From the Ashes - Chapter 1
Harry stood on the platform at the Hogsmeade station waiting for the next train to London. Hermione and Ron had already left for home with most of the other students and mourners, but Harry had explained to them his need for some time alone with his thoughts. Without Dumbledore, he was sure that he wouldn't be the only student deciding to not return next year, but beyond putting some distance between himself and the site of recent events, he had no plan for the future.
As he contemplated the tracks stretching away out of sight in both directions, reflecting on their quiet symbolism of his current situation, a hand on his shoulder startled him.
"Oh! Professor McGonagall." He sighed in relief as he turned to meet the Headmistress' stoic gaze. "You surprised me"
"My apologies, Mister Potter, but I had to catch you before you left. I think this may be too important for an owl." She drew a sealed envelope from her robes and held it out to Harry. "I found this in the Head . . . in Professor Dumbledore's rooms. It's addressed to you"
"What is it?" he took the envelope and looked it over with a familiar twinge of curiosity.
"I am not one to take liberties with others' mail, Mister Potter. Now if you'll excuse me, I still have some matters to see to at the school." Her stern expression melted into a smile for a brief moment as she unexpectedly threw her arms around him. "Do take care, Harry, wherever it is you find yourself." With one last brief pat on the shoulder, she turned toward Hogwarts as the train whistle sounded in the distance.
Some twenty minutes later, baggage stowed, alone in his compartment, the door locked, Harry broke the seal on Dumbledore's message.
Dear Harry -
I well realize that I may not return from tonight's outing. If such is the case, then I have two small final requests to make of you. First, please contact a young woman in London named Seraphine Black. She has a favor to ask of you, and in return may be able to answer some of your questions about the path that lies before you. Second, I ask that you trust in her answers, though they may not be to your liking.
-Albus Dumbledore
P.S. - Do not judge too harshly, you yourself know that things are not always the way they seem.
Harry carefully refolded the letter and replaced it in his cloak. Far from bringing comfort, Dumbledore's words had stirred up an ominous flutter in the pit of his stomach. Most answers he'd received lately were not to his liking, and considering the general bent of Sirius' relatives, he was in no hurry to meet any member of the 'Noble and Most Ancient House of Black'. He leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes, unsure of whether he wanted the trip to be over quickly or last as long as possible.