Hey everyone! Enjoy the new chapter!
Last Time on Black and White:
"Anywhere is better than this shithole." Harry responded as he pulled his truck behind him pulling open the door and storming out.
Before Andrew left he turned back to Vernon and gave him a cold look. "I'm getting sick of you and your family, Dursley. That cow floating away; that wasn't me, that was Harry, and you'd better be damn grateful he made that happen because if I were still in control at that moment... well let's just say you'd have a new coat of fresh red paint." With that Andrew turned and followed his brother out leaving behind two flabbergasted adults.
Petunia and Vernon felt a shiver run up their spine, the way Andrew looked when he said that. His eyes, colder than anything they'd ever seen, his tone; calm, collected, strong. But what frightened them most was how he said what he had just said. Not angrily or in a disgusted tone, but rather a cold, sadistic smile.
Book 3 Chapter 3: *Sigh* Shit...
Harry and his brother found themselves marching down the road away from the Dursley's home, to an unknown destination. Anger and frustration bleeding out from them. They came to a stop at least 10 blocks away from where they had come from and decided to take a small break on the curb to catch their breath. They hadn't said a word to one another the entire time, each one lost in their own thoughts.
"Where are we?" Andrew asked swallowing a gulp of air.
"God only kno-" Harry stopped as he heard something snapping in front of them.
Andrew seemed to have noticed the sound as well as he was standing and slowly pulling his wand out from his pocket, Harry followed suit. Then they saw it.
"Is that a dog?" Harry asked his brows furrowed.
"That thing's too bloody massive to be a dog."
They raised their wands to defend themselves but were ultimately thwarted when a sudden and loud bang caused the two to trip over the curb and land painfully on their backs as a purple double-decked bus came to view. They stared at the vehicle for a moment before a man who looked to be in his late-teens or early twenties came into view.
"Good evening, my name is Stan Stunpike and welcome to the Knight Bus, the very best public transportation in the Wizarding World. Please hop on board and let's get mov... what you two doing down there?" he asked finally noticing the two boys on the ground.
"Taking a nap..." Andrew answered sarcastically.
"We fell over." Harry said, speaking over his brother.
"Well com on then, haven't got all night." Stan said as he stepped off the bus and carried the boys luggage on.
Taking a peak around the rear of the vehicle, Harry couldn't see the dog anymore and shook his head slightly before stepping on the bus behind his brother.
"That'll be 5 Knuts please." Stan said holding out his hand.
After being paid he then asked the two boys where they would be headed.
"Leaky Cauldron." they responded together.
"Alright Ernie, Leaky Cauldron. Take 'er away!" Stan called out before slamming a fist against the window separating the passenger side and the driving side.
"Damn, what is he? Like 70? We're never going to make it to-" Andrew spoke too soon as the bus shot forward at an unnaturally fast speed. "Argh!" he groaned as he was thrown back against one of the many beds that lay in the bus for... a reason, the boy assumed.
Looking over at his brother he noticed he seemed just as shocked as he was about the speed he then turned back to Stan and noticed him reading a paper, nonchalantly as the bus moved impossibly around the streets. He then saw the headline of the paper.
"Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban!" it read.
"Sirius Black?" he echoed with a small amount of confusion.
"You don't know who Sirius Black is?" Stan asked, his eyes wide in shock.
At the shake of Harry's head he continued. "He was mad they say, betrayed his best friend, got him killed."
"So, he was in prison then?" Harry asked. At Stan's nod he continued. "Then he broke out, so why is it big news though?"
"He broke out of Azkaban! No one's ever broken out before, most die or go mad being in there too long, but not Black, he was apparently still very sane during the Guards last patrol. They say he was an avid follower of... You-Know-Who. Reckon you heard of him?"
"Yeah... we're quite familiar with his story." Harry responded before turning to Andrew and seeing how shocked he looked.
"Andrew, what's wrong?"
Andrew turned to his brother and pulled him closer.
"Harry, remember the first time we found the mirror in Hogwarts."
Thinking slightly Harry nodded his head slightly, Andrew then spoke again. "Now look at that image and tell me he doesn't look familiar."
Harry turned back to the paper Stan was holding and looked at the image of Sirius Black, while focusing on the memory of the mirror. He was about to stop and ask his brother what he was on about before the memory finally made sense.
"Oh my God..."
"There was one guy we couldn't place, he looked somewhat similar to your dad but he was obviously wasn't immediate family. This is him." Andrew said in a small whisper.
There was a beat of silence before Harry sighed in a defeated manner. "Shit."
The violent ride finally ended with the bus dropping the boys off in front of the muggle entrance to the Leaky Cauldron. Surprisingly, there was someone waiting for them out front. Once they had unloaded their bags the two boys saw Tom the barman and owner of the Pub waiting for them. He lead them inside and up the stairs to a bedroom where they met someone else; The Minister of Magic.
Andrew felt as though things were progressing a tad too quickly. As he now found himself seated behind a desk as the Minister was jotting something down in his notes.
"Ah, Mister Potter and... Mister Potter. Have a pleasant evening?" he asked smiling at the two boys.
"It's been a long couple of hours." Andrew responded cryptically.
"Hmm, I can imagine. Yes, blowing up ones Aunt must be quite the tiring experience." The boys stiffened at that.
The Minister chuckled at the boys' faces. "Oh don't worry, the Ministry isn't going to lock anyone up for blowing up their Aunt, if I were honest I'd like to do the same with my mother-in-law." he chuckled at his own joke while the two twelve (nearly thirteen year old) boys couldn't relate to it.
"Don't worry boys, the Department of Accidental Magic Reversal has been called in and the all parties have had their memories Obliviated. Now if you'll excuse me I have some paper work to get back to, also don't worry about your school books, you will find your entire years material waiting in your rooms as well as some supper." The Minister said with a nod as Tom ushered the two boys away.
Once they were shown their rooms which were located opposite each other the boys bid each other a goodnight before headed in their rooms and settling in for the night.
The next morning rolled around and the boys woke up relatively early before taking a hot shower followed by a quick breakfast down in the pub.
"Morning Tom." they greeted as they entered the room.
"Morning boys." he greeted back. "What would you like for breakfast?"
"Well actually, we were hoping you'd open the path to Diagon Alley and let us go get some gold so that we could pay for the food." Harry said as he stood by the bar.
"Oh, that's not necessary, everything's being paid for by the Ministry." Tom responded with a smile.
"Oh, well, that's nice of them. Err, in that case could I get some eggs and bacon, with two slices of toast and a coffee, please?" Andrew ordered.
"And could I have some porridge with syrup instead of sugar and a glass of pumpkin juice, please?" Harry added.
"Sure thing, boys, go ahead and take a seat while we get that ready for you."
With a quick thank you the boys quickly rushed upstairs to their rooms and got their material for the year. During the break, they found reading ahead was beneficial as they could now know what to expect for the following year.
As they were reading Andrew stopped and turned to his brother. "By the way, you never told me what electives you chose this year."
"Hmm, oh I got Potions, Care of Magical Creatures and Divinations." he answered turning back to his book.
"Divinations? Why would you choose that?"
Harry shrugged. "Sounded interesting."
Andrew sighed. "In other words it's an easy grade."
The raven haired boy simply chuckled. "What about you?"
"Oh, I took Potions as well, but I also chose Care of Magical Creatures and as an extra I'm taking Runes. I might swap out Care for Arithmacy but for now I guess I'll just wait and see how it goes." Andrew replied.
"Why'd you choose Runes?"
"Warding mostly, but apparently runes are used for most enchanted things. So the clock we saw at the Weasley's that had all the hands tied to family members. There are runes that operate together and make that thing run. Also it can, in some cases be used in wand lore, but I'd have to ask Ollivander about that."
"So, you want to do warding?"
"Not necessarily, but it is something I want to look into, see if I can do something awesome with it." Andrew responded.
"So why consider Arithmacy?" Harry asked with a furrowed brow.
"On the train I asked Penny about the topic and she told me it's magical measurements. Obviously we'll be learning the very basics but where she is now; they're able to calculate the correct amount of energy and magical output used to power certain spells, keep wards active as well as possibly create their own spells." Andrew said excitedly.
"Create their own spells?!" Harry asked as his eyes widened.
"Right?! So that's why I'm considering it, but I might do it as self-study rather than going to the class. Knowing Hermione, she probably took it as a subject, so I'll be able to borrow her notes and text book at the end of the year." Andrew responded with another happy smile.
At that moment Tom arrived with the boys' food and drink and told them to enjoy.
Once they were fed and watered the boys headed into Diagon Alley just to wander around a little bit and look at some of the stores. After checking out the newest broom at the Quidditch store; The Firebolt, they moved on to the Library where they got a few more books on spell casting and Legillemency.
Their last trip was to the wand store and when they entered they were met with the ever so creepy stare of Ollivander.
"Ah, masters Potter, how may I help you? I hope your wands aren't giving you any trouble." he said in a concerned tone.
"Oh, no our wands are great actually." Harry responded.
"Actually I have a few questions about wand making." Andrew said stepping forward.
"Oh, well, I'd be happy to help."
"Awesome, so I assume there is a very complicated and intricate method used to craft a wand, rather than just slapping the materials together?" Andrew asked.
"Yes, you assume correctly. Everything is compatible with something, but the real dream of wand makers is to create a wand where all the ingredients are perfect. Now I know what you're thinking, how can something be absolutely perfect? The short answer: Nothing is, there are no perfect things in this world." the old man said mysteriously.
"But... you just said-"
"Yes, I did didn't I? But did I state what they have to be perfect for?"
When the boys shook their heads he continued.
"Exactly; the aim is for perfection, but very rarely does that become a reality. So we create what we can from what we have and hope that it is perfect for someone. Don't forget the wand chooses the wizard so you shouldn't create a wand for someone you barely know. Once wands are created they are filled with a small amount of magic. Depending on the core and focus gem; should it be used, it will then develop a sort of... consciousness of it's own, it knows it's limits, and how far it can be pushed. Once touched by a wizard or witch the wand will then determine whether they are worthy to wield them, based on the magic output the person exudes."
"And I am to believe that this consciousness or self-awareness is done by adding a series of runes on the wand?" Andrew asked.
"Correct, if I were a teacher, I'd award you a but load of points for that. But alas... but yes the wand is brought to "life" by the addition of runes added to it. Even now, should you check your wands you should either feel or see the carves of the runes somewhere."
The boys pulled their wands out and inspected them, a frown formed. "Sir, I don't see or feel anything." Harry said.
"Yeah, neither do I."
"Hmm, that is interesting. Well, perhaps they have faded over time."
"Isn't that dangerous?" Andrew asked.
"No, it's like human skin, we lose a few layers but we grow them back." Ollivander answered with a smile.
Nodding their heads in understanding the boys the bid the man farewell and left to the Alley once again.
With nothing else to do, the boys decided to head back to the Leaky Cauldron and relax a little, since they had finished their homework and assignments during the beginning of the break they were free to do what they wanted.
A couple more days passed by and the two boys found themselves with only one more day left before they had to ride the train back to Hogwarts. Waking up and giving a long stretch Harry walked out of his bedroom into the hallway where he found Andrew practically crawling out of his bedroom. After a mumbled greeting to each other they heard a loud whine and small squeak of fear before a shabby rat ran passed being chased by a tabby orange cat.
The pair disappeared down the hall into the main area of the pub and the two boys blinked in confusion until they heard the voices of the people they assumed the animals belonged to.
"Bloody hell, Hermione! Can't you keep that cat in a cage or something, he scared poor Scabbers here to death."
"Well, maybe you should keep your rat locked up, Ronald. Honestly, Crookshanks is a cat, it's only natural he'd go after prey. Isn't that right?"
"Cat? You call that beast a cat?! More like a feather duster with feet!"
"Oh opposed to your shoe shiner?!"
The two boys shared a sigh before headed towards the main area and found the two arguing figures. No surprise. Hermione and Ron.
"Well, you two seem to be in good spirits this morning." Andrew said as he watched the two glaring at one another while Harry smirked next to him.
"Harry, Andrew!"
After the four friends shared a hug and greetings and questions of the summer; where the boys learned that Ron and his family had won a trip to Egypt and were able to visit his oldest brother, Bill and Hermione had gone off to Paris with her parents. Andrew and Harry had noticed her slightly darker skin and also couldn't help but notice that Hermione's hair had grown slightly straighter and that she had filled out somewhat during the summer. Blinking a couple times the boys finally turned and greeted the rest of the Weasley family that had accompanied with the two teens.
Breakfast was a great affair with everyone talking sharing stories of the summer, the twins shared a particularly funny story involving a sleepy Ron, a muggle movie called "The Mummy" and dummy found in the lobby of the hotel they were staying at wrapped in toilet paper. Fair to say everyone laughed for a good minute before they calmed down. Ron was none too pleased.
When the excitement started dying down Andrew and Harry were pulled away by Mr Weasley who was more serious the boys had ever seen him, second only to the previous year with his altercation with Malfoy Senior.
"Now boys, I'm sure by now you've heard about the escaped criminal; Sirius Black." it wasn't a question.
"Yeah, we've seen his wanted posters around." Andrew responded.
"Now many, Dumbledore included wouldn't want me to tell you boys this, but I feel it imperative to your safety for you to stay informed."
Harry asked the next question. "Sorry sir, but what would Sirius Black have to do with us?"
"You see boys thirteen years ago Sirius Black was a part of an organization; the Death Eaters, who were all servants of..."
"Voldemort." the boys said finally understanding where this conversation was headed.
"Don't say his name." Arthur said, shuddering slightly. "But yes, Sirius Black was an avid follower of You-Know-Who and in order to gain his favor committed many a terrible act. But that is neither here nor there, what I'm trying to say is that; now that Black has escaped, he is more than likely after you. Seeing as you were the reason for his masters defeat."
"So wait, hold on. Are you telling us that Black especially broken out of prison to get us?" Andrew asked furrowing his brow."
Arthur nodded and the boys felt the world around them spin slightly. A notorious killer was after them, fan-bloody-tastic.
"So boys, my reasoning for telling you all of this is for one specific reason; what ever you do, do not go looking for Black." he said in a serious tone.
"Sir, why would we go looking for the man who's actively trying to kill us?" Harry asked with a raised brow.
Finally the day to leave for the train arrived and once again Harry, Andrew and Hermione found themselves waiting for the Weasley family to, as Andrew eloquently put it; "Get their shit together." much to the chastising of Hermione for using foul language.
Once they were prepared they were led out of the Pub and Breakfast and were met with Ministry assigned cars waiting for them outside the building. When the utter look of confusion became obvious to the adults Arthur gave a quick explanation.
"For security measures." he said shortly as he put the bags in the boot of the car before climbing in, quickly followed by Percy and the rest of the family. Shrugging, the boys followed suit and soon they all found themselves headed towards Kings Cross Station.
Like the year before the group found themselves narrowly making it to the train before it was scheduled to leave. Once they had climbed on they instantly separated; each to their own friend groups. Fred and George went off to look for Angelina Johnson and the rest of the Quidditch players, Percy disappeared off to find who Andrew could only suspect was Penny and her friend group while Ginny went off to find her second year friends.
"Well, guess we should find a compartment." Hermione said as she pulled her carry on bag. The boys followed behind each carrying their own bags as well.
"By the looks of it, it would seem as though everywhere is full." Andrew said as they passed the fifteenth compartment.
Finally they came across one that had a person who seemed to be sleeping. They shared a look before shrugging and entering the small room and placing their bags in the overhead compartments. Harry turned to look at the sleeping person.
"You guys think he's really asleep?" he asked.
"Looks like it." Ron responded with a shrug.
"Good, we need to tell you something." Andrew said as he stood and closed the compartment door shut.
Once they had told the two of them everything they had learned about Sirius Black there was a heavy silence in the room.
"But why would he be after you two?" Hermione asked with a frown.
"Apparently it's because we're the reason his master is now nothing more than a shadow of his former self." Andrew replied with a shrug.
"Oh, you two, you'd better not go out looking for any trouble!"
"Hey, we aren't the ones looking for it!" Harry argued.
"Yeah! It usually corners us when we least expect it." Andrew jumped in.
At that moment the train jerked to a stop. The lights in the compartment flickered slightly before they finally went out.
"What the hell is going on?" Ron asked looking around.
"The train shouldn't have stopped, surely we haven't reached Hogwarts yet." Hermione chimed in.
"Is it just me or has it suddenly gotten really cold?" Ron spoke again.
Everyone in the compartment froze when they noticed a cloak figure by the door. But something didn't look or feel right, the figure didn't instill a feeling of fear into them, but rather a feeling of intense desperation. They couldn't think or feel anything remotely happy. The... thing finally pulled out the compartment door and floated inside, taking a look around until it noticed the two Potters. In a matter of seconds it reared its head back and began sucking. Hermione and Ron were sat frozen in shock as they noticed their friends faces almost being pulled off of their bodies. An ethereal like mist was being pulled from the boys and swallowed by the creature.
Andrew and Harry tried as hard as they could, they raised their defenses, but it was useless as the creature seemed to tear away at their fail safes and brought forth every horrid memory they had experienced. Reaching out to one another they formed a mental chain where they tried to keep each other tethered but that only seemed to help the creature as it now had access to both their memories twice as easier now.
They felt themselves slowly fading and that's when they heard it. Screams, pleas and begging of a woman... no women; they couldn't tell how many but multiple, all begging for the lives of Harry and Andrew and finally they were blessed with a release from the creature's cold grip on their minds.
After what felt like hours the two boys jerked awake and looked around.
"Here eat this." someone said to them.
Now the Dursleys didn't teach the boys about stranger danger but now being thirteen they sort of figured that little life lesson out by themselves as they turned to the mysterious man and gave him a suspicious look.
"It's chocolate, it'll help." he said with a kind smile.
Looking around they saw Hermione and Ron munching on their own pieces before taking the offered piece of candy and began biting a few pieces off themselves and they immediately felt a slight warmth enter their bodies.
"What were those things?" Harry asked, his voice soft.
"Those were Dementors, guards of Azkaban prison, no doubt searching for Sirius Black." the man responded.
"Oh yeah, cause we're definitely him." Andrew answered sarcastically before taking another bite of his chocolate.
"Yes, that was an... unorthodox situation. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go have a word with the conductor." the man with graying brown hair said as he moved out of the compartment.
"Who was that?" Andrew asked when the man left.
"Professor R.J Lupin." Hermione said.
"You guys alright? That was barmy!" Ron asked watching the two boys with a worried glance.
"Yeah, we're alright. By the way what happened? I heard screaming." Harry said, looking at his two friends.
"Oh well, that's err... Well, um you guys, passed out, and there wasn't anyone screaming." Hermione responded watching the two boys closley.
"Impossible, there was definitely screaming." Andrew said looking at the other two.
"Nah, mate, no screaming. Just those two things and then you two, you know... fainting." Ron responded.
They fell into a lull of silence as they listened to the train run over the tracks towards the castle, but for some reason unlike the previous two years; instead of the sound making the two Potters excited for the prospects of the upcoming year, it did nothing but fill them with an undeniable sensation of dread as they knew that this would not be the final time they would deal with these creatures.
They shared a look before sighing in defeat. "Shit..." they muttered simultaneously.
That's the end! Hope you guys enjoyed it!
Already working on next chapter so that should be up soon!
Peace, Love, Respect
Zak
