Come Back

Chapter Eight

Let it Begin

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Harry Potter's Return

It has been reported that several days ago, the famous Harry Potter was found alive. Harry Potter was reported dead almost three years ago under very mysterious circumstances. However it seems that his death was not well investigated.

Mad Eye Moody reported to the Daily Prophet late yesterday that Mr. Potter was found alive and safe. His location is unknown at this time. We were not able to obtain any information regarding his three year absence but we were told he is in good heath and eager to return to the wizarding world. For information on Harry Potter and why he is famous please turn to page five.

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Back at the Burrow, Hermione sat reading today's Daily Prophet in the living room. Everyone was gathered around listening intently. When she finished reading she turned to page five to see if there was more information.

"Page five is just a biography on Harry, nothing that we don't already know." Hermione said as she handed the paper over to Harry.

On the front page, just above his article was a photograph of him from his old interview with Rita Skeeter. Harry was slightly surprised that the paper didn't find out more information on the matter. But he guessed that they reported exactly what the Order told them, and Mr. Weasly seemed to think it best that they didn't know too much.

"I'm surprised they couldn't find a newer photograph, surely they had some from your sixth or seventh year?" Ron asked, more to himself than anyone else.

Harry got up and started to pace, "Well, now everyone knows, I just hope our plan of ours works. I hope we have everything under control, I couldn't live with myself if something happened."

Ginny who was sitting beside Hermione on the couch got up and went over to Harry. "It's okay Harry, try to relax. Nothing has happened yet and we will be ready when it does." Ginny gave Harry a hug.

"Thanks Ginny." Harry took a quick glance around the room to see if anyone was watching, when no one was, he gave Ginny a quick kiss.

Just then a loud rapping sound came from the kitchen window. Fred got up to see what it was, he re-entered the room with a piece of parchment in his hands.

"Harry it's for you." Fred said as he handed over the note.

Harry,

I would like for you to make a public appearance in Diagon Alley today. Stay to the main street and try to keep yourself in crowded areas, I daresay that won't be difficult once people recognize you. You can take one other person with you, but do not travel with the whole family it will obviously give away your whereabouts. Do not stay long; make it seem as if you are there to go to the bank or to pick up an item or two. Be careful Harry and stay alert.

Mad Eye

Harry read the letter to the whole family, and when he finished they all looked slightly alarmed.

"Well, I suppose that the Order wants the world to see you for there own eyes. A lot of people still don't trust the paper, given it's shaky past and all." Ron said while looking at Harry.

"You can come with us Harry; we need to go into the shop anyway." Fred said pointing to George.

"No boys I think it's best that he goes with only one person, like Mad Eye said." Explain Mr. Weasly to Fred and George.

"I'll go with you Harry, it's not like the death eaters will be roaming around Diagon Alley anyway." Ginny said while putting an arm around Harry's waist.

"Sounds like a plan then." Mr. Weasly said.

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Diagon Alley felt just as strange to him as everything else has, except here the shops and streets were busy so he had a lot more people to deal with. In Hogsmead he was able to pull his hood up, but here he wanted people to see him, he felt awkward. As Ginny and Harry made their way down the street towards Gringotts people kept staring and pointing in his direction. They were almost at the stone steps of the bank when one witch called out, "Hey look, it's Harry Potter!"

Harry could hear people talking frantically as they started walking towards him. Ginny who was has holding onto Harry's arm tightened her grip slightly as a crowd was forming around them. They were almost to the top steps that lead into the bank when a loud booming voice called out to him and caused Harry and Ginny to turn around.

"So it's true then, Harry Potter has returned." Came the voice of Tonks. Harry, who was trying to not smile at Tonks, realized that Mr. Weasly must have sent her to help stir up the crowd.

Harry wasn't given the chance to say anything, too many people were shouting questions at him. Harry felt like he suddenly became star at a rock concert. A few flashing lights were coming from a reporter and their camera man who had madehis way to the front of the crowd. The reporter was an older man who was wearing dark red robes and a pointed hat. There was odd looking tablet of parchment in his hands and a Quick-Quotes quill was scribbling wildly on it.

The reporter called out, "Mr. Potter, would you mind answering a few questions for the Daily Prophet?"

"Only a few." Harry said. "I'm very busy." Harry suddenly found himself enjoying the situation slightly, but he kept a stern face as if he was thoroughly annoyed by it all.

The reporter went on, "How do you explain your three year absence?"

The crowd around Ginny and him suddenly went quite at this question. "I'm not going to say too much about that, all I'll say is that I did not intend to leave and I just want to forget that it ever happened." Harry said truthfully.

"What will you do now that your back? Will you take a job somewhere?" Asked the reporter.

"I'm not real sure what I'm going to do yet. Right now I'm just trying tocomfortablewith everything again." Harry replied.

"Where are you staying at, the leaky cauldron?" He asked.

"I'm sorry I can't say any more. That's enough questions." Harry said as the crowd started making noise again and the reporter looked disappointed.

Harry and Ginny headed into Gringotts both smiling widely. Ginny gave Harry's arm a slight squeeze as they stood waiting inside of the bank. Both of them had no real need to be there, and the goblins behind the counter were starting to eye them suspiciously. Harry thought he better withdraw some money or they were liable to throw them out.

Harry and Ginny emerged from the vaults sometime later, and to Harry's relief the crowd of curious shoppers had dispersed by the time they set out onto Diagon Alley again. They started out on the path back to the Leaky Caldron, hoping to avoid another crowd, when a hand slapped Harry hard on the back. Ginny jumped as Tonks walked around to face them.

"Good job Harry, the Order will be proud. Listen I'm to give you another message; you and Ginny are to go back the Burrow. The rest of the Order is at headquarters, they want you two to stop by for dinner around seven, I think they are planning a bit of a welcome home party."Smiled Tonksas she gave Harry a small wink. "Well, I'll be seeing you Harry, Ginny."

Tonks apparated with a loud crack as Harry turned and smiled at Ginny. "A welcome home party? Did you know about this?"

"No, honest Harry…I'm sure this was my mothers doing." Ginny said while smiling back at Harry.

Harry and Ginny made there way into the Leaky Cauldron and flooed back to the Burrow. It was odd being there when everyone was gone, the house seemed to quite. However, standing there looking at Ginny, he suddenly found himself grateful that they were all gone. He could finally be alone with Ginny without worrying about everyone watching them. They had the whole afternoon to themselves and Harry wanted to seize the time they had.