Chapter Two Aunt Petunia
That night Harry was restless. His scar kept burning and he was afraid to go to sleep, afraid he might see Voldemort or become Voldemort again. He shut his eyes, forced them into a line and held his breath. He was waiting for something, something he didn't know. He felt fright roll over him and sleep seize his breath. He must not sleep, he must not dream. he had to open his eyes, wake up do something. TAP! Harry forced the noise away. he must be dreaming, drifting off into another world... TAP! Sweat clung to his body and held his clothes tightly to his skin. TAP! TAP! TAP! Harry jolted up and searched the dark room. Hedwig was flying out side his window, now tapping impatiently.
Harry sighed in relief and let her in. She happily gave Harry another dead rat in which he thanked her for and put in her cage. She began to soar around the room merrily before she landed on Harry's bed post. She hooted and held out her leg to him. Harry took the note and undid it.
Harry,
After our last talk and I think you got and I gave the wrong impression of your father. He didn't always act like you saw him, he seriously didn't. You saw him when he was around your mum and he always acted like a major idiot, but he was no more an idiot than you and Ron act sometimes. He was brave and righteous and all those things people tell you about him. He was my best friend, always was, always will be. If there was anything I could take back it would be that I was your parents Secret Keeper. I was just too doubtful about my strength. I mean my own family, own flesh and blood was out for my kill, my brother and cousins, even my God damn mum. I just felt Wormtail would have been better, and I was wrong, and Harry. I can never make that up to James, Lily, myself and at most of all you. I know I am in no way close to be the father you never had. but you are the son I always wanted. I would do anything for you, anything you asked. Just promise me something. if I ever get in trouble by any means, don't rush to my side. I can protect myself to a point and if I can't, than it is time I met up with James again. Harry, though I might not act like it sometimes I..
Harry flipped to note over but there was nothing.it stopped. Harry reread it again and again. it was from Sirius. Harry looked at his clock. midnight. He stood up, pulled a sweater over his pj's and marched out of the room, out of the house and down Privet Drive. He clutched the letter tightly in his hand his eyes burning to water, but he didn't let them. he had to know. He knocked on Ms. Fig's door softly. There was no movement inside. he knocked again, nearly pounding the door in. A light flew on and old Ms. Fig flung open the door, a pan in hand.
"HARRY JAMES POTTER! WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU DOING OUT AND ABOUT AT NIGHT? GET IN HERE RIGHT NOW!" Arebella screamed at the top of her aged lungs. She pulled Harry's collar and threw him in the house. "Explain!" She barked.
Harry frowned slightly and handed her the note. She read it, her eyes softening as she did. Finally she looked up at Harry and forced a smile. "I see. I see." She soothed softly. She gave back the letter and fell into the arm chair closed to her.
"I was wondering if I could call on Lupin. I want to know something." Harry said finally after a moment of silence.
"Of course, of course." Ms. Fig "shoed" him toward the fire.
Harry gripped some dust and threw it into the fire. "Number 12 Grimmauld Place" he said clearly.
"Who. who there?" said an awkward shy voice. "Masters and Mistresses are sleeping."
"Dobby?" Harry hissed.
"I know the Dobby of which you speak of Sir." The voice said. "But I is Kreacher." The small house elf came into view of the fire, somewhat shaking. He was different from the last time Harry saw him. He was clean cut and not as oddly shaped. "Oh, you is Harry Potter, my late master's God child." The elf squealed as it took a bow.
Harry raised an eyebrow. this was odd.
"You must forgive Kreacher's behavior when last seen. Mistress told Kreacher that was no way to behave and I have changed Harry Potter. I think now you is honorable and such a good person." The house elf chimed still talking quickly and in a bow.
"Err. thanks." Harry said. "Do you think I could talk to."
"And Kreacher must say sorry for what he did. I lied to you Harry Potter and I got my great Master killed." The house elf dove into a heap on the floor it began kicking and scream. tear forming in its eyes. "I is sorry Harry Potter, I is truly."
"It's alright Kreacher." Harry said weirdly. "Err. do you think I could talk to Lupin?"
"Master Remus?" Kreacher squealed now straightening himself up. "I is not allowed to bother anyone but my Mistress. she says that in time they will respect me, but till then I must keep to myself." Kreacher nodded as though he agreed.
"Please Kreacher, I must speak to him." Harry begged.
Kreacher stared at him in disbelief. he folded is hand over one another and watch Harry edgily. "But Kreacher will be punished. I must not disturb sleeping."
"It's like an order that you wake up Lupin and tell him I'm here." Harry pressed somewhat annoyed.
Kreacher smiled. "An order? That is an order, and order to wake up Master Remus for Master Harry. It is an order, an order." Kreacher continued as he disappeared into thin air.
A minute or two went by before Harry heard foot steps coming from the stairs. Hair astray, robes pulled over his pj's was Lupin. "Harry? What the blazed are you doing? It's passed midnight." Lupin sat groggily as he sat down in his chair.
"Professor, Hedwig just delivered this." Harry held out the letter into the fire. Lupin got on the floor and read it though the flames.
"From Sirius?" Lupin gasped, now wide awake.
"Why did you send it to me?" Harry pressed.
"I didn't. I knew he wrote it and I shoved it in his drawer when we got back. He was writing it before Buckbeak got hurt and had not been able to finish it. But who would send it?" Lupin stood and started pacing.
"I don't know." Harry trailed off. He leaned back on his hands.
"Harry, this could be bad. I want you to stay with Arebella tonight and go home right away tomorrow and stay there. I'll owl you as soon as I know something. Do you understand Harry?" Lupin rolled over his hair and stared at Harry intently.
"Of course, but how could it be bad?" Harry asked.
"I'll tell you as soon as I can." And with those words Lupin was gone from sight.
The house was still. There was no noise and Harry was still staring into the empty fireplace.
"Well. I guess. you'll be needing a bed to sleep in." Ms. Fig barely whispered. Her voice, even that soft, brought Harry back to the hard cold stone of the fireplace and the darkness of the night. He just nodded, stood, messed with his hair and followed Arebella down the hallway without a word.
She opened a door, peered in, sighed happily and fully pressed open the door. Harry walked in, over looking the room. It was small, much like his room at the Dursleys. It had a twin bed and a nightstand and even a window over looking the street. "Now, Harry dear, the bathroom is at the end of the hall and my room is the door right before that one, in case you need anything." Ms. Fig said merrily as though trying to lighten the mood. Harry nodded and sat on the bed, staring into space. Arebella smiled slightly and closed the door just so there was a crack.
Finally after what seemed like days of just sitting there, Harry snuggled under the covers and shut his eyes. Though Arebella could do no magic and was completely helpless if Voldemort himself came and attacked him, he felt save.
"I can't!" said a firm hissing voice from the hall way. Harry opened his eyes and stared at the light leaking through the door.
"And Why not?" Ms. Fig's harsh voice squealed.
"Because if I walk with him like I am. he mustn't know who I am till Dumbledore sees fit he does and if I take him in my other form. he might think I'm. you know." The voice tailed off.
"Hummm.. Yes, that would create a problem." Arebella said.
"Yes, it would. you take him and I'll follow in the shadows. can't be too far, it's not really that big of a deal. Not as big as some." The voice continued.
"Fine." Sighed Arebella and a single pair of footstep dissented the stairs.
The door was pushed open and Arebella stood in the frame. "Ah, you're up Harry." She said sweetly. "How about a spot of breakfast and then off you go." Harry nodded, threw the covers off of him and followed Arebella down stairs.
The kitchen table was littered with plates and cups. most filled with something. There were eggs and bacon and tea and milk and pumpkin juice. it look like a small vision of a Hogwarts Breakfast. Harry pushed this from his thought; thinking of Hogwarts was almost too painful. He helped himself to a little of everything as Arebella leaned over the table watching him intently.
When he finished Arebella stood up, pulled Harry to his feet and dragged him to the kitchen door. "Clean up won't you?" She hissed behind Harry's head. When he looked around the plates and cups and food were all gone. Harry blink, rubbed his eyes did everything you can think of doing when you think you're not seeing right, but the table was clear. "You alright Harry dear?" Arebella nearly barked.
Harry nodded fiercely and pushed his way out of the house, Ms. Fig shutting the door behind him with a snap. The sun was nearly up and the dew was fresh on the ground. Harry kept combing the shadows for something or someone following them, but he didn't see anything. perhaps they were taking someone else somewhere. Once at Privet Drive, Ms. Fig left him and before he could say thank you or even good bye she was streaking down the walk hissing for someone to come here this instant.
A week went by with no word from Ms. Fig or Lupin or anyone. Harry still sent his owls to Mad Eye and Ron, but never got any in return. perhaps they were scared it would get intercepted like Dumbledore said his was. and then Harry only started writing a sentence.
Lupin, Everything fine here, send everyone my greetings Harry
It was Sunday morning. a whole weeks after his last letter, which was the mysterious one from Sirius. when he got his letter.
One was his thick Hogwarts letter crested with the Hogwarts shield and the second, thinner but the same yellow parchment and green ink. Harry tore open the thick one first. the usual, welcome back to another year at Hogwarts. blah blah blah. we are pleased to be having you back.. Blah blah blah. and then the list of school books.
Standard Book of Spells: Grade Six
By: Miranda Goshawk The Dark Arts
By: Robert Trimble Seer and Seeing
By: Jackie Dessen Expert's Guide to Transfiguration
By: Emeric Switch
Harry smiled slightly. at least he got a letter. and threw the parchment on his bed. He then turned to the next envelope. He ripped it open.
Dear Mr. Potter,
Last year as your fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry you took the Ordinary Wizarding Level exam. You're results were promised in July and so here they are. Congratulation on behave of the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts!
Astronomy: E Care of Magical Creatures: E Charms: O Defense Against the Dark Arts O Divinations: E Herbology: E History of Magic: D Potions: O Transfiguration: O
Harry's eyes bugged out of his head. he would never have expected. never in his life. He had to tell someone.anyone. He gripped the letter in his hand, bolted from the room and out the front door. He wanted to go tell Ms. Fig, but she never got happy about anything. maybe Aunt Petunia. no, she'd be disappointed he wasn't flunking out maybe..
"HARRY!" Mark Evans was sprinting down the side walk right at him. He stopped right in front of Harry, panting his brains out. Harry shoved the letter in his pocket before Mark could see it. "Oh. I just got it.. Oh. Harry. are. you.." Mark was holding his knees gasping for breath. "..a wizard?"
"WHAT?" Harry screamed half out of fright and half out of surprise.
"It's just you had that stick and it looked like a wand. and . well.." Mark stuttered. "Look at this."
Mark held out the parchment in his hand. It was a crumbled Hogwarts Letter just like the one he got 5 years ago. "Wow!" Harry breathed.
"So, are you?" Mark pressed again, snatching back his letter.
"Well." Harry looked around his shoulder. Miss number 5 was peering out her window. "Come here.." He grabbed hold of Mark's arm and drug him inside number four and up to his room. He shut the door softly so not the disturb Aunt Petunia. "When did you get it?" said Harry.
"Just after breakfast, mum thinks it's a joke. dad thinks it's cool." Mark hissed with laughter. "I remembered seeing the weird stick you had a week ago and it said I needed a wand. so either you're playing a dirty trick on me. or you are a wizard too." Mark walked over a sat on Harry's bed. Mark seized Harry's letter.
"Mark, wait." Harry dove for the letter. but a pleasing smile formed on Mark's face as he read the letter. "Okay, Mark, yeah I'm wizard."
"I knew it!" Mark squealed. "You have to come tell my mum and my dad or they won't let me go. oh come on Harry." Mark took Harry's hand a tried to pull him to the door, but then he stopped. He walked over to Harry's trunk and started reading book titles. "Quidditch? What's that? Oh, and Transfiguration. is that a subject.and what the dickens is this?" Mark pulled out Harry's invisibility cloak and threw it over his shoulders. Harry started to dive at him but stopped in a fit of laughter. Mark's redden face was extended in mid air and his green eyes widen fearfully as he noticed. "My body! Where's my body gone?" He started crying. panting touching his arms and legs, but not seeing them.
Harry, still shaking in laughter, took the cloak off Mark's shoulders. "It's an invisibility cloak, it was my dad's." Harry answered shortly before his face crack into another smile.
"WOW! Really? I bet you have loads of cool stuff!" Mark started off again going through Harry's trunk.Harry explaining every thing he pulled out and sometimes sharing funny little stories about him and Ron and Hermione. Though it was nothing like having them to talk to. being able to talk to someone about his wizarding life and them actually be interested in it was great. He didn't even have to mention Voldemort or his scar or anything.
Mark came back almost every day the rest of the week to have Harry explain something about the wizarding world to him. and really, Harry didn't mind. it was the first actually contact he'd had since school let out.
Wednesday morning, a week and a half after Harry got his Hogwarts letters, Mark was late, which Harry really didn't notice. He was busy writing to Ron telling him he was fine. He wanted to tell him and the rest of the Weasleys about Mark, but if Hedwig was being intercepted, Mark might be in trouble, so Harry made it boring only really saying he was fine.
Mark came in his room after that with a bang. He sat down on Harry's bed and played with Hedwig while Harry signed his letter. "Who is it to this time?" Mark said. his voice was high pitched and squeaky.
"To Ron." Harry said plainly.
"Oh." Mark answered.
Harry then took Hedwig, tied the note to her leg and threw her out the window. She happily flew away and Harry could not help but watch her. he wanted to fly away.
"Harry. do you have a broom stick? Can you tell me about quidditch?" Mark started. He always asked question after question as though you could answer them all in one word. Harry grinned slightly and held up his firebolt. "WOW!" Mark breathed.
"My God father gave it to me." He said with a smile. and then with a frown.
"What's wrong?" Mark asked.
"Sirius died last year." Harry said shortly.
"How?"
"His cousin hexed him and he fell threw a veil." Harry said to his hands, not wanting to see the pity he knew was in Mark's eyes.
"Is that how your parents died?" Mark said.
"No. they. they were murdered."
"By who?" Mark asked, now on his knees.
"Look, I don't want to talk about that right now okay?"
"Right, I'm sorry." There was a bit of silence which was not known when around Mark.
"So, you asked about Quidditch?"
"Yeah, yeah." Mark said happily.
Harry went on to explain rules and the balls even how the House teams were. He promised Mark that he would give him a flying lesson when they got to Hogwarts and they moved their conversation to pictures and how they can talk and move.
Around lunch Hedwig returned. Harry made no difference about it. she had never brought home a return note before. He was explaining something about Animagius when Mark squealed and pointed. "Harry, she has a letter! You got mail!" He kicked his legs like it was a national joke.
Harry spun around to see Hedwig perched on his windowsill with a letter strapped to her leg. He untied it, pet the bird on the head, messed with his hair and read.
"The danger is more than I thought. It is not safe for you to stay there much longer, I will be there the 31st of July (tomorrow) to pick you up. please be ready."
Mark read over his shoulder without his knowing. Harry took a deep breath and pocketed the letter. "Why are you in trouble Harry?" Mark asked as he followed Harry around the room. Harry was snatching books and pictures, notes and cards and stacking them beside his trunk. "I said why are you in trouble?"
"Because people want to kill me." Harry answered shortly as he started to wad up robes and socks.
"Why would anyone do that?" Mark continued now sitting on the bed, only his eyes following Harry.
Harry stopped and looked at the 11 year old. he couldn't tell him the whole story. he was too young, maybe it was better if he didn't know, but he'd find out as soon as he put a foot down in Hogwarts. "I can't, it's a really long story."
"But if you leave, who will take me to get my stuff and help me get on the platform?" Mark whined as Harry continued to pack. "Can I come with you? Please."
"No, it's too dangerous. You need to stay here with Ms. Fig; she'll keep a good eye on you." Harry told him.
"Ms. Fig? If she a witch?"
"No, a Squib. her parents where magical, but she isn't. kind of like you but backwards." Mark made an "o" with his mouth and nodded.
"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow then." Mark said, patting Harry on the back and left the room.
With the door snapping shut Harry pulled his drawer open and pulled out an old shoe box. He lifted the top and found a stack of letters. There were all his birthday cards, all his letters from Ron and Hermione and Hagrid, all his Hogwarts letters and all his letters from Sirius. He half frowned and half smiled and put the box in his trunk. After all his socks and robes and parchments and ink and quills where in the trunk, he snapped it shut and sat on top of it, his elbows on his knees and his hand supporting his head.
He sighed as he flipped though his summer homework, all done within the first week and a half of July. There was an essay on "How to craft a wand" for Charms, an outline of the Dragon Breath Potion for Potions, his Animagius report for Transfiguration, a classifications for half breeds chart for Care of Magical Creatures, his essay on plant rebirth for Herbology, and an unfinished chart of the stars with only one name on it. Sirius. The chart was the first thing he started on. but finding the chart he was given was the chart of the constellation, Sirius, he threw it aside undone. Harry neatly folded the chart, opened the trunk, pulled out his box of letters and placed the chart on top. He then replace the box, put the rest of his homework in a book and slammed the trunk shut.
It fell dark. The street lights flashed on and pans were heard downstairs as Aunt Petunia prepared dinner. Harry laid on his bed staring at the ceiling. how was he in trouble? And who exactly was after him. beside Voldemort? Harry glanced over at Hedwig's cage. she had gone hunting again and he hoped she'd be home before long. The door bell rang down stairs and Aunt Petunia was heard screeching she would answer it. Harry rolled over and buried his head in the fluff of his pillow. He heard angry voices down stairs and thought it was a door to door sales man that wouldn't leave. Aunt Petunia hated them.
Just then Hedwig came in through the open window. She was flapping her wings fiercely and would not rest. She flapped right in front of Harry, extending her claws to show a what-looked-like-dead gray rat. Harry smiled, and patted her on the head. But when he went to grab the rat Hedwig nipped him on the head hard and cried out loudly, still holding the rat out to Harry. When he tried to take it again, Hedwig repeated her nipping and crying. Finally, after much struggle he forced Hedwig into her cage, his fingers bleeding. She still flapped her wings in the cage, screaming, never dropping the dead rat.
Harry started to try to sooth her, but she only screamed, or was that her screaming? It sounded like a female voice. The door slammed down stairs and Harry rushed to his door, pressing his ear to it. "Step a side Petunia" said a shrill voice down stairs.
"Get out of my house!" Aunt Petunia ordered.
Harry grabbed his wand from his bed side table, messed with his hair and pushed his way silently out of his room. He was right before the stairs now and he leaned over to see what was going on. Death Eater. He was standing there in a long black cloak with his hood pulled up and his wand pointed at Aunt Petunia's chest. "I have ways of making you move Petunia." The man hissed.
"Err. Petunia." Uncle Vernon grunted from the background, "is everything okay?"
Aunt Petunia wheeled around, "Vernon, oh my God, Vernon, get Dudley and run, just run!" she squealed the wand now pushing into her back. A rumble of chairs was heard in the kitchen, the back door opened. There was a loud grunt and the swinging of fists. Aunt Petunia turned around, tears forming behind her eyes, fist clenched at her side and a rattle in her voice. "Let them go." She said slowly.
"Not before you step away." The man said, a cracking smile behind his hood. The kitchen door opened and Dudley and Uncle Vernon were being pushing in by two more black figures.
"I said let them go!" Petunia nearly yelled.
"Then step aside!" The man screamed back, now impatiently.
"Petunia, just do as he says." Uncle Vernon grunted, trying to fight off his hold.
"Blast her out of the way, what difference does it make?" The death eater holding Dudley hissed.
"I will not step aside. I know if I don't you can't touch him. just like Lily didn't step aside for your Lord. Now get out of my house, I told you years ago that you are not welcome here!" Aunt Petunia was growing courage now; it was shining though her face.
"Fine, I will have to make you move than!" The man yelled. "Stuptify!" Aunt Petunia's was knocked off her feet, her head made a sickening crack on the floor behind her. Dudley let out a cry of agony and Uncle Vernon started cursing. She. was trying. to safe him. Harry felt hot all over, it was his fault these people were here. that Aunt Petunia was lying helpless on the floor and that was because she wanted to protect. him.
That night Harry was restless. His scar kept burning and he was afraid to go to sleep, afraid he might see Voldemort or become Voldemort again. He shut his eyes, forced them into a line and held his breath. He was waiting for something, something he didn't know. He felt fright roll over him and sleep seize his breath. He must not sleep, he must not dream. he had to open his eyes, wake up do something. TAP! Harry forced the noise away. he must be dreaming, drifting off into another world... TAP! Sweat clung to his body and held his clothes tightly to his skin. TAP! TAP! TAP! Harry jolted up and searched the dark room. Hedwig was flying out side his window, now tapping impatiently.
Harry sighed in relief and let her in. She happily gave Harry another dead rat in which he thanked her for and put in her cage. She began to soar around the room merrily before she landed on Harry's bed post. She hooted and held out her leg to him. Harry took the note and undid it.
Harry,
After our last talk and I think you got and I gave the wrong impression of your father. He didn't always act like you saw him, he seriously didn't. You saw him when he was around your mum and he always acted like a major idiot, but he was no more an idiot than you and Ron act sometimes. He was brave and righteous and all those things people tell you about him. He was my best friend, always was, always will be. If there was anything I could take back it would be that I was your parents Secret Keeper. I was just too doubtful about my strength. I mean my own family, own flesh and blood was out for my kill, my brother and cousins, even my God damn mum. I just felt Wormtail would have been better, and I was wrong, and Harry. I can never make that up to James, Lily, myself and at most of all you. I know I am in no way close to be the father you never had. but you are the son I always wanted. I would do anything for you, anything you asked. Just promise me something. if I ever get in trouble by any means, don't rush to my side. I can protect myself to a point and if I can't, than it is time I met up with James again. Harry, though I might not act like it sometimes I..
Harry flipped to note over but there was nothing.it stopped. Harry reread it again and again. it was from Sirius. Harry looked at his clock. midnight. He stood up, pulled a sweater over his pj's and marched out of the room, out of the house and down Privet Drive. He clutched the letter tightly in his hand his eyes burning to water, but he didn't let them. he had to know. He knocked on Ms. Fig's door softly. There was no movement inside. he knocked again, nearly pounding the door in. A light flew on and old Ms. Fig flung open the door, a pan in hand.
"HARRY JAMES POTTER! WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU DOING OUT AND ABOUT AT NIGHT? GET IN HERE RIGHT NOW!" Arebella screamed at the top of her aged lungs. She pulled Harry's collar and threw him in the house. "Explain!" She barked.
Harry frowned slightly and handed her the note. She read it, her eyes softening as she did. Finally she looked up at Harry and forced a smile. "I see. I see." She soothed softly. She gave back the letter and fell into the arm chair closed to her.
"I was wondering if I could call on Lupin. I want to know something." Harry said finally after a moment of silence.
"Of course, of course." Ms. Fig "shoed" him toward the fire.
Harry gripped some dust and threw it into the fire. "Number 12 Grimmauld Place" he said clearly.
"Who. who there?" said an awkward shy voice. "Masters and Mistresses are sleeping."
"Dobby?" Harry hissed.
"I know the Dobby of which you speak of Sir." The voice said. "But I is Kreacher." The small house elf came into view of the fire, somewhat shaking. He was different from the last time Harry saw him. He was clean cut and not as oddly shaped. "Oh, you is Harry Potter, my late master's God child." The elf squealed as it took a bow.
Harry raised an eyebrow. this was odd.
"You must forgive Kreacher's behavior when last seen. Mistress told Kreacher that was no way to behave and I have changed Harry Potter. I think now you is honorable and such a good person." The house elf chimed still talking quickly and in a bow.
"Err. thanks." Harry said. "Do you think I could talk to."
"And Kreacher must say sorry for what he did. I lied to you Harry Potter and I got my great Master killed." The house elf dove into a heap on the floor it began kicking and scream. tear forming in its eyes. "I is sorry Harry Potter, I is truly."
"It's alright Kreacher." Harry said weirdly. "Err. do you think I could talk to Lupin?"
"Master Remus?" Kreacher squealed now straightening himself up. "I is not allowed to bother anyone but my Mistress. she says that in time they will respect me, but till then I must keep to myself." Kreacher nodded as though he agreed.
"Please Kreacher, I must speak to him." Harry begged.
Kreacher stared at him in disbelief. he folded is hand over one another and watch Harry edgily. "But Kreacher will be punished. I must not disturb sleeping."
"It's like an order that you wake up Lupin and tell him I'm here." Harry pressed somewhat annoyed.
Kreacher smiled. "An order? That is an order, and order to wake up Master Remus for Master Harry. It is an order, an order." Kreacher continued as he disappeared into thin air.
A minute or two went by before Harry heard foot steps coming from the stairs. Hair astray, robes pulled over his pj's was Lupin. "Harry? What the blazed are you doing? It's passed midnight." Lupin sat groggily as he sat down in his chair.
"Professor, Hedwig just delivered this." Harry held out the letter into the fire. Lupin got on the floor and read it though the flames.
"From Sirius?" Lupin gasped, now wide awake.
"Why did you send it to me?" Harry pressed.
"I didn't. I knew he wrote it and I shoved it in his drawer when we got back. He was writing it before Buckbeak got hurt and had not been able to finish it. But who would send it?" Lupin stood and started pacing.
"I don't know." Harry trailed off. He leaned back on his hands.
"Harry, this could be bad. I want you to stay with Arebella tonight and go home right away tomorrow and stay there. I'll owl you as soon as I know something. Do you understand Harry?" Lupin rolled over his hair and stared at Harry intently.
"Of course, but how could it be bad?" Harry asked.
"I'll tell you as soon as I can." And with those words Lupin was gone from sight.
The house was still. There was no noise and Harry was still staring into the empty fireplace.
"Well. I guess. you'll be needing a bed to sleep in." Ms. Fig barely whispered. Her voice, even that soft, brought Harry back to the hard cold stone of the fireplace and the darkness of the night. He just nodded, stood, messed with his hair and followed Arebella down the hallway without a word.
She opened a door, peered in, sighed happily and fully pressed open the door. Harry walked in, over looking the room. It was small, much like his room at the Dursleys. It had a twin bed and a nightstand and even a window over looking the street. "Now, Harry dear, the bathroom is at the end of the hall and my room is the door right before that one, in case you need anything." Ms. Fig said merrily as though trying to lighten the mood. Harry nodded and sat on the bed, staring into space. Arebella smiled slightly and closed the door just so there was a crack.
Finally after what seemed like days of just sitting there, Harry snuggled under the covers and shut his eyes. Though Arebella could do no magic and was completely helpless if Voldemort himself came and attacked him, he felt save.
"I can't!" said a firm hissing voice from the hall way. Harry opened his eyes and stared at the light leaking through the door.
"And Why not?" Ms. Fig's harsh voice squealed.
"Because if I walk with him like I am. he mustn't know who I am till Dumbledore sees fit he does and if I take him in my other form. he might think I'm. you know." The voice tailed off.
"Hummm.. Yes, that would create a problem." Arebella said.
"Yes, it would. you take him and I'll follow in the shadows. can't be too far, it's not really that big of a deal. Not as big as some." The voice continued.
"Fine." Sighed Arebella and a single pair of footstep dissented the stairs.
The door was pushed open and Arebella stood in the frame. "Ah, you're up Harry." She said sweetly. "How about a spot of breakfast and then off you go." Harry nodded, threw the covers off of him and followed Arebella down stairs.
The kitchen table was littered with plates and cups. most filled with something. There were eggs and bacon and tea and milk and pumpkin juice. it look like a small vision of a Hogwarts Breakfast. Harry pushed this from his thought; thinking of Hogwarts was almost too painful. He helped himself to a little of everything as Arebella leaned over the table watching him intently.
When he finished Arebella stood up, pulled Harry to his feet and dragged him to the kitchen door. "Clean up won't you?" She hissed behind Harry's head. When he looked around the plates and cups and food were all gone. Harry blink, rubbed his eyes did everything you can think of doing when you think you're not seeing right, but the table was clear. "You alright Harry dear?" Arebella nearly barked.
Harry nodded fiercely and pushed his way out of the house, Ms. Fig shutting the door behind him with a snap. The sun was nearly up and the dew was fresh on the ground. Harry kept combing the shadows for something or someone following them, but he didn't see anything. perhaps they were taking someone else somewhere. Once at Privet Drive, Ms. Fig left him and before he could say thank you or even good bye she was streaking down the walk hissing for someone to come here this instant.
A week went by with no word from Ms. Fig or Lupin or anyone. Harry still sent his owls to Mad Eye and Ron, but never got any in return. perhaps they were scared it would get intercepted like Dumbledore said his was. and then Harry only started writing a sentence.
Lupin, Everything fine here, send everyone my greetings Harry
It was Sunday morning. a whole weeks after his last letter, which was the mysterious one from Sirius. when he got his letter.
One was his thick Hogwarts letter crested with the Hogwarts shield and the second, thinner but the same yellow parchment and green ink. Harry tore open the thick one first. the usual, welcome back to another year at Hogwarts. blah blah blah. we are pleased to be having you back.. Blah blah blah. and then the list of school books.
Standard Book of Spells: Grade Six
By: Miranda Goshawk The Dark Arts
By: Robert Trimble Seer and Seeing
By: Jackie Dessen Expert's Guide to Transfiguration
By: Emeric Switch
Harry smiled slightly. at least he got a letter. and threw the parchment on his bed. He then turned to the next envelope. He ripped it open.
Dear Mr. Potter,
Last year as your fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry you took the Ordinary Wizarding Level exam. You're results were promised in July and so here they are. Congratulation on behave of the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts!
Astronomy: E Care of Magical Creatures: E Charms: O Defense Against the Dark Arts O Divinations: E Herbology: E History of Magic: D Potions: O Transfiguration: O
Harry's eyes bugged out of his head. he would never have expected. never in his life. He had to tell someone.anyone. He gripped the letter in his hand, bolted from the room and out the front door. He wanted to go tell Ms. Fig, but she never got happy about anything. maybe Aunt Petunia. no, she'd be disappointed he wasn't flunking out maybe..
"HARRY!" Mark Evans was sprinting down the side walk right at him. He stopped right in front of Harry, panting his brains out. Harry shoved the letter in his pocket before Mark could see it. "Oh. I just got it.. Oh. Harry. are. you.." Mark was holding his knees gasping for breath. "..a wizard?"
"WHAT?" Harry screamed half out of fright and half out of surprise.
"It's just you had that stick and it looked like a wand. and . well.." Mark stuttered. "Look at this."
Mark held out the parchment in his hand. It was a crumbled Hogwarts Letter just like the one he got 5 years ago. "Wow!" Harry breathed.
"So, are you?" Mark pressed again, snatching back his letter.
"Well." Harry looked around his shoulder. Miss number 5 was peering out her window. "Come here.." He grabbed hold of Mark's arm and drug him inside number four and up to his room. He shut the door softly so not the disturb Aunt Petunia. "When did you get it?" said Harry.
"Just after breakfast, mum thinks it's a joke. dad thinks it's cool." Mark hissed with laughter. "I remembered seeing the weird stick you had a week ago and it said I needed a wand. so either you're playing a dirty trick on me. or you are a wizard too." Mark walked over a sat on Harry's bed. Mark seized Harry's letter.
"Mark, wait." Harry dove for the letter. but a pleasing smile formed on Mark's face as he read the letter. "Okay, Mark, yeah I'm wizard."
"I knew it!" Mark squealed. "You have to come tell my mum and my dad or they won't let me go. oh come on Harry." Mark took Harry's hand a tried to pull him to the door, but then he stopped. He walked over to Harry's trunk and started reading book titles. "Quidditch? What's that? Oh, and Transfiguration. is that a subject.and what the dickens is this?" Mark pulled out Harry's invisibility cloak and threw it over his shoulders. Harry started to dive at him but stopped in a fit of laughter. Mark's redden face was extended in mid air and his green eyes widen fearfully as he noticed. "My body! Where's my body gone?" He started crying. panting touching his arms and legs, but not seeing them.
Harry, still shaking in laughter, took the cloak off Mark's shoulders. "It's an invisibility cloak, it was my dad's." Harry answered shortly before his face crack into another smile.
"WOW! Really? I bet you have loads of cool stuff!" Mark started off again going through Harry's trunk.Harry explaining every thing he pulled out and sometimes sharing funny little stories about him and Ron and Hermione. Though it was nothing like having them to talk to. being able to talk to someone about his wizarding life and them actually be interested in it was great. He didn't even have to mention Voldemort or his scar or anything.
Mark came back almost every day the rest of the week to have Harry explain something about the wizarding world to him. and really, Harry didn't mind. it was the first actually contact he'd had since school let out.
Wednesday morning, a week and a half after Harry got his Hogwarts letters, Mark was late, which Harry really didn't notice. He was busy writing to Ron telling him he was fine. He wanted to tell him and the rest of the Weasleys about Mark, but if Hedwig was being intercepted, Mark might be in trouble, so Harry made it boring only really saying he was fine.
Mark came in his room after that with a bang. He sat down on Harry's bed and played with Hedwig while Harry signed his letter. "Who is it to this time?" Mark said. his voice was high pitched and squeaky.
"To Ron." Harry said plainly.
"Oh." Mark answered.
Harry then took Hedwig, tied the note to her leg and threw her out the window. She happily flew away and Harry could not help but watch her. he wanted to fly away.
"Harry. do you have a broom stick? Can you tell me about quidditch?" Mark started. He always asked question after question as though you could answer them all in one word. Harry grinned slightly and held up his firebolt. "WOW!" Mark breathed.
"My God father gave it to me." He said with a smile. and then with a frown.
"What's wrong?" Mark asked.
"Sirius died last year." Harry said shortly.
"How?"
"His cousin hexed him and he fell threw a veil." Harry said to his hands, not wanting to see the pity he knew was in Mark's eyes.
"Is that how your parents died?" Mark said.
"No. they. they were murdered."
"By who?" Mark asked, now on his knees.
"Look, I don't want to talk about that right now okay?"
"Right, I'm sorry." There was a bit of silence which was not known when around Mark.
"So, you asked about Quidditch?"
"Yeah, yeah." Mark said happily.
Harry went on to explain rules and the balls even how the House teams were. He promised Mark that he would give him a flying lesson when they got to Hogwarts and they moved their conversation to pictures and how they can talk and move.
Around lunch Hedwig returned. Harry made no difference about it. she had never brought home a return note before. He was explaining something about Animagius when Mark squealed and pointed. "Harry, she has a letter! You got mail!" He kicked his legs like it was a national joke.
Harry spun around to see Hedwig perched on his windowsill with a letter strapped to her leg. He untied it, pet the bird on the head, messed with his hair and read.
"The danger is more than I thought. It is not safe for you to stay there much longer, I will be there the 31st of July (tomorrow) to pick you up. please be ready."
Mark read over his shoulder without his knowing. Harry took a deep breath and pocketed the letter. "Why are you in trouble Harry?" Mark asked as he followed Harry around the room. Harry was snatching books and pictures, notes and cards and stacking them beside his trunk. "I said why are you in trouble?"
"Because people want to kill me." Harry answered shortly as he started to wad up robes and socks.
"Why would anyone do that?" Mark continued now sitting on the bed, only his eyes following Harry.
Harry stopped and looked at the 11 year old. he couldn't tell him the whole story. he was too young, maybe it was better if he didn't know, but he'd find out as soon as he put a foot down in Hogwarts. "I can't, it's a really long story."
"But if you leave, who will take me to get my stuff and help me get on the platform?" Mark whined as Harry continued to pack. "Can I come with you? Please."
"No, it's too dangerous. You need to stay here with Ms. Fig; she'll keep a good eye on you." Harry told him.
"Ms. Fig? If she a witch?"
"No, a Squib. her parents where magical, but she isn't. kind of like you but backwards." Mark made an "o" with his mouth and nodded.
"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow then." Mark said, patting Harry on the back and left the room.
With the door snapping shut Harry pulled his drawer open and pulled out an old shoe box. He lifted the top and found a stack of letters. There were all his birthday cards, all his letters from Ron and Hermione and Hagrid, all his Hogwarts letters and all his letters from Sirius. He half frowned and half smiled and put the box in his trunk. After all his socks and robes and parchments and ink and quills where in the trunk, he snapped it shut and sat on top of it, his elbows on his knees and his hand supporting his head.
He sighed as he flipped though his summer homework, all done within the first week and a half of July. There was an essay on "How to craft a wand" for Charms, an outline of the Dragon Breath Potion for Potions, his Animagius report for Transfiguration, a classifications for half breeds chart for Care of Magical Creatures, his essay on plant rebirth for Herbology, and an unfinished chart of the stars with only one name on it. Sirius. The chart was the first thing he started on. but finding the chart he was given was the chart of the constellation, Sirius, he threw it aside undone. Harry neatly folded the chart, opened the trunk, pulled out his box of letters and placed the chart on top. He then replace the box, put the rest of his homework in a book and slammed the trunk shut.
It fell dark. The street lights flashed on and pans were heard downstairs as Aunt Petunia prepared dinner. Harry laid on his bed staring at the ceiling. how was he in trouble? And who exactly was after him. beside Voldemort? Harry glanced over at Hedwig's cage. she had gone hunting again and he hoped she'd be home before long. The door bell rang down stairs and Aunt Petunia was heard screeching she would answer it. Harry rolled over and buried his head in the fluff of his pillow. He heard angry voices down stairs and thought it was a door to door sales man that wouldn't leave. Aunt Petunia hated them.
Just then Hedwig came in through the open window. She was flapping her wings fiercely and would not rest. She flapped right in front of Harry, extending her claws to show a what-looked-like-dead gray rat. Harry smiled, and patted her on the head. But when he went to grab the rat Hedwig nipped him on the head hard and cried out loudly, still holding the rat out to Harry. When he tried to take it again, Hedwig repeated her nipping and crying. Finally, after much struggle he forced Hedwig into her cage, his fingers bleeding. She still flapped her wings in the cage, screaming, never dropping the dead rat.
Harry started to try to sooth her, but she only screamed, or was that her screaming? It sounded like a female voice. The door slammed down stairs and Harry rushed to his door, pressing his ear to it. "Step a side Petunia" said a shrill voice down stairs.
"Get out of my house!" Aunt Petunia ordered.
Harry grabbed his wand from his bed side table, messed with his hair and pushed his way silently out of his room. He was right before the stairs now and he leaned over to see what was going on. Death Eater. He was standing there in a long black cloak with his hood pulled up and his wand pointed at Aunt Petunia's chest. "I have ways of making you move Petunia." The man hissed.
"Err. Petunia." Uncle Vernon grunted from the background, "is everything okay?"
Aunt Petunia wheeled around, "Vernon, oh my God, Vernon, get Dudley and run, just run!" she squealed the wand now pushing into her back. A rumble of chairs was heard in the kitchen, the back door opened. There was a loud grunt and the swinging of fists. Aunt Petunia turned around, tears forming behind her eyes, fist clenched at her side and a rattle in her voice. "Let them go." She said slowly.
"Not before you step away." The man said, a cracking smile behind his hood. The kitchen door opened and Dudley and Uncle Vernon were being pushing in by two more black figures.
"I said let them go!" Petunia nearly yelled.
"Then step aside!" The man screamed back, now impatiently.
"Petunia, just do as he says." Uncle Vernon grunted, trying to fight off his hold.
"Blast her out of the way, what difference does it make?" The death eater holding Dudley hissed.
"I will not step aside. I know if I don't you can't touch him. just like Lily didn't step aside for your Lord. Now get out of my house, I told you years ago that you are not welcome here!" Aunt Petunia was growing courage now; it was shining though her face.
"Fine, I will have to make you move than!" The man yelled. "Stuptify!" Aunt Petunia's was knocked off her feet, her head made a sickening crack on the floor behind her. Dudley let out a cry of agony and Uncle Vernon started cursing. She. was trying. to safe him. Harry felt hot all over, it was his fault these people were here. that Aunt Petunia was lying helpless on the floor and that was because she wanted to protect. him.