Chapter 7: - Surprises

ON hearing the loud cheers and applauses from downstairs, Alex Walker looked up, rather annoyed that she was interrupted from her reserach. Sighing, she put down her highlighter and decided to go downstairs to see what all the noise was about.

"What's going on down here?" she ased irritably as she descended from the stairs and walked down the corridor. She wore a rather tight pair of black jeans, Harry noticed, a white blouse and black boots. She never wore make-up and apparently she never really needed it. 'Nice brown complexion and dark brown eyes.' he thought.

"Um, Harry," said Ginny, snapping her fingers, "are you alive in there?"

"Yeah, sorry." he answered.

They now drifted back to the main topic of conversation - 'Ron and Hermione's Relationship'

"I can't believe they're actually together." said Tonks grinning.

"Well it's about time isn't it." remarked Fred.

As he said these words, Ron and Hermione came out of the bedroom, Hermione was blushing and Ron was grinning like a chesire cat.

"Well," said George, "speak of the devil."

"Congrats, mate." said Harry, slapping Ron on the back.

"Thanks," said Ron, smiling, "I couldn't have do-"

He was interrupted by a loud screech from downstairs, "DINNER!" yelled Mrs. Weasley.

"Excellent!" exclaimed Ron, rubbing his hands together, "I'm starving."

"You're always starving." retorted Harry.

"Whatever!" he said to Harry, "come on, let's go to the kitchen." he said to everyone else.

As Harry turned to go downstairs, Alex stopped him.

"Harry," she said, "can you please help me with some boxes?"

"Sure, why not." he agreed, as he followed her up another set of stairs.

As he followed her, he looked around since he was never in this part of the house before and why he'd never been here. As if reading his mind - well she could anyway - she said, "We're on the third floor, just in case you're wondering."

"I assume you've never been up here because it's alot less safe than the rest of the rooms in this house." she continued.

Raising his eyebrows, Harry asked, "What do you mean, 'alot less safe'?"

"Never you mind, we're here." she said, opening the door.

Harry looked around the room. It was similarly designed to that of a teenage muggle and wizard. It had a four - poster bed, with red and gold sheets and pillows, with scarlet hangings and somehow, the bed seemed to be hovering 3 feet off the ground with a giant snitch, supporting it. On the walls, were posters of rock groups, television personalites and rappers.

"Nice room." commented Harry.

"Thanks," she said, while picking up a rather thick, black bound book, "there's the box."

"What's in here anyway?" he asked curiously as he tried to peer inside the box.

"Nothing of your concern." she said, slapping his fingers away from the opening.

Picking up another box, she opened the door and made her way downstairs, with Harry trudging along behing her.

The kitchen was dark and gloomy, with an eerie silence, when the couple arrived. There was no one to be seen and Harry, immediately thinking that danger was near, took out his wand as he dropped the box on the floor. Looking around, there was no sign of struggle from anyone. Nothing seemed to be disturbed. Stumbling over to the fireplace, Alex checked to see if there was any sign of usage, but it was as cold as ice. Even though it was dark, they could've still seen, but barely.

"Can't see anything in here," muttered Harry, "Lumos."

As he did this, he thought he saw something, or even someone, moving around in the dark, when he squinted to get a closer look, the wand was taken from him and it's light was extinguished.

"Nox." whispered a hoarse voice from the darkness.

"Idiot boy," hissed Alex, "you'll alert whoever is here!"

"But where's everyone else?" he asked.

"I think we'll find that out soon enough," she said, "now, you stay right here, I'll be back in a minute."

Harry heard her muffled footsteps go down the corridor until they were inaudible. Wishing he still had his wand, he felt around in the darkness for an appropriate weapon. Since he was in the kitchen, he figured that he should find a knife but instead, he found - a hand?
Dropping the thing, Harry started to retreat but he backed into someone, who immediately grabbed him.

"Aaarrgghh!" he yelled, as he tried to get away, but the person won't budge.

"SURPRISE!" shouted the Weasleys, Hermione and the rest of the order as the lighes came back on.

Harry, who looked as though he was having a heart attack, sank into a nearby chair, clutching his chest, breathing heavily. Chuckling, Ron went over to his best friend and clapped him on the back.

"Alright, mate?" said Ron, who was still chuckling.

Harry merely gave his friend a dark look, as he continued to look around. He saw loads of food and drink and Alex unloading his presents from the boxes that he helped her bring down.

"Had you fooled good, huh?" she asked, smirking.

"If you say so." said Harry, making his way toward the dinner table.

"Happy birthday, Harry!" said Ginny and Hermione, as they kissed him on the cheek.

"Thanks, Gin, thanks 'mione, " said Harry, beaming at those around the table, "who's idea was this anyway?"

"It was Alex's idea, really." said Ron, while stuffing his mouth with chicken. "Ginny and Hermione just helped and Mum cooked the food."

"Wow, thanks." said Harry.

"You'll thank me later." she said, as she helped herself to a baked potato.

Harry looked around the table at his friends and a few of his teachers. Remus was having, what seemed to be a rather 'interesting' conversation with Tonks, both of whom were blushing furiously. Ginny and the twins were laughing at Mundungus' jokes, Ron and Hermione whispering to each other and holding hands, while Mrs. Weasley looked on with profound admiration. Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall were talking to Mr. Weasley about the goings-on in the Ministry and strangely enough, Alex was in depth converse with Professor Snape. Frowning, Harry wondered what exactly was going on between them, it had looked rather serious by the grim expressions on their faces. Someone was missing, Harry thought, and he knew very well who it was. Here he was, stuck in a house on his 16th birthday with friends, but no family. First his parents, now Sirius; looking around the table, he wondered who esle in his life would be taken, so abruptly from him.

"Alright then," said Ron, interrupting everyone's conversation, "it's either time for presents or cake." Turning to Harry, he said, "It's up to you mate."

"Make it cake." chimed Fred and George, "we've got to get back to the shop."

"And I've got to get back to the Ministry." said Mr. Weasley.

"So do I." agreed Tonks.

"K, then Harry," said Mrs. Weasley, placing the cake in front of him, "blow out your candles and let these four, be on their way."

"Oooh, chocolate." said Ron, going to touch the icing.

"Ow, Gin, that hurt." he yelped a few seconds later, making everyone at the table laugh.

"Go on, then, Harry," said Hermione, "make a wish."

Thinking for a moment, Harry blew out the candles. Mrs. Weasley then cut four pieces of the cake, giving them to the twins, Tonks and Arthur, before they apparated to their respective places of business.

"Presents, now!" said Ron.

"Nah, I'll open then later," said Harry, "right now, I want to get some of this cake before there's none left."

Seeming satisfied with that, Ron digged into his slice of cake and soon enough, there was none left. Standing up, Professor Dumbledore used his wand to clear away the dishes.

"Now," said Dumbledore, "I have something to say. It is very important and I wish for all of you to listen. Some of what I am about to tell you shoud've been saved for the upcoming Order meeting, but I rather tell you all in the early."

"What is it, Professor." asked Ginny.

"I'm coming to that Miss. Weasley," said Dumbledore, "now, due to the recent deaths of two very important people, the division of their estates will now be read out."

"But only one person died." said Harry, sadly.

"No," corrected Alex, "two people."

"But-"

"Let him finish, Potter." said McGonagall, sternly.

"As I was saying, the divisions of the estates of Sirius. S. Black and Angelina. H. Walker- Black, will now be read out." continued Dumbledore.

"Who's that?" whispered Hermione.

"My mother." said Alex coolly.

"Remus," said Dumbledore, sitting down, "if you will."

The last will and testiment of Sirius. S. Black, is as follows.

To my best friend and the last of the Marauders, Remus. J. Lupin, I leave my house, Number 12 Grimmauld Place and a sum of 250,000 galleons - by yourself some new clothes.

To the Weasley Family, I leave a sum of 125,000 galleons.

To Ron, I leave my favourite chess-set.

To Hermione, I leave all the books in the second level library - share some with Moony.

To my dear cousins Andromeda and Tonks, I leave a sum of 500,000 galleons.

And lastly, to my godson, Harry. J. Potter, I leave the entire Potter Estate.


Everyone was puzzled at the last bit of information.

"I thought the Potter Estate was completely destroyed." said Hermione.

"On the contrary, Miss Granger," said Dumbledore, "it wasn't, where Harry and his parents lived, was merely a hideout. The Potter Manor in Godric's Hollow, still remains there, but since no one has been there in sixteen years, it might need a little fixing."

"I have a house?" mumbled Harry, completely dumbfounded, "I don't believe it."

"Well believe it, Potter." hissed Snape.

"Now onto Ms. Walker-Black's will." said Dumbledore.

Nodding, she rose from her seat and took the parchment, willing herself not to cry.


The final will and testiment of Angelina Walker- Black.

To my daugher, Alexandra Helena Walker- Black, I leave the entire Walker Estate in your care and I trust that you will put the things I have left for you, to good use and 'Good Luck'

To my dear friend Katarina MacCartney, I leave a sum of 250,000 galleons and the objects we discussed.

Alex's mind raced. What were the objects that her mum talked about and how in the bloody hell did she know Katarina MacCartney. She'd talk to Dumbledore about this later, right now, she had to hope that no one would ask what her mum meant by "good luck", because, she didn't know either. Folding the paper and putting it in her pocket, she sat down and tried to figure out why those two were acquainted. Professor Dumbledore handed the property deeds of the respective houses and estates to Harry and Alex.

"Why would your mum tell you 'good luck'?" asked Hermione curiously, "what is it that you have to do?"

Alex sat and stared at her, "You don't miss a thing, huh?" Hermione shaked her head.

"Well, I honestly don't know what she's talking about?"

"Miss. Walker, before you leave, we need to talk to you." said Dumbledore, gesturing to Snape and McGonagall. Turning to Harry, he said,
"Harry, Umbridge's trial is tomorrow at 11 o'clock; you need to be there for 10.30."

"Why?"

"Just incase the time changes."

Nodding, Harry looked at Alex, she had gotten rather pale since she read out her mother's will. He wondered what Dumbledore had to talk to her about and since Snape was included in this conversation, it wasn't going to be good at all. Apparently, he wasn't the only one who shared these feelings, as Hermione nudged him in the ribs and beckoned him to follow her out into the hallway.

"What?" asked Harry.

"SShhh!" she hissed, pulling him into the foyer, with the others, just as Lupin and Tonks were passing.

"What is it?" asked Harry, for the second time.

"Didn't you find anything strange about the reactions from the reading of that will?" whispered Hermione.

"Who's will?"

"Alex's mum." answered Ginny.

"No, why?"

"Because, all of the adults looked up, shocked, I might add, at the name Katarina MacCartney." said Hermione.

"So?"

"SO!" whispered Hermione, obviously offended, "so, it means that we have to find out who she is."

"She's right," added Ginny, "even Alex looked puzzled at the name."

"And besides, we want to know what the conversation with Snape, Alex and Dumbledore is going to be about."

Harry looked at the two of them, then turned to Ron, who seemed to be there against his will.

"What are you saying, then?" he asked finally.

"I'm saying," said Hermione, "that we are going to find out what is going on and tonight, is our chance."

"Bloody wankers," said Ron, "the lot of you."

"Ron does have a point, Hermione, " agreed Harry, "suppose we get caught."

"What makes you so sure?" asked Ron, "I for one, don't want to face Snape, an angry Snape at that."

"Yeah," said Harry, "and what about Alex, I mean, we recently met her and already, we're nosing around in her business."

"We won't get caught." said Ginny firmly, "Harry, go get your invisibility cloak."

"No," said Harry.

"Why?"

"Because, it's apparent that Dumbledore can see through them."

"What do you mean, see through them?"

"In our second year, we were in Hagrid's hut before he was taken away." began Harry.

"Yeah, and Dumbledore was there and he gave us some cryptic message about following the spiders for help or something." added Ron.

"Where is this going?" asked Hermione irritably.

"He was staring right at us, or in the corner where we were hiding under the cloak." finished Harry.

"Well, what are we going to do, then?" asked Ginny exasperatedly.

"Extendable Ears?" suggested Hermione.

"No," said Ron, "Mum threw them out and Fred and George haven't gotten around to making anymore of them."

"Oh, I have an idea." said Harry.

"What?"

"Did you ever hear of a Disillusionment Charm?"

"What's that?"

"Well, it makes you like a human chameleon, meaning you blend in with the colour and texture of your surroundings."

"That does sound like a good idea," said Hermione, "but, who is going to cast it for us?"

"What do you mean 'who's going to cast it for us?" asked Ron.

"We can't use magic outside of school, remember?"

"Oh."

"Look, we might as well use the invisibility cloak," said Harry.

"Why?"

"Because, if we ask someone to cast it for us," he explained, "they'd want us to give them a reason for doing it."

Thinking on that for a moment, Hermione finally said, "Alright, go get the cloak."

"I already have it." said Ginny.

Harry raised an eyebrow at her but said nothing.

"Ok, then," said Hermione, "let's go back into the kitchen."

It was a long time since they had gotten under that cloak and now, they had all grown several inches taller, especially Ron.

"What are you, Ron?" asked Harry, "7ft, now?"

"6ft 2in." Ron replied.

They finally got to the study, without stepping on their own feet and they went and hid behind the couch that was against the wall. They were just in time too, soon enough, the door swung open and in walked Professors Dumbledore and Snape, followed by Alex, who seated herself comfortably upon a settee in the corner.

Alex spoke first, "Well Professors, what is this all about?"

"Well, as you would'v realised," began Dumbledore, "Your mother has left everything in your possession."

"Yes," she said, "that has me quite shocked though, but what about my grandmother, doesn't she get anything?"

"When your mother died, your grandmother just fell ill, she seems to be lost, as though she'll-"

"Never be the same again." Alex finished, "I suppose that's why she's in St. Mungo's." Dumbledore nodded.

"Also, Miss Walker," came the cold voice of Snape, "I suppose you want to know about the two items that are in the possession of Katarina MacCartney and why."

"Naturally."

"Well, in their Hogwarts days, it appeared that they were never were the best of friends." said Dumbledore.

"That's putting it mildly, Professor, if you don't mind my saying." remarked Snape.

"Not at all, Severus."

"They twice, tried to kill each other," said Snape, "and your mother, who was extremely gifted, didn't need a wand to do so."

"Why did they want to kill each other?"

Sighing, Dumbledore said, "We're getting to that.''

"I think it was over some petty argument that started in our 5th year in Defense Against the Dark Arts class, on who knew the most defensive spells or something like that. Katarina was a muggle born and like Lily Potter and our young Hermione Granger, they strived for excellence in everything. That little argument soon boiled down and they became friends again." said Snape.

"Soon after, in early 6th year, they were arguing again." began Dumbledore.

"Over a guy, right?" asked Alex.

"Yes," answered Snape, "how did you know?"

"When I was younger, I used to love looking through my mum's old school stuff and one day, I came across her yearbook and in this yearbook, was a picture of a couple. When I asked my mum if she knew them, she immediately changed the subject." Alex explained.

"Your mum and Marcus shared the same affection for each other, they were young and in love and were to be married, and of course, your mum needed the support of her two best friends-" said Dumbledore.

"Lily Evans and Katarina MacCartney." said Alex.

From behind the couch, everyone turned to look at Harry, who was in uttermost shock.

"Lily was thrilled at the idea but Katarina wasn't." said Dumbledore, "she was extremely jealous of Angelina and spread a foul rumour about the school that your mum was sleeping with Michael Davies, who as very found of your mum at the time. This rumour turned out to be true, eventually."

"How so?"

"Marcus was devastated and vulnerable and he looked for comfort in the devil herself. He ended up getting her pregnant and your mum was outraged. She ended up torturing her with the Crutacius Curse, nearly getting herself expelled and when she found out that they were to be married, she nearly killed them both with the killing curse." said Dumbledore.

"After that, everyone was afraid of her, calling her a series of very profane names, full of grief, one afternoon, she skipped class and drowned her sorrows in firewhiskey at the lake. Apparently no one came to look for her, when Michael Davies comes strolling down the path and on seeing your completely wasted mother, he immediately takes advantage of her, making her pregnant with you. He then goes about the school telling everyone that she'd give it to anyone that asks, making your mother appear as a - what was the word Severus?" said Dumbledore.

"A qualified slut."

Alex sat stunned and so did the other four who were hiding behind the couch. After a while, she managed to get a few words out of her mouth.

"Why is her name in the will then?"

"The two items your mother was talking about were in the care of her other best friend, Lily Evans-Potter, but becasue Lily died, the alternate received them." said Dumbledore.

"Ok, and what are these 2 items?"

"They are books."

"Books?"

"Yes, books."

Alex laughed.

"This is no laughing matter, Walker." said Snape grimly.

"These books hold our entire futures." said Dumbledore.

"Well, what are they?"

"You've heard about what Marcus' family was known for." she nodded.

"Good." said Snape, "one of these books is exactly that."

"And the other, is one for Immortality."

"These are the books that Voldemort wants, these books are the reason for your mother's death."

"Katarina has to give you these books, but it won't be easy." warned Dumbledore.

"So, if Voldemort wants that Necromancy book, it means that there's gonna be alot of trouble around here and he wants the Immortalilty book for obvious reasons." said Alex.

Behind the couch, Harry and his friends sat stunned, they'd heard things that they weren't even supposed to know about.

"Has he said what he wants to do with that Necromancy book, Professor Snape?" asked Alex warily.

"No he hasn't."

"I think that we'll leave this conversation at that," said Dumbledore as he got up to leave, "oh and Alex, you have to escort Harry to the trial tomorrow morning.''

Snape stood and stared at the girl, she looked so sad and sorrowful now. Alex looked up and caught him staring at her.

"What?"

"You must tell no one of this conversation, not even the four Gryffindors that you have recently befriended." said Snape.

"I know." she said.

As he left, he gave her a sheet of paper with an address on it. "Take it, memorise it and destroy it."

Alex sat and stared for a while, trying to gather all she had just heard. She had a strange feeling in the pit of her stomach as if she knew what exactly Voldemort was going to do with that book. Crushing the paper, she got up and went into the kitchen to get that bottle of Odgen's she saw in the cupboard. Meanwhile the four under the invisibility cloak dashed out of the room and quickly retreated to the boys' bedroom, still in shock over the whole ordeal.