A/N: Hey everyone, thanks soooooo much for reviewing, it is really
encouraging. I also want to thank Tori and Steph for beginning their story,
it's really gr8 *sob* only jokes but yeah, carry on. Thanks to many other
people for reading and reviewing!!!
Chapter 4: Cleanup of the Burrow
The house behind Harry, namely the Burrow went caving in like dominoes. Each level landed a top the other, demolishing everything and anything. Harry turned around. His eyes landed on the Weasleys. The only people even vaguely conscious were Ron and Ginny. This was perhaps because they had both been through so much with Harry especially Ginny. Harry was fuming and as he walked to free his hosts a thin trail of green fire cleared the mushed up Burrow remains before him. Harry looked at Ginny and knew she was remembering her first year at Hogwarts. He reached his wand out but before the spell's words were uttered out of his mouth the ropes snapped away and burnt into nothing more than ashes. Both Ginny and Ron dragged themselves away from the spikes. Ron collapsed, his face contorted in pain. Ginny however heaved herself up and staggered forward to help Harry drag everyone away.
"Come Harry." she gasped ".we've got to get them to the house." She gasped.
Harry stared at Ginny.
"Ginny." he paused
".what house?"
Ginny turned to where the Burrow had once stood, her eyes opened wide in shock. A familiar popping sounded behing Harry and he whipped around thinking Voldemort was staging a second attack. A wizard clad in black ministry robes held out a piece of parchment and started reading.
"Mr Potter, we have received evident information that you have been using magic. You fully understand the wizarding magic restriction, you have had multiple warnings and heed to listen thus we are forced to have you oblige us in meeting Mr Cornelius Fudge, British Minister of Magic to discuss punishment and/or possible expulsion from Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry."
Harry stood still, his arms folded across his chest trying to vent his anger. When the ministry wizard glanced up from reading he went speechless and looked from the burrow to Harry then to the Weasleys and again to Harry.
"Wha-what happened?" he asked dumbstruck, completely forgetting the reason in which he had come.
"Voldemort and his death eaters attacked." Answered Harry waiting to see what the ministry official's reaction would be.
The man jumped at the mention of Voldemort's name.
"It can't have been.you." he looked at Harry then nervously continued. ".you killed him as a baby."
Harry shook his head angrily.
"Deprived him of strength and a body, yes but never killed. He has been revived and will wreak havoc. Dark days will once again befall the world and you," he said gesticulating at the official, "are among the first to see his path of destruction."
Although Harry though, sure he had ruined most of the landscape but that was Voldemort's fault. He had messed with Harry at the wrong time. The ministry wizard looked extremely disbelieving.
"Mmmmmmh." Groaned someone.
Harry turned around. Mr Weasley had just opened his eyes and was getting up, wincing as he felt his back.
"Is everyone alright?" he asked hoarsely.
The fear in his voice was evident. It was the fear of losing a loved one. Harry answered in place of the others.
"They're all fine Mr Weasley, it's just um.your house, I'm really sorry." The words spilled out of his mouth.
"Ah, Arthur, what happened here, I'm getting a ridiculous story about You- know-who and from Harry Potter himself!"
Mr Weasley shot the wizard and venomous glare.
"It's no lie Cezro. He was indeed here, but.what happened Harry?"
"Remember in the kitchen?" said Harry. "Well.that's what happened."
Mr Weasley stared at Harry, "You're serious?" he croacked.
"Um, excuse me Arthur." exclaimed the ministry official.
"Oh, stop gibbering and go get help!" said Harry hurriedly.
The official looked mildly offended but recomposed himself as would have the likes of Percy, then apparated away. It seemed that Mr Weasley had just noticed Ginny and Ron were conscious.
"Ginny, Ron!" he leapt forward and hugged them. "Are you okay?"
"Dad, I'm fine, let's just get the others." Said Ginny. Ron just nodded mutely. Ginny made to wake Fred.
"Ginny, leave them for a while." Said Mr Weasley
He walked forward to examine their injuries. Frowning, he muttered some mild healing spells.
"We'll have to wait for the medi-wizards to arrive and do a proper job." He said.
Harry sat down heavily on the floor remembering that Sirius had been abducted by Voldemort. 'I swear I'll rescue you, if it's the last thing I do.' Thought Harry. He stood up quite suddenly as about 20 ministry wizards and a couple of witches apparated on to the grounds. All of them opened their eyes wide in astonishment as they registered the remains of a house, injured people and a destroyed garden. A tall, thin wizard with grey hair and a stubbly chin at the front, snapped to attention.
"Well, get working!" he barked.
The other wizards cast a curious glance at Harry and rushed off to help sort everything into some kind of order. The tall wizard strode over to Mr Weasley.
"Arthur, what is the meaning of this?"
Mr Weasley breathed heavily and related the entire story to the official minus the Sirius bit. Seemingly the 'clean-up-crew' had stopped to listen. By the end of the tale, 20 mouths gawked at Harry in awe and respect. Harry cringed visibly beneath the attention. Sure, Voldemort he could handle on a good day, but his fame.that was intimidating. Ron who had been silent the entire time now chipped in.
"What's going to happen about a house?" he asked throwing a sidelong glance at Harry.
The head official cleared his throat authoritively and said,
"We will have to relocate you Arthur. You will be paid out for all lost and damaged property. Oh and Mr Potter, you may forget the warning but this does not mean we will go easy on you in the case of further magic use."
Harry nodded numbly and slipped into thinking about Sirius. Where could he be? The rest of the Weasleys and Hermione were magicked on to stretchers which were then taken to a shady patch of trees at the end of the orchard where they were being healed and checked on. Ginny walked over to Harry and mumbled,
"Harry, I'm really sorry about Sirius." She lifted her head and glanced at Harry.
"Thanks Ginny." Said Harry.
He bit his tongue to keep from saying something about getting revenge on Voldemort.
"Don't worry, he'll soon be safe."
*********
Voldemort stood in the dark stone slabbed room; his face was contorted in rage, made worse by the shadows flickering across it.
"Aaaah!" he yelled.
His shout was followed by a whimper from Wormtail.
"WHAT IS WRONG WITH ALL OF YOU?"
He ranted and raved for a few more minutes. By the end of his fit every one of the death eaters was cowering fearfully below him.
"SEVERUS! WHERE IS SEVERUS?" he spat.
A very dejected looking man stumbled forward, his nose was smeared in blood and his arm stuck out at an odd angle.
"What is all hell were you doing tying the Potter boy up unaided by magic."
Voldemort's voice was barely a whisper, which was perhaps even worse than if he had yelled it.
Snape wanted to give Voldemort a good kick. He pulled himself together.
"I'm sorry my Lord, I wasn't thinking."
"NO Severus, I don't think it's a matter of not thinking, I think it more so a matter of trust. Tell me honestly whose side you are on because I'm not convinced." Voldemort was glaring at Snape, his wand pointed at his chest.
Snape panicked but hurriedly calmed himself down.
"My Lord, of course I am on your side. I live to please and serve your every command." Said Snape almost in a begging tone.
"Indeed Severus. I am yet to be convinced. Consider yourself lucky, I will not derank you but you won't get away unpunished either." Said Voldemort as a savage grin spread across his face.
"CRUCIO"
******** Cornelius Fudge stormed in to Dumbeldore's office followed closely by an irritated Professor McGonagall.
"Albus, what is the meaning of this?" said Fudge motioning his arms dramatically.
Dumbeldore sat at his desk; the usual twinkle in his blue eyes was non- existent. His mouth was set in a straight line and he appeared older than ever. His face was traced in hundreds of wrinkles and creases. McGonagall was looking on furiously at Fudge.
"Minister, I told you, the headmaster is busy with important work!"
Fudge waved a hand dismissively in her direction and proceeded,
"What is the point of scaring everyone by spreading ridiculous rumours and nonsense? You-know-who's return, honestly? No one in their right mind would believe such a tale."
Dumbeldore waited patiently for the minister to finish.
I believe we have had this discussion before, Cornelius." Said Dumbeldore, his voice slow and steady.
"But Albus." pleaded Fudge, ".look at it logically. How could he possibly have returned, we all know what happened fourteen years ago?"
"Cornelius, were you so blind, you could not see the signs, then Harry Potter comes back with proof. I remain firm in my decision. If you are willing to take chances, you are leading everyone into great danger."
Dumbeldore's brow had started creasing into a frown. Fudge on the other hand looked absolutely livid.
"I will resettle Arthur and his family, but I refuse to believe in you-know- who's return, let alone announce it!"
With that he pushed past McGonagall and exited down Dumbeldore's moving staircase. McGonagall was about to launch in to a fully-fledged debate about Fudge's rudeness and ignorance but was silenced by Dumbeldore's hand. Shaking his head he said,
"Minerva, he knows not what he does."
This didn't really seem to calm McGonagall but she kept silent nevertheless. Dumbeldore snapped his gaze back up and asked,
"How's Harry?"
McGonagall looked a bit taken aback by the sudden change of topic.
"He's fine Albus, but Sirius was taken."
Dumbeldore's wizened face fell. Seeing this in Dumbeldore scared McGonagall even more than when Sirius had transformed from Snuffles in to himself.
~Flashback~
One second a dog stood before the professor, the next a man, namely an escaped convict kind of man. McGonagall yelped and yanked out her wand. Dumbeldore watched the exchange in amusement and recited the entire story to McGonagall. By the end of it, she had tears streaming down her face and had squeezed Sirius in a tight hug, while she apologised. Sirius could not have been more shocked, the woman who had given him well over 300 detentions in his time at Hogwarts had now gone a bit mushy. McGonagall had seen Sirius' change of expression and smiled slightly.
"We cant remain in the past forever Black."
~End of Flashback~
McGonagall snapped herself from her trip down memory lane, bade Dumbeldore a quick farewell and returned to her office to finish planning classes, marking and setting exams. Dumbeldore stroked the phoenix that had just landed on his arm.
"Has it happened Fawkes? Asked the headmaster.
The phoenix let out a soft trill that clearly answered a yes. Dumbeldore smiled and went on to worrying about Sirius.
A/N: Thanks sooooo much for reading everyone, please review! I'm really sorry about the last chapters I've been doing, and haven't double spaced. Thanks to: Wquad- Finally here for you! Mike Potter 2002- Thanks a bunch! Nicky- Carry on reading! Lauren- Great to know that! Miranda Flairgold- Thanks for the note, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Angel of Light- Thanks Les, I'll try to write faster! AJ- thanks!!! Max 77- WOW, what a compliment, I couldn't agree more! Little Ear BigEar's sis- I agree! Caitlind- I hope you got the email! Jennyo Turkey- sorry I didn't send the Snidget sooner, Hope you got it!
NB: I would also like to add that;
I will be writing a new story, that's why it took so long to get this chapter up. My most constant and faithful reviewer will have their name mentioned somewhere in the actual story, so get reviewing!!!
Chapter 4: Cleanup of the Burrow
The house behind Harry, namely the Burrow went caving in like dominoes. Each level landed a top the other, demolishing everything and anything. Harry turned around. His eyes landed on the Weasleys. The only people even vaguely conscious were Ron and Ginny. This was perhaps because they had both been through so much with Harry especially Ginny. Harry was fuming and as he walked to free his hosts a thin trail of green fire cleared the mushed up Burrow remains before him. Harry looked at Ginny and knew she was remembering her first year at Hogwarts. He reached his wand out but before the spell's words were uttered out of his mouth the ropes snapped away and burnt into nothing more than ashes. Both Ginny and Ron dragged themselves away from the spikes. Ron collapsed, his face contorted in pain. Ginny however heaved herself up and staggered forward to help Harry drag everyone away.
"Come Harry." she gasped ".we've got to get them to the house." She gasped.
Harry stared at Ginny.
"Ginny." he paused
".what house?"
Ginny turned to where the Burrow had once stood, her eyes opened wide in shock. A familiar popping sounded behing Harry and he whipped around thinking Voldemort was staging a second attack. A wizard clad in black ministry robes held out a piece of parchment and started reading.
"Mr Potter, we have received evident information that you have been using magic. You fully understand the wizarding magic restriction, you have had multiple warnings and heed to listen thus we are forced to have you oblige us in meeting Mr Cornelius Fudge, British Minister of Magic to discuss punishment and/or possible expulsion from Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry."
Harry stood still, his arms folded across his chest trying to vent his anger. When the ministry wizard glanced up from reading he went speechless and looked from the burrow to Harry then to the Weasleys and again to Harry.
"Wha-what happened?" he asked dumbstruck, completely forgetting the reason in which he had come.
"Voldemort and his death eaters attacked." Answered Harry waiting to see what the ministry official's reaction would be.
The man jumped at the mention of Voldemort's name.
"It can't have been.you." he looked at Harry then nervously continued. ".you killed him as a baby."
Harry shook his head angrily.
"Deprived him of strength and a body, yes but never killed. He has been revived and will wreak havoc. Dark days will once again befall the world and you," he said gesticulating at the official, "are among the first to see his path of destruction."
Although Harry though, sure he had ruined most of the landscape but that was Voldemort's fault. He had messed with Harry at the wrong time. The ministry wizard looked extremely disbelieving.
"Mmmmmmh." Groaned someone.
Harry turned around. Mr Weasley had just opened his eyes and was getting up, wincing as he felt his back.
"Is everyone alright?" he asked hoarsely.
The fear in his voice was evident. It was the fear of losing a loved one. Harry answered in place of the others.
"They're all fine Mr Weasley, it's just um.your house, I'm really sorry." The words spilled out of his mouth.
"Ah, Arthur, what happened here, I'm getting a ridiculous story about You- know-who and from Harry Potter himself!"
Mr Weasley shot the wizard and venomous glare.
"It's no lie Cezro. He was indeed here, but.what happened Harry?"
"Remember in the kitchen?" said Harry. "Well.that's what happened."
Mr Weasley stared at Harry, "You're serious?" he croacked.
"Um, excuse me Arthur." exclaimed the ministry official.
"Oh, stop gibbering and go get help!" said Harry hurriedly.
The official looked mildly offended but recomposed himself as would have the likes of Percy, then apparated away. It seemed that Mr Weasley had just noticed Ginny and Ron were conscious.
"Ginny, Ron!" he leapt forward and hugged them. "Are you okay?"
"Dad, I'm fine, let's just get the others." Said Ginny. Ron just nodded mutely. Ginny made to wake Fred.
"Ginny, leave them for a while." Said Mr Weasley
He walked forward to examine their injuries. Frowning, he muttered some mild healing spells.
"We'll have to wait for the medi-wizards to arrive and do a proper job." He said.
Harry sat down heavily on the floor remembering that Sirius had been abducted by Voldemort. 'I swear I'll rescue you, if it's the last thing I do.' Thought Harry. He stood up quite suddenly as about 20 ministry wizards and a couple of witches apparated on to the grounds. All of them opened their eyes wide in astonishment as they registered the remains of a house, injured people and a destroyed garden. A tall, thin wizard with grey hair and a stubbly chin at the front, snapped to attention.
"Well, get working!" he barked.
The other wizards cast a curious glance at Harry and rushed off to help sort everything into some kind of order. The tall wizard strode over to Mr Weasley.
"Arthur, what is the meaning of this?"
Mr Weasley breathed heavily and related the entire story to the official minus the Sirius bit. Seemingly the 'clean-up-crew' had stopped to listen. By the end of the tale, 20 mouths gawked at Harry in awe and respect. Harry cringed visibly beneath the attention. Sure, Voldemort he could handle on a good day, but his fame.that was intimidating. Ron who had been silent the entire time now chipped in.
"What's going to happen about a house?" he asked throwing a sidelong glance at Harry.
The head official cleared his throat authoritively and said,
"We will have to relocate you Arthur. You will be paid out for all lost and damaged property. Oh and Mr Potter, you may forget the warning but this does not mean we will go easy on you in the case of further magic use."
Harry nodded numbly and slipped into thinking about Sirius. Where could he be? The rest of the Weasleys and Hermione were magicked on to stretchers which were then taken to a shady patch of trees at the end of the orchard where they were being healed and checked on. Ginny walked over to Harry and mumbled,
"Harry, I'm really sorry about Sirius." She lifted her head and glanced at Harry.
"Thanks Ginny." Said Harry.
He bit his tongue to keep from saying something about getting revenge on Voldemort.
"Don't worry, he'll soon be safe."
*********
Voldemort stood in the dark stone slabbed room; his face was contorted in rage, made worse by the shadows flickering across it.
"Aaaah!" he yelled.
His shout was followed by a whimper from Wormtail.
"WHAT IS WRONG WITH ALL OF YOU?"
He ranted and raved for a few more minutes. By the end of his fit every one of the death eaters was cowering fearfully below him.
"SEVERUS! WHERE IS SEVERUS?" he spat.
A very dejected looking man stumbled forward, his nose was smeared in blood and his arm stuck out at an odd angle.
"What is all hell were you doing tying the Potter boy up unaided by magic."
Voldemort's voice was barely a whisper, which was perhaps even worse than if he had yelled it.
Snape wanted to give Voldemort a good kick. He pulled himself together.
"I'm sorry my Lord, I wasn't thinking."
"NO Severus, I don't think it's a matter of not thinking, I think it more so a matter of trust. Tell me honestly whose side you are on because I'm not convinced." Voldemort was glaring at Snape, his wand pointed at his chest.
Snape panicked but hurriedly calmed himself down.
"My Lord, of course I am on your side. I live to please and serve your every command." Said Snape almost in a begging tone.
"Indeed Severus. I am yet to be convinced. Consider yourself lucky, I will not derank you but you won't get away unpunished either." Said Voldemort as a savage grin spread across his face.
"CRUCIO"
******** Cornelius Fudge stormed in to Dumbeldore's office followed closely by an irritated Professor McGonagall.
"Albus, what is the meaning of this?" said Fudge motioning his arms dramatically.
Dumbeldore sat at his desk; the usual twinkle in his blue eyes was non- existent. His mouth was set in a straight line and he appeared older than ever. His face was traced in hundreds of wrinkles and creases. McGonagall was looking on furiously at Fudge.
"Minister, I told you, the headmaster is busy with important work!"
Fudge waved a hand dismissively in her direction and proceeded,
"What is the point of scaring everyone by spreading ridiculous rumours and nonsense? You-know-who's return, honestly? No one in their right mind would believe such a tale."
Dumbeldore waited patiently for the minister to finish.
I believe we have had this discussion before, Cornelius." Said Dumbeldore, his voice slow and steady.
"But Albus." pleaded Fudge, ".look at it logically. How could he possibly have returned, we all know what happened fourteen years ago?"
"Cornelius, were you so blind, you could not see the signs, then Harry Potter comes back with proof. I remain firm in my decision. If you are willing to take chances, you are leading everyone into great danger."
Dumbeldore's brow had started creasing into a frown. Fudge on the other hand looked absolutely livid.
"I will resettle Arthur and his family, but I refuse to believe in you-know- who's return, let alone announce it!"
With that he pushed past McGonagall and exited down Dumbeldore's moving staircase. McGonagall was about to launch in to a fully-fledged debate about Fudge's rudeness and ignorance but was silenced by Dumbeldore's hand. Shaking his head he said,
"Minerva, he knows not what he does."
This didn't really seem to calm McGonagall but she kept silent nevertheless. Dumbeldore snapped his gaze back up and asked,
"How's Harry?"
McGonagall looked a bit taken aback by the sudden change of topic.
"He's fine Albus, but Sirius was taken."
Dumbeldore's wizened face fell. Seeing this in Dumbeldore scared McGonagall even more than when Sirius had transformed from Snuffles in to himself.
~Flashback~
One second a dog stood before the professor, the next a man, namely an escaped convict kind of man. McGonagall yelped and yanked out her wand. Dumbeldore watched the exchange in amusement and recited the entire story to McGonagall. By the end of it, she had tears streaming down her face and had squeezed Sirius in a tight hug, while she apologised. Sirius could not have been more shocked, the woman who had given him well over 300 detentions in his time at Hogwarts had now gone a bit mushy. McGonagall had seen Sirius' change of expression and smiled slightly.
"We cant remain in the past forever Black."
~End of Flashback~
McGonagall snapped herself from her trip down memory lane, bade Dumbeldore a quick farewell and returned to her office to finish planning classes, marking and setting exams. Dumbeldore stroked the phoenix that had just landed on his arm.
"Has it happened Fawkes? Asked the headmaster.
The phoenix let out a soft trill that clearly answered a yes. Dumbeldore smiled and went on to worrying about Sirius.
A/N: Thanks sooooo much for reading everyone, please review! I'm really sorry about the last chapters I've been doing, and haven't double spaced. Thanks to: Wquad- Finally here for you! Mike Potter 2002- Thanks a bunch! Nicky- Carry on reading! Lauren- Great to know that! Miranda Flairgold- Thanks for the note, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Angel of Light- Thanks Les, I'll try to write faster! AJ- thanks!!! Max 77- WOW, what a compliment, I couldn't agree more! Little Ear BigEar's sis- I agree! Caitlind- I hope you got the email! Jennyo Turkey- sorry I didn't send the Snidget sooner, Hope you got it!
NB: I would also like to add that;
I will be writing a new story, that's why it took so long to get this chapter up. My most constant and faithful reviewer will have their name mentioned somewhere in the actual story, so get reviewing!!!