Black Dawn – Book 2 (Exodus)
Chapter 5
Arthur walked to the end of the train, and stood there in the darkness staring off into the past, recalling.
He didn't need to hear the footsteps; he still felt her presence even if it had been almost thirty years since the Companionship had broken. "Lovely night dear." He said by way of greeting.
Molly placed a hand on his shoulder. "Too many secrets let out tonight Arthur?"
"No, not too many. Enough." He sighed and continued looking off into the inky darkness that had swallowed the lights of the city almost an hour ago. "I think it's about time that they knew the whole story dear."
Molly's face softened and she laced her fingers in his. "That's fine Arthur, however you want to handle it should be fine. They are all adults now; they've a right to know."
Arthur rubbed his chin thoughtfully, and absentmindedly reached into his robes and withdrew a cigar. He lit it and stood there contemplating the sky and the rumble of the train on the tracks. When he had finished he rubbed it out and threw the stub in the bin. He smiled at Molly. "Was only two tonight."
She frowned looking at him with the look normally reserved for the twins. "Two?"
Arthur cleared his throat. "Well, it could have been three, I've not kept count." His eyes twinkled at her and the corners of his mouth flickered in the beginnings of a grin.
"You are a bad man Arthur Weasley." She playfully swatted his arm. "Let's go inside."
-------------------------- Seventeen Hours Later: Pondicherry, India ----------------------------
Harry Potter exited the train in the glaring afternoon sun. He felt the heat wash over him and instantly thought 'Wow, this makes Egypt seem frigid.'
Ron took three steps and said "Bloody hell Harry, I've never felt heat like this."
"Ronald Weasley!" Hermione said from the doorway "Watch your mouth."
Ron looked over at Harry and muttered 'Watch this.' To his friend.
Hermione took several steps and weaved. Ron caught her as she began to buckle. "It's so bloody hot." Hermione said, her eyes glazed slightly.
Ron smirked. "Hermione! Language!"
Hermione flushed even more as Ron lead her into the station.
Harry and Justin oversaw the unloading of their luggage and placed it in the hands of their host Amir, a friend of Hermione and Ron's.
"Well gentlemen, I got your owl, and all is arranged. The ship sets sail in three hours. I will Portkey your belongings to the location you have requested." He bowed.
"Thank you Amir. I appreciate your," he paused passing a bag to Amir "understanding and gracious hospitality."
Amir looked at the heavy leather sack and with a very experienced hand estimated a fair number of gold coins was in the bag. He shook his head and passed it back to Harry. "No. No Harry Potter, I do this for you, and for Ron and Hermione Weasley. They are excellent friends, and I would do anything to keep them safe."
Harry stood looking at the man in front of him, and held out his hand palm up and uttered a single word under his breath "Legumins". He watched the man's thoughts flutter by. He stopped after a moment and then looked apologetic. "I am so sorry Amir. I needed to know for myself."
Amir was shocked. He had heard how powerful Harry Potter was, who hadn't? But to be in the presence of the man was another thing entirely. He found himself looking at the man in awe of the spectacle that should have otherwise caused him shame. "I understand Harry Potter."
"Now, Amir. I need to ask you a few more favors…" Harry pulled Amir aside, and pushed the bag of money back on him. "You'll need that, and if you need more, tell me." Amir nodded and slipped the heavy bag into his robes.
--------------------------- Four Hours Later: Bay of Bengal – Merlin's Beard ------------------------------
The liner slid through the waters music could be heard washing over the deck, and people were seen dancing, drinking, and enjoying themselves as the ship plowed through the gently rolling waters towards Australia. The crew worked flawlessly to keep the passengers happy. They had been told the entire compliment of passengers were V.I.P.s and to be treated with extreme graciousness and hospitality. The Merlin's Beard was one of only four wizard cruise ships, all composed of ships that resemble normal muggle cruise liners, but with certain magical enhancements. This ship in particular sailed only in the Pacific Rim and Aisia/South American ports.
The captain, a gruff man who reminded Harry of Mad Eye Moody was one Phineas Oruvus. Harry had met him at the dock, and explained the situation. Harry then shoveled over twice the going rate for renting the ship, and Phineas had agreed. He unloaded all of his cargo, and passengers and the ship set sail for Darwin's Bay, leaving seventy wizards and witches in India. By compensation, they had been treated to a week long all-expense paid time in India, with complimentary Portkey home.
Harry smiled, it had cost a small fortune, but it was worth it.
-------------------------- Daily Prophet – November 18th ---------------------------------------
World Mourns Over Shocking News
At 11:43pm (GMT) the end of an era has occurred. At this time the luxury liner Merlin's Beard sank in the Bay of Bengal. All hands were lost in this tragic accident.
The Minister of Magic was unavailable for comment, however Capt. Seamus Finnegan Director of the M.L.E. reported today that all efforts were being made to locate the wreckage of the ship and thus determine the identity of the over one hundred witches and wizards who had paid to rent the vessel that afternoon.
This reporter has heard word however that the ex-Minister of Magic (Interim) Arthur Weasley, his wife, and all of his family, including the now infamous Harry Potter, Virginia Weasley-Potter, Ronald Weasley, and Hermione Granger-Weasley were among those who were aboard.
Also on board were various Aurors, ministry officials, and a few Hogwarts Professors who were enjoying the luxurious life that Harry Potter had been spending on a whirlwind tour of the world.
Having reported on Harry Potter since his involvement in the Tri-Wizard Tournament, and including being the one to release the story the Ministry did not want to hear about the return of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, I doubt that we have heard the last of Harry Potter and his friends.
Rita Skeeter
--------------------------- Quibbler Article – November 20th -----------------------------------------------
Merlin's Beard Accident Result of Muggle War Machine
It appears a muggle device used to destroy their underwater boats, also known as subsinkables, was the culprit in the sinking of the majestic ship.
Tragically, it would seem that the rumors were true. Harry James Potter, son of Lily and James Potter, also known by their stage names as Bobbi and Vance LaToya, back up to the now tragically dead Stubby Boardman of the group The Hobgoblins. Much to the dismay of many Hobgoblins fans, Harry Potter never did become the singer we all knew he could be. It was rumored that In fact Stubby and not Vance was the father of Harry Potter, though there is no direct evidence to that fact.
----------------------------- Daily Prophet – December 7th ----------------------------------------------------
Harry Potter Sightings Continue
Once again, the Prophet has researched the supposed sighting of Harry Potter. This time it appears 'Harry' was a school teacher muggle Iceland.
Come on people face it The Boy Who Lived is dead, gone to a watery grave.
Sending in claims that you are seeing Harry Potter all over the globe just makes you, and us feel silly. Particularly when the last time it was in Australia, and we barged in on a young man and woman of fairly well means who were muggle, and both were blonde. Harry Potter had black hair, and his wife had red hair.
---------------------------- Memorandum from the Minister of Magic – December 19th ----------------------------
TO: Seamus Finnegan
From: Minister S. Bones
Re: Death of Harry Potter and company
Seamus, I want this case opened again. Something tells me that someone tried to kill Harry Potter and his renegades.
I want to make sure that there isn't any possibility that the job was done by someone internal to the M.L.E., I am sending an internal auditor to open the sealed records. Provide them with every assistance.
Minister S. A. Bones
--------------------------- Memorandum from M.L.E. Capt. Finnegan to M.L.E. forces – December 20th -----------------
TO: All M.L.E. Personnel
From: Capt. S. Finnegan
Re: Retirement
It is with a heavy heart that I announce my immediate retirement from the M.L.E. It has been a true pleasure and honor serving as one of you.
Seamus Finnegan, Capt. M.L.E. (Retired)
---------------------------- Daily Prophet – December 21st --------------------------------------------------------------
Information on the Death of The Boy Who Lived
In a surprise turn of events, it appears that former M.L.E. Director Capt. Seamus Finnegan was arrested last night on charges of conspiring to willfully harm members of the wizard community. It appears there are records that Finnegan used his influence as Director of M.L.E to wage a personal vendetta against The Boy Who Lived.
Records indicate that the charges of Treason and Conspiracy to Overthrow the Ministry were in fact trumped up charges. The fate of The Boy Who Lived remains grim, as recovery experts claim to have located the Merlin's Beard in on hundred seventy four feet of water, making recovery at best difficult. The ship appears intact, with no breach to the hull however that would be expected in the case of a ship run aground the underwater minefield the muggles plant.
The Minister of Magic, Susan Bones had this to say: "It grieves me deeply that one of the M.L.E. would wage some form of school-boy vendetta against the one man who has numerous times save the wizarding world from itself."
She went on to indicate that the state would be showing a tribute to Harry Potter and the Companions all this week.
Rita Skeeter
-------------------------------- Quibbler – December 30th -------------------------------------------------------------------
The Boy Who Lived – Again
In a surprise series of events, this reporter has found the location of The Boy Who Lived. It appears he and his companions thought dead in last months tragic attack to the Merlin's Beard is actually alive and well and living in Darwin's Bay Australia.
He is now going by the name "Jose Cuervo" and sports blonde hair and blue eyes. I recognized him by the scar on his forehead.
Attempts to contact Mr. Potter have been met with silence.
Rita Skeeter