Chapter 8 – Who's that with McGonagall?
Harry Potter and the Valeru
By Lady Urquentha
PG – 13
Disclaimer: All characters belong to J. K Rowling, the exception being any OC characters that might wander in. The plot is my own, and even that may have been influenced by stories I have read in the past. Any resemblance to real events or places is entirely accidental.
Telepathic speech
Beast Speech
Chapter 8
Harry thanked his uncle shortly as he stepped out of the car, dragging his trunk with him. Passersby spared him only a cursory glance before hurrying on. Most people didn't carry trunks around them in the middle of London, but a quick notice-me-not charm had fixed that, and no-one would notice the massive trunk he carried. Any wizards watching him would see the trunk, but put the fact that muggles didn't seem to see it down to muggle weirdness.
Harry stepped into the Leaky Cauldron, and hurried to the back of the shop. The Leaky Cauldron was full, and few people saw or took notice of him, especially with the changes that he had revealed. He was a couple of inches taller, and more muscled, which in itself reduced his likelihood of being recognized. He drew his wand and tapped the required bricks on the wall outside. Within moments, the arch that led into Diagon Alley was open. Harry crossed beneath it, and it closed up again behind him.
Harry weaved through the crowd, heading towards the big marble building he could see in the distance. As he neared it, he saw a group of five red-heads and a brunette. Grinning, he sped up.
He approached the group silently, listening in.
"...is he?" a sixteen year-old red head was saying, "he said he'd be here at 10 am. It's already 9:59."
"He said he'd be here at 10, so he's not late," the youngest red-head snapped at her brother.
"What if his family didn't let him come?" the brunette fretted.
"He would have owled us then," the youngest one answered firmly.
"It's ten o'clock," the first speaker announced, "he's late."
"Oh, I think not, it'd have to be 10:01 before I was late," Harry said in a teasing tone as he stepped forward. The group whirled around to stare at him,
"Oy!"
"Where is he?" Ron demanded of his mother, "he said he'd be here at 10 am. It's already 9:59." Ginny rolled her eyes; her brother was really panicking today, because his friend wasn't early.
"He said he'd be here at 10, so he's not late," the youngest Weasley snapped at her brother.
"What if his family didn't let him come?" Hermione cried.
"He would have owled us then," Ginny told her firmly. Both of them, as bad as mother hens.
"It's ten o'clock," Ron anounced, "he's late."
"Oh, I think not, it'd have to be 10:01 before I was late," a masculine voice said behind them. Ginny whirled around to stare at him, aware that the rest of her family did the same.
"Oy!" she breathed. Harry grinned at her.
Gone was the Harry Potter who had said goodbye to them at Kings Cross two months earlier, the 5 ft 4 in, skinny, pale fifteen year-old. In his place, was a five foot, six-inch teenager with tanned skin. He wasn't exactly muscular, but neither was he a weakling. His emerald eyes gleamed with mischief, the sorrow gone. He no longer had the 'I'm the sorrowful weakling hero at the bottom of the world' posture, instead he was confident and self-assured. His body language would convince anyone that he could handle himself.
"OH!" Fred said slowly.
"MY!" George continued.
"GOD!"
"WHAT!"
"DID!"
"YOU!"
"DO!" George finished in turn. Harry grinned at them,
"Hi, guys," he greeted them.
"What did you do, Harry dear?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"Just did some working out, and eating properly," Harry shrugged, "my body must have been making up for all the growing it missed in my first sixteen years."
Harry waited for the Weasley's to recover their composure as all five plus one stared at him, mouth open. He himself had a fair bit of recovering to do. Ron, Hermione and Ginny had all changed as well.
Ron was even taller now, at least 5 ft 7 in. His skin was tanned, and his muscles were much more obvious. His flaming red hair had darkened in tone slightly. Hermione had grown from an awkward teenager to a beautiful young woman. Her height now was about 5 ft 6, and her brown hair flowed down her back in gentle waves. The dark blue spaghetti strap with pale blue jeans just accented her curves and figure without making them seem too big. Ginny was about 5 ft 5, with her red hair cascading over one shoulder. A black sleeveless shirt with a yellow sparkling design emphasized her lightly tanned arms, and the knee-length black jean skirt showed off her slim legs.
"You guys have changed too," he commented.
"We haven't figured out how they managed to change so fast," Fred sighed in mock misery.
"So, where do you need to go?" Mrs. Weasley asked him.
"Gringotts," Harry said, "I need to get more money to go shopping."
"Give me your trunk first, dear," Mrs. Weasley took out her wand. She tapped the trunk, shrinking it and placing a lightening charm on it. Harry took it back and pocketed it. The group hurried up into the marble bank, and Harry approached a goblin.
"I would like to make a withdrawal from my vault," Harry told the goblin, handing over the key.
They dropped by the Weasley vault first, where Mrs. Weasley collected every coin into it. Harry bit his lip and kept his eyes averted. He never had liked the fact that the Weasleys, who were the nicest family he'd met, were so poor, and the Malfoys, who were almost as bad as Voldemort, were so rich.
When they reached Harry's vault, Harry scooped about fifty galleons into a bag that he had brought with him. He left it quickly, not feeling very good about the whole thing. He was very quiet throughout the journey back to the surface.
"Thank you," Harry told him. The goblin bowed and returned to his station.
Exiting the bank, Mrs. Weasley turned to them,
"You have four hours to do all the shopping and wandering you want," she told them, "meet me back here at 2:30." Harry nodded,
"Come on, guys."
"So, what do you guys need to get?" Harry asked, as they wandered away.
"Books, new robes, potion ingredients," Hermione sighed, "...everything, basically."
"Let's head to Madame Malkin's then," Ginny suggested. The four of them started off towards the robe shop.
"Hey," Ron said suddenly, "who's that with McGonagall?" Harry twisted around to see who Ron was talking about, and felt his jaw drop. Coming towards them was Professor McGonagall, in her customary green robes, but at her side was a girl Harry recognized. She was about 5 ft 6 in, with long wavy black hair that reached her waist. Her eyes were a gentle sky-blue, and her features gentle. She was slender and almost fragile looking. She wore a light blue wizarding robe, with no other jewelry except a pair of sapphire earrings. Harry shut his mouth, still staring.
"Potter, Granger, Weasley, Weasley," McGonagall said stiffly as she approached them, "this is Carmen Cortez, who will be joining Hogwarts this year in sixth year. She has transferred from Beauxbaxtons. She'll be going back to Headquarters tonight, can you take her back with you." McGonagall looked rather hassled, probably wasn't used to taking her students shopping.
What are you doing here? Harry demanded of her silently.
Aunt Ingrid and Uncle Gregorio decided that you might need some back-up, Carmen replied, so here I am.
How are we going to manage this? We can't reveal we know each other, Harry inquired.
Why not? Say I lived near you during primary school, so we know each other, Carmen suggested.
"Of course, professor," Hermione said quickly, "we'd love to. As long as she doesn't mind shopping with us first." Carmen shrugged,
"it's fine with me." Harry noticed a faint French accent in her voice.
I see you've been working on that, he noted.
"Good," McGonagall nodded, "I'll see you back in school then." With that, she turned and strode off.
"Carmen?" Harry exclaimed aloud.
"Harry?"
"You two know each other?" Ron looked puzzled.
"Yeah, she lived a couple of doors away when we were younger," Harry answered, "before she moved."
"To France," Carmen elaborated, "I'm a native British, but I've spent the last eight years in France. I didn't know the Dursleys were magical, Harry."
"They aren't," Harry replied, "I'm the only one."
"So your aunt is a squib?"
"No, my mother was muggleborn," Harry answered.
"Oh...you're the boy-who-lived, aren't you?" Carmen managed to look embarrassed, "I didn't put it together before."
"Yes, but it doesn't matter, I'm still Harry," Harry assured her quickly, "your own parents did a good job of hiding their powers though. How are they?"
"My parents are dead," Carmen said flatly, "I moved because they died." Hermione gasped,
"Oh, I'm sorry," she said sympathetically. Carmen shook her head,
"it's fine. I've had eight years to get used to it, and my aunt and uncle are virtually my parents now."
"Um...shouldn't we introduce ourselves and then move along," Ron said suddenly, "we've got to be back here at half past two."
"Right," Hermione nodded, "I'm Hermione Granger." Hermione held her hand out. Carmen shook it warmly.
"Ron Weasley," Ron added, "and my sister, Ginny."
"It's a pleasure," Carmen replied, flashing Ginny a friendly smile. Ginny grinned back, rolling her eyes at her brother.
"So, Carmen, do you need to buy anything?" Hermione asked. Carmen shook her head,
"no. My aunt and uncle have made sure I've got everything I need."
"Well, we need to go to Madame Malkin's," Ginny piped up, "Hermione needs new robes. Mum's getting Ron's and mine though. Harry?"
"I'm fine with mine," Harry answered, "just the battle robes." In reality, he'd had robes for school tailored for him at the BSS, just like Carmen. They looked exactly the same as normal, but were more smoother against the skin, more durable and were charmed to repel stains, spells and potions as well as to stay out of the way during potion brewing. The sleeves were also spelled to allow him to hide weapons and potions up them. But he had to get battle robes or his friends would wonder why he didn't get them. He'd use it during school, but if it came to a real fight, he'd use his other one.
Upon entering, Hermione and Harry approached Madame Malkin, as the others lounged around near the door.
A few minutes later Harry was looking at different designs, materials and colors for battle robes, all of which had been approved by Hogwarts for school use. At last he pointed to a design made up of an over-robe that could be fastened up at the front.
"That design in emerald green battle silk with gold thread," Harry requested. The one he'd requested was a long, ankle length over-robe hemmed with runes for healing, protection, life and safety amidst lions and phoenixes. The robe itself was also lightly adorned with protective embroidery. The material was a sturdy but light material that was comfortable.
While Harry's battle robe was being fixed, Hermione selected her own battle robe and a new dress robe. Her dress robe was more muggle than wizarding; a pale blue dress with thin straps, that was tight to the waist and then swirled gently around her ankles. The heavy skirt was layered, but almost unnoticeably. Silver glitter sparkled all over it, and elaborate gold embroidery decorated the waist, hem and collar. Over that too went an open pale blue robe. Her battle outfit was a full, ankle-length pale blue robe with bronze embroidery in healing and protective runes on the hem, cuffs and collar.
After they'd paid for their robes, they joined the others and headed towards Flourish and Blotts. Once inside, Harry picked up a basket and began to search for his school books, Carmen trailing behind him.
Books
All sixth year students should have a copy of each of the following according to their subject:
Advanced Book of Spells (Grade 6) by Miranda Goshawk (Charms)
Spells You Ought To Know by Jacob Techni (Charms)
Complicated Spells For Simple Results by Michael Asberth (Charms)
Advanced Transfiguration by Emeric Switch (Transfiguration)
Transfiguration In A Duel by Henry Jailth (Transfiguration)
Advanced Magical Drafts and Potions by Thomas Alferth (Potions)
The Dark Arts: How To Fight 'Em by Alvin Beamer (DADA)
What's A Dark Curse by Sebastian Anguifer (DADA)
What To Do When You Face The Ultimate Evil by Samuel Marston (DADA)
Destroy the Dark by Helberth Manith (DADA)
Advanced Plants and Herbs by David Rhein (Herbology)
Magical Creatures of the Deep and Sky by Joseph Patchwork (COMC)
From The Wand To Sword; A Dueler's Guide by Marshall Elliot (Dueling)
The Marshal Arts; A Beginner's Guide by Marshal Elliot (Dueling)
Weapons by Marshal Elliot (Dueling)
To Shield Your Mind by Christopher Plummer (Occulmancy)
Who's Invading Your Private Space by Donald Asperth (Occulmancy)
Fighting Leglimancy by Christian Gerald (Occulmancy)
Harry sighed, and began at the first section, Charms. He drifted through the shelves leisurely, selecting his course books. After Harry had paid for his books, he and Carmen joined Ron and Ginny as they waited for Hermione to finish. Ron rolled his eyes as they spotted Hermione going to the counter with a stack of books so high that she couldn't see over it.
"Is she always like that?" Carmen inquired of the two boys and Ginny.
"Always," Ron sighed, "her idea of 'light reading' is a five inch thick ancient book."
Once they left Flourish and Blotts, they headed to Feline Furballs, for Hermione to get food for Crookshanks. At Ron's request, they visited Quality Quidditch Supplies. While his friends browsed, Harry collected a new broomstick care kit, and a strategy planner. The strategy planner was simply a miniature Quidditch field complete with players. You could instruct them in what to do and they would show the move or combination.
"We've got an hour left," Ginny announced, "shall we drop by the Ice Cream Parlour or go to Weasley Wizard Wheezes?"
"Ron's brothers' joke shop," Harry explained to Carmen softly.
"The joke shop," Ron dragged Hermione and Ginny down the street. Harry and Carmen followed them, laughing.
As the door of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes opened, Harry shot in, hoping to avoid the prank that they had no doubt set up. Indeed, no sooner had Ron stepped into the doorway, when a bucket of magical paint dropped on top of him. Harry grinned, and then broke out laughing. Ron was dripping wet, and the paint was flashing different colours.
"Prat Paint!" George's voice yelled, "flashes all the colours of the rainbow, and doesn't come off for 48 hours. Only 5 galleons for a litre." The twins emerged out of the shadows grinning,
"Nice outfit, Ron," Fred smirked. Ron glared at them and stumped in. Harry shook his head, he still hadn't gained any wits.
Hermione and Ginny came in, careful to avoid the splashes of wet paint on the floor. Fred whipped his wand out, and muttered something under his breath. Harry didn't quite catch the words, but he could guess that it was a counter-spell. The paint vanished, although it stayed on Ron.
"Who's your friend, Harry?" Fred winked suggestively.
"Oh, right. Fred, George, this is Carmen Cortez. Carmen, these two prankers are Fred and George Weasley. Or as they prefer it, Gred and Forge," Harry smirked, "McGonagall dropped her off with us today, she's going to be staying at Headquarters until school starts." Fred grinned unrepentantly.
"So, what brings you lot to our fine establishment?" George asked.
"I'm curious in a few items," Harry answered, "I'm thinking of taking your places in Hogwarts."
As if you haven't had enough practice over the last nine years, Carmen commented.
"Come with us, buddy!" Harry ignored Hermione's outraged look, and followed Fred, with Ginny, Carmen and Ron close on his heels. Hermione chose to remain in the main part of the store with George.
Fred let them into a small office at the back of the store and locked the door once all four of them were inside. He walked over to one of the two desks, and tapped it. A drawer shot open, and Fred picked up a thick, leather-bound book from it. He set it down in front of Harry,
"Weasley's Wizard Wheezes's Guide to Pranks," he told him. Harry grinned evilly,
"Think of what we could do to Malfoy, with that," he murmured.
"You can have it, if you promise to wreak havoc on the Slytherins," Fred said. Harry's eyes lit up,
"Done! How much is it?" Harry opened his money pouch.
"Nothing," Fred waved him off, "you're our little brother's best friend." Harry shook his head,
"That doesn't feel right. Tell you what, I won't pay for the book, but each prank we play using the book, you'll receive two sickles?"
"Deal," Fred shook his hand in the age old sign of a deal. He tapped the book,
"Copiare!" a second copy of the book appeared beside it after a few moments. Fred shrunk the copy, and handed it to Harry, who pocketed it.
"Thanks," Harry said, smirking.
"No problem," Fred said, unlocking the door.
Fifty minutes later, Harry was paying for pranking items. He'd bought some of everything in the shop, thinking it well worth the money.
"We're spending most of our time here, we go home only to eat and sleep," George informed Harry as he took the money, "so you won't see much of us." Harry nodded,
"I'm sure the thing you guys gave us will be more then enough," he said.
"Just don't get caught with it, we don't want everyone knowing about the pranks inside," Fred warned, "it's got the counter-spells in it as well." Harry grinned,
"Sure thing." The five of them hurried back towards Gringotts, Hermione lecturing them about behaviour all the way.
Mrs. Weasley was waiting for them on the steps.
"Hello Carmen," she greeted the girl warmly, "Professor McGonagall spoke to me about you. We'll be flooing back to Headquarters," she informed them briskly, "from the Leaky Cauldron." Harry sighed, he hated flooing. Apparating and teleporting was so much better, because they were instantaneous, and you had the feeling of weightlessness while you were doing it.
"All right, Ginny you first," Mrs. Weasley told her daughter. Ginny groaned, but tossed in a pinch of floo-powder. She stepped in,
"12 Grimmauld Place," she said in an undertone and then vanished.
"Hermione?" Mrs. Weasley offered her the pot. Hermione stepped into the fire, and was soon gone.
"Harry?" He took a pinch of the powder and tossed it into the flames,
"12 Grimmauld Place," he said quietly. He began to spin, as he shut his eyes tightly.
When he felt himself slowing down, Harry opened his eyes. Soon the living room of Sirius's old house came into view. Harry stepped from the fireplace, brushing himself off. He raised an eyebrow at the sight of both Hermione and Ginny on the floor. Clearly they had tumbled from the fireplace and hadn't had time to get up before he came through.
Harry stepped aside, as first Ron and then Carmen and finally Mrs. Weasley appeared.
"Harry, you're sharing a room with Ron," Mrs. Weasley told him, "Ron, why don't you show him to the room? Carmen, you'll be with Hermione and Ginny." Ron nodded,
"Right. Come on."
"Let me un-shrunk his trunk first," Mrs. Weasley said, drawing her wand again. Harry tossed his trunk to the floor casually, and it was rapidly enlarged.
"Thanks," Harry said. He dragged his trunk behind him as he followed Ron up to his room, mentally preparing to be bombarded with questions.
A/N: I hope you like this chapter, it hopefully isn't too boring.
E.N. LOVE THE CHAPTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! REVIEW PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!