Chapter 4
The Isle of Celáre
There was no dream that night. Harry slept long and peacefully. He woke up to the sun streaming in through the crack in the curtains. The room seemed on fire with light. Harry rolled over and reached for his glasses. Ron was still fast asleep, so Harry lay and watched the Quidditch players playing on Ron's posters, until Mrs Weasley knocked sharply on the door telling them to get up. Harry got dressed quickly and went down to breakfast. To his great surprise Hermione was sitting at the table, "I invited her to go out with us today," yawned Ron as he tucked into a large bowl of porridge. Harry attacked his, half listening to Hermione relating yet another party with Viktor Krum. After breakfast, Mrs Weasley provided them with a heavy rucksack of food, and then to Harry's surprise Bill apparated in front of them. Mrs Weasley gave him a large hug, and he grinned broadly, "Well are we ready then?" he asked them. Ron grinned back. "Bill is taking us out for the day," he told Hermione and Harry. They set off, along the road, and passed through Ottery St Catchpole. They all laughed when Harry told them about trying to find the house and the lady with the baby thinking he was after some weasels. The sun was beating down on the back of their necks fiercely and their clothes stuck to them as they walked. Bill brought out some cool, refreshing peppermint fizz from his backpack and they sat down in a shady grassy hollow. Bill told them about the time he had to fight single handed against six goblins who were trying to steal some treasure. Hermione listened with obvious admiration. Ron whispered to Harry, "Looks like Krum's got competition." Hermione blushed a deep red, and threw her empty cup at Ron. "Ow!" yelled Ron, as the cup hit him squarely on the chest. In return he threw his cup back, and half a cup of green sticky liquid sprayed over Hermione. Hermione looked furious, and was just about to retaliate when Bill interrupted them by laughing loudly. Hermione stopped mid throw and joined in the laughter. Ron and Harry both started too and the hollow was alive with their laughter.
They carried on, walking along a sunken lane, the hedges and trees making the road into a green tunnel. Harry enjoyed listening to Bill's stories, but he had a nagging suspicion that they were being followed. He turned round quickly several times, and thought he saw something in the corner of his eye. I'm being paranoid he thought, and concentrated on Bill explaining to Hermione how he'd escaped Filch one night when he and his first girl friend Kate decided to steal some potion ingredients for a levitating potion. They'd had to hide in a suit of armour, which was already inhabited by a ghost and who wouldn't let them out again. It was almost an hour later when Bill was talking earnestly to Hermione about some complicated transfigurations and Ron was telling Harry about the latest match of the Chudley Cannons, when Harry first saw the sea. It sparkled beautifully, a deep blue. Harry looked at it longingly. He had never been swimming in the sea. The last time he'd been anywhere near the sea was when Uncle Vernon was trying to stop him receiving his invitation letter to Hogwarts. He couldn't really swim. His class had gone swimming at school but Harry had tried to be ill each time. The few times that he'd actually gone in the water Dudley had held his head under water so long that he'd passed out. Another time he'd been tripped up and cut his head as he fell into the swimming pool, much to the amusement of Dudley's gang. Bill led them down the steep cliffs to the sandy beach. They quickly got changed and ran splashing into the water. Hermione was an excellent swimmer and she and Bill went far out. Harry wasn't so confident, but with Ron's help he was able to swim as long as he wasn't out of his depth. The day was very warm, and the water felt icy cold at first. The sandy beach was completely deserted and Ron, Hermione, Harry and Bill had a wonderful time. When they were all tired, they collapsed on the beach and ate their way though the wonderful spread that Mrs Weasley had provided. It was well past midday when Bill led them on again along the beach. They rounded a headland and Harry was astonished to see an island sitting about a mile out of a large stony bay. The tide was out, and it was possible to walk out along a rocky platform, and then onto rippled sand. "You have to careful here," Bill told them. "There's a lot of quick sand round here, several muggles have perished out here. This island is one of two in the country and only eight in the world, completely muggle invisible islands. Muggles can't see it, and if they're in boats they avoid it instinctively." "Why what's so special about it?" asked Harry interestedly. "It was You Know Who's Headquarters, at one time. It was then a museum for a bit, but closed because there weren't enough visitors." "Isn't it the Island of Celáre, where mum said we mustn't go on any account?" Ron asked rather pointedly. "Did she?" Bill said with exaggerated surprise. "I know it's associated with You Know Who, but what's so dangerous about it now?" asked Hermione. "There's a lot of bad rumours around it." Bill said rather more seriously. "They say people have gone missing there and not many people like it. I don't believe it." They walked towards the island in silence. Harry wasn't sure if he was imagining things, but he felt that there was something bad on the island. As he got closer that his scar started aching, then tingling and then a stabbing pain. By the time they reached the shores of the island, the pain was so bad that Harry stumbled and fell to his knees. He was immediately surrounded by Ron, Hermione and Bill, all of them looking at him with concern. "What's the matter?" said Bill and Hermione at once. "I'm alright," mumbled Harry, their worried faces swimming in front of his eyes. As he spoke however, the pain lessened, and he was able to stand up straight. "I'm alright," he said again with a little more conviction.
"What happened?" said Hermione, "Do you want to go back?" asked Bill. "No, no. It was absolutely nothing." Harry said vehemently. He was embarrassed that he had shown how weak he was, especially in front of Bill who was so cool. Harry pushed angrily forward towards the island leaving the others behind him. All the same he was worried. Why did his scar hurt so? Surely Voldemort wasn't anywhere near, or did his evil presence remain and cause his scar to hurt? Were they in any danger, and should he tell the others? Harry slowed and waited for the others. They looked at him strangely, but didn't ask him any more questions. They had reached the island and the castle loomed darkly. Harry didn't know if he was imagining it, but it looked like the entire castle was in darkness despite the bright sunlight. Ravens circled it; their harsh calls filled the air. The building itself looked in disrepair. The first two floors were more or less intact, but above that there was no glass in the windows, and black darkness stared out of them. The fourth floor was a complete ruin, with only half walls, although the roof supports were still there looking like a black rib cage. Harry and the others walked towards the ornate front of the building. Huge pillars surrounded a massive black door, ornately carved with dragons and other beasts. Walking closer they saw that several windows were smashed, and weeds were growing out of the cracked stone pavement. Harry felt his scar becoming painful again. He lagged behind the others. Ron however was speeding up excited to see the forbidden castle. Hermione slowed and joined Harry. "Are you really alright?" she asked Harry in a quiet voice.
"It's my scar, its hurting," said Harry, "It's hurting more the closer we get." "Do you want to stop or go back?" "Can we just stop for a bit?" Harry replied. They sat down and looked out at the sea. Harry sat down and felt the warm sun caress his body. When he wasn't looking at the castle of Celáre the pain lessened. All the same Harry still had the feeling he was being watched. There was a sudden scream. Hermione and Harry knew immediately it was Ron. They leapt up, and ran towards the castle. Bill had Ron in his arms and was running towards them. "I think he's alright," Bill told them breathlessly, "I think he's just knocked out." "What happened?" Harry said looking at the pale lifeless Ron in his brother's arms. "I don't know, he was just in front of me looking in one of the broken windows when he screamed and collapsed. I think he was stunned. We better get out of here. There's somebody or something in there." Bill laid Ron gently down on the beach, and shook him. Ron remained lifeless. There was suddenly a swishing noise on the air. Wizards were apparating around them. Harry, Hermione and Bill drew their wands, but to their bewilderment Dumbledore stepped forth. He said nothing to them, but knelt by Ron, and whispered enervate into his ear. Ron slowly sat up, and looked round him stupidly. "What's, who. what's going on?" he mumbled. Dumbledore stood up, he pointed with his wand toward the castle, "Search it," he said loudly. He then turned to the four. "Bill I would have expected more than this from you. I hold you responsible for this, you should have heeded your parents' advice, this is a dangerous place, and you have brought these children into danger." Bill hung his head in the deepest shame. There was a long silence, and eventually Hermione asked nervously, "What happened, and how did you know?" "As for what happened I don't know, who ever it was has probably disapparated by now. It was probably just some wizard trying to scare you. As for your second question Miss Granger, how did I know? Well I think Harry here might know."
"There's been someone following us, hasn't there sir? Walking behind us when we were out." "Yes, and haven't you worked out who yet?"
"No," said Harry blankly, "Show yourself," Dumbledore commanded. There was a small pop and Dobby appeared by Dumbledore's legs. "Dobby!" exclaimed Harry He grinned at Harry, "I been watching you" he said happily. "Dumbledore trusted me to watch you, and make sure you didn't get up to anything." Harry stared at Dobby. "It was you who was outside Privet Drive as well, wasn't it?" Harry asked. Dumbledore answered, "Yes, I have employed him to keep an eye on you, I'm sorry, but the events earlier this summer meant that we needed to watch you." Harry felt violated, but at the same time he felt partially reassured, Dumbledore was there if he needed him. The wizards were returning to Dumbledore. Harry stared, Professor Lupin was in front. "It's clear, nobody or nothing there, they must have disapparated." Professor Lupin told Dumbledore. "Do you think." Lupin continued but was cut short by Dumbledore, "This is not the time or the place, Remus." Lupin looked at Dumbledore, and then at Harry. "Harry, so we do meet again, as promised." He bowed deeply to Harry, much to Harry's embarrassment. Dumbledore then addressed everyone, "Well it seems to be a false alarm this time, thank you for your quick response, you may go now," And with a series of small pops all the wizards but Dumbledore left. "Well then, you better be getting home, your parents will be worrying about you." "But, how, the tides come in, we're cut off," Hermione said suddenly. "I'm sure Bill will have thought of that," and with that he disapparated. Hermione looked rather wildly at Bill, "How are we getting off?" she asked. "It's alright, there's a whole fleet of little boats we can use. They're left over from when the castle was tourist attraction. Come on." Bill led them to a little inlet on the far side of the island. Ten little boats were moored at a little landing platform. Bill chose the least rickety one. It was painted in a peeling grass green, and was called Jean. Bill rowed them back in silence, and when they reached the beach, he apologised, "I'm really sorry, I've been so stupid taking you there." The others didn't answer, but looked at him in silence. Bill leaned over Jean and tapped her once on the bow with his wand. The little boat shuddered and gratingly pulled itself off the sand. It landed with a small splash in the sea and bobbed off in the direction of the Isle of Celare. Bill turned to them, "Come one we'd better be off then." He started to walk off down the beach, his feet sinking into the wet sand. The others took one last look at Jean who was nearly half way back, and then followed him silently along the road back up to Ottery St Catchpole. They were nearing the outskirts of Ottery St Catchpole when Ron looked round wildly, with a look of panic on his face, "My wand, it's gone, my wand.it's not here," "When did you last have it," said Hermione concerned, "On the island.just before I got stunned. It was in my hand, I thought there was someone in there, so I took it out. It must have fallen out of my hand when I was stunned." Bill looked worried, "Well we can't go back for it, it's too dangerous. It's all my fault. Tomorrow we'll go to Diagon Alley, and I'll buy you a new one. Please don't tell mum, I'm in enough trouble already." Ron looked half upset about loosing his wand, but at the same time, half happy about getting a new one. They had reached the Warren. They all sat on the maple leaf seat together and said Revealium hausia Weasley. Mrs Weasley was running towards them furious. "I've just heard," she yelled from half way across the lawn. "How could you Bill, I've just had Dumbledore himself here, I have never been so ashamed!" Bill looked at the ground. Harry and Hermione looked away. "It's alright mum." Ron said quietly. "Nothing happened." This was obviously the wrong thing to say. Mrs Weasley boiled over, "NOTHING HAPPENED, Nothing happened! You could have been killed," She looked like she had a lot more to say, but paused, and looked at Ron and then Harry with a trace of sadness. "Ron I want you to help me get tea ready." She said, not quite as angrily. Hermione, Ron and Harry headed indoors quite subdued. Harry and Hermione played exploding snap in Ron's room until they were called down for tea. The atmosphere was considerably lighter with Fred and George, and Bill was nowhere to be seen.
The Isle of Celáre
There was no dream that night. Harry slept long and peacefully. He woke up to the sun streaming in through the crack in the curtains. The room seemed on fire with light. Harry rolled over and reached for his glasses. Ron was still fast asleep, so Harry lay and watched the Quidditch players playing on Ron's posters, until Mrs Weasley knocked sharply on the door telling them to get up. Harry got dressed quickly and went down to breakfast. To his great surprise Hermione was sitting at the table, "I invited her to go out with us today," yawned Ron as he tucked into a large bowl of porridge. Harry attacked his, half listening to Hermione relating yet another party with Viktor Krum. After breakfast, Mrs Weasley provided them with a heavy rucksack of food, and then to Harry's surprise Bill apparated in front of them. Mrs Weasley gave him a large hug, and he grinned broadly, "Well are we ready then?" he asked them. Ron grinned back. "Bill is taking us out for the day," he told Hermione and Harry. They set off, along the road, and passed through Ottery St Catchpole. They all laughed when Harry told them about trying to find the house and the lady with the baby thinking he was after some weasels. The sun was beating down on the back of their necks fiercely and their clothes stuck to them as they walked. Bill brought out some cool, refreshing peppermint fizz from his backpack and they sat down in a shady grassy hollow. Bill told them about the time he had to fight single handed against six goblins who were trying to steal some treasure. Hermione listened with obvious admiration. Ron whispered to Harry, "Looks like Krum's got competition." Hermione blushed a deep red, and threw her empty cup at Ron. "Ow!" yelled Ron, as the cup hit him squarely on the chest. In return he threw his cup back, and half a cup of green sticky liquid sprayed over Hermione. Hermione looked furious, and was just about to retaliate when Bill interrupted them by laughing loudly. Hermione stopped mid throw and joined in the laughter. Ron and Harry both started too and the hollow was alive with their laughter.
They carried on, walking along a sunken lane, the hedges and trees making the road into a green tunnel. Harry enjoyed listening to Bill's stories, but he had a nagging suspicion that they were being followed. He turned round quickly several times, and thought he saw something in the corner of his eye. I'm being paranoid he thought, and concentrated on Bill explaining to Hermione how he'd escaped Filch one night when he and his first girl friend Kate decided to steal some potion ingredients for a levitating potion. They'd had to hide in a suit of armour, which was already inhabited by a ghost and who wouldn't let them out again. It was almost an hour later when Bill was talking earnestly to Hermione about some complicated transfigurations and Ron was telling Harry about the latest match of the Chudley Cannons, when Harry first saw the sea. It sparkled beautifully, a deep blue. Harry looked at it longingly. He had never been swimming in the sea. The last time he'd been anywhere near the sea was when Uncle Vernon was trying to stop him receiving his invitation letter to Hogwarts. He couldn't really swim. His class had gone swimming at school but Harry had tried to be ill each time. The few times that he'd actually gone in the water Dudley had held his head under water so long that he'd passed out. Another time he'd been tripped up and cut his head as he fell into the swimming pool, much to the amusement of Dudley's gang. Bill led them down the steep cliffs to the sandy beach. They quickly got changed and ran splashing into the water. Hermione was an excellent swimmer and she and Bill went far out. Harry wasn't so confident, but with Ron's help he was able to swim as long as he wasn't out of his depth. The day was very warm, and the water felt icy cold at first. The sandy beach was completely deserted and Ron, Hermione, Harry and Bill had a wonderful time. When they were all tired, they collapsed on the beach and ate their way though the wonderful spread that Mrs Weasley had provided. It was well past midday when Bill led them on again along the beach. They rounded a headland and Harry was astonished to see an island sitting about a mile out of a large stony bay. The tide was out, and it was possible to walk out along a rocky platform, and then onto rippled sand. "You have to careful here," Bill told them. "There's a lot of quick sand round here, several muggles have perished out here. This island is one of two in the country and only eight in the world, completely muggle invisible islands. Muggles can't see it, and if they're in boats they avoid it instinctively." "Why what's so special about it?" asked Harry interestedly. "It was You Know Who's Headquarters, at one time. It was then a museum for a bit, but closed because there weren't enough visitors." "Isn't it the Island of Celáre, where mum said we mustn't go on any account?" Ron asked rather pointedly. "Did she?" Bill said with exaggerated surprise. "I know it's associated with You Know Who, but what's so dangerous about it now?" asked Hermione. "There's a lot of bad rumours around it." Bill said rather more seriously. "They say people have gone missing there and not many people like it. I don't believe it." They walked towards the island in silence. Harry wasn't sure if he was imagining things, but he felt that there was something bad on the island. As he got closer that his scar started aching, then tingling and then a stabbing pain. By the time they reached the shores of the island, the pain was so bad that Harry stumbled and fell to his knees. He was immediately surrounded by Ron, Hermione and Bill, all of them looking at him with concern. "What's the matter?" said Bill and Hermione at once. "I'm alright," mumbled Harry, their worried faces swimming in front of his eyes. As he spoke however, the pain lessened, and he was able to stand up straight. "I'm alright," he said again with a little more conviction.
"What happened?" said Hermione, "Do you want to go back?" asked Bill. "No, no. It was absolutely nothing." Harry said vehemently. He was embarrassed that he had shown how weak he was, especially in front of Bill who was so cool. Harry pushed angrily forward towards the island leaving the others behind him. All the same he was worried. Why did his scar hurt so? Surely Voldemort wasn't anywhere near, or did his evil presence remain and cause his scar to hurt? Were they in any danger, and should he tell the others? Harry slowed and waited for the others. They looked at him strangely, but didn't ask him any more questions. They had reached the island and the castle loomed darkly. Harry didn't know if he was imagining it, but it looked like the entire castle was in darkness despite the bright sunlight. Ravens circled it; their harsh calls filled the air. The building itself looked in disrepair. The first two floors were more or less intact, but above that there was no glass in the windows, and black darkness stared out of them. The fourth floor was a complete ruin, with only half walls, although the roof supports were still there looking like a black rib cage. Harry and the others walked towards the ornate front of the building. Huge pillars surrounded a massive black door, ornately carved with dragons and other beasts. Walking closer they saw that several windows were smashed, and weeds were growing out of the cracked stone pavement. Harry felt his scar becoming painful again. He lagged behind the others. Ron however was speeding up excited to see the forbidden castle. Hermione slowed and joined Harry. "Are you really alright?" she asked Harry in a quiet voice.
"It's my scar, its hurting," said Harry, "It's hurting more the closer we get." "Do you want to stop or go back?" "Can we just stop for a bit?" Harry replied. They sat down and looked out at the sea. Harry sat down and felt the warm sun caress his body. When he wasn't looking at the castle of Celáre the pain lessened. All the same Harry still had the feeling he was being watched. There was a sudden scream. Hermione and Harry knew immediately it was Ron. They leapt up, and ran towards the castle. Bill had Ron in his arms and was running towards them. "I think he's alright," Bill told them breathlessly, "I think he's just knocked out." "What happened?" Harry said looking at the pale lifeless Ron in his brother's arms. "I don't know, he was just in front of me looking in one of the broken windows when he screamed and collapsed. I think he was stunned. We better get out of here. There's somebody or something in there." Bill laid Ron gently down on the beach, and shook him. Ron remained lifeless. There was suddenly a swishing noise on the air. Wizards were apparating around them. Harry, Hermione and Bill drew their wands, but to their bewilderment Dumbledore stepped forth. He said nothing to them, but knelt by Ron, and whispered enervate into his ear. Ron slowly sat up, and looked round him stupidly. "What's, who. what's going on?" he mumbled. Dumbledore stood up, he pointed with his wand toward the castle, "Search it," he said loudly. He then turned to the four. "Bill I would have expected more than this from you. I hold you responsible for this, you should have heeded your parents' advice, this is a dangerous place, and you have brought these children into danger." Bill hung his head in the deepest shame. There was a long silence, and eventually Hermione asked nervously, "What happened, and how did you know?" "As for what happened I don't know, who ever it was has probably disapparated by now. It was probably just some wizard trying to scare you. As for your second question Miss Granger, how did I know? Well I think Harry here might know."
"There's been someone following us, hasn't there sir? Walking behind us when we were out." "Yes, and haven't you worked out who yet?"
"No," said Harry blankly, "Show yourself," Dumbledore commanded. There was a small pop and Dobby appeared by Dumbledore's legs. "Dobby!" exclaimed Harry He grinned at Harry, "I been watching you" he said happily. "Dumbledore trusted me to watch you, and make sure you didn't get up to anything." Harry stared at Dobby. "It was you who was outside Privet Drive as well, wasn't it?" Harry asked. Dumbledore answered, "Yes, I have employed him to keep an eye on you, I'm sorry, but the events earlier this summer meant that we needed to watch you." Harry felt violated, but at the same time he felt partially reassured, Dumbledore was there if he needed him. The wizards were returning to Dumbledore. Harry stared, Professor Lupin was in front. "It's clear, nobody or nothing there, they must have disapparated." Professor Lupin told Dumbledore. "Do you think." Lupin continued but was cut short by Dumbledore, "This is not the time or the place, Remus." Lupin looked at Dumbledore, and then at Harry. "Harry, so we do meet again, as promised." He bowed deeply to Harry, much to Harry's embarrassment. Dumbledore then addressed everyone, "Well it seems to be a false alarm this time, thank you for your quick response, you may go now," And with a series of small pops all the wizards but Dumbledore left. "Well then, you better be getting home, your parents will be worrying about you." "But, how, the tides come in, we're cut off," Hermione said suddenly. "I'm sure Bill will have thought of that," and with that he disapparated. Hermione looked rather wildly at Bill, "How are we getting off?" she asked. "It's alright, there's a whole fleet of little boats we can use. They're left over from when the castle was tourist attraction. Come on." Bill led them to a little inlet on the far side of the island. Ten little boats were moored at a little landing platform. Bill chose the least rickety one. It was painted in a peeling grass green, and was called Jean. Bill rowed them back in silence, and when they reached the beach, he apologised, "I'm really sorry, I've been so stupid taking you there." The others didn't answer, but looked at him in silence. Bill leaned over Jean and tapped her once on the bow with his wand. The little boat shuddered and gratingly pulled itself off the sand. It landed with a small splash in the sea and bobbed off in the direction of the Isle of Celare. Bill turned to them, "Come one we'd better be off then." He started to walk off down the beach, his feet sinking into the wet sand. The others took one last look at Jean who was nearly half way back, and then followed him silently along the road back up to Ottery St Catchpole. They were nearing the outskirts of Ottery St Catchpole when Ron looked round wildly, with a look of panic on his face, "My wand, it's gone, my wand.it's not here," "When did you last have it," said Hermione concerned, "On the island.just before I got stunned. It was in my hand, I thought there was someone in there, so I took it out. It must have fallen out of my hand when I was stunned." Bill looked worried, "Well we can't go back for it, it's too dangerous. It's all my fault. Tomorrow we'll go to Diagon Alley, and I'll buy you a new one. Please don't tell mum, I'm in enough trouble already." Ron looked half upset about loosing his wand, but at the same time, half happy about getting a new one. They had reached the Warren. They all sat on the maple leaf seat together and said Revealium hausia Weasley. Mrs Weasley was running towards them furious. "I've just heard," she yelled from half way across the lawn. "How could you Bill, I've just had Dumbledore himself here, I have never been so ashamed!" Bill looked at the ground. Harry and Hermione looked away. "It's alright mum." Ron said quietly. "Nothing happened." This was obviously the wrong thing to say. Mrs Weasley boiled over, "NOTHING HAPPENED, Nothing happened! You could have been killed," She looked like she had a lot more to say, but paused, and looked at Ron and then Harry with a trace of sadness. "Ron I want you to help me get tea ready." She said, not quite as angrily. Hermione, Ron and Harry headed indoors quite subdued. Harry and Hermione played exploding snap in Ron's room until they were called down for tea. The atmosphere was considerably lighter with Fred and George, and Bill was nowhere to be seen.