Chapter 8: Threats and Family
Author's Note: My schedule has not been conducive to writing lately but here's chapter eight for your reading pleasure!
Elanus and Gene sat calmly in a small London park; carefully watching the people come and go. The last few hours had been interesting to say the least. In Elanus' hand was the charred remains of some circular device. He turned it over occasionally, staring at it in disbelief.
"Are you sure it wasn't me that did it?" asked Gene.
"I'm quite sure, uncle, in fact I think we might have ended up like it if you hadn't panicked," Elanus said, pulling a small magnifying glass from his coat. He carefully examined the device and muttered to himself.
"I wouldn't have called it panic, I was startled is all," Gene replied, looking over at the device.
"Yeah, Yeah," Elanus said jokingly, "What do you make of this?" he asked handing his uncle the magnifying glass and device. Gene looked the device over with the glass and Elanus pointed out what he was talking about.
"Two small copper rods, fused together," Gene said.
"Any idea how?"
"Electricity," Gene said, "See the coloration," he said, handing the device back to his nephew.
"I do use electricity in my devices but just a small amount to turn a motor or a clock," Elanus said, "Not enough to do this. Fuse didn't blow, but the diode is shot, it couldn't have overloaded."
"Why not?" asked Gene.
"The fuse would have blown, besides the diode is fried, means it had a surge in the wrong direction," Elanus replied, "Besides all that, it's just a watch battery, not really enough power to hurt anything, even if it exploded."
"Do you think someone did this intentionally?" asked Gene.
"It's possible, but I've never seen or heard of anything that can do this, and I'm the only one with this particular device," Elanus replied.
"I thought all the Unspeakables had them," Gene said.
"Not like this, this one is special," Elanus said, "I added some extra 'privacy' features to it."
"Aaah," Gene said, "Well how do we get to Hogwarts?"
"That's going to be tough," Elanus said, "The Hogwarts Express doesn't exactly take on passengers every day."
"Can't we just drive or walk there?" asked Gene.
"I suppose we can," Elanus said, "If Potter and Weasley can find it in a flying car, we should be able to as well."
"I don't suppose you have a flying car?"
"Nope, no money either, only thing we got is our clothes and Maria's lizard," Elanus said, pointing to a small cage on the ground next to the bench. Elanus reached into his coat pocket and retrieved his wand.
"Oh bloody hell," Elanus cursed, "The wand is fried too. I guess that leaves out calling for a bus."
"Maybe Samuel can fix it when we get to Hogwarts. We aren't getting any closer sitting here though. Let's see if we can find some help," Gene said, standing up. The older man began walking towards the small lane that ran beside the park and began to head off in a seemingly random direction. Elanus hurried to gather his things and started off with his uncle.
"Where are going?" Elanus asked.
"Well, I have twenty five American dollars in my pocket," Gene said, "That should come out to about twelve pounds, maybe a little more. I think if we could find a bank and exchange them we could get a cab to Surrey. Perhaps my sister will help us out from there."
"What from there?" Elanus asked.
"From there we'll at least know where we are," Gene said.
"True," Elanus said thoughtfully, "You aren't on good terms with Vernon though. What makes you think he'll let her help?"
"Never underestimate people," Gene said, "He's a good man, misguided and a bit greedy but a good man."
The two men walked for what seemed like hours until they found something familiar. By chance they had found themselves in an obscure part of downtown London. Several people were kind enough to give them directions to a small bank that might be able to help them out. They arrived at the bank late that afternoon. It was a small, quaint, white marble building and by the looks of it, very old. The two walked into the bank, which was empty except for a few tellers and customers. Gene approached a teller and reached into his pocket.
"What can I do for you sir?" the teller asked.
"Well, my nephew and I have been victim of some unfortunate circumstances, and all we're left with is twenty five American dollars. Would it be possible to get them exchanged so we can get a ride to Surrey?" Gene asked, placing the money on the counter.
"We're not an exchange sir, but I'll see what we can do," the teller said, motioning for a bank manager. An older looking gentleman in a black suit stepped up beside Gene and Elanus and asked what the problem was.
"They're wanting to exchange some money," the teller said, "They said they've been robbed. I told them we weren't an exchange."
"Robbed isn't exactly what happened, but yes we have been unfortunate today," Gene told the man.
"How much are you looking to change?" the man asked.
"Twenty five American," Gene said.
"That's what? Twelve pounds? That's barely enough to get one through the day, and you do look like you've walked a great deal," the manager said, pulling a billfold from his pocket, he counted out several paper bills and took the money from the counter. "Here's twenty five pounds sterling," he said, handing Gene several small bills.
"I couldn't," Gene said, "That's over twice as much."
"Nonsense, I insist," he said, and Gene reluctantly took the money.
"Could I have your card?" Gene asked, "So I can properly thank you later."
The manager shrugged and handed Gene a small white card embossed in gold. "Think nothing of it," The manager said, shaking Elanus' and Gene's hand and walking off.
"Excuse me," a young man said, tapping Gene on the shoulder.
"Yes?" asked Gene.
"Did you say you were headed to Surrey?" the young man asked.
"Yes why?" asked Gene.
"Where abouts? My wife and I are headed home, perhaps we could drop you off and save you the fare if your destination is on the way," the young man said, indicating a short blonde haired woman next to the bank's door.
"That's very generous," Gene said, "We're heading to Little Whinging, number four Privet Drive to be exact."
The young man's eyes lit up, "Why that's the Dursley residence, not but a few blocks from where we live. Come on we'll get you there."
Gene and Elanus looked at each other and shrugged and followed the man out the door along with his wife. "Not to be a bother, but they don't exactly know we're coming, mind if we find a telephone and call them?" Gene asked. The young woman smiled and pulled a cellular phone from her purse and handed it to Gene. "You can call information, just hit memory and then seven," the young lady said. Gene nodded and stepped off for a moment just out of hearing of the young couple and Elanus.
"I didn't catch your name," Elanus said, offering his hand to the young man.
"Oran Smithers," the young man said, shaking Elanus' hand, "This is my wife Tiffany."
"Elanus Green, pleased to meet you both," he said shaking both their hands, "That's my uncle Gene Evans over there."
"What relation do you have to the Dursley's?" asked Tiffany.
"That's a bit complicated," Elanus said, "We're somewhat distant family though."
"Aaaah," Tiffany said, raising her eyebrow, then looked away.
A few minutes later Gene walked back and handed Tiffany her phone and thanked her. "They said we could stay the night, and they'd help us on our way tomorrow," Gene said.
The couple led Gene and Elanus to their car and let them in the back. Soon they were leaving London and on their way south to Surrey.
"Where are you chaps from?" asked Oran.
"Originally, I'm from Manchester but I moved to the US as a young man," Gene said.
"I'm from Manchester as well," Elanus replied.
"Funny, you don't talk like you're from Manchester," Tiffany said, looking back at Elanus in a mirror, "More of a Londoner accent. That lizard you're carrying does speak to the American part."
"You'll have to excuse my wife," Oran said, "She's overly perceptive and somewhat suspicious of some things. It's really none of our business."
"It's alright, I've been somewhat removed from home for a long time," Elanus said, "No offense taken. You are very perceptive."
The ride went on for some time longer. After about an hour they finally pulled into Privet Drive. It was a typical middle class neighborhood, neat yards, nearly identical houses, and practically everyone had the same type car. Oran pulled up to the sidewalk and the two men stepped out of the vehicle. Gene thanked Oran and walked up to the house and knocked on the door. It was answered by a large man in his middle years. The man waved to the Smithers and watched them drive off.
"Gene, so glad to see you," the big man said, shaking Gene's hand.
"Vernon, this is Elanus, my nephew on Annie's side," Gene said.
Vernon shook Elanus hand, and eyed the caged lizard suspiciously, "What is that?"
"Oh, this?" Elanus said raising the lizard, "It's a gift for a friend, you don't mind do you? It can stay outside."
"As long as it doesn't make a nuisance of itself and stays in that cage, I'm sure Petunia won't mind. Come in!" Vernon said, showing them into the house. A thin woman walked into the living room and grinned with surprise.
"Gene! Vernon said you were coming, I didn't believe him at first but here you are. You should have told us you were flying in, we would have picked you up. What kind of trouble did you get into?" Petunia said, hugging Gene, "No matter, you two are probably famished and travel worn. Go get cleaned up you can borrow some of Vernon's clothing and I'll put those in the wash."
The two thanked her and Vernon showed them to the lavatories. He gave them each a set of clothing, which were far to large for them. After they had each cleaned up Petunia took their clothing and returned soon after.
"You men sit in the living room, I'll fix you something to eat. We have left over roast and potatoes, or if you'd like I can fix you breakfast food," Petunia said.
"Roast is fine," Gene said, "Thank you for helping us out."
"Who's that?" a boy roughly Vernon's size, although quite a bit more muscular asked, pointing to the two strangers on his living room sofa.
"This is your uncle Gene and cousin Elanus," Vernon said, "This is our son, Dudley."
"Pleased to meet you," Elanus said shaking Dudley's hand, "That's a firm grip you have. Are you a boxer?"
Dudley nodded, "How did you know?"
"You have just have the look of a winner about you," Elanus said.
"He won the regional championships last year," Vernon said proudly.
"You must be very proud," Gene said, "I was a boxer in my younger days too. It's a proud sport, but not to be used outside the ring. You can really hurt someone."
"Oh I know," Dudley said, shaking Gene's hand, "I got in a fight last year with these hooded men.." He said trailing off because of the look his father gave him.
"He had a rather nasty mix up last year," Vernon said, "We don't like to talk about it much."
Gene nodded and smiled, Elanus raised an eyebrow at Dudley and shrugged slightly. Soon Petunia came into the living room and announced that their meal was prepared. Elanus and Gene sat down at the kitchen table and ate with much vigor and enthusiasm.
"How long has it been since you ate?" asked Petunia.
"Not since this morning," Elanus said, "In Texas."
Petunia counted on her fingers and then retrieved more food from the refrigerator. "That means you haven't eaten in almost two days counting the flight over. Please help yourselves, poor things," Petunia said.
"You're very kind," Elanus said.
"So how did you two end up in the middle of London with no clothes, almost no money and lost?" asked Vernon.
"It's a long story, but our luggage was lost, so to speak. We got lost outside the airport, since we're both citizens we didn't have a lot of rubbish to go through at customs, though I think it would have been better if we had. After haggling with public transportation system we somehow ended up in a small park near a school. Luckily we found a bank and some kind people willing to take us here," Gene said, "We should have just called you two."
"Yes you should have, next time you come please let us know, I'd be glad to have you," Vernon said, in a somewhat irritated manner, "There's no reason to put yourself through that when you have family right here."
"Thank you," Gene said.
"I know you've been through a rough time, but I've been thinking a lot since you called," Vernon said, "I know this isn't the time to talk business, but I'd like to apologize for how I acted to you all those years ago. You have to understand, I was young and impetuous. Now I know why you didn't want to help my company out all those years ago."
"Why's that?" Gene asked, somewhat skeptically.
"It's obvious to me now. You're an American now, you didn't want to get involved with some upstart drill company thousands of miles from home. I was far too bold with what I asked. We're not an upstart anymore though, we've grown tremendously in the last several years and I'd like you to be a part of it," Vernon said, retrieving a small cardboard box from a kitchen counter.
"Vernon I don't know," Gene started to say.
"Just hear me out, I won't bother you about it anymore. Everything is cordless now, phones, computers, and even power tools. I took the liberty of having one of our drills brought over," He said, opening the box and revealing a small cordless drill shaped like a large cylinder, "I know this looks like an ordinary electric screwdriver but our engineers have really worked hard on this. This is our most powerful hand drill. It's suited for everything from around the house work to professional grade machining. The battery lasts for more then six hours of heavy use. I want you to take this and use it, if it's not the best drill you've ever used I'd be surprised. Keep it, whether you like it or not and you can get back to me when it's convenient and we can talk about setting up an overseas account with someone you know maybe?"
"I didn't know you were such a salesman," Gene said, "Alright, I'll use it, but it doesn't look powerful enough for what I'd be drilling."
"Trust me, it's a marvel of a drill, there's another machinist I know that uses this model to drill holes in engine blocks on cars," Vernon said, "It's delicate enough to use around the house too. Right Petunia?"
"Oh yes, I used one to repair the door on my antique cabinet just the other day," Petunia said, "I was surprised how easy it is to hold."
"Thank you, Vernon. I'm sure I'll be quite impressed," Gene said.
"Now if you use it for really heavy work, there are some instructions on what to do to prepare it. For some jobs it needs a special battery that adds weight for ballast. It's all in there though," Vernon said.
"Well, I'm sure our guests would like to get some sleep, you can use the, uh, guest room," Petunia said, "It's upstairs, Dudley can show you."
"Thank you, ma'am," Elanus said, "Now, I insist we wash the dishes."
"No, don't bother yourself, I'll do it," Petunia said.
"Well, if you're anything like Uncle Gene, I know better then to argue," Elanus said, bowing slightly and Dudley showed him to the guest room. Gene watched Elanus leave and smiled at Petunia.
"Petunia, darling," Gene said, "I know about Harry. Why didn't you tell me Lily had a son? Or died in the first place?"
Petunia looked a bit shocked, "Is that why you came?"
"No, no," Gene said, "Not at all, I'm just curious."
"We never told anyone Petunia had a half brother, because we were afraid what people would think," Vernon said, "I'm sure you can understand, we weren't on the best terms you know. We didn't want Harry knowing a great many things either, his mother and father being who they were."
"Wizards?" asked Gene.
Petunia and Vernon looked frightened as Gene spoke the word. They looked at each other carefully before saying anything. "You're a religious man, you of all people should understand our distaste for this magic business," Vernon said.
"I understand your distaste for things that are out of the ordinary, yes," Gene commented, "I don't hold a grudge, nor do I have anything really against how you've raised the boy. I've met him, he's a good young man of strong character, much like his aunt and uncle. There is a part of me that wishes I had been able to know him sooner, though."
"How do you of all people know about wizards?" Petunia asked.
"Annie was from a similar situation, Petunia. Her brothers and sisters could use magic, she could not. Elanus up there is a wizard, a very high ranking one at that," Gene said.
"We have a wizard in this house!" Vernon boomed.
"Hold on Vernon, he's more 'normal' as you'd say then any wizard you'll ever know," Gene said, "I practically raised the boy from the time he was eight or nine."
"He won't be using magic here will he?" Petunia said breathlessly.
"Couldn't if he wanted to, his wand broke," Gene said, "Don't worry yourselves about it, we'll be out of here tomorrow. Thank you for your hospitality."
"Gene, we didn't mean it like that," Petunia said, "We've just had some bad experiences with, his kind."
Gene laughed, "Well Elanus is one of his kind that you'll never have problems with. If you'll excuse me I am very tired. It's good seeing you two again." Gene made his way upstairs and found the room Elanus was sleeping in. Elanus was in a small room that had barely more furnishings then a bed and a chest of drawers. He had a bed made on the floor and was currently lying in it.
"This must be Harry's room," Elanus said, "They used to keep him in the cupboard. You take the bed, I know how you old people get, what with the back and bad hips and all."
"Yeah I'll show you old," Gene muttered, purposefully stepping on Elanus on his way to the bed. Gene got into the bed and fell asleep fairly quickly.
Elanus, however, didn't go to sleep as fast as his uncle. He couldn't help but think of all he and Harry had in common. Though they were very different people and he stayed with his own aunt and uncle because he didn't want to be a wizard, much was the same. Ultimately he found he was very good at wizadry, and that things were not so bad at Hogwarts or in the wizard world. He quietly stood up and stared out the window at the neighborhood and relaxed at how quiet it was. A laugh nearly escaped his mouth when he realized the angle he was standing at the window. Off to the side, so no one could see him. He spent so many years moving in the shadows that he instinctively kept himself hidden when it was perfectly safe. His smile quickly faded when he spotted a figure standing just across the street. At first he thought it a passer by, or a resident of the neighborhood. The figure was perfectly still, and watching the Dursley home. It stood there too long to be coincidence Elanus decided.
Silently Elanus walked downstairs and slipped through the back door. Wishing he had his invisibility suit or at least his wand, he jumped over the fence and crouched beside the house. The figure pulled a wand and what appeared to be a long knife from his robes and moved silently toward the house. Elanus said a quick prayer under his breath and crept behind the man, as it was obviously a man. The robed wizard pointed his wand at the doorknob, which turned with only a barely audible click. Slowly opening the door, the wizard walked inside.
Taking the opportunity, Elanus sprang at the wizard, knocking him over with a loud thud. Quickly, Elanus tried to disarm the man of his knife. The man was too quick, and managed to cut Elanus' arm. Grunting, Elanus punched the man square in the face. Unphased the robed man nearly managed to throw Elanus off of himself before Elanus twisted the knife from his hand. The two wrestled for several moments and it seemed the intruder was about to have the upper hand. Suddenly the lights came on and the sound of a gun cocking was heard.
"Drop your weapon or I'll blow you into next week," Vernon said angrily. The wizard pointed his wand at Vernon, only to have it snapped from his hand by Gene.
"What's going on?" Dudley said sleepily, "Oh," he said when he realized his father had a shot gun pointed at the burglar.
"Call the police, dear," Vernon said to Petunia, who had just then walked into the living room, and screamed.
"He's a wizard, someone will just break him out and Oblivate the police," Elanus said, holding his arm, "Best to just shoot him now."
Vernon shrugged and pulled the trigger on his gun back one click. The wizard screamed then started to get up to run. "I wouldn't do that, it's loaded, I was just getting it ready to fire," Vernon snarled.
"I wouldn't either," Elanus said, "He hates wizards. I'm not certain but I don't think he'd mind seeing one less wizard if the moment presented itself. He's a marksman too, I daresay he could put a slug between your eyes at fifty meters."
"What do you want from me? I don't know anything!" the wizard cried.
"Dudley, why don't you get something to restrain our prisoner?" Elanus said, "A chair and some rope, duct tape, or maybe just a drill and some metal screws."
"Yes, sir," Dudley said, running to the kitchen.
"Mrs. Dursley, would you be so kind as to get me some bandages, I'm getting blood on your carpet," Elanus said, "Uncle Gene would you hold on to our guest for a moment." Petunia hurried off and returned soon with a roll of bandages, a wet cloth and some antibiotic cream. She carefully dressed Elanus wound and stopped the bleeding. Dudley came into the living area with a large roll of grey duct tape and a metal folding chair. Gene roughly placed the man in the chair and secured him with a generous amount of tape, being careful to wrap the hands completely.
"Vernon, I want you to place the barrel of that gun against his forehead, so he can feel it," Elanus said, "If he moves his eyes towards anything but me, you or the barrel of that gun I want you to pull both triggers. Do you understand?"
Vernon grinned and pushed the gun against the man's forehead, visibly impressing the skin. The wizard started to sweat profusely. Elanus straightened his pajamas and stared at the wizard.
"Who are you?" Elanus asked, "Why are you here?"
"Yngwie Bradsson," the wizard stammered, "I was sent to follow you."
"For what purpose? By whom?" Elanus asked.
"I can't tell you that, they'll kill me," Yngwie said.
"With all due respect, if you don't tell him, my brother in-law will kill you anyway," Gene said. Yngwie groaned as he tried not to look at Gene, which made Elanus laugh.
"Listen here boy," Elanus said, staring Yngwie in the eyes, "I don't really care what happens to you. All I want to know is why you were following me, why you thought it would be a good idea to break into a muggle home, and why it is that my uncle and I were nearly killed earlier today. If you won't cooperate I'll be forced to leave you in the hands of these muggles or call in some of my friends. You do know who I am correct?"
"You're Elanus Green, head of the Department of Mysteries," Yngwie said, "I know your reputation. I was sent to kill you two as painlessly as possible."
"Who sent you?" Elanus asked.
"I can't tell you that, you don't know what they'll do," Yngwie said.
"I can take your wand here and make you think that you're a glass of orange juice for the rest of your life and then you can spend the rest of your days in a mental institution in America where no one will ever be able to find you," Elanus said prodding Yngwie with the wand, "On the other hand I can also make sure that no one finds you and you live the rest of your life well cared for on a tropical island in the Caribbean."
"It was the New Emergence Council," Yngwie said, "They want you out of the picture. You and your family are to dangerous to let live. They have plans for the wizard world, and they fear you'll get in the way of those plans."
"I see and what can you tell me about this 'New Emergence Council'?" Elanus asked.
"Very little," Yngwie replied cautiously, "Only that they want you dead."
"Vernon, lower your weapon if you please," Elanus said. Vernon lowered his gun carefully and stood back. "I'm going to give you a choice," Elanus said, "I can let you go, and you'll clean up this mess and I'll give you a safe place to go to where you'll not be bothered by anyone. Or we can keep you prisoner here and let the muggle police deal with you after Vernon clubs you over the head with his gun."
"I'll take the first option," Yngwie said.
Elanus cut Yngwie's bonds and handed him his wand, "You try anything and you'll be dead before you can leave," he said then nodded to his uncle. Yngwie nodded and waved his wand. In an instant all the broken things in the Dursley living room repaired themselves and were set in their proper place. Elanus wrote down an address and gave it to Yngwie and sent him out the door. Soon the wizard was gone.
"I didn't know you could be so cruel," Gene said to Elanus, with a disapproving tone to his voice.
"It was necessary to keep his concentration off magic," Elanus said, "You never know when a wizard can cast spells without a wand."
"He couldn't have cast a spell here if he wanted to," Gene said.
"He did not know that," Elanus said, "I did not want him to find out either. Don't look at me like that, you know very well I wouldn't have killed him."
Gene shook his head and went upstairs and Elanus apologized to the Dursley family. "I'm sorry for the trouble we've caused you," he said, "You all may be in danger now, if you know of a safe place to go for a while, I would do just that."
"I won't be intimidated by a bunch of cowards and freaks who threaten my family," Vernon said stiffly, "Find them and make them pay. Don't worry about us, we'll be fine."
"I'll make sure someone keeps an eye out for you," Elanus said.
~*~
Hogwarts slept quietly but Samuel could not. His father and cousin hadn't come in yet and he was worried about them. Elanus would have sent an owl, a message or something. Samuel reasoned that they were probably just delayed getting some of the supplies he'd requested or were having no luck finding a lizard for Maria. Still this wasn't like them. Elanus' secretary was muggle born and had a telephone. Usually when they needed to get word to each other they used the post office or if it was urgent he would call or e-mail Elanus' secretary when she was home and she'd deliver the message to him when she arrived at work. If they were still in Texas and were delayed an owl would have reached the school hours ago. Something was definitely wrong and he felt helpless to do anything about it.
Slowly he slipped out of his bed, being careful not to wake Maria. Unlike himself and most of this family, Maria was blessed with the ability to sleep easily. Insomnia was a problem for all of them and Samuel was thankful that it probably wouldn't affect him too much in the morning. Silently he walked out of their quarters and padded around in the hallways barefoot. Most teachers wouldn't be out this late, and only the ghosts, the paintings, Filch and the resident poltergeist would be up this late. Only them unless some students had gotten brave this early in the year and decided to sneak out.
Walking up and down the halls, pacing in a practiced rhythm his thoughts turned to the year prior. No one had walked away from Hogwarts unchanged. It was the first year in anyone's memory that the majority of the students could see the normally invisible horses that drew the carriages outside the castle. The students were tough now, and while the fringe benefits of experiencing battle first hand did some of them a lot of good, he wasn't sure that was the case with all of them. He worried more then he ever had, regret occasionally crept up on him like a cat stalking its prey. Sure the God of his faith took care of the worry but it was so hard to let it all go sometimes.
Now instead of worrying about children, he worried about two grown men who were both more then capable of taking care of themselves. It just wasn't expected or even normal in any case. Realizing that no matter how many times he rehashed it in his own head, it wouldn't make his father and cousin come any quicker. More then anything it was his inability to go looking for them that bothered him the most.
Sighing he went back to bed, slipping under the covers so silently that his wife barely moved as he did. Wrapping his arms around her gently, he thought of how grateful he was to know where she was, and where his brother was at as well.
