Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters. All rights are owned by either J. K. Rowling or various others. I am in no way trying to claim them as my own.
DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC?
Chapter 2
Kidnapping and Letters
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Althea soon became very close to the 'Dream Team' as they were dubbed at school. There was barely a time that you would see one without the others. Harry was extremely grateful to Althea for joining them. He used to feel like the third wheel; but no more. Every day Harry became more fascinated with his godfathers daughter. He had spoken to Ron several weeks ago and explained how he felt whenever she was around. He started to get angry when Ron laughed.
"What's so funny Weasley?" Harry asked, clearly ticked off at the red head. This only made Ron laugh harder. He tried to explain the situation to Harry in between laughs.
"You see…..Harry…..it's like……me and…..Hermione."
Harry was confused and told him to explain himself. Ron looked at Harry perplexed. He finally was able to suppress the laughter and realized that Harry really didn't know. He wrapped his arm around Harry's shoulder in a friendly manner; and led him away from prying ears.
"You really don't know Harry?" he asked him. When Harry shook his head Ron told him. "Harry you act the same way around Althea that I did around Hermione before I told her how I felt."
Harry thought about this for a few minutes and looked at Ron in mock horror. "You mean I walk around following behind her with my tongue hanging out of my mouth?" Harry smiled mischievously. Ron caught on to the tone in Harry's teasing and winked at him.
"Exactly mate, exactly."
Harry thought back on this conversation as he looked at his friends. Was he really that interested in Althea? He still got the butterflies whenever he looked at her; and whenever they would accidentally touch his breath would catch in his chest and his heart would beat rapidly. 'This never happened when I with Cho," he thought.
He suddenly made a decision and went over to Althea. "Althea?" he got her attention.
"What is it Harry?" she asked. He gestured for her to follow him and she did.
"Umm do you think thatyoumightwanttogotodiagonalleywithme?"
He waited for her response and blushed when she started laughing.
"Harry," she said. "I have no idea what you just asked me."
"That's ok I can translate." They both turned around and saw that Hermione and Ron had identical smirks on their faces. Harry glared menacingly at Hermione warning her. She decided to ignore his warning and spoke to Althea.
"You see my friend," she said. "What Harry here was trying to ask you was, would you like to go to Diagon alley with him."
Althea flashed Harry a large smile. It lit up her whole face and said, "Of course Harry, I am sure the four of us would have fun."
Harry realized that she thought he wanted to go as a group and hurriedly tried to explain to her that was not the case. "No Imeantjustyouandme. I mean….."
Althea glanced at Hermione once again expecting a translation.
Hermione cleared her throat and told her that Harry wanted to go with just her.
Harry watched as a frown flitted across her lips. "I'm sorry Harry," she said "I would love to go to Diagon Alley with you; but as friends and with Ron and Hermione."
Harry realized in those few seconds that he could feel other things around her besides the butterflies. He felt a pain in his chest. It felt as if someone was poking him on his heart.
He hung his head but then decided that being her friend was better than nothing. He would do anything to be with her. He told her that it would be nice for them to go as a group and was looking forward to it. They made plans to go within the next week, hoping to get their school letters before that, so they could pick up their supplies as well.
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Several days later they received their letters which included the scores from the O.W.L's. Hermione screeched when she opened hers scaring the boys. They ran over quickly and asked her what was wrong. She began jumping around laughing and waving her letter in the air. They were now convinced that she was absolutely nutters. She finally calmed down and just stared at her letter in disbelief. The boys couldn't stand it anymore and Ron finally snatched the letter out of her hand.
"Wow!" Ron was grinning like an idiot. He dropped the letter on the table and grabbed Hermione. He put his arms around her waist and swung her in circles. Harry wanted to be let in on the little secret and finally looked to see what all the hype was about.
"Umm, Hermione, are you sure this is right? I mean it can't be. Right?" Harry asked.
"Its right Harry," she said. "I can't believe it. It was me; I scored the highest of anyone to ever to take the O.W.L's."
Harry was extremely proud of his best friend. She sure worked hard enough and deserved this honor. He looked at his own results and was pleasantly surprised. He had earned 10 O.W.L's. Of course it was no where near Hermione's 12; but he was happy. Ron score 9 and was quite happy as well. A few minutes later they heard another high pitched scream coming from the kitchen. The trio made their way there as fast as they could. They threw the door open expecting to see someone being attacked; but all they saw was Althea jumping up and down.
Hermione was the first one to recover. "What's going on Althea?" she asked. "Everything okay?"
Althea threw her arms around Hermione and practically rubbed her letter in her face. Hermione looked at it and both girls began jumping up and down. Harry and Ron were getting real tired of this and just grabbed the letter. It seems that Althea had earned 11 O.W.L's and was officially a sixth year enrolled at Hogwarts. That meant that she would be in their year and hopefully in Gryffindor with them. They chatted for several more minutes and decided to let someone know that they were planning on going to Diagon Alley for school supplies.
They found Molly Weasley in the living room dusting the curtains. They explained to her what they wanted to do and she said it was okay as long as they took and adult and Ginny.
"Speaking of Ginny," said Ron. "I wonder where she is."
"Here I am." They heard a cheerful voice behind them and turned around to see Ginny smiling at them all. "So," she said. "Off to Diagon Alley are we?"
Molly nodded and looked at her daughter suspiciously. "Did you get your Hogwarts letter, dear?" she asked.
Ginny blushed slightly and told her mom that she in fact had received her letter and had her list of school supplies on her. Molly could tell Ginny was keeping something from her but couldn't figure out what it was. She gave Ron a pointed look clearly saying 'Find out what's going on'. Ron nodded to his mother and the group of five went looking for a chaperone.
There were not that many people at the house that day; but they finally managed to track down Remus. He told them that he would be more than happy to go and ushered them out the door.
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The walk to the Leaky Cauldron was uneventful. They arrived and waved hi to Tom, introducing him to Althea. They continued through the pub and went through the back. When they entered Diagon alley, Harry watched Althea's face and saw the pure delight in it. He knew what she was feeling; because he had come here 6 years ago and had the same reaction. He grabbed her hand and squeezed it. When she turned and gifted him with a bright smile, he blushed. He squeezed her hand one more time and then reluctantly let it go. Remus told them that he would be sitting on one of the benches in the middle of the square, where he would be able to see everything and keep a better eye on their surroundings. He told Harry to take Althea to Gringotts, where she could get into the vault that Sirius had left to her. He handed her the key and sent them on their way.
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Ron, Hermione and Ginny didn't need to go to Gringotts so they planned on meeting at Flourish and Blotts in an hour.
Harry led Althea to Gringotts and laughed as she grimaced at the Goblins. They both presented their keys and were taken to their respective vaults. When each of them had retrieved their money, Harry started to lead her to Ollivander's Wand Shop. On the way they were passing the Magical Menagerie. Althea squealed as they passed the window; and nearly knocked Harry over in her haste to look at the kittens that were playing there.
"Oh Merlin Harry, they sure are adorable," she said. She had a whimsical look on her face. Harry immediately knew what this meant and asked her if she wanted to go in. She nodded and led him towards the kittens as they entered the store.
"May I help you?" asked a voice behind him.
"Yes," Harry said. "I would like to know how much that little orange kitten there costs." Harry had noticed that this was the one that Althea seemed to favor.
The proprietor looked at Harry with a doubtful eye. Harry had seen this look before. It was the same look that most of the merchants gave the Weasleys when they went to buy something. He thought that whatever the price it would be out of Harry's range. "The price for that specific cat is 17 galleons and 26 knuts."
When he saw Harry's raised eyebrows he quickly explained that this was a rare breed. "This is a Scottish Fold my boy. They just don't grow on trees you know."
Harry quickly realized that this was the price and the man wasn't going to budge an inch on it.
"I'll take it," he said; and began to reach into his pouch for the money. As he leaned over to do so, some hair fell into his face; and he reached up and brushed it back.
"Oh my," he heard the merchant say. "Mr. Potter, I didn't realize that it was you. If I had known……"
Harry cut the man off before he had finished. He was tired of being treated like dung until someone recognized him. Then they treated him with the respect that they usually reserved for their more wealthy customers.
"If you had known," he said angrily, "you would have what, been nicer to me? Treated me like a person instead of a second class citizen. Look I don't care how you treat me to tell you the truth. I just want to buy that cat for my friend and be out of here. You can also be sure that I will not recommend this place to anyone I know." Harry handed the man the money and quickly basically shoved Althea out of the shop.
"But, Harry," she protested. "I haven't paid for her yet."
"Don't worry about that, she's a present. A welcome to Hogwarts, present."
"Are you sure," she asked worriedly. "She didn't cost much did she?"
"No of course not," Harry lied. "She was quite cheap actually. Seems no one had wanted her." He averted his gaze from hers hoping that she wouldn't catch him in a lie.
They continued on their way to Ollivander's, passing Gambol and Jape's and the second hand robe shop that Mrs. Weasley had taken Ron and Ginny to in the past.
When they entered Ollivander's Harry called out for the older man.
"Mr. Ollivander?" When Harry didn't receive an answer, he tried again. After the second attempt and no answer, Harry turned to Althea and said, "I wonder where he could be?"
"Wonder where who could be Mr. Potter?"
Both Harry and Althea jumped at the unexpected voice. They turned to see Mr. Ollivander, looking at them strangely. He then went behind the counter and turned to Althea.
"Ahh, Miss Black, so nice to see you; but you do realize that you are late?" he said.
"Late?" Althea asked.
"Yes, yes," he said. "You should have been here six years ago, with young Mr. Potter." He then turned and smiled at Harry. "Holly, 11'', supple, single phoenix feather, wasn't it Mr. Potter?"
Harry just nodded.
"See," said Ollivander. "Remember every wand I ever sold, that I do."
Althea was trying not to giggle at this older man; because she realized that he was absolutely serious.
"Well better late, than never, can't tell you how many times that happens, and then there are all these wands with no owners, such a pity." Ollivander continued to shake his head and then waved his hand. A measuring tape came over and began taking her measurements.
"Good, Good," he muttered under his breath. "Ok here we go."
He grabbed a box off one of the thousands of shelves and handed it to Althea. "Just give it a little wave," he said.
She did as she was told and was pleasantly surprised when red sparks shot out from the end of it.
"Well done Miss Black you have successfully obtained the correct wand on the first try. But I am confused. Didn't you already have a wand purchased from Gregorovich?"
Althea nodded and then sighed. "Yes I did sir; but I don't know what happened to it. After I took my O.W.L.'s, it just disappeared. I searched everywhere for it; but I just cant find it."
"That's quite ok; now let me tell you, this wand is quite different from your other. Your first one was Rosewood, 13'', springy, with a single unicorn hair. This one is still Rosewood, but its 12'', pliable, with strands of unicorn hair. You should do very well with this one; it fits you better than your original. I don't know what Gregorovich was thinking."
Before he could go on a tangent, Althea quickly paid for her wand and ushered Harry out the door.
Once they were outside they began laughing about the situation. They decided to make their way towards Flourish and Blott's to meet with the other three.
While they were walking that way, Harry had a feeling that something was not right. He looked around and saw nothing out of place. He still had the feeling when they met with Hermione, Ron, and Ginny.
He pulled Ron aside, not wanting to worry the others, while the girls went inside to purchase their books. Harry and Ron both gave them some money to grab theirs as well. As soon as the girls were out of earshot, Harry said to Ron, "Do you notice anything out of place?"
Ron looked at Harry trying to see if he was serious or not. When he saw that he was, he looked around as well. "No Harry I don't see…..wait a minute where's Remus?"
Harry looked around furtively and realized that he couldn't see him either. Instead of going off on their own to look for him; they decided the best thing to do would be to get the girls and go to the Leaky Cauldron, where they could 'fire talk' with someone at headquarters.
They hurried to the pub and went directly to Tom. Harry asked him if there was somewhere private he could use to contact someone. Tom didn't ask any questions and led them to an empty room towards the back, and showed them the fireplace. They thanked him when he was leaving the room. As soon as he left, Harry picked up some floo powder to contact someone at number 12 Grimmauld Place.
Only a few seconds after he threw it Nymphadora Tonks' face appeared in the flames.
"Harry is that you?" she asked.
"Yes Tonks," he said quickly; and went on to explain the situation to her.
"I see," she replied. "I will be right there. Stand back," she warned.
They did as they were told and watched as she stepped thru in to the room. Althea had to stifle a giggle as she took in Tonks appearance. She still wasn't used to seeing her different styles. As a metamorphmagus, she could change her appearance at will. Today she had bright green hair and purple eyes, as well as a short stubby nose. The robes she was wearing were a shocking pink and billowed out behind her as she walked.
"All right, lead me to where you last saw Remus," Tonks told the group.
They left the Leaky Cauldron, once again thanking Tom on their way out, and led her to the bench that Remus was sitting on when they last saw him. She took out her wand muttering several spells under her breath. What they saw amazed them. Out of nowhere a Dark Mark began to appear, ensconced in swirling green smoke.
Before anyone could ask any questions, Tonks made sure that they had gotten everything they needed and ushered them back to the Leaky Cauldron, where they flooed back to head quarters.
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When they arrived at head quarters Tonks went off in search of Arthur and Mad Eye Moody. She knew they had been there when she left and hoped that they still were.
The teenagers just looked at each other, none knowing what to say.
Soon they heard a bellow from the other room. "Ginny Molly Weasley, get in here now!!!"
Despite the situation Ron began to laugh. "OOH you're in trouble now. You know she never uses our complete names unless she is really mad."
"Hush Ronald Bilius Weasley, before I tell mum that you were the one who was feeding the Garden Gnomes last summer." Ginny stuck her tongue out at her speechless brother and walked away.
Ron blushed deeply when he saw everyone trying to hold back giggles. Harry looked at him and mouthed "Bilius?" when he reddened even more the three couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Ron started to get defensive and looked at them all. "Well I don't know what your middle names are, except for you Harry, but I'm sure they are just as bad."
"Actually," Hermione began. "My middle name is Jane. Just plain old' Jane."
Ron didn't say anything but glanced over at Althea. She was red a little herself and he knew.
"Spill it Althea," he said. "We all have revealed ours. Out with it."
She covered her mouth with her hand and mumbled something.
"What was that," Hermione asked with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
"I said,….." she ran her hand across her mouth again.
"It can't be that bad," Harry said. "Just tell us."
"Oh all right," she said exasperated. "It's Isolde. My mother wanted to honor a Celtic aunt of hers and gave me her name for my middle one. Satisfied? Now you all know that my name is Althea Isolde Black."
No one laughed in fact they were quite perplexed at why she was embarrassed by this name.
"What," she asked when no one said anything.
"It's just that it's a beautiful name, Althea." Hermione said. "You shouldn't be ashamed of it. Do you know what it means?"
When she shook her head Hermione went on to explain that it meant 'fair one'.
Althea was surprised at the reaction to her name and tried to stop the slow blush that was creeping over her.
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"I wonder what's keeping everyone," said Harry. He told the group to wait there while he went to find Tonks and the others, then he swore he would make them tell him what was going on.
Harry wandered room to room and finally found them huddled in the kitchen, which seemed to be the favorite meeting spot for the Order. He stood by the door for a few seconds hoping to hear something.
"Stupid Werewolf. What was he thinking? Obviously he wasn't. He left those children to fend for themselves when he was supposed to be protecting them and then goes and gets himself kidnapped. Now of course valuable man power will have to be moved from something rather important, to watching over the little……."
Harry's jaw fell. 'Kidnapped,' he thought. 'Wait I know that voice. How dare he talk about Remus like that? And what was he saying about watching over a little something or other?'
Harry knew he was talking bout him; and was going to storm into the kitchen when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He tuned around to see Arthur Weasley standing there.
"Don't worry Harry," he said. "We will find him. Don't pay any mind to Severus either. He cares for Lupin too, even though he doesn't show it. Over the last few years they became quite good friends."
Harry didn't believe this but felt it prudent to just let the matter drop. He then bombarded Arthur with questions about how they were going to get Remus back. Arthur told him that a plan was being formulated and that they would let everyone know soon. Harry asked if everyone included himself and his friends. Arthur nodded and explained to Harry that even though they were still in school, they were being inducted as junior members of the Order. Harry was pleasantly surprised at that and didn't register the fact that Arthur had said junior, until several minutes after they parted company. He didn't understand what this meant; but told himself he would wait until everyone was called to find out of the plan to ask Arthur. He didn't even mention it to anyone else. Instead he decided to lie down for a while in Sirius old room.
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Later that evening, after everyone was done eating, and sitting around the kitchen table talking, Arthur stood up and called the meeting to Order.
"We are here to determine the best way to extract Remus from the clutches of Death Eaters. With reconnaissance done by both Mad Eye Moody and Severus Snape we have ascertained that he is being held at the old Riddle Mansion. Why Voldemort had him kidnapped is another question entirely. We hope to have that answer soon."
Arthur stopped when he heard someone clearing their voice rather loudly from behind him and turned around to see Molly waiting for him to acknowledge her.
"What is it Molly?" he asked.
"Well don't you think there are five too many people in here?" she said nodding towards Harry, Ginny, Ron, Althea, and Hermione.
"Not at all Molly, in fact tonight these five are being inducted into the Order as junior members."
"OVER MY DEAD BODY ARTHUR WEASLEY."
"Now Molly, be reasonable. We need spies at Hogwarts. Who better to do that then students? They get along nicely with almost everyone and can get to places most others can't." Arthur was trying to reason with his wife; but she was having none of it. She felt that they were too young and would be in too much danger. She told her husband as much too.
"I must agree with Arthur, Molly. These five are in a position to learn much at Hogwarts especially Miss Granger and Weasley and Mr. Weasley."
Harry turned around in shock not realizing that Dumbledore had been in the room. He was confused why the three others would find it easier to gain information. This was cleared up within a few minutes when Ginny began speaking.
"He's right mum," she said. "As prefects we have access to much more of the castle and are able to stay out later as well. I think that if you pair each of us up with a member of another house when we do our rounds as well, we could find out a lot more."
Dumbledore nodded. "A very good idea Miss Weasley. I will do as you suggested." He nodded at everyone and left quickly. Harry felt himself swallowing a huge lump that was lodged in his throat. 'It seems as if the great Albus Dumbledore is going to treat me the exact same way he did last year I see.' Harry thought to himself. He listened to the rest of the meeting half heartily, keeping just enough attention to hear if they said anything else about Remus. Soon the meeting was over and the five of them were inducted into the Order of the Phoenix. There really wasn't much of a ceremony; they each just had to recite an oath. Afterwards they retired back to the sitting room they had been in earlier.
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"Ginny," they heard Hermione say. "Why didn't you tell us you were a prefect? Congratulations."
"I didn't want any one to know. I remember what happened last year when mom found out about Ron becoming one and I didn't want all that fanfare. In fact mom found out when we came back; because I had mistakenly left the letter laying out. That's why she was mad and calling for me. She felt I should have told her myself."
"Well congratulations anyway Ginny," Harry said with a genuine smile. Althea and Ron echoed these sentiments, and they sat around telling stories of Prefect Percy and the twins for awhile.
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Late into the night Harry began to yawn and excused himself to go to bed. He said goodnight to everyone and made his way to Sirius old room.
When he entered the room he noticed something that he hadn't seen before. There was something sticking out from a floor board under the bed. Harry reached down and lifted up the board seeing an aged yellow envelope. He grabbed it, replaced the floor board and examined the envelope. There was no name on the outside, so Harry opened it. As he began to read he realized that this was a letter to Sirius written by none other than Lily Evans Potter. Harry's heart began beating faster as he took in each word. He realized that this was the first thing he ever held that he knew his mother had as well. He forced himself to continue reading.
Dear Sirius,
I am writing to thank you for agreeing to be Harry's godfather. You have no idea how much this pleases James and Myself. I know this is something that we never have discussed before; but I have a bad feeling. Because of this feeling I need you to promise me that if something happens to me and James you will take Harry and raise him as your own. I have included a letter for him in here as well. I hope that you never have to give him this letter, and that my 'feeling' is just in my imagination. If it is not I want you to give this to him when you feel he is ready. Please do this for us.
Love Always,
Lily and James
P.S. We have asked Petunia my sister to be Harry's godmother; but she has refused. I suppose she still hasn't forgiven me.
When Harry finished he was in tears and very confused. He didn't know what his aunt needed to forgive his mother for; but he would find out. Tomorrow he would send a letter, by muggle post of course, to his aunt demanding answers. He then pulled out the envelope that was included with Sirius'. He held it in his hands for several minutes holding it close to his chest. He decided to save it until tomorrow when his head was clear. He then fell asleep, while contemplating what his mother might have said to him. This of course prompted him to dream about his parents during the night.
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A/N I hope you enjoyed this. I know that I haven't mentioned what I planned to do with this story. I do plan to include their entire 6th and 7th year and also the summer in between. What I don't know is if I am going to make it all one story or break it up into 2 or three. Let me know what you think I should do. Thank you for taking the time to read this and please review.