Here is the Fifth Chapter, of my fic. Please post reviews, I know that there was 248 hits on the fic, and not one left a review. Lets not go there. It's Fic Time.
Hes.e
Disclaimer:
This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including, but not limited to, Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
The ride back home
Chapter Five
Harry was up at six, Monday morning a ball full of nerves in his stomach. The breakfast Doddy prepared looked delicious, but his stomach refuses to accept it, he was glad when Professor Dumbledore saved him for Dobby. They used the small Golf again and stopped in front of the broken phone booth.
Memories of three month back flooded Harry's mind and the anger and guilt that he hided deep in his hart find its way back to the surface. Professor Dumbledore must have watched his reaction because he said to Harry, "Calm down, Harry. You can scream and shout at me after your tests, but right now I want you to concentrate. I have my reasons why I brought you here again. But we will discuss it later."
They entered the booth and Professor Dumbledore continue with the ritual as if he used it many times before. Harry struggled with himself to calm down and concentrate on his inner core and too ignore his emotions. He halfway succeeded as they stepped into Minister Fudge's office. Percy was sitting with Minister Fudge at the huge table with two people that Harry recognised from the Wizarding Examinations Authority.
By seeing all the people, the guilt and anger turned immediately back into the skirmish nerves again. Harry remembered vaguely all the greetings, rules and regulations that have been read and a contract that was signed by all of them in the room.
But as if on queue, his mind cleared and the tests began. Professor Marchbanks, Head of the Wizarding Examinations Authority took charged of the whole thing. She handed parchment to Harry and gave him the paper to answer the theory part of the whole test. He had an hour to complete the paper, which consisted out of four questions.
The first question was a general discussion on human transfiguration; the second question was on defense hexes, spells and cures. The third question on apperation and the forth question surprised Harry; it was also the question that took him the longest to answer, because he knew all the facts and theory off by hart on the first three questions.
But the forth question was a personal question on how he as person feel and use the knowledge he had gain in the last two weeks.
When the time was up Professor Marchbanks took his answer sheet along with the paper and asked him to go into the next room. He noticed that all the other people where there already and that the furnisher in the room was moved against the wall.
The man that was with Professor Marchbanks asked Harry, "Mr. Potter please take a stand in the middle of the room," while he took a place opposite he continued to address Harry. "We are going to duel on the commands of Professor Marchbanks. She's going to asked you to perform the spells, hexes and curses."
For the next halve an hour the command duel took place after that they stared on ten-minite duel where Harry had to capture Professor Marchbanks assistant without harming him. With in the first minute Harry stunned the assistant.
They took a quick tea break before the next session started. Harry sat in silence in a corner watching Percy and wondered why he was so obnoxious. Professor Dumbledore was having a whispered heated discussion with Minister Fudge, while Professor Marchbanks and her assistant were having a discussion over a peace of parchment, which Harry recognised with a pang as his answering sheet.
After the fifteen-minute break, he was asked to stand in the middle of the room again and transform into his Animagus and back again three times. He done that without any errors and was asked to sign the register.
Then he was asked to apparate from one corner in the room to the opposite corner. Professor Marchbanks was please with the quietness he done it and she asked him to apparate into the next room where he had the written test while her assistant went into that room to wait on him. The assistant asked him to apparate back into the other room where Mister Fudge had a fright when he popped back into the room again.
He was asked to wait on his results in the next room as her assistant come back. He waited twenty minutes and had to fight the urge to eavesdrop against the door. He was called back into the room and was surprised to see that all the furniture were back in the normal positions.
Professor Marchbanks addressed Harry, "Mr. Potter I'm please to inform you that you past this test with flying colors and that you preformed above average with only two weeks of preparation. I hope that you will thank you Professors for their time they spend to assist you. A difficult task lies ahead of you to choose between what's right and what's easy. Hereby as Head of the Wizarding Examinations Authority, we grant you the request to perform underage magic, in dire need and for training purposes, and your apperation license. Use this knowledge and allowance well." She turned to Mister Fudge and he handed a certificate over to Percy who in return stood up and handed it to Harry, who sat stunned and lost of word.
Professor Dumbledore cleared his throat and said, "Thanks for your time and effort Professor Marchbanks, and I trust that Harry will use his gift well. Mister Fudge please excuse us but we need to get going."
Mister Fudge finally got his voice and dignity back said, "Well Dumbledore it's the least I could do." He looked at Harry and added, "Our hope is in your hand Mr. Potter other wise I wouldn't have approved of this." Looking back at Professor Dumbledore he said, "You may go. Have a save journey."
With that they were dismissed. They headed for the exit to the phone booth and Harry realised that he was too tired to argue or fight with Dumbledore.
On the way back Professor Dumbledore gave Harry a quick glance before saying, " I trust that you will keep that certificate save and out off sight when we go into the house. I believe the Weasleys and Hermione will be waiting for you. It's the main reason why I have asked for an earlier date for the test and so that you can have a week break with your friends before term starts. I also have asked Molly to get you school supplies for you. Some good news Rumes might be back by Friday."
"Thanks Professor," was all that Harry could reply.
They stopped in front of Grimmauld place and went inside. With relieve Harry discovered that the Weasleys were not there yet so he went to his room to put his certificate in his truck. Tired and over whelm of all the day's events he fell on his bed and fall asleep.
After Harry did not come back down Professor Dumbledore went upstairs, worried, he discovered Harry fast asleep on the bed. Sadly he left him alone and went back to Hogwarts pondering over the way this young man, yes he was no longer a boy, had grown in his power and worried over the fact that he still need the time to work through his emotions, especially the anger and guilt he hided so well.
"Why is it so quite here?" Mrs. Weasley asked the moment she stepped out of the flames.
Lifting her wand, she lit the lights in the kitchen. She was worried, surly they didn't leave Harry all by himself. Turning to see her two younger children and Hermione standing by the table with all their shopping bags in their hands or on the table, she said, "Go put your things away and tell Harry that dinner will be ready in twenty minutes."
"Harry's here?" Hermione asked surprised.
"Lets go find him." Ron said and charge out of the kitchen leaving the girls behind.
Ginny giggled and Hermione rolled her eyes, looking at each other they stormed out of the kitchen as well.
"Don't run in the house!" Mrs. Weasley screamed at their backs. Tatting she turned to start on dinner only to give another scream.
Dobby had appeared the moment the Weasleys had arrived; on Dumbledore instructions to help Mrs. Weasley feed the kids, and keeping a close eye on Harry and report back to him twice a day. He was shocked that he had frightened Mrs. Weasley but soon she calmed down and he explained that he was there to help her.
Within minutes, before Mrs. Weasley could complain, he had her comfortable, sitting at the table with tea to enjoy. And a small feast for the kids ready to consume, all done by pure Dobby style.
Mrs. Weasley smiled at the little house-elf; in her eyes, he was a real star. As if called the children come storming done the stairs into the kitchen.
"Where's Harry?" Mrs. Weasley asked the moment she realised that he wasn't with the other.
"He's taking a shower." Ron said as he went over to the table to help himself. "Wow mum how did you do it?" Ron asked his mum with a mouthful of chicken pie.
"Don't you dear speaking to me through a mouthful of food, Ronald Weasley!" Mrs. Weasley said angrily.
Swallowing fast and hard, Ron answered his mum, " Sorry mum, but this is delicious."
The girls giggled at Ron's discomforted, this was a bad habit that he has and they always fight about it. However, to see him been dress down by his mother and he looked at least sorry about it was just too much for them.
Mrs. Weasley gave them each a stern look and that calmed them. What none of the three at the table know was that she was more than troubled about Harry. The poor boy was here at headquarters for two weeks without someone too take proper guardianship. She knew, Dumbledore reassured her that there always was someone here with him, but when they arrived a half hour ago, know one was here. She was anxious that he might have left Harry to his own devise for to long.
Ferreting more over Ginny that usual, she did not noticed, when Harry finally came into the kitchen, neither did the others around the table.
Standing in the door watching his best friends consuming the small feast on the table and his only motherly figure in the wizard world, ferreting over Ginny, He realized he missed them during the summer, he also become aware of new emotional turmoil inside him. He felt singled out again, lonely and anxious.
He used the time that they did not notice him to hide this emotional turmoil, and put his happy smiling masked on, as become to think of it. It was the only way he knew how to protect and reward them.
Moving forward and taking a seat at the table he said, " Evening Mrs. Weasley, this small feast look delicious."
He hided his amusement, when he noticed the reactions he got. Mrs. Weasley just sat and stared at him, knowing her well, he knew that she was more than likely assessing him, before she started to ferreting over him. His friends were all in different states on gaping at him, food forgotten. This only lasted for two seconds.
Keeping up appearances, he smiled and let them all indulged in questing and ferreting over him, keeping a close watched on all his answers as to not let any secrets slip past his lips.
Mrs. Weasley eyed Harry wearingly; he was too thin and underfed, to her liking. Emotionally she could not place him. It was as if he matured over night, taking in the last couple of week's events in consideration, was properly the cause of this changed Harry.
Nevertheless, something was bothering her; it was as if he was just to controlled and polite. He was definitely not entirely himself - he was too cautious on every word he said. She carefully listened to the kids' conversation.
" So what did you do all summer?" Hermione asked.
" O, I studied and completed all my essays." Harry answered.
" What subjects are you taking this year."
"Miony give the guy a break let him eat a bit." Ron said through a mouth filled with food.
Harry smiled and answered after taking a bite of his chicken pie, " Definitely Charms, Transfiguration and DADA, Professor McGonagall said I can make a final decision when we arrived at Hogwarts."
That caused the table to go quiet again for a few seconds.
The Ginny finally spoke up, "You never told us your OWL results."
"Hey, Ginny's right. I can't remember that you answered our letters." Ron said, she noticed that he was a bit angry.
Harry shifted a bit in his chair, not looking at his friends. When he looked up Molly Weasley had to suppress a yelp. His eyes were so dark, almost black. She noticed that the fork in his hands was minutely trembling. He hide it so well the other kids did not notice it, they where all waiting for an answer. He gave a lopsided smile and his eyes turned back to that emerald green before he answered.
" Sorry, must have slipped my mind, I was so sure that I did write back to thank you guy's for the nice presents. I'd scored seven owls."
A brief answer, the other seemed to be content about it they all turned to their dinner. She noticed that Harry lost his appetite and shifted his food around in his plate. O, she needed to talk to Dumbledore and hope that her kids and Hermione will keep Harry in touch with life.
He tens a bit as the silence fell over the table; hopefully he would not have to enlighten them why he and Professor McGonagall talked over the holidays.
Then Ginny finally spoke up, "You never told us your OWL results." He could hear the reprimand in her voice.
"Hey, Ginny's right. I can't remember that you answered our letters." Ron said, with suppressed anger.
Preventing eye contact, he looked at the food in his plate and moved it around, his appetite gone. How can he explain to his friends that he cannot tell them any thing that happened to him since the night of the Ministry? He felted the turmoil of emotions stirring in him again.
He could feel Hermione and Mrs. Weasley study gazes he look up and notice the shock in Mrs. Weasley eyes, ignoring it he took a deep breath the calm himself and answered, "Sorry, must have slipped my mind, I was so sure that I did write back to thank you guy's for the nice presents. I'd scored seven owls."
That seemed to satisfy every one and they continue with their dinner in silence. He felt that he misled them on purpose but how could he not.
Harry felted that the rest of the weekend went well; he and his friend played exploding snap and finalized their assignments. He was still a bit tens around them but they ignore the first night's dinner conversation between them.
He noticed that Mrs. Weasley kept a close eye on him; he just smiled and joined in on all the fun and chatter around the table, which seemed to calm her. He was busy collecting all his books and belonging around the house. The next morning will be the train ride back to Hogwarts.
As he headed for the kitchen to make sure that he got every thing, he heard voices. As he got closer to the door, he recognized Mrs. Weasley and to his surprised Rumes voices.
"Are you sure Molly?"
"Yes Rumes his eyes turned black, and he had to calm him self before he answered the others. What happened here over the holiday's?"
"I just returned from my mission and I'm not sure? I'll talk to Dumbledore tonight."
"Will you talk to Harry as well? Just make sure that he knows we are here for him if he needs to talk."
" I will."
He was glad that Rumes was back but a bit upset with the concern in Mrs. Weasley's voices. He did not know that his eyes turn black; he still could feel the emotional turmoil. He slowly and softly left the passage and went into the lounge. All traces that it had been a classroom were gone.
With out knowing he went and sat in front of the Black Family-tree tapestry, staring into space.
Rumes finished his tea and sandwiches before he went looking for Harry. He found the others in the girl's room chatting about how Harry changed. It made him more concerned.
"His turning into an observer." Ginny said.
"His more distant that before, do you guy's think it's because of Sirius?" Hermione asked the Weasleys.
"Of cause its because of Sirius, I'm just glad his talking to us and not pushing us away. But did you saw his eye's turned black when his upset." Ron said.
"Do you think it's because his upset, I was wondering about that? "
" Maybe we should give him more space, he never was the talking type?"
"Mmm, Ron's right. I don't think it's a bad idea to keep a closer eye on him as well. You two can do that better than I." Ginny said, sounding just like her mum.
After hearing that Rumes went hunting for Harry, after a while he concluded that Harry was not in any of the rooms. He went to the lounge and was surprised to find him staring at the Black Family-tree tapestry.
"Hi, how you're doing?"
Harry looked up and he noticed that the boy's eyes were a very dark green, but not black.
"Fine, how did the mission go."
"Great and the lessons?"
" Hectic, but the others don't know about it, maybe Mrs. Weasley?"
"No I don't think she knows, and the tests?"
"Passed with flying colors." Harry smiled and Rumes felt the pride swelling in his heart. "I believe that your parents and Sirius would be proud of you, I know I am." He noticed that Harry's eyes turn pitch black for a second. "Is something bothering you?"
"No, maybe, I'm not sure."
"You know that you can talk to me if you want to."
"Yea, thanks Moony."
Rumes went over to Harry and give him a one arm, fatherly hug, before he tussled his hair.
"Hye, not fair." Harry smiled and he looked more relieved than sad.
"I'll go and help Molly finish dinner. Is your trunk packed?"
"Yes, I'll go and see what the others are doing?"
With that, the two left the lounge and went their separate ways. Rumes cannot help but noticed the changed in Harry as well, but he wasn't to concerned about it, if you think that what he had to go through in the last two months, it's a wonder that he still can smile.
Dinner was a peaceful affair, with little talk, and laughter. Molly was watching the children and noticed that Hermione and Ginny keep sharing glances. Ron was his normal hungry self. She was concerned about Harry; he didn't make eye contact with anyone and he keep shifting the food on his plate.
She noticed the way Rumes studying him and the other kids. Arthur was in a quiet conversation with Dumbledore and Bill. The twins were out on a date.
Dumbledore gave every one a quick glance, except when it came to Harry; it did seem to Molly that there was concern in his eyes but he cleared his throat, and said, " Will you kids excuse us, its time for the meeting to start."
As on time Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape appear in the kitchen door, followed by Tonks and to he horror the twins. She still needed to get use to the idea that they were part of the order.
Ron wanted to protest but a push from Hermione kept him quiet, the four moved towards the door as the adults moved aside to let them through. She noticed that Harry still didn't made eye contact with anyone.
McGonagall was frowning as Harry went passed them with out so much as a greeting. As the door closed behind the four, Tonks asked, " What's with Harry?"
Snape answered, " Just a temper tantrum probable."
Molly could not keep quite any longer, " His been like that ever since we arrived. Albus I thought you were keeping an eye on him."
The look that he gave McGonagall and Snape said everything, he was hiding something from her. She was about to launch into a Weasley tantrum but Rumes put a hand on her shoulder and said, " I do think you all overreacting, give him a break. He needs time to come to terms with what happened. I do agree that he was a bit too quiet during dinner, but this afternoon he was fine as I expected him to be. Just don't push him." He looked directly at Snape and Dumbledore when he said that.
With that, the Harry topic was concluded. After the meeting, she went to the kids, rooms to make sure they all where in bed. She was surprised to found Ron in the girls room chatting. When she entered, she was bombarded with the same question from all three, "What did Professor Dumbledore said about what's wrong with Harry?"
She studied the three worried faces, took a deep breath, and answered them calmly," Nothing, but Rumes believe that we all are overreacting and that Harry needs time to come to terms with what happened and that we should not push him. Now it's late and we need to leave early tomorrow morning."
She turned around and made her way to the boy's room as Ron followed her. The room was dark and as she quietly went in, she was surprised again. Rumes was sitting in a chair by Harry's bed. Harry was fast asleep nicely tucked in.
Ron come in and went strait to bed, ignoring the two adults. Rumes gave Harry one last look before heading towards the door. He closed the door behind him, took Molly by the elbow, and steer her away from the door.
"I found him fast asleep on top of his covers." Molly noticed the concern and heaviness in his voice, but kept her tong.
The next morning was hectic and. Mrs. Weasley was in a state as usual. Harry was sitting in the entrance on top of his trunk with Hedwig in her cage watching the rest running up and down the staircase. In away he was relieved to go back to Hogwarts, but worried because he still didn't come to any conclusion on his subjects, and cornered about the extra tutoring that's about to start again.
Finally, he thought as Mrs. Weasley called up the stairs " Get down here, it's time to leave."
She was waiting at the bottom of the stairs as the girls come down, followed by Ron. Her face went white as she asked, " Where's Harry?"
"I thought his down stairs?" Ron answered.
Mrs. Weasley turned to go into the kitchen when she noticed him sitting there by the door. She took a deep breath and said " Well it seems that we are all ready to go."
He just smiled and hoped he look innocent, because it looked like Mrs. Weasley was about to kill him, if looks could kill.
As on time Rumes and the twins come from the lounged. Rumes was shocked by the expression on Harry's face, the deer caught in the headlights. But it changed so quickly to a smile as the boy said, "I'm ready."
Molly straggled to get her composer but was saved by the twins as they grabbed the girls trunks and started to wards the front door.
Hermione asked, " How are we getting at the station?"
George smiled and said "Taxi's my dear."
With that, all the tension was broken. As they come outside the taxis rounded the corner and stopped right in front of the group.
There were three taxis, Harry, Rumes and to his disappointment, Fred got into the first taxi. The girls and Mrs. Weasley followed in the next one, which left George and Ron the last taxi.
Harry had the feeling that his was more under heavy guard than the others, the why that Rumes pushed him into the taxi and Fred taking over the loading of his trunk. He knew that this should not surprised him, but it still unsettling. He was hoping to talk to Rumes but with Fred there, he just ignored them both.
The trip to the station was uneventful and this time the taxi drivers seemed much calmer than the last time. As the all unloaded to head into the station, Harry noticed a lot of strangers just standing around. He wanted to comment on it, but Rumes took his elbow and said, "They are aurors so lets move."
The aurors was on the platform as well, and before he could thing of where to go he was steered straight to a compartment, followed by George and Ginny.
Fred turned after dropping his truck and Hedwig and said, " Have fun guy's" and left.
George dumped Ginny's stuff and saluted them before he left also not staying.
Ginny looked to Harry and Rumes and said, "I'm just going to great Mum will be right back.
Harry wanted to follow but was stopped by Rumes, "I don't think that's a good idea. Have fun at Hogwarts and be on the look out for any thing suspicious. Write if you need to but other wise, constant vigilance."
Before Harry could protested at the why his was treated, Rumes was gone and the door closed. He went after Rumes, to discover to his dismay the door was locked. He tried Alohomora, but it did not want to budge.
Settling down and fuming he waited for the others, which they never did. He spent the rest of the ride alone in the locked compartment without any interruptions. Come to think about it he couldn't even hear any other students.
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