Chapter 2: The Return To Diagon Alley
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, Gets?! That first chapter was just a start for the REAL adventure! Enjoy! (A/N: Hey, thanks for all your comments! I really appreciate it hey, just a reminder, about your comments and all, I would just like to REMIND you that that was just the first chapter!! But at least it showed me that you really want me to continue!! Thanks again guys! Hope for more good reviews soon! P.s I'm an OOTP spoiler! Haha! By the way, this chapter would be much shorter than the last.)
It was really very weird for Fred and George to appear looking, er--, very serious. Both strode over, towards Harry and handed him the letter. "Er, what's up?" Harry asked, looking uncomfortable. "Uh, here you go mate. It...it just arrived." Said George. "Yeah, when we were looking for our tongue-tricking teasers, we found it on the windowsill." Said Fred. Harry wondered what the heck the tongue- tricking teasers could possibly be. He decided not to ask them, for his and Ron and Hermione's sake—uh safety. He looked at the letter and saw big bold letters written in a neat handwriting.
' TO MR. HARRY POTTER, THE BURROW' "Er, "said Harry, looking for a clue to who the sender could be. Finally, he gazed up and glanced at Ron and Hermione, who seemed to be troubled by the sudden appearance of the mysterious letter. "Uh, that's not another one of your jokes, huh?" Ron asked nervously, looking at Fred and George. "No way!" Fred said. "I think he's right Ron, that handwriting seems to be better than his, I must quite say." Hermione commented. Fred looked at her with a damaged expression. "I didn't mean that to hurt you Fred!" Hermione reassured him, smiling nervously. "Hey, whatever it is," said George, changing the subject, "We better find out who sent this letter to him." He stated, shifting his gaze on Harry. But Harry wasn't listening. Amidst all the curiosities and confusions, Harry felt something else. A strange power... a strange feeling. And it felt it like its source was from the unknown letter. He felt himself sweating, shivering ever so slightly from that appalling sensation. He felt wobbly and unstable; he flopped back on Ron's bed, and gulped in an abundance of air. Not wanting to alarm the group, he wiped a sweat, which was starting to dispense, and started opening the letter. To his (and the group's) surprise, he saw that the letter was empty. "Empty?" Fred finally spoke up, as he went over. "It was just a joke." Said George, breathing a sigh of utmost relief. Hermione and Ron looked at each other worriedly. "Empty?," Hermione repeated. "How could that be empty? I...I felt It." Said Hermione, facing the base, looking troubled. Harry glanced at her, surprised. She must've felt that...that same thing. Harry thought. As he was just about to speak up he saw Ron, with a look, he knew so well. A look of utter distress. He gazed at the same thing where Ron had been staring at, and he too, had been shocked to say anything. Ron bellowed, as the group froze rigid in their spaces. "LOOK! LOOK! THE LETTER! THE PARCHMENT! IT'S, IT'S—"but Harry couldn't take notice of Ron's dialogue for at that moment, he felt himself shaking tremendously hard and in a flash slumped down, solid on Ron's bedroom floor. After a few minutes, Harry stirred instinctively and had enough strength to release one eye open and see what the heck occurred. He yanked open his eyes and was thunderstruck at what perceived his sight. Harry was no longer at the burrow, but in an Alley. An old one at that. He stood up wearily and started to look around, to find anybody he knew that would help him get out of this wretched nightmare. Seeing that nobody was there, he considered the thought of walking around, than to make him an easy prey for, uh, non-humane things. Two broken windows hung heavily on a banister, with only inches before plunging down to the dirty and bedraggled street. Rats and black cats scurried swiftly away, leaving trails of dirt around that path. Harry swallowed hard, trying not to panic, and assuring himself that someone would find him, -- eventually. "Uh, hello..." He asked, as he heard a loud creak, from a distance. He walked faster, taking out his wand—if only he could find it. He frantically rummaged his robe, nothing! Harry was starting to panic, quickening his pace. He clasped his hands together and groaned drearily. After what seemed like hours of walking around, trying to find a single living soul, Harry turned on a corner and sat down on a block of what seemed to be remnants of an old tower. He wiped his dirty hands across his sweaty face and placed his head in between his folded limbs. Then suddenly, as Harry started to feel drowsy, he heard a noise. He swiftly twirled his head around, desperate to know where those drones and hums were coming from. "Hey!" Harry started, jumping up to his feet, "Hey! Anybody there? Hello?! Anybody?" he hopefully declared. He cleared his thoughts from anything that would prevent him from hearing, or understanding who or what were making those commotions. In a few seconds, he heard a voice. "'Rry..." he squinted harder, trying to understand. "'Arry..." he followed the voice, trying to understand what it was saying. He walked rapidly, following the voice. Then, he heard it. "HARRY POTTER..." he stopped swiftly in his tracks. He started sweating more, his heart beating quicker as he gulped. Did... did it just say... Harry Potter? He decided not to continue, for fear of finding the owner of the voice. But he couldn't stop himself. Something or someone is calling him...he couldn't turn away, no matter how hard he tried. Finally, he gave up, and did what his feet wanted. He continued to follow the voice. As the voice grew louder, his pace grew quicker. His fear began to waver, but his curiosity developed. He really wanted to find out who owned the voice! Twisting and turning through the alley's unknown streets, he hoped he would find the possessor of the tone of voice intriguing him to carry on. He grew nearer; yes the voice was getting louder. Loud enough that Harry started hearing other words being said, other than his name. Harry wondered what he would find when he got there, if he got there. He was really growing very tired of all the walking, running, sprinting and jogging he has done. Finally, of what seemed to be forever, he felt as if in just a minute, he would see what it was behind the closed doors. He breathed hard, heart thumping and his throat, which seemed to get stuck in the middle. Then, after a few moments of deafening minutes, Harry turned around the corner of that unfamiliar street, to find out what was waiting for him the other side. In a blink of an eye, a pain coursed through his scar. Harry's scream was heard in the distance and Harry saw what he had been dreading the most. Or was it? Harry clutched his scar, so hard that it somehow prevented him from seeing this mysterious person—if it was one. The pain, it was like another warning, this time, a warning that a critical moment would occur. Harry bent down and tried to stop himself from rolling across the dirt floor. This was it... he thought. Maybe the parchment was a Portkey... maybe... maybe it transported me to...to Voldemort's lair... Harry tried to stop imagining what he would find when he squinted his eyes. He breathed hard, trying to grab every breath of fresh air that might be available. He started to back up, trembling and wobbling, trying to get away. He hated hearing those...those terrifying taunts. Those voices... but, Harry thought, is...is this really Voldemort's voice? He couldn't familiarize it. Those tones sounded...sounded so feminine. So womanly. But what kind of girl or any kind of female could ever make his scar burn? It sounded, sounded so inhumane. Even veelas in their terrible state sounded better, and harmless than these kinds. He shuddered tremendously. Then, it stopped. The pain, the chants, and the murmurs—everything stopped. Harry laid himself down to the battered rocks and jarred pieces of metallurgy, which were leftovers of buildings as he had earlier seen. Inhaling heavily, he wondered if he had somehow escaped unnoticed. Impossible. Nothing could be that deaf as to not to hear his shrieks of sudden pain and anguish. He lay still, expecting something foul coming after him. Subsequently, he heard footsteps. He cursed silently under his breath for losing his wand and not going back to look for it. The footsteps grew louder, each thump getting nearer by the minute. He closed his eyes, anticipating the worst to come. He held his breath and waited for the strike. But, somehow, it didn't come. He unbolted his eyes, and instead of seeing flared, red eyes of deatheaters or murderers, he saw... saw cool, calm and...and collected ones. Crimson eyes shining sweetly and competitively under a black velvety hood, concealing the individual's unknown face. Hood? He quickly recalled as he rubbed his eyes to make sure of this unpredictable sight. He glanced back at them and swiftly looked away. Then, he heard laughter. He turned around and sat up, dizziness spreading speedily around him. He saw two of them. Two...two...who were those two people?! Those beings who are giggling...but not at him. Giggling slightly, and nodding at him. Nodding...what were they trying to make me understand? Harry furiously thought as he tried to put the pieces of the confusing puzzle together. Because of his dizzy spell, Harry removed this temporary issue out of his mind, and stared at the eyes of his mystifying captors, or friends or what. Harry didn't exactly know what to call his unidentified company. Something was upon him again. He liked—no, loved staring into their eyes. Crimson and chocolate- toffee eyes were like a mixture of nature. So calm, passive and intriguing. It gave him a sense of security, peacefulness, serenity and...and... "HARRY!" Harry awoke, startled. "Harry, are you ok?" Harry glanced at who addressed him. He saw Hermione, Ron, Fred, George, Ginny, Lupin, and Mrs. Weasley and Sirius looking at him intently. Hermione looked a ghastly shade of white, together with Ginny and Mrs. Weasley who looked almost petrified. "Harry, mate, are you alright?" Ron asked, his voice cracking. "Yes, Ron," said Lupin, checking Harry's state, "He's going to be fine." Sirius breathed a sigh of relief, while the three girls quivered slightly. "What...what happened? Where are they? Who are they?" Harry frantically asked, looking around. "Who...who...what are you talking about?" asked Hermione, her tone shuddering. "Wait, what exactly happened?" Harry finally asked them, looking from one to another. He felt tired, annoyed and foolishly stupid to ask those questions, when nobody else seemed to have understood. "Well, you see Harry," started Fred, looking pale, "When the parchment glowed and uh, burned up, it...it..." "It threw a beam at you and you started screaming." Said Ron. "We thought you were having a fit. When you started saying those words... those nonsense words...it made you sound so inhuman." Said Hermione, fighting the urge to cry. "Yeah...it was like being on your deathbed...you sounded worse than being affected by the Dementors. You were shaking, like having a...a fit or something." Commented George, looking like his twin. "Muttering about...about death...about pain and...and You-Know-Who's name." Said Ron, gulping. "So I wasn't transported? That wasn't a Portkey? But...but it seemed so real...my wand, where's my wand?" Harry searched his jeans and shirt and, after a while, took out his wand. "But, it shouldn't be here." Said Harry, confused. Ginny cried silently on her mother's shoulder and let Mrs. Weasley whisk her out of the room. "What did you see Harry?" Sirius asked him. Harry looked at him, amazed. "What do you mean?" he asked. He squeezed his brain, wanting to replay a memory. "Oh no...oh no, please, don't make me forget!" Harry cried out as he held his head, shaking himself, feverishly. "I'm losing the memory! It... it's disappearing!" said Harry, wailing. "What do you recall?" Lupin asked, soothingly. "Nothing but..." "But what?" Sirius and Lupin chorused, moving forward for Harry's single piece of information. "Eyes...the most beautiful ones I've ever seen..." Harry muttered, nonsensely, looking blankly at Ron's streaked orange wall. "As I've expected." Said Lupin, regretfully. "Professor Lupin, how...why...how come you weren't able to come through?" Hermione asked, timidly. "Xaulgattz" was the only word Lupin could use to describe the incidence. "Er—"said Fred, doubtfully. "Bless you," commented George. Ron looked bewildered. "No, no, XAULGATTZ. Hermione, would you please come with me to the attic?" Sirius asked. Hermione nodded, with traces of hesitation. Then, with a leading hand, Sirius and Hermione went towards the attic. "Uh, does Sirius know what he's doing?" Harry asked, uncertainly, wiping his sweat away. "Yes. Lets just wait for them to come down..." answered Lupin calmly, sitting down. After a few uneventful minutes, with no one making a sound, except tearful sobs from the next room, Hermione and Sirius came back, holding a large black and antique book, with bloody red dwarfish inscriptions around it. Hermione looked fascinated and at the same time, curious at what it could be. Harry and Ron gave each other small grins. Hermione could never resist a book, even a mysterious and perhaps deadly one at that. Lupin stood up, flashed a grateful smile at the duo, took out his wand, said a very extensive and complex spell, struck the book, and to the group's surprise, ascended slowly, glowing, the red inscriptions blazed like fire, and...and... fell flat open on Ron's wooden floor. Lupin wasted no time and stared flipping aimlessly through the pages. Later than, 20 minutes had past, Lupin had a successful, but tired expression. "Xaulgattz. Hermione, would you please read this?" "Yes!" Hermione excitedly exclaimed. She got the book and cleared her throat. And in a minute, started to read. "XAULGATTZ: mystical beings who perform mind sorcery, and are considered to be of great descendants. These are supernatural beings who don't need the use of wands, (unlike most wizards and witches) but have and contain infinite power. They can also be aided with the use of special scepters which response to the call of their highest ability; and are at it's maximum when present at their influential state. With the aid of one of the descended chosen ones and most rare and extraordinary of scepters, that's when the XAULGATTZ are considered at it's deadliest. But no one in existence since the 690th century, are present, but five selected ones, three which have died, and two, prophesized to be born after the child who destroys terror lives..." Hermione slowly looked up, uneasily. "Uh, so you mean to say... these Xaulgattz are...are..." Ron gulped, "the most powerful...?" "That's right Ron! And if ever they fall to the wrong sides...well...Harry won't be needed...in—" "Yeah!" Ron and the twins exclaimed, knowing what he would say, "We know!" "Man, those Xaulgattz sound so...so... totally wicked." Said Fred, going back to his normal state as he started grinning mischievously. "Yep, I know," agreed George, "imagine what we'd be able to achieve with that kind of power." "Boys, those are not funny." Said Sirius, looking at the twins in a serious manner. "Yes, Sirius is right," agreed Lupin, "Didn't you listen to what Hermione just read? Xaulgattz are 'mind wizards'. They don't use wands like any normal witch or wizard—" "That's because they aren't normal." Said Ron. "Er, right and don't you get it?" said Lupin, as the twins shook their heads deliberately. "Because of that power, it prevented us from coming, in time to help Harry." "Yes, Lupin is right. When I first sensed its strong essence, I quickly bounded upstairs, only to find myself being thrown against the wall." Sirius shared quietly. "Xaulgattz are immensely strong beings. I never thought I'd see the day when the prophecy will be able to make sense." "What do you mean?" Hermione asked. "No, I can't tell you. It's too much as a forbidden information to keep. Yes. It's better if you don't know..." Lupin informed them. "Well, since nothing else is wrong around here, why don't we get a much needed rest? I believe we all need it from our little excitement." Mrs. Weasley suggested as she went into the room, unexpectedly. "How's Ginny?" Hermione quickly asked. "She's fine, the poor dear." "It was too much of a shock for her." Said Fred. "Yeah, Ginny could never handle anything unusual." George said "Bloodcurdling, you mean." Ron corrected, shakingly. So do you Ron." The twins stated. Ron threw them a disgruntled look. "Now boys, don't be too hard on your sister." Said Mrs. Weasley, firmly. "Yeah, it's not her fault if she was worried about Harry. We all were worried about Harry." Hermione defensively shot back. Harry looked away. He hated it when everyone was giving him a 'Lets-all-feel-sorry-for-Harry' sentiment. It made him experience being powerless and fragile. "Well, I'm doing what Molly suggested. Rest. It'll do us all good." "Not me," said Fred, "I'm gonna practice Quidditch. Come on George, you can join us if you like, you two." He said, referring to Ron and Harry. "Suit yourselves." Said Lupin, as he, Sirius and Mrs. Weasley stepped out. After a quick crack, the twins had apparated. "Wanna join them Harry?" asked Ron, taking out his Comet Two-Sixty. "Ron, no way can Harry do that." Said Hermione. "How come? Fred and George and I can do it, why can't he?" Ron shot back. "Well, for one thing, you guys weren't the ones who went through what Harry did, and second Harry doesn't want to do that, do you Harry? He's tired, sweaty, exhausted—" "Yeah, I think I will. Hold on a minute Ron, I'll just get my Firebolt." Said Harry, as he observed Ron's face, when somehow, he couldn't quite see, a pang of hurt and resentment flashed quickly along Ron's eyes. "...Ok mate. I'll, I'll go on ahead..." said Ron, who quickly bolted for the door, and went swiftly outside, to where Fred and George were throwing apples. Harry then found his Firebolt, gave a wee smile to Hermione and dashed outside, to where Ron and the other's were. Hermione sighed and rolled her eyes and she muttered to herself as she started to head towards Ginny's quarters. "What is wrong with Harry...?" Hermione silently asked herself, with the feeling of anxiety. The rest of the day went fairly well, or quick, rather, and it was time for everyone to get some real rest and relaxation for their well needed strength tomorrow.
"Harry! Come on mate, wake up!" Ron shouted, changing into his pants and sleeves. Harry opened his eyes and yawned heavily. He stood up and went into the bathroom, brushed his teeth, flossed, washed his face and started changing. This was the day they were going to Diagon Alley for their required things. Both went down to the kitchen and saw that everyone had already been eating. After the meal, and, by pairs, went to the fireplace, got some Floo powder and transported themselves. Fred and George weren't allowed to Apparate, because Mrs. Weasley wanted the group to stay together. Harry noticed that Mr. Weasley hadn't returned yet, but Lupin assured him that he was still busy at the Ministry. With everyone ready, they started heading towards Diagon Alley, with Lupin and Sirius going first, Ron and Harry next, followed by Hermione and Ginny, then, with reluctant and childish protests, Fred and George continued, and at last, Mrs. Weasley, who made one last check up around the house, and with a pinch of Floo powder, she herself was taken to Diagon Alley. "Well then," said Mrs. Weasley, as she gave them each their letters, "Why don't we just meet here? After, hmm... about an hour?" she asked. Everyone agreed. "But," Hermione asked as she eyed Sirius, who was in his animal form, "Who's going to take Si—I mean Padfoot?" "Don't worry Hermione, Me and Padfoot will be going together. We have some things to be discussed at the Ministry." "Oh! You're heading towards the Ministry?" asked Ginny. "Yes. We have to talk to—uh, never mind," said Lupin as Padfoot gritted his teeth, "We just have to find out if the Ministry's going to approve, uh, her. You need not know now, you'll find out soon." He assured them. "Well, since that's settled, her you go dears, I picked up your money earlier yesterday." Said Mrs. Weasley as she gave each of her children, Harry and Hermione a leather pouch. Harry's and Hermione's moneybag seemed a bit larger compared to what the Weasley's had. But Fred and George didn't mind, and instead, winked at Harry. Harry knew what they meant. Fred and George had a little sum of money hidden from their mother's knowing. "Well then, me and George gotta go! See you later mum!" Said Fred, as he and his twin started turning away. "Bye mum! Bye you guys! See you around!" said George over his shoulder. "Don't you two dare buy anything useless and dangerous!" called Mrs. Weasley after them. Lupin and Padfoot secretly grinned at each other, in relation to remembering their old days. "Well then, me and Padfoot must be off!" said Lupin. Ron had a lopsided grin plastered on his face as he kept himself from laughing. "See you Molly." Said Lupin, and with that, he and Padfoot walked away. "Well then, come on Ginny, I have a lot of things to get down so we better start going now." "But mum, can't I go with Harry and the others?" Ginny pleaded. "Um, not now dear. They have a lot of things they want to... relive" said Mrs. Weasley, as she smiled at the trio. "Yeah Ginny, see you around." Said Ron, as they started walking around. As soon as they were sure they were out of earshot, Harry pulled Ron and Hermione into a corner. "Listen you guys, I...I have something I need to tell you." "What is it Harry?" Hermione asked. "Yeah mate, what is it?" asked Ron, uncertainly. "Well...I have seen those Xaulgattz somewhere—" "Where?" Hermione asked urgently. "In...in my dreams. Look, I saw them. Those two who were supposed to be prophesized." "Did you see their face?" Ron asked. "No, they were covered by their hoods. But something is not right." "What?" the two chorused. "Well, the first time I saw them, well, their eyes, their expressions looked so...so...deadly." Ron and Hermione looked at each other, worriedly. "And now, they look so... peaceful. It's like you want to be in a never- ending fantasy. A dream where nothing comes and goes..." "Harry—" "It's like, I don't want to leave them..." "Harry, listen, I...I also felt their strange power, and I can't deny that it felt so...so..." Hermione said, looking unhappy. "Yeah, I know," Harry promptly said, "How 'bout you, Ron?" "I don't know, I was to scared to ever take notice." Ron said. "Well... I don't really understand what actually happened. It was like I wanted to get something I knew was unattainable..." "Harry, please stop..." Hermione pleadingly said. "I wanted them..." "Harry—" "I wanted...her..." "HARRY!" shouted Ron and Hermione as one. That shook Harry back to his senses. "Sorry you guys..." he said, looking abashed. "It's ok." Said Hermione sympathetically, "Look, why don't we worry about those two later? And lets just have some fun." "Yeah mate. Why don't we try checking out whether new models of broomsticks have arrived? I heard that a sort, Twilightspin, I think that's its kind, anyway, is a better model than the Firebolt. Bet it costs much though..." "Sure." Said Harry, who started grinning. And after that, the three went about their plan. The three started to head first to the Apothecary, they had to replenish their potions set ("I really hoped that Snape would forget to hand us these things" said Ron sadly) and tried to tell Hermione off that buying to much of the of cobblebark and flobberworm mucus would cause a disaster and not to mention, a horrible smell in the dungeon ("Who would notice though?" Hermione stated, glumly, after she gave in to Ron and Harry's reasoning.) After purchasing their potions, beakers and new ingredients to be used, the three headed towards Madam Malkin's Robes for all Occasions. Harry had to buy a new set of dress robes for future parties and balls that would occur only in the higher years. Ron said that he already got one, from Fred and George, and had suddenly asked Hermione how she and her 'Vicky' had been doing. Hermione told him to mind his own business while pink patches lightly appeared on her cheeks. Then, they headed towards Flourish and Blotts to acquire their well needed books, which of course, included Standard Book of Spells, Book Five. After about twenty minutes or so, Harry, Hermione and Ron went to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor to get a treat. "Finally!" Ron said grinning, placing his bags at his side while taking a seat. "Yeah, carrying all those things...they really can start an appetite." Said Hermione. Ron and Harry rolled their eyes. As usual, Hermione bought more books than needed. "Really Hermione, I wonder why" Harry asked, sarcastically. Hermione blushed. "Well, don't mind me if I really want to study!" said Hermione, rather red in the face. Ron and Harry smirked. After that, Florean Fortescue himself came and asked what their orders would be. Then, with a slight bow, Florean went to get what they wanted. Hermione and Harry talked gaily when they heard a drawling voice behind them. A voice they knew so well. "Well then, if it isn't Potty, Weasel and the mudblood. Come to get free ice creams? I suspect they'd give you out of pity." Sneered Draco. The three turned about slightly to face their forever nemesis. "Well, well Malfoy, it really is a surprise to see you. Can't bear the thought of eating another of you mother's dish? I suppose so, since your house-elf left you and all." Hermione composedly responded. Harry and Ron smiled, while Draco turned a bit pink. "Don't you dare insult my mother mudblood." Draco shot back. "Then why don't you just go and leave us alone?" Ron said. Draco ignored him and looked at Harry. "Heard the news Potter?" "What are you talking about Malfoy?" Harry asked, unmoved. "Well, as you can see, I'm here to celebrate my being a Prefect." Draco said, in a rather, proud way. "Ha! Is that what you call news? Well, I must admit that's really bad news," Ron said with a grin, "Were prefects too." Ron continued, referring to himself and Hermione. Draco looked taken aback. He then cleared his throat. "Well, I suppose Dumbledore had no choice, since he had to choice you." Said Draco. "Why aren't you going away Malfoy? did your parents abandon you?" Hermione said, annoyed by his presence. "You better watch you language mudblood." Said Draco, growling. "Then why don't you leave us alone?" Hermione shot back, as she stood up. Harry and Ron stood up too, in case Hermione needed backing. "Hermione, quit it, ok? He's not worth your time." Harry said. "Yeah Hermione. I'll take care of him." Said Ron. "No, I will. I've had enough." Harry firmly said. He then walked over to Malfoy, who seemed pleased with Harry fighting him. "Want to fight me Potter? I expect you do. Not afraid of breaking the rules huh?" Draco said, as he was taking his wand out. Some people looked over at what the commotion was all about. Then, as Harry was going to get his wand out, Fred and George apparated—uh appeared. "Hey! I wondered why a crowd was around." Fred said looking at Harry. "Leave Malfoy, if you don't want us ganging up on you." George said. Since Draco had no other choice, he placed his wand back into his pocket and glanced lividly at the direction of the three. "I'll get you another time Potter." He said as he started to leave. Harry put his own wand back into his pocket and resumed to sit down on his chair. "Malfoy's really trouble." Said Hermione, as Florean arrived with their sundaes. "Yeah. I'll get him soon. Just wait." Ron grumbled. Putting a spoon on his platter of ice cream. "Don't let him get to you Ron." Said Fred. "Yeah, we'll handle him. Soon. But not today." And with that, the twins apparated somewhere else. "Easy for them to say. Malfoy isn't their batch." Ron said, taking a spoonful of icing into his mouth. "Yeah Ron." Agreed Harry, eating his sundae, bit by bit, "We'll show them. During Quidditch games" "Hey, Harry," said Hermione, putting her spoon under her chin, "You still haven't gotten a new keeper right?" "Since you've mentioned it, yeah... I think Angelina would be the one to take care of that, but I think that they'll hold a try out or something..." "Maybe I'd audition." Ron jokingly said. "Hmm... why don't you?" Harry said, thoughtfully. "...Maybe I will." Ron said, considering his own idea. "Yeah Ron," Hermione agreed, "I'll bet you'll be a natural!" "You really think so?" said Ron, looking down, feeling self-conscious. "Yeah! Hermione's right Ron! I don't think anyone would be better than you! You caught and blocked all those apples yesterday." Harry commented. "You really think so?" Ron asked, making sure, "You really think that I can do it? I mean being part of the Quidditch team has been my dream so..." "Yeah Ron, believe us. You can do it." Harry encouraged. "Well, since you think I could do it..." "You CAN do it Ron." Hermione assured him. Ron turned pink and muttered a thank you to both Harry and Hermione. Hermione smiled and Harry could see the so-called-tension Ron was having. He decided to ask Ron about it, in another time. While they were happily eating their snacks, Harry accidentally heard a conversation from the next table. "You think so my lad?" said the stranger. "Yes. Dumbledore told me so. They would be there. They would be here." Responded the other one. Dumbledore? Harry thought. He decided that he would listen more closely. "So...so you think that Cornelius Fudge had been going through that tiring process, just to keep this detail undiscovered?" "Yes, I believe so. I never thought that the old ghoul's prophecy would, would ever suffice." Prophecy? Harry thought, his heart beginning to race, as he leaned more closely, to avoid missing any important parts. But that was bad luck for Harry, since a person went through their aisle and blocked their talk with a very loud "EXCUSE ME!" and when he looked back, the strangers were already paying their bill and leaving. He looked at their faces. They must be people from the Ministry. Harry suspected, as both wore robes and had folders under their arms... but... what were they talking about? Concerning Dumbledore to be part of that conversation, it must be a really essential and might involve Hogwarts business. Maybe... "Hey Harry, Earth to HARRY!" Ron said, snapping in front of Harry's face. Harry then realized he wasn't paying attention to what they were saying! "Oh man, sorry guys." "Finally Harry, what took you so long? Still thinking 'bout Cho now are you?" Ron said smirking. Harry flushed. It had been a while since he thought of Cho... "Anyways, we better leave. It's almost an hour." Hermione said, looking at her watch. "So, what are we waiting for? Lets go!" Ron said, picking up his stuff. Harry smiled and agreed. They paid for their meal, got their belongings and went to their required meeting place. Everybody had arrived and they were set to go. The group went to a Floo powder agency and there, went back to the Burrow. It was a tiring day, so everyone didn't have much to say or talk about. Even the twins became quiet, and they usually aren't. Minutes became hours, and days turned into weeks, two on the contrary, and it was finally the day for all of them to return back to the castle: Hogwarts. (Hey! Im done with my second chap! Hope 2 get some good reviews soon! Always, Athletiicharmm)
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, Gets?! That first chapter was just a start for the REAL adventure! Enjoy! (A/N: Hey, thanks for all your comments! I really appreciate it hey, just a reminder, about your comments and all, I would just like to REMIND you that that was just the first chapter!! But at least it showed me that you really want me to continue!! Thanks again guys! Hope for more good reviews soon! P.s I'm an OOTP spoiler! Haha! By the way, this chapter would be much shorter than the last.)
It was really very weird for Fred and George to appear looking, er--, very serious. Both strode over, towards Harry and handed him the letter. "Er, what's up?" Harry asked, looking uncomfortable. "Uh, here you go mate. It...it just arrived." Said George. "Yeah, when we were looking for our tongue-tricking teasers, we found it on the windowsill." Said Fred. Harry wondered what the heck the tongue- tricking teasers could possibly be. He decided not to ask them, for his and Ron and Hermione's sake—uh safety. He looked at the letter and saw big bold letters written in a neat handwriting.
' TO MR. HARRY POTTER, THE BURROW' "Er, "said Harry, looking for a clue to who the sender could be. Finally, he gazed up and glanced at Ron and Hermione, who seemed to be troubled by the sudden appearance of the mysterious letter. "Uh, that's not another one of your jokes, huh?" Ron asked nervously, looking at Fred and George. "No way!" Fred said. "I think he's right Ron, that handwriting seems to be better than his, I must quite say." Hermione commented. Fred looked at her with a damaged expression. "I didn't mean that to hurt you Fred!" Hermione reassured him, smiling nervously. "Hey, whatever it is," said George, changing the subject, "We better find out who sent this letter to him." He stated, shifting his gaze on Harry. But Harry wasn't listening. Amidst all the curiosities and confusions, Harry felt something else. A strange power... a strange feeling. And it felt it like its source was from the unknown letter. He felt himself sweating, shivering ever so slightly from that appalling sensation. He felt wobbly and unstable; he flopped back on Ron's bed, and gulped in an abundance of air. Not wanting to alarm the group, he wiped a sweat, which was starting to dispense, and started opening the letter. To his (and the group's) surprise, he saw that the letter was empty. "Empty?" Fred finally spoke up, as he went over. "It was just a joke." Said George, breathing a sigh of utmost relief. Hermione and Ron looked at each other worriedly. "Empty?," Hermione repeated. "How could that be empty? I...I felt It." Said Hermione, facing the base, looking troubled. Harry glanced at her, surprised. She must've felt that...that same thing. Harry thought. As he was just about to speak up he saw Ron, with a look, he knew so well. A look of utter distress. He gazed at the same thing where Ron had been staring at, and he too, had been shocked to say anything. Ron bellowed, as the group froze rigid in their spaces. "LOOK! LOOK! THE LETTER! THE PARCHMENT! IT'S, IT'S—"but Harry couldn't take notice of Ron's dialogue for at that moment, he felt himself shaking tremendously hard and in a flash slumped down, solid on Ron's bedroom floor. After a few minutes, Harry stirred instinctively and had enough strength to release one eye open and see what the heck occurred. He yanked open his eyes and was thunderstruck at what perceived his sight. Harry was no longer at the burrow, but in an Alley. An old one at that. He stood up wearily and started to look around, to find anybody he knew that would help him get out of this wretched nightmare. Seeing that nobody was there, he considered the thought of walking around, than to make him an easy prey for, uh, non-humane things. Two broken windows hung heavily on a banister, with only inches before plunging down to the dirty and bedraggled street. Rats and black cats scurried swiftly away, leaving trails of dirt around that path. Harry swallowed hard, trying not to panic, and assuring himself that someone would find him, -- eventually. "Uh, hello..." He asked, as he heard a loud creak, from a distance. He walked faster, taking out his wand—if only he could find it. He frantically rummaged his robe, nothing! Harry was starting to panic, quickening his pace. He clasped his hands together and groaned drearily. After what seemed like hours of walking around, trying to find a single living soul, Harry turned on a corner and sat down on a block of what seemed to be remnants of an old tower. He wiped his dirty hands across his sweaty face and placed his head in between his folded limbs. Then suddenly, as Harry started to feel drowsy, he heard a noise. He swiftly twirled his head around, desperate to know where those drones and hums were coming from. "Hey!" Harry started, jumping up to his feet, "Hey! Anybody there? Hello?! Anybody?" he hopefully declared. He cleared his thoughts from anything that would prevent him from hearing, or understanding who or what were making those commotions. In a few seconds, he heard a voice. "'Rry..." he squinted harder, trying to understand. "'Arry..." he followed the voice, trying to understand what it was saying. He walked rapidly, following the voice. Then, he heard it. "HARRY POTTER..." he stopped swiftly in his tracks. He started sweating more, his heart beating quicker as he gulped. Did... did it just say... Harry Potter? He decided not to continue, for fear of finding the owner of the voice. But he couldn't stop himself. Something or someone is calling him...he couldn't turn away, no matter how hard he tried. Finally, he gave up, and did what his feet wanted. He continued to follow the voice. As the voice grew louder, his pace grew quicker. His fear began to waver, but his curiosity developed. He really wanted to find out who owned the voice! Twisting and turning through the alley's unknown streets, he hoped he would find the possessor of the tone of voice intriguing him to carry on. He grew nearer; yes the voice was getting louder. Loud enough that Harry started hearing other words being said, other than his name. Harry wondered what he would find when he got there, if he got there. He was really growing very tired of all the walking, running, sprinting and jogging he has done. Finally, of what seemed to be forever, he felt as if in just a minute, he would see what it was behind the closed doors. He breathed hard, heart thumping and his throat, which seemed to get stuck in the middle. Then, after a few moments of deafening minutes, Harry turned around the corner of that unfamiliar street, to find out what was waiting for him the other side. In a blink of an eye, a pain coursed through his scar. Harry's scream was heard in the distance and Harry saw what he had been dreading the most. Or was it? Harry clutched his scar, so hard that it somehow prevented him from seeing this mysterious person—if it was one. The pain, it was like another warning, this time, a warning that a critical moment would occur. Harry bent down and tried to stop himself from rolling across the dirt floor. This was it... he thought. Maybe the parchment was a Portkey... maybe... maybe it transported me to...to Voldemort's lair... Harry tried to stop imagining what he would find when he squinted his eyes. He breathed hard, trying to grab every breath of fresh air that might be available. He started to back up, trembling and wobbling, trying to get away. He hated hearing those...those terrifying taunts. Those voices... but, Harry thought, is...is this really Voldemort's voice? He couldn't familiarize it. Those tones sounded...sounded so feminine. So womanly. But what kind of girl or any kind of female could ever make his scar burn? It sounded, sounded so inhumane. Even veelas in their terrible state sounded better, and harmless than these kinds. He shuddered tremendously. Then, it stopped. The pain, the chants, and the murmurs—everything stopped. Harry laid himself down to the battered rocks and jarred pieces of metallurgy, which were leftovers of buildings as he had earlier seen. Inhaling heavily, he wondered if he had somehow escaped unnoticed. Impossible. Nothing could be that deaf as to not to hear his shrieks of sudden pain and anguish. He lay still, expecting something foul coming after him. Subsequently, he heard footsteps. He cursed silently under his breath for losing his wand and not going back to look for it. The footsteps grew louder, each thump getting nearer by the minute. He closed his eyes, anticipating the worst to come. He held his breath and waited for the strike. But, somehow, it didn't come. He unbolted his eyes, and instead of seeing flared, red eyes of deatheaters or murderers, he saw... saw cool, calm and...and collected ones. Crimson eyes shining sweetly and competitively under a black velvety hood, concealing the individual's unknown face. Hood? He quickly recalled as he rubbed his eyes to make sure of this unpredictable sight. He glanced back at them and swiftly looked away. Then, he heard laughter. He turned around and sat up, dizziness spreading speedily around him. He saw two of them. Two...two...who were those two people?! Those beings who are giggling...but not at him. Giggling slightly, and nodding at him. Nodding...what were they trying to make me understand? Harry furiously thought as he tried to put the pieces of the confusing puzzle together. Because of his dizzy spell, Harry removed this temporary issue out of his mind, and stared at the eyes of his mystifying captors, or friends or what. Harry didn't exactly know what to call his unidentified company. Something was upon him again. He liked—no, loved staring into their eyes. Crimson and chocolate- toffee eyes were like a mixture of nature. So calm, passive and intriguing. It gave him a sense of security, peacefulness, serenity and...and... "HARRY!" Harry awoke, startled. "Harry, are you ok?" Harry glanced at who addressed him. He saw Hermione, Ron, Fred, George, Ginny, Lupin, and Mrs. Weasley and Sirius looking at him intently. Hermione looked a ghastly shade of white, together with Ginny and Mrs. Weasley who looked almost petrified. "Harry, mate, are you alright?" Ron asked, his voice cracking. "Yes, Ron," said Lupin, checking Harry's state, "He's going to be fine." Sirius breathed a sigh of relief, while the three girls quivered slightly. "What...what happened? Where are they? Who are they?" Harry frantically asked, looking around. "Who...who...what are you talking about?" asked Hermione, her tone shuddering. "Wait, what exactly happened?" Harry finally asked them, looking from one to another. He felt tired, annoyed and foolishly stupid to ask those questions, when nobody else seemed to have understood. "Well, you see Harry," started Fred, looking pale, "When the parchment glowed and uh, burned up, it...it..." "It threw a beam at you and you started screaming." Said Ron. "We thought you were having a fit. When you started saying those words... those nonsense words...it made you sound so inhuman." Said Hermione, fighting the urge to cry. "Yeah...it was like being on your deathbed...you sounded worse than being affected by the Dementors. You were shaking, like having a...a fit or something." Commented George, looking like his twin. "Muttering about...about death...about pain and...and You-Know-Who's name." Said Ron, gulping. "So I wasn't transported? That wasn't a Portkey? But...but it seemed so real...my wand, where's my wand?" Harry searched his jeans and shirt and, after a while, took out his wand. "But, it shouldn't be here." Said Harry, confused. Ginny cried silently on her mother's shoulder and let Mrs. Weasley whisk her out of the room. "What did you see Harry?" Sirius asked him. Harry looked at him, amazed. "What do you mean?" he asked. He squeezed his brain, wanting to replay a memory. "Oh no...oh no, please, don't make me forget!" Harry cried out as he held his head, shaking himself, feverishly. "I'm losing the memory! It... it's disappearing!" said Harry, wailing. "What do you recall?" Lupin asked, soothingly. "Nothing but..." "But what?" Sirius and Lupin chorused, moving forward for Harry's single piece of information. "Eyes...the most beautiful ones I've ever seen..." Harry muttered, nonsensely, looking blankly at Ron's streaked orange wall. "As I've expected." Said Lupin, regretfully. "Professor Lupin, how...why...how come you weren't able to come through?" Hermione asked, timidly. "Xaulgattz" was the only word Lupin could use to describe the incidence. "Er—"said Fred, doubtfully. "Bless you," commented George. Ron looked bewildered. "No, no, XAULGATTZ. Hermione, would you please come with me to the attic?" Sirius asked. Hermione nodded, with traces of hesitation. Then, with a leading hand, Sirius and Hermione went towards the attic. "Uh, does Sirius know what he's doing?" Harry asked, uncertainly, wiping his sweat away. "Yes. Lets just wait for them to come down..." answered Lupin calmly, sitting down. After a few uneventful minutes, with no one making a sound, except tearful sobs from the next room, Hermione and Sirius came back, holding a large black and antique book, with bloody red dwarfish inscriptions around it. Hermione looked fascinated and at the same time, curious at what it could be. Harry and Ron gave each other small grins. Hermione could never resist a book, even a mysterious and perhaps deadly one at that. Lupin stood up, flashed a grateful smile at the duo, took out his wand, said a very extensive and complex spell, struck the book, and to the group's surprise, ascended slowly, glowing, the red inscriptions blazed like fire, and...and... fell flat open on Ron's wooden floor. Lupin wasted no time and stared flipping aimlessly through the pages. Later than, 20 minutes had past, Lupin had a successful, but tired expression. "Xaulgattz. Hermione, would you please read this?" "Yes!" Hermione excitedly exclaimed. She got the book and cleared her throat. And in a minute, started to read. "XAULGATTZ: mystical beings who perform mind sorcery, and are considered to be of great descendants. These are supernatural beings who don't need the use of wands, (unlike most wizards and witches) but have and contain infinite power. They can also be aided with the use of special scepters which response to the call of their highest ability; and are at it's maximum when present at their influential state. With the aid of one of the descended chosen ones and most rare and extraordinary of scepters, that's when the XAULGATTZ are considered at it's deadliest. But no one in existence since the 690th century, are present, but five selected ones, three which have died, and two, prophesized to be born after the child who destroys terror lives..." Hermione slowly looked up, uneasily. "Uh, so you mean to say... these Xaulgattz are...are..." Ron gulped, "the most powerful...?" "That's right Ron! And if ever they fall to the wrong sides...well...Harry won't be needed...in—" "Yeah!" Ron and the twins exclaimed, knowing what he would say, "We know!" "Man, those Xaulgattz sound so...so... totally wicked." Said Fred, going back to his normal state as he started grinning mischievously. "Yep, I know," agreed George, "imagine what we'd be able to achieve with that kind of power." "Boys, those are not funny." Said Sirius, looking at the twins in a serious manner. "Yes, Sirius is right," agreed Lupin, "Didn't you listen to what Hermione just read? Xaulgattz are 'mind wizards'. They don't use wands like any normal witch or wizard—" "That's because they aren't normal." Said Ron. "Er, right and don't you get it?" said Lupin, as the twins shook their heads deliberately. "Because of that power, it prevented us from coming, in time to help Harry." "Yes, Lupin is right. When I first sensed its strong essence, I quickly bounded upstairs, only to find myself being thrown against the wall." Sirius shared quietly. "Xaulgattz are immensely strong beings. I never thought I'd see the day when the prophecy will be able to make sense." "What do you mean?" Hermione asked. "No, I can't tell you. It's too much as a forbidden information to keep. Yes. It's better if you don't know..." Lupin informed them. "Well, since nothing else is wrong around here, why don't we get a much needed rest? I believe we all need it from our little excitement." Mrs. Weasley suggested as she went into the room, unexpectedly. "How's Ginny?" Hermione quickly asked. "She's fine, the poor dear." "It was too much of a shock for her." Said Fred. "Yeah, Ginny could never handle anything unusual." George said "Bloodcurdling, you mean." Ron corrected, shakingly. So do you Ron." The twins stated. Ron threw them a disgruntled look. "Now boys, don't be too hard on your sister." Said Mrs. Weasley, firmly. "Yeah, it's not her fault if she was worried about Harry. We all were worried about Harry." Hermione defensively shot back. Harry looked away. He hated it when everyone was giving him a 'Lets-all-feel-sorry-for-Harry' sentiment. It made him experience being powerless and fragile. "Well, I'm doing what Molly suggested. Rest. It'll do us all good." "Not me," said Fred, "I'm gonna practice Quidditch. Come on George, you can join us if you like, you two." He said, referring to Ron and Harry. "Suit yourselves." Said Lupin, as he, Sirius and Mrs. Weasley stepped out. After a quick crack, the twins had apparated. "Wanna join them Harry?" asked Ron, taking out his Comet Two-Sixty. "Ron, no way can Harry do that." Said Hermione. "How come? Fred and George and I can do it, why can't he?" Ron shot back. "Well, for one thing, you guys weren't the ones who went through what Harry did, and second Harry doesn't want to do that, do you Harry? He's tired, sweaty, exhausted—" "Yeah, I think I will. Hold on a minute Ron, I'll just get my Firebolt." Said Harry, as he observed Ron's face, when somehow, he couldn't quite see, a pang of hurt and resentment flashed quickly along Ron's eyes. "...Ok mate. I'll, I'll go on ahead..." said Ron, who quickly bolted for the door, and went swiftly outside, to where Fred and George were throwing apples. Harry then found his Firebolt, gave a wee smile to Hermione and dashed outside, to where Ron and the other's were. Hermione sighed and rolled her eyes and she muttered to herself as she started to head towards Ginny's quarters. "What is wrong with Harry...?" Hermione silently asked herself, with the feeling of anxiety. The rest of the day went fairly well, or quick, rather, and it was time for everyone to get some real rest and relaxation for their well needed strength tomorrow.
"Harry! Come on mate, wake up!" Ron shouted, changing into his pants and sleeves. Harry opened his eyes and yawned heavily. He stood up and went into the bathroom, brushed his teeth, flossed, washed his face and started changing. This was the day they were going to Diagon Alley for their required things. Both went down to the kitchen and saw that everyone had already been eating. After the meal, and, by pairs, went to the fireplace, got some Floo powder and transported themselves. Fred and George weren't allowed to Apparate, because Mrs. Weasley wanted the group to stay together. Harry noticed that Mr. Weasley hadn't returned yet, but Lupin assured him that he was still busy at the Ministry. With everyone ready, they started heading towards Diagon Alley, with Lupin and Sirius going first, Ron and Harry next, followed by Hermione and Ginny, then, with reluctant and childish protests, Fred and George continued, and at last, Mrs. Weasley, who made one last check up around the house, and with a pinch of Floo powder, she herself was taken to Diagon Alley. "Well then," said Mrs. Weasley, as she gave them each their letters, "Why don't we just meet here? After, hmm... about an hour?" she asked. Everyone agreed. "But," Hermione asked as she eyed Sirius, who was in his animal form, "Who's going to take Si—I mean Padfoot?" "Don't worry Hermione, Me and Padfoot will be going together. We have some things to be discussed at the Ministry." "Oh! You're heading towards the Ministry?" asked Ginny. "Yes. We have to talk to—uh, never mind," said Lupin as Padfoot gritted his teeth, "We just have to find out if the Ministry's going to approve, uh, her. You need not know now, you'll find out soon." He assured them. "Well, since that's settled, her you go dears, I picked up your money earlier yesterday." Said Mrs. Weasley as she gave each of her children, Harry and Hermione a leather pouch. Harry's and Hermione's moneybag seemed a bit larger compared to what the Weasley's had. But Fred and George didn't mind, and instead, winked at Harry. Harry knew what they meant. Fred and George had a little sum of money hidden from their mother's knowing. "Well then, me and George gotta go! See you later mum!" Said Fred, as he and his twin started turning away. "Bye mum! Bye you guys! See you around!" said George over his shoulder. "Don't you two dare buy anything useless and dangerous!" called Mrs. Weasley after them. Lupin and Padfoot secretly grinned at each other, in relation to remembering their old days. "Well then, me and Padfoot must be off!" said Lupin. Ron had a lopsided grin plastered on his face as he kept himself from laughing. "See you Molly." Said Lupin, and with that, he and Padfoot walked away. "Well then, come on Ginny, I have a lot of things to get down so we better start going now." "But mum, can't I go with Harry and the others?" Ginny pleaded. "Um, not now dear. They have a lot of things they want to... relive" said Mrs. Weasley, as she smiled at the trio. "Yeah Ginny, see you around." Said Ron, as they started walking around. As soon as they were sure they were out of earshot, Harry pulled Ron and Hermione into a corner. "Listen you guys, I...I have something I need to tell you." "What is it Harry?" Hermione asked. "Yeah mate, what is it?" asked Ron, uncertainly. "Well...I have seen those Xaulgattz somewhere—" "Where?" Hermione asked urgently. "In...in my dreams. Look, I saw them. Those two who were supposed to be prophesized." "Did you see their face?" Ron asked. "No, they were covered by their hoods. But something is not right." "What?" the two chorused. "Well, the first time I saw them, well, their eyes, their expressions looked so...so...deadly." Ron and Hermione looked at each other, worriedly. "And now, they look so... peaceful. It's like you want to be in a never- ending fantasy. A dream where nothing comes and goes..." "Harry—" "It's like, I don't want to leave them..." "Harry, listen, I...I also felt their strange power, and I can't deny that it felt so...so..." Hermione said, looking unhappy. "Yeah, I know," Harry promptly said, "How 'bout you, Ron?" "I don't know, I was to scared to ever take notice." Ron said. "Well... I don't really understand what actually happened. It was like I wanted to get something I knew was unattainable..." "Harry, please stop..." Hermione pleadingly said. "I wanted them..." "Harry—" "I wanted...her..." "HARRY!" shouted Ron and Hermione as one. That shook Harry back to his senses. "Sorry you guys..." he said, looking abashed. "It's ok." Said Hermione sympathetically, "Look, why don't we worry about those two later? And lets just have some fun." "Yeah mate. Why don't we try checking out whether new models of broomsticks have arrived? I heard that a sort, Twilightspin, I think that's its kind, anyway, is a better model than the Firebolt. Bet it costs much though..." "Sure." Said Harry, who started grinning. And after that, the three went about their plan. The three started to head first to the Apothecary, they had to replenish their potions set ("I really hoped that Snape would forget to hand us these things" said Ron sadly) and tried to tell Hermione off that buying to much of the of cobblebark and flobberworm mucus would cause a disaster and not to mention, a horrible smell in the dungeon ("Who would notice though?" Hermione stated, glumly, after she gave in to Ron and Harry's reasoning.) After purchasing their potions, beakers and new ingredients to be used, the three headed towards Madam Malkin's Robes for all Occasions. Harry had to buy a new set of dress robes for future parties and balls that would occur only in the higher years. Ron said that he already got one, from Fred and George, and had suddenly asked Hermione how she and her 'Vicky' had been doing. Hermione told him to mind his own business while pink patches lightly appeared on her cheeks. Then, they headed towards Flourish and Blotts to acquire their well needed books, which of course, included Standard Book of Spells, Book Five. After about twenty minutes or so, Harry, Hermione and Ron went to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor to get a treat. "Finally!" Ron said grinning, placing his bags at his side while taking a seat. "Yeah, carrying all those things...they really can start an appetite." Said Hermione. Ron and Harry rolled their eyes. As usual, Hermione bought more books than needed. "Really Hermione, I wonder why" Harry asked, sarcastically. Hermione blushed. "Well, don't mind me if I really want to study!" said Hermione, rather red in the face. Ron and Harry smirked. After that, Florean Fortescue himself came and asked what their orders would be. Then, with a slight bow, Florean went to get what they wanted. Hermione and Harry talked gaily when they heard a drawling voice behind them. A voice they knew so well. "Well then, if it isn't Potty, Weasel and the mudblood. Come to get free ice creams? I suspect they'd give you out of pity." Sneered Draco. The three turned about slightly to face their forever nemesis. "Well, well Malfoy, it really is a surprise to see you. Can't bear the thought of eating another of you mother's dish? I suppose so, since your house-elf left you and all." Hermione composedly responded. Harry and Ron smiled, while Draco turned a bit pink. "Don't you dare insult my mother mudblood." Draco shot back. "Then why don't you just go and leave us alone?" Ron said. Draco ignored him and looked at Harry. "Heard the news Potter?" "What are you talking about Malfoy?" Harry asked, unmoved. "Well, as you can see, I'm here to celebrate my being a Prefect." Draco said, in a rather, proud way. "Ha! Is that what you call news? Well, I must admit that's really bad news," Ron said with a grin, "Were prefects too." Ron continued, referring to himself and Hermione. Draco looked taken aback. He then cleared his throat. "Well, I suppose Dumbledore had no choice, since he had to choice you." Said Draco. "Why aren't you going away Malfoy? did your parents abandon you?" Hermione said, annoyed by his presence. "You better watch you language mudblood." Said Draco, growling. "Then why don't you leave us alone?" Hermione shot back, as she stood up. Harry and Ron stood up too, in case Hermione needed backing. "Hermione, quit it, ok? He's not worth your time." Harry said. "Yeah Hermione. I'll take care of him." Said Ron. "No, I will. I've had enough." Harry firmly said. He then walked over to Malfoy, who seemed pleased with Harry fighting him. "Want to fight me Potter? I expect you do. Not afraid of breaking the rules huh?" Draco said, as he was taking his wand out. Some people looked over at what the commotion was all about. Then, as Harry was going to get his wand out, Fred and George apparated—uh appeared. "Hey! I wondered why a crowd was around." Fred said looking at Harry. "Leave Malfoy, if you don't want us ganging up on you." George said. Since Draco had no other choice, he placed his wand back into his pocket and glanced lividly at the direction of the three. "I'll get you another time Potter." He said as he started to leave. Harry put his own wand back into his pocket and resumed to sit down on his chair. "Malfoy's really trouble." Said Hermione, as Florean arrived with their sundaes. "Yeah. I'll get him soon. Just wait." Ron grumbled. Putting a spoon on his platter of ice cream. "Don't let him get to you Ron." Said Fred. "Yeah, we'll handle him. Soon. But not today." And with that, the twins apparated somewhere else. "Easy for them to say. Malfoy isn't their batch." Ron said, taking a spoonful of icing into his mouth. "Yeah Ron." Agreed Harry, eating his sundae, bit by bit, "We'll show them. During Quidditch games" "Hey, Harry," said Hermione, putting her spoon under her chin, "You still haven't gotten a new keeper right?" "Since you've mentioned it, yeah... I think Angelina would be the one to take care of that, but I think that they'll hold a try out or something..." "Maybe I'd audition." Ron jokingly said. "Hmm... why don't you?" Harry said, thoughtfully. "...Maybe I will." Ron said, considering his own idea. "Yeah Ron," Hermione agreed, "I'll bet you'll be a natural!" "You really think so?" said Ron, looking down, feeling self-conscious. "Yeah! Hermione's right Ron! I don't think anyone would be better than you! You caught and blocked all those apples yesterday." Harry commented. "You really think so?" Ron asked, making sure, "You really think that I can do it? I mean being part of the Quidditch team has been my dream so..." "Yeah Ron, believe us. You can do it." Harry encouraged. "Well, since you think I could do it..." "You CAN do it Ron." Hermione assured him. Ron turned pink and muttered a thank you to both Harry and Hermione. Hermione smiled and Harry could see the so-called-tension Ron was having. He decided to ask Ron about it, in another time. While they were happily eating their snacks, Harry accidentally heard a conversation from the next table. "You think so my lad?" said the stranger. "Yes. Dumbledore told me so. They would be there. They would be here." Responded the other one. Dumbledore? Harry thought. He decided that he would listen more closely. "So...so you think that Cornelius Fudge had been going through that tiring process, just to keep this detail undiscovered?" "Yes, I believe so. I never thought that the old ghoul's prophecy would, would ever suffice." Prophecy? Harry thought, his heart beginning to race, as he leaned more closely, to avoid missing any important parts. But that was bad luck for Harry, since a person went through their aisle and blocked their talk with a very loud "EXCUSE ME!" and when he looked back, the strangers were already paying their bill and leaving. He looked at their faces. They must be people from the Ministry. Harry suspected, as both wore robes and had folders under their arms... but... what were they talking about? Concerning Dumbledore to be part of that conversation, it must be a really essential and might involve Hogwarts business. Maybe... "Hey Harry, Earth to HARRY!" Ron said, snapping in front of Harry's face. Harry then realized he wasn't paying attention to what they were saying! "Oh man, sorry guys." "Finally Harry, what took you so long? Still thinking 'bout Cho now are you?" Ron said smirking. Harry flushed. It had been a while since he thought of Cho... "Anyways, we better leave. It's almost an hour." Hermione said, looking at her watch. "So, what are we waiting for? Lets go!" Ron said, picking up his stuff. Harry smiled and agreed. They paid for their meal, got their belongings and went to their required meeting place. Everybody had arrived and they were set to go. The group went to a Floo powder agency and there, went back to the Burrow. It was a tiring day, so everyone didn't have much to say or talk about. Even the twins became quiet, and they usually aren't. Minutes became hours, and days turned into weeks, two on the contrary, and it was finally the day for all of them to return back to the castle: Hogwarts. (Hey! Im done with my second chap! Hope 2 get some good reviews soon! Always, Athletiicharmm)