Hello, I'm back.
Hi you guys, this chappie took all my sweettime and I was only too happy to update it, this story having notched 20 reviews. Surprising
Read on.
Chapter 4. Surprises
Yawning, Harry woke up from his slumber. He had a distinct memory of being in some sort of room some time back. "Now, for my glasses" so thinking he turned to his right and his eyes met a desk. He was feeling quite refreshed and unlike his previous condition.
When Harry was brought into the hospital previously, he had been unconscious for a couple of hours. The last time he had opened his eyes, tremendous weakness had encompassed him.
On further reflection, he recollected a young lady nurse talking to him, himself trying to reply the horrible pain searing through his chest.
Shaking that troubling thought from his head, he tried to speak … about his recent confrontation with Voldemort … softly. Words flowed freely from his mouth although he found that giving a lecture required a good amount of effort and endurance thanks to the pain in his chest, which would creep through him. Otherwise, he was much better off now, than previously.
Looking somewhat subdued, having remembered the horrendous pain he had experienced while trying to talk earlier, Harry tried to move. "No pain at last!" he thought, a bit relieved. He was even able to move his hands easily, so he tried sitting and did so successfully. Taking his glasses from the desk, he put it on. On being able to see properly, he cast a searching look around the room. The room had only one occupant … him. "You are in St Mungos, fourth floor sp …" as these words replayed in his mind, he realized that the nurse wasn't anywhere around.
"Sylvia Crawford, wasn't that her name?" so ran a thought in his mind. On trying to get out of his bed, he found to his immense relief that he was able to. Harry was even able to walk around but on exerting extra efforts, a sudden pain would shoot up.
"An added bonus for staying alive" he muttered to himself, as he winced while trying to touch his toes, the now familiar pain shooting in his chest though of a small magnitude. "Let's see this place around, shall we?" Harry muttered again, as he started for the door. As he reached the door it swung open.
"Ms. Densington, you should not be walking around, get back to your bed" commanded a stern voice. Looking up, he found the voice was of none other than … "Where were you?" hissed Harry looking relieved with his voice was reflecting his puzzlement. There was no one else in the room. He certainly was a boy. He had barely started to talk again when she cut him off.
"Ms. Densington, please sit on your bed …" she ordered him. Looking at his befuddled face she shut the door and continued, "… and I'll explain". Obviously, he hadn't taken in a word and so she took a puzzled Harry by his right hand and whisked him to his bed. By now he had awoken from his daze. "Probably a prank" a thought hit him.
"Ms. Densington is on her bed now, I suppose" smirked Harry.
"Yes, so why did you want me here miss?" replied his nurse coolly.
"I could do with some company" replied Harry now grinning.
He continued on a more sober tone, "How many days have I been here?"
"Two weeks" came the reply. "So … Ms. Densington, you will be …" she never completed her sentence as Harry butted in with full force.
"Hold it" said Harry in a loud voice and winced as his chest hurt. "I don't mind you calling me Harry, Mr. Potter, Potter or even Mister, for that matter but stop acting like that", said Harry while massaging his ribs softly.
His nurse seemed to struggle internally and then spoke up "I'm not lying, the records say so". "The last time you called me Mr. Potter more than once, didn't you? I did listen to what you were saying", countered Harry, looking intently at her.
After an uncomfortable silence, she spoke warily in very low tones that even he had to edge nearer. "Well, Ms. Densington …" Harry raised his eyebrow and she continued unabashedly "… you have a different identity and a different name".
"It concerns me. I must know more Ms. Crawford".
His nurse looked at him a bit disapprovingly. "Both of us on a first name basis" he hissed back. Taking in a deep breath, she continued, "You were brought in a very horrible state to the hospital, with most of your ribs in pieces". Harry inadvertently moved his right hand over his torso, while prompting her to go on.
She continued in a quicker tone, "You were registered as a girl called Maria Densington, by Mr. Arthur Weasley. He said that you had been hit by a Reductor curse on your chest".
She shuddered a bit, as if reliving a particularly bad memory and continued, "When I had last seen you, your chest seemed to be lolling around as if filled with nothing other than liquid, and you were moved directly for some really complicated treatment. Mr. Weasley had a small talk with your healers and they were patching you for quite some time, nearly an hour". "When you had come out, I was told to keep a watch over you and not allow you to move, talk, walk …"
Harry cut her off, and completed her sentence "You mean to keep me out of trouble". She simply nodded in response. He continued, "So after the last time you had seen me –er- awake, you had gone to call someone". She nodded again and said, "That was two weeks before. The healers were relieved and even surprised to have you alive, after that they were completing the last phases of your treatment, strengthening your bones perhaps. I hope you must be feeling better".
"Yeah" was all Harry could manage. He could hardly believe that two weeks had gone by. He wished that Ron and Hermione were very much beside him. His heart sank as he realized that today was his birthday.
"Excellent, Birthday in Mungos for a change" thought Harry dreamily.
He smiled absentmindedly while thinking about the last time he had a present.
Mad-eye Moody, Lupin, Tonks, Dedalus Diggle, Hestia Jones and a host of other people had sneaked up into his house while the Dursleys had gone on an outing. Tonks had sent them a note, which told a dumb story about they winning some competition. He had a wonderful time meeting them, followed by a journey on his Firebolt. He had reached the secret headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix, headed by Dumbledore himself. He had seen the Weasleys, Hermione, Sirius … Sirius".
Harry was sure that his heart had sunk way below the floor. Shaking away his distressing thoughts, he realized that his face was bearing all his thoughts, from the fact that even Sylvia seemed to be reading it, concern written on her face.
"At least, some of the patients can participate in my birthday" he muttered morosely, trying to look cheerful.
A very meaningful quiet lapsed.
"Harry, we will use this identity so that your true identity can be hidden, OK" said Sylvia, a bit sternly. "Stop being so distressed, I'll inform the matron … Mr. Weasley may come around" She added.
Harry nodded thankfully. She had got up and turned around when Harry piped up.
"Wait a second, I'm clear about my new name but won't anybody recognize me, if they aren't blind". She turned around and without a word, opened a drawer in the desk, lifted a mirror and motioned him to look in it, a grin forming on her face.
Looking into it, Harry saw his curious looking face, peering back at him. He let out a grin, matching her's. "Probably, you need glasses too" he replied with a smirk playing on his face. On seeing the mirror herself, she stood staring at it for some time. Tearing her eyes from the mirror she looked at him. Both of them stood in that posture, with an amused look on both their faces, for quite some time.
"Well, Maria, it seems" Sylvia commented lightly, ignoring his glare and added "to be some excellent charm work by Mr. Weasley" and she did look truly impressed. Taking on a serious tone she continued, "You have the appearance of a girl to others but you see and feel your actual self".
Harry nodded animatedly. He was thinking on other lines, "Mr. Weasley wouldn't have done this, this nonsense is surely Dumbledore's handiwork" and was unknowingly smiling at her.
On regaining his senses, he managed to collect himself and stuttered, "So it - it works only on others … nice magic".
"Sylvia, One more thing". She looked at him with mock impatience. "Quick".
"How did you know about me last time?"
"Well, walls have ears" she said returned a impish smile.
Ignoring Harry's snicker, she added quickly, "I'd better be going now, just call my name if I'm needed". Harry nodded, feeling a bit down that he had gotten a person to talk and she was leaving. As his newfound friend reached for the door, she stopped and turned towards Harry.
She began by saying, "I'll tell the matron that you are feeling much better now -". "- having had Sylvia for company" Harry completed it. He was beginning to smile on seeing the pink tinge her cheeks had taken on. He had never been so comfortable talking to any girl before but he was flirting openly now, that too with a girl of his age. Having realized that, his smile morphed into a wicked grin.
Apparently, she hadn't taken it wrongly, for she was looking at him thoughtfully, her lips slowly changing into a smile.
"Don't exert much, you'll tire out" replied Sylvia. She added further, "By the way Maria … you look GORGEOUS". She said the last word slowly with proper emphasis with a devilish grin on her face and swept out of the room, leaving a crimson-faced Harry behind.
"Curse her" He muttered, as a grin began seeping across his face too.
There was nothing of much interest in the room. He kept looking out of the window, staring at the Muggle street below. However, wanting to go out of his room, he walked to the door, opened it and swung out, only to come face-to-face with a person, nearly crashing into the stranger.
Harry could not believe his luck.
This was worse than his nightmares.
"Hello charming lady, I believe you would want my autograph". Lockhart was beaming at him, holding a piece of signed parchment.
At Grimmauld Place, the Order Members were discussing important matters (as usual).
Molly Weasley was trying to pay attention.
"Molly … Molly" someone was calling out gently from a distance, "Probably Arthur" she thought. That shook her out of her thoughts. "Oh … yes, what is it?"
"Welcome to Gr'mmaul' Mrs. Weasley", Mundungus Fletcher was looking at her, trying hard to look innocent. A peal of laughter arose in the room, which reduced to murmurs as she cast a threatening glare at all of them, which came to rest on Fletcher. Even Mr. Weasley was trying to hide his smile, unsuccessfully.
"What is it Arthur?" she asked sweetly, while not removing her unrelenting glare from Fletcher who had suddenly taken a lot of interest on the elaborately carved knives, kept on the table.
"Nothing, we were discussing about Harry". "So what happened to him? He will be fine, won't he? Of course he will" she ranted on. "Molly, please stop worrying about him, he did have the misfortune of fighting against Voldemort single-handedly" said Lupin as she winced slightly. He was looking a bit white but was calm.
"And luckily he survived".
Everybody turned towards Snape who continued, "Either Harry was lucky or The Dark Lord preferred to leave him alone for the time being".
"Or Potter was able to fight him out" growled Moody, Snape's contemptuous look going unnoticed.
Apparently, that stunning display of dueling had left an imprint on Moody's mind, more than anyone else. What followed next took everybody by surprise.
"Mark my words, Potter will be the best youngest Auror we ever had" said Moody in a louder growl, surprising even himself.
"Mad-Eye, wake up, the meeting wasn't that bad" said Tonks. On receiving no response from she cast a motherly look at him, "Probably, you've really lost it this time". Moody returned a disapproving grunt, followed by another round of laughter, which echoed around the dining room and subsided after quite some time.
"Dumbledore … Harry was supposed to be fine within a week, wasn't he?" said Lupin, his concern clearly showing.
"Hmm, there is some news now".
"In that case his friends hearing it won't hurt, will it?" asked Moody looking warily at Mrs. Weasley, who was surprisingly quiet. "Not at all" replied Dumbledore. Lupin and Moody exchanged a brief glance and understanding what he had meant, Lupin walked over to the door, smiling. He opened it to find Fred, George, Ron, Ginny and Hermione struggling against one another and leaning on the wall, listening to any sound coming from the room, with thin threads stuck to their ears.
"A knock would have been sufficient, you may come in", said Lupin, managing to keep his face straight with great difficulty. Glancing in the room, he noticed even Moody and Tonks were trying very hard not to grin. He added in a very low voice, "Mrs. Weasley is inside". All of them tossed their Extendable Ears into their pockets, looking at the floor, they made their way into the room, cursing.
A moment passed.
*"Since Potter's friends seem uninterested in Potter's wellbeing, we should continue this meeting without other trivial disruptions", said Snape smoothly.
Before, Ron or Ginny could open their mouths, he continued, "Harry is now at Mungos and is alive".
Looking at the floor, Ron was muttered in a tone full of disgust, "Did anyone ask the greasy head for his slimy thoughts?" Probably, Tonks had heard it as she managed to convert a giggle, into a sniffle.
"What did happen to him? He was supposed to be back within a week" said Hermione determined to hear every detail, looking Dumbledore directly in the eyes. Many people shifted uneasily as all heads turned to Arthur Weasley.
"Harry was hit by a Reductor-". "Dad we know that" exclaimed Fred and George in unison cutting off their dad's sentence. Their firm confidence in the fact that Harry was fine, was becoming creased.
"It caused his ribs to break into a hundred pieces, causing Potter to lose consciousness and he was fighting between life and death for a couple of hours." said Snape, still looking at the twins, as if this information was known to all.
This piece of information had even taken Tonks by surprise, judging by the shocked look she was giving Snape. Molly Weasley looked at him for a moment, as if wanting to stuff his mouth full of dung for his efforts and turned away visibly disgusted.
Fletcher and Moody braced themselves for an explosion, which, amazingly, did not come.
The room had gone deathly silent.
Snape allowed it to spiral still further when Arthur Weasley intervened, "The healers told me that his chances of survival were quite less-".
"WE WERE TOLD THAT HE HAD JUST A COUPLE OF BROKEN RIBS AND THAT HE WOULD BE FINE IN A COUPLE OF DAYS", screamed Ginny at the top of her lungs.
Ron was shaking in extreme anger. Fred and George looked as if they were ready to murder anyone, who dared to interrupt. Hermione had buried her face in her hands and was quivering with fear.
A tense atmosphere had descended on the room. Even Molly Weasley was looking troubled.
"FIRSTLY, OUR OWN HOUSE UNDER THREAT AND YOU KEEP US IN THE DARK. SECONDLY, THAT SON OF A SNAKE ATTACKS HARRY AND YOU COULD NOT PREVENT IT. THIRDLY, HE IS DYING IN MUNGOS AND YOU SAY THAT HE WILL BE FINE IN A WEEK. WHAT THE HELL DO YOU INTEND TO TELL US THEN?" exploded Ron at the top of his voice. The last thing he ever wanted to lose was Harry and what was even worse was that even his parents were keeping mum about his actual condition. He could not go on. Hermione had broken down completely and was sobbing into her hands.
A pregnant pause followed.
"Firstly, -", started Snape silkily but was cut short by Dumbledore himself.
"Your parents wanted to tell you but I asked them not to do so", said Dumbledore calmly. All the five faces looked up at him half-expectant half-furious.
"I thought that you could be informed when Harry was brought here too. I felt that if all of you were together, all of you would be well informed and Harry wouldn't feel left out". That cooled Ron down but Ginny was still angry. "Then why didn't you bring Harry too". The other four nodded furiously.
"We were about to bring Harry in the noon but Death Eaters had struck at Mungos" added Dumbledore almost apologetically. "We were needed there so we had to go".
This seemed a sufficient explanation but the five were very worried. "What if Harry had d-" George choked on his words.
"Wait a second" Hermione's outburst startled everyone. "What if this was preplanned?" Moody looked suspicious, Lupin was looking at her, an expression of badly suppressed surprise across his face, Tonks was on the verge of falling from her chair. On a nod from the eldest member of the Order, Moody prompted her to go on. Snape was throwing her a bored look, his eyes nearly closed.
"The timing of the attack on Mungos, V-Voldemort's appearance at Privet Drive", stated Hermione. "It all fits". Everybody was looking at her appreciatively but Snape cut in.
"Miss Granger, do you truly believe that if the Dark Lord visited Potter, the latter would be alive". She shrugged, "Harry escaped again just like he had before in his first year, second year, -er-, fourth year as well, didn't he? Probably, V-V-Voldemort decided that if Harry escaped, he surely would reach -".
Snape cut her off again looking visibly annoyed, "In case you forgot, Miss Granger, that is possible only if the Dark Lord decided to keep him alive" and his lips curled into an evil smile.
Looking away, she noticed Ron and Ginny watching Snape with great dislike etched deeply into their faces. Hermione had an odd feeling that, Snape was probably lucky, as Ron was at a sizeable distance from the cutlery and he looked ready to kill first and talk later. Fred and George were speaking to their mother softly and she herself looked worried. The twins were clearly avoiding the rest of the Order, including their dad.
"Though I admit we did not pick him on time, we reached in time" that was Moody again. "Harry was in full throttle" said Moody in a totally awestruck voice. All the five were now listening to him, even though the hatred was etched on their faces, with an extra smirk to match.
Now, Kingsley seemed to have found his hoarse voice, "He was simply outstanding, moving like lightening, hurling spells and curses at a speed …"
Tonks was muttering something about Kingsley sitting beside Moody.
Hermione cut Tonks off, pointing at Mundungus Fletcher she said sharply "I had never noticed him around, he was supposed to be doing rounds at Privet Drive". "Why didn't he turn up?"
Tonks, Kingsley, Mundungus and probably for the first time even Snape were staring at Hermione, partly amused, partly in admiration for her thought. Dumbledore answered her, "He was doing some other job elsewhere". "Where?", she demanded. This time Ron spoke up "We want to know". Fred hissed in her ears, "Way to go, Hermione".
"At the Burrow", replied Dumbledore resignedly. All the five were taken aback at this piece of information. "Then Harry was left alone for some time" said Hermione fiercely, hoping deep inside that it was false. "Of course not, there are people who I would not name".
A short pause ensued broken again by Dumbledore, "I wanted to say that … Recent news from the hospital indicates Harry is well and good and is able to move and talk, though with some difficulty". Looking towards Ron he said, "He had asked to see you and Ms. Granger".
"Will you go?" asked Dumbledore softly. Both Hermione and Ron looked at him struck dumb, his eyes were definitely twinkling.
"Yes" both answered in unison as relief swept through their hearts like a tidal wave, knocking out all anger and frustration from their bodies and minds.
Ron looked at his other best friend and hissed through a smile, "Trust our old chap to set anything right". Hermione couldn't help smiling back.
Ginny was the next to react. "Couldn't you have told us before? I'm going anyway" her shaky voice trailed away and she had already stood up. Fred and George had recovered too, "We are not staying back" and added furiously, "No one dare stop us".
However, at a nod from Dumbledore, Lupin stepped forward a smile etched on his face. "We all … well almost all of us have the same thought" chuckled Lupin as the three loyalists stole a glance at Snape, who was looking at Dumbledore, his face expressionless.
Ron, Lupin and Hermione set off to St Mungos only after Dumbledore had promised Hermione that, he would reach St Mungos in time.
The three of them reached St Mungos after a small journey aboard the Knight Bus. Ron having eaten Casserole just before boarding the bus, was quite tizzy. Hermione got out supporting him with one hand. Lupin had got down and steadied Ron as Hermione was looking at him a bit frustrated, at his stupidity. As if on cue, Ron retched onto the road. "Hold on" followed by another.
"Now I'm fine", said Ron straightening up.
"I'll never go in that stupid bus again", said Ron looking for the bus, with great dislike. He was unable to see the bus anywhere.
"You had the urge to eat just before the trip. I did tell you to postpone eating that junk food" Hermione admonished him. "That Muggle stuff was good, I was talking about the bus" countered Ron. He added slowly, "After all, I just wanted to taste it".
Hermione simply rolled her eyes exasperatedly and looked away.
"Ron are you fine now? Shall we go in?" asked a very amused looking Lupin.
The two nodded their heads and walked behind him. They were in the middle of a large street, jam packed with people. There were shops on either sides of the road, packed with a variety of things, bouquets, Muggle objects like candelabras, cupboards, TV sets as well as other Muggle oddities. Hermione's gaze was locked in a certain store containing what seemed a plethora of books, photos and stationary. Ron was looking at her disbelievingly.
"Didn't you see that store before? Go on, I hear your friend is giving out signed photographs…" said Ron completing it with a cough, which oddly sounded like 'Lockhart'.
In answer, she swung her fists twice, at his ribs and stomach. The second one found its target and wincing he shot her an angry look. At that moment, Lupin caught hold of their shoulders and whisked them into a small shop named 'Purge & Bowse Ltd'.
Once in, he was smiling at both of them, "Ron, her friend is still in Mungos, both of you may get to meet him".
Both of them smiled back at him sheepishly.
They neared a glass window overlooking a very ugly dummy. He motioned the other two to come nearer. Leaning onto the glass he whispered, "We are here for Maria Densington". Both Hermione and Ron looked at each other puzzled. She was astonished, as the dummy nodded its head and pointed them in. She did not even make an effort to pull away, when the ex-DADA professor took the two by their shoulders and marched through the dummy.
They were now in the Reception hall but the two were still sure that they had heard wrongly.
Lupin motioned them to follow him and after a few minutes of walking through long corridors found themselves on the fourth floor.
"I'll curse your photo if you care to open your stinking mouth, ever again", hissed Ron in a cracking voice, as they passed by a photo of a Healer who was now asleep.
Only last year, when the Weasleys, Harry and Hermione had come to visit Arthur Weasley in Mungos, the photo of the healer had Ron all angry by referring to his freckles and saying relentlessly that he had a bad case of splattergroit. It had even gone a step forward by explaining the 'only method' of healing it, which had Ron in a bad mood throughout the trip.
Hermione was keeping a determinedly straight face as she had remembered that 'incident' too.
"Second room from the-", Lupin had barely finished when someone hurtled out of the room to their left, colliding with Ron and both of them fell to the ground with a thump.
It was a very good-looking girl just a bit shorter than Ron. "I'm so sorry" she apologized profusely pushing the hair away from her eyes. Ron was simply gaping at her, too stunned even to reply. Lupin was trying with great difficulty to get Ron to shut his mouth.
The girl got up first and surveyed the scene and seeing Ron Weasley, she looked ecstatic. "Ron, Hermione, Rem - Mr. Lupin, nice to see you all". "Hi Maria, Is that your room?" said Lupin struggling to keep a straight face, as Ron and Hermione were staring at the girl tongue-tied.
"No, -er- Second last to the left", She replied while keeping a threatening glare over Lupin, cleanly telling him to keep shut which went unnoticed by either of the other two. Ron was trying to keep up with his new friend and thinking what to talk, while Hermione kept on pulling him behind and telling him to keep quiet.
"What's it?" hissed Ron. "Stop bounding ahead like a buffoon", retorted Hermione a tad jealous.
"She seems to know me at least", replied Ron smoothing his hair expectantly and getting a punch in his back.
"Go in" commanded Maria. She was looking at Ron amusedly and he hurriedly went in trying to hide his smile, though unsuccessfully. Hermione followed him, a jealous look on her face. Only, Lupin motioned her to go in and shut the door behind.
"Stop bickering, both of you" Harry said in a loud voice and winced slightly. He simply walked over to the bed, clutching his ribs, sat on it, his back to the wall and closed his eyes. The previous encounter with Lockhart had certainly proved tiring.
Hermione and Ron stopped quarrelling.
A sudden realization hit Hermione.
"Harry, is it really you?"
Harry grunted in response. Taking that for a yes, Hermione remarked with a tinge of curiosity in her voice, "Your looks are quite misleading".
"Yes, very much Maria", that was from Lupin, who was snorting with laughter.
Maria threw him a nasty glare and he dropped to the floor still laughing.
After everyone had settled down, Harry explained all that had happened after he had first regained consciousness, leaving out some portions of the story.
Ron gave a sound between a grunt and a moan.
"I knew it", declared Hermione sounding relieved. Ron was busy cursing someone.
He continued, "Nice to see you mate" but Harry did smell a rat, considering his slightly flattened tone. "You do look GORGEOUS", Lupin was teasing him, again.
Harry remarked angrily. "So, the nurse was blabbing, it seems".
At this remark, Lupin looked shocked. Recovering quickly, he covered the length of the room in quick steps, his face bearing a look of surprise and alertness and said sharply, "What nurse?"
"She called me Mr. Potter". "WHAT!" exclaimed Lupin taken aback by this piece of news, slowly he added with seriousness in his tone, "No one is supposed to know that, tell me her name".
"Sylvia Crawford", somebody replied. Harry turned around. His nurse had come in the room and no one had even noticed her. She continued, "I had overheard the healers".
Looking at Harry angrily, she hissed, "I didn't blab it to any one", receiving a curt, "Thank you very much Ms. Crawford … I presume the walls talked again".
Her face flushed.
Lupin continued, "Well, I will need to modify your memory, you may have understood why by now".
Surprising even himself, Harry interrupted him by saying "She didn't blab before, she won't do it in future".
Ron let out a snort of laughter while Hermione was looking at him, wide-eyed. Lupin was staring at him in surprise. "It must be done, Harry". "She won't tell anyone, if so most of the staff would have known by now".
"Thanks Maria, I won't tell anyone", she replied and received a sharp glare from her.
"Is it OK?" Harry asked Lupin again, who seemed to consider his option.
"She was keeping me company when –er- I was in a mess, nobody has an inkling of my identity, she definitely didn't spill the beans on me". A similar thought of Ron and himself together, with Ron having all his memory modified one fine day, had jolted him awake.
Lupin seemed to have gauged his thoughts. He nodded mutely and looked away but Harry was sure that a smirk was definitely in place. Ron and Hermione were struggling to keep straight faces but they were nodding in acceptance.
"Thanks again Harry, I will keep quiet" Sylvia replied soberly and she was gone.
"So, did you lure someone else too?" started Lupin, a grin forming on his face, one eyebrow raised.
"Er - Yes", replied Harry grinning, while looking at the floor.
Everybody laughed loudly, Harry joining in. "He turned out to be Lockhart".
Everybody, except Hermione, laughed still louder.
"Is he still here?" chuckled Ron a bit amused, while ignoring the death glare Hermione was giving him, adding, "serves him right".
"Aren't we being too harsh, Ron?" said Harry coaxingly, seeing Hermione twitching uncomfortably.
Ron still smiling turned to look at him, blushed horribly and after a moment stuttered, "I - I think yes". Turning around he even apologized to Hermione. Harry exchanged a surprised glance with Lupin, whose insides seemed to be aching with suppressed laughter. Suddenly, understanding why, he looked at the floor, cursing himself to keep shut.
"Hermione was asking for his autographs" Lupin spoke up but Ron cut him off by saying, "Harry will get you his autographs, won't you Harry?"
Hermione looked ready to kill.
All of them were shocked when Harry replied weakly, "Well, I can oblige you Hermione". He took out a bunch of Lockhart's signed photographs from his pocket as Ron closed his eyes and Lupin motioned Hermione to say something.
"Lockhart asked me to take these as a memento of him meeting me", said Harry color rising to his cheeks. Some anger was slowly beginning to rise in him too, seeing their silly behaviour. They are carrying this too far.
Hermione was giving him a look, both pleading to shut up and sympathetic too. Ron on the other hand was rolling on the ground laughing his heart out. Lupin had given in to his urge and was laughing in low tones, though looking away. "Good … friend … Lockhart" Ron was having difficulty in speaking.
Hermione looked scandalized. She was looking silently at Harry who gave a huge sigh and shrugged his shoulders. He was wondering what Lupin could have told her.
It was after a very long time that silence ensued.
"Ron" said Hermione sweetly. He looked at her a bit unsure, his face pink from laughing hard.
"Seeing Maria, at least I didn't blush dark red, from my head to my toes and give an insolent stare".
That shut Ron up and as he looked towards Harry, blushed again and returned to seeing his toes.
Now, she was sneering, with Harry joining in although in a low tone not wanting to anger either of them. Lupin was nodding his head, his body shaking with silent laughter motioning Hermione again. She promptly came near Harry and whispered in his ear, "The next time, use your idiotic pant pocket". Harry flushed having understood now.
"When do I get out of here?" asked Harry loudly, unable to see anyone in the face.
"I had enough of this", said Harry, getting out of his bed, his frustration showing clearly. Talking on a serious tone, Lupin continued, "Your healers have told us that if you felt better, you could move out". "I am fine" replied Harry eager to get out.
"Dumbledore will be coming around anytime now".
"Tell him to think with his head in future" said Harry very irritated. Lupin merely smiled, "Well this idea has probably disguised you effectively".
"But he's getting affected" smirked Ron.
"No" interjected Hermione with an air of superiority, "you sure are".
"Stop it that's enough" and Lupin meant it. Harry looked thankful atleast Lupin's on my side.
Turning to Harry he continued, "You, had better remember your current state and don't forget it whatever you do. If the healers consent, you will be yourself in quite some time. No one else need know" reasoned Lupin. Harry nodded his head without argument.
"That is true", said Hermione. "There has not been one page in the Daily Prophet which goes without mentioning your encounter or you. It also includes your associates". Harry looked surprised.
"How did they know? I never saw any of them nearby".
"Oh no, I'm talking about last year", said Hermione warily, well aware that the ending was not good.
"The reporters have been trying to get to Dad, hoping to get a glimpse of you, but he feigned helplessness", continued Ron hastily seeing Harry's temper rise, in a small voice.
"Privet Drive was-" Lupin stopped abruptly. "I heard footsteps", he whispered.
"Stop snooping Sylvia", cut in Harry angrily. As if on cue, she stepped in red faced.
"How did you know?" "Walls have ears", replied Harry still angry, motioning towards Lupin.
"I'm s-sorry".
Ron broke out angrily, "You keep snooping on everyone don't you?"
Lupin spoke up kindly, "If you had asked to come in no one would have objected".
She simply hung her head, uttered a sincere apology and went away.
After a few moments, Lupin continued, "The press decided to visit your Muggle residence".
Harry squealed with delight, cut him off and literally yelled, "The Dursleys lost their heads and kicked them out, only to find them trying to get in from the windows, chimney, the door-". He did not complete it as a pain more worse shot through his ribs and he stopped to massage it furiously.
"No, the only problem was they couldn't find your house, probably they didn't know the correct address", chuckled Lupin as Harry face fell.
Seeing Lupin's inquisitive gaze, Harry spluttered in a low tone, "It happens sometimes … if I exert too much".
At that moment a knock sounded on the door and Dumbledore stepped in. All the people in the room involuntarily stood up. Harry gaped in surprise. He blinked his eyes disbelievingly.
"Aunt Petunia in Mungos" thought Harry baffled.
She walked in and her brows seemed to disappear into her hair as she saw Harry, surprised she glanced at the headmaster. Dumbledore nodded in response. Lupin motioned the other two and they walked out of the room. The headmaster and a wide-eyed Aunt Petunia sat down on chairs, which the former had conjured up, near Harry's bed.
"I do agree that I did it", said Dumbledore looking at the floor. Harry knew very well why the headmaster was behaving like that. The last year was fresh in his mind. He returned a snort, which turned into a flurry of words. Probably, Ron or Hermione had told him about his ideas related to his physical appearance.
"My friends liked it, so you are forgiven". Harry did notice a small smile course across Dumbledore's face. He hadn't expected it.
"Why didn't the Ministry expel me when I had done magic?"
Dumbledore answered slowly, "The new law states that any person of 15 years of age is allowed to use magic under life threatening circumstances and above it there is no restriction.
"How did Voldemort attack me in my house?"
Dumbledore looked at Harry's hands intently, "During the fourth year, he was resurrected with your blood. I overlooked that particular fact. So, he was able to attack you in your house. I am very sor-".
"You did not tell him to" cut in Harry sharply, not liking his favorite headmaster taking the blame for someone else's deeds. Dumbledore continued in a more sober tone, "In case I am not mistaken, Voldemort now shares the same protection you have. No one can kill him if he stays in your house, except you or any of your family members."
Harry looked like someone had sawed his head. Even Petunia looked as if someone had handed her, a death sentence condemning her to die by hanging.
The room was very silent. The twittering of birds returning to their houses, could be heard through the solitary window in the room. Looking outside, Harry saw the calming shade of evening changing slowly into the blanket of night.
"Wh – Who else knows this?" Aunt Petunia was shuddering in her statement.
"Us and the Order excepting Hermione, Ron, Fred, George and Ginny" answered a pale Harry as Dumbledore nodded his head in affirmation.
"This means my Aunt, Uncle and Dudley have to be moved to a safer place" said Harry now worried, he didn't even notice the soft look his Aunt was giving him. Dumbledore stood up, "It will be done the same way it was done for your parents".
"I am ready", answered Harry standing up. "I will NOT LET THEM DIE", he said sincerely and determinedly. Dumbledore stood up, "If you don't mind, Snape can be their secret-" but Harry cut him off, "No, I will be, I trust no one other than myself and you".
This time his Aunt spoke up kindly, "You do not understand, your life is more important" but even she wasn't spared. She had touched a nerve.
"It doesn't imply that I keep seeing all of you die one after the other". Every bit of the dormant anger inside him had resurfaced again. "I have no interests in killing you or letting you get killed". Turning towards Dumbledore he hissed, "You may do what you please".
He had probably gotten too far.
His aunt was now livid with rage, she screamed in anger, "YOU STUPID BOY, YOU ARE ALIVE ONLY BECAUSE HE PROTECTED YOUR PARENTS AND IT IS DUE TO HIM AND HIM ONLY THAT YOU ARE ALIVE ALONGWITH US. NOBODY ELSE EVEN DARED TO UTTER THE NAME OF YOUR PARENTS WHEN VOLDEMORT WAS SEARCHING FOR THEM. IF THIS PERSON HADN'T HELPED YOUR PARENTS YOU WOULD BE DEAD BEFORE BIRTH", all the while ignoring Dumbledore who was attempting to calm her in vain.
She was towering over Harry every bit of her wanting to slap him for his attitude.
Harry looked stricken by that bit of her speech.
Dumbledore managed to calm her down and turned to him, "I want only to see you happy, I will do as you say".
Realizing that his Aunt did not hate him as she usually displayed and he had just gotten her angry Harry looked down totally quashed.
"Apologize you idiot, you deserve it. You think too high of yourself", screamed his thoughts.
When he relented, his mind raced forward, "You still think that her story is nonsensical, do you? Isn't the first part true, Dumbledore himself had told you, even Voldemort confirmed it after his resurrection.
Seeing the way people react to his name, Can the second part be wrong?
Your AUNT herself says so, does she look like a liar now".
It had the desired effect.
Harry looked at his aunt, who looked as if she regretted every bit of it, then the headmaster.
Seeing the headmaster's calm face, he felt worse than the slimiest insect in the world.
Dumbledore had even left his position at Hogwarts the previous year just to keep him safe in Hogwarts. He even had endured the incessant remarks when the Ministry had tried to make him up as a fool.
Further, only Dumbledore had stood by him, even when the whole incident in the fourth year, was projected as a farce. Every person was mocking at him, without a second thought.
Sirius was alive only because Dumbledore had helped him. Sirius was safe because of Dumbledore's orders. Sirius was dead only due to Harry's stupidity, Dumbledore was not responsible.
The truth hurt but it was as it was.
Harry felt older than he was.
Swallowing his pride, he looked at Dumbledore and said, "You want Snape to be their secret keeper because he can guard his mind very well unlike me and is unlikely to spit out any secret unlike Wormtail that may as well help Professor Snape in knowing that he may clear my father's debt".
Dumbledore returned a nod, worry creasing his forehead, interspersed with pride that Harry had understood, though still looking at the floor.
With this, Harry uttered a sincere apology looking at his aunt and Dumbledore and returned to stare at the floor.
Dumbledore then did something, which he had never done before. He hugged Harry, patted him on his head, told him not to worry and walked out of the room, while telling Petunia Dursley that he would wait outside. She nodded promptly.
Both of them sat silently looking at each other.
"You are arrogant, just like your father but are soft hearted like your mother too and intelligent like both nonetheless", she remarked in a strained voice.
"I'm sorry", replied Harry unable to meet her in the eyes and continued, "So you knew all along".
"Yes, your uncle was enraged at your mother for marrying a wizard, so he decided to keep them out of the house". "Your uncle was so mad at her, she anyway had the final say", Petunia Dursley said in a sad tone.
"After your parents were … murdered by that ba- murderer, your Uncle never wanted you in the house but realizing your importance, I took you in. Besides, the fact that Voldemort was gone, seemed to pacify him and he somehow agreed in keeping you in the house".
She then showed him the letter that had accompanied him on his first day at the Dursleys.
After seeing the letter, he looked up at his aunt and found that she was quivering slightly, a look of sadness across her face.
Reading the letter thoroughly, Harry was thunder-struck, he simply stared at the paper his eyes scanning every line and understanding it, like a doll working on clockwork, absorbing every piece of information. The pieces of his broken world were falling in place. After having read it, he simply crumpled it up and threw it aside.
Now, he knew who his parents were, what had actually happened to them, how they had died and who had risked their lives to bring baby Harry back safely. The successive attacks by Voldemort, the prophecy and Voldemort's desire to rule the entire world, alongwith his single obstacle, Harry Potter all fell into place.
He was lost in thought for a few minutes.
On seeing his aunt, he continued softly, "So, naturally you wanted to keep me away from this world and anything related to my past, as I would be curious to explore thus exposing my true identity. When I had grown up and was ready you would send me to Dumbledore who would train me for my future". Aunt Petunia nodded sadly, tears had begun forming in her eyes.
"So it was you again, who suggested the cupboard under the stairs so that I could practice and do my magic out of prying eyes, ensuring my privacy".
"I suggested the room below the attic but your uncle didn't relent and so …" She nodded again, her eyes sparkling with tears.
"So when last year, you must have known that the so called competition was non-existent, it was just to keep my dear uncle and cousin out of the way. You and Dumbledore knew all along", she was positively crying now.
"It means I have always misunderstood all of you, and still do".
Getting up she embraced him in a loving hug and unable to contain himself, Harry simply broke down in her arms.
"What the hell is taking them?" asked Ron impatiently. Hermione on the other hand looked suspicious and a bit angry. Dumbledore walked out and motioned Lupin to come along. "Professor-", Hermione began but Dumbledore stopped her. "Harry is feeling much better and I have brought his aunt along, if she agrees to take him back, he will have to go else I leave it to you", Dumbledore told Lupin.
Ron and Hermione looked ready to celebrate but Lupin had caught the undercurrent in the headmaster's tone. He felt much happier.
Minutes later, Petunia Dursley came out of the house. No trace of any conversation was visible on either of their face. "On your insistence, I agree to take him", she whispered in a low voice and Dumbledore escorted her outside. Lupin, Ron and Hermione walked inside.
Harry looked subdued.
"What did she do?" "If she did anything-" started Ron. Hermione looked worried.
"Just the usual, I'll have to go there" Harry completed, trying to look disgusted.
Lupin interjected, "So Maria we'll drop by Grimmauld and take you to Privet Drive".
"No, I'll just- Alright, I'll come, I want to get out of this irritating charm and sleep in peace" remarked Harry looking disgusted.
"Well, Sylvia sends her-" sang Ron, interrupted by a punch and a sharp slap.
"Now you know why …" reiterated Hermione, looking satisfied, "… you are too much to bear".
"The healers have sent their assent to you moving out", said Lupin, adding, "now start your walk".
Harry spoke up so suddenly that the three jumped, "Wait, the other way, he's here, Lockhart".
Ron suddenly broke into a series of coughs.
Evidently, Ron hadn't yet thought of Harry as his usual self.
Once more and he is hexed, thought Harry. Hermione seemingly had noticed his expression and was pushing Ron ahead, ignoring his grunting.
Turning around, the four walked around the aisle and came face-to-face with none other than
"Hi Neville", exclaimed Ron. Hermione told him to shut up but Neville had seen them and was walking towards them a very worried look on his face, his Grandmother following him looking very tired.
"Hi Ron, Hermione, Professor Lupin" Neville greeted them, there was no trace of any embarrassment on his face. Looking around he spotted another girl. As she smiled as him, he smiled back and turned, away his cheeks burning. "Wh – Who is she?" he asked Professor Lupin.
"I'm Maria Densington, Hi Neville" Maria had spoken. "Nice seeing you all", Neville's grandmother had spoken. "Hello, Professor how come I see you here?"
Lupin replied, "Hello Mrs. Longbottom, Maria had taken a Reductor in her chest, somebody tried out a dirty prank, whoever did it, she is not telling".
"I feel fit so I have decided to go home" interjected Maria looking at Neville's Granny. She added hesitantly, "Someone ill, Neville?"
Everyone expected him to hide behind his Grandma but he spoke up, his words spilling with pride though shaky, "My parents were tortured by Voldemort's Death Eaters, refusing to bend to his will and that is the reason why they are here".
"Hope that they get well soon" Maria replied. Ron and Hermione were looking at her sympathetically. "They will", replied Neville in a fierce voice.
Turning to Ron and Hermione he asked them, "I hope Harry is fine. If you are still continuing with the DA, count me in". With that, he wished them a Good-Bye and moved away. His Gran was just too overwhelmed and Lupin steered her in.
Ron called out, "Hey Neville, coming down with us". Hermione hitched a smile to her lips. Maria also nodded approvingly. "Alright" and the four marched down through the stairs. They were talking for a long time when the talk apparently shifted towards Maria.
"So, you stay here", asked Neville. "No, in Edinburgh" replied Maria. "My uncle stays there too", piped up Neville. Ron and Hermione looked pityingly at her.
"Er- You go to Hogwarts, don't you?" As, Neville turned around she said hastily, "Hermione told me". "Yes".
Absentmindedly, Harry draped his hand across Neville's shoulder. They went on walking, when Harry glanced Ron's jealous face, Hermione's stare and took his hand off.
They had reached the end of the corridor facing the Reception room.
"N-Nice m-meeting you, Maria" gushed Neville, scarlet in the face. Ron was muttering about asking for trouble.
"Nice meeting you too, Neville". Ron was completing the sentence 'and hope to never see you again'. Hermione was struggling to keep a straight face with great difficulty.
Unknown to anyone Harry was having a difficult time controlling his anger which was getting unruly. Ron sees me with that stupid look on his face, Hermione is jealous, lingering with LOCKHART and now a nexus with Neville
At that moment, Lupin had arrived. "Bye Professor, hope to see you at Hogwarts" said Neville.
"So do I and be careful, Neville". With that Lupin took the three out of Mungos and they were headed for Grimmauld. The four of them entered the house. There were Fred and Mrs. Weasley, nobody else was present.
"Hi, mum, Hello Mrs. Weasley", chorused Ron and Hermione. Mrs. Weasley, taken aback by the appearance of the third person, did not reply.
Hermione introduced the new entrant, choosing her words properly, "She is Maria Densington".
Maria was clearly controlling her temper with great difficulty.
However, Fred looked genuinely interested in her, "Hi" he exclaimed, ruffling his hair. Ignoring him, Maria asked, "Mrs. Weasley, is Professor Dumbledore here?"
Fred answered her question happily, "Yeah Maria, he sure is here". Maria asked him between gritted teeth, "Could you kindly call him only?" A bit surprised, Fred backed away muttering gibberish.
Apparently, Hermione had filled in Mrs. Weasley, as she was staring at Harry in sheer disbelief. Ron had to shake her and get her out of her trance. "So nice to see you Harry dear", she muttered unsurely. Ron had decided that his friend was heating up, so he asked his mother to bring them some foodstuff in another room.
As the three walked in the side room, Harry got a shock of his life. Ron was cowering with fear and Hermione was now worried for Ron and herself.
All the members of the Order were sitting in the room, including Fred, George and Ginny. As the three had entered, all of them were looking at Maria intently. Apparently, Fred, George and Ginny weren't informed as they were staring as if mesmerized at Harry. Luckily, Snape was absent.
Arthur Weasley stepped forward, "Hi Maria, have a seat will you". George was already on his feet, smiling. Fred was in a competition.
Ginny was giving him a look, spilling with jealousy. Lupin was telling them to shut up, in vain. Even Tonks was looking at him dazedly. Even, Fletcher had woken up and was trying to pull off some stunt, probably bowing.
A loud "Hi Maria" broke out in the Order. Lupin looked worried.
Hermione and Ron were glaring at the others, motioning them to shut up and moved away after few futile attempts. An inferno was well on its way.
Harry turned around snatched Ron's wand from his robes and faced the Order, wand in front.
This was too much, for too long a time. He pointed the wand at his own throat.
"I HAD ENOUGH OF THIS NONSENSE, EITHER DO AWAY WITH IT OR I'LL START KILLING YOU ALL" his voice a hundred times magnified, echoed throughout the room, the frustration and anger clearly visible, his fist clenched over the wand.
"EXACTLY, TEN SECONDS TO YOU Ten…Nine…", floated his roar, as the crowd scrambled madly for their wands. The twins were already excited at the prospect of getting to show off their wizarding powers.
Hermione and Ron had already scrambled off to find the headmaster and had met him midway to the kitchen, Mrs. Weasley looked furious, Hermione and Ron were scurrying alongside Dumbledore as he was hurrying towards the living room, very worried.
"We are ready for you, Maria", yelled Fred. Ginny had realized that it could be Harry having seen Hermione's and Ron's frantic gestures. Besides, this girl had an extraordinary temper, which was threatening to spill anytime now. "Har-", started Ginny, praying fervently, that he would stop.
Too late, George had given a catcall.
The room went deathly silent. Harry never completed the countdown.
"Expelliarmus, Stupefy, Reducio, Accio …" Harry spat curses, hexes and jinxes one after the other, his frustration showing clearly. Tonks was trying to avoid them like a cockroach running from a broom.
Fred and George were clearly enjoying.
After a few seconds, Tonks had four legs, Moody's magical eye was rolling on the floor and Fletcher was sitting on the table like a praying mantis.
Kingsley looked unsure at whether to attack or run away. The next instant he was hanging from the ceiling.
Lupin had done the best thing, of sitting to Harry's side, egging him on.
George sent two curses at Maria. They returned accompanied by seven more. His wand flew from his hand and fell to the floor, diving behind a couch he discovered his robes were too tight and the couch had mysteriously disappeared leaving only a handful of powder behind. The portraits hanging around the room were looking dumbstruck at the ongoing inferno in front of them.
Mrs. Blacks screams were adding to the confusion.
Arthur Weasley was laughing hard and never seemed to stop.
Fred yelled out, "Get us girlie, if you can".
Instantly, Ginny hit her forehead hard, with her hand.
The next instant the stool he was using as a shield had sprouted four legs and was strangling him. Ginny stood up frantically and yelled, "HARRY, ITS OK, WE DIDN'T KNOW THAT IT WAS YOU".
Seeing Ginny's reaction, George had understood that the lovely girl was none other than his friend, he came out shaking, both hands in the air, a look of surprise and fright plastered on his face.
Harry's anger subsided at once. Thrusting Ron's wand into Ginny's hands, he cooled down.
Uttering a loud sorry, he marched out of the room, looking angry with himself for that stupid outburst, seeing Dumbledore right in front of him.
Mrs. Weasley and Dumbledore was looking at him with a look, cleanly stating amazement. Dumbledore moved his wand and muttered some words and Mrs. Weasley's look of relief told him that he was back to his old self. "You need to control that awful temper, Harry", remarked Mrs. Weasley, though she was laughing.
Ron and Hermione were laughing in the room, when they stopped abruptly. "After effects of the war, I suppose", chuckled Dumbledore.
Harry felt stupid again. Two times already
In a matter of seconds, the entire roomful of people, had come out and were drawling over Harry's style of fighting. Moody was saying, "Harry, I'd like to enroll for your DA today. I'm in". Fred and George looked as if they regretted leaving school earlier than a year. Fletcher was telling Harry about a nice cheap plot near Hogsmeade where Commercial Defense classes could be taught. Ginny was gazing at him as if she had just discovered another Philosopher's Stone.
Tonks was kissing him relentlessly, "That was definitely above NEWT level, Harry, Can you give me one autograph?" Even, Lupin was grinning widely, winking at him. Ron and Hermione were thumping each other's backs.
A birthday not so bad thought Harry, smirking at himself, while struggling to push Tonks away.
On making their way to the kitchen, he was surprised to find a lot of good-looking food waiting for him. "Happy Birthday to you", yelled everybody so loudly, that Harry felt that his ears would burst.
Nothing could worry him now.
Everybody sat by the table, devouring the delicious looking food that Mrs. Weasley had prepared. The duel had been a lot of fun.
A perfect birthday he grinned inwardly, Privet Drive or Voldemort couldn't trouble him now even that damned prophecy.
Note:
* - A Mr. Reviewer sent me that new line for Snape. I happened to update the previous one as the new one is more like Snape.
See it turned to be a good birthday after all. Lets see what happens next.
I hope the story length was satisfying.
Do send me ideas by review, by mail, as you feel but Puhleez review.