Chapter Twenty-One: The Lunatic and The Letter

Once or twice a year, Mr. Bonham decided that his young students needed a break from their lessons (or perhaps it was him who needed a break from the students), but of course he couldn't give them a day off. Instead, he organised a highly educational excursion, and sent his pupils in small groups closely watched by Mrs. Konnerig, to a museum or some other equally serious-looking place.

That year, however, the students jumped in their seats with joy, because the place selected turned out to be the zoo, which was a major improvement from every point of view.

The chosen day, after a grave lecture from Mrs. Konnerig about the right way to behave in a public place (and a long list of hideous threats for those who broke the rules), the children jumped out of the school bus and broke into a frenetic run towards the entrance gates. Mrs. Konnerig followed them, cracking her knuckles.

Harry realised that, as Mrs. Konnerig's attention was divided in twenty potential wrongdoers, he would have a hard time to stay out of the Trio's reach, who were as annoying as always. Somehow, though, he managed to avoid them for the major part of that morning, until he walked into the reptile house. There he saw them poking a glass, behind which the largest serpent he'd even seen was sleeping.

Alan Greenburg was clearly annoyed and he started to punch the glass. The snake didn't even flinch and Harry felt admired at her cool indifference.

'This' stupid,' Alan snarled. 'Let's get out of here.'

As they walked away Harry hid behind a column until they were gone. Then, he tiptoed towards the glass and watched the huge sleeping snake.

And then the most incredible, extraordinary and strangest thing happened...

-

Harry, who was reflecting in what had come to pass that morning, was unusually quiet once he returned home. Sirius must have noticed something odd was going on, as he inquired:

'Harry, what's wrong?'

'Nothing,' lied Harry. Perhaps he replied a little too quickly, or perhaps his answer sounded a little too unconvincing, because Sirius didn't look reassured and kept insisting. Finally Harry decided to tell him the startling events of that morning, even though he wasn't certain Sirius would believe him.

When he finished his tale, Sirius' face was an unreadable mask.

'So you just had a chat with a boa constrictor who told you he'd never seen Brazil?'

Harry, who hadn't realised how improbable that sounded until Sirius had voiced it, nodded with uncertainty.

'Hmm, yeah.'

'And then when Alan Greenburg came back to pick on you, the glass just vanished and the snake escaped?'

Harry nodded again. There had been a lot of mayhem, especially as Alan kept screaming like a small child and not even Mrs. Konnerig's threats managed to make him shut up.

'OK,' Sirius simply said. Harry stared at him.

'You believe me? You won't say it's something I imagined, or that I made up?'

Sirius looked surprised. 'Of course not, Harry. When haven't I believed you anything you told me?' Sirius smiled and patted Harry's shoulder. 'Don't worry over this, Harry. Sometimes, strange things happen.'

What Sirius didn't say, but Harry thought, was that strange things always seemed to be taking place around him. In spite of his words, Harry could not help thinking that a look of worry had sombered Sirius' face for a fleeting second...

...but he'd probably imagined it. If there was any reason to worry, Sirius wouldn't keep it from him.

It was a known fact that Connor Angel and Janus Rutherford would never be able to get along, but after their major fight at their dorm things calmed down considerably. They still couldn't stand each other, but they had learnt to avoid trouble so their fellow first-years were able to breath freely again.

Things got easier for Connor, too. After the confrontation with the two fifth-year Slytherins, no one could deny Connor was a true Gryffindor. From that moment on he no longer heard comments about how he was Snape's little brat or he was fraternizing with the enemy.

Connor began to feel so much at ease at Hogwarts that time seemed to go by in a blur, and before he knew it Christmas had come.

There were a few who would stay at the castle and enjoy Hagrid's dozen decorated trees, but Connor wasn't among them. His mother was capable of going all the way to Hogwarts just to pick him up, and that would be just too embarassing to bear.

However, he wouldn't go to London straight away. Matthew Brennan had invited him to his house in Bristol for a week, and both Darla and Severus had given their permission, so that was where Connor headed first.

Matthew lived in a nice, typically middle-class house not far from the port. His parents were both accountants and he had a brother who was three years younger and, from what Connor could judge, very Muggle. It was very doubtful he'd get a Hogwarts letter when he turned eleven. The boy seemed to have sensed this, as he showed a clear dislike for all Matthew's magical stuff that could only be interpreted as a burning jealously.

Mr. and Mrs. Brennan weren't that thrilled about his elder son being a wizard, either. They didn't say so, but Connor took no time to realise they thought it was all nonsense, and that they still hoped Matthew would drop Hogwarts and choose a more respectable and reasonable school. Both of them were very different from Matthew: in Connor's eyes, they were stuck-up, cold, unnaturally courteous and rather uncreative. If it hadn't been for the physical similarities, Connor would have thought his friend was adopted, as he didn't share with his parents and little brother one single interest or personal trait.

In spite of this, Connor had a rather good time with Matthew. They visited the port, examined the city museum, which was full of curious stuff, enjoyed the amazing view from the Clifton Bridge, and walked around Bristol's streets, which for some reason were all uphill. Besides, Matthew lent him all his comics and video games, and he showed Connor his inventions. It transpired that Matthew loved constructing strange machines and devices, and now he was pondering whether it would be a good idea to implement magic in his new inventions. Inwardly, Connor thought that very agitated days expected Matthew's dormates, but said nothing.

With all, Connor was glad to return to his mother's house. Next holidays, he'd invite Matthew, so he could get a little away from his cold family, who never seemed to notice when he was around. That certainly wouldn't happen at his mum's.

Mum and Spike were thrilled to have him, and Connor feared that she would break his ribs with her fierce hug. They made him tell them everything about his time at Hogwarts, and also show them his books and magical stuff. Connor also noticed his mother was truly glad to see him when she gave him a little more freedom than before. However, Connor doubted he'll ever reach the level of freedom Matthew had at his home, where he could leave wherever he felt like it and never tell his mother where he was going to be or when he was going to return. And now he came to think of it, Connor wasn't sure he wanted that kind of freedom right now.

On Christmas' Eve, his mother threw a party. Spike was there, of course, and to Connor's glee so was Faith, who'd just come from Australia, and by some miraculous way, Darla had managed to convince Severus to have a Muggle Christmas with them. Mr. Giles was also there, although he usually spent Christmas at USA with the Summers' sisters, and some girls and people from the school he worked at, and there also were a couple of coworkers of his mum and friends of Spike. The only one missing, Connor thought with a small hint of sadness, was Lindsey, whom his mother didn't seem to miss much.

Connor soon forgotten about Lindsey, though, as he had a lot of fun wreaking havoc with Faith and inventing bizarre carols with Spike. That night, he even got to see Severus with a ridiculous Father Christmas hat bent to one ear.

He spent the last few days of his holidays with Severus. It was nice to see how much better their relationship was when they were away from the dungeons, and even though Connor knew Severus would resume his cold treatment once they were in Potions class again, he enjoyed his time with his foster dad at the most.

All the good things meet their end, though, and sooner than he would have expected school started again. However, Connor's spirits were lifted as he faced what was left of the year. After all, the worst had already passsed, as he had succesfully survived his first term at Hogwarts...

'Do you realise that Harry's eleventh birthday is just around the corner, don't you?'

Remus Lupin looked at his friend over his glass, and examined the anxious expression on Sirius' features. He suppressed a sigh. His friend had alwayd had a taste for melodrama... although this time he did have a point. Remus wasn't going to tell him that, though, because that'd be enough to push Sirius over the edge of hysteria... or recklessness.

'Sirius, you still have months until Harry's birthday...'

'Yeah... a couple.'

'...and plenty of time till then,' Remus finished placidly, ignoring the interruption. 'Do not start fretting, please.'

Sirius snorted. 'That's because you don't have to lie to him every day.'

They were in a private chamber of The Leaky Cauldron, which would have usually cheered him up, as it meant this was his annual visit to the Wizarding world. About once or twice a year, he was allowed to go to Diagon Alley, as he had to check the Black Trust was still there and also make the arrangements so somebody took care of Kreacher (argh), but it also meant he had the chance to catch up with Remus or Andromeda. In all, it was usually something Sirius looked forward to, but today he was determined to feel down.

'Honestly, Remus, I can't stand it. I had to make up the most incredible lies about Lily and James so he wouldn't be suspicious, and more and more often he performs magic (I tell you, he'll be a terrific wizard) and I've run out of Muggle explanations. And I hate to lie to him. Have I told you about the Parseltongue incident...?'

'Yes... about half a dozen times already.'

Sirius looked a little sheepish. 'Well, yeah, but it really freaked me out. I'd have never pictured Harry, from all people, being a Parselmouth... After all, there was none in James' family, and Lily was Muggle-born...'

Remus took the time to finish what was left of his drink and then calmly put the glass on the table before replying.

'You are right. But Dumbledore's already told you where he thinks this ability of Harry comes from, hasn't he?'

Sirius grimaced. 'Yeah. Excuse me, but I don't particularly like the idea of Harry being connected with him, mind you. And the reputation of Parselmouths...'

'Come on, Sirius, you know they aren't all evil!'

'Yes, I do,' Sirius burst, 'but most people don't! If certain people are already going to feel suspicious of Harry just because he survived an Avada Kedavra, imagine what will happen when they find out he's a Parselmouth. They'll make it a nightmare for him.'

Remus looked sympathetic. 'You know you aren't always going to be able to protect him, don't you?'

His friend sighed. 'I do. And that's why I want to tell him the truth, but Dumbledore won't let me. You know what my worst fear is? Harry's a smart kid, and he's curious, like James. I'm afraid he's going to find out on his own, and in an awful way.'

Remus put a hand on Sirius' shoulder, and firmly said:

'Sirius, there's no point in start worrying for something that hasn't happened yet, and that it's not likely to happen anytime soon. As for Dumbledore, I bet he has a valid reason for not telling Harry. Just... Just hang on a little longer, OK? There's not much time left, and don't worry. Everything's going to be all right.'

But Remus himself didn't sound completely reassured. After all, nothing had been all right since that Halloween night ten years ago, when the world as they knew it had shattered under their feet. However, it was not wise to dwell in those somber thoughts right now.

'Well, I actually had a piece of news that might cheer you up a little. See, I've got a job...'

And as Sirius patted his friend back and congratulated him, for a moment, just a moment, they forgot their worries.

End of term engulfed first year students before they realised what was going on. One moment, it was Easter Holidays and the terryfing exams were ages away; the next, all their teachers began to give them their exam dates and advice to study. Before they knew it, they were already buried under piles of books and notes, and it was time to start studying until their eyeballs poped out from their heads.

The worst of it all, Connor reflected, was that the weather was getting really good out there, and it would have been great to spend his free time in the ground with his friends... except that they no longer had any free time left, as they dedicated every second and every breath they had to study.

The only light thought they had during that time was the Quidditch final, which was soon squashed away as Gryffindor was defeated in the most embarassing way. The legendary Charlie Weasley, who'd made Gryffindor win so many matches in the past, had quit Quidditch in his seventh year to focus on his NEWT's. The new captain certainly didn't have his touch, and the results were disastrous. Professor McGonagall publicly avoided Severus for a week, as Slytherin had practically stomped on Gryffindor's weak team. Connor still squirmed when he remembered it.

So they had nothing left to think about but the exams, that hung over them like a looming threat. They were all aware that they would not make it to second year if they happened to fail these exams. They were all new to this, so naturally they thought the exams were the most horroful and hideous thing on earth and were scared to death.

However, even the end-of-term exams meet their end, and finally Connor and his fellow classmates were free. Ah, the pleasure to drop the books and enjoy the sun in the grounds freely! Ah, the wonder of not having to worry about the uprising of Elfric the Eager or the proper ingredients for a Forgetfulness Potion!

Connor thought he'd done reasonably well, even in subjects like Herbology, Transfiguration and Defence Against the Dark Arts. Sure enough, one week later, when the exam results came, he was surprised to see he'd got much better marks than he'd expected in most subjects, and passing grades in those he'd been conviced that would be his downfall.

And then, the trunks were packed, the Leaving Feast had passed, and first-years found themselves at the entrance gates waiting for the carriages that would take them back to Hogsmeade Station. This time, Connor would not take the train back to London (there was no rule that forced the students to do so), so he was saying goodbye to those friends that didn't live in Hogsmeade. The glee at the propsect of the holidays was evident on every face, and the exaltation everyone felt was contagious. There were only two things that marred Connor's actual cheerfulness.

The first one, and it was odd even to Connor the way things were, Porfessor Nicodemou had lost two of her fingers due to an accident during a class with sixth years and wasn't returning to teach the following year. Connor wasn't upset because he was going to miss her; on the contrary, he felt guilty for all the times he'd wished she just left.

The other reason was he had just had a major argument with Benny Dunstar. Benny and him were always arguing because they both had a fiery temper, but Connor particularly felt this one because they would depart angry, and over the silliest motive ever. Benny had got mad at Connor because he'd turned down his offer of spending the first week at his home. But what could Connor have done, if Severus had already told him they were spending that week in the Highlands with the Notts? Honestly, Benny was just being a prat, but it bothered Connor all the same.

On the whole, though, Connor was certain this was going to be an extraordinary summer, a summer to remember... and right he was, although not for the reasons he would have imagined.

It was the day prior Harry's eleventh birthday, and he and Sirius were at the supermarket that was within few blocks from their place. That morning, Sirius had announced that they had to buy the necessary victuals for Harry's birthday, although the boy himself knew there would be no party. Well, not a real one, anyway, as Harry had made no new friends in the neighbourhood, so it would be just him and Sirius. Sirius, though, would listen to none of that, so Harry found himself escorting his godfather in his quest to get chocolates, crisps, cokes and other equally vital stuff.

Harry still did not see the point for this, but he didn't dare to comment on it. Lately, Sirius had been acting in a very strange manner. He seemed kind of... restless. Harry felt there was something troubling his godfather's mind, although he couldn't put his finger on what the matter was. His godfather was intercalating periods of hiperactivity with periods of dull stillness, and he looked worried over something. Very strange, indeed. Which, to almost-eleven-year-old Harry Potter, seemed to be the norm and not the exception, now he came to think of it.

Harry walked a few meters away from his godfather to check out a colourful advert that pictured a new brand of lollipops. Suddenly, he felt a squeeze on his forearm. He spun round and nearly knock over an elderly woman who was staring at him through narrowed eyes.

Harry blinked. The woman was wearing a worn-out acid green dress, over which she'd put on a shabby-looking bathrobe with a design of huge blue flowers. Her messy greyish hair, on the other hand, was pulled up by a plastic tiara. It took Harry a moment to get over his shock and remember his manners.

'Um... Can I do anything for you, ma'am?'

The woman stared at him a little longer, making him very uncomfotable. Then she seemed to register what he'd just said and gave him a two-toothless smile, which for some reason was creepier than her staring.

'Oh, yes, yes you can. Would you... would you mind helping me carry this bag to the cashier? My wrist's hurting with this humid weather...'

Harry hesitated a moment. The cash desk was only a few meters away, but this old lady made him feel uneasy for some reason. He cast a quick glance at Sirius, whose back was turned on him as he talked to a shop assistant. Harry turned and saw the old woman's hopeful face.

'It'll only take a minute...'

'Well – all right. Let me carry it for you.'

The woman grinned, but it looked more like a demented grimace, and her eyes shone with a maniacal gleam. Startled, Harry tried to get away from her, but he felt a tight grip on his forearm and saw her hand had closed around it like a claw.

Grinning more madly than ever, she pulled out a wooden stick from her pocket...

... and when he heard the familiar crack, Sirius knew at once what had happened, but as he spun round and saw the desert corridor, he realised it was already too late.

-

Harry looked at his surroundings. He was in some kind of underground room, probably a basement, with cold stone walls and earthy floors. Harry shifted in his seat, but he couldn't move an inch.

He remembered feeling like he couldn't breath, like his eyeballs and eardrums were being pushed inside his skull as everything around him faded into darkness, and then the awful sensation disappearing as fast as it had started, and he'd found himself in the basement. Or whatever that room was. He'd only had enough time to acknowledge that he was no longer at the supermarket, that the old lady had pushed him with unbelievable force into a metallic chair. Before he could react, she'd pointed the wooden stick to his chest. Ropes had appeared out of nowehere and twisted around his body like living serpents.

Now she was pacing in front of him, toying with the stick. It sort of reminded Harry of Mickey Mouse's magical wand in Fantasy, if such a thing existed.

Well, if a snake can tell me that she's never seen Brazil...

'Er, ma'am,' Harry said tentatively, 'my godfather must be calling the police right now, why don't you...?'

'Shut up,' she snapped, turning to face him with eyes burning from anger. 'Don't you dare to talk to me!'

Harry opened his mouth, then closed it. His heart began pounding in his chest. He didn't understand what was going on, but this was really bad, and if Sirius couldn't find him soon...

'I've never liked children,' she commented, almost casually. 'My husband wanted some, but I refused, and it was lucky I did, wasn't it? Imagine what it would've been like if I had had to raise them on my own. What a nightmare.'

She resumed her pacing. 'They took him away from me, you know. They made up some ridiculous charges and thrust him into Azkaban. It was completely unfair, he didn't even get a proper trial...' She gritted her teeth and clenched her hands into fists. 'That bloody Crouch... He thought himself to be above all of us, but didn't his little brat turn into a nasty little thing? Got what he deserved, I tell you...'

Her pacing came to a halt and she turned to face Harry. The boy was shocked to see a bright grin spreading over her ugly face, as her eyes looked at him almost fondly.

'But now you're here things'll be different, won't they? If I ask them to realease my husband, they can't refuse, can they? Oh, no, they'll be too afraid of might I might do to you to do so... Now they'll have no choice but listen to me, you'll see...'

Definitely, he was dealing with a lunatic. Harry hadn't a clue of what she was talking about. How could he be related with whatever had happened to her husband? And who on earth were they?

Just as the lunatic woman was saying, 'They're never going to find you here,' a crash was heard. Suddenly, the basement was bathed in blinding light and the woman shrieked:

'YOU!'

Harry blinked and tried to adjust his sight, but all he could see was a huge form standing in front of them, which blocked most of the light that entered through the now open trap-door.

'Yeah. Me.' The figure moved forward, and Harry's eyes registered him as a man... the most enormous man he'd ever seen. His hands were like huge sauce pans, and he was at least twice as tall as a normal man, whereas his face was covered by tangles of bushy dark hair. In his right hand, he was clutching – Harry had to look twice to trust his eyes – a pink umbrella, which he was pointing at the woman's chest. She sniggered.

'You think I'm afraid of you, you big, useless oaf...'

Harry thought she should have been afraid, even though he was just pointing at her with an umbrella. After all, this man was five times her size. He could probably squash her with his mere fingers.

The woman took out her stick, but the giant was faster. He bellowed something Harry did not understand, and she flew backwards, hitting her head against one of the stone walls. Harry yelped as he saw the woman's body slipping to the floor.

The giant looked surprised at what he'd just done. Slowly, he put down his umbrella and walked towards the old lady's still form. He bent over her and pressed a massive finger against her neck.

'Just knock' out, and tha' probably's gonna hurt tomorrow... but she's alright.' He turned to face Harry, and his face contracted in an angry grimace. Harry shrunk as he pointed the umbrella at him, but all what happened was that the ropes loosened and fell to the ground.

'Umm... thanks,' Harry managed to mumble, as he rubbed his numb limbs. The giant smiled.

''Lo, Harry. Nice ter see yeh. Las' time yeh were a baby.'

'Oh, hmm, nice to see you too, sir,' Harry replied, wondering who on earth this man was. Some of his confusion must have shown on his face, because the man hastened to say:

''Course, yeh don't remember me. Me name's Rubeus Hagrid, but everyone calls me just Hagrid. I'm Hogwarts Keeper of the Keys – tha' reminds me, I brought yer letter...'

Hagrid searched in his many pockets, until he finally retrieved a thick yellowish envelope, which seemed to be made of parchment, and handed it to Harry. The boy saw his name on it and, intrigued, hastened to open it. It said:

HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore

(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,

Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

By the corner of his eye, he could see Hagrid flickering his umbrella and a smoky form coming out from it, but now he was so engrossed in the contents of the letter that he could pay attention to nothing else. When he finished reading, he looked up.

'Er, Mr. Hagrid –'

'Just call me Hagrid, everyone does.'

'Er, well, Hagrid, there must be a mistake.'

Hagrid looked surprised. 'Why so?'

'Well,' Harry said slowly, 'because here says I have a scholarship for a school of magic. Er... is it really a school of magic?'

''Course, it is!' the giant exclaimed. 'Yer a wizard, Harry.'

Harry was speechless for a moment, thunderstruck.

'I'm a what?'

Hagrid blinked, confused. 'Yer godfather told you nutting?'

'No, and thanks to Dumbledore, now I have a lot to explain.'

Harry jumped to his feet so fast that he almost knock over the chair, and launched himself forwards, right into his godfather's waiting arms. He heard him let out a relieved sigh as he began stroking Harry's hair.

'You okay, kiddo?'

Harry mumbled a 'yes', as he wrapped his arms around Sirius as tightly as he could. He knew that he'd feel silly in a moment, hugging his godfather like a small child, but right now he didn't care. He'd never been so happy to see Sirius in his entire life.

When he finally was able to let go, Sirius turned to Hagrid:

'Thanks for everything you did. If it hadn't been for you...'

Hagrid waved his hand. 'It was nutting.'

Sirius looked down at Harry.

'Looks like I owe you a long explanation, don't I?'

Many thanks to Luna Moonlight Fawn and to sk8ter 92 for their encouraging comments. See you!