Title: Harry Potter and the Ancient God King

Author: Nopporn Wongrassamee aka The Evil Author

Part 7 – Alley Oops

Following Professor Burkle under his cloak of invisibility, Harry tried to make sense of what just happened. He had stumbled across one of Professor Burkle's portals and been transported to Diagon Alley. The only way to get back would be to follow Professor Burkle back through another portal. At least it was the only way to get back with a reasonable chance of not getting caught and expelled.

As for how he got here, Harry was still trying to work that one out. He new of three methods of long ranged, instant transport: apparition, floo, and port-key. Professor's Burkle's method matched none of them. Even Hermione had been of the opinion that the vampires pulled through one for that DADA class had probably been an illusion. Now, Harry was having his doubts about that theory.

Harry's thoughts came to a halt when Professor Burkle entered one of the stores. It was Ollivander's. He had never realized that the wand maker was open so late. Diagon Alley was deserted this late at night. Professor Burkle already had a wand, so why was she here?

Remembering how confined the space inside Ollivander's shop is, Harry settled for eavesdropping at the door.

"...have what I require?" came Professor Burkle's intimidating voice.

"Ah, yes," replied Ollivander. "Quite the challenge you set me, Great Lady. Quite the challenge."

"I will take possession of my property, merchant."

"Your wand, Great Lady," Ollivander said. "Eleven inches, petrified wood of an ancient fern tree millions of years old, core of..."

"I know what I ordered merchant." There was a moment's pause followed by a brilliant flash of light that leaked through the gap under the door. "It will do."

Moments later, the door was pulled opened. Harry scrambled back to avoid Professor Burkle colliding with him on her way out. Professor Burkle stopped just outside the shop and stared into the darkness for several moments.

"Your attempts at stealth are pitiful and inadequate," Professor Burkle suddenly said. "Show yourself."

Startled, Harry was about to ask her how she had detected him when several cloaked figures materialized out of the darkness. Well, maybe Professor Burkle hadn't detected Harry at all.

What of your companion? There was no voice. The words just seemed to slither into Harry's mind.

"I meant you also, Harry," Professor Burkle said without turning away from the cloaked figures.

"How..." Harry began as he removed his cloak and moved to Professor Burkle's side.

"Why are you here?" Professor Burkle interrupted, speaking to one of the creature. Harry was sure they weren't human. They didn't move quite right.

We seek the location of the one called Angel, one of the creatures "said". You will give him to us. We have the means to compel even one such as you.

"You overestimate your abilities," Professor Burkle said scornfully.

And what of this one? Harry felt something like a vise tighten around his mind. He found that he suddenly couldn't move. His scar started to throb. Can you fend us all off and protect this one as well?

"You mistake me for one who cares."

Out, Harry thought, his scar began to burn. Get out of my head! Get out, get out, GET OUT! Suddenly, Harry found that he could move again. But his scar was burning worse than ever.

"And you still overestimate your abilities," Professor Burkle added.

Bah! the creature said in disgust. It and its companions shed their cloaks and drew large scimitars. Then we will cut the knowledge from you!

If it weren't for the pain from his scar, Harry might have recoiled in horror. The creatures were lithe and sinuous, with glittering pupiless eyes set on hairless heads above a mass of tentacles where their noses and mouths should have been. In the dark, it was hard to tell what color they actually were, and Harry wasn't sure he really wanted to know.

As Harry fumbled for his wand and the creatures circled to attack, the air was split with a series of resounding cracks. Wizards in black cloaks and silvery masks appeared, intermixed with the creatures surrounding Harry and Professor Burkle.

"Potter! We have you n..." one of the Death Eaters began. Then he got a good look at one of the creatures. "What in Merlin's name are you?"

It's a trap! ATTACK!