I do not own Harry Potter, only the OC
Hello guys, Badger here. Today, I have a shorter chapter for you guys today. The Chamber of Secrets is now officially over with this chapter and its now onto the Prisoner of Azkaban. This chapter acts as a build up and the second one probably will too. Unlike the Chamber of Secrets, where there were a a good amount of chapters of filler, that won't happen here. This chapter is short, sweet and gets to the point. Enjoy!
Chapter 28
Warning from Fudge and Bones
Dumbledore lent back in his chair, once all the students had left to board the Hogwarts express. Everything involving the Basilisk, Tom and the Horcrux was overwhelming and made him spin. Of course, he was there fifty years ago, when the Chamber was opened previously and poor Hagrid was accused. Dumbledore believed he was innocent, but because he wasn't Headmaster at the time, his protests were ignored and Hagrid was expelled. When the Chamber opened again, he was afraid something similar would happen. Then there was Harry. Though he still wished the boy didn't go behind his back and bring in the Aurors, he was glad to see that Harry was starting to become the hero that the Wizarding World needed. Killing the Basilisk and destroying one of Voldemort's Horcruxes, was only something a hero could do. Not to mention, the boy was worthy enough to pull the Sword of Gryffindor out of the Sorting Hat. Should he could start his plans to train the boy sooner then expected? Maybe. He wasn't sure just yet. He'll wait just a bit longer and see what happens.
…
The train ride back to the Kings Cross was a refreshing one for Harry. Having James back definitely made everything better. Harry had missed his jokes and personality in general. He was also glad that everything regarding the Chamber was dealt with. Now he was looking forward to peaceful holiday. He just hoped everything will remain the way it currently was for their Third Year. When they got off the train and back onto the platform, they said goodbye to the others, with Luna giving James a hug. Something that surprised James for a moment, before he returned it. As the smaller blonde left, they were approached by Pansy.
"James" She smiled, in greeting
"Pansy" James replied "Bit of a risk isn't it?...talking in public, Malfoy might see"
"True, I wanted to talk to you" Pansy shrugged "I just wanted to make sure that you were okay…considering you were petrified for a while"
"Well, I am honoured" James smirked, before he turned seriously "But seriously, you don't have to worry…I am perfectly fine, Madam Pomfrey even checked me over after I was cured to see if there was any side effects"
"Glad to hear it" Pansy smiled, before she looked to see that her parents seemed to be waiting for her "Keep yourself safe, Badger"
"No promises" James smirked, as she walked away
After saying goodbye to a few others, James and Harry made their way to a less secluded area on the platform, where James called for Jinx. The House Elf popped in and immediatley took them back to their apartment, without an order being given. Jinx then gave James a hug, still happy that he is now back before she popped away again. James let out a relaxed sigh, as he stretched out his arms, before he fell back onto one of the sofa's.
"It's great to be back, eh?" James asked, smiling as he kept his eyes closed
"It is, but I am just glad that you are back" Harry replied "It wasn't really the same without you"
"Don't make me blush" James joked, before he turned serious "I mean it too, don't…come on, I think we should surprise Marty and Abigail"
Harry nodded, where the two made their way downstairs. Once more Abigail was cleaning some glasses, her back turned.
"Hi Abigail" James said "I hope we aren't late for lunch service"
Abigail dropped the glass, which shattered on the floor. She turned, where a massive smile spread across her face, as she saw James. She rushed around the counter and wrapped the boy in a tight hug, not wanting to let go. Harry took a small step back, not wanting to get in the way, for the time being.
"James…I'm glad you are okay!" She exclaimed "Me and Marty were so worried!"
"I am sorry for worrying you" James replied "Where is Marty?"
"Groceries" Abigail said "He'll be back soon…come, sit and tell me everything"
James nodded, as he and Harry were lead to a small booth, where the two of them began telling Abigail everything.
…
The pain that he felt was extreme. A few days ago, he was just floating in the smoky abyss that he called a body…or a lack of, in this case, when he felt like a part of his soul was ripped away. This only meant one thing…one of his failsafe's must have been destroyed. This was bad. He needed to find a body and soon. Once that was done, he was going to have to check the rest of his failsafe's and add a few more defences just in case. He did not want to feel that kind of pain again.
…
Harry rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, as he left his room. It was a few days after they arrived back home and it had been calming for both of them. They had sent a few letters to the others, for the past few days, with James sending letters to Luna regularly. Speaking of, Harry saw James preparing some food on the counter. Harry watched as James made two plates for the both of them, but watched in confusion, as James made a smaller portion and placed it on a small plate and placed it far across the counter. Now that he thought about it, he had seen James do this a couple times before, but never really took it into thought.
"What are you doing?" He asked
James jumped slightly, as a fork he was holding fell and clattered to the ground, as he turned. His hand went to his chest, as he took a few breaths to calm himself down.
"W-what are you talking about?" James asked, as he leant against the counter
"That small plate" Harry replied "I've seen you do it a few times…what's the deal with that?"
James looked at the plate, his expression unreadable as he turned back to Harry.
"No reason" He said "Just drop it…please"
Harry opened his mouth to respond, but closed it and nodded, seeing a pained look on James' face. He wasn't sure what was going on with James right now, but he must have touched a nerve of some kind. A knock on the front door alerted them both, to which James pushed himself off of the counter and opened it, revealing Abigail, who looked a little worried.
"Abigail, what is it?" James asked
"There are people downstairs" Abigail replied "They want to talk to you two…it seems serious"
"Okay, give us a few minutes" James said, after a small moment
Abigail nodded, where she walked off, as James closed the door.
"I'm guessing you aren't expecting any visitors?" Harry asked, noticing the calculative look on James' face
"No" James replied "I know the others know where this place is, as well as Amelia, they would send a message of some kind, if they were coming round…lets go"
Harry nodded, making sure he was a least presentable, before the two made their way down the stairs and into the café area, which was almost entirely empty, with only two people sat in the very back, in one of the booths. They didn't need to get any closer, to tell it was Cornelius and Amelia.
"Ah, Mr Potter, Mr Badger" Cornelius said, gesturing to the opposite seats "Please sit, how are you both"
"We are fine sir" James replied, as they sat "What do we owe the pleasure?"
"I'm afraid this isn't a social call" Cornelius sighed, as he shared a glance with Amelia "It seems Sirius Black has escaped Azkaban"
Harry looked confused, but then saw James tense up in his seat, a cold look in his eyes. Seeing as James didn't look like he was going to say anything, he spoke up.
"Who is Sirius Black?" Harry asked, vaguely remembering seeing the name 'Black' on a vault in Gringotts
"A murderer" Amelia replied, after a moment "He was You-Know-Who's most trusted Death Eater… He was convicted for not only the murder of 13 Muggles in 1981, but also giving the location of where the Potters were hiding, to You-Know-Who…"
"There is also speculation of Black giving the location of where the Badgers were hiding" Cornelius added, the cold look on James' face darkening
"How…how did he escape Azkaban?" Harry asked
"That we do not know" Cornelius replied "Investigations are being made…we came here to inform you we will have a few undercover Aurors placed around the current area here, just in case Sirius Black finds you here"
"I guess that is the best thing to do" Harry nodded "Do you think he will be able to even make his way down here?"
"There is a slight possibility, but I doubt it" Cornelius replied, patting Harry's shoulder as he stood back up "I don't believe he will find where you are currently living, but its best to be safe eh?...despite the current situation, I hope you have a good year"
Harry nodded, as Cornelius began making his way out. Amelia Bones remained where she was for a moment, as she looked at Harry.
"Don't do anything reckless this year Harry, with what Sirius Black has done, I want you to be careful" She said, before she looked at James "Both of you…understand?"
Harry nodded, with James doing the same, except he was staring blankly into nothing and his nod was more of a twitch in an absent response. Seemingly happy with the response, Amelia stood up and made her way out of the café. Harry looked over at James. He had been unusually quiet, when Cornelius mentioned that Sirius Black had also gave the location of his own family. The cold look in his eyes, as he stared in space was concerning him.
"James, are you okay?" Harry asked, placing a hand on his shoulder which snapped the boy out of the trance like state, he seemed to be in
"Hmm, sorry Harry" He said "It's just…I have tried to find out who gave my parents location before, but I've never been able to find out who…I doubt Sirius Black is responsible but…never mind, we are going to have to be careful this year…if he did give the location of your parents, I have a bad feeling as to what he hopes to do, if he catches you"
"I'd rather not think about that" Harry replied, his face serious "I just hope that he is captured soon…Dumbledore may of put me there in the first place, but it's because of Black that I went through years of abuse by the Dursleys"
"Believe me Harry, he will get what he deserves" James said darkly
…
There we are, The Prisoner of Azkaban has now started.
The start of the Chapter with Dumbledore thinking about about everything with the Basilisk, was not originally in the draft chapter. It was added later. As you may know, I often have draft chapters prepared, though not everything makes it in the final result, with a few new things added in that weren't there to begin with. Anyway, with Dumbledore, even if he plans for Harry to die, I like the idea of him training Harry to become a hero in the worlds eyes after Harry passes.
It may have been odd to have the train ride back home in this chapter, but I felt like it fitted in well here. I don't know it is what it is. I also hope you liked the small moment between James and Abigail. I think any parent/guardian would be happy to see someone they see as a child safe and sound after they go through something major.
Then we come across the tiny section about...someone. Fans of Harry Potter may already know who it is. Even if you aren't a fan of the franchise, you probably know too. Though, if you aren't a fan of the HP franchise, it is a surprise that you would read a fanfic like this. Not complaining or anything, just saying. I can't argue with someone if they like something...most of the time...depending on what it is they like.
Finally, we come across the ending portion. You may be confused as to why James would leave a small plate of food for seemingly nobody and may just think its just a random thing that will never be brought up again, but believe me, it will. There is a reason for it, it will be explained, but not now, just look out for it. Then, there is the warning of Sirius Black. Like I said at the start, this chapter gets to the point. Unlike Chamber of Secrets, where there are a few chapters, before the plot starts, the plot for the next instalment of the franchise kicks off immediatley. What could lay ahead for Harry? What characters will be introduced? Will Sirius be the man we know in canon, or will he actually be a betrayer and Death Eater? And what about Lupin? What is his story? Will any more of James' secrets be revealed? All will be revealed in time.
I hope you enjoyed and I will see you in the next.
Badger out.
