I own nothing herein except Professor Chillinger. I think saying
that I "own" a fictional character is rather disrespectful. He's
his own man. He says the words and I type 'em down. The stuff about
the Norwegian black metal scene is true. There's some dialogue in homage
to certain moments from other SIMPSONS episodes. You'll see...
"Ain't it fun, knowing that you're gonna die young?"
-The Dead Boys,"Ain't It Fun"
31.
WEDNESDAY
Harry opened his eyes. He sat up, keeping the warm,gigantic quilt
near him.
Professor Dumbledore was sitting next to the bed.
"Ah. Good morning,Harry."
"Morning, Professor."
He handed Harry his glasses.
Harry realized Dumbledore had been watching him sleep.
He had changed robes, as well. Now he wore a long garment of
wine-dark crimson.
"You slept well," Dumbledore said. "Would you like some breakfast?"
"Sure," Harry said. He felt more rested than he had in a long time.
Dumbledore handed him a plate full of sausage,bacon and pancakes
dripping with real maple syrup. "Is that all right? I could go
back and get something else."
"No," Harry said. "This looks delicious."
"It's not breakfast at Hogwarts, but I found it quite appeasing."
Harry tasted the sausage. "It's good," he said,chewing.
"Excellent," Dumbledore said,and when Harry turned to nod,
he and Dumbledore locked eyes. Professor Dumbledore had always
had the most gentle eyes Harry had ever seen, besides Hagrid's.
"Harry, while you were asleep...new information came to light."
"What? What is it?"
"Relax, Harry, sit back. Chew your food."
Harry calmed down; Professor Dumbledore had that effect on him.
"Some milk?" he asked.
"Oh," Harry said, honestly surprised. No one had ever brought him
breakfast before. Hagrid had bought him a hamburger,years ago. He
had been making breakfast for the Dursleys for as long as he could
remember. "Okay."
Dumbledore handed him a large carton of milk.
As he took a sip, Dumbledore ate as well. "Now then," he said,
clearing his throat. "Someone in Springfield is serving Voldemort."
Harry thought about that. When he'd swallowed his food,he said,
"That can't be a coincidence. Was the exchange program just a
cover story to come here?"
"Harry...They contacted US. But you know,it is interesting,
considering..."
"Considering what?"
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "We have someone in Springfield,as well."
"We do?" Harry asked. "Who?"
"That, I cannot reveal, Harry. I apologize."
"Why can't you tell me?"
"I'll field that one,Albus."
Mr. Weasley stood in the doorway.
"Morning,Harry."
"Hi, Mr. Weasley."
"Basically," he said,walking into the hut,"I don't even know
who the contact is. The Wizengamot won't even touch this. The
Headmaster is the only one who knows,and he's dealing with someone
who thrives on security."
"I can respect that," Harry said. "Is it someone who went
to Hogwarts,at least?"
"A relative of a graduate," Dumbledore said. "I'll say that much."
Harry took a sip of milk.
"How is it?" Dumbledore asked.
"Tastes great," Harry said.
"You have a mustache," Dumbledore said.
Harry wiped the milk off of his upper lip.
"Also," Mr. Weasley said, "your name has been discovered on a
death list."
Harry's grin faded. "A death list?"
"More commonly referred to as a dead pool."
"Was Sirius on the list, sir?"
Dumbledore let the question settle. "No,Harry,he was not."
"Whose list is it?"
"Well,Lucius Malfoy had one."
"Malfoy," Harry said,as if he were actually saying GONORRHEA.
"Hermione is just fine, by the way."
"Good."
"Anything else you'd like to know,Harry?"
"They contacted us about this exchange program,right?"
"That's right."
"How did they find us?"
"I honestly don't know how Superintendant Chalmers found Fudge."
"There are other concerns," Dumbledore said. "Apparently,there are
other lists being kept by Voldemort's Springfield contact."
"We don't know who that is,do we?"
"Alas,no. However, I intend to find out."
"Voldemort is here," Harry said. "He's in town right now."
"So is Lucius Malfoy,probably," Mr. Weasley said. "Albus,I'll
be out there,somewhere. I have to go-" his next few words were
incomprehensible,but Harry heard "Mathilda Hopkirk" at the end.
He left.
"I'm going to find Voldemort's contact. Harry, I'd like you to
accompany me."
"When do we start?"
"After we eat."
"What time is it?"
Dumbledore checked his watch. Harry still didn't understand
the way it worked-something about the positions of the planets-
but Dumbledore glanced at it and said "Ten past eight."
"I usually wake up earlier...thank you. For letting me sleep."
"You probably needed the rest."
"I guess I did."
Harry ate another piece of sausage.
"Oh," Dumbledore said. "By the way, Bart Simpson is attending class
at Hogwarts."
"He is?" Harry asked. "But he doesn't have any magical ability."
"He has telepathic abilities,most of which are untapped."
"Really?"
"He can hear thoughts,but not send them. I don't know how well
he'll do by Monday,but I won't deny him the opportunity to try."
Harry nodded.
Beaming,Dumbledore said "This has become more than just a simple
exchange of our groundskeepers, Harry. It's turned into a cultural
exchange."
Harry finished his milk. He looked into the empty glass.
"Voldemort's here,you know."
"Don't you remember telling me last night?"
"No," he said. "He's going to try and ruin this."
"Probably," Dumbledore said. "But you know, I don't think he will."
Harry opened his mouth to speak,but then-
"Awake already, Potter?"
Professor Snape looked like he'd been awake all night.
Harry smiled,because he knew it would just kill Snape. "Good morning, Professor
Snape."
"Oh,yes,it's perfect," Snape said. "I expect the Headmaster has
told you everything."
"I don't see how I could tell him everything," Dumbledore said."I
mean,there's much I don't know,Severus. Trigonometry,for instance-"
Snape threw his hands up and stepped outside.
"Don't mind him," Dumbledore said,"He had a bad night. Something
about wolves. I think this town has done something to him."
"Where's Hagrid?"
"Outside,pulling weeds. Also,Professor McGonagall went to perform
a protection ritual around the school."
"Will she come looking with us?"
"I daresay she'll monitor our progress. Ron called what we're
about to do 'Operation Find The Nutter'."
"Operation Find The Nutter," Harry said. "I like that."
"He thought you would. I brought you some fresh clothing,"
Dumbledore said. He handed it to Harry-a plain blue t-shirt, jeans,
and socks. Of course,his shoes were beside the bed. "Be right
back," he said.
"No need to hurry," Dumbledore said.
He opened the door, filling the room with the rising sun.
Hagrid wasn't far away. He was,as Professor Dumbledore had said,
pulling weeds. He was using a screwdriver.
"Morning,Hagrid," Harry said.
"Hey,mate," Hagrid said. His eyes looked puffy,as if he'd been
crying.
Harry put a hand on one of Hagrid's massive shoulders.
"What's wrong?"
"Fang," Hagrid said,taking Harry's hand. "Don't know where he is."
"He'll turn up," Harry said. "I'd help you, but-"
"S'alright," Hagrid said. "See yeh later."
"Right," Harry said.
Professor McGonagall was muttering to herself, walking
across the playground. She nodded to him as he neared.
"Well, Potter, I was wondering when you'd awake."
"Do you need any help?"
"I have things well in hand."
Harry nodded.
"However,the spell will be magnified twofold with your help.
Possibly more."
"What will it do?"
"It denies entrance to anyone with evil intentions."
-On the other side of the school,Jimbo Jones,Dolph and Kearney
were lying at the bottom of the steps,moaning in trio. Nearby,
Nelson Muntz pointed at them and said "HA ha!"
"-Excellent," said Harry.
"Oh,yes," she said,smiling. She offered her arm; he took it.
"Now repeat after me. 'Hoc limen nullum malum transeat.'"
Harry repeated it. "Latin?" he asked.
"A powerful language. Not dead, by any means."
"What do the words mean?"
"Let nothing evil cross this door."
"How many languages do you know?"
"Mmmm," she said,thinking. "Let me see..." They took another step.
This time they said the words together.
She put a hand on his shoulder. "I'm fluent in German, French,
Italian, Japanese, Latin,of course, Russian...then there are
ancient languages,Mr. Potter. You haven't read 'The Canterbury
Tales' or the tales of King Arthur until you've read them in the
original Old English."
"Are they in the school library?"
"Oh,yes."
They took another step,murmuring the words.
"Of course,I could teach you how to read them, if you'd like."
Harry thought about that. "All right."
"You know...I just remembered something. The Anglo-Saxon meaning
of the name 'Harry' is 'power.' The Greek meaning of my name is
also 'power.'"
Harry looked up at her. "Really."
"Just something you and I share," she said.
Another step. They said the words.
"You know, years from now,I'll be able to say 'Harry Potter? I
taught him everything he knows.' There's room for improvement, of
course, still so much to learn. But I could say that about anyone."
They rounded the side of the school. Said the words again.
"You've experienced more than most people do in a lifetime. I
know it isn't easy,growing up in times like these...I just hope
I've been a worthy teacher."
Steps. Words.
"You've been a great teacher," Harry said. I don't know where I'd
be without you. "Am I doing all right?"
"Well,of course you are."
They came to the front of the school,in time to see Jimbo Jones
pumping himself up at the curb. His cronies were egging him on.
He took off running, but then smacked into the invisible barrier
and bounced off,reeling,as if he were a marionette owned by an
angry puppeteer.
"Hmmmph," Professor McGonagall said. "Well,I can't let them skip
classes. That's just reinforcement." She looked at Harry."You know,
rewarding them for bad behavior," she explained.
"Right," Harry said.
"Leave them to me," she said.
"Thanks."
"Thank YOU, Mr. Potter."
Harry entered the school.
It had been so long since he'd actually been in a regular school.
He felt strange,being the only one there.
As he searched for the bathroom,he wondered what these kids
learned about. Was it so much different than what he'd been
taught, before he had ever heard of Hogwarts?
He turned a corner; behind one door, he heard music. A piano.
The door had been propped open. Harry went to it; the room was
dark, but Harry could see that it was full of musical instruments.
Seated at one of them was a man with shaggy gray hair. Harry
didn't know the piece he was playing,but it brought tears to his
eyes; it was both beautiful and terribly sad.
Harry tore himself away.
In a minute,he found the bathroom; it was clearly marked BOYS.
He had seen those other markers,the ones with the gender-specific
outlines,and they made him laugh,picturing a guy wearing a kilt in
the ladies' room and a bald woman wearing pants in the mens' room.
He splashed water on his face,and used the pinkish liquid soap,
which smelled sweet. He stepped out of yesterday's clothes and
put the fresh ones on. As he put his shoes on,he happened to
glance out the window.
A dark figure stood in the parking lot,leaning leaning against
a lamppost. He saw Harry and came to life.
Harry came closer to the window.
He was startled by the flash; it made him blink.
For a second, he was confused.
"He took my picture," Harry said.
Harry glared at the window; the glass disappeared.
He leapt through the windowsill,into the morning.
"Hey," Harry said. The figure turned to run and tripped.
Harry threw himself on top of the photographer,who was much
larger than Harry. He was a big ugly guy; his face was flat,like
it'd been stomped on once too often. He tried to get up,but Harry
leaned on him with all his weight.
"Get off," said the man.
"Why did you take my picture?" Harry yelled.
"Get OFF-"He bucked like a horse,but Harry held on.
"Who are you? What are you going to do with that picture? TELL ME-"
Finally,the guy stopped struggling.
Harry let go.
The guy collapsed against the curb.
"Jesus H. Christ," he said. "You're stronger than I thought."
"Look,would you-"
"Your picture is worth a lot of money."
"To who?"
"The Daily Prophet. They pay the best."
"You work for the Prophet. Great."
The photographer got up and began walking away.
He got a few yards away,then turned.
"Have you moved here?"
Harry ignored him.
"Is that what this is all about?"
Harry looked the other way.
"You're trying to get away from Voldemort,is that it? Hiding
among muggles?"
"You want a quote?" Harry asked.
"Yeah," he said. "I want a quote."
"Fine. Quote: Your paper is a rag. It's staffed by a bunch of
inhuman slimeballs. I use it to line the bottom of my owl's perch,
and when she travels,her birdcage. Unquote. Now get out of here."
He did.
Harry watched him disappear. The moment he was gone, a car swung
into the parking lot. Harry wasn't an expert on cars; of course,
there was the Anglia and the cars from the Ministry and whatever
Uncle Vernon drove. Harry had never seen a car like the one pulling
next to him. The thing looked terribly depressed,a gray heap of
chrome with wheels.
Finally,the engine died. The door opened. Mrs. Krabappel smiled
down at him. "Hey,Harry," she said. "Why the long face?"
"There was a guy here," he said. "He took my picture. Apparently
my picture's worth a lot of money."
She sat next to him. "It's tough when you're in demand, huh?"
"Tell me about it. All the papers want do is lie about me."
"Tch. I've heard some real stories about the press on your side of
the world. Guess they're true. Well,you gotta rise above them,no
matter what they say. Do you mind if I smoke?"
"Uh, well-"
"Oh,I'll light up inside. Did they...I don't want to prod into your
private life-"
"No,go ahead. I have no secrets to keep."
"One of your teachers...she said that someone died..."
"More than one. And there's this prophecy..."
"A prophecy,huh?"
"Yeah."
"Destiny is a tricky subject," she said. "Was I meant to be a
teacher? There is such a thing as free will, Harry."
"Not in this case. Something has to happen. And if that something
doesn't happen, something else will happen."
"You don't think it's fair,do you?"
"I went through that stage," Harry said. "I'm glad it's over."
Mrs. Krabappel laughed. "I know what you mean," she said, and
then stood up. "Listen,Harry,I have to go inside for awhile,I'm
a little hung over. Will I see you later?"
"I'll probably be here all week," Harry said.
She turned to leave.
"Oh,hey," Harry said,"Mrs. Krabappel,I was wondering..."
Mrs. Krabappel turned. "Yeah,Harry,what were you wondering?"
"One of the teachers was playing the piano-"
"Mr. Largo," she said. "Our music teacher."
"Oh. Well, that makes sense. We don't have a music teacher at
Hogwarts."
"How sad."
"How did you guys manage to find Hogwarts?"
The funniest thing happened.
Mrs. Krabappel began to say something-
-and then her face went blank. Her eyes closed partway,and when
she spoke next,it was as if she were reading from a script.
"Did you know Seymour was in the war?"
"What war?"
"Vietnam. He knew a kid named...Johnny."
He waved his hand in front of her face.
She snapped back like a rubber band.
"What were you wondering?" she asked.
"Forget it," Harry said.
Mrs. Krabappel grinned,and then walked into the building.
Harry sat there a moment more. Kids began to filter into the school.
Then he went back to the playground and found Professor Dumbledore,
in the middle of pulling a weed.
"A man from the Daily Prophet just tried to interview us," he said.
Harry rolled his eyes.
Professor Dumbledore looked rather amused.
"What did yeh do to him,Harry?" Hagrid asked.
"I jumped on him. He took my picture. I thought-"
"I can imagine what you thought," Dumbledore said.
"I told him he worked for a rag of a paper and I use it to line
the bottom of wherever Hedwig happens to be."
Dumbledore's mustache twitched. Then he began to shake with
laughter. "Oh," Dumbledore said,still laughing,but under control.
"Harry, I'm glad you're one of mine."
"Yeh know they're going to roast the both of yeh," Hagrid said,
but he was laughing,too.
"I don't care," Harry said.
"Neither do I," Professor Dumbledore said."Let them say what they will."
"Oh...Professor-"
"Yes?"
"I just had the weirdest conversation with Mrs. Krabap-"
"Professor?"
It was Mrs. Krabappel,at the rear doors.
"Yes,Edna?"
"There's a phone call for you."
"For me?"
"It's Lisa Simpson."
"Oh," he said. "Harry,I'll be right back."
"I'll meet you by the front steps."
Dumbledore nodded,then followed Mrs. Krabappel inside.
She led him to the principal's office. "Lisa asked to talk to
you. She sounded kind of upset."
She opened the door. There were pictures of Edna Krabappel on the
walls. One of them fell to the floor. "Aggh..."
She opened a drawer of the principal's desk.
"Are you and Principal Skinner-"
"Oh,we got married last year." She pulled a long red-handled
screwdriver out of the drawer. Then she picked up the picture,which
was basically just her smiling;behind her,there was sunlight,and
trees. Dumbledore was used to seeing pictures move; it was quite a
change,these stationary photographs.
"Congratulations. By the way, Edna...I was just wondering...
would you happen to know how Superintendant Chalmers found
Hogwarts?"
"Did I tell you...Seymour was in the war?"
"Which war was this,Edna?"
"Vietnam."
Dumbledore waited.
"He knew a kid named...Johnny."
Dumbledore waved his hand in front of Edna's face.
The drugged look vanished in an instant.
"Why, thank you, Headmaster," she said. "Yeah,marrying
Seymour was really convenient for both of us-"
He knew what would happen,but he asked again.
"Edna,how did Superintendant Chalmers find Hogwarts?"
"Did I tell you...Seymour was in the war?"
"Mmm," Dumbledore said,looking into her eyes.
"He knew a kid named..."
"Johnny, yes..." Dumbledore snapped his fingers.
"-you know how that is, I assume?"
"Yes," Dumbledore said, smiling,"I do."
"Well,I'll leave you alone." She walked out of the room.
Dumbledore followed her.
"Superintendant Chalmers," he said.
"Did I tell you...Seymour was-"
Dumbledore touched her shoulder.
"Did you forget something, Albus?"
"The exchange program."
"Did I tell you..."
Dumbledore touched her other shoulder.
"False alarm," he said. "I apologize."
"Oh,that's all right."
"Fudge," he said.
"I love fudge," she said. "Especially with-"
"Cornelius Fudge."
"...my name is Edna Krabapple...and my father's an alcoholic..."
He waved his hand in front of her face.
"-nuts and whipped cream."
"I'll find some," Dumbledore said. "To celebrate a successful
exch-" he caught himself just in time and pretended to sneeze.
"Fudge sounds wonderful," said Edna. "Later."
"Oh,yes," Dumbledore said.
She turned,and walked away.
Dumbledore walked into Skinner's office,and picked up the reciever.
"Miss Simpson,are you there?"
"Professor Dumbledore," said Lisa. Dumbledore furrowed his brow.She
really sounded quite upset."Something's wrong with Fawkes."
"What is it,Miss Simpson?"
"I don't know. He's just lying on my bed. I think he's sick."
"I'll be right there." He put the reciever down.
A moment later, he Apparated into Lisa's room.
"Here he is," she said.
He sat beside Fawkes, who made a weak noise in his throat.
"Come here," he said.
She sat next to him.
"Lisa," he said, in his most comforting voice,"I don't want to
alarm you, but Fawkes is dying."
"He's going to die?"
"Sometimes it takes a few days. Then,there are times,like now,
when it happens quickly."
"He'll be reborn,right?"
"Exactly. Just make him comfortable. He seems to like your
bed, so let him lie here. It's best not to interfere."
"What about the fire?"
"No need to worry. It's certainly hot,but it consumes nothing
except Fawkes."
"So it's like spontaneous human combustion?"
"Well, I knew someone who spontaneously combusted.It's rather
different,even if they both involve immolation." He took Lisa's
hand. "There's nothing to worry about. Just know that everything
will be all right."
"Everything will be all right," Lisa said.
Suddenly, the reason why he felt so drawn to Lisa came to Dumbledore.
She reminded him of-
He had to look away from the girl. The door was open. If-
"Professor?"
He tried to keep what he was feeling out of his voice. "Yes, Miss Simpson."
"Are you all right? You zoned out for a second."
"I'm fine,Lisa,it's just that...you remind me of someone."
She reminded Hagrid of Hermione. She reminds me-
"Someone you like,I hope."
"Someone I loved," he said. "Her name was Lily."
"Lily," she said.
He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "I have to go." Dumbledore
stood up. "After it happens,when he pokes his head out of the
ashes,give him these. I'll let Principal Skinner know."
He handed a few of Fawkes's treats to Lisa.
"Until we meet again,my dear."
He disappeared.
Then he reappeared.
"Did you forget something,Professor?"
"Cornelius Fudge," Dumbledore said.
"Never heard of him," Lisa said.
"Well, then." With a wink, he disappeared again.
He caught Severus,who was on his way out of the bathroom.
"Severus," he said,"I need you to keep an eye on Edna Krabappel.
"Is she in danger?"
"I fear someone has tampered with her mind. Mention Superintendant
Chalmers or the exchange to her. You'll see what I mean. If
Superintendent Chalmers shows up, watch him."
"I'll watch her quite closely," Snape said. "Shall I do the same
for Principal Skinner?"
Dumbledore nodded. "And tell Skinner that Lisa Simpson may not
be in class today."
---
Harry was sitting on the front steps of the school.
"Ready?" Dumbledore asked.
"Sure."
"Where is Professor McGonagall?"
"There were some guys out here. She turned them into hamsters.
She's looking for a cage."
Together,they walked away from the school. Soon,Harry could barely
see it.
As he walked, Professor Dumbledore looked peaceful. He began
humming to himself, as he often did. Harry didn't want to interrupt,
but curiosity overwhelmed him.
"Where are we going?"
"We have no destination," Dumbledore said.
"We're going to wander around?"
"Exactly, Harry."
They wandered down streets lined with houses; Harry could not
help but watch people do unfamiliar things. He had never seen a
garage sale,and there were several going on. He saw things that
seemed more arcane than any kind of wizardry. Cars passed them,
blaring a hundred different styles of music.
"All this music," Dumbledore said. "I can feel it, Harry."
"So can I," Harry said. "It's like we're breathing it."
"Music is quite important to these people."
"I think-"
"What is it?" Dumbledore asked,but Harry was no longer beside him.
He was looking up at a huge old house,unlike any of the others on
the street. A huge iron gate prevented intruders.
"Who lives in there?" Harry asked.
"Someone who values their privacy," Dumbledore said.
"Well,hel-lo,handsome."
Dumbledore and Harry both turned.
The woman in front of them carried a paper bag under her arm.
Something told Harry it wasn't full of groceries. She was an
older woman with gray hair; her voice crackled like fire. She
wore a red dress; it was as if she were going to a costume ball.
"I assume you mean me?" Dumbledore said.
"I'm not talking to the kid."
"I'm sixteen, I'm hardly a kid."
She grinned. "If you say so,son."
"Don't call me son,you're not my mother."
Dumbledore noted Harry's smile. He had not spoken in anger.
"Wow,you ARE sixteen. My name's Belle."
"Albus Dumbledore," he said. "This is Harry."
"Albus..." she said,testing it. "Anybody ever call you Al?"
"My brother," Dumbledore said. "I call him Abe."
"Do you live here?" Harry asked.
"You could say that," Belle said."You're from that school, right?"
"We were just exploring the town," Dumbledore said.
"Would you like to come in for some...oh,I don't know. Whatever."
"Perhaps later," Dumbledore said.
She unlocked the gate.
"I'll be waiting," she said. "Have fun exploring,Al."
She locked the gate.
"Whoa," Harry said.
Dumbledore peeled him off of the gate,and they were once
again on their way.
"She really liked you," Harry said.
"I'm taken," Dumbledore said.
"You have a girlfriend, Professor?"
"I'm married, Harry."
Harry couldn't speak for a moment.
"You are?"
"Oh, yes. And very much in love with my wife."
"Do I know your wife? Have I ever met her?"
"The answer to both questions is yes."
"I'm sorry, Professor, this is just...mind-blowing."
"You're surprised?"
"No,it's not that. I'm glad you have a family. Do you have any
children?"
Dumbledore didn't answer immediately.
"The children of Hogwarts," Dumbledore said.
"I never even bothered to ask," Harry said. "It's not something
you advertise, though, right? As a precautionary measure."
"Quite right,Harry."
The two of them grew silent. It wasn't an unfriendly silence;
it was just the silence of introspection, of two people familiar
enough with each other not to speak.
----
Eventually,the houses gave way to storefronts and traffic lights.
The city seemed so large.
"I suppose this is downtown," Dumbledore said.
"Guess so," Harry said.
"I wonder if there's a town library," Dumbledore said.
"Let's ask around," Harry said. There was someone coming in
their direction, another woman; Harry hoped that Padma and
Parvati Patil would both look like her, because she was very
pretty. Her hair was the blackest Harry had ever seen; she wore a
sari that seemed to be red,pink and orange all at once.
"Excuse me," Harry said.
"Yes?" she asked,and smiled.
"Can you tell us how to get to the library?"
"Oh,yes,it's just up the street."
Her voice was so soft.
"Thanks," Harry said.
Dumbledore nodded and smiled.
"You're welcome," she said.
"She was nice," Harry said.
"She certainly was," Dumbledore said.
The library was, as the woman had said, just up the street.
It was a rather plain building that blended in with the street.
There was a banner over the entrance that read BOOK SALE-GET 'EM
WHILE THEY'RE HOT.
Harry had only known one librarian in his life-Madame Pince,who
ran the library with an iron fist. The librarian behind the main
desk didn't look nearly so starved for human flesh as Irma Pince
always did. She wore a badge that read LYDIA NORTON, and she
looked like she told people to be quiet more often than she liked.
She didn't smile when she saw Harry. "May I help you?"
"Do you have anything about the history of Springfield?"
"We have newspaper archives on microfiche. You know,there's also
the historical society. I know Mr. Hurlbut,he's lived here forever-"
"I'll handle the microfiche,Harry," Dumbledore said. "Look around,
see if anything captures your attention."
Mrs. Norton led Professor Dumbledore away.
Harry lingered by the desk a moment. Then he started to look
around. It had nothing on the library at Hogwarts,but it was
still nice. There were a multitude of books he had never read;
some of them were incredibly thick and others were so thin you
could probably read them in a minute. There were tables around
the library; people sat reading, enraptured in a hundred different
worlds they wished were real.
"All these books," Harry said.
Behind him,someone laughed.
He turned. Seated at the desk was a big black man; he was holding
a book called SILENT TREATMENT by someone named Michael Palmer.
He was smiling at Harry.
"I know the feeling," he said. He had to put the book down to
hold his sides. He kept laughing,and Harry liked him immediately.
"Harry Potter," he said.
"Dr. Julius Hibbert."
They shook hands.
"You're from the English school?"
"Yeah," he said.
"Are you in a hurry? Sit down,if you like."
Harry pulled out a chair and sat down.
"You know...there are times when I think I've read every book
in this library?" He laughed again.
"Have you?"
"I've read a lot of them," he said. "I like all the weird stuff.
You ever read Wrath James White or Joe R. Lansdale?"
"I've never even heard of them."
"Best place to familiarize yourself is right here." He laughed
that wonderful laugh again. It didn't take a whole lot to make
Dr. Hibbert laugh. Harry wondered if he laughed during surgery.
"Can I ask you a question?"
"What do you wanna know?"
"Does Springfield have a history of witchcraft?"
"Well...hmmm...Harry, I don't remember any witchcraft happening in
this town. Maybe I'm not the best one to ask. There are older-"
Dr. Hibbert frowned suddenly.
Harry knew why.
Dr. Hibbert reached towards Harry's forehead.
Harry jerked away.
"Let me see," Dr. Hibbert said. "It's okay, I'm a doctor. Just
because today's my day off-"
He brushed the hair away from Harry's forehead.
Dr. Hibbert studied it in silence.
"That's a hell of a scar," he finally said.
Harry didn't know what to say. Why,yes,Doctor,it certainly is?
"You do that yourself?"
"No," Harry said.
"What is it? A ritual cutting? Knife fight?"
"A curse scar," Harry said.
"That's a new one on me."
"You should've seen the other guy."
Dr. Hibbert laughed. "I've got scars of my own, Harry."
"Do you."
"Oh,yeah. Most of them are from when I was a kid. Course, I run
into all sorts of people on the job. You haven't lived until
you've strapped a raving, drooling nun onto a gurney."
"What was wrong with her?"
"There's a component in bread...I forget if it's the yeast or
what, but it has the same chemical composition as lysergic acid
dysalimide. Anyway,she prepared the bread incorrectly and had
a convent full of hallucinating nuns clawing each others' eyes out
and screaming their habits off about being eaten by demons..." and
he laughed again.
"Is your job always so weird?"
"My job can be pretty weird sometimes. Wouldn't trade it for
anything,though. I love helping people." Of course, he laughed
again. Then he quieted down.
"How old are you?"
"Sixteen."
"Hmmm..." he said. "What's a good book for someone your age? My son is
reading this book by Neil Gaiman-have you ever heard of him?"
"No."
"If you ever see a comic book called THE SANDMAN,pick it up. It's
the most literary comic you'll ever see. Anyway, just pick one
that sounds interesting-"
"Ah,Harry,there you are," said Professor Dumbledore.
"Professor,this is Dr. Hibbert."
"Harry's quite a guy," Dr. Hibbert said.
"That he is. Harry,are you ready?"
"I guess so," Harry said.
"Bye, Harry."
"Bye, Dr. Hibbert."
As they exited,Harry asked,"Did you find anything?"
"Nothing," Dumbledore said. "No witchcraft whatsoever,or
anything Voldemort might be interested in. Other than Ralph
Wiggum,of course."
Then he checked his watch.
Harry didn't ask the time. It didn't matter.
--
"There are a lot of books I haven't read," Harry said.
"I have that problem, too. So many books, and not enough time
to read them all."
"I don't know where to start," Harry said. "Does it matter?"
"Not really," Dumbledore said. "Once you find a story that
draws you into its world, there is no beginning or ending. I
find those are my favorites."
"Where the story ends,but the characters go on?"
"Exactly," Dumbledore said.
"Are there any wizard novelists?"
"Well...Harry, I've always considered artists, wizard or not, to
be in possession of another kind of magical talent. My fascination
with this isn't easy to put into words...I love music. I love
literature. There are times when I feel like I could write a book,
or compose a sonata.Maybe I should write a novel, someday."
"I'd read it," Harry said.
Dumbledore chuckled.
"I have a lifetime of inspiration," he said.
"It'd be scary," Harry said.
"Some of it," Dumbledore said. "I've seen some frightening things."
"Were you afraid?"
"Yes," he said. "However, I never let myself surrender to fear."
"Do you still see those things?"
"In my dreams,I sometimes revisit them. You asked if I sleep."
"I did? I thought that was a dream."
"It wasn't. You've never seen me sleep, but I do. I've been told
that I snore."
Harry laughed.
"Now that's a sound I miss," Dumbledore said. "Yes, I apparently
snore. Of course, I've known people afflicted with sleep apnea...
in sleep, they stop breathing, sometimes for a whole minute. Then
when they start breathing again,the snoring starts,and it's
unbelievably loud. Quite a sight to see."
"I don't know if I snore," Harry said.
"I've watched you sleep. You don't."
At that moment, a sleek red car sped by.
"He's in a hurry," Dumbledore said.
A police car followed after it.
"Was that Chief Wiggum?" Harry asked.
"No," Dumbledore said. "One of his deputies."
"I wonder if he knows."
"About Ralph?"
"Yeah...I mean, the leprechaun can't conceal his abilities all
the time, can it?"
"Leprechauns are so unpredictable," Dumbledore said. "He's
safe,though. You and Professor McGonagall did the ritual.
Nothing is getting in that school that shouldn't be there."
----
"Headmaster," someone called. Actually,it sounded like
three people at once.
Harry and Professor Dumbledore turned.
"Afternoon,Ishmael."
"Hi,Professor Chillinger," Harry said.
"You scare me,Potter. You really scare me," said Chillinger One.
"Don't listen to him," Chillinger Two said.
"Well,you don't HAVE to..." Chillinger Three said.
"Is there a problem,Professor?"
"Sir,it's Bart Simpson."
"What has the boy done?"
"He's not supposed to make friends with the dark creatures I
use for class,Headmaster."
"Not that I like working with them."
"I don't care one way or the other."
"He kept asking me when we were going to learn how to,and
I quote,'Blow stuff up.'"
"He's going to love Potions," Dumbledore said.
"Is someone substituting for Snape?" Harry asked.
"PROFESSOR Snape,Harry. Yes, there's a substitute." He turned
to Chillinger. "Ishmael, he'll only be with us until Friday.
Please don't discourage him, all right?"
"I'm not sure I like that," said Chillinger Three.
"I'm sure I don't," Chillinger One said.
Chillinger Two kept silent. He just nodded.
The three of them Disapparated.
"I worry about that man," Dumbledore said.
"He knows his stuff...he just seems dissociated from reality." Harry paused. "I
know how he feels, I guess. I can't help feeling...overwhelmed by the world,
sometimes."
He looked up at Dumbledore,who was listening silently.
"The universe is huge," Harry said. He gasped.
"What is it?"
"I don't remember if the telescope was in your office," Harry
said. "You didn't junk it, did you?"
"It's still there," Dumbledore said. "I did replace the glass."
"Good. I'm glad."
"I'm happy you're glad," he said.
"First THE X FILES, now DOCTOR WHO?"
"You've seen DOCTOR WHO,as well." Dumbledore said, smiling. "That's good to know."
"Everyone's seen DOCTOR WHO," Harry said.
"They never showed it in France."
"Why not?"
"I don't know."
"There was a boxful of videotapes...in the closet. My aunt and
uncle and Dudley left me alone one day and I watched a bunch of
them."
"The Doctor is one of my personal heroes."
"You could BE the Doctor," Harry said.
"Why, thank you, Harry."
----
At lunchtime, they came upon Krusty Burger.
"That name doesn't encourage me..." Dumbledore said. "Are you
in the mood for a few hamburgers, Harry?"
"Hamburgers sound great," he said.
They crossed the street,which wasn't busy.
Harry had only been inside a place like this once, the morning
of the infamous Snake Incident at the zoo. He remembered the
meat tasting nothing like meat and the chips being brittle
and Dudley trying to bury him under the colored balls in the
playroom,or PlayPlace,or whatever it had been called. The
Choking Hazard Room would have been more appropriate. Dumbledore
held the door open for Harry; he stepped inside.
"Find us a place to sit," Dumbledore said. "I'll order. These
places drown your food in cheese when you specifically ask them not
to put cheese on anything. If that happens, I'd like it to happen
to me..."
Harry picked a booth by the window. This place really wasn't
any different from that other fast food place all those years ago.
He watched the world go by.
It felt so unreal now.
In a minute, Dumbledore slid into the booth across from him,
carrying a tray. "These are hot," he said. Harry knew he could have
floated the food over to the table if he'd felt like it,but Professor
Dumbledore was not one to abuse his abilities.
Harry took one of the hamburgers and unwrapped it.
He took a bite. It tasted awful.
Professor Dumbledore looked as if he'd come to the same conclusion with his food.
"I don't think this could technically be classified as meat,"
he said. "And look. I specifically asked them to exclude
any kind of cheese. Here it is." He peeled the square of
cheese away from the pseudo-meat. It came away whole,as if it
were made of plastic.
"They wouldn't get away with this in Japan, I'll tell you that."
"Have you been to Japan?"
"I've been all over the world, Harry. In Japan, the aesthetic
arrangement of the food is just as important as its taste. It
must be as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate."
He put his burger down.
Harry watched him. He put his down, as well.
"Well, this was a wonderful choice," Dumbledore said.
Harry looked at the table.
"No, I didn't mean-"
"I know what you meant," Harry said.
"When I remember this place,I'll only recall that you were
here with me. The taste of whatever these are will fade."
"You'll remember this place because I was here with you?"
"Yes," Dumbledore said. "That's reason enough for me."
Harry started to say something, then turned back to the window.
"Harry?"
"Have I ever disappointed you?"
"You have yet to disappoint me."
"Sir...those things you said, last year...did you mean them?"
"I wouldn't have said them if I hadn't," Dumbledore said,
after a moment. He took Harry's hand. "I meant every single word."
Harry smiled. It took a moment, but he did. Then it faded.
"Remember what I said about being all right?"
"I remember."
Harry looked at his food. "I'm not."
"I know," Dumbledore said. "Neither am I."
"You're not?"
"I failed you, Harry."
"You didn't fail me.
"You know I did."
"You DIDN'T fail me."
"It's my fault Sirius Black is dead."
"No,it isn't."
"Then whose fault is it? Give me a name so I can tear their
hair out and rend their clothes instead of mine and scream HOW
COULD THIS HAPPEN at them instead of myself."
"It's no one's fault. Especially not yours. The only one to
blames are Voldemort and Bellatrix Lestrange. I believe that
justice will catch up with her. Maybe I won't be the one to do it.
It'll come from from someone else. Sirius will be avenged. I
believe that. Maybe that's why Neville is part of the prophecy.
As for Voldemort...if only one of us can survive...I obviously choose me."
"You've been thinking about this."
"I had all summer. Stop blaming yourself," Harry said. "This is beyond fault."
"All right," Dumbledore said. He looked like a weight had
been lifted from him. "Now what's troubling you? Please tell me."
"Why do you have such confidence in me?"
"Because I've seen what you can do," he said. "Because you're
worth every bit of that belief. Because I need to believe that
the world has a future."
"But that's just it," Harry said. "I'm sixteen and I feel like I'm
trying to hold up the entire world by myself."
"You aren't alone, Harry. Not at Hogwarts. Not right now,either.
As before,if you want to vent, I'll listen. Talk to me. Scream at
me if you feel the need. Let me bear your rage. Don't hold anything
in, let it all out."
"I'm all out of rage," he said. He put his face in his hands."I was
such an arsehole last year."
"You had good reason to be angry."
"When I got back to the Dursleys,I...I don't know,all the anger
drained out of me and I just...turned inward. I don't know how
else to describe it. I just...you're right, I thought a lot."
"This started with the Triwizard Tournament,didn't it?"
"That stupid tournament," he said. Then he looked up at Dumbledore.
"I mean...The Triwizard Tournament was an honorable contest. I hate
how it's going to be remembered. The year Harry Potter won ten
thousand galleons in money splattered with Cedric Diggory's blood."
"But it's not blood money now,is it?"
"I didn't want it and I'm not sorry about what I did with it."
"I would have done the same," he said. "You did the best thing
one can do with blood money...it's being used to make people happy."
Harry looked at the table,flashing an embarrassed grin. "So you know."
"I know," Dumbledore said.
Then he grew serious.
"Harry...your aunt and uncle..."
"What about them?"
"Do they beat you?"
The question dropped Harry's jaw.
"No," he said,looking at the table again.
"I remember something Hagrid told me. Six years ago,he told me
what the Dursleys were like. I remember him mentioning that Vernon
said that your magical abilities were 'nothing a good beating
wouldn't have cured.' They've never laid a hand on you?"
"He's threatened to. They just...yell at me."
"That can be worse than a beating."
"Aunt Petunia wasn't as bad this summer. I try not to listen to them,but...
you know,they've never called me by name,just 'boy," my personal favorite,
'freak' or "it." Uncle Vernon doesnt' do it to my face anymore,
that's all. It's all I can do not to believe what he says-"
Dumbledore took Harry's hand from across the table in both of his.
His hands were so warm.
"Harry," he said, "If you're a freak...then so am I."
Harry stared at him, openmouthed.
"You're...you're not a freak."
"And neither are you," Dumbledore said. "
Then,he found words.
"Ever since I saw my parents come out of Voldemort's
wand,I can hear them in my head," he said. "When I think about
it, I can hear their voices. All the way back to when I was a
baby. Every night,I go to bed and want my mom and dad-"
He felt his eyes burning,then a pair of tears hit the table.
"Thinking about it makes makes me feel selfish, and then I hate
myself for thinking only of myself-"
Dumbledore couldn't find any words,so he just held Harry's hand,and
shook his head.
"-So many other families have been torn apart by Voldemort and I
can only think of wanting my parents and Sirius back."
"Harry...I miss them too. If I had one wish,It would bring them
back to life."
"What about the socks?"
"Socks? If I had to choose between them and socks,bugger the socks."
Harry looked down at the alleged food.
"I don't think I can eat the rest of this," Harry said.
"Then don't. I can't eat mine,either."
Harry looked up at him. "I'm sorry I wasted your money," he said.
Then he started to cry.
"Hey," said the kid behind the counter,his vocal chords obviously
contending with adolescence,"You'll have to take him outside-"
Dumbledore scowled at the kid. "Can't you see he's distraught?"
"The other customers are trying to eat."
Dumbledore glanced around the place. "WHAT other customers?"
Two booths down,a little man with thick round glasses
hopped down to the floor. He was smaller than Flitwick,and his
skull looked like an unshelled peanut. His eyes were huge;
they looked trapped behind his eyeglasses.
"I come here for breakfast,lunch and dinner," he said.
Dumbledore got up. He sat down beside Harry. Gently,he
said "Would you like to leave,Harry?"
"Yeah," Harry said.
Dumbledore got up,and so did Harry.
A man dressed like a clown burst out of the kitchen. This,
Dumbledore surmised,was Krusty the Clown. Then he felt a hand
encircle his and realized that Harry was afraid of Krusty.
"Hey HEEEEEY!" he exclaimed. "What's the-"
"You won't see us in here again," Dumbledore said.
"Euuuugh." Krusty said.
Dumbledore opened the door. NO SHOES NO SHIRT NO SERVICE,it read.
Oddly enough, it said nothing about pants.
"Your food tastes as if it were manufactured in a laboratory."
With that,they made an exit.
"You old geezer," Krusty whispered,opened the door and yelled
"THAT'S 'CAUSE IT WAS!" He stood still a moment and then
clapped a hand against his face. "I gotta stop doin' that..."
-----
A block later,Harry was still crying. He was trying to cry
silently. Dumbledore could feel his pain. Last year,he
had shed a single tear, thinking of all the responsibility on
Harry's shoulders. He was no longer a child. Now he wanted to cry even more,but
Harry needed him to be strong. He needed Harry as much as Harry needed him.
As soon as he saw it, Dumbledore led him down a grassy embankment.
They found themselves in a rather large park; there were people out
walking the paths,and riding paddleboats in the water,throwing
frisbees,flying kites.
There was a bench nearby; he sat down next to Harry.
"You haven't been able to talk to anyone,have you?"
Harry shook his head. "The Dursleys don't care," he wept. "I know
you want to believe in Aunt Petunia, I'm sorry. She doesn't care.
They're sorry I even exist. Sometimes I'm sorry I exist. I don't
know how to tell Ron and Hermione and you obviously have enough
problems without being burdened with mine." Harry turned away.
"He's going to kill everyone I love. He wants to take everything
away from me first. Then he'll kill me and they'll put my brain in
a tank at the bloody Ministry of Magic-"
He looked so lost.
"You said my strength lies in my heart, but I don't see how. My
heart is broken."
Dumbledore felt such pain, deeper than himself, in his soul.
"They tried to break us last year," he said. "They failed."
And then he wrapped his arms around Harry and held him against his heart,
so close, he felt as if they were one.
"No," Harry said,trying to get away,but he was one strong old man.
"You can't-" A team of wild horses wouldn't have been able to break
Dumbledore's grip. "I can't let you care about me,and you can't let
yourself, anymore, you'll die, he'll kill you if you do-"
"If I have to choose between caring about you or turning my back
on you to save my own life, there's no choice," he said,in a fierce,
shaking whisper. He could feel the heat rising from within himself,
washing over Harry like warm water. "I'd rather die than not love you."
He could see the horrified look on Harry's face.
"You love me?"
"Yes," he said.
It was truer than anything he'd ever known and he could say it.
"I always have," he said. "Always."
"You can't. I can't-" Harry began to say it again,"I c-" and his
voice cracked. He hung his head, and the tears just started to flow.
He sagged into Dumbledore, buried his face in the old man's
wondrous silver hair,and let out fifteen years worth of grief.
Dumbledore just held him, and stroked his hair away from his eyes.
-------
"How do you feel?"
"I feel...great."
Harry had stopped crying after awhile; Dumbledore had not let him
go. "You know,this isn't the first time I've held you."
"You carried me out of the chamber-"
"I was there when you were born."
"You were?"
"Oh,yes. While your mother slept, I held you, rocked you, and sang to you.
I think my singing voice may have made you cry once or twice."
Harry laughed.
Dumbledore laughed with him.
"Mrs. Weasley hugged me. Now you're hugging me," he said."Hermione kissed me on the
cheek two years ago. Cho kissed me last year. Angelina kissed me a week ago-"
"Angelina Johnson kissed you?"
"After our last match. She followed me into the locker room-"
"Into the boys' locker room?"
"Yeah."
"Gutsy, that Angelina."
"Is it normal to use so much tongue?"
"You didn't...go any further,did you?"
"No, she just kissed me and left."
"Ah. Well...good."
"Angelina's cool."
"She is quite nice," Dumbledore said.
Someone sped by on a bicycle.
"This place is so beautiful," he said.
"We can stay here all day,if that's what you need. I won't leave
you. Unless one of us really has a biological emergency."
Again, Harry laughed.
"I'm going to keep making you laugh," he said.
"You know,Professor...you're my constant," Harry said. "One of
them,anyway."
"Now YOU'RE quoting from THE X FILES."
"Uncle Vernon made me watch it. His favorite show." Harry said."He
always said 'See what the Americans do to your lot.' There was
that one with the plastic surgery witchcraft thing..."
"One of my favorites," Dumbledore said. "I believe the
title is 'Sanguinarium.' I'll bet your uncle didn't like the way
it ended, did he?"
"That guy peeled his own face off," Harry said.
"'I think this patient is finished...'"
Harry laughed again. It was getting easier and easier.
"I like the funny ones best," Harry said. "But there are the
really sick ones like the one with those brothers...they were
inbred mutants-"
"Yes,yes,'Home.' Quite gruesome. But wonderfully written."
"After awhile,I started to like it. Uncle Vernon had to
watch it in another room after that. For awhile,it felt like
I'd gotten through...like I had a home. But Hogwarts is my
home,Professor. I can't help thinking of it like that."
"I also think of it that way,Harry. You know...Someone's going to
have to talk to that man. Maybe me."
"Well,Aunt Petunia's trying a little,I think. Dudley...oh man.
I don't really talk to Dudley anymore. He's gotten...scary."
"Scary in what way?"
"He formed a band," Harry said. "Jack and The Rippers."
"Jack and The Rippers?" Dumbledore's mustache twitched. "Is he Jack?"
"He talks about wanting to cut people up...He's started listening to...Professor,
are you familiar with black metal?"
"I am," he said.
"I thought you liked chamber music."
"Well,Harry,I'm not culturally ignorant."
"Of course not," he said. "I didn't mean to imply-"
"I know," Dumbledore said. "No apologies neccessary. I am quite
familiar with black metal. There are one or two pieces I find quite
beautiful-Satyricon's 'Immortality Passion,' for instance. It's not my favorite
branch of the heavy metal tree,I must admit. Does he listen to a band called
Mayhem?"
"Mayhem? Yeah. I've found their CDs lying around the house."
"Well,their guitarist was known by the name Dead,which became
quite ironic when he killed himself."
"Dead killed himself?"
"Oh,yes. He...well,he blew his brains out with a shotgun. His bandmate
Euronymous-real name Oystein Aarseth-broke into Dead's house,and found the body.
He took some pictures,one of which appears on one of their CDs-"
"They used it for a CD cover?"
"Oh,yes. That's not the end of the story. Euronymous also made a
necklace out of some of Dead's teeth,and I think he also ate some
of Dead's brain matter, as well."
Harry was lost for words.
"Then Count Grishnackh,their vocalist, I believe-also known as
Varg Vikernes-murdered Euronymous."
"He did?"
"He did. Stabbed him through the back of his skull. Said he was a
traitor to the scene. He also may have been involved with a
spate of church burnings. He's in jail now...best place for him,
even if prison is a country club over there...In addition to being
a murderer,he's also an anti-semite and a racist. He does a one-man
band called Burzum in prison. I've never listened to it."
"I can see where you'd have a problem with it. Is the band still together?"
"With new members,yes. They're known for decorating their stage
performance with pigs' heads on spikes. The Norwegian black
metal scene has a bloody history...just last week,some black metal
musician whose name escapes me at the moment brought a severed
head to someone's birthday party. It was all over the news. Did
you see it?"
"No."
"Grisly business,over there. Grindcore is much less dangerous. No
one's ever died in the name of the music. Have you ever found any
Napalm Death CDs lying around?"
"Yeah,actually,I have. He was playing some,and this other band
called Circle Of Dead Children...I liked it. It's not as violent
as black metal,is it?"
"I've never heard of anything like that happening in that
particular scene-"
"Professor?"
"I almost forgot," he said. He reached into a pocket. "I bought
you something."
"You did?"
"While I was searching with Mrs. Norton-isn't that funny."
"What is it?"
"They have Mrs. Norton. We have Mrs. Norris. Even if she is a cat-"
"I didn't notice," Harry said.
"Well,it's an interesting note,but Harry,what I wanted to say
before I rudely interrupted myself was that after I searched the
microfiche, I went and browsed the at the book sale,and...I bought
you a book."
"...really?"
"One of my favorites. A book that never fails to raise my spirits."
"You bought me a book?"
"I certainly did."
"Well...thank you."
"You're quite welcome."
He gave the book to Harry.
"'The Hitch-Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy.' Harry read.
Before he could read further, he saw a flurry of wings.
Hedwig landed next to him on the bench.
"Hedwig," he said.
There was a thick envelope tied to her leg.
"Sorry," Harry told her. He took the envelope.
"Who would be so unkind to an owl?" Dumbledore asked.
Harry ripped open the envelope and pulled out a piece of
paper.
"Harry Potter,you may have already won ten million dollars..."
----
Dumbledore had been gone for about five minutes; he had had a
biological emergency. He had also taken Hedwig,saying he'd send
her back to Hogwarts. Harry sat there,watching the people go
by, calmed by the water. He did not realize the old man had
sat down until he spoke.
"You know,I used to feed the ducks right here."
Harry turned. There was another old man sitting next to him; he
was a slight whisper of a man,thin and drawn, as if he had been
sad for a long time. He wore a green jacket and matching shirt,
brown corduroy pants and leather loafers. He looked tired.
He's going to die soon, Harry thought,and shivered.
"What happened to them?"
"I don't know."
Harry pointed to the edge of the water.
"What about those ducks over there?"
"Not the same ducks," he said. He offered his hand; Harry took it.
"Joe," he said. "Joe Banks."
"Harry Potter."
"English, huh?"
"Yeah."
"I'm a born Springfieldian,myself. 'Course,I've been all over. I
always end up back here...but the ducks ain't here no more. I miss
'em."
"They must have been really special."
"Oh,yeah...Harry...can I call ya Harry?"
"Sure."
"Harry,these ducks were like old friends. They knew when I was
happy, when I was sad,and I could tell when they were having a bad
day, too. We really got to know each other...I wish I knew where
they were."
"Have you looked around the park?"
"This is where we used to meet," Joe said. "If they want me...they
know where to find me."
"Right here," Harry said.
"Right here," Joe repeated.
"You really loved those ducks."
"Oh,yeah," Joe said. "The thing is...did they love me?"
---
Overhead,on the street, a car sped by the park.
A short jolt of pain passed through Harry's forehead.
By the time he reached the top of the hill, the street was empty.
---
Considering they made drills at Grunnings,the place was rather quiet. On
the outside,it looked like the kind of misshapen monstrosity seen only
in the very worst of nightmares.
Dumbledore made himself invisible and walked right in. He searched the
directory and found Vernon Dursley's office. He rode the elevator up to
the floor where Vernon worked. He passed various faceless people in the
hallway. There were pictures on the walls of drills and prototypes of drills that
looked absolutely terrifying. There were all sorts,too. Dentists' drills,
pneumatic drills, drills for use in excavating oil, high-speed drills for use in
brain surgery,and so many more,Dumbledore was sure there was a corporately cold,
efficient guided tour or at least a catalogue detailing and explaing every last
one of them. Dumbledore knew Jeffrey Dahmer had used drills on his victims; he
couldn't help wondering what kind of perspective Vernon might have gained had
the man had switched from Makita to Grunnings. Probably none at all,because he
was thicker than a Honeydukes milkshake.
He found Dursley's office easily. He was there. He was eating a gigantic,
bulging sandwich, a huge,greasy hulk of meat slapped together between two thick
slices of bread, and slopping half of it onto his desk. There was also a cup of
coffee nearby. Dumbledore averted his eyes.
Maybe Vernon would choke to death right in front of him. That certainly would
have been convenient on a number of levels. He felt certain that Vernon Dursley
would turn to adipocere when he died. Some people, their flesh just turned to soap
upon death; it had even been an issue in a movie Dumbledore had seen awhile ago-
FIGHT CLUB, if he recalled the title correctly.
"Vernon?"
At the door, a young blonde woman struggled to stay upright. She looked like
she had serious trouble walking and thinking at the same time. If her dress were
cut any lower-
"Yes, Candi, what is it?"
He said it so lightly,Dumbledore wanted to materialize in front of him and
smack him across the face. Talk to HARRY that pleasantly, you blob of walrus
blubber, he thought. How you ever-
"I think the copier's broken."
Vernon sighed. He put the sandwich down and followed Trina out of the room.
Dumbledore took the flask out of his pocket and dumped its contents into the coffee.
A minute later,he came back with Tina or Mina or whatever her name was hanging
all over him.
"-it does help to check if the machine's plugged in," Vernon told her.
He sat down again.
"If you need any more help,just come back. My lunch hour's almost up."
Only an hour, Dumbledore thought. I'd think he needs at least that long
to find his neck.
Vernon picked up the coffee mug.
"Would you like some coffee,Trina?"
Dumbledore tensed.
"Are you sure you don't want it?"
"Here," he said,and gave it to her.
She took a long drink.
Bullseye, Dumbledore thought.
"There's something wrong with this coffee," Trina said.
"Is there?" Vernon asked. He took the cup from her and took several sips.
"Tastes fine to me."
"Yes,well..." she stopped talking,and looked at Vernon,as if she were seeing him
for the very first time. "You know,every time I come in here,I can't help but
notice the smell..."
"The smell?"
"You know what pharaoh...phermon...pheromone. Pheromones. Do you know what
pheromones are,Vernon?" She ran a hand through her hair, and the other across
the neck of her skirt. Beads of sweat ran down her forehead. "Animals recognize
each other by scent, did you know that?"
"I knew that," Vernon said,crawling onto his desk. "Come here."
"I come in here and you always smell awful," she said. "Try taking longer showers."
"WHAT? Are you telling me-"
"I'm telling you...what am I telling you,I'm so CONFUSED...God,I HATE you,Mr.
Dursley,I've been wanting to KILL you ever since I MET you-"
"You can't possibly hate me more than I hate you," Vernon snarled. "And I really,
REALLY loathe you. You can't type worth a damn. You can't even turn on a
light switch without looking at the bloody manual first. I detest you so much,I
can't stand it any more. It terrifies me,how much I hate you." He backed into the
wall,slid to the floor,clapped his fat hands over his ears, and started screaming.
She collapsed against the doorframe and put her hands over her face, so she
couldn't see him. And if she couldn't see him, he couldn't see her,because
it was like that when you worked for the Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal.
Dumbledore had seen enough. It would get repetitive as the day went along.
---
When Dumbledore came back, the sky had darkened.
He had not come back alone.
"Madame Hooch," Harry said.
"Mr. Potter," she said,bowing her head.
"This is Joe," Harry said. "Joe Banks."
"Mr. Banks," Dumbledore said,nodding.
Joe just smiled.
"What are you doing here?" Harry asked Madame Hooch.
"I thought I'd go for a run," she said. "I ran into the Headmaster. I'm glad
I did,because I have a problem and he advised me to ask you."
"What is it?"
"There's a match tomorrow," she said.
Harry slapped his forehead. "I completely forgot."
"Since you'll be here, Gryffindor needs a replacement. The
Headmaster suggested...Neville Longbottom."
"Have you told Neville yet?"
"I wanted to get your permission."
"Let him try it," Harry said.
"I'll do my best to prepare him," she said. "Excuse me."
She Disapparated.
"Neville playing Quidditch," Harry said."Never thought I'd see that."
"Mr. Longbottom has the potential," Dumbledore said.
Thunder rumbled in the distance.
"Looks like it's going to rain," Harry said.
"Fortunately,Hedwig got a head start."
"Maybe we should go," Harry said. "Before it rains,I mean."
"It's just water," Dumbledore said. "Of course,around here..."
"Then we'd better go," Harry said. "Mr. Banks-"
"I didn't see or hear nothin'," he said. "No one would believe me,otherwise."
There was a granite path leading up to the street.
"Have you told Neville about the prophecy?"
"Not yet," Dumbledore said.
"He should know."
"Yes, he should."
They reached the street.
Another rumble of thunder unrolled.
After it faded, a bolt of lightning streaked through the sky.
"We're going to get rained on," Harry said.
"Do you still have the envelope Hedwig brought?"
Harry gave it to him.
A moment later,it became an umbrella large enough for them both.
"Now we're prepared," Dumbledore said.
Then something across the road caught his attention.
There was this fenced-in field of dirt, and past that was a
building with a marquee that held a jumble of letters. MOVIES WITH
BEGINNINGS AND ENDINGS,it read. The name of the place was also prominently
displayed: AZTEC.
"Would you like to see a film, Harry?"
"Sure," Harry said. "It's going to rain, why not?"
"Have you seen many films?"
"No," Harry said. "The Dursleys took me to one once...I think
it was called THE DARK CRYSTAL or something like that..."
"That's it exactly. Wonderful film. Did you like it?"
"Well...they spirited me out,in the middle."
Dumbledore frowned.
"I don't know what happened,if I caused it,but...the...the Skekses?"
"That's them."
"They became self-aware."
"They did?"
"They tried to break out of the movie and they were hissing 'Let
us owwwt...' at everyone in the audience. One of them saw me and
he started asking me if I was the..." Harry stopped in his tracks.
"The what?"
"The one foretold by the prophecy."
A drop of water spattered the pavement.
"Come on," Dumbledore said. He opened the umbrella.
As they entered the Aztec, it began to rain.
"Then there was BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Dudley hated it, but I
loved it."
"That one's a masterpiece," Dumbledore said. "Made me cry like a
baby,too."
"What are you showing?" Harry asked the guy behind the counter.
"Whatever's in the projection booth," he said.
Dumbledore bought their tickets.
The theater itself was spacious; there were a multitude of seats.
"I prefer to sit in the exact center," Dumbledore said.
Harry followed him to the exact center of the theatre and sat
down next to him.
"Have you seen a lot of films?" Harry asked.
"Whenever possible," Dumbledore said. "There's a theatre in Cleveland,Ohio
called the Cleveland Cinematheque. I love that whole city. It's so culturally
diverse. Over the summer, I went to see The Cleveland Chamber Symphony. But I
digress.I've been to Cannes more times than I can remember,for their film festival.
You know I thrive on intellectual thought...philosophy...creativity...I find films
are as important to me as great literature, because they can be great works of art,
and they're important to me. I am honored to share this one with you."
Harry smiled. His facial muscles were getting the workout
of his life.
The lights went down.
Sound began to fill the room; underwater noises.
Then,a single ominous musical note. Brief.
On the black screen, names went by. Harry did not recognize any of them. Then,
they were underwater. The single note became two. Then three.
And then the music broke loose,and a single word appeared on
the screen.
JAWS.
----
Fawkes felt the fire coming.
He sang one last note to Lisa.
She had had pets before; he could tell.
Don't be afraid,he thought.
Harry had been so scared,the first time.
Dumbledore was used to it.
How he loved them both. He thought of them-
-even as he burst into flame.
Lisa jumped,but didn't scream.
What a sweet little girl, Fawkes thought as he burned.
"Leeeee-SA..."
Someone was calling her from outside.
She looked torn.
She glanced out the window.
"Ralph?"
"Hi,Lisa." Ralph called. "Is your room on fire?"
Fawkes screeched,and launched himself towards the open window.
"Oh no-"
-and Ralph saw the living flame burst from Lisa's room; it floated down,
and he had the strangest urge to touch it, to be one with it-
"Ralph,STOP-"
Ralph plunged his hand into the fire.
He pulled it out.
His entire arm was burning and he just grinned at it.
Fawkes chirped,reborn.
"Look at me,Lisa," Ralph said. "Look what I can do-"
Lisa, frozen at the window, watched a plume of fire spray from Ralph's fingers,
twisting and turning in midair,undulant,spelling her name.
---
The lights came up.
"One of my favorites," Dumbledore said,beaming.
He stood up.
Harry looked up at him.
"Did you like it,Harry?"
"I have to kill the monster," Harry whispered.
Dumbledore said nothing.
"Do we go now?" Harry asked.
"When the movie is over," Dumbledore said,"everyone leaves. I
like to watch the credits. Sometimes there's more after the credits."
Harry stood. An usher walked into the theater. He was Harry's age,
wearing a sour look; his hair was dyed black and he wore a ring in his
nose,in his chin,through his eyelids and through his lower lip. Dumbledore had seen
body piercings that would make this kid faint.
"Is there anything to clean up?" the usher asked.
"We didn't bring anything to eat," Harry said.
"I forgot the popcorn," Dumbledore said.
"Our popcorn machine's on the fritz."
---
The place was called The Happy Sumo. It was just down the street from the Aztec.
They walked there,dry in the driving rain.
Their waiter's name was Akira. He was a quiet but affable guy with heavy eyelids
and a slim build; he moved as if he were dancing. Once they were seated,he
gave them their menus.
"They have a selection of oriental cuisines," Dumbledore said. "Take
your pick."
"I don't know what any of this is," Harry said. "Could you help me?"
"Certainly," Dumbledore said. He studied his own menu. "Let's see...we
have kung pao chicken, which is delicious, as is sesame chicken. Blowfish.
Well,I've seen them,but never eaten them...ah. Nikujaga."
"What's that?"
"Meat and potatoes,basically. Here's tempura...fried seafood."
Harry flashed down to the desserts.
"Pig's blood on a stick?"
Dumbledore nodded,then: "Ah. Vietnamese. If you'd like to try pho, that's
beef noodles. Com dep is grilled rice."
They ended up sharing a huge plate of mu shu pork, sesame chicken, rice-fried and
com dep style, mushrooms, and other assorted vegetables.
"I hope you liked it," Dumbledore said,when the plate was empty.
"It was delicious," Harry said.
They had each been given a fortune cookie.
Dumbledore cracked his open. He pulled out the little slip of paper.
"What does it say?" Harry asked.
"Beware of those without eyes," Dumbledore said. He raised his eyebrows. "What
does yours say?"
Harry opened his cookie and unfolded the slip of paper.
"It doesn't say anything," Harry said. "It's blank."
---
The rain had stopped; the sun had come out. They stepped into the
shadow-bright afternoon.
"Look for a rainbow," Dumbledore said. "There's still time."
Harry looked rather worried.
"Is something wrong?"
"My fortune," Harry said. "What does a blank fortune mean?"
"I think it means that your future is open," Dumbledore said.
"That I have a future," Harry said.
"Of course,it could also mean that there's a disgruntled worker at the
fortune cookie factory from whence the fortune came. I think I prefer
my original interpretation,don't you?"
"Yeah..."
"Something else is bothering you."
"Mm-hmm."
"Well,what is it?"
"My mom and dad...they really hated each other."
"Oh,yes."
"I never thought of them that way. I've been having doubts..."
"There's one fact I can import that'll put an end to your doubt."
"What's that?" Harry asked.
"The fact that you exist," Dumbledore said. "I told you before that I knew James.
He wasn't a saint,but he was-"
Behind them,brakes squealed.
Harry turned in time to see a dark van coming their way.
It squealed to a stop right in front of them.
The side door rolled open.
A fat man jumped out. Harry reconsidered the word "fat" as soon
as he thought it. He was big,but he was well-built. If he was
fat, it was almost muscle,but not quite. He had gray hair and
wore a dark gray suit. His eyes were creepy; they were like steel.
"This them,Tony?" the driver asked. There was also a guy in the
passenger seat. He had a rough,bony face and a ponytail.
"This is them,Louie." Tony said. Harry knew he'd hear that voice
again, in his dreams.
"Sir, I assure you-"
"Shaddup," Tony said. "Get in the van, old man."
"I'll do no such thing," Dumbledore said.
Suddenly there were three guns pointed at Harry.
Dumbledore looked absolutely furious.
"Don't point those at him," he said,without raising his voice. "Point them at me."
"Get in the van," Tony said. "Or we'll send the kid to Disneyland."
"Professor-"
"Fine," Dumbledore said. "Just don't hurt the boy."
Tony shoved Dumbledore into the van. "I'm drivin'," he told
Louie. "Get out,Legs."
Louie didn't argue. He got out of the van. The other guy opened
the door and hopped down to the pavement. Then he slammed the
rolling side door shut. Harry got one last look at Dumbledore,
as he reached out,his fingers shaking-
Instead of his usual defiance against evil-
he looked terrified. Not for himself. For Harry.
Harry launched himself at the van. The guys pushed him away.
Tony got into the drivers' seat. He slammed the door.
Then the van sped away,down the street.
Harry felt something coming back. It was anger. Unlike the
misdirected anger of last year, this felt righteous. This
felt GOOD.
"If you hurt him-"
"Shut the kid up, willya Louie?"
He glared at Legs.
His ponytail came loose.
"Huh?" Legs touched the back of his head.
Then he shifted his attention to Louie.
Louie swung his arm up at Legs and slapped him across the face.
"What'dya do that for,ya dumb-" the rest of his words were lost
as he attacked Louie. The fight spilled onto the ground and
Legs growled something about a labonza-
"What's a labonza?" Harry asked.
"You wanna find out,kid? Jump in."
"Okay," Harry said,and kicked Legs in the shin.
"Ow," he said,and then spat out a long string of Italian
profanities. "You-"
"My labonza's waiting," Harry said.
There was a squealing of tires as the van reappeared. In
reverse, it stopped in front of them. The side door slid open.
"-Again,I offer my apologies, sir," Tony was saying.
Dumbledore stepped onto the pavement. Harry's guts nearly burst
with happiness at the sight of him.
"He give you any trouble,Tony?"
"Nah," Tony said. "Look at him. What kinda trouble could he
give anybody?"
"More than you know," Dumbledore said. "Did you touch him?" he
asked the other two guys.
"Fuhgeddaboutit," Tony said. He shoved Dumbledore down to the
pavement.
Then the three of them jumped in the van and drove off, laughing.
"Sir," Harry cried,rushing to his side.
Dumbledore touched Harry's face. "They didn't hurt you," he said.
"I'm okay."
"Harry, I was so worried-"
"I'm all right," he said. "How about you?"
"If you're all right, then so am I."
"So you're all right."
"If you're all right."
"I'm all right. Who were those guys?"
"I don't know," Dumbledore said. "He-ugh,he stuck a gun right in
my face. I loathe guns. He kept talking about me owing him money.
Then he realized I wasn't who he wanted. What did those two-"
"Nothing,they fought with each other."
Harry helped Dumbledore up.
"Such a beautiful day,too," he said.
"We can't let them ruin it," Harry said.
"You know, you're right,Harry. Just let me calm down."
"Would you like to sit down?"
"No,no...I think staying on my feet would be wise."
"All right. Okay...would talking calm you?"
"It always does."
"What's your favorite part of JAWS?"
"The photography," Dumbledore said. "The image of Quint,standing out there
on the edge of the prow, as the sun goes down..." He took a deep breath. "Was
it the prow? I know left is port and right is stern,but the rest-" He looked over
at Harry. "What was yours?"
"The part where he said 'You're going to need a bigger boat...'"
Dumbledore nodded.
"I keep remembering that usher," Dumbledore said.
"Did you see that guy?" Harry asked,trying not to laugh. "I don't mean to
make fun of him,those piercings obviously mean something to him. I can't
imagine myself getting anything pierced. Tattoos,well..." He touched his
scar. "This is the ultimate tattoo."
"I have a scar too," Dumbledore said.
"Where?"
"Just above my knee. It's a perfect map of the London Underground. I'll show you
sometime."
"Is it a curse scar like mine?"
"No, I did it to myself by accident. I was lost. I needed a map."
----
"Speaking of being lost..."
"We're not lost," Dumbledore said.
"I don't mind if we are."
"We aren't," Dumbledore said. "We're near Evergreen Terrace again,I can feel it."
They passed the First Church of Springfield. There was a sign out front that read
FRIDAY NIGHT BINGO CANCELLED DUE TO DEATH.
"Professor, do you believe in God?"
"In my life...I've known people who've made me want to believe in the
existence of God, of Heaven and Hell, that Man did not create them. I've been e
xposed to such a variety of religions, it's impossible to choose one. I've
been to mass at Notre Dame Cathedral and one-room churches in the backwoods of
Virginia. I've seen people handle snakes and mutilate themselves in the
name of faith-"
A man emerged from the front doors. He wore a pink shirt,dark slacks and
the collar of a priest. His head was longer than it was wide and made him
look awfully tired.
He smiled when he saw Harry and Dumbledore.
"I've been hearing about you," he said. "Reverend Timothy Lovejoy. You must
be Headmaster Dumbledore."
"Pleasure to meet you,Reverend."
They shook hands.
"Hope you like our little town," he said.
"It's not so little," Harry said.
Reverend Lovejoy laughed.
"Well, I don't want to keep you," he said. "See you later."
"Right," Dumbledore said.
"Headmaster,hang on a second."
Reverend Lovejoy ran back to the front doors. "C'mon,boy," he said.
A big dog nearly knocked him over on its way outside.
"Fang," Harry yelled.
Fang knocked him over and licked his face.
"We've been feeding him all day," Lovejoy said.
"Hagrid will be happy," Dumbledore said. He scratched Fang's ears.
"Should we take him back now?"
"I think so," Dumbledore said.
---
On the way,they came upon Kwik-E-Mart.
"I've got such a hunger for chocolate," Dumbledore said.
"So do I. We could take Hagrid some,too."
"Splendid idea,Harry."
"How much money did you bring?"
"Enough for the week."
"I don't want you to waste it,that's all."
"We haven't wasted a cent yet. Don't feel bad about spending it. I have more money than
I need,really. I could buy a funny hat and there'd still be enough to last until
Monday. In fact,remind me to find a funny hat, Harry."
"There could be one in there," Harry said,pointing at the Kwik-E-Mart.
"Chocolate and a funny hat, then?"
At the doors, Dumbledore told Fang to stay. He did.
They went inside.
"Evening," Dumbledore said to the man behind the counter,who was an Indian.
Harry had never really been in a convenience store before, but he didn't
feel overwhelmed. Everything around him was there for the taking.
There was a guy looking at the candy rack; he wore a white leisure suit,sunglasses,
and a purple shirt He had a huge head of curly hair. He barely glanced at Harry.
"'Scuse me,kid," he said. "Disco Stu needs to refuel the machine..."
"Who's Disco Stu?"
He ruffled his suit, and got out of Harry's way.
Harry stepped past him; then to his surprise,he saw Disco Stu again,standing
in the aisle. He looked back,and saw the same man. Then he grinned. "Tonks," he said,
and when he looked back,there she was,she of the spiky pink hair,combat boots, old
torn jeans and a faded t-shirt that read CANNIBAL CORPSE.
"Wotcher, Harry."
"How long have you been here?"
"A while," she said. "Me, Remus and Kingsley have been walking around. Dumbledore
didn't say anything because he doesn't know."
"I certainly know now," Dumbledore said, behind her.
"Right," she said. "We've been wandering around like you two. We had kind of
an emergency last night."
"Is Remus all right?"
"I'm okay."
Harry turned. "Remus," he said,and hugged him.
"Hey,Harry," Lupin said,giving Harry a squeeze. He looked ill, like always.
"Where's Kingsley?" Dumbledore asked.
"He's watching the Wiggum house," Tonks said. "We saw that pyrokinetic kid
shoot a wall of flame out of nothing. He's been on them ever since,along
with the guy he just recruited. Teresias something."
"Teresias Marledge," Dumbledore said.
"What's going on in this town, anyway?"
"I'm not sure," Dumbledore said. "There's so much happening, it's become a
meaningless jumble. But something's about to happen. Something big. I'm glad you're
here." He and Lupin nodded at each other.
"Right, thanks," Tonks moved sideways and took out a stack of Little Debbie snacks.
"Please refrain from destroying the merchandise,or I'll blow your head off," the
clerk said.
"I've heard about these things," she said,picking them up. "Made up of chemicals."
"'Scuse me,Remus," Harry said.
"Of course," Lupin said.
The doors slid open. "Ha," said Moody. "You finally show up," he said. He
nodded at Potter,and then joined the group.
Harry had picked up a nice selection of chocolate bars and various candies.
"I'll take some of this fudge," Harry said.
"Oh,no,sir. I wouldn't. It's been there for a year."
Hagrid probably wouldn't care,but Harry figured he deserved more than
year-old fudge.
"Hey," the clerk said,"If you guys are not buying anything,get out."
The group shuffled out of the store. "I'll be right outside," Dumbledore said.
Harry paid for the candy,and was given change.
He was about to leave when someone he recognized emerged from the back.
"Well,well,it is a small world," she said.
"Have you met this man before,Manjula?"
Man? Harry thought.
"On the street," Manjula said. "Did you find the library?"
"Yeah,we did," Harry said. "Thanks. I'm Harry,by the way. Harry Potter."
"Manjula Nahasapeemapetilan. This is my husband Apu."
He really must have cried a lot in Kindergarden.
("NOW write down your LAST name,Apu!")
"Nice meeting you," Harry said, and joined the others outside.
------
The streetlights blinked on; their shadows were long.
------
"Fang," Hagrid said,as the dog barreled into him. "Where'd yeh find 'im?"
"They were feeding him at the church," Dumbledore said.
"Bless 'em..."
"I don't know," Harry said. "I guess we're still looking."
Professor McGonagall came out of the hut.
"She all righ',Professor McGonagall?"
"She?" Professor Dumbledore asked.
"Lisa Simpson," she said. "She saw Fawkes burn,Albus."
"Is she all right?"
"Go in and talk to her."
Harry stayed outside. Dumbledore found Lisa inside the hut. She wasn't alone.
She and Professor Snape were in the middle of a heated debate. She was sitting in
Hagrid's chair,barely visible. Snape was on his feet.
"I still say Machiavelli-" Snape was saying. Then he said. "Pardon me,Headmaster.
Miss Simpson and I were having a most interesting discussion."
"Could I talk to her alone,Severus?"
"Of course."
"How were-"
"I'm not certain what's been done to them," Snape said. "May I use Veritaserum
on them tomorrow?"
"Yes,you may,Severus. But exercise caution."
Snape went to the cabin door.
"This isn't over,Professor Snape," Lisa said.
"It certainly isn't,Miss Simpson." he said, and went outside.
Dumbledore flumped down on Hagrid's bed.
"So...Fawkes consummated his Burning Day?"
"It was so beautiful,Professor. It was like the fire was alive."
"Where is Fawkes now?"
"I gave him some of those treats...and then Professor McGonagall took him back
to your office."
"Good. Good."
"Professor,that's not all. When Fawkes was burning, Ralph was there,too. He stuck
his hand in the fire-I'm sorry."
"You have nothing to be sorry about," Dumbledore said. "Where's Ralph now?"
"I don't know,I guess he went home. He...well,it was so weird. He put his
hand in and then pulled it out and his whole ARM was on fire...he shot this
jet of fire into the sky and spelled my name with it."
"If only I could've seen it."
"You really should have," Lisa said. "It was so cool."
"Well, I'm glad you saw it, Miss Simpson."
He stood up.
"It's getting late," Dumbledore said. "I'm sure anyone out there would gladly
walk you home. I don't want your parents to worry."
"All right," Lisa said.
"And don't worry," Dumbledore said. "Someone will be watching over you."
Outside, Tonks, Remus Lupin, and Hagrid were playing with Fang.
Professor McGonagall was showing Moody the book she'd been reading.
Snape-
"Professor Snape,would you walk me home?" Lisa asked.
You could've heard a pin drop.
"Yes,Miss Simpson," he said. "I will."
She reached for his hand.
After a moment of hesitation...he took her hand in his.
They left.
"He just wants to win their argument," Minerva said.
-----
The sun finally set, and the water shone like glass under the moon.
In the distance,a lighthouse stood,its light burning bright.
Harry sat on the edge of the boardwalk,next to Dumbledore.
The remains of their fish and chips sat nearby.
"Maybe I'll go for a swim tomorrow," he said.
"Is the water safe?" Harry asked.
"I'll test it beforehand."
A gentle spray floated through the air, clinging to them both.
"It feels quite inviting," Dumbledore said.
They sat there for awhile, again, in silence; it was enough,to be
in each other's company.
"That guy..." Harry said,after what felt like an eternity. He almost
wished he could stay here. Dumbledore would never hurt him,he knew that.
"What guy?"
"His hair turned white."
"Warren? What about him?"
"What did you say to him?"
"Well...I told him to leave town and if he looked back even once, I'd know
about it, and I'd put the Hypertrophus Mobilius curse on...on his nether
parts."
For the hundreth time that day,Harry felt his jaw drop.
"Then I had to explain it. He'd never heard of hypertrophy. I judge by your
reaction that you do?"
"I've heard about it," Harry said. "This guy choked to death on his own tongue
when it got too big for his mouth. Then there was another case where this
other guy...he needed three pant legs..."
"Well,I explained that the afflicted area would grow and grow
and most likely develop a separate consciousness and become independent of
his control. Then his hair turned white."
"You didn't even touch him," Harry said.
"Words can be more powerful than the sharpest sword."
Harry grew quiet again. There was another question; he didn't want to ask
it, but he did.
"Sir?"
"Yes?"
"Have you ever killed anyone?"
"Grindelwald," he said, after a time.
"Do you ever regret it?"
Dumbledore turned his eyes from the water to look at him.
"No," he said. "I don't."
The water lapped against the pier.
He his head against Professor Dumbledore's strong shoulder.
A nightbird cried out in the darkness.
---
In the distance
"Sir?"
"Yes,Harry?"
"I just wanted to say...even if we didn't find who we were looking
for,it doesn't matter...I had a great time today."
Dumbledore smiled. "As did I."
"Most of it was fun."
"That's what I meant,as well."
"Who do you think Voldemort's contact is?" Harry asked.
"I honestly can't say," Dumbledore said. "However,we did find ours."
"We did?"
"We certainly did."
"Who was it?"
"The fact that we did so without your noticing speaks volumes
about our success in extreme discretion."
"You can't tell me,even after we found...whoever it is?"
"Think about it a while. I'm confident you'll guess."
Harry began thinking.
The pier creaked; the boats nearby bobbed,tied down.
"Have you ever gone sailing?" Harry asked,still thinking.
"A number of times," Dumbledore said. "That's how I learned to tie knots."
That's what I'll do,Harry thought to himself. When it's all over,I'll
sail away,it'll just be me and the water-
Immersed in water, Harry kept thinking.
Dumbledore began humming to himself.
"What is that?" Harry asked.
"Hmmm? Oh...it's from Handel's 'Water Music.'"
"Could you hum some more of it?"
Harry's thoughts now had a soft,lilting musical accompaniment.
Finally,Harry smiled.
"I know who it is," he said.
"I'm sure you do," Dumbledore said.
Heavy,slow footsteps echoed off of the pier.
"Evening, Captain McAllister," Dumbledore said,without turning around.
"Yarrr...how was yer dinner,prafesser?"
"Delicious,thank you," he said.
He hovered over them for a moment.
Then,he sat down with them, gazing at the dark water.
that I "own" a fictional character is rather disrespectful. He's
his own man. He says the words and I type 'em down. The stuff about
the Norwegian black metal scene is true. There's some dialogue in homage
to certain moments from other SIMPSONS episodes. You'll see...
"Ain't it fun, knowing that you're gonna die young?"
-The Dead Boys,"Ain't It Fun"
31.
WEDNESDAY
Harry opened his eyes. He sat up, keeping the warm,gigantic quilt
near him.
Professor Dumbledore was sitting next to the bed.
"Ah. Good morning,Harry."
"Morning, Professor."
He handed Harry his glasses.
Harry realized Dumbledore had been watching him sleep.
He had changed robes, as well. Now he wore a long garment of
wine-dark crimson.
"You slept well," Dumbledore said. "Would you like some breakfast?"
"Sure," Harry said. He felt more rested than he had in a long time.
Dumbledore handed him a plate full of sausage,bacon and pancakes
dripping with real maple syrup. "Is that all right? I could go
back and get something else."
"No," Harry said. "This looks delicious."
"It's not breakfast at Hogwarts, but I found it quite appeasing."
Harry tasted the sausage. "It's good," he said,chewing.
"Excellent," Dumbledore said,and when Harry turned to nod,
he and Dumbledore locked eyes. Professor Dumbledore had always
had the most gentle eyes Harry had ever seen, besides Hagrid's.
"Harry, while you were asleep...new information came to light."
"What? What is it?"
"Relax, Harry, sit back. Chew your food."
Harry calmed down; Professor Dumbledore had that effect on him.
"Some milk?" he asked.
"Oh," Harry said, honestly surprised. No one had ever brought him
breakfast before. Hagrid had bought him a hamburger,years ago. He
had been making breakfast for the Dursleys for as long as he could
remember. "Okay."
Dumbledore handed him a large carton of milk.
As he took a sip, Dumbledore ate as well. "Now then," he said,
clearing his throat. "Someone in Springfield is serving Voldemort."
Harry thought about that. When he'd swallowed his food,he said,
"That can't be a coincidence. Was the exchange program just a
cover story to come here?"
"Harry...They contacted US. But you know,it is interesting,
considering..."
"Considering what?"
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "We have someone in Springfield,as well."
"We do?" Harry asked. "Who?"
"That, I cannot reveal, Harry. I apologize."
"Why can't you tell me?"
"I'll field that one,Albus."
Mr. Weasley stood in the doorway.
"Morning,Harry."
"Hi, Mr. Weasley."
"Basically," he said,walking into the hut,"I don't even know
who the contact is. The Wizengamot won't even touch this. The
Headmaster is the only one who knows,and he's dealing with someone
who thrives on security."
"I can respect that," Harry said. "Is it someone who went
to Hogwarts,at least?"
"A relative of a graduate," Dumbledore said. "I'll say that much."
Harry took a sip of milk.
"How is it?" Dumbledore asked.
"Tastes great," Harry said.
"You have a mustache," Dumbledore said.
Harry wiped the milk off of his upper lip.
"Also," Mr. Weasley said, "your name has been discovered on a
death list."
Harry's grin faded. "A death list?"
"More commonly referred to as a dead pool."
"Was Sirius on the list, sir?"
Dumbledore let the question settle. "No,Harry,he was not."
"Whose list is it?"
"Well,Lucius Malfoy had one."
"Malfoy," Harry said,as if he were actually saying GONORRHEA.
"Hermione is just fine, by the way."
"Good."
"Anything else you'd like to know,Harry?"
"They contacted us about this exchange program,right?"
"That's right."
"How did they find us?"
"I honestly don't know how Superintendant Chalmers found Fudge."
"There are other concerns," Dumbledore said. "Apparently,there are
other lists being kept by Voldemort's Springfield contact."
"We don't know who that is,do we?"
"Alas,no. However, I intend to find out."
"Voldemort is here," Harry said. "He's in town right now."
"So is Lucius Malfoy,probably," Mr. Weasley said. "Albus,I'll
be out there,somewhere. I have to go-" his next few words were
incomprehensible,but Harry heard "Mathilda Hopkirk" at the end.
He left.
"I'm going to find Voldemort's contact. Harry, I'd like you to
accompany me."
"When do we start?"
"After we eat."
"What time is it?"
Dumbledore checked his watch. Harry still didn't understand
the way it worked-something about the positions of the planets-
but Dumbledore glanced at it and said "Ten past eight."
"I usually wake up earlier...thank you. For letting me sleep."
"You probably needed the rest."
"I guess I did."
Harry ate another piece of sausage.
"Oh," Dumbledore said. "By the way, Bart Simpson is attending class
at Hogwarts."
"He is?" Harry asked. "But he doesn't have any magical ability."
"He has telepathic abilities,most of which are untapped."
"Really?"
"He can hear thoughts,but not send them. I don't know how well
he'll do by Monday,but I won't deny him the opportunity to try."
Harry nodded.
Beaming,Dumbledore said "This has become more than just a simple
exchange of our groundskeepers, Harry. It's turned into a cultural
exchange."
Harry finished his milk. He looked into the empty glass.
"Voldemort's here,you know."
"Don't you remember telling me last night?"
"No," he said. "He's going to try and ruin this."
"Probably," Dumbledore said. "But you know, I don't think he will."
Harry opened his mouth to speak,but then-
"Awake already, Potter?"
Professor Snape looked like he'd been awake all night.
Harry smiled,because he knew it would just kill Snape. "Good morning, Professor
Snape."
"Oh,yes,it's perfect," Snape said. "I expect the Headmaster has
told you everything."
"I don't see how I could tell him everything," Dumbledore said."I
mean,there's much I don't know,Severus. Trigonometry,for instance-"
Snape threw his hands up and stepped outside.
"Don't mind him," Dumbledore said,"He had a bad night. Something
about wolves. I think this town has done something to him."
"Where's Hagrid?"
"Outside,pulling weeds. Also,Professor McGonagall went to perform
a protection ritual around the school."
"Will she come looking with us?"
"I daresay she'll monitor our progress. Ron called what we're
about to do 'Operation Find The Nutter'."
"Operation Find The Nutter," Harry said. "I like that."
"He thought you would. I brought you some fresh clothing,"
Dumbledore said. He handed it to Harry-a plain blue t-shirt, jeans,
and socks. Of course,his shoes were beside the bed. "Be right
back," he said.
"No need to hurry," Dumbledore said.
He opened the door, filling the room with the rising sun.
Hagrid wasn't far away. He was,as Professor Dumbledore had said,
pulling weeds. He was using a screwdriver.
"Morning,Hagrid," Harry said.
"Hey,mate," Hagrid said. His eyes looked puffy,as if he'd been
crying.
Harry put a hand on one of Hagrid's massive shoulders.
"What's wrong?"
"Fang," Hagrid said,taking Harry's hand. "Don't know where he is."
"He'll turn up," Harry said. "I'd help you, but-"
"S'alright," Hagrid said. "See yeh later."
"Right," Harry said.
Professor McGonagall was muttering to herself, walking
across the playground. She nodded to him as he neared.
"Well, Potter, I was wondering when you'd awake."
"Do you need any help?"
"I have things well in hand."
Harry nodded.
"However,the spell will be magnified twofold with your help.
Possibly more."
"What will it do?"
"It denies entrance to anyone with evil intentions."
-On the other side of the school,Jimbo Jones,Dolph and Kearney
were lying at the bottom of the steps,moaning in trio. Nearby,
Nelson Muntz pointed at them and said "HA ha!"
"-Excellent," said Harry.
"Oh,yes," she said,smiling. She offered her arm; he took it.
"Now repeat after me. 'Hoc limen nullum malum transeat.'"
Harry repeated it. "Latin?" he asked.
"A powerful language. Not dead, by any means."
"What do the words mean?"
"Let nothing evil cross this door."
"How many languages do you know?"
"Mmmm," she said,thinking. "Let me see..." They took another step.
This time they said the words together.
She put a hand on his shoulder. "I'm fluent in German, French,
Italian, Japanese, Latin,of course, Russian...then there are
ancient languages,Mr. Potter. You haven't read 'The Canterbury
Tales' or the tales of King Arthur until you've read them in the
original Old English."
"Are they in the school library?"
"Oh,yes."
They took another step,murmuring the words.
"Of course,I could teach you how to read them, if you'd like."
Harry thought about that. "All right."
"You know...I just remembered something. The Anglo-Saxon meaning
of the name 'Harry' is 'power.' The Greek meaning of my name is
also 'power.'"
Harry looked up at her. "Really."
"Just something you and I share," she said.
Another step. They said the words.
"You know, years from now,I'll be able to say 'Harry Potter? I
taught him everything he knows.' There's room for improvement, of
course, still so much to learn. But I could say that about anyone."
They rounded the side of the school. Said the words again.
"You've experienced more than most people do in a lifetime. I
know it isn't easy,growing up in times like these...I just hope
I've been a worthy teacher."
Steps. Words.
"You've been a great teacher," Harry said. I don't know where I'd
be without you. "Am I doing all right?"
"Well,of course you are."
They came to the front of the school,in time to see Jimbo Jones
pumping himself up at the curb. His cronies were egging him on.
He took off running, but then smacked into the invisible barrier
and bounced off,reeling,as if he were a marionette owned by an
angry puppeteer.
"Hmmmph," Professor McGonagall said. "Well,I can't let them skip
classes. That's just reinforcement." She looked at Harry."You know,
rewarding them for bad behavior," she explained.
"Right," Harry said.
"Leave them to me," she said.
"Thanks."
"Thank YOU, Mr. Potter."
Harry entered the school.
It had been so long since he'd actually been in a regular school.
He felt strange,being the only one there.
As he searched for the bathroom,he wondered what these kids
learned about. Was it so much different than what he'd been
taught, before he had ever heard of Hogwarts?
He turned a corner; behind one door, he heard music. A piano.
The door had been propped open. Harry went to it; the room was
dark, but Harry could see that it was full of musical instruments.
Seated at one of them was a man with shaggy gray hair. Harry
didn't know the piece he was playing,but it brought tears to his
eyes; it was both beautiful and terribly sad.
Harry tore himself away.
In a minute,he found the bathroom; it was clearly marked BOYS.
He had seen those other markers,the ones with the gender-specific
outlines,and they made him laugh,picturing a guy wearing a kilt in
the ladies' room and a bald woman wearing pants in the mens' room.
He splashed water on his face,and used the pinkish liquid soap,
which smelled sweet. He stepped out of yesterday's clothes and
put the fresh ones on. As he put his shoes on,he happened to
glance out the window.
A dark figure stood in the parking lot,leaning leaning against
a lamppost. He saw Harry and came to life.
Harry came closer to the window.
He was startled by the flash; it made him blink.
For a second, he was confused.
"He took my picture," Harry said.
Harry glared at the window; the glass disappeared.
He leapt through the windowsill,into the morning.
"Hey," Harry said. The figure turned to run and tripped.
Harry threw himself on top of the photographer,who was much
larger than Harry. He was a big ugly guy; his face was flat,like
it'd been stomped on once too often. He tried to get up,but Harry
leaned on him with all his weight.
"Get off," said the man.
"Why did you take my picture?" Harry yelled.
"Get OFF-"He bucked like a horse,but Harry held on.
"Who are you? What are you going to do with that picture? TELL ME-"
Finally,the guy stopped struggling.
Harry let go.
The guy collapsed against the curb.
"Jesus H. Christ," he said. "You're stronger than I thought."
"Look,would you-"
"Your picture is worth a lot of money."
"To who?"
"The Daily Prophet. They pay the best."
"You work for the Prophet. Great."
The photographer got up and began walking away.
He got a few yards away,then turned.
"Have you moved here?"
Harry ignored him.
"Is that what this is all about?"
Harry looked the other way.
"You're trying to get away from Voldemort,is that it? Hiding
among muggles?"
"You want a quote?" Harry asked.
"Yeah," he said. "I want a quote."
"Fine. Quote: Your paper is a rag. It's staffed by a bunch of
inhuman slimeballs. I use it to line the bottom of my owl's perch,
and when she travels,her birdcage. Unquote. Now get out of here."
He did.
Harry watched him disappear. The moment he was gone, a car swung
into the parking lot. Harry wasn't an expert on cars; of course,
there was the Anglia and the cars from the Ministry and whatever
Uncle Vernon drove. Harry had never seen a car like the one pulling
next to him. The thing looked terribly depressed,a gray heap of
chrome with wheels.
Finally,the engine died. The door opened. Mrs. Krabappel smiled
down at him. "Hey,Harry," she said. "Why the long face?"
"There was a guy here," he said. "He took my picture. Apparently
my picture's worth a lot of money."
She sat next to him. "It's tough when you're in demand, huh?"
"Tell me about it. All the papers want do is lie about me."
"Tch. I've heard some real stories about the press on your side of
the world. Guess they're true. Well,you gotta rise above them,no
matter what they say. Do you mind if I smoke?"
"Uh, well-"
"Oh,I'll light up inside. Did they...I don't want to prod into your
private life-"
"No,go ahead. I have no secrets to keep."
"One of your teachers...she said that someone died..."
"More than one. And there's this prophecy..."
"A prophecy,huh?"
"Yeah."
"Destiny is a tricky subject," she said. "Was I meant to be a
teacher? There is such a thing as free will, Harry."
"Not in this case. Something has to happen. And if that something
doesn't happen, something else will happen."
"You don't think it's fair,do you?"
"I went through that stage," Harry said. "I'm glad it's over."
Mrs. Krabappel laughed. "I know what you mean," she said, and
then stood up. "Listen,Harry,I have to go inside for awhile,I'm
a little hung over. Will I see you later?"
"I'll probably be here all week," Harry said.
She turned to leave.
"Oh,hey," Harry said,"Mrs. Krabappel,I was wondering..."
Mrs. Krabappel turned. "Yeah,Harry,what were you wondering?"
"One of the teachers was playing the piano-"
"Mr. Largo," she said. "Our music teacher."
"Oh. Well, that makes sense. We don't have a music teacher at
Hogwarts."
"How sad."
"How did you guys manage to find Hogwarts?"
The funniest thing happened.
Mrs. Krabappel began to say something-
-and then her face went blank. Her eyes closed partway,and when
she spoke next,it was as if she were reading from a script.
"Did you know Seymour was in the war?"
"What war?"
"Vietnam. He knew a kid named...Johnny."
He waved his hand in front of her face.
She snapped back like a rubber band.
"What were you wondering?" she asked.
"Forget it," Harry said.
Mrs. Krabappel grinned,and then walked into the building.
Harry sat there a moment more. Kids began to filter into the school.
Then he went back to the playground and found Professor Dumbledore,
in the middle of pulling a weed.
"A man from the Daily Prophet just tried to interview us," he said.
Harry rolled his eyes.
Professor Dumbledore looked rather amused.
"What did yeh do to him,Harry?" Hagrid asked.
"I jumped on him. He took my picture. I thought-"
"I can imagine what you thought," Dumbledore said.
"I told him he worked for a rag of a paper and I use it to line
the bottom of wherever Hedwig happens to be."
Dumbledore's mustache twitched. Then he began to shake with
laughter. "Oh," Dumbledore said,still laughing,but under control.
"Harry, I'm glad you're one of mine."
"Yeh know they're going to roast the both of yeh," Hagrid said,
but he was laughing,too.
"I don't care," Harry said.
"Neither do I," Professor Dumbledore said."Let them say what they will."
"Oh...Professor-"
"Yes?"
"I just had the weirdest conversation with Mrs. Krabap-"
"Professor?"
It was Mrs. Krabappel,at the rear doors.
"Yes,Edna?"
"There's a phone call for you."
"For me?"
"It's Lisa Simpson."
"Oh," he said. "Harry,I'll be right back."
"I'll meet you by the front steps."
Dumbledore nodded,then followed Mrs. Krabappel inside.
She led him to the principal's office. "Lisa asked to talk to
you. She sounded kind of upset."
She opened the door. There were pictures of Edna Krabappel on the
walls. One of them fell to the floor. "Aggh..."
She opened a drawer of the principal's desk.
"Are you and Principal Skinner-"
"Oh,we got married last year." She pulled a long red-handled
screwdriver out of the drawer. Then she picked up the picture,which
was basically just her smiling;behind her,there was sunlight,and
trees. Dumbledore was used to seeing pictures move; it was quite a
change,these stationary photographs.
"Congratulations. By the way, Edna...I was just wondering...
would you happen to know how Superintendant Chalmers found
Hogwarts?"
"Did I tell you...Seymour was in the war?"
"Which war was this,Edna?"
"Vietnam."
Dumbledore waited.
"He knew a kid named...Johnny."
Dumbledore waved his hand in front of Edna's face.
The drugged look vanished in an instant.
"Why, thank you, Headmaster," she said. "Yeah,marrying
Seymour was really convenient for both of us-"
He knew what would happen,but he asked again.
"Edna,how did Superintendant Chalmers find Hogwarts?"
"Did I tell you...Seymour was in the war?"
"Mmm," Dumbledore said,looking into her eyes.
"He knew a kid named..."
"Johnny, yes..." Dumbledore snapped his fingers.
"-you know how that is, I assume?"
"Yes," Dumbledore said, smiling,"I do."
"Well,I'll leave you alone." She walked out of the room.
Dumbledore followed her.
"Superintendant Chalmers," he said.
"Did I tell you...Seymour was-"
Dumbledore touched her shoulder.
"Did you forget something, Albus?"
"The exchange program."
"Did I tell you..."
Dumbledore touched her other shoulder.
"False alarm," he said. "I apologize."
"Oh,that's all right."
"Fudge," he said.
"I love fudge," she said. "Especially with-"
"Cornelius Fudge."
"...my name is Edna Krabapple...and my father's an alcoholic..."
He waved his hand in front of her face.
"-nuts and whipped cream."
"I'll find some," Dumbledore said. "To celebrate a successful
exch-" he caught himself just in time and pretended to sneeze.
"Fudge sounds wonderful," said Edna. "Later."
"Oh,yes," Dumbledore said.
She turned,and walked away.
Dumbledore walked into Skinner's office,and picked up the reciever.
"Miss Simpson,are you there?"
"Professor Dumbledore," said Lisa. Dumbledore furrowed his brow.She
really sounded quite upset."Something's wrong with Fawkes."
"What is it,Miss Simpson?"
"I don't know. He's just lying on my bed. I think he's sick."
"I'll be right there." He put the reciever down.
A moment later, he Apparated into Lisa's room.
"Here he is," she said.
He sat beside Fawkes, who made a weak noise in his throat.
"Come here," he said.
She sat next to him.
"Lisa," he said, in his most comforting voice,"I don't want to
alarm you, but Fawkes is dying."
"He's going to die?"
"Sometimes it takes a few days. Then,there are times,like now,
when it happens quickly."
"He'll be reborn,right?"
"Exactly. Just make him comfortable. He seems to like your
bed, so let him lie here. It's best not to interfere."
"What about the fire?"
"No need to worry. It's certainly hot,but it consumes nothing
except Fawkes."
"So it's like spontaneous human combustion?"
"Well, I knew someone who spontaneously combusted.It's rather
different,even if they both involve immolation." He took Lisa's
hand. "There's nothing to worry about. Just know that everything
will be all right."
"Everything will be all right," Lisa said.
Suddenly, the reason why he felt so drawn to Lisa came to Dumbledore.
She reminded him of-
He had to look away from the girl. The door was open. If-
"Professor?"
He tried to keep what he was feeling out of his voice. "Yes, Miss Simpson."
"Are you all right? You zoned out for a second."
"I'm fine,Lisa,it's just that...you remind me of someone."
She reminded Hagrid of Hermione. She reminds me-
"Someone you like,I hope."
"Someone I loved," he said. "Her name was Lily."
"Lily," she said.
He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "I have to go." Dumbledore
stood up. "After it happens,when he pokes his head out of the
ashes,give him these. I'll let Principal Skinner know."
He handed a few of Fawkes's treats to Lisa.
"Until we meet again,my dear."
He disappeared.
Then he reappeared.
"Did you forget something,Professor?"
"Cornelius Fudge," Dumbledore said.
"Never heard of him," Lisa said.
"Well, then." With a wink, he disappeared again.
He caught Severus,who was on his way out of the bathroom.
"Severus," he said,"I need you to keep an eye on Edna Krabappel.
"Is she in danger?"
"I fear someone has tampered with her mind. Mention Superintendant
Chalmers or the exchange to her. You'll see what I mean. If
Superintendent Chalmers shows up, watch him."
"I'll watch her quite closely," Snape said. "Shall I do the same
for Principal Skinner?"
Dumbledore nodded. "And tell Skinner that Lisa Simpson may not
be in class today."
---
Harry was sitting on the front steps of the school.
"Ready?" Dumbledore asked.
"Sure."
"Where is Professor McGonagall?"
"There were some guys out here. She turned them into hamsters.
She's looking for a cage."
Together,they walked away from the school. Soon,Harry could barely
see it.
As he walked, Professor Dumbledore looked peaceful. He began
humming to himself, as he often did. Harry didn't want to interrupt,
but curiosity overwhelmed him.
"Where are we going?"
"We have no destination," Dumbledore said.
"We're going to wander around?"
"Exactly, Harry."
They wandered down streets lined with houses; Harry could not
help but watch people do unfamiliar things. He had never seen a
garage sale,and there were several going on. He saw things that
seemed more arcane than any kind of wizardry. Cars passed them,
blaring a hundred different styles of music.
"All this music," Dumbledore said. "I can feel it, Harry."
"So can I," Harry said. "It's like we're breathing it."
"Music is quite important to these people."
"I think-"
"What is it?" Dumbledore asked,but Harry was no longer beside him.
He was looking up at a huge old house,unlike any of the others on
the street. A huge iron gate prevented intruders.
"Who lives in there?" Harry asked.
"Someone who values their privacy," Dumbledore said.
"Well,hel-lo,handsome."
Dumbledore and Harry both turned.
The woman in front of them carried a paper bag under her arm.
Something told Harry it wasn't full of groceries. She was an
older woman with gray hair; her voice crackled like fire. She
wore a red dress; it was as if she were going to a costume ball.
"I assume you mean me?" Dumbledore said.
"I'm not talking to the kid."
"I'm sixteen, I'm hardly a kid."
She grinned. "If you say so,son."
"Don't call me son,you're not my mother."
Dumbledore noted Harry's smile. He had not spoken in anger.
"Wow,you ARE sixteen. My name's Belle."
"Albus Dumbledore," he said. "This is Harry."
"Albus..." she said,testing it. "Anybody ever call you Al?"
"My brother," Dumbledore said. "I call him Abe."
"Do you live here?" Harry asked.
"You could say that," Belle said."You're from that school, right?"
"We were just exploring the town," Dumbledore said.
"Would you like to come in for some...oh,I don't know. Whatever."
"Perhaps later," Dumbledore said.
She unlocked the gate.
"I'll be waiting," she said. "Have fun exploring,Al."
She locked the gate.
"Whoa," Harry said.
Dumbledore peeled him off of the gate,and they were once
again on their way.
"She really liked you," Harry said.
"I'm taken," Dumbledore said.
"You have a girlfriend, Professor?"
"I'm married, Harry."
Harry couldn't speak for a moment.
"You are?"
"Oh, yes. And very much in love with my wife."
"Do I know your wife? Have I ever met her?"
"The answer to both questions is yes."
"I'm sorry, Professor, this is just...mind-blowing."
"You're surprised?"
"No,it's not that. I'm glad you have a family. Do you have any
children?"
Dumbledore didn't answer immediately.
"The children of Hogwarts," Dumbledore said.
"I never even bothered to ask," Harry said. "It's not something
you advertise, though, right? As a precautionary measure."
"Quite right,Harry."
The two of them grew silent. It wasn't an unfriendly silence;
it was just the silence of introspection, of two people familiar
enough with each other not to speak.
----
Eventually,the houses gave way to storefronts and traffic lights.
The city seemed so large.
"I suppose this is downtown," Dumbledore said.
"Guess so," Harry said.
"I wonder if there's a town library," Dumbledore said.
"Let's ask around," Harry said. There was someone coming in
their direction, another woman; Harry hoped that Padma and
Parvati Patil would both look like her, because she was very
pretty. Her hair was the blackest Harry had ever seen; she wore a
sari that seemed to be red,pink and orange all at once.
"Excuse me," Harry said.
"Yes?" she asked,and smiled.
"Can you tell us how to get to the library?"
"Oh,yes,it's just up the street."
Her voice was so soft.
"Thanks," Harry said.
Dumbledore nodded and smiled.
"You're welcome," she said.
"She was nice," Harry said.
"She certainly was," Dumbledore said.
The library was, as the woman had said, just up the street.
It was a rather plain building that blended in with the street.
There was a banner over the entrance that read BOOK SALE-GET 'EM
WHILE THEY'RE HOT.
Harry had only known one librarian in his life-Madame Pince,who
ran the library with an iron fist. The librarian behind the main
desk didn't look nearly so starved for human flesh as Irma Pince
always did. She wore a badge that read LYDIA NORTON, and she
looked like she told people to be quiet more often than she liked.
She didn't smile when she saw Harry. "May I help you?"
"Do you have anything about the history of Springfield?"
"We have newspaper archives on microfiche. You know,there's also
the historical society. I know Mr. Hurlbut,he's lived here forever-"
"I'll handle the microfiche,Harry," Dumbledore said. "Look around,
see if anything captures your attention."
Mrs. Norton led Professor Dumbledore away.
Harry lingered by the desk a moment. Then he started to look
around. It had nothing on the library at Hogwarts,but it was
still nice. There were a multitude of books he had never read;
some of them were incredibly thick and others were so thin you
could probably read them in a minute. There were tables around
the library; people sat reading, enraptured in a hundred different
worlds they wished were real.
"All these books," Harry said.
Behind him,someone laughed.
He turned. Seated at the desk was a big black man; he was holding
a book called SILENT TREATMENT by someone named Michael Palmer.
He was smiling at Harry.
"I know the feeling," he said. He had to put the book down to
hold his sides. He kept laughing,and Harry liked him immediately.
"Harry Potter," he said.
"Dr. Julius Hibbert."
They shook hands.
"You're from the English school?"
"Yeah," he said.
"Are you in a hurry? Sit down,if you like."
Harry pulled out a chair and sat down.
"You know...there are times when I think I've read every book
in this library?" He laughed again.
"Have you?"
"I've read a lot of them," he said. "I like all the weird stuff.
You ever read Wrath James White or Joe R. Lansdale?"
"I've never even heard of them."
"Best place to familiarize yourself is right here." He laughed
that wonderful laugh again. It didn't take a whole lot to make
Dr. Hibbert laugh. Harry wondered if he laughed during surgery.
"Can I ask you a question?"
"What do you wanna know?"
"Does Springfield have a history of witchcraft?"
"Well...hmmm...Harry, I don't remember any witchcraft happening in
this town. Maybe I'm not the best one to ask. There are older-"
Dr. Hibbert frowned suddenly.
Harry knew why.
Dr. Hibbert reached towards Harry's forehead.
Harry jerked away.
"Let me see," Dr. Hibbert said. "It's okay, I'm a doctor. Just
because today's my day off-"
He brushed the hair away from Harry's forehead.
Dr. Hibbert studied it in silence.
"That's a hell of a scar," he finally said.
Harry didn't know what to say. Why,yes,Doctor,it certainly is?
"You do that yourself?"
"No," Harry said.
"What is it? A ritual cutting? Knife fight?"
"A curse scar," Harry said.
"That's a new one on me."
"You should've seen the other guy."
Dr. Hibbert laughed. "I've got scars of my own, Harry."
"Do you."
"Oh,yeah. Most of them are from when I was a kid. Course, I run
into all sorts of people on the job. You haven't lived until
you've strapped a raving, drooling nun onto a gurney."
"What was wrong with her?"
"There's a component in bread...I forget if it's the yeast or
what, but it has the same chemical composition as lysergic acid
dysalimide. Anyway,she prepared the bread incorrectly and had
a convent full of hallucinating nuns clawing each others' eyes out
and screaming their habits off about being eaten by demons..." and
he laughed again.
"Is your job always so weird?"
"My job can be pretty weird sometimes. Wouldn't trade it for
anything,though. I love helping people." Of course, he laughed
again. Then he quieted down.
"How old are you?"
"Sixteen."
"Hmmm..." he said. "What's a good book for someone your age? My son is
reading this book by Neil Gaiman-have you ever heard of him?"
"No."
"If you ever see a comic book called THE SANDMAN,pick it up. It's
the most literary comic you'll ever see. Anyway, just pick one
that sounds interesting-"
"Ah,Harry,there you are," said Professor Dumbledore.
"Professor,this is Dr. Hibbert."
"Harry's quite a guy," Dr. Hibbert said.
"That he is. Harry,are you ready?"
"I guess so," Harry said.
"Bye, Harry."
"Bye, Dr. Hibbert."
As they exited,Harry asked,"Did you find anything?"
"Nothing," Dumbledore said. "No witchcraft whatsoever,or
anything Voldemort might be interested in. Other than Ralph
Wiggum,of course."
Then he checked his watch.
Harry didn't ask the time. It didn't matter.
--
"There are a lot of books I haven't read," Harry said.
"I have that problem, too. So many books, and not enough time
to read them all."
"I don't know where to start," Harry said. "Does it matter?"
"Not really," Dumbledore said. "Once you find a story that
draws you into its world, there is no beginning or ending. I
find those are my favorites."
"Where the story ends,but the characters go on?"
"Exactly," Dumbledore said.
"Are there any wizard novelists?"
"Well...Harry, I've always considered artists, wizard or not, to
be in possession of another kind of magical talent. My fascination
with this isn't easy to put into words...I love music. I love
literature. There are times when I feel like I could write a book,
or compose a sonata.Maybe I should write a novel, someday."
"I'd read it," Harry said.
Dumbledore chuckled.
"I have a lifetime of inspiration," he said.
"It'd be scary," Harry said.
"Some of it," Dumbledore said. "I've seen some frightening things."
"Were you afraid?"
"Yes," he said. "However, I never let myself surrender to fear."
"Do you still see those things?"
"In my dreams,I sometimes revisit them. You asked if I sleep."
"I did? I thought that was a dream."
"It wasn't. You've never seen me sleep, but I do. I've been told
that I snore."
Harry laughed.
"Now that's a sound I miss," Dumbledore said. "Yes, I apparently
snore. Of course, I've known people afflicted with sleep apnea...
in sleep, they stop breathing, sometimes for a whole minute. Then
when they start breathing again,the snoring starts,and it's
unbelievably loud. Quite a sight to see."
"I don't know if I snore," Harry said.
"I've watched you sleep. You don't."
At that moment, a sleek red car sped by.
"He's in a hurry," Dumbledore said.
A police car followed after it.
"Was that Chief Wiggum?" Harry asked.
"No," Dumbledore said. "One of his deputies."
"I wonder if he knows."
"About Ralph?"
"Yeah...I mean, the leprechaun can't conceal his abilities all
the time, can it?"
"Leprechauns are so unpredictable," Dumbledore said. "He's
safe,though. You and Professor McGonagall did the ritual.
Nothing is getting in that school that shouldn't be there."
----
"Headmaster," someone called. Actually,it sounded like
three people at once.
Harry and Professor Dumbledore turned.
"Afternoon,Ishmael."
"Hi,Professor Chillinger," Harry said.
"You scare me,Potter. You really scare me," said Chillinger One.
"Don't listen to him," Chillinger Two said.
"Well,you don't HAVE to..." Chillinger Three said.
"Is there a problem,Professor?"
"Sir,it's Bart Simpson."
"What has the boy done?"
"He's not supposed to make friends with the dark creatures I
use for class,Headmaster."
"Not that I like working with them."
"I don't care one way or the other."
"He kept asking me when we were going to learn how to,and
I quote,'Blow stuff up.'"
"He's going to love Potions," Dumbledore said.
"Is someone substituting for Snape?" Harry asked.
"PROFESSOR Snape,Harry. Yes, there's a substitute." He turned
to Chillinger. "Ishmael, he'll only be with us until Friday.
Please don't discourage him, all right?"
"I'm not sure I like that," said Chillinger Three.
"I'm sure I don't," Chillinger One said.
Chillinger Two kept silent. He just nodded.
The three of them Disapparated.
"I worry about that man," Dumbledore said.
"He knows his stuff...he just seems dissociated from reality." Harry paused. "I
know how he feels, I guess. I can't help feeling...overwhelmed by the world,
sometimes."
He looked up at Dumbledore,who was listening silently.
"The universe is huge," Harry said. He gasped.
"What is it?"
"I don't remember if the telescope was in your office," Harry
said. "You didn't junk it, did you?"
"It's still there," Dumbledore said. "I did replace the glass."
"Good. I'm glad."
"I'm happy you're glad," he said.
"First THE X FILES, now DOCTOR WHO?"
"You've seen DOCTOR WHO,as well." Dumbledore said, smiling. "That's good to know."
"Everyone's seen DOCTOR WHO," Harry said.
"They never showed it in France."
"Why not?"
"I don't know."
"There was a boxful of videotapes...in the closet. My aunt and
uncle and Dudley left me alone one day and I watched a bunch of
them."
"The Doctor is one of my personal heroes."
"You could BE the Doctor," Harry said.
"Why, thank you, Harry."
----
At lunchtime, they came upon Krusty Burger.
"That name doesn't encourage me..." Dumbledore said. "Are you
in the mood for a few hamburgers, Harry?"
"Hamburgers sound great," he said.
They crossed the street,which wasn't busy.
Harry had only been inside a place like this once, the morning
of the infamous Snake Incident at the zoo. He remembered the
meat tasting nothing like meat and the chips being brittle
and Dudley trying to bury him under the colored balls in the
playroom,or PlayPlace,or whatever it had been called. The
Choking Hazard Room would have been more appropriate. Dumbledore
held the door open for Harry; he stepped inside.
"Find us a place to sit," Dumbledore said. "I'll order. These
places drown your food in cheese when you specifically ask them not
to put cheese on anything. If that happens, I'd like it to happen
to me..."
Harry picked a booth by the window. This place really wasn't
any different from that other fast food place all those years ago.
He watched the world go by.
It felt so unreal now.
In a minute, Dumbledore slid into the booth across from him,
carrying a tray. "These are hot," he said. Harry knew he could have
floated the food over to the table if he'd felt like it,but Professor
Dumbledore was not one to abuse his abilities.
Harry took one of the hamburgers and unwrapped it.
He took a bite. It tasted awful.
Professor Dumbledore looked as if he'd come to the same conclusion with his food.
"I don't think this could technically be classified as meat,"
he said. "And look. I specifically asked them to exclude
any kind of cheese. Here it is." He peeled the square of
cheese away from the pseudo-meat. It came away whole,as if it
were made of plastic.
"They wouldn't get away with this in Japan, I'll tell you that."
"Have you been to Japan?"
"I've been all over the world, Harry. In Japan, the aesthetic
arrangement of the food is just as important as its taste. It
must be as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate."
He put his burger down.
Harry watched him. He put his down, as well.
"Well, this was a wonderful choice," Dumbledore said.
Harry looked at the table.
"No, I didn't mean-"
"I know what you meant," Harry said.
"When I remember this place,I'll only recall that you were
here with me. The taste of whatever these are will fade."
"You'll remember this place because I was here with you?"
"Yes," Dumbledore said. "That's reason enough for me."
Harry started to say something, then turned back to the window.
"Harry?"
"Have I ever disappointed you?"
"You have yet to disappoint me."
"Sir...those things you said, last year...did you mean them?"
"I wouldn't have said them if I hadn't," Dumbledore said,
after a moment. He took Harry's hand. "I meant every single word."
Harry smiled. It took a moment, but he did. Then it faded.
"Remember what I said about being all right?"
"I remember."
Harry looked at his food. "I'm not."
"I know," Dumbledore said. "Neither am I."
"You're not?"
"I failed you, Harry."
"You didn't fail me.
"You know I did."
"You DIDN'T fail me."
"It's my fault Sirius Black is dead."
"No,it isn't."
"Then whose fault is it? Give me a name so I can tear their
hair out and rend their clothes instead of mine and scream HOW
COULD THIS HAPPEN at them instead of myself."
"It's no one's fault. Especially not yours. The only one to
blames are Voldemort and Bellatrix Lestrange. I believe that
justice will catch up with her. Maybe I won't be the one to do it.
It'll come from from someone else. Sirius will be avenged. I
believe that. Maybe that's why Neville is part of the prophecy.
As for Voldemort...if only one of us can survive...I obviously choose me."
"You've been thinking about this."
"I had all summer. Stop blaming yourself," Harry said. "This is beyond fault."
"All right," Dumbledore said. He looked like a weight had
been lifted from him. "Now what's troubling you? Please tell me."
"Why do you have such confidence in me?"
"Because I've seen what you can do," he said. "Because you're
worth every bit of that belief. Because I need to believe that
the world has a future."
"But that's just it," Harry said. "I'm sixteen and I feel like I'm
trying to hold up the entire world by myself."
"You aren't alone, Harry. Not at Hogwarts. Not right now,either.
As before,if you want to vent, I'll listen. Talk to me. Scream at
me if you feel the need. Let me bear your rage. Don't hold anything
in, let it all out."
"I'm all out of rage," he said. He put his face in his hands."I was
such an arsehole last year."
"You had good reason to be angry."
"When I got back to the Dursleys,I...I don't know,all the anger
drained out of me and I just...turned inward. I don't know how
else to describe it. I just...you're right, I thought a lot."
"This started with the Triwizard Tournament,didn't it?"
"That stupid tournament," he said. Then he looked up at Dumbledore.
"I mean...The Triwizard Tournament was an honorable contest. I hate
how it's going to be remembered. The year Harry Potter won ten
thousand galleons in money splattered with Cedric Diggory's blood."
"But it's not blood money now,is it?"
"I didn't want it and I'm not sorry about what I did with it."
"I would have done the same," he said. "You did the best thing
one can do with blood money...it's being used to make people happy."
Harry looked at the table,flashing an embarrassed grin. "So you know."
"I know," Dumbledore said.
Then he grew serious.
"Harry...your aunt and uncle..."
"What about them?"
"Do they beat you?"
The question dropped Harry's jaw.
"No," he said,looking at the table again.
"I remember something Hagrid told me. Six years ago,he told me
what the Dursleys were like. I remember him mentioning that Vernon
said that your magical abilities were 'nothing a good beating
wouldn't have cured.' They've never laid a hand on you?"
"He's threatened to. They just...yell at me."
"That can be worse than a beating."
"Aunt Petunia wasn't as bad this summer. I try not to listen to them,but...
you know,they've never called me by name,just 'boy," my personal favorite,
'freak' or "it." Uncle Vernon doesnt' do it to my face anymore,
that's all. It's all I can do not to believe what he says-"
Dumbledore took Harry's hand from across the table in both of his.
His hands were so warm.
"Harry," he said, "If you're a freak...then so am I."
Harry stared at him, openmouthed.
"You're...you're not a freak."
"And neither are you," Dumbledore said. "
Then,he found words.
"Ever since I saw my parents come out of Voldemort's
wand,I can hear them in my head," he said. "When I think about
it, I can hear their voices. All the way back to when I was a
baby. Every night,I go to bed and want my mom and dad-"
He felt his eyes burning,then a pair of tears hit the table.
"Thinking about it makes makes me feel selfish, and then I hate
myself for thinking only of myself-"
Dumbledore couldn't find any words,so he just held Harry's hand,and
shook his head.
"-So many other families have been torn apart by Voldemort and I
can only think of wanting my parents and Sirius back."
"Harry...I miss them too. If I had one wish,It would bring them
back to life."
"What about the socks?"
"Socks? If I had to choose between them and socks,bugger the socks."
Harry looked down at the alleged food.
"I don't think I can eat the rest of this," Harry said.
"Then don't. I can't eat mine,either."
Harry looked up at him. "I'm sorry I wasted your money," he said.
Then he started to cry.
"Hey," said the kid behind the counter,his vocal chords obviously
contending with adolescence,"You'll have to take him outside-"
Dumbledore scowled at the kid. "Can't you see he's distraught?"
"The other customers are trying to eat."
Dumbledore glanced around the place. "WHAT other customers?"
Two booths down,a little man with thick round glasses
hopped down to the floor. He was smaller than Flitwick,and his
skull looked like an unshelled peanut. His eyes were huge;
they looked trapped behind his eyeglasses.
"I come here for breakfast,lunch and dinner," he said.
Dumbledore got up. He sat down beside Harry. Gently,he
said "Would you like to leave,Harry?"
"Yeah," Harry said.
Dumbledore got up,and so did Harry.
A man dressed like a clown burst out of the kitchen. This,
Dumbledore surmised,was Krusty the Clown. Then he felt a hand
encircle his and realized that Harry was afraid of Krusty.
"Hey HEEEEEY!" he exclaimed. "What's the-"
"You won't see us in here again," Dumbledore said.
"Euuuugh." Krusty said.
Dumbledore opened the door. NO SHOES NO SHIRT NO SERVICE,it read.
Oddly enough, it said nothing about pants.
"Your food tastes as if it were manufactured in a laboratory."
With that,they made an exit.
"You old geezer," Krusty whispered,opened the door and yelled
"THAT'S 'CAUSE IT WAS!" He stood still a moment and then
clapped a hand against his face. "I gotta stop doin' that..."
-----
A block later,Harry was still crying. He was trying to cry
silently. Dumbledore could feel his pain. Last year,he
had shed a single tear, thinking of all the responsibility on
Harry's shoulders. He was no longer a child. Now he wanted to cry even more,but
Harry needed him to be strong. He needed Harry as much as Harry needed him.
As soon as he saw it, Dumbledore led him down a grassy embankment.
They found themselves in a rather large park; there were people out
walking the paths,and riding paddleboats in the water,throwing
frisbees,flying kites.
There was a bench nearby; he sat down next to Harry.
"You haven't been able to talk to anyone,have you?"
Harry shook his head. "The Dursleys don't care," he wept. "I know
you want to believe in Aunt Petunia, I'm sorry. She doesn't care.
They're sorry I even exist. Sometimes I'm sorry I exist. I don't
know how to tell Ron and Hermione and you obviously have enough
problems without being burdened with mine." Harry turned away.
"He's going to kill everyone I love. He wants to take everything
away from me first. Then he'll kill me and they'll put my brain in
a tank at the bloody Ministry of Magic-"
He looked so lost.
"You said my strength lies in my heart, but I don't see how. My
heart is broken."
Dumbledore felt such pain, deeper than himself, in his soul.
"They tried to break us last year," he said. "They failed."
And then he wrapped his arms around Harry and held him against his heart,
so close, he felt as if they were one.
"No," Harry said,trying to get away,but he was one strong old man.
"You can't-" A team of wild horses wouldn't have been able to break
Dumbledore's grip. "I can't let you care about me,and you can't let
yourself, anymore, you'll die, he'll kill you if you do-"
"If I have to choose between caring about you or turning my back
on you to save my own life, there's no choice," he said,in a fierce,
shaking whisper. He could feel the heat rising from within himself,
washing over Harry like warm water. "I'd rather die than not love you."
He could see the horrified look on Harry's face.
"You love me?"
"Yes," he said.
It was truer than anything he'd ever known and he could say it.
"I always have," he said. "Always."
"You can't. I can't-" Harry began to say it again,"I c-" and his
voice cracked. He hung his head, and the tears just started to flow.
He sagged into Dumbledore, buried his face in the old man's
wondrous silver hair,and let out fifteen years worth of grief.
Dumbledore just held him, and stroked his hair away from his eyes.
-------
"How do you feel?"
"I feel...great."
Harry had stopped crying after awhile; Dumbledore had not let him
go. "You know,this isn't the first time I've held you."
"You carried me out of the chamber-"
"I was there when you were born."
"You were?"
"Oh,yes. While your mother slept, I held you, rocked you, and sang to you.
I think my singing voice may have made you cry once or twice."
Harry laughed.
Dumbledore laughed with him.
"Mrs. Weasley hugged me. Now you're hugging me," he said."Hermione kissed me on the
cheek two years ago. Cho kissed me last year. Angelina kissed me a week ago-"
"Angelina Johnson kissed you?"
"After our last match. She followed me into the locker room-"
"Into the boys' locker room?"
"Yeah."
"Gutsy, that Angelina."
"Is it normal to use so much tongue?"
"You didn't...go any further,did you?"
"No, she just kissed me and left."
"Ah. Well...good."
"Angelina's cool."
"She is quite nice," Dumbledore said.
Someone sped by on a bicycle.
"This place is so beautiful," he said.
"We can stay here all day,if that's what you need. I won't leave
you. Unless one of us really has a biological emergency."
Again, Harry laughed.
"I'm going to keep making you laugh," he said.
"You know,Professor...you're my constant," Harry said. "One of
them,anyway."
"Now YOU'RE quoting from THE X FILES."
"Uncle Vernon made me watch it. His favorite show." Harry said."He
always said 'See what the Americans do to your lot.' There was
that one with the plastic surgery witchcraft thing..."
"One of my favorites," Dumbledore said. "I believe the
title is 'Sanguinarium.' I'll bet your uncle didn't like the way
it ended, did he?"
"That guy peeled his own face off," Harry said.
"'I think this patient is finished...'"
Harry laughed again. It was getting easier and easier.
"I like the funny ones best," Harry said. "But there are the
really sick ones like the one with those brothers...they were
inbred mutants-"
"Yes,yes,'Home.' Quite gruesome. But wonderfully written."
"After awhile,I started to like it. Uncle Vernon had to
watch it in another room after that. For awhile,it felt like
I'd gotten through...like I had a home. But Hogwarts is my
home,Professor. I can't help thinking of it like that."
"I also think of it that way,Harry. You know...Someone's going to
have to talk to that man. Maybe me."
"Well,Aunt Petunia's trying a little,I think. Dudley...oh man.
I don't really talk to Dudley anymore. He's gotten...scary."
"Scary in what way?"
"He formed a band," Harry said. "Jack and The Rippers."
"Jack and The Rippers?" Dumbledore's mustache twitched. "Is he Jack?"
"He talks about wanting to cut people up...He's started listening to...Professor,
are you familiar with black metal?"
"I am," he said.
"I thought you liked chamber music."
"Well,Harry,I'm not culturally ignorant."
"Of course not," he said. "I didn't mean to imply-"
"I know," Dumbledore said. "No apologies neccessary. I am quite
familiar with black metal. There are one or two pieces I find quite
beautiful-Satyricon's 'Immortality Passion,' for instance. It's not my favorite
branch of the heavy metal tree,I must admit. Does he listen to a band called
Mayhem?"
"Mayhem? Yeah. I've found their CDs lying around the house."
"Well,their guitarist was known by the name Dead,which became
quite ironic when he killed himself."
"Dead killed himself?"
"Oh,yes. He...well,he blew his brains out with a shotgun. His bandmate
Euronymous-real name Oystein Aarseth-broke into Dead's house,and found the body.
He took some pictures,one of which appears on one of their CDs-"
"They used it for a CD cover?"
"Oh,yes. That's not the end of the story. Euronymous also made a
necklace out of some of Dead's teeth,and I think he also ate some
of Dead's brain matter, as well."
Harry was lost for words.
"Then Count Grishnackh,their vocalist, I believe-also known as
Varg Vikernes-murdered Euronymous."
"He did?"
"He did. Stabbed him through the back of his skull. Said he was a
traitor to the scene. He also may have been involved with a
spate of church burnings. He's in jail now...best place for him,
even if prison is a country club over there...In addition to being
a murderer,he's also an anti-semite and a racist. He does a one-man
band called Burzum in prison. I've never listened to it."
"I can see where you'd have a problem with it. Is the band still together?"
"With new members,yes. They're known for decorating their stage
performance with pigs' heads on spikes. The Norwegian black
metal scene has a bloody history...just last week,some black metal
musician whose name escapes me at the moment brought a severed
head to someone's birthday party. It was all over the news. Did
you see it?"
"No."
"Grisly business,over there. Grindcore is much less dangerous. No
one's ever died in the name of the music. Have you ever found any
Napalm Death CDs lying around?"
"Yeah,actually,I have. He was playing some,and this other band
called Circle Of Dead Children...I liked it. It's not as violent
as black metal,is it?"
"I've never heard of anything like that happening in that
particular scene-"
"Professor?"
"I almost forgot," he said. He reached into a pocket. "I bought
you something."
"You did?"
"While I was searching with Mrs. Norton-isn't that funny."
"What is it?"
"They have Mrs. Norton. We have Mrs. Norris. Even if she is a cat-"
"I didn't notice," Harry said.
"Well,it's an interesting note,but Harry,what I wanted to say
before I rudely interrupted myself was that after I searched the
microfiche, I went and browsed the at the book sale,and...I bought
you a book."
"...really?"
"One of my favorites. A book that never fails to raise my spirits."
"You bought me a book?"
"I certainly did."
"Well...thank you."
"You're quite welcome."
He gave the book to Harry.
"'The Hitch-Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy.' Harry read.
Before he could read further, he saw a flurry of wings.
Hedwig landed next to him on the bench.
"Hedwig," he said.
There was a thick envelope tied to her leg.
"Sorry," Harry told her. He took the envelope.
"Who would be so unkind to an owl?" Dumbledore asked.
Harry ripped open the envelope and pulled out a piece of
paper.
"Harry Potter,you may have already won ten million dollars..."
----
Dumbledore had been gone for about five minutes; he had had a
biological emergency. He had also taken Hedwig,saying he'd send
her back to Hogwarts. Harry sat there,watching the people go
by, calmed by the water. He did not realize the old man had
sat down until he spoke.
"You know,I used to feed the ducks right here."
Harry turned. There was another old man sitting next to him; he
was a slight whisper of a man,thin and drawn, as if he had been
sad for a long time. He wore a green jacket and matching shirt,
brown corduroy pants and leather loafers. He looked tired.
He's going to die soon, Harry thought,and shivered.
"What happened to them?"
"I don't know."
Harry pointed to the edge of the water.
"What about those ducks over there?"
"Not the same ducks," he said. He offered his hand; Harry took it.
"Joe," he said. "Joe Banks."
"Harry Potter."
"English, huh?"
"Yeah."
"I'm a born Springfieldian,myself. 'Course,I've been all over. I
always end up back here...but the ducks ain't here no more. I miss
'em."
"They must have been really special."
"Oh,yeah...Harry...can I call ya Harry?"
"Sure."
"Harry,these ducks were like old friends. They knew when I was
happy, when I was sad,and I could tell when they were having a bad
day, too. We really got to know each other...I wish I knew where
they were."
"Have you looked around the park?"
"This is where we used to meet," Joe said. "If they want me...they
know where to find me."
"Right here," Harry said.
"Right here," Joe repeated.
"You really loved those ducks."
"Oh,yeah," Joe said. "The thing is...did they love me?"
---
Overhead,on the street, a car sped by the park.
A short jolt of pain passed through Harry's forehead.
By the time he reached the top of the hill, the street was empty.
---
Considering they made drills at Grunnings,the place was rather quiet. On
the outside,it looked like the kind of misshapen monstrosity seen only
in the very worst of nightmares.
Dumbledore made himself invisible and walked right in. He searched the
directory and found Vernon Dursley's office. He rode the elevator up to
the floor where Vernon worked. He passed various faceless people in the
hallway. There were pictures on the walls of drills and prototypes of drills that
looked absolutely terrifying. There were all sorts,too. Dentists' drills,
pneumatic drills, drills for use in excavating oil, high-speed drills for use in
brain surgery,and so many more,Dumbledore was sure there was a corporately cold,
efficient guided tour or at least a catalogue detailing and explaing every last
one of them. Dumbledore knew Jeffrey Dahmer had used drills on his victims; he
couldn't help wondering what kind of perspective Vernon might have gained had
the man had switched from Makita to Grunnings. Probably none at all,because he
was thicker than a Honeydukes milkshake.
He found Dursley's office easily. He was there. He was eating a gigantic,
bulging sandwich, a huge,greasy hulk of meat slapped together between two thick
slices of bread, and slopping half of it onto his desk. There was also a cup of
coffee nearby. Dumbledore averted his eyes.
Maybe Vernon would choke to death right in front of him. That certainly would
have been convenient on a number of levels. He felt certain that Vernon Dursley
would turn to adipocere when he died. Some people, their flesh just turned to soap
upon death; it had even been an issue in a movie Dumbledore had seen awhile ago-
FIGHT CLUB, if he recalled the title correctly.
"Vernon?"
At the door, a young blonde woman struggled to stay upright. She looked like
she had serious trouble walking and thinking at the same time. If her dress were
cut any lower-
"Yes, Candi, what is it?"
He said it so lightly,Dumbledore wanted to materialize in front of him and
smack him across the face. Talk to HARRY that pleasantly, you blob of walrus
blubber, he thought. How you ever-
"I think the copier's broken."
Vernon sighed. He put the sandwich down and followed Trina out of the room.
Dumbledore took the flask out of his pocket and dumped its contents into the coffee.
A minute later,he came back with Tina or Mina or whatever her name was hanging
all over him.
"-it does help to check if the machine's plugged in," Vernon told her.
He sat down again.
"If you need any more help,just come back. My lunch hour's almost up."
Only an hour, Dumbledore thought. I'd think he needs at least that long
to find his neck.
Vernon picked up the coffee mug.
"Would you like some coffee,Trina?"
Dumbledore tensed.
"Are you sure you don't want it?"
"Here," he said,and gave it to her.
She took a long drink.
Bullseye, Dumbledore thought.
"There's something wrong with this coffee," Trina said.
"Is there?" Vernon asked. He took the cup from her and took several sips.
"Tastes fine to me."
"Yes,well..." she stopped talking,and looked at Vernon,as if she were seeing him
for the very first time. "You know,every time I come in here,I can't help but
notice the smell..."
"The smell?"
"You know what pharaoh...phermon...pheromone. Pheromones. Do you know what
pheromones are,Vernon?" She ran a hand through her hair, and the other across
the neck of her skirt. Beads of sweat ran down her forehead. "Animals recognize
each other by scent, did you know that?"
"I knew that," Vernon said,crawling onto his desk. "Come here."
"I come in here and you always smell awful," she said. "Try taking longer showers."
"WHAT? Are you telling me-"
"I'm telling you...what am I telling you,I'm so CONFUSED...God,I HATE you,Mr.
Dursley,I've been wanting to KILL you ever since I MET you-"
"You can't possibly hate me more than I hate you," Vernon snarled. "And I really,
REALLY loathe you. You can't type worth a damn. You can't even turn on a
light switch without looking at the bloody manual first. I detest you so much,I
can't stand it any more. It terrifies me,how much I hate you." He backed into the
wall,slid to the floor,clapped his fat hands over his ears, and started screaming.
She collapsed against the doorframe and put her hands over her face, so she
couldn't see him. And if she couldn't see him, he couldn't see her,because
it was like that when you worked for the Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal.
Dumbledore had seen enough. It would get repetitive as the day went along.
---
When Dumbledore came back, the sky had darkened.
He had not come back alone.
"Madame Hooch," Harry said.
"Mr. Potter," she said,bowing her head.
"This is Joe," Harry said. "Joe Banks."
"Mr. Banks," Dumbledore said,nodding.
Joe just smiled.
"What are you doing here?" Harry asked Madame Hooch.
"I thought I'd go for a run," she said. "I ran into the Headmaster. I'm glad
I did,because I have a problem and he advised me to ask you."
"What is it?"
"There's a match tomorrow," she said.
Harry slapped his forehead. "I completely forgot."
"Since you'll be here, Gryffindor needs a replacement. The
Headmaster suggested...Neville Longbottom."
"Have you told Neville yet?"
"I wanted to get your permission."
"Let him try it," Harry said.
"I'll do my best to prepare him," she said. "Excuse me."
She Disapparated.
"Neville playing Quidditch," Harry said."Never thought I'd see that."
"Mr. Longbottom has the potential," Dumbledore said.
Thunder rumbled in the distance.
"Looks like it's going to rain," Harry said.
"Fortunately,Hedwig got a head start."
"Maybe we should go," Harry said. "Before it rains,I mean."
"It's just water," Dumbledore said. "Of course,around here..."
"Then we'd better go," Harry said. "Mr. Banks-"
"I didn't see or hear nothin'," he said. "No one would believe me,otherwise."
There was a granite path leading up to the street.
"Have you told Neville about the prophecy?"
"Not yet," Dumbledore said.
"He should know."
"Yes, he should."
They reached the street.
Another rumble of thunder unrolled.
After it faded, a bolt of lightning streaked through the sky.
"We're going to get rained on," Harry said.
"Do you still have the envelope Hedwig brought?"
Harry gave it to him.
A moment later,it became an umbrella large enough for them both.
"Now we're prepared," Dumbledore said.
Then something across the road caught his attention.
There was this fenced-in field of dirt, and past that was a
building with a marquee that held a jumble of letters. MOVIES WITH
BEGINNINGS AND ENDINGS,it read. The name of the place was also prominently
displayed: AZTEC.
"Would you like to see a film, Harry?"
"Sure," Harry said. "It's going to rain, why not?"
"Have you seen many films?"
"No," Harry said. "The Dursleys took me to one once...I think
it was called THE DARK CRYSTAL or something like that..."
"That's it exactly. Wonderful film. Did you like it?"
"Well...they spirited me out,in the middle."
Dumbledore frowned.
"I don't know what happened,if I caused it,but...the...the Skekses?"
"That's them."
"They became self-aware."
"They did?"
"They tried to break out of the movie and they were hissing 'Let
us owwwt...' at everyone in the audience. One of them saw me and
he started asking me if I was the..." Harry stopped in his tracks.
"The what?"
"The one foretold by the prophecy."
A drop of water spattered the pavement.
"Come on," Dumbledore said. He opened the umbrella.
As they entered the Aztec, it began to rain.
"Then there was BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Dudley hated it, but I
loved it."
"That one's a masterpiece," Dumbledore said. "Made me cry like a
baby,too."
"What are you showing?" Harry asked the guy behind the counter.
"Whatever's in the projection booth," he said.
Dumbledore bought their tickets.
The theater itself was spacious; there were a multitude of seats.
"I prefer to sit in the exact center," Dumbledore said.
Harry followed him to the exact center of the theatre and sat
down next to him.
"Have you seen a lot of films?" Harry asked.
"Whenever possible," Dumbledore said. "There's a theatre in Cleveland,Ohio
called the Cleveland Cinematheque. I love that whole city. It's so culturally
diverse. Over the summer, I went to see The Cleveland Chamber Symphony. But I
digress.I've been to Cannes more times than I can remember,for their film festival.
You know I thrive on intellectual thought...philosophy...creativity...I find films
are as important to me as great literature, because they can be great works of art,
and they're important to me. I am honored to share this one with you."
Harry smiled. His facial muscles were getting the workout
of his life.
The lights went down.
Sound began to fill the room; underwater noises.
Then,a single ominous musical note. Brief.
On the black screen, names went by. Harry did not recognize any of them. Then,
they were underwater. The single note became two. Then three.
And then the music broke loose,and a single word appeared on
the screen.
JAWS.
----
Fawkes felt the fire coming.
He sang one last note to Lisa.
She had had pets before; he could tell.
Don't be afraid,he thought.
Harry had been so scared,the first time.
Dumbledore was used to it.
How he loved them both. He thought of them-
-even as he burst into flame.
Lisa jumped,but didn't scream.
What a sweet little girl, Fawkes thought as he burned.
"Leeeee-SA..."
Someone was calling her from outside.
She looked torn.
She glanced out the window.
"Ralph?"
"Hi,Lisa." Ralph called. "Is your room on fire?"
Fawkes screeched,and launched himself towards the open window.
"Oh no-"
-and Ralph saw the living flame burst from Lisa's room; it floated down,
and he had the strangest urge to touch it, to be one with it-
"Ralph,STOP-"
Ralph plunged his hand into the fire.
He pulled it out.
His entire arm was burning and he just grinned at it.
Fawkes chirped,reborn.
"Look at me,Lisa," Ralph said. "Look what I can do-"
Lisa, frozen at the window, watched a plume of fire spray from Ralph's fingers,
twisting and turning in midair,undulant,spelling her name.
---
The lights came up.
"One of my favorites," Dumbledore said,beaming.
He stood up.
Harry looked up at him.
"Did you like it,Harry?"
"I have to kill the monster," Harry whispered.
Dumbledore said nothing.
"Do we go now?" Harry asked.
"When the movie is over," Dumbledore said,"everyone leaves. I
like to watch the credits. Sometimes there's more after the credits."
Harry stood. An usher walked into the theater. He was Harry's age,
wearing a sour look; his hair was dyed black and he wore a ring in his
nose,in his chin,through his eyelids and through his lower lip. Dumbledore had seen
body piercings that would make this kid faint.
"Is there anything to clean up?" the usher asked.
"We didn't bring anything to eat," Harry said.
"I forgot the popcorn," Dumbledore said.
"Our popcorn machine's on the fritz."
---
The place was called The Happy Sumo. It was just down the street from the Aztec.
They walked there,dry in the driving rain.
Their waiter's name was Akira. He was a quiet but affable guy with heavy eyelids
and a slim build; he moved as if he were dancing. Once they were seated,he
gave them their menus.
"They have a selection of oriental cuisines," Dumbledore said. "Take
your pick."
"I don't know what any of this is," Harry said. "Could you help me?"
"Certainly," Dumbledore said. He studied his own menu. "Let's see...we
have kung pao chicken, which is delicious, as is sesame chicken. Blowfish.
Well,I've seen them,but never eaten them...ah. Nikujaga."
"What's that?"
"Meat and potatoes,basically. Here's tempura...fried seafood."
Harry flashed down to the desserts.
"Pig's blood on a stick?"
Dumbledore nodded,then: "Ah. Vietnamese. If you'd like to try pho, that's
beef noodles. Com dep is grilled rice."
They ended up sharing a huge plate of mu shu pork, sesame chicken, rice-fried and
com dep style, mushrooms, and other assorted vegetables.
"I hope you liked it," Dumbledore said,when the plate was empty.
"It was delicious," Harry said.
They had each been given a fortune cookie.
Dumbledore cracked his open. He pulled out the little slip of paper.
"What does it say?" Harry asked.
"Beware of those without eyes," Dumbledore said. He raised his eyebrows. "What
does yours say?"
Harry opened his cookie and unfolded the slip of paper.
"It doesn't say anything," Harry said. "It's blank."
---
The rain had stopped; the sun had come out. They stepped into the
shadow-bright afternoon.
"Look for a rainbow," Dumbledore said. "There's still time."
Harry looked rather worried.
"Is something wrong?"
"My fortune," Harry said. "What does a blank fortune mean?"
"I think it means that your future is open," Dumbledore said.
"That I have a future," Harry said.
"Of course,it could also mean that there's a disgruntled worker at the
fortune cookie factory from whence the fortune came. I think I prefer
my original interpretation,don't you?"
"Yeah..."
"Something else is bothering you."
"Mm-hmm."
"Well,what is it?"
"My mom and dad...they really hated each other."
"Oh,yes."
"I never thought of them that way. I've been having doubts..."
"There's one fact I can import that'll put an end to your doubt."
"What's that?" Harry asked.
"The fact that you exist," Dumbledore said. "I told you before that I knew James.
He wasn't a saint,but he was-"
Behind them,brakes squealed.
Harry turned in time to see a dark van coming their way.
It squealed to a stop right in front of them.
The side door rolled open.
A fat man jumped out. Harry reconsidered the word "fat" as soon
as he thought it. He was big,but he was well-built. If he was
fat, it was almost muscle,but not quite. He had gray hair and
wore a dark gray suit. His eyes were creepy; they were like steel.
"This them,Tony?" the driver asked. There was also a guy in the
passenger seat. He had a rough,bony face and a ponytail.
"This is them,Louie." Tony said. Harry knew he'd hear that voice
again, in his dreams.
"Sir, I assure you-"
"Shaddup," Tony said. "Get in the van, old man."
"I'll do no such thing," Dumbledore said.
Suddenly there were three guns pointed at Harry.
Dumbledore looked absolutely furious.
"Don't point those at him," he said,without raising his voice. "Point them at me."
"Get in the van," Tony said. "Or we'll send the kid to Disneyland."
"Professor-"
"Fine," Dumbledore said. "Just don't hurt the boy."
Tony shoved Dumbledore into the van. "I'm drivin'," he told
Louie. "Get out,Legs."
Louie didn't argue. He got out of the van. The other guy opened
the door and hopped down to the pavement. Then he slammed the
rolling side door shut. Harry got one last look at Dumbledore,
as he reached out,his fingers shaking-
Instead of his usual defiance against evil-
he looked terrified. Not for himself. For Harry.
Harry launched himself at the van. The guys pushed him away.
Tony got into the drivers' seat. He slammed the door.
Then the van sped away,down the street.
Harry felt something coming back. It was anger. Unlike the
misdirected anger of last year, this felt righteous. This
felt GOOD.
"If you hurt him-"
"Shut the kid up, willya Louie?"
He glared at Legs.
His ponytail came loose.
"Huh?" Legs touched the back of his head.
Then he shifted his attention to Louie.
Louie swung his arm up at Legs and slapped him across the face.
"What'dya do that for,ya dumb-" the rest of his words were lost
as he attacked Louie. The fight spilled onto the ground and
Legs growled something about a labonza-
"What's a labonza?" Harry asked.
"You wanna find out,kid? Jump in."
"Okay," Harry said,and kicked Legs in the shin.
"Ow," he said,and then spat out a long string of Italian
profanities. "You-"
"My labonza's waiting," Harry said.
There was a squealing of tires as the van reappeared. In
reverse, it stopped in front of them. The side door slid open.
"-Again,I offer my apologies, sir," Tony was saying.
Dumbledore stepped onto the pavement. Harry's guts nearly burst
with happiness at the sight of him.
"He give you any trouble,Tony?"
"Nah," Tony said. "Look at him. What kinda trouble could he
give anybody?"
"More than you know," Dumbledore said. "Did you touch him?" he
asked the other two guys.
"Fuhgeddaboutit," Tony said. He shoved Dumbledore down to the
pavement.
Then the three of them jumped in the van and drove off, laughing.
"Sir," Harry cried,rushing to his side.
Dumbledore touched Harry's face. "They didn't hurt you," he said.
"I'm okay."
"Harry, I was so worried-"
"I'm all right," he said. "How about you?"
"If you're all right, then so am I."
"So you're all right."
"If you're all right."
"I'm all right. Who were those guys?"
"I don't know," Dumbledore said. "He-ugh,he stuck a gun right in
my face. I loathe guns. He kept talking about me owing him money.
Then he realized I wasn't who he wanted. What did those two-"
"Nothing,they fought with each other."
Harry helped Dumbledore up.
"Such a beautiful day,too," he said.
"We can't let them ruin it," Harry said.
"You know, you're right,Harry. Just let me calm down."
"Would you like to sit down?"
"No,no...I think staying on my feet would be wise."
"All right. Okay...would talking calm you?"
"It always does."
"What's your favorite part of JAWS?"
"The photography," Dumbledore said. "The image of Quint,standing out there
on the edge of the prow, as the sun goes down..." He took a deep breath. "Was
it the prow? I know left is port and right is stern,but the rest-" He looked over
at Harry. "What was yours?"
"The part where he said 'You're going to need a bigger boat...'"
Dumbledore nodded.
"I keep remembering that usher," Dumbledore said.
"Did you see that guy?" Harry asked,trying not to laugh. "I don't mean to
make fun of him,those piercings obviously mean something to him. I can't
imagine myself getting anything pierced. Tattoos,well..." He touched his
scar. "This is the ultimate tattoo."
"I have a scar too," Dumbledore said.
"Where?"
"Just above my knee. It's a perfect map of the London Underground. I'll show you
sometime."
"Is it a curse scar like mine?"
"No, I did it to myself by accident. I was lost. I needed a map."
----
"Speaking of being lost..."
"We're not lost," Dumbledore said.
"I don't mind if we are."
"We aren't," Dumbledore said. "We're near Evergreen Terrace again,I can feel it."
They passed the First Church of Springfield. There was a sign out front that read
FRIDAY NIGHT BINGO CANCELLED DUE TO DEATH.
"Professor, do you believe in God?"
"In my life...I've known people who've made me want to believe in the
existence of God, of Heaven and Hell, that Man did not create them. I've been e
xposed to such a variety of religions, it's impossible to choose one. I've
been to mass at Notre Dame Cathedral and one-room churches in the backwoods of
Virginia. I've seen people handle snakes and mutilate themselves in the
name of faith-"
A man emerged from the front doors. He wore a pink shirt,dark slacks and
the collar of a priest. His head was longer than it was wide and made him
look awfully tired.
He smiled when he saw Harry and Dumbledore.
"I've been hearing about you," he said. "Reverend Timothy Lovejoy. You must
be Headmaster Dumbledore."
"Pleasure to meet you,Reverend."
They shook hands.
"Hope you like our little town," he said.
"It's not so little," Harry said.
Reverend Lovejoy laughed.
"Well, I don't want to keep you," he said. "See you later."
"Right," Dumbledore said.
"Headmaster,hang on a second."
Reverend Lovejoy ran back to the front doors. "C'mon,boy," he said.
A big dog nearly knocked him over on its way outside.
"Fang," Harry yelled.
Fang knocked him over and licked his face.
"We've been feeding him all day," Lovejoy said.
"Hagrid will be happy," Dumbledore said. He scratched Fang's ears.
"Should we take him back now?"
"I think so," Dumbledore said.
---
On the way,they came upon Kwik-E-Mart.
"I've got such a hunger for chocolate," Dumbledore said.
"So do I. We could take Hagrid some,too."
"Splendid idea,Harry."
"How much money did you bring?"
"Enough for the week."
"I don't want you to waste it,that's all."
"We haven't wasted a cent yet. Don't feel bad about spending it. I have more money than
I need,really. I could buy a funny hat and there'd still be enough to last until
Monday. In fact,remind me to find a funny hat, Harry."
"There could be one in there," Harry said,pointing at the Kwik-E-Mart.
"Chocolate and a funny hat, then?"
At the doors, Dumbledore told Fang to stay. He did.
They went inside.
"Evening," Dumbledore said to the man behind the counter,who was an Indian.
Harry had never really been in a convenience store before, but he didn't
feel overwhelmed. Everything around him was there for the taking.
There was a guy looking at the candy rack; he wore a white leisure suit,sunglasses,
and a purple shirt He had a huge head of curly hair. He barely glanced at Harry.
"'Scuse me,kid," he said. "Disco Stu needs to refuel the machine..."
"Who's Disco Stu?"
He ruffled his suit, and got out of Harry's way.
Harry stepped past him; then to his surprise,he saw Disco Stu again,standing
in the aisle. He looked back,and saw the same man. Then he grinned. "Tonks," he said,
and when he looked back,there she was,she of the spiky pink hair,combat boots, old
torn jeans and a faded t-shirt that read CANNIBAL CORPSE.
"Wotcher, Harry."
"How long have you been here?"
"A while," she said. "Me, Remus and Kingsley have been walking around. Dumbledore
didn't say anything because he doesn't know."
"I certainly know now," Dumbledore said, behind her.
"Right," she said. "We've been wandering around like you two. We had kind of
an emergency last night."
"Is Remus all right?"
"I'm okay."
Harry turned. "Remus," he said,and hugged him.
"Hey,Harry," Lupin said,giving Harry a squeeze. He looked ill, like always.
"Where's Kingsley?" Dumbledore asked.
"He's watching the Wiggum house," Tonks said. "We saw that pyrokinetic kid
shoot a wall of flame out of nothing. He's been on them ever since,along
with the guy he just recruited. Teresias something."
"Teresias Marledge," Dumbledore said.
"What's going on in this town, anyway?"
"I'm not sure," Dumbledore said. "There's so much happening, it's become a
meaningless jumble. But something's about to happen. Something big. I'm glad you're
here." He and Lupin nodded at each other.
"Right, thanks," Tonks moved sideways and took out a stack of Little Debbie snacks.
"Please refrain from destroying the merchandise,or I'll blow your head off," the
clerk said.
"I've heard about these things," she said,picking them up. "Made up of chemicals."
"'Scuse me,Remus," Harry said.
"Of course," Lupin said.
The doors slid open. "Ha," said Moody. "You finally show up," he said. He
nodded at Potter,and then joined the group.
Harry had picked up a nice selection of chocolate bars and various candies.
"I'll take some of this fudge," Harry said.
"Oh,no,sir. I wouldn't. It's been there for a year."
Hagrid probably wouldn't care,but Harry figured he deserved more than
year-old fudge.
"Hey," the clerk said,"If you guys are not buying anything,get out."
The group shuffled out of the store. "I'll be right outside," Dumbledore said.
Harry paid for the candy,and was given change.
He was about to leave when someone he recognized emerged from the back.
"Well,well,it is a small world," she said.
"Have you met this man before,Manjula?"
Man? Harry thought.
"On the street," Manjula said. "Did you find the library?"
"Yeah,we did," Harry said. "Thanks. I'm Harry,by the way. Harry Potter."
"Manjula Nahasapeemapetilan. This is my husband Apu."
He really must have cried a lot in Kindergarden.
("NOW write down your LAST name,Apu!")
"Nice meeting you," Harry said, and joined the others outside.
------
The streetlights blinked on; their shadows were long.
------
"Fang," Hagrid said,as the dog barreled into him. "Where'd yeh find 'im?"
"They were feeding him at the church," Dumbledore said.
"Bless 'em..."
"I don't know," Harry said. "I guess we're still looking."
Professor McGonagall came out of the hut.
"She all righ',Professor McGonagall?"
"She?" Professor Dumbledore asked.
"Lisa Simpson," she said. "She saw Fawkes burn,Albus."
"Is she all right?"
"Go in and talk to her."
Harry stayed outside. Dumbledore found Lisa inside the hut. She wasn't alone.
She and Professor Snape were in the middle of a heated debate. She was sitting in
Hagrid's chair,barely visible. Snape was on his feet.
"I still say Machiavelli-" Snape was saying. Then he said. "Pardon me,Headmaster.
Miss Simpson and I were having a most interesting discussion."
"Could I talk to her alone,Severus?"
"Of course."
"How were-"
"I'm not certain what's been done to them," Snape said. "May I use Veritaserum
on them tomorrow?"
"Yes,you may,Severus. But exercise caution."
Snape went to the cabin door.
"This isn't over,Professor Snape," Lisa said.
"It certainly isn't,Miss Simpson." he said, and went outside.
Dumbledore flumped down on Hagrid's bed.
"So...Fawkes consummated his Burning Day?"
"It was so beautiful,Professor. It was like the fire was alive."
"Where is Fawkes now?"
"I gave him some of those treats...and then Professor McGonagall took him back
to your office."
"Good. Good."
"Professor,that's not all. When Fawkes was burning, Ralph was there,too. He stuck
his hand in the fire-I'm sorry."
"You have nothing to be sorry about," Dumbledore said. "Where's Ralph now?"
"I don't know,I guess he went home. He...well,it was so weird. He put his
hand in and then pulled it out and his whole ARM was on fire...he shot this
jet of fire into the sky and spelled my name with it."
"If only I could've seen it."
"You really should have," Lisa said. "It was so cool."
"Well, I'm glad you saw it, Miss Simpson."
He stood up.
"It's getting late," Dumbledore said. "I'm sure anyone out there would gladly
walk you home. I don't want your parents to worry."
"All right," Lisa said.
"And don't worry," Dumbledore said. "Someone will be watching over you."
Outside, Tonks, Remus Lupin, and Hagrid were playing with Fang.
Professor McGonagall was showing Moody the book she'd been reading.
Snape-
"Professor Snape,would you walk me home?" Lisa asked.
You could've heard a pin drop.
"Yes,Miss Simpson," he said. "I will."
She reached for his hand.
After a moment of hesitation...he took her hand in his.
They left.
"He just wants to win their argument," Minerva said.
-----
The sun finally set, and the water shone like glass under the moon.
In the distance,a lighthouse stood,its light burning bright.
Harry sat on the edge of the boardwalk,next to Dumbledore.
The remains of their fish and chips sat nearby.
"Maybe I'll go for a swim tomorrow," he said.
"Is the water safe?" Harry asked.
"I'll test it beforehand."
A gentle spray floated through the air, clinging to them both.
"It feels quite inviting," Dumbledore said.
They sat there for awhile, again, in silence; it was enough,to be
in each other's company.
"That guy..." Harry said,after what felt like an eternity. He almost
wished he could stay here. Dumbledore would never hurt him,he knew that.
"What guy?"
"His hair turned white."
"Warren? What about him?"
"What did you say to him?"
"Well...I told him to leave town and if he looked back even once, I'd know
about it, and I'd put the Hypertrophus Mobilius curse on...on his nether
parts."
For the hundreth time that day,Harry felt his jaw drop.
"Then I had to explain it. He'd never heard of hypertrophy. I judge by your
reaction that you do?"
"I've heard about it," Harry said. "This guy choked to death on his own tongue
when it got too big for his mouth. Then there was another case where this
other guy...he needed three pant legs..."
"Well,I explained that the afflicted area would grow and grow
and most likely develop a separate consciousness and become independent of
his control. Then his hair turned white."
"You didn't even touch him," Harry said.
"Words can be more powerful than the sharpest sword."
Harry grew quiet again. There was another question; he didn't want to ask
it, but he did.
"Sir?"
"Yes?"
"Have you ever killed anyone?"
"Grindelwald," he said, after a time.
"Do you ever regret it?"
Dumbledore turned his eyes from the water to look at him.
"No," he said. "I don't."
The water lapped against the pier.
He his head against Professor Dumbledore's strong shoulder.
A nightbird cried out in the darkness.
---
In the distance
"Sir?"
"Yes,Harry?"
"I just wanted to say...even if we didn't find who we were looking
for,it doesn't matter...I had a great time today."
Dumbledore smiled. "As did I."
"Most of it was fun."
"That's what I meant,as well."
"Who do you think Voldemort's contact is?" Harry asked.
"I honestly can't say," Dumbledore said. "However,we did find ours."
"We did?"
"We certainly did."
"Who was it?"
"The fact that we did so without your noticing speaks volumes
about our success in extreme discretion."
"You can't tell me,even after we found...whoever it is?"
"Think about it a while. I'm confident you'll guess."
Harry began thinking.
The pier creaked; the boats nearby bobbed,tied down.
"Have you ever gone sailing?" Harry asked,still thinking.
"A number of times," Dumbledore said. "That's how I learned to tie knots."
That's what I'll do,Harry thought to himself. When it's all over,I'll
sail away,it'll just be me and the water-
Immersed in water, Harry kept thinking.
Dumbledore began humming to himself.
"What is that?" Harry asked.
"Hmmm? Oh...it's from Handel's 'Water Music.'"
"Could you hum some more of it?"
Harry's thoughts now had a soft,lilting musical accompaniment.
Finally,Harry smiled.
"I know who it is," he said.
"I'm sure you do," Dumbledore said.
Heavy,slow footsteps echoed off of the pier.
"Evening, Captain McAllister," Dumbledore said,without turning around.
"Yarrr...how was yer dinner,prafesser?"
"Delicious,thank you," he said.
He hovered over them for a moment.
Then,he sat down with them, gazing at the dark water.
