A/N: This chapter is mostly a filler chapter. It hints on what is to come and shows how the war is not only affecting Harry and his friends (though, those are the only people we hear about in the books). Enjoy.
CH5: Help Us (Interlude)
"People killing, people dying,
Children hurting hear them crying.
Would you practice what you preach?
And would you turn the other cheek?
Father, father, father, help us,
Send some guidance from above.
'Cause people got me got me questioning
Where is the love?"
July 10
In a dark, dreary room, deep in the heart of a forest, in a galaxy far, far away – okay, not a galaxy, just London – there sat two men.
"It's time for you to pick a recruit, Tompson. Have you chosen yet?" the first man asked, leaning back in his chair. His graying hair flopped into his eyes.
"I want him." The second slapped a newspaper on the table.
"Potter? What - ?"
"He's perfect for this, Sir. He's a Natural." The younger one looked somewhat giddy at the news, while the other looked slightly shocked.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I've been watching him for the past few days - "
"But - "
The young man ignored him. "- and he gets visions. Visions of what the Dark Lord is doing. He took Occulmency lessons during the past year, to block them, but ... the teacher was bad. He used the wrong technique and he didn't even show Potter how to hide his thoughts. But when the new guy came in this summer ... he could shield his mind in two days."
"I'll admit that's impressive. However - "
"The kid snuck out the other day. He doesn't like being cooped up, so he left. He got straight past all of the Order of the Phoenix members that are watching his house. They didn't even know he was gone until a member that Potter had to 'deal' with got a message to them."
"Really?" He raised an eyebrow.
"And he went to Diagon Alley. He's You-Know-who's biggest target and he waltzes right into the middle of a group of wizards. He even had a chat with Tom, the bartender of the Leaky Cauldron, about what is going on in the world. He calmly stated that if he was going to be attacked, he might as go where he wants to."
"Interesting."
"He said You-Know-Who's name. Right in front of anyone. He knew the whole room was listening to the conversation, but he said it anyway. He's fearless. Absolutely fearless."
"This is all well and good, but - "
"He has great reaction time, too. Someone pulled a wand on him and he just flipped the guy over. Pinned him right down on the floor. Using Muggle methods."
"Kyle - "
"You can't deny what he's already done. You've heard the stories, I know you have. The Philosopher's Stone, how he slayed a Basilisk, producing a corporal Patronus that drove back a hoard of Dementors when he was thirteen. The Triwizard Tournament. And facing the Dark Lord five times and surviving."
"He's the one of most recognizable faces in the world. It'd be awful for undercover - " the older man pointed out.
"He's a Metamorphmagus. He's only just started his training, but ...."
He sighed. "Alright. You've got your protégé. I hope you're up for it, though."
"I love a good challenge," Kyle smirked.
Dear Mr. Harry Potter,
Hi. My name is Laurie Morgan Saran. I am seven years old. I like dragons. I hear the big kids down the street talk about you a lot. They said you are very brave and that you defeeted the Dark Lord when you was just a baby. I don't know how. Id be scared. They also said that he killed your mommy and daddy. He killed my daddy too. Just a little bit ago. I miss him. And mommy is sad. She cries all the time. Could you help her? Make her happy again? Please. She misses daddy as much as me. Do you miss your mommy and daddy?
Your friend,
Laurie
Morgan Saran dried her eyes on her apron. It was getting harder to get up in the mornings. She snorted to herself: whoever said that grief would get easier with time deserved to have their teeth pulled out.
Before she let herself sink into despair, she heard her daughter's giggles from the living room. Her beautiful Laurie. She was the only thing that kept her going anymore.
As Morgan started to make breakfast, a snowy owl flew through the window, carrying a small package.
"Who's owl?" said a voice behind her. Morgan whirled around, always jumpy these days. It was her best friend, Samantha Kenton, who held her hands up in surrender. "Whoa, just me."
"Hello, Sam," she answered robotically. It was the same every morning.
"Who's owl?" Sam asked again.
"I don't know. It's addressed to ... Laurie, come in here honey."
Laurie came skipping into the room, blond curls bouncing. Her eyes widened as she saw the box.
"Is that for me?"
"Yes, sweetie."
The little girl shrieked in delight as she pulled back the cover ...
... and out flew a small model dragon.
"Wow," she whispered, petting its head. The dragon rubbed against her hand. "What kind is it?" She looked up at Sam expectantly.
"A Hungarian Horntail." She shot a puzzled look towards Morgan, who was deeply immersed in the letter with the package.
Dear Laurie Saran,
Yes, I do miss my parents. And I'm sorry about your daddy. I'm sure he was a nice man and will be missed by everyone.
As for your mommy, she's going to be sad for awhile. Loosing someone is a terrible thing for anyone to go through. While I can't promise you that she'll ever totally be happy again, I can promise that she'll get better in time.
Laurie, wherever your daddy is right now, he's watching you. He'll always be there in your heart. A person is never truly gone as long as you remember them.
Please tell your mommy that if she ever needs anything, she can always come to me.
And dragons, huh? I'm sure you'll enjoy my little gift then. Take care of him. Oh, and his name's Hungry.
Your friend,
Harry Potter
A smile crept across Morgan's face as she read the letter.
"Laurie, did you write to Harry Potter?" she asked, grinning. Sam smiled as well.
Laurie suddenly looked sad. "I just ... wanted you to get better."
Morgan pulled her daughter onto her lap, the dragon flying around both of their heads, and handed her the letter.
Laurie looked up when she was done. "So, you're happy now?"
"I'm fine, hon. Just fine."