Chapter 3
Diagon alley revisited
Harry opened his eyes. In front of him, just across the road was the Weasley's house. In front of it Mrs Weasley and Ginny were standing waving. Ron was running towards him. "You took your time didn't you," Ron yelled. He dashed over and helped drag the trunk towards the house. "Welcome Harry," gently said Mrs Weasley, who was looking at Harry's scar with a trace of sadness. Harry knew she was thinking of a few months ago when Lord Voldemort had nearly killed him again. "How are you?" she continued. "Fine," replied Harry. He didn't dare mention the nightmares, strange dreams and the searing pains that his scar kept giving him. Harry loved Mrs Weasley, but she could be rather over protective. Mrs Weasley looked doubtful, but ushered him into the large kitchen and pushed him in front of a large iced cake. Standing on top of the cake were little Quidditch players who started moving as Harry approached, whizzing around on broomsticks, trying to score in little hoops at either end of the cake. The team in purple had just scored with a quaffle, and the purple figures let out a small squeaky cheer, while the other team booed. Harry stood transfixed. "Do you like it?" burst out Ginny going red. "It's your birthday cake. I helped make it" "It's absolutely brilliant," breathed Harry. "I helped bewitch the players," said Ron looking pleased. Just then a minute golden snitch appeared and both the purple and orange seeker streaked towards it. The orange seeker caught it, and the purple players stormed off the pitch shouting abuse and then disappeared with a loud pop. The orange players did a lap of honor before disappearing themselves. "Come on then," said Mrs Weasley, "Who wants a slice?" as she picked up a large carving knife and cut everyone huge slices. "It's the best birthday cake I've ever had." Harry told them though a mouthful of cake. After they had finished every crumb Harry and Ron lugged the trunk and cage up to Ron's room. It was just as Harry remembered it - bright orange, but with a few more posters than last year. Pigwidgeon was lying in a small basket, his wing wrapped in a huge wad of bandaging. He was making pitiful little hoots. Ron ignored him. Harry sank onto the bed and told Ron all about his trip and how the Dursley's had treated him for the past weeks. He decided to keep the dreams to himself. Instead he asked how Hermione was. "Oh she's fine, been studying most of the holiday. Not that she needs to," "But it's the holidays" moaned Harry," can't she just stop putting her head in a book for once." "Oh but she did" replied Ron grinning. "She's been to Bulgaria visiting Viktor Krum" "Viktor Krum! I didn't realise they were that serious. I bet she had a great time. I think he really likes her." There was then a pause. Harry broke the silence, with the first thing he could think of, "Anyway what's been happening in the wizarding world while I've been captive at the Dursleys" Ron looked serious. "Well actually not much. Dumbledore has written to the Daily Prophet telling them that Voldemort has risen, but everyone seems to be ignoring him. "What?" cried Harry. "You mean that they don't believe that he is alive." Ron looked a bit embarrassed. "No, Apart from your story and Cedric's body there has been no sign of him. Fudge has gone around saying that there was an accident at the Triwizard Cup, which killed Cedric. He has had a lot of criticism for that, but no one believes Dumbledore. They think he's off his rocker. People have been writing in saying that he should resign. The ministry's in turmoil, some believe Dumbledore, the rest think that Dumbledore should go. " Ron went over to the bookshelves and pulled out a copy of The Daily Prophet, hidden under a pile of books. Ron looked at Harry, My parents don't know I've seen it," Ron said quietly. "Hermione sent it to me last week." Harry took the paper. The headline blared out in huge black letters,
Dumbledore Ruined
Azkaban Looms Dumbledore today, was subjected to his final humiliation. A top ministry official said today that Dumbledore had been asked to resign from his post as senior advisor to the Ministry of Magic. This was a result of Dumbledore refusing to accept the Ministry's line that You Know Who is dead. Mark Colligere, the Ministry's spokesman on current affairs told us exclusively last night that Dumbledore had been shamed beyond recognition. "He is no longer a special advisor to Cornelius Fudge, nor will he be able to exert any influence on the ministry. He has been in contact with the giants, and this is completely against ministry guidelines." This final disgrace for Dumbledore, does however have its critics within the ministry. An unnamed source told us that Dumbledore's departure was mainly due to the sole action of Mark Colligere, an up and coming officer who had a surprising influence over certain ministry officials including Cornelius Fudge. This is the second time that Dumbledore has come under criticism. He is still involved in a far-reaching enquiry into a fatal incident at Hogwarts, in which student Cedric Diggory was killed and the famous Harry Potter was injured. If found guilty of undue neglect, Dumbledore could receive a sentence in Azkaban.
Harry stopped reading. He felt sick. How could they do this to Dumbledore? And why wouldn't the ministry believe Harry and Dumbledore. He couldn't believe they could put Dumbledore in Azkaban. Harry stared at the picture of Mark Colligere who was smiling slimily from the page. He had greasy black hair that hung over his dark black eyes. His incredibly thin lips were forced into an over large grin. His eyes narrowed as Harry stared at him feeling queasy. Ron looked at Harry's white face, "Dad says it's that Mark Colligere. He says he's working for You Know Who, and is trying to get Dumbledore out of the way. He's the only real threat to You Know Who." Harry reread the article and thought of Dumbledore being taken to Azkaban to face the dementors. He shook the thought out of his head, it made him feel sick to the stomach. He looked at Ron. "You believe me, don't you?" Harry exclaimed. "Yes of course I do, there are some who believe it, but they are in the minority. But if You Know Who is back, why hasn't he started killing people like he did before?" "I don't know, but I saw him. He's alive. I know he is. I'm not funny in the head. He saw me. He almost killed me!" Harry said furiously. "Alright. Alright! I believe you, and the ministry have taken out some precautions in case it's true," Ron continued. "Dumbledore's been doing as much as he can to try and convince people, even if they won't listen." Just then Mrs Weasley called them down for tea. Downstairs at one end of the huge Weasley table was Mr Weasley who jumped up immediately when he saw Harry, "Harry my boy. How are you, been having fun with them Dursleys?" He pulled the chair out next to him, and Harry spent the rest of the meal, explaining the finer points of the television and explaining about how a taxi worked, while Mr Weasley listened on bright eyed, almost forgetting about his steaming pumpkin pie. Mrs Weasley eventually rescued Harry by sending Mr Weasley to bring a cauldron sponge from the cellar. Harry glanced at Ron who gave him an 'I'm sorry' look. He then turned to look at Ginny, who was sitting very close to her mother. She blushed furiously and looked at her knees. Harry wanted to take the opportunity to ask about Voldemort, but he thought that this might not be a good idea at the dinner table. He instead enquired into the Quidditch cup, which this year was taking place in Germany, "Oh, the final was between Ireland and Zambia", Ron told him, and the dessert was taken up with a ball-by-ball analysis of the game. When they had all finished the delicious Cauldron cake Mrs Weasley tapped the plates which immediately became clean, and then neatly piled back into the large dresser that took up one side of the room. Harry watched with his mouth open thinking how much easier this was than the hours that the Dursleys had spent making Harry do the washing up, until Ron grabbed his arm and pulled him out of the back door. "I've got something to show you, he told Harry excitedly. Harry followed him to the shed, where outside leaning against the cracked wood was a broom. "A Nimbus 250, mum and dad got it for my birthday," he said proudly, as he mounted it and sped round the garden. "Go get yours," he shouted while circling the cherry tree at a very fast rate. Harry dashed indoors, up the stairs and pulled his shinning Firebolt from his trunk. He looked at it guiltily knowing how much it cost and knowing without being told that Ron's was second hand. Just then Ron appeared at the window grinning widely. He mimed open the window, which Harry flung open. Ron flew inside and landed well next to his bed. He opened a drawer under his bed and pulled out an old box. He opened it slowly. Inside was an old set of Quidditch balls, but still very usable. The golden snitch was struggling hard against the rope that held it in. Harry let out a low whistle. Ron's grin got even wider. "A joint present from my brothers. They're special ones that you can use at home, they won't go beyond the boundary stones in the garden, and they all return when you blow this silver whistle," he said beaming. "Do you want to play?" "Do I?" laughed Harry. Ron released the snitch out of the window, and then dived out after it. Harry followed and then together they chased each other round the sky, seeing who could go the highest. Then one of them would spot the snitch, and they dived to catch it before it disappeared. Harry tried to let Ron spot the snitch first because his broom was much superior to the old Nimbus, and went a lot faster. Ron didn't seem to mind, but Harry after half an hour asked if they wanted to swap brooms. This was now a lot fairer, as Harry had had a lot more practice at Quidditch than Ron, and the score was five four to Ron when Harry saw Fred and George Weasley running towards them holding out their broomsticks. They immediately mounted them and sped towards Harry and Ron. George beat Fred by an inch and hit Harry smartly on the back. "Howya doing?" And without waiting for an answer shouted "Oi, Ron, get them bludgers out" . They then spent the next hour playing a mini game of Quidditch where Fred and George would try and keep a bludger from hitting Ron or Harry who were seekers and scorers. Harry hadn't had as much fun for months. However the best bit of all was when just as the sun turned the sky a soft rose petal red and the warmth of the day circled the house sleepily, Mr and Mrs Weasley came out and joined in, while Ginny stood watching them and cheering Harry on. When it was really getting too dark to see the bludgers let alone the tiny snitch, the end was called. Ron blew the silver whistle and all the balls returned to their box. The Weasleys and Harry then all collapsed into the kitchen panting and exhausted, but very happy. Mrs Weasley poured them all a large mug of her best witch toffee brew, which was heavenly. When Mrs Weasley left the room Fred and George filled Harry in on the success of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, which had got off the ground despite their mother's severe disapproval. They showed Harry some of him some of their new inventions. Harry particularly liked the peppermint broomsticks, which if you ate them, you became immediately weightless, and floated up to the ceiling. You didn't come back down until you finished eating the broomsticks. Harry tried to buy a few, but the twins wouldn't hear of it, "It's only because of you that we had enough money to start it off " George whispered, while Fred got a leather bag and filled it up with a selection of the best of their inventions. His mother tutted, and told them that Harry didn't want that junk, but Harry politely assured her that he did. Eventually the twins crept upstairs, and Harry felt very sleepy also, but he wanted to ask Mr Weasley about Voldemort. He eventually plucked up the courage to ask him when Mrs Weasley decided that she was going to bed. Mr Weasley immediately looked serious. "Of course you wouldn't know, what with living with those Dursleys" he said with some contempt. He hadn't forgiven them for their refusal to say good- bye to Harry just before the Quidditch World Cup. " It's a sad business, but I suppose you of all people have a right to know," he began. "As soon as you left Hogwarts it started, there was a lot of trouble. The rumours started that Dumbledore was responsible for the." Mr Weasley paused and looked at the floor. He then continued without looking at Harry. ".for the "accident" last term. There was a lot of confusion, an investigation with strange results, and with all the turmoil that the ministry was in, some people believed the rumours, and then the Daily Prophet got hold of some of the rumours, along with some leaked reports and started a slander campaign against Dumbledore. No one listened anymore to what he was saying. Then there was even some talk about him leaving Hogwarts, but he refuses to leave. He still has a lot of support from outside the ministry" Harry looked Mr Weasley straight in the eyes, "Do you believe that Vold.I mean You Know Who, is back?" Mr Weasley paused before answering, "Yes, yes I do, and I think that the vast majority of people still support Dumbledore despite his enemies' slander. As for You Know Who, someone is behind this, I won't mention any names of course, but this nastiness has come from one source." "Mark Colligere," Harry said quickly. Mr Weasley shot Harry a quick look, his eyebrows raised, "Well yes, him. I think that if You Know Who is back this would be his best move. If he could get Dumbledore out of the picture, then he would be able to take over a lot more easily and while his men in the ministry were working, he could be working at other things and gathering his strength." Mr Weasley suddenly stopped. Harry got the feeling that he thought he'd said too much. "Those are just some of my thoughts anyway and I think I've said enough, you better go to bed now," Mr Weasley said abruptly. Harry followed Ron upstairs, still feeling queasy. Both of the boys were quiet, and didn't speak as they got into bed. Finally Ron asked, "Do you think You Know Who'll be after you?" "I don't know, but surely the Ministry would be all around, like when Sirius was around, they didn't let me out of their sight, remember the dementors," "Perhaps they are too stretched, if they are trying to protect all those people." They then went quiet, and eventually Harry heard Ron's light snoring. Harry however couldn't get to sleep. He sat up and went to the window. He opened it, and leaned out allowing the warm night air to cool his face. The sky was still quite light, and Harry could make out the cherry tree at the end of the garden. Far off he could see lights from the muggle village. Suddenly Harry though he saw movement. He looked closely at the hedge by the shed, he was sure he could see something moving, and just for a moment he saw the outline of what appeared to be a child, but then as Harry rubbed his eyes, and strained them through the dark gloom, it had vanished. Harry quickly closed the window and got back into his still warm bed. He lay looking at the stars on the ceiling, before eventually falling into a fitful sleep. The boy was looking straight at him, his piercing blue eyes trying to tell Harry something. Harry tried speaking, but there was no sound. He stood watching the boy as the boy tried to free himself from the chair, which he was tied to. The chair was tall and silver, and from it, silver vine like bonds were wrapped tightly around his legs arms, legs and neck. The room was dark, and Harry knew that they were by the sea from the strong salty smell. There was a faint door in the wall, a door which unless you were looking for a door you wouldn't notice. It seemed to blend in with the dingy bricks surrounding it. Then as Harry stood watching this door he saw it slide open, and the next thing he knew was that his head was exploding with pain, and he was moaning out loud. Ron was awake and staring at him. Harry sat up; his eyes immediately turned to the window. He wasn't sure why. Outside it was raining hard and the sky was darkly pregnant with a lot more.
"Typical!" moaned Ron as he saw Harry's gaze, "The first day you're here and I have my new broom and it's raining." They quickly dressed, and descended the stairs to an amazing breakfast provided by Mrs Weasley, "I expect them Dursleys have been starving you" she said by way of an excuse as she piled high his plate with bacon, eggs, fried bread, tomatoes and crisply sausages. Mr Weasley was sitting at the head of the table, "Since the weather is so bad, shall we go to Diagon Alley today and get your new books? I've got the day off work for good behaviour," he winked at Harry. Ron didn't look too happy, he was still annoyed that the rain had destroyed his plans, but Harry brightened at the prospect. After breakfast he sped upstairs, and wrote a note to Hermione to meet them at the Leaky Cauldron. Ron said that she had arrived back the day before. Harry attached the letter to Hedwig and told her to be quick. Then he took out his small purse of galleons, sickles and knuts from his trunk quickly stuffing them in his pocket before Ron saw how full it was. Back downstairs, as soon as the breakfast plates were wiped clean by the bewitched tea towel, Mrs Weasley fetched the pot of flue powder from the mantelpiece. Harry this time knew what to do, took a pinch from the jar, stood in front of the large fireplace, and said very clearly, "Diagon Alley." He felt the familiar tug at his navel, and found himself spinning round and round, and falling, until he felt his feet hit earth with a sharp clunk, and he was standing in Diagon Alley surrounded by witches and wizards. Shortly after Ron and his parents appeared behind him, then followed by George and Fred. They all headed first for Gringotts the Goblin Bank. There were too many Weasleys to fit into a Gringotts Trolley, so Harry decided that he would visit his account on his own. This way he was saved the embarrassment of having to let the Weasleys see how much money there was in his vault compared to their very small pile of silver sickles and bronze knuts.
Back outside in the drizzle, still reeling from the speed of the trolley, he met up with Ron and together they looked at their book list. There were only two books on it because they were half way through the OWL course. The first was for History of Magic, You Know Who, A Deadly History by D. Eadsoon, and for Defense Against the Dark Arts there was a book called the Students Guide to Protection by B. Carefowl. George peered over Harry's shoulder, "We didn't do anything about You Know Who last year, That's not fair," And then they were gone towards Vetinari's Magic Jokes and Tricks to try and sell some of their inventions. Ron said, "I wonder who the new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher will be, they've all come to a sticky end so far." "Well they won't be as cool as Professor Lupin, remember the Boggarts, and remember the Impervius Curse, with oh." He stopped suddenly realising Harry's experience of just a few months ago with You Know Who was not something that Harry wanted reminding. Harry went a little pale as he realised why Ron had stopped, but didn't say anything. Ron quickly changed the subject, "Did you realise that Charlie has been promoted, he's now a dragon keeper, which means that he is in charge of controlling all the dragons in one country. People have to ask him if they want to kill one, or they have something nasty done to them, I don't know what though." "How's Bill?" Bill was Ron's other older brother, and in Harry's view, very cool, "Oh he's left his job at Gringotts, he's joined the Ministry of Magic, to help protect those in danger, and help track Him down," said Ron proudly "But he won't tell me much, its all very hush hush," he added. By this time they were in the Leaky Cauldron, where they were supposed to be meeting Hermione. "Trust her to be late," muttered Ron. Harry looked around the pub. Inside there were the usual old witches and wizards. Some of them nodded at Harry, who smiled back. It was rather dark, but he could just make out a younger witch at the bar. She was wearing a long pale violet dress that hid her ankles. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders and seemed to be shimmering in the dusty air. To Harry she seemed to be like a fairy tale princess in an old book. Ron had followed Harry's gaze and was staring too. Just then she turned round and both Harry and Ron nearly fell over with shock. It was Hermione. She immediately waved, and walked over, her dress swishing around her ankles. It took Harry and Ron several seconds to regain their voices. Both of them stammered at once, "You look amazing." "What have you done, you look." Hermione smiled at their shock. "Do you like it?" she asked, "this style is all the fashion in Bulgaria." "And your hair?" asked Ron still not quite believing it. "Oh just a bit of magic" She said mysteriously, but pleased with their reaction. "Anyway, where shall we go first?" They headed out of the Leaky Cauldron and back into Diagon Alley. Harry couldn't help notice that instead of usual stares at his forehead and scar many people were staring at Hermione. She was telling Ron all about her holiday with Viktor, "Oh I met all the team, they were great, we went to Theyadora's Palace, it's a great place to go, we had a huge party in the middle of the forest, all the team were there, and Zoe and the Brooms were there, they were just the best, and then Viktor took me in his arms." And here she stopped suddenly, and a faint blush came into her cheeks, but Ron didn't notice, and was far more interested in the fact that she had met the Quidditch World Cup Team. "And what did Zograf say about the change in Quidditch rules to include the Alexander Drop?" he asked excitedly. Hermione looked blank. By this time they had reached the bookshop, and they entered, the musty smell of books reminding Harry of the Hogwarts library. They soon found the assistant looking tired and harassed as usual. He muttered something about biting books before pointing then in the direction of the animal section for the Students Guide to Protection book. There were many books in this section with what looked like protective fur coats around them, and small books that promised to protect against zombies by emitting a zombie death scream, "Tacky junk," sniffed Hermione "At least this looks like a proper book" she continued picking up the Students Guide to Protection, and gently flicking through the thick fresh pages. Inside were intriguing diagrams showing werewolves being slain, and vampires being well and truly killed by vicious looking stakes. "Wow!" said Ron as he saw an athletic looking boy armed with earmuffs and his wand finish off a banshee. Then with their books they headed towards the dark wizards section. For some reason the little room that contained information on the dark wizards seemed to be colder and darker than the rest of the shop. Harry had the uneasy suspicion that some of the books were sucking in light and warmth. The books they were after were on a small bronze table with a little sign saying,
Just Out
You Know Who, The Deadly History
Under 18s do not read without an adult present "What!" exclaimed Ron incredulously. "What do you mean I can't read it without an adult, do I have to read it with my parents for a bedtime story?" The assistant appeared spookily by his elbow, "That's exactly what it means, try reading it if you want," He said with a rather nasty smile. Ron stepped forward, "It's only a book." 'Be careful," warned Hermione, "remember Hagrid's Monster book." But Ron was reaching for the book. There was a large flash of blue lightening and Ron suddenly screamed and was thrown back several feet, "Ow" he yelled, "it stung me!" "I did warn you" smiled the assistant grimly. "You will have to wait until you are at school until you can read it". Ron scowled, but grabbed the book and put it under his arm as he marched towards the counter. After they had paid they walked outside and were pleased to see that the sun had come out, and the sky was now brilliantly blue. They walked along Diagon Alley staring into the interesting shops. Suddenly Hermione pointed at Frensha's Fashion Frenzy. "Just look at that cloak" she exclaimed indicating a long dark purple cloak in the window. Ron pulled a face, but Hermione was already inside the shop.
"What has Krum done to her?" Harry asked Ron in amazement. But they followed her in, and were pleased to find that it wasn't just a girls' shop. At the back were cool cloaks that shimmered in the dark, dragon hide boots, and amazing hats that emitted a soft glow. "Just look at those boots" moaned Ron, "They were advertised in the Daily Prophet last week, "But oh look at that price, that would cost me a years' pocket money. Even Bill's aren't that nice". However Harry who wasn't so in to wizard fashion thought that most of the items looked really odd. Just the Hermione flounced back to them wearing the purple cloak. "What do you think?" she asked happily. Ron and Harry exchanged looks. This wasn't the Hermione they had been with at Hogwarts last year. However Hermione didn't seem to notice, and instead was looking at herself in the full length mirror, "Suits you, dear," the mirror told her. "Perfect with that lovely dress you're wearing." Hermione grinned, and went to pay for it. Ron sighed in exasperation. Their next stop was Gianna's Ice Cream Emporium where Harry insisted on buying them all an ice cream. This seemed to cheer Ron up a bit, as they headed towards the alchemists to stock up on potions. Inside they met Neville, who was moaning to his Gran that he couldn't remember what he was short of, and that he'd lost the list that told him. He brightened up when he saw Harry, Hermione and Ron. "Perhaps you can remember?" he asked hopefully. Hermione immediately produced her list, and together they worked out what Neville needed. Meanwhile Harry and Ron were studying their own list. "Dragons tongue, I wonder what we need that for? We've never used it before," exclaimed Harry. "There's a lot here that we haven't used. Look Duckles beans, ears of bathod and essence of Thuckleweed," Ron said interestedly. Thuckleweed, I've never even heard of Thuckleweed" exclaimed Harry. "Oh you use it for making advanced reversal potions," said Hermione hurrying back over. They collected together all their ingredients, paid the little wizened man behind the counter, and left. "Look at the time," Ron suddenly burst out, "It's time we were heading back. Mum will be wondering where we are." So they headed towards the end of Diagon Alley, a couple of boys whistling at Hermione as she passed. She ignored them though, and kept up with Harry and Ron as she saw the rest of the Weasleys looking cross and impatient by the pub. Mrs Weasley looked like she was about to shout at them, but stopped upon seeing Hermione. Instead of the furious torrent she just said, "You look very nice dear." Hermione blushed slightly, but looked pleased all the same. "It's about time we were returning don't you think?" said Mr Weasley mildly, "are you joining us?" he said staring at Hermione. "Yes please, if that's alright," she replied. Back at The Burrow, Ron and was showing Hermione his new Quidditch set and then for the rest of the day they played in the garden, Hermione using one of the twins' brooms. She was surprisingly good. Harry had never had the chance to see her playing Quidditch. That night Harry was so tired he had no problem dropping off to sleep.
Diagon alley revisited
Harry opened his eyes. In front of him, just across the road was the Weasley's house. In front of it Mrs Weasley and Ginny were standing waving. Ron was running towards him. "You took your time didn't you," Ron yelled. He dashed over and helped drag the trunk towards the house. "Welcome Harry," gently said Mrs Weasley, who was looking at Harry's scar with a trace of sadness. Harry knew she was thinking of a few months ago when Lord Voldemort had nearly killed him again. "How are you?" she continued. "Fine," replied Harry. He didn't dare mention the nightmares, strange dreams and the searing pains that his scar kept giving him. Harry loved Mrs Weasley, but she could be rather over protective. Mrs Weasley looked doubtful, but ushered him into the large kitchen and pushed him in front of a large iced cake. Standing on top of the cake were little Quidditch players who started moving as Harry approached, whizzing around on broomsticks, trying to score in little hoops at either end of the cake. The team in purple had just scored with a quaffle, and the purple figures let out a small squeaky cheer, while the other team booed. Harry stood transfixed. "Do you like it?" burst out Ginny going red. "It's your birthday cake. I helped make it" "It's absolutely brilliant," breathed Harry. "I helped bewitch the players," said Ron looking pleased. Just then a minute golden snitch appeared and both the purple and orange seeker streaked towards it. The orange seeker caught it, and the purple players stormed off the pitch shouting abuse and then disappeared with a loud pop. The orange players did a lap of honor before disappearing themselves. "Come on then," said Mrs Weasley, "Who wants a slice?" as she picked up a large carving knife and cut everyone huge slices. "It's the best birthday cake I've ever had." Harry told them though a mouthful of cake. After they had finished every crumb Harry and Ron lugged the trunk and cage up to Ron's room. It was just as Harry remembered it - bright orange, but with a few more posters than last year. Pigwidgeon was lying in a small basket, his wing wrapped in a huge wad of bandaging. He was making pitiful little hoots. Ron ignored him. Harry sank onto the bed and told Ron all about his trip and how the Dursley's had treated him for the past weeks. He decided to keep the dreams to himself. Instead he asked how Hermione was. "Oh she's fine, been studying most of the holiday. Not that she needs to," "But it's the holidays" moaned Harry," can't she just stop putting her head in a book for once." "Oh but she did" replied Ron grinning. "She's been to Bulgaria visiting Viktor Krum" "Viktor Krum! I didn't realise they were that serious. I bet she had a great time. I think he really likes her." There was then a pause. Harry broke the silence, with the first thing he could think of, "Anyway what's been happening in the wizarding world while I've been captive at the Dursleys" Ron looked serious. "Well actually not much. Dumbledore has written to the Daily Prophet telling them that Voldemort has risen, but everyone seems to be ignoring him. "What?" cried Harry. "You mean that they don't believe that he is alive." Ron looked a bit embarrassed. "No, Apart from your story and Cedric's body there has been no sign of him. Fudge has gone around saying that there was an accident at the Triwizard Cup, which killed Cedric. He has had a lot of criticism for that, but no one believes Dumbledore. They think he's off his rocker. People have been writing in saying that he should resign. The ministry's in turmoil, some believe Dumbledore, the rest think that Dumbledore should go. " Ron went over to the bookshelves and pulled out a copy of The Daily Prophet, hidden under a pile of books. Ron looked at Harry, My parents don't know I've seen it," Ron said quietly. "Hermione sent it to me last week." Harry took the paper. The headline blared out in huge black letters,
Dumbledore Ruined
Azkaban Looms Dumbledore today, was subjected to his final humiliation. A top ministry official said today that Dumbledore had been asked to resign from his post as senior advisor to the Ministry of Magic. This was a result of Dumbledore refusing to accept the Ministry's line that You Know Who is dead. Mark Colligere, the Ministry's spokesman on current affairs told us exclusively last night that Dumbledore had been shamed beyond recognition. "He is no longer a special advisor to Cornelius Fudge, nor will he be able to exert any influence on the ministry. He has been in contact with the giants, and this is completely against ministry guidelines." This final disgrace for Dumbledore, does however have its critics within the ministry. An unnamed source told us that Dumbledore's departure was mainly due to the sole action of Mark Colligere, an up and coming officer who had a surprising influence over certain ministry officials including Cornelius Fudge. This is the second time that Dumbledore has come under criticism. He is still involved in a far-reaching enquiry into a fatal incident at Hogwarts, in which student Cedric Diggory was killed and the famous Harry Potter was injured. If found guilty of undue neglect, Dumbledore could receive a sentence in Azkaban.
Harry stopped reading. He felt sick. How could they do this to Dumbledore? And why wouldn't the ministry believe Harry and Dumbledore. He couldn't believe they could put Dumbledore in Azkaban. Harry stared at the picture of Mark Colligere who was smiling slimily from the page. He had greasy black hair that hung over his dark black eyes. His incredibly thin lips were forced into an over large grin. His eyes narrowed as Harry stared at him feeling queasy. Ron looked at Harry's white face, "Dad says it's that Mark Colligere. He says he's working for You Know Who, and is trying to get Dumbledore out of the way. He's the only real threat to You Know Who." Harry reread the article and thought of Dumbledore being taken to Azkaban to face the dementors. He shook the thought out of his head, it made him feel sick to the stomach. He looked at Ron. "You believe me, don't you?" Harry exclaimed. "Yes of course I do, there are some who believe it, but they are in the minority. But if You Know Who is back, why hasn't he started killing people like he did before?" "I don't know, but I saw him. He's alive. I know he is. I'm not funny in the head. He saw me. He almost killed me!" Harry said furiously. "Alright. Alright! I believe you, and the ministry have taken out some precautions in case it's true," Ron continued. "Dumbledore's been doing as much as he can to try and convince people, even if they won't listen." Just then Mrs Weasley called them down for tea. Downstairs at one end of the huge Weasley table was Mr Weasley who jumped up immediately when he saw Harry, "Harry my boy. How are you, been having fun with them Dursleys?" He pulled the chair out next to him, and Harry spent the rest of the meal, explaining the finer points of the television and explaining about how a taxi worked, while Mr Weasley listened on bright eyed, almost forgetting about his steaming pumpkin pie. Mrs Weasley eventually rescued Harry by sending Mr Weasley to bring a cauldron sponge from the cellar. Harry glanced at Ron who gave him an 'I'm sorry' look. He then turned to look at Ginny, who was sitting very close to her mother. She blushed furiously and looked at her knees. Harry wanted to take the opportunity to ask about Voldemort, but he thought that this might not be a good idea at the dinner table. He instead enquired into the Quidditch cup, which this year was taking place in Germany, "Oh, the final was between Ireland and Zambia", Ron told him, and the dessert was taken up with a ball-by-ball analysis of the game. When they had all finished the delicious Cauldron cake Mrs Weasley tapped the plates which immediately became clean, and then neatly piled back into the large dresser that took up one side of the room. Harry watched with his mouth open thinking how much easier this was than the hours that the Dursleys had spent making Harry do the washing up, until Ron grabbed his arm and pulled him out of the back door. "I've got something to show you, he told Harry excitedly. Harry followed him to the shed, where outside leaning against the cracked wood was a broom. "A Nimbus 250, mum and dad got it for my birthday," he said proudly, as he mounted it and sped round the garden. "Go get yours," he shouted while circling the cherry tree at a very fast rate. Harry dashed indoors, up the stairs and pulled his shinning Firebolt from his trunk. He looked at it guiltily knowing how much it cost and knowing without being told that Ron's was second hand. Just then Ron appeared at the window grinning widely. He mimed open the window, which Harry flung open. Ron flew inside and landed well next to his bed. He opened a drawer under his bed and pulled out an old box. He opened it slowly. Inside was an old set of Quidditch balls, but still very usable. The golden snitch was struggling hard against the rope that held it in. Harry let out a low whistle. Ron's grin got even wider. "A joint present from my brothers. They're special ones that you can use at home, they won't go beyond the boundary stones in the garden, and they all return when you blow this silver whistle," he said beaming. "Do you want to play?" "Do I?" laughed Harry. Ron released the snitch out of the window, and then dived out after it. Harry followed and then together they chased each other round the sky, seeing who could go the highest. Then one of them would spot the snitch, and they dived to catch it before it disappeared. Harry tried to let Ron spot the snitch first because his broom was much superior to the old Nimbus, and went a lot faster. Ron didn't seem to mind, but Harry after half an hour asked if they wanted to swap brooms. This was now a lot fairer, as Harry had had a lot more practice at Quidditch than Ron, and the score was five four to Ron when Harry saw Fred and George Weasley running towards them holding out their broomsticks. They immediately mounted them and sped towards Harry and Ron. George beat Fred by an inch and hit Harry smartly on the back. "Howya doing?" And without waiting for an answer shouted "Oi, Ron, get them bludgers out" . They then spent the next hour playing a mini game of Quidditch where Fred and George would try and keep a bludger from hitting Ron or Harry who were seekers and scorers. Harry hadn't had as much fun for months. However the best bit of all was when just as the sun turned the sky a soft rose petal red and the warmth of the day circled the house sleepily, Mr and Mrs Weasley came out and joined in, while Ginny stood watching them and cheering Harry on. When it was really getting too dark to see the bludgers let alone the tiny snitch, the end was called. Ron blew the silver whistle and all the balls returned to their box. The Weasleys and Harry then all collapsed into the kitchen panting and exhausted, but very happy. Mrs Weasley poured them all a large mug of her best witch toffee brew, which was heavenly. When Mrs Weasley left the room Fred and George filled Harry in on the success of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, which had got off the ground despite their mother's severe disapproval. They showed Harry some of him some of their new inventions. Harry particularly liked the peppermint broomsticks, which if you ate them, you became immediately weightless, and floated up to the ceiling. You didn't come back down until you finished eating the broomsticks. Harry tried to buy a few, but the twins wouldn't hear of it, "It's only because of you that we had enough money to start it off " George whispered, while Fred got a leather bag and filled it up with a selection of the best of their inventions. His mother tutted, and told them that Harry didn't want that junk, but Harry politely assured her that he did. Eventually the twins crept upstairs, and Harry felt very sleepy also, but he wanted to ask Mr Weasley about Voldemort. He eventually plucked up the courage to ask him when Mrs Weasley decided that she was going to bed. Mr Weasley immediately looked serious. "Of course you wouldn't know, what with living with those Dursleys" he said with some contempt. He hadn't forgiven them for their refusal to say good- bye to Harry just before the Quidditch World Cup. " It's a sad business, but I suppose you of all people have a right to know," he began. "As soon as you left Hogwarts it started, there was a lot of trouble. The rumours started that Dumbledore was responsible for the." Mr Weasley paused and looked at the floor. He then continued without looking at Harry. ".for the "accident" last term. There was a lot of confusion, an investigation with strange results, and with all the turmoil that the ministry was in, some people believed the rumours, and then the Daily Prophet got hold of some of the rumours, along with some leaked reports and started a slander campaign against Dumbledore. No one listened anymore to what he was saying. Then there was even some talk about him leaving Hogwarts, but he refuses to leave. He still has a lot of support from outside the ministry" Harry looked Mr Weasley straight in the eyes, "Do you believe that Vold.I mean You Know Who, is back?" Mr Weasley paused before answering, "Yes, yes I do, and I think that the vast majority of people still support Dumbledore despite his enemies' slander. As for You Know Who, someone is behind this, I won't mention any names of course, but this nastiness has come from one source." "Mark Colligere," Harry said quickly. Mr Weasley shot Harry a quick look, his eyebrows raised, "Well yes, him. I think that if You Know Who is back this would be his best move. If he could get Dumbledore out of the picture, then he would be able to take over a lot more easily and while his men in the ministry were working, he could be working at other things and gathering his strength." Mr Weasley suddenly stopped. Harry got the feeling that he thought he'd said too much. "Those are just some of my thoughts anyway and I think I've said enough, you better go to bed now," Mr Weasley said abruptly. Harry followed Ron upstairs, still feeling queasy. Both of the boys were quiet, and didn't speak as they got into bed. Finally Ron asked, "Do you think You Know Who'll be after you?" "I don't know, but surely the Ministry would be all around, like when Sirius was around, they didn't let me out of their sight, remember the dementors," "Perhaps they are too stretched, if they are trying to protect all those people." They then went quiet, and eventually Harry heard Ron's light snoring. Harry however couldn't get to sleep. He sat up and went to the window. He opened it, and leaned out allowing the warm night air to cool his face. The sky was still quite light, and Harry could make out the cherry tree at the end of the garden. Far off he could see lights from the muggle village. Suddenly Harry though he saw movement. He looked closely at the hedge by the shed, he was sure he could see something moving, and just for a moment he saw the outline of what appeared to be a child, but then as Harry rubbed his eyes, and strained them through the dark gloom, it had vanished. Harry quickly closed the window and got back into his still warm bed. He lay looking at the stars on the ceiling, before eventually falling into a fitful sleep. The boy was looking straight at him, his piercing blue eyes trying to tell Harry something. Harry tried speaking, but there was no sound. He stood watching the boy as the boy tried to free himself from the chair, which he was tied to. The chair was tall and silver, and from it, silver vine like bonds were wrapped tightly around his legs arms, legs and neck. The room was dark, and Harry knew that they were by the sea from the strong salty smell. There was a faint door in the wall, a door which unless you were looking for a door you wouldn't notice. It seemed to blend in with the dingy bricks surrounding it. Then as Harry stood watching this door he saw it slide open, and the next thing he knew was that his head was exploding with pain, and he was moaning out loud. Ron was awake and staring at him. Harry sat up; his eyes immediately turned to the window. He wasn't sure why. Outside it was raining hard and the sky was darkly pregnant with a lot more.
"Typical!" moaned Ron as he saw Harry's gaze, "The first day you're here and I have my new broom and it's raining." They quickly dressed, and descended the stairs to an amazing breakfast provided by Mrs Weasley, "I expect them Dursleys have been starving you" she said by way of an excuse as she piled high his plate with bacon, eggs, fried bread, tomatoes and crisply sausages. Mr Weasley was sitting at the head of the table, "Since the weather is so bad, shall we go to Diagon Alley today and get your new books? I've got the day off work for good behaviour," he winked at Harry. Ron didn't look too happy, he was still annoyed that the rain had destroyed his plans, but Harry brightened at the prospect. After breakfast he sped upstairs, and wrote a note to Hermione to meet them at the Leaky Cauldron. Ron said that she had arrived back the day before. Harry attached the letter to Hedwig and told her to be quick. Then he took out his small purse of galleons, sickles and knuts from his trunk quickly stuffing them in his pocket before Ron saw how full it was. Back downstairs, as soon as the breakfast plates were wiped clean by the bewitched tea towel, Mrs Weasley fetched the pot of flue powder from the mantelpiece. Harry this time knew what to do, took a pinch from the jar, stood in front of the large fireplace, and said very clearly, "Diagon Alley." He felt the familiar tug at his navel, and found himself spinning round and round, and falling, until he felt his feet hit earth with a sharp clunk, and he was standing in Diagon Alley surrounded by witches and wizards. Shortly after Ron and his parents appeared behind him, then followed by George and Fred. They all headed first for Gringotts the Goblin Bank. There were too many Weasleys to fit into a Gringotts Trolley, so Harry decided that he would visit his account on his own. This way he was saved the embarrassment of having to let the Weasleys see how much money there was in his vault compared to their very small pile of silver sickles and bronze knuts.
Back outside in the drizzle, still reeling from the speed of the trolley, he met up with Ron and together they looked at their book list. There were only two books on it because they were half way through the OWL course. The first was for History of Magic, You Know Who, A Deadly History by D. Eadsoon, and for Defense Against the Dark Arts there was a book called the Students Guide to Protection by B. Carefowl. George peered over Harry's shoulder, "We didn't do anything about You Know Who last year, That's not fair," And then they were gone towards Vetinari's Magic Jokes and Tricks to try and sell some of their inventions. Ron said, "I wonder who the new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher will be, they've all come to a sticky end so far." "Well they won't be as cool as Professor Lupin, remember the Boggarts, and remember the Impervius Curse, with oh." He stopped suddenly realising Harry's experience of just a few months ago with You Know Who was not something that Harry wanted reminding. Harry went a little pale as he realised why Ron had stopped, but didn't say anything. Ron quickly changed the subject, "Did you realise that Charlie has been promoted, he's now a dragon keeper, which means that he is in charge of controlling all the dragons in one country. People have to ask him if they want to kill one, or they have something nasty done to them, I don't know what though." "How's Bill?" Bill was Ron's other older brother, and in Harry's view, very cool, "Oh he's left his job at Gringotts, he's joined the Ministry of Magic, to help protect those in danger, and help track Him down," said Ron proudly "But he won't tell me much, its all very hush hush," he added. By this time they were in the Leaky Cauldron, where they were supposed to be meeting Hermione. "Trust her to be late," muttered Ron. Harry looked around the pub. Inside there were the usual old witches and wizards. Some of them nodded at Harry, who smiled back. It was rather dark, but he could just make out a younger witch at the bar. She was wearing a long pale violet dress that hid her ankles. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders and seemed to be shimmering in the dusty air. To Harry she seemed to be like a fairy tale princess in an old book. Ron had followed Harry's gaze and was staring too. Just then she turned round and both Harry and Ron nearly fell over with shock. It was Hermione. She immediately waved, and walked over, her dress swishing around her ankles. It took Harry and Ron several seconds to regain their voices. Both of them stammered at once, "You look amazing." "What have you done, you look." Hermione smiled at their shock. "Do you like it?" she asked, "this style is all the fashion in Bulgaria." "And your hair?" asked Ron still not quite believing it. "Oh just a bit of magic" She said mysteriously, but pleased with their reaction. "Anyway, where shall we go first?" They headed out of the Leaky Cauldron and back into Diagon Alley. Harry couldn't help notice that instead of usual stares at his forehead and scar many people were staring at Hermione. She was telling Ron all about her holiday with Viktor, "Oh I met all the team, they were great, we went to Theyadora's Palace, it's a great place to go, we had a huge party in the middle of the forest, all the team were there, and Zoe and the Brooms were there, they were just the best, and then Viktor took me in his arms." And here she stopped suddenly, and a faint blush came into her cheeks, but Ron didn't notice, and was far more interested in the fact that she had met the Quidditch World Cup Team. "And what did Zograf say about the change in Quidditch rules to include the Alexander Drop?" he asked excitedly. Hermione looked blank. By this time they had reached the bookshop, and they entered, the musty smell of books reminding Harry of the Hogwarts library. They soon found the assistant looking tired and harassed as usual. He muttered something about biting books before pointing then in the direction of the animal section for the Students Guide to Protection book. There were many books in this section with what looked like protective fur coats around them, and small books that promised to protect against zombies by emitting a zombie death scream, "Tacky junk," sniffed Hermione "At least this looks like a proper book" she continued picking up the Students Guide to Protection, and gently flicking through the thick fresh pages. Inside were intriguing diagrams showing werewolves being slain, and vampires being well and truly killed by vicious looking stakes. "Wow!" said Ron as he saw an athletic looking boy armed with earmuffs and his wand finish off a banshee. Then with their books they headed towards the dark wizards section. For some reason the little room that contained information on the dark wizards seemed to be colder and darker than the rest of the shop. Harry had the uneasy suspicion that some of the books were sucking in light and warmth. The books they were after were on a small bronze table with a little sign saying,
Just Out
You Know Who, The Deadly History
Under 18s do not read without an adult present "What!" exclaimed Ron incredulously. "What do you mean I can't read it without an adult, do I have to read it with my parents for a bedtime story?" The assistant appeared spookily by his elbow, "That's exactly what it means, try reading it if you want," He said with a rather nasty smile. Ron stepped forward, "It's only a book." 'Be careful," warned Hermione, "remember Hagrid's Monster book." But Ron was reaching for the book. There was a large flash of blue lightening and Ron suddenly screamed and was thrown back several feet, "Ow" he yelled, "it stung me!" "I did warn you" smiled the assistant grimly. "You will have to wait until you are at school until you can read it". Ron scowled, but grabbed the book and put it under his arm as he marched towards the counter. After they had paid they walked outside and were pleased to see that the sun had come out, and the sky was now brilliantly blue. They walked along Diagon Alley staring into the interesting shops. Suddenly Hermione pointed at Frensha's Fashion Frenzy. "Just look at that cloak" she exclaimed indicating a long dark purple cloak in the window. Ron pulled a face, but Hermione was already inside the shop.
"What has Krum done to her?" Harry asked Ron in amazement. But they followed her in, and were pleased to find that it wasn't just a girls' shop. At the back were cool cloaks that shimmered in the dark, dragon hide boots, and amazing hats that emitted a soft glow. "Just look at those boots" moaned Ron, "They were advertised in the Daily Prophet last week, "But oh look at that price, that would cost me a years' pocket money. Even Bill's aren't that nice". However Harry who wasn't so in to wizard fashion thought that most of the items looked really odd. Just the Hermione flounced back to them wearing the purple cloak. "What do you think?" she asked happily. Ron and Harry exchanged looks. This wasn't the Hermione they had been with at Hogwarts last year. However Hermione didn't seem to notice, and instead was looking at herself in the full length mirror, "Suits you, dear," the mirror told her. "Perfect with that lovely dress you're wearing." Hermione grinned, and went to pay for it. Ron sighed in exasperation. Their next stop was Gianna's Ice Cream Emporium where Harry insisted on buying them all an ice cream. This seemed to cheer Ron up a bit, as they headed towards the alchemists to stock up on potions. Inside they met Neville, who was moaning to his Gran that he couldn't remember what he was short of, and that he'd lost the list that told him. He brightened up when he saw Harry, Hermione and Ron. "Perhaps you can remember?" he asked hopefully. Hermione immediately produced her list, and together they worked out what Neville needed. Meanwhile Harry and Ron were studying their own list. "Dragons tongue, I wonder what we need that for? We've never used it before," exclaimed Harry. "There's a lot here that we haven't used. Look Duckles beans, ears of bathod and essence of Thuckleweed," Ron said interestedly. Thuckleweed, I've never even heard of Thuckleweed" exclaimed Harry. "Oh you use it for making advanced reversal potions," said Hermione hurrying back over. They collected together all their ingredients, paid the little wizened man behind the counter, and left. "Look at the time," Ron suddenly burst out, "It's time we were heading back. Mum will be wondering where we are." So they headed towards the end of Diagon Alley, a couple of boys whistling at Hermione as she passed. She ignored them though, and kept up with Harry and Ron as she saw the rest of the Weasleys looking cross and impatient by the pub. Mrs Weasley looked like she was about to shout at them, but stopped upon seeing Hermione. Instead of the furious torrent she just said, "You look very nice dear." Hermione blushed slightly, but looked pleased all the same. "It's about time we were returning don't you think?" said Mr Weasley mildly, "are you joining us?" he said staring at Hermione. "Yes please, if that's alright," she replied. Back at The Burrow, Ron and was showing Hermione his new Quidditch set and then for the rest of the day they played in the garden, Hermione using one of the twins' brooms. She was surprisingly good. Harry had never had the chance to see her playing Quidditch. That night Harry was so tired he had no problem dropping off to sleep.