friendship.
-But how can you tell it? How do you know...
-Harry, you look just like your father, brave and courageous, and Hermione is much like your
mother, smart and kind.
Harry shed a tear by earing that.
-Sirius, I.. I mean... I...
Sirius listened.
-I have dreams about her. And she forgot my birthday and it makes me feel like she is avoiding
me...
-Remember the owls, nobody can reach her.
-I know, but still, it make me feel weird and I miss her, very much...
Sirius put a hand on his nephew's shoulder.
-I know what it is... Then I have other things to talk you about.
Harry looked him.
-First, I don't want you to join the Order of Phoenix. We met last night because some member are
missing. And they are presumed dead. And we believe that Voldemort will soon make something
very big...
-Sirius, cut Harry, if I tell you something, would you please not laugh?
-Of course!
-Well, you know, divination?
-Yes I do...
-Well I don't believe this crap at all, but still, I think I have premonitions. When my scars hurt
when I sleep, I see Voldemort making terrible things. And I'm pretty sure he really does it!
-Harry, no, dreams may seems sometimes real but...
-NO! Trust me! Last year, I saw him killing someone, and I latter saw that old man within his
victims in the dome.
-Who did you see die?
-Well, I saw Igor Karakov and Ludo Bagman being kissed by many Dementors as Voldemort was
making a deal with them.
-With Karakov and Bagman?
-No, with the Dementors... But, they seemed dead after these kisses...
-Yes, the first time a Dementors kiss, he sucks the soul, but then, he sucks the life, and the
soulless, lifeless victim will become a Dementor latter, after some kind of dark ritual they do...
-Well?
-Okay then, if you have any other premonition, tell them to Dumbledore. Also, do you know the
difference between a book of spells and a spellbook?
-There is one???
Sirius shook his head.
-Unfortunately I don't have enough time to explain it to you, so ask your Charms teacher, your
Defense against the Dark Arts teacher or Hermione or the Weasleys. They'll explain it, said Sirius
giving Harry a small wrapped box.
He opened it.
-Here is your very first spell book. I bought a new empty one and I've added some spells.
Unfortunately, began Sirius as Harry opened it.
-It is written in runes.
-Yes. I talked with Dumbledore and Professor Crazy Old Witch isn't doing you anything good. So
he agreed that, if you want, he could arrange something by moving you to the right class.
-Hermione told me too ages ago!
Harry felt something move in his chest only thinking of her...
-You still think about her... And one more thing and that one is almost an order. DON'T USE
THAT LOVE POTION ON HER! Trust me, it wouldn't do anything good... So, I have to go
now, but Harry, trust me, I loved your parents very much and I DON'T want you to die that
young, especially after James and Lilly died to protect you. See you next time, added Sirius
handing his hand in front of him to make Harry shake it, but instead, Harry gave Sirius a childish
hug.
-I'll miss you. Try to came back alive!
-I promise I'll do everything to stay alive to protect you!
Sirius went inside to tell the goodbyes, morphed into the black dog, ran outside and vanished in
the dark night. Harry came back inside, but someone else was waiting for him.
Hedwig was one the table, his letter still on her talon and a shy and disgrace look in her
eyes. Harry took his letter, threw it into the fire and grabbed Ron.
-Look, you understand now why we have to go to the muggle village tomorrow?
-No, why?
-Do you remember what a phone is?
-Yes, but Harry, we don't have her number!
-Well, another muggle thing is called a phonebook...
They latter went to bed and Harry didn't sleep well that night, being too woried.
Ron woke him up very early in the morning.
-Umhph? asked Harry.
-It's seven am, perhaps we should go to the muggle town right now, so we would be there and
come back
before noon?
Harry agreed. They both changed to muggle clothes., hiding their wand in their jeans and climbed
down the stairs. Ron's parents were talking about the school supplies when they got in.
-You know Arthur, we will only need to buy new quills, parchment and another copy of the last
year book of spell this year! And for the clothes, the twins can wear their last year uniforms, Ron
could use Percy's old one so we would only need to buy Ginny a new one! And there's something
special with the schoolbook list. There is a Post-Scriptum on all of the boys ones. It says that
ANY former Defense Against the Dark Arts book would suffice and that, if possible, any
Encyclopedia about dark creatures or related topics would be good. So, I think that we could buy
them one and they could share it?
-Should be perfect then!
They looked at Ron and Harry.
-Ah! So you are going to shop for that shove to told me about?
-Shovel, corrected Harry. So, where did you say was the nearest city?
-Two and an half miles south of here. Just fallow the road.
-Where's Charlie? asked Ron.
-You missed him! He already left for Diagon Alley, but he'll be back for supper. Want some
bacon?
They ate and left. Harry slowly saw the forest change from a magical/non-magical mix to only
"normal" trees and weeds. In a little more than an hour, they reached the town. It was pretty small
and Ron seemed to be both surprised and intrigued by what he saw.
-Do you know what is that? he asked pointing at a movie theater.
-It is a place where muggle look images moving on a big white screen.
-So their image DO move! said Ron.
-Yes and no. They only move here and on a tv or computer screen and they always do the same.
-Oh! It's boring then!
-Well, some movies are...
-Movie?
-Motion picture! Movie! In a movie theater!
-I give up, resigned Ron. Where do we need to go?
-A hardware store.
-A what?
-Fallow me, said Harry giving up his explanation.
They got in and Ron looked intrigued and afraid of lawn mowers, and mechanical tools and Harry
quickly bought the shovel and grabbed Ron before he could ask to many questions that could
expose them.
-What do we do then? asked Ron.
-We'll find a public phone and use it...
-Okay, but you do the talking!
They soon found one and they searched the phone book...
-Where do you think Hermione lives? asked Harry.
-I think I heard her say that she was from the Oxfordshire, but it was a long time ago and I'm not
sure...
-And What is her father's name?
-I don't know...
Harry tried to remember as hard as he could.
-Frank, I think, he said.
-Possible, I truly don't know, admitted Ron.
Harry searched the phonebook.
-Got it!
He dialed and waited. Soon, he heard a message recorder.
-Sorry, but none of us is available. If you wish, you may leave us a message and we will call you
back as soon as we are available. Frank and Samantha Granger will be back home on the August
10th and Hermione will be back from Bulgaria around August 20th...
Harry hanged up.
-So, where is she?
Harry couldn't speak. He felt betrayed, dirty, sick, sad and more. He felt like a Dementor had been
kissing him...
-Harry? Are you alright?
He muttered something Ron understood as "Bulgaria".
-WHAT??? You mean that she finally went to Bulgaria???
Harry didn't say a thing. Ron looked angry and Harry looked hurt. They somehow managed to
return to the Burrow.
Love is pain and loving pain is nothing good...
