Chapter 3 – A Break in the Weather
Harry did not know how long he sat there, in Mrs. Figg's kitchen, crying into his arms. He had been vaguely aware of Remus moving his chair closer to Harry, and placing his hand on Harry's back, soothingly. Harry had finally let himself feel the pain that was so deep inside him; he finally let himself mourn the death of his godfather; he finally let go.
Eventually, Harry's ragged breathing slowed and the tears extinguished themselves. Remus was still beside Harry, comforting him with his mere presence. Harry lifted his head, wiped his tear-stained face on his sleeves, and took a deep breath.
"Sorry," Harry said gruffly, pulling off his glasses to wipe them clean. He put them back on, and looked at Remus. Remus's eyes were as red and puffy as Harry's.
"I thought you did rather well," Remus said, giving Harry a small smile. "It took me three tries to get through my letter."
Harry smiled. For the first time in a long time, he did not feel alone.
Harry glanced around the kitchen. "Where's Professor Dumbledore?"
"He took Kreacher into the other room. I'll go -- " Remus began, rising from his chair. But, just as he straightened up, Dumbledore returned to the kitchen. "Excellent timing, as always, Professor," Remus remarked, sinking back into his chair.
Dumbledore smiled and returned to his seat to Harry's right. Dimbledore's penetrating blue eyes surveyed Harry.
"It's okay, Professor. I'm fine," Harry said, returning Dumbledore's gaze.
Dumbledore seemed to consider Harry's words for a moment, then replied, "Yes, Harry. I do believe you are fine." His eyes crinkled as he gave Harry a warm smile. "Unfortunately, we do have some paperwork to finish up."
Dumbledore returned to the stack of papers in front of him. "Harry, is it safe for me to assume that Sirius stated his wishes regarding your guardianship in his letter?"
Harry shifted in his seat, aware of Remus sitting next to him. "Y-yes, sir."
"Good. Then let's make this official." Dumbledore looked through the papers in front of him. "Yes, here it is," he said, pulling a paper out from the bottom of the stack.
Dumbledore paused, looking first at Harry, then to Remus. "As stated here, Sirius has named Remus as your godfather, Harry." Dumbledore paused again. Harry sat quietly, staring at Dumbledore. Dumbledore peered over his glasses at Remus, and asked, "Remus, do you fully accept this responsibility?"
Harry held his breath, and darted his eyes to Remus. Remus' kind eyes looked at Harry searchingly. Harry's mind began to race. What if he says no? What if he doesn't want me? Harry's stomach began to tighten.
"Nothing would make me more proud, than to be Harry's godfather," Remus said, putting his hand on Harry's shoulder. "That is, if Harry will have me."
The air Harry had been holding in rushed out of him. He grinned at Remus, "Absolutely." They smiled at each other, and then turned to the paperwork Dumbledore set in front of them. After everything was signed, Dumbledore waved his wand and the papers disappeared.
Dumbledore sighed, leaning back in his chair. "It feels good to have that business taken care of." He smiled at Remus and Harry. "I, for one, think Sirius has made an excellent decision."
Harry smiled as he stared at the table top, reflecting on everything that had happened since he came to Mrs. Figg's house. Harry experienced one surprise after another, some good, some not. Harry had been feeling so horrible for so long, that he felt quite odd sitting there, feeling content. There was still an empty feeling inside him, but it no longer consumed him. He knew that he would always feel the loss of Sirius, but he was not alone in this. Sirius had made sure of that. Sirius' last request had ensured that Harry would be surrounded by people who had known and loved his parents, who would be there for him in the difficult times ahead.
At this thought, Harry turned to Dumbledore and asked, "Is there any news? Has anything happened since…" Harry broke off, as memories flooded his mind. He was thinking of that fateful day at the Ministry of Magic. Not only did Harry lose Sirius in the Department of Mysteries that day, but he and his friends had faced and battled an army of Death Eaters, ending with Harry facing Lord Voldemort once again.
"No, Harry," Dumbledore said gravely. "It seems that Voldemort's unexpected appearance at the Ministry of Magic has caused him to go even further into hiding. He was quite happy when everyone was denying his return, but having been witnessed by so many people in the Ministry, he is likely reformulating his plans."
"What will his plans be now that the prophecy is destroyed?" Harry asked, his mouth going dry as he thought of the prophecy.
"I have some ideas, but I can't be sure," Dumbledore replied. "This is the other reason for my being here today Harry."
Harry swallowed. "Why's that, sir?"
Dumbledore looked at Harry as his forehead wrinkled with concern. "I'm afraid Voldemort may try to break into your mind again."
Harry nodded. He was not surprised by this information. Whatever plans Voldemort had, Harry knew he would be part of them.
"I wanted to ask you, Harry," Dumbledore said, leaning forward in his chair, "Have you had any indication that Voldemort is trying to reach you? Any dreams? Any pain in your scar?"
Harry shook his head, "No. Nothing more than the usual prickling of my scar."
Dumbledore nodded, leaning back in his chair, and lacing his fingers together in front of him. "If you feel up to it, Harry, I'd like you to study Occlumency again."
Harry's thoughts took him back to the Occlumency sessions in the dungeon with Professor Snape, Harry's Potions teacher. Harry's father and Snape had been in school together at Hogwart's, and had despised each other. Snape had redirected his hate for James onto Harry, and Harry returned the feelings. The sessions with Snape had not been a good experience, and it had ended with an incident that left Snape hating Harry, if possible, even more.
Harry shifted in his chair. "I don't think Professor Snape will agree to it."
"No, Harry," Dumbledore smiled grimly, "I have learned my lesson. I would be teaching you Occlumency."
Harry stared at Dumbledore, his mouth open slightly. Harry knew Dumbledore to be extremely busy, especially with all the things going on with the Order. If Dumbledore was setting time aside to work with Harry, he must be worried about something happening.
Harry thought again of his sessions with Snape. Harry had always felt horrible after. His head had throbbed with excruciating pain as Snape attacked his mind over and over again. The thought of going through that again was not appealing to Harry.
Harry took a deep breath. "When do we start?"
Dumbledore's bright blue eyes twinkled at Harry. "You never cease to amaze me, Harry," Dumbledore said, inclining his head to the side. "You have far more strength than you give yourself credit for."
"I couldn't agree more," Remus said, startling Harry, for he had sat silent for so long.
Harry squirmed in his chair, uncomfortable with being complimented for something that, he felt, he did not have.
"Well, Harry, when do you think you will be ready to leave?" Dumbledore asked.
"Err…leave? Professor?" Harry asked, his eyebrows furrowed together in confusion.
"Yes, Harry. Leave." Dumbledore said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "I am assuming you will want to leave Privet Drive to go live with your godfather."
Harry's mouth fell open. "But, I thought…I thought I had to stay…for my mom's protection…you said – "
"Yes, Harry. You're right," Dumbledore said, cutting Harry off. "As I explained to you recently, it is necessary for you to return to live with your Aunt Petunia every year to maintain the old magic that protects you through your mother's blood. I must admit, I would prefer you to stay here. I still believe this to be the safest place for you. However, your godfather," Dumbledore continued, nodding towards Remus, "assures me that you will be quite safe living with him."
Harry swallowed, his mind reeling. The thought of returning to Grimmauld Place without Sirius sent a chill down Harry's spine. It will definitely be weird, Harry thought to himself,but it is Remus's and my house now. I can't stay away forever. And the Dursleys… Harry's decision was made.
"I'll be ready to leave as soon as you'll let me," Harry said determinedly.
Remus smiled. "How about tomorrow? Is that too soon?"
"An hour from now wouldn't be too soon," Harry said fervently, returning Remus's smile.
Remus laughed. "Well, let's stick with tomorrow. It will give you a chance to let your aunt and uncle know of the arrangements."
"They won't care," Harry said quietly.
Remus looked at Harry with a hint of sadness. "You're probably right, Harry, but you should explain the circumstances to them."
Harry nodded, still trying to wrap his mind around the thought that he'd be leaving the Dursleys tomorrow.
"Shall we say noon, then, Harry?" Remus asked, standing and clapping Harry on the shoulder.
"Sounds great," Harry replied, standing up as well.
"We'll be taking the Knight Bus, so it may be best to have a small breakfast tomorrow." Remus said, his eyes twinkling.
"Good idea," Harry said with a laugh. He had been on the Knight Bus twice before, and knew the stops and starts, and twists and turns of the bus only too well.
"Well then, Harry, I will give you a day to get settled in your new home," Dumbledore said, joining Remus and Harry by the kitchen door. "I will come by on Monday to begin your Occlumency lessons."
"All right, Professor," Harry replied.
Dumbledore led the way out of the kitchen into the sitting room. Mrs. Figg was sitting in her rocking chair, knitting one of her colourful, cat-sized blankets that she called "gannies."
"Oh!" she said, jumping up, "Have you finished?"
"Yes, Arabella. Thank you again for your kindness," Dumbledore said, walking over to her and shaking her hand warmly.
"My pleasure," she said, smiling up at Dumbledore.
"We must be off," Dumbledore said, bowing to her slightly, and then turning to face Harry and Remus.
Mrs. Figg rushed over to Harry. "Here you are dear," she said, handing Harry his coat. "I dried it for you. It should be nice and dry for your walk home, although I'm not sure you'll need it anymore," she said, gesturing to the window.
Harry looked outside. The rain had indeed stopped, and the sun seemed to be finding its way through the clouds. The shrubs in front of Mrs. Figg's house sparkled brightly as the sunlight bounced off the raindrops that still clung to the leaves.
"When will you be stopping by again, Harry dear?" Mrs. Figg asked, looking expectantly at Harry.
"Err…" Harry shifted uncomfortably on his feet, shooting a glance to Dumbledore, and then to Remus.
"Harry will be leaving tomorrow to live with Remus, Arabella," Dumbledore said, putting a hand on her shoulder.
Her eyes opened wide, and her mouth opened and closed several times as she tried to speak. Her eyes filled up with tears. "Oh, Harry!" she sobbed, grabbing him tightly into a hug. Harry, his arms pinned to his sides once again, stood awkwardly in her embrace. She released him, sniffing softly.
"I guess I always knew this day would come," she said, nodding her head. She turned to Remus, shaking her finger at him. "You take good care of him!"
Remus smiled solemnly. "I promise, I will."
Mrs. Figg then threw herself at Remus and hugged him. Remus patted her on the back, consolingly, smiling at Harry over her head. She pulled back, holding him by the arms, and stared into Remus's eyes, "I know you will."
Dumbledore cleared his throat as Mrs. Figg released Remus. "Harry, Remus and I will be apparating from here. I imagine you have some packing to do, so we'll leave you to it."
Harry nodded, looking from Dumbledore to Remus, still not quite comprehending everything that had happened since he arrived there. His gaze moved to Mrs. Figg, who was standing with her arms wrapped around herself, her bottom lip quivering slightly.
Harry stepped over to Mrs. Figg and gave her a hug, "Bye, Mrs. Figg. Thank you for everything." She hiccoughed as he stepped back.
"Stay out of trouble," Mrs. Figg said.
Harry grinned, "I'll try." He nodded to Remus and Dumbledore. "Bye, then."
"See you tomorrow, Harry," Remus replied, grinning at Harry.
"Good-bye, Harry," Dumbledore said.
Harry turned and walked out the door of Mrs. Figg's house into the brilliant sunshine. His feet splashed through the puddles still lying on the sidewalk, but he did not notice. His feet carried him home, as a million thoughts raced through his mind.
Before he knew it, Harry was in his bedroom, tossing his scattered belongings into his trunk. He had walked straight through the house without even noticing if the Dursleys were home. He could think of nothing else, other than making sure he had everything ready to go for tomorrow.
As Harry was clearing some rolls of parchment off his desk, his thoughts fell to his best friends. They likely had no idea that he would be leaving Privet Drive tomorrow. Harry knew that they would want to know. He sat down with a quill in his hand, poised to write. He worked the words over in his head carefully, not wanting to say anything too specific in case the letters were intercepted.
Dear Ron,
I can't say much now, but as of tomorrow I'll be living at Snuffles' old place. No need to worry, and I'll explain it all soon.
Harry
Harry frowned down at his letter, not quite satisfied with it, but knowing that he couldn't include any more details. Harry, Ron and Hermione had referred to Sirius as "Snuffles" for some time now, to make sure no would know who they were talking about.
Harry scanned the letter once more, sighed, and then wrote the same letter to Hermione. He called Hedwig down from her cage, where she had been sleeping with her head nestled under her wing. She eyed him warily, and then swooped down to his desk.
"Take these to Ron and Hermione, but don't come back here. Go to Grimmauld Place instead. I'll be there tomorrow. Okay?" Harry said, tying the letters to Hedwig's outstretched leg. She nipped his finger lightly to show she understood, then soared out the open window.
Harry returned to packing his trunk. He was amazed at how much he had scattered his things in the few days he had been back.
Suddenly, there was a sharp knock on his door. "Harry. Come down for supper." Aunt Petunia said through the door.
Harry was shocked that the afternoon was gone already. He must have been longer at Mrs. Figg's than he thought. He tossed the t-shirts he was holding into his trunk, and then went downstairs to the kitchen.
Dudley and Uncle Vernon were already seated at the table, their plates mounded with food. Harry sat down in his seat, where his plate held one sausage, a quarter of a potato, and a few carrots. He smiled. My last meal here for the summer.
"What are you smiling at, boy?" Uncle Vernon spat.
Harry smiled even wider. "Oh nothing, Uncle Vernon. I was just thinking how great this supper looks. Thank you, Aunt Petunia." Harry looked over to his Aunt Petunia, his green eyes rounded innocently.
Aunt Petunia stopped mid-pour over Dudley's glass of milk, narrowing her eyes at Harry. Uncle Vernon and Dudley stared at Harry stupidly.
"We don't need any comments from you," Uncle Vernon growled.
Harry shrugged his shoulders and began to eat.
Aunt Petunia was not satisfied. She took her seat and looked down her nose at Harry. "How was your visit with Mrs. Figg?" she asked smugly.
Harry tilted his head to one side. He had been wondering how he was going to approach the subject of him leaving, and figured he might as well get it over with.
"It was alright. I didn't see much of Mrs. Figg, though," Harry replied, forking a piece of sausage into his mouth.
Aunt Petunia took to the bait. "Oh, no? Why not?" she asked suspiciously, narrowing her eyes further.
"I spent most of the time talking with Professor Dumbledore and my godfather." All three Dursleys stared at Harry silently. Then Uncle Vernon snorted.
"Liar," he spat out, but then laughed darkly. "Your godfather is dead."
Harry stopped chewing and swallowed hard, staring at his uncle. Harry did not know how they knew that Sirius had died. He had not told them. He could also not believe that his uncle had just laughed at the fact that Harry's godfather was dead. He's worse than Kreacher, Harry thought to himself.
Harry recollected his thoughts, and replied, "I'm not lying. I've been named a new godfather." Harry resumed eating.
Aunt Petunia sniffed. "I'm sure he's no better than the other, if he's one of your lot."
Harry continued to chew his carrots, ignoring Aunt Petunia's comments. Aunt Petunia shifted in her chair, obviously disgruntled that her comment hadn't got a rise out of Harry.
"Well…what did they want?" snapped Aunt Petunia.
Harry placed the last piece of sausage in his mouth and chewed slowly. He swallowed.Okay, this is it, he told himself.
"My godfather has asked me to go live with him, and I've accepted."
The Dursleys stared at Harry, not knowing whether to believe him or not. Harry watched as his uncle and aunt's faces flushed.
"You…well…I…he…" sputtered Aunt Petunia. She pressed her lips into a thin line, then said, "Don't you think we should have a say in this?"
Harry shook his head. "It's all been done. Professor Dumbledore knows, and I'm leaving." Harry said, matter-of-factly. He rose from the table, taking his dishes to the sink.
"Well, I should think we have some say," Aunt Petunia continued shrilly. Harry walked towards the kitchen door, and paused wondering why she was feigning concern.
Aunt Petunia continued, "How do we know this new godfather of yours is trustworthy? Is he a murderer like the last one?"
Harry stared at his aunt, considering her comment. Slowly, a smile spread across his face. "No, Aunt Petunia. He's not a murderer. He's a werewolf, and he'll be by tomorrow at noon to get me."
Harry turned and left the kitchen laughing, etching the looks of absolute horror on the Dursleys faces into his mind forever.