So here's the next chapter. But firstly I must warn you that the chapters probably aren't going to have all the same length, though we're trying to go them long enough. But the content of each chapter is already planned and it's possible the some are going to be shorter than others. Anyway, if you have comments, you can send us reviews, we'll be happy to read them. Ok, so now I stop babbling, and I leave you on this second chapter, which, by the way, is going to be a little happier than the first.
Oh yeah…I was forgetting… all the characters belong to JK Rowling except several nobodies.
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Chapter 2: The muggle life
Harry hurried to open his letter. Since the beginning of the summer, he had often neglected answering the numerous letters from his friends, so that eventually they must have concluded that he didn't want to talk to them. And it was partially true. In their first letters, Ron and Hermione wouldn't stop asking him how he was and bombarding him of questions and he wasn't in a mood to answer them by letters as long as the ones he received. Instead, he would simply write a few words or more likely he would put it back until later and he would forget about it.
However, he was refusing to admit that since the letters had started to become more occasional, he would have liked to have someone to talk to in order to distract himself from his dark thoughts. But when he learned that he was supposed to go spend the rest of the summer at his Aunt Marge's place, he couldn't restrain himself from sending a call for help. It was the first time this summer that he took the initiative of sending news (apart from a short note to Moody every three days to assure him that everything was fine) and also the first time he wanted to know what was in the envelope he received.
He was happy to recognize Hermione's neat handwriting.
Hey Harry,
How're you? I was really happy to receive your message yesterday. I was starting to think that you would never answer me and I've been worrying a lot about you. Anyways, I spoke with some Order members and it's out of matter that you go to your "aunt's" place. But it seems that in the moment everybody's extremely busy and there's nobody staying at Grimmauld Place. And besides, I suppose you don't really want to go there right now…
"That's a fact…" Harry thought before going back to his reading.
Thus I asked if it was possible for you to go to the Burrow, but they told me that it wasn't a safe place since it's a wizard house and it's quite unprotected actually. And anyways M. Mrs. Weasley are very busy working for the Order and they're not home very often. So I asked Dumbledore if you could come over to my place instead and he accepted. He says it's probably the best place for the moment. I invited Ron too (Ginny went to a friend's for all next week and so he's left alone at the Burrow). If it's ok, you just have to answer me as quickly as possible and my parents will come and get you by car tomorrow afternoon. I thought maybe then we could go for a tour in Diagon Alley. It's been an eternity since we last went there. Okay, so I think I'll let you time to answer.
Hope to see ya tomorrow,
Hermione
Harry was still unsure whether he wanted to see his friends or not after the catastrophic events that had marked the end of the year, but he certainly did not want to go listen to Aunt Marge's comments about him. So he easily convinced himself that a bit of company could only be good for him. Now he just had to convince his aunt and uncle too.
He found them sitting at the kitchen table. His uncle was reading the newspaper as usual and his aunt was busy preparing a plate for Dudley. He didn't have to start the conversation. As soon as he entered the room, his uncle raised his head and looked at him with a contemptuous glance.
-Hope you're done with packing…he said. I'm better not have to wait for you. Especially since it's thanks to you we have to leave.
So it was his fault? Really? Like if it were him who had asked the journalists to camp outside the house! Harry took several large breaths in order to stay calm.
- Well, no. Actually, I haven't done any packing….he answered
Uncle Vernon's face became purple. He seemed about to say something but Harry interrupted.
- For the good reason that I'm not coming with you…
-WHAT? Yelled Uncle Vernon. If you think we're gonna leave you here alone for three weeks! Plans for coming back to find the house in ruins!
-I never said I was staying here, said Harry on an exasperated tone. I'm going to my friend's place. They're coming to pick me up tomorrow.
-Your friend? Coming to pick you up? Not the freaks who destroyed our living room two years ago?
- No, that's not them. My friend's parents are Muggles and anyways she told me they were coming by car.
-SO, if I understand, you expect us to leave you here and tomorrow you'll be gone for the rest of the summer?
- You got it, said Harry. So everyone's gonna be happy.
His uncle frowned. He seemed to be evaluating the situation. He would have no choice but to realise he had no motive for refusing and anyways the temptation of getting rid of Harry was far too big.
- Very well, he said finally. But you're not letting them touch anything in the house. Actually, you're not touching anything that belongs to us either.
Harry left without another word. Back in his room, he drafted a short message telling Hermione that everything was ok. He was really grateful to her for inviting him like this at the last minute, consequently he could have made an effort and written her a real letter, but he told himself he was going to talk with her tomorrow and anyway he had nothing more to say.
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Harry spent the rest of the morning in his room. He began by packing his stuff, which he had scattered everywhere since his arrival. He realized it was doing him some good to do this cleaning. He hadn't mattered until now, mainly because he just couldn't see the point. After all, the mess in his bedroom was nothing compared to the one in his head. However, he was forced to conclude that there's no better way of clearing your mind than to put some order in your stuff. So when he was done with packing, Harry decided to tidy up Hedwig's cage, which, he must admit, really needed it. Finally, he began a complete clean up of the room. The result was quite positive, for the bedroom as well as for Harry himself. Whereas the room was now shining, doing something constructive had allowed Harry to forget about his preoccupations a bit. So, when he went down for lunch, he was in a best mood than he'd been in the previous weeks.
Then he came back to his room and lay down on his bed again. But instead of just staying there doing nothing as usual, he took out his favourite Quidditch book, Flying with the Cannons, from his trunk and began turning the pages for a hundredth time.
Around three in the afternoon, he heard the Dursley's car leaving the garage, and he concluded that they must be on their way to Aunt Marge's. He was alone until the next day.
That evening, in spite of his uncle's ban, Harry searched the fridge looking for something to make himself a good dinner, and he took advantage of the situation to eat more than usual (habitually, he preferred to avoid spending too much time in the same room as his aunt, uncle and cousin). Then, he went directly up to bed and fell asleep as soon as his head reached his pillow. For the first time in months, he had a dreamless night.
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The next day, he awoke quite late, around 10:30 in the morning. For a few seconds, in wondered why he wasn't hearing any sound at this time, but then he remembered that the Dursley's had left the day before. Harry had nothing to do apart from waiting for Hermione's arrival. He remained lying down for another hour, but when he began to think about Sirius and the prophecy again, he chose to get up and go take a walk. This was relatively efficient and it allowed him to prepare himself mentally to be in contact with other people again.
He came back just in time to have a quick lunch. He wasn't even done with the dishes when he saw a car stopping in front of the house. Moments later, there were several knocks on the door. When he opened, he saw Hermione, wearing Muggle clothing, standing behind it.
-Harry! She exclaimed.
Then, with a big smile on her lips, she threw herself in his arms.
-I'm so happy to see you!
Harry returned her smile. It was the first time he smiled since he had arrived here.
- My parents are waiting in the car. Your trunk ready?
-Yeah, it's all upstairs. Wait, I'll go get it.
-No, I'll come and help you, said Hermione before following him up the steps.
Less than a minute later, they were going back downstairs carrying the trunk, Hedwig's cage (the owl had already left) and Harry broom, a superb Firebolt.
- We're going directly to Diagon Alley, as I told you in my letter. You don't mind, do you?
-Not at all. But, hey, Ron's not supposed to be here? Harry asked.
-Oh…no, he said he would meet us there.
When they went outside, Hermione's parents came out to help them to pack everything in the car. Harry noticed that both had numerous common traits with Hermione. She did the presentations (it looked like she had already told her parents everything about Harry because their eyes lingered on his scar.) It annoyed Harry a bit, but he didn't show it. Then, everybody went aboard, Harry and Hermione at the back, and they left. During the trip to London, they talked about this and that. Harry was relieved that Hermione's parents were sitting at the front, because it delayed the moment when Hermione would ask him all the questions to which he hadn't answered in his letters.
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Hermione's parents left them outside the leaky cauldron, saying they had some shopping to do in the muggle part of London et and that they would come back to pick them up later in the afternoon. Harry and Hermione went in the pub. The place was a lot less crowded than usual. After the recent attacks, people probably preferred to stay home…
-Where are we supposed to meet with Ron? Harry asked.
- Flourish and Blotts…
- What, you're already buying your books when we haven't even received our book lists for next year?
- That's Ron's line, said Hermione with a smile.
-Yeah, well, when he's not there, somebody's got to replace him.
- As if we needed to hear Ron's idiocies all day long!
Hermione had said this on an exasperated tone, but it was followed by a small laugh, which implied that she was far from meaning what she had just said. When she noticed Harry watching her with a smile, however, her face took an embarrassed look and she checked her watch.
- We're early, she said. I think we should go to Gringotts first. I've got to trade the money my parents just gave me.
They did this and twenty minutes later they were waiting outside the bookstore, but with their pockets full of money. At last Ron arrived (half an hour late), carrying a small packsack.
-Sorry, he said. I started packing my stuff a bit late.
Hermione sighed.
- Err…can you tell me how you managed to put all your stuff in there, Harry asked, watching Ron's tiny packsack and thinking about his own trunk which left almost no space in Hermione's car.
-Oh…it's easy, Ron answered. Look.
He opened his bag and Harry saw that it contained at least ten times more stuff than it seemed. He thought he should have expected something like this.
- So, you ok, mate? Ron asked. I assumed Pig had lost my letters on the way…
-Sorry. Too many things to do…Harry lied, avoiding Ron's eyes.
-Oh…right. So where do we go?
Hermione insisted on entering the bookstore. Harry and Ron glanced at each other before following her. Whereas she was searching the shelves looking for the longest and most boring book, they talked about the classes they were intending to take for next year. Harry hadn't really thought about it and, now, he realized he was in a dilemma. Giving up his ambition of becoming an Auror, as well as Potions, or facing Snipe for two more years. Although anyway, as Ron pointed out, Snape required Outstanding OWL marks, which neither of them had the slightest chance to achieve. He decided to seriously reconsider his career choice. Did it really matter, after all? He wasn't even sure to live until then…He didn't say anything about it to Ron however and jumped on the chance to talk against Snape, though almost everything had already been said.
Then, Ron suggested to go have a look at Fred and George's joke shop. Harry and Hermione were very enthusiastic about this idea. Fred and George had made a memorable departure from Hogwarts the previous year, just before they opened their shop, and neither of them had seen the twins since.
-You'll see! All the things they've invented, it's crazy…Compared to that, Zonko looks like nothing! Ron told them on the way.
He had already visited the place several times. And he was right. When he entered the place, Harry couldn't help noticing that Fred and George had invented a lot more stuff than he'd thought. The wall was filled up to the ceiling. Harry glanced at a poster underneath which was a row of multi-coloured masks. Some obviously represented common animals like cats or owls, but there was also a bunch of magical creatures some of which were completely unknown to Harry. He read the poster: transfiguration masks. Single use…8 gallions each.
-Want to try one of these? Asked someone behind Harry. I suggest the poodle right there, we're really proud of that one. And you can have a special discount if you want.
It was Fred Weasley, Ron's older brother. His twin, George, was there too, greeting Ron and Hermione.
- Hello Harry, he said, turning towards him. So, what's your impression of the shop?
-Wow! You've worked quite a bit in two months!
- Well…you know, we can't really refer to it as work…we're having a real laugh inventing all these! Said Fred
- So, business going all right? Asked Hermione. I guess it is.
- Couldn't be better! We're swimming in the gold….I never thought I was going to say that one day.
-Except, since the attack, there's been a bit less customers, said George.
- A lot less customers…said Fred. Usually, there's always a line at the counter. But we're not complaining. It gives us some time to work out our new products.
- You're making it all here? Harry asked, interested.
- Yeah, we've got our workshop at the back. Want to see? Fred suggested.
They spent the rest of the afternoon trying all kinds of joke stuff. It had been a long time since Harry had so much fun. At last, they bought as much stuff as all the customers who'd have come hadn't it been for the attack would have, said good-bye to the twins, and went back towards the leaky cauldron, where they were supposed to meet with Hermione's parents. Hermione still had her hair raised in peaks on her head. When she had assured her parents that it was only a temporary effect, they all went into the car and left.
The trip did not last more than twenty minutes. Soon, they were coming to a halt in front of a beautiful two-floors house, in suburb area, which, Harry noticed, was a lot more welcoming than Little Whinging, where all the houses were almost the same.
They grabbed their luggage and went in the house. The entrance hall was not particularly big, but on the other hand the room was very well decorated and full of objects that reminded them that they were in a muggle house. The walls were painted in orange, but it was hard to notice since it was all covered with pictures of Hermione and her family. Ron opened his eyes wide and looked around him, looking impressed. Since he was living in a wizard family, Harry first assumed that he was fascinated by the telephone on the wall or the household appliances that could be seen in a closet which door was opened. However, Ron's eyes were now fixed upon a photograph that represented Hermione in front of the house. She was apparently 4 or 5 years old. She was wearing a pink dress with flowers on it and was carrying a doll in her arms.
Whereas Ron remained there, watching closely the small Hermione on the photograph, Harry turned towards the real one, smiling. Hermione was smiling too, but her face was very red and she had an embarrassed look.
-Hum…if you want, you can take all your stuff upstairs in your room instead of standing here, she suggested.
Ron came back to reality.
-Oh…hum…yeah, ok, he said. Huh…and where are we sleeping actually?
- In the guest room. Follow me, I'll show you.
They grabbed their stuff and went upstairs. When they reached the landing, they heard Hermione's father's voice, yelling from the kitchen:
- Don't take too long, we're eating in about two minutes!
- OK, we're coming! Hermione yelled back.
Then she led them to the guest room at the end of the corridor. It was a small room which contained nothing but a wardrobe, a bed and a mattress that Hermione must have added on the floor.
-I take the bed, said Ron, hurrying inside and throwing his bag on the bed.
- If you say so, said Harry, who went in too and carried his trunk to a corner.
Then, they went back downstairs. As they passed in the corridor, they saw a bigger room that was without doubt Hermione's bedroom. Ron tried to get a glimpse by the half-opened door, but Hermione closed it quickly.
-Anyways, there's nothing to see, she said. What would be the point, decorating when we're spending almost the whole year at Hogwarts?
Then they went to eat. The dinner was delicious. It seemed as though Hermione's parents had spent all the previous day cooking in order to welcome them in their house. They ate until they couldn't swallow anything more.
- Enjoy it, said Hermione. Tomorrow my parents are working and we'll have to make food by ourselves…
-What, you don't know how to cook? Ron asked, rather surprised that there was something Hermione couldn't do.
-Err…well, I guess we can't be good at everything.
- That's true, said her mother. Last time she tried to cook, she confounded flour and oatmeal. She was lucky though. I managed to save it and make a good cake…
Hermione had an embarrassed look on her face.
- Well, she said. I'm going to take a shower. Harry, Ron, you can just go in the living room meanwhile. I'll turn on the TV.
Ron seemed quite interested. He had never seen a television before, but there was no doubt he'd heard about it from his dad, who was fascinated by muggles and their inventions.
Hermione led them to the living room, a large and sober room, and, whereas they were settling down on the sofa, she turned on the screen, and changed the channel.
-There you go. You don't have to touch anything. And anyways, I suppose you know how it works, Harry?
He shook his head and Hermione left the room. Then, his attention went back on the TV.
Ron was already fixing it with an interested look. Harry, however, found it more entertaining to watch Ron's face. Ron remained entirely concentrated (something that was not usual for him) for several more minute, or until the end of the advertising break because then a presenter announces, with a voice similar to professor Binns', the beginning of a documentary on grasshoppers. Ron instantly turned towards Harry.
-What's that? he asked with a disgusted look.
-Discovery channel, Harry answered, looking at the logo at the bottom of the screen.
- Oh…so that's it, telesion? I thought it would be more entertaining…Dean told me you could watch sports…
- Television, Harry corrected. And it depends on the channel.
Ron raised an eyebrow, meaning that he hadn't understood a single word.
-Never mind…If I can get the remote control, I'll try to find the sports channel.
He got up and looked around him. Soon, he spotted the remote control on top of a shelf. He grabbed it and started zapping.
- How many are there? Ron asked.
-No idea, Harry answered. Actually, I think I can count on top of my fingers the number of times I've watched TV in my life.
-Wait! Ron yelled suddenly.
- What?
- Go back to the one right before…no, the other one…this one!
-Cartoons….ok….
Ron seemed to regain all his enthusiasm.
-Oh yeah…that's better! He said.
Then they went back silent, only laughing several times, while they listened with interest to the underwater adventures of…
-Spongebob Squarepants? Said Hermione, entering the room with a towel wrapped around her head.
- Yeah…what's the matter? You didn't think we were going to watch your stupid program on grasshoppers? Said Ron.
Hermione sighed exasperatedly.
- You could have made an effort and try to learn some things for once, instead of losing your time listening useless idiocies
-Idiocies? Excuse me…And could you tell me something? Why are you always criticizing me? It's Harry who changed the channel, but you're not saying anything to him!
- All right then…Harry, you should stop being influenced by Ron's ideas. It leads you to intellectual laziness.
Ron's face became red.
- Can you tell me, he said slowly, what's you find so amusing in insulting me all the time?
Hermione seemed about to say something harsh, but she decided not to.
-Sorry, she said.
She too was red in the face. Harry was starting to get tired of this. He was very much tempted to point out how immature their behaviour was, but provoking a conflict was the last thing he wanted to do, so he chose instead to change the topic.
-So, he said, what do we do?
-Huh…we could go and take a walk, Ron suggested.
- I'm not sure It's a good idea, said Hermione.
- Why? Harry asked, though he could guess what she was going to say.
- You know, with V-Voldemort and the Death Eaters who could be anywhere…And you must have heard about the attack on Harwright…it's not so far from here, and we're in wizardless area…I don't think Dumbledore'd agree that we take a walk at night like this when we're unprotected…
- Ok, fine, Harry interrupted.
- Oh, I'm sorry Harry, but you know, it was me who asked if you could come here, and I couldn't forgive myself if something happened to you or Ron. And, to be honest, I really don't want to come face to face with the Death Eaters again since the Department of mysteries.
-Fine, Harry repeated, we'll stay here.
He didn't want to be reminded of what had happened in the department of mysteries. Not now, when for the first time since he was thinking about something else. Suddenly, the feeling of joy he'd had since he left the Dursleys in the morning evaporated completely. The feeling of guilt, however, returned with strength. Harry wasn't only feeling guilty about what had happened to Sirius, he was also feeling guilty that he had risked his best friend's lives.
- Listen, he said, I'm tired. Does it bother you if I go to bed?
- No, go on, said Ron. I'm going to take a shower and then I'll do the same.
- Ok, so…see you tomorrow, said Harry, getting to his feet.
Hermione was watching him with a worried look. Apparently, she realized the impact her words had.
- Are you sure you're ok, Harry? She asked
- Yeah…. I'm tired.
He went up to his room, closed the door and threw himself onto the mattress on the floor without bothering to change into pyjamas. I didn't really know why he wanted to be alone so much. After all, it was the best way to make sure if would continue thinking about the department of mysteries for the whole night. What he knew, however, was that he couldn't bear the idea of seeing Ron and Hermione worrying about him when, because of him, they had almost died.
Suddenly, there were knocks on the door. Assuming it was Ron coming to sleep, Harry turned around and pretended to be asleep. Seconds later, he heard the door opening.
- Can I come in?
It was Hermione's voice. Harry remained still.
- Harry, I know you're not asleep. Please answer me.
Harry sat up and turned towards Hermione. She was observing him with a concerned look. He managed to smile weakly.
- Come in, he said.
She went in and sat down next to him.
- Harry, I'm sorry, she said. I shouldn't have said that. I now how hard it must be for you to be reminded of what happened.
He didn't answer. Hermione had a gift for understanding exactly how people were feeling.
- I know you must feel guilty, she went on. But it wasn't your fault, Harry. You couldn't have known. And you didn't force us to come with you, Ron, me, and the others. We all went there by our own will knowing what was waiting for us. And if something like this had to happen again, I wouldn't hesitate a second to follow you, even though I may be killed.
Harry turned away. Hermione seemed about to cry and Harry knew he would do the same if he remained watching her in the eyes.
- And Sirius too came by his own will. He wouldn't have been able to stay there waiting when others went to fight. You must not feel guilty for his d…
-Look, Hermione, I really don't want to talk about this right now, Harry interrupted.
- Well I think you should. If you don't, in a way or another it's going to explode someday. You must have realized that by now.
Harry remained silent. He was fiddling with his T-shirt's sleeve.
- There are so many things I could have done…, he said finally. To prevent all this. Everybody tried to warn me, but I didn't listen. I never practiced Occlumency, I didn't make the slightest effort to prevent the dreams. I wanted to have them, Hermione. I didn't think for a single second about why everyone kept telling me it was important that I learn to close my mind. And then, just before we went to the department of mysteries, you tried to warn me too, but I didn't listen to you either. I was so convinced that I was right…And I totally flunked.
He sensed a tear coming down his cheek. He looked at Hermione and saw that she was crying. She wiped her tears.
- You didn't flunk everything, she said. They didn't get the prophecy and that's what they wanted, right?
The prophecy…the second thing Harry didn't want to think about. Hermione didn't know what it said and Harry wasn't sure he was ready to tell her. He was still finding it hard to accept himself…
- I wonder what it said, Hermione said as though she'd read in his mind. But I guess we'll never know.
- I…Harry began.
He hesitated. He would have no choice to tell his friends about the prophecy someday, so maybe he'd better do it now…And, after she'd faces the Death Eaters with him in the department of mysteries, she had the right to know…
- What? She asked.
But at that precise moment, Ron entered the room.
- Hello, he said, what're you doing?
-Talking, Hermione answered, wiping the tears with her hand once more. But I think I'll go to bed now. Night, Harry. You too, Ron.
She left the room. Ron sank on the bed whereas Harry was lying down again onto the mattress.
- Sure you're ok, Harry? Ron asked.
- Yeah…
- Ok…so…good night.
- Night…
Ron was already snoring. Harry remained awake for a long time he finally managed to fall asleep. Even though his discussion with Hermione had not eased his feeling of guilt, it had done him some good to know that wasn't mad at him and she had also made him realise that his friends were still there for him. He had another dreamless night.
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Harry woke up late the next day. Still half asleep, he took a look at his watch and realized it was almost 10:00. Then, getting up, he noticed that Ron wasn't in the room. His pyjama was on the bed along with half the stuff in his bag, which he probably had to empty in order to find his muggle clothes. Harry assumed Ron must have gone downstairs to have breakfast. He decided to go and take a shower before he went downstairs too. He grabbed his stuff in his trunk and went to the bathroom. On the way, he saw that Hermione's bedroom door was opened. She must have gotten up a long time ago too. When he reached the end of the passageway, he indeed heard Ron's and Hermione's voices coming from the kitchen. It seemed as though Hermione was explaining to Ron how to use the dishwasher.
Harry took his shower quickly. He suspected that his friends must be wondering if he intended to come down at all and he didn't want them to worry for too long. He felt a lot better than the previous night since he'd after a good sleep and he had unconsciously taken the resolution to have a good time with his friends instead of making them suffer his bad mood.
Fifteen minutes later, he was joining them in the kitchen. Ron and Hermione smiled when they saw him.
-Harry! Good to see you! I thought you wouldn't get up until the evening…said Ron.
-Are you ok, Harry? Hermione asked.
- Yeah, he assured her. So…I guess you two've already had breakfast.
- Yes, but there are some toasts left, said Ron, handing him a plate.
Oh, thanks, said Harry, taking it.
When he was done eating, the three of them went to sit down in the living room. They remained there talking for the rest of the morning. Harry told them all about the journalists. He had only mentioned it the letter he had sent and now his friends were eager to know more. While Ron was saying loudly all the insults he knew (some of which Harry had never heard) about the journalists, Hermione was questioning Harry in order to know all the details.
- Ok, so you haven't done any magic? She asked. Because remember what happened last year. And this time it could really be a disaster if…
- I've told you three times, I haven't done magic! Harry interrupted. I took out my wand, but I didn't do any spell and I never intended to. It was only to scare them. And anyways, the ministry isn't supposed to have anything against me in theory.
- Maybe, but Fudge is still minister for magic, and after last month's humiliation, I bet he hasn't forgiven you.
Then the discussion went on the topic of Fudge and the ministry. At some point, Ron got up to go to the toilet. As soon as he left the room, Hermione turned towards Harry.
- Harry? You know, the thing you were about to tell me yesterday when our discussion was interrupted…
It was true. He had almost told her about the prophecy. But now that he was in a good mood again, now that he was having a good time, he didn't want to confide this to Hermione anymore. He knew this would spoil their summer holidays and he himself wanted to bury the prophecy into the deepest of his head and to not think about it again until he was forced to.
- Drop it, he said to Hermione. It was nothing important.
- But…she began, but she chose not to insist.
Then, when Ron got back, she looked at the clock and noticed it was already two in the afternoon.
-Are you hungry? She asked.
- Well know that you ask…yes, said Ron. So, what are we eating?
- No idea, Hermione answered. But I warn you, it's not going to be something very complicated. Maybe sandwiches…
- Too bad we can't use magic, said Ron. You just have to cast a few simple spells – simple for you anyway – and you get all-prepared food.
- All-prepared food…Hold on! I've got an idea! Hermione exclaimed
- What? You're not intending to do magic are you? Because if that's the case, you said it yourself, we're gonna be in a lot of trouble…
- No, I'm not going to do magic. Muggles have another way of getting all-made food…
- You mean ordering it? Harry asked.
- Yeah…I've got the pizzeria number on the fridge…we could order a pizza…
- Good idea, Harry approved.
- What's a pizza? Ron asked.
While Harry was doing his best explaining him, Hermione went in the kitchen to get the paper on which the phone number was written.
- So, we have to order a pizza with the feletone?
- Telephone Ron, Hermione corrected, and we have to call at the pizzeria first. Then a guy's gonna come and deliver it here.
- Ok. So can I call? Ron asked, looking interested.
- Huh…I doubt it's a good idea…
- Come on, Hermione, I learned the lesson last time. I know how to use it now.
- Huh…ok…if you say so…so you just dial the number and when somebody answers you speak without yelling and you ask for a large all-dressed pizza. Right?
Ron grabbed the paper, the phone, and dialled the number.
- …Hello?
Harry and Hermione sighted in relief when they heard him speak on a normal tone.
- Huh…yes…I'd like to order a large all-dressed pizza…………………………..No, I don't want gherkins…………………………no, I don't want onions either……………………yeah ok………………………… yeah, I want it delivered………………………..Address? Huh……..
- 26, Oak Street, Hermione whispered.
- Huh……………26 Oak Street, Ron repeated in the receiver……………………………Credit card????? What's that???
- Tell him we're paying cash!
- We're paying cash!………………..ok….huh………….twenty-two and fifty?
He turned towards Harry and Hermione.
- How much does that make in wizard money?
- Ron, quiet! Hermione whispered.
- What?………………………No, forget what I just said ok?…………………….no, never mind!………………………………damn!
- What? Harry and Hermione exclaimed at the same time.
- I think I pressed a button and now there's a strange noise……listen…..
Hermione took the receiver.
- Ron! You cut off the line!
- What? Oh! Sorry!
- I don't think they're gonna deliver the pizza, Harry pointed out.
- So what do we do? Call back? Ron asked.
- No! Hermione exclaimed. We already look like idiots, we're not gonna call a second time.
- So what do we do? Harry asked. I suppose we can call somewhere else…
-Yeah but I don't have any other number, said Hermione, and I've got no idea where my parents put the phone book.
- Great…so we go for the sandwiches?
- I guess…
- Unless…Hermione, there wouldn't be any restaurants around here?
- Yean, a few streets away, but as I said yesterday, I think we'd better stay here.
- Come on, Hermione! Said Ron. It's daytime, there's gonna be a bunch of people and apart from the order member, nobody knows we're here. Plus I don't want to eat sandwiches, so for once stop being paranoid. We're not going to be in danger if we go out to eat at a muggle restaurant.
Hermione frowned, but didn't answer.
- Please, Hermione, said Harry. When I was at Privet Drive, I often went out and took walks and nothing ever happened.
- Oh, alright, she finally said. But we're putting our wands in our pockets just in case.
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20 minutes later, they were entering a fast-food type restaurant. They bought some food (Harry ordered for Ron) and they went to sit at a table at the back.
- It's bizarre, all the things the muggles eat, Ron commented, swallowing a handful of French fries. But it's good.
- Yeah, as long as you don't eat it too often, said Hermione. My parents wouldn't like to hear we've gone to a fast-food.
Hermione's parents were indeed dentists and Harry had already noticed that their fridge was full of nutritive food instead of all the chips, cakes and chocolate that were filling the Dursley's fridge since Dudley had stopped his diet.
While they were eating, Harry noticed the man sitting at the table next to them. He was almost positive that he'd been staring at them a few seconds before. In any case, he had turned away very quickly when Harry had looked at him. After a minute, he risked another look and then it was Harry who turned away almost at once.
- Look at the man next to us, he whispered to Ron and Hermione. I'm sure I've seen him in the street just after we got out of the house.
- You think he's been following us? Hermione asked on an alarmed tone.
- I don't know, but I think we'd better not hang out here for too long, and we should make sure he doesn't follow us on the way back to your house.
Hermione opened her mouth. Harry had the impression she was about to say something like "I told you we should've stayed inside", but Ron spoke first.
Calm down, he said. It's possible that he simply decided to go to the restaurant at the same time as us. And if he's actually following us, we've got our wands. Don't tell me we can't defend ourselves at three against one.
Hermione didn't look the slightest bit reassured. Harry, him, had a strange feeling. He had glimpsed the man in Oak Street, but he was almost certain he had already seen him before. The man's face was vaguely familiar, even though he couldn't tell who it was. What made him worry, however, was that he didn't know a lot of muggles. So it was safe assume that this man was a wizard. But what would a wizard be doing here? Apart from spying on them…However, he chose not to make Ron and Hermione worry too much, so he decided to wait until they were back in the house to tell them this.
- Ok, I'm done eating, said Ron. What do I do with this? He asked, pointing at his cabaret in which he had put all his wastes.
- There's a bin over there, said Hermione.
- Ok…so we throw our stuff out and then we leave at a run? Ron asked.
- No, that'd look suspect, Hermione whispered. Ron, you're gonna go with our three cabarets and throw the wastes out…Meanwhile, Harry and I are gonna stay here. Then, you're gonna come back and tell us you've seen my parents car outside, loud enough for him to hear. Then we're gonna leave and turn around the corner so that he doesn't see us leave on foot.
- Ok, said Ron. But I just remind you that this guy's probably one of your neighbours who's had the same idea as us.
He went away with the cabarets nevertheless. Harry took another furtive glance towards the man. He had already seen him, he was sure of it, but where? In what circumstances?
He was drawn back to reality by the voice of an employee, which was resonating in the whole place.
- Hey, young man! You don't throw the cabarets in the garbage!
Harry and Hermione turned around at the same time. They saw the employee coming to a halt in front of Ron and the bin.
- Oh…. sorry! He said, his face becoming red.
-Sorry? You think they just fall from the sky, those cabarets? Well they don't, we have to pay them you know!
- I'm sorry! Ron repeated. I'm gonna get them back.
And with a disgusted look, he put his hand in the garbage in order to get the cabarets out. Then, he walked towards the boys washrooms, his sleeve dripping with the liquids that were in the bin.
-Oh no! said Hermione, turning back towards Harry. We must not hang out here…I have a bad feeling.
- Me too, said Harry. We'd better go get Ron and leave now.
They stood up at the same time. Harry couldn't help noticing that the man was still staring at them. He forced himself to remain calm and walked towards the washrooms.
When he entered, he saw Ron who was attempting to clean his sleeve.
- Forget it, he said. I prefer we get out of here as quickly as possible.
- What? What's the matter?
- I'll tell you when we arrive.
Ron followed him outside, where Hermione was waiting for them. The man was still sitting at the table. They got out of the restaurant as discreetly as possible. Once outside, they looked through the window.
- Look, he's getting up! Ron exclaimed.
Indeed, the man was now walking towards the exit.
That way, quick, said Hermione.
They ran through the parking and then turned right on a small street.
- We're going to cut by the neighbour's backyards, said Hermione. Hurry up, before he spots us!
She made them turn in an alley. They crossed the backyard and found themselves in a small wood.
- My house is right on the other side, said Hermione taking back her breath. If we managed to turn in the alley without being seen, then we should get back safe.
- Let's hope so, said Harry.
They started running again, zigzagging through the trees. Five minutes later, they were entering the house and locking the door.
- D'you reckon he saw us? Harry asked.
- No, I don't think so, said Hermione. But there's no doubt he was following us and I have the impression that he was already spying on us before we left the house.
- And who the hell was he? Ron asked. Why would this guy spy on us?
- Listen, said Harry, I don't know who he is, but I've already seen him somewhere before. I'm almost positive he's a wizard.
-What? Ron exclaimed.
- Are you sure, Harry?
- Yeah, I couldn't be surer. But as I just said, I haven't got a clue who he is.
- We've got to tell the Order, said Ron.
- Oh yeah, and why? Harry asked. If there are wizards spying on us, then we've got no chance of sending an owl without it being intercepted.
- It's still worth trying, Ron insisted.
- No, Harry's right, said Hermione. There's no reason why the Death Eaters would know we're here. Maybe they do, but if that isn't the case, then by sending a letter, we take the risk that they intercept it and get some information from it. I'm quite certain this man is a wizard and I find it suspect too, but as long as we haven't got any proof, we'd better not try to communicate with the Order unless something happen again.
-So we're just gonna stay here as though nothing happened? Ron asked unbelievingly.
- Yes, Hermione answered. But there's no way we're going to go house of this house again.
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That's it. I know it was long…according to my original plan, it was supposed to be a lot shorter, but I had some ideas while I was writing, so here's the result. I hope you liked it even though it's quite different from the first chapter. If you didn't like it, please don't give up now: the next ones are gonna be totally different. Some will be a lot darker, I warn you. But we thought it might be good to put a bit of humour to lighten the story a bit. Anyways, I promise a lot more action in the next chapter. But before, don't forget to review!