Chapter 12 The-Boy-Who-Lived

Harry looked out the window at the rain that had been falling for three days straight. Sirius was right when he told him a storm was coming, but there was some hope for the rest of the week when Harry saw the blue sky heading toward them.

"Did you hear that a new broom is coming out in a few months? The Daily Prophet won't release the name yet." Sirius said walking into the sitting room.

"Yeah, I read about that." Harry said and turned away from the window. Plopping down on an over-stuffed couch he sighed.

"Bored?"

"Just a little."

"Well, when it stops raining how about we go eat at the Concoction tonight?"

Harry jumped off the couch and in one movement, put on his shoes and rain jacket.

"How about we go now? I'm not hungry yet, but we could walk around for a while."

Sirius smothered a laugh as he folded the Prophet. "And let you get a cold? I don't think so."

Harry rolled his eyes and grabbed his godfather's arm to pull him off the chair.

"Come on Sirius! I want to go!"

"What's your hurry? Got a hot date I'm not aware of?" Sirius teased and Harry blushed at the comment but crossed his arms and scowled.

"Okay, okay, we can go." Sirius said standing up and he walked over to the fireplace. "You first."

Harry walked into the fireplace and grabbed a fist full of floo powder. "Diagon Alley," and in a flash of green fire he was gone.

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Somewhere far away from Black Manor a short man stood, visibly shaken in the mist of many others who were wearing black cloaks.

"Snake, come here." A low, cold voice said, calling to one of the cloaked men.

"Yes my lord?"

"Have you been aware of young Mr. Potter's whereabouts?"

The cloaked man nick-named 'Snake' shook his head. "No my lord."

"Very well. I have found out that he is in fact staying with his godfather, thanks to Wormtail here."

The short man bowed. Snake looked at him with distaste and then resumed looking at the ground.

"I will need to shaken the boy's trust. Go to Diagon Alley and search for him. Go under disguise, we don't need him recognizing you later."

"What do you wish me to do my lord?"

"You shall pay for your lack of attention, crucio!"

Snake fell to the ground, shaking in pain. Not too soon the curse was lifted.

"Go."

Getting up off the floor, Snake disguised himself and headed to Diagon Alley as ordered. Remembering his master's words 'shaken the boys trust' he smiled.

)-(

The rain lifted while Sirius and Harry were ordering ice cream right outside the Concoction.

"Hey Sirius?"

"Hmm?"

"Don't we need a reservation to eat there?" Harry asked, pointing to the restaurant.

"When did they start that?" Sirius asked, more to himself then to Harry.

"I don't know, but that's what the sign says."

"I'll be right back. Just sit here and don't go wandering until I come back."

Harry nodded and watched his godfather go inside, he didn't even notice the man sitting on the bench that was next to him.

"Are you Harry Potter?"

Harry jumped slightly and looked at the man. "Yes, how do you know?"

The man looked surprised, but Harry saw something that looked like a smile on the man's face, just as quick it was gone.

"Why, your scar of cource.''

Harry put his hand to his head and rubbed the place where he knew that scar was.

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"Why, everything! That's why you're famous."

Harry laughed and felt a little more relaxed.

"I'm sorry sir, but you must have the wrong Harry Potter."

"No, you're him. That scar is the only one of it's kind. Everyone knows you, in the wizarding world anyway. You don't mean to tell me no on has told you?" He added, seeing Harry's expression. Harry shook his head no.

"Well when you was just a baby, your parents were murdered by the dark lord."

Harry nodded, "I know, Voldemort."

The man shook at the name, "Please don't say his name, it gives me the shivers. Anyway, you were there. Ever wondered why you're still alive?"

Harry shook his head and sat down. "I didn't even know I was there."

"Well you were, you see, the reason your parents were murdered is because they were betrayed by one of their closest friends. Now don't get me wrong, the dark lord turned his wand on you, but you beat him. No one knows how you did it, but that's why you're called the boy who lived. I don't know why your godfather never told you. That's who you are, what you are. It's very irresponsible on his part. Never had much sence he did, your parents would still be alive if not for him."

At this, Harry's anger and fear was turned to Sirius, and it was evident in his face.

"You mean, Sirius, betrayed my parents?"

"Oh no, but he suggested that Peter should be their secret keeper instead of himself. Probably couldn't handle the pressure, we were all surprised when he didn't take you right away. Instead he gave you to those muggles. Well, I've said far too much already. I'm sorry you had to find out from me."

"No, it's okay. I wouldn't had found out anyother way."

"I am very proud to have met you Mr.Potter. All the best." The man said, and started to walk away.

While Harry was watching the man leave, he stook up too, and started to walk toward the back of the alley. 'Why did Sirius leave him with his aunt and uncle? What's a secret keeper? And who is Peter?' Harry had so many questions and he knew that he wouldn't get them answered by staying with Sirius. Heading toward the closest fireplace, Harry grabbed some floo powder and threw it down "Hogsmeade." He disappeared in the green fire.

)-(

"Harry I go reservations for six, is that too late?" Sirius asked, looking at a piece of paper. When he didn't get an answer, he looked up. Harry wasn't there.

"Harry?"

Suddenly panic started to choke Sirius and he went into all of Harry's favorite shops, but no one had seem him. Thinking that Harry was kidnapped, Sirius ran to the owl emporium and sent two letters, one to Dumbledore and one to Remus. After that was done Sirius told the cleark to watch out for Harry, and he ran out of the shop.

)-(

The carriage ride to Hogwarts wasn't as pleasent as it was the first time. When Harry looked at the castle he wondered why Dumbledore hadn't told him, but then he dismissed it. Dumbledore wasn't his guardien, it wasn't his responsability. Then he thought back to the first time he was there just a few days ago and how everyone knew who he was. It was starting to make sense.

Getting out of the carriage, Harry went to the big front doors and pulled one open. Now all he had to do was find Dumbledore's office. And hopefully, get some answers.

TBC

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