Kidnappings and Quarrels
Chapter 20
The rest of the week passed by lazily; Harry revelled in the feeling of being home again and practiced the spells Sirius and Remus had taught him. He could successfully transfigure objects into iron but the problem was that it took at least ten seconds to finish the transfiguration. That would be of no help in a battle, so he had to get down the time to at least a second.
Sirius had to leave that afternoon for an Order meeting. He had been exempt from them the past month seeing as he wanted to spend time with Harry, but after the shocking murder of Amelia Bones and the disappearance of Florean Fortescue, he could not deny that the war was beginning and the Order needed all the help they could get.
Harry had the mirror Sirius gave him in his pocket at all times and was told to stay indoors, which meant no flying in his broom. He didn't mind much, it was just one day, so he spent much of his time in the Potter Manor's library as he had nothing else to do.
His grandfather seemed to have an extensive collection of books on Defence against the Dark Arts, which seemed to be his forte. Harry liked to think he got his interest from him as Sirius had told him his Dad was good in Transfiguration and his mum in Charms and Potions. There were books that were almost centuries old and was sure would have only been in the Restricted Section of the Hogwarts library. Hermione would probably live inside here all year if she could.
Harry perused the titles of the many books and stopped when a book caught his interest – Elemental Transfiguration and Ways to Implement in Duelling.
He asked Twitchet to get him a hot chocolate as he propped up his feet on the desk and began to read.
oOo
Saturday, August 10
It was her third meeting at the Order of the Phoenix's headquarters and Catherine had arrived early as usual. After considerable practicing every day, she could finally get her Patronus right. They had had more bad news the last meeting, where Moody had mentioned that Florean Fortescue had been announced missing. His house was wrecked and the Aurors were investigating, so the Order couldn't do much regarding it.
Catherine sat next to Tonks with a bottle of butterbeer, "Hello."
Catherine had been very thrilled to learn that Tonks was a Metamorphmagus. She knew they were really rare and had enjoyed it immensely when Tonks entertained her for the better part of an hour doing various things with her facial features and hair. Today though, her hair was a dull mousy brown mirroring her dispirited expression. She was sipping from a bottle of firewhiskey and Catherine was quite apprehensive.
"Is everything okay?" said Catherine uncertainly.
Tonks looked up with a faraway look in her eyes. "Oh… yes, yes. I'm fine."
Catherine could tell she was lying, but she didn't want to press her. She wasn't sure that they were close enough yet that Tonks would discuss her problems with her anyway.
Catherine felt slightly awkward, but Charlie joined them as he sat beside Tonks. "What's got you down?"
When Tonks didn't reply, Charlie glanced up at Catherine and she shrugged as she shook her head.
Tonks took a large gulp of her firewhiskey. "I'm fine, really. It's nothing to worry."
Saying so, she put on a very forced smile and it was very clear from her expression that she wanted them to not talk about it anymore. Catherine quickly took the opportunity to discuss the progress she had made with her Patronus and Tonks looked grateful.
The door of the dining area opened to reveal a plump, kind-looking woman with the trademark flaming red hair of the Weasleys.
"Boys!" she exclaimed in greeting as she walked up to the twins who had been discussing something with their heads put together at the table. They looked up and raised their eyebrows in unison, when Mrs. Weasley went up to them and pulled them in a crushing hug.
"Ouch, mum!—"
"—You're squeezing us!"
"How I've missed you! Why don't you ever come and stop by the Burrow? Ron and Ginny miss you so much!" said Mrs. Weasley rather tearfully.
Fred rolled his eyes. "Really mum!"
"They saw us just a month ago," said George.
"And besides, we're busy with the shop!" added Fred, grinning.
Mrs. Weasley looked annoyed. "That doesn't mean you don't visit your family once in a while! It's pretty lonely at home without you two!"
Fred grinned. "And get stuck with our future sister-in-law? No thanks!"
Mrs. Weasley looked like she wanted to smile but she hastily looked around as if to make sure Bill wasn't around. Thankfully, he was yet to arrive.
"Where's Ron and Ginny?" asked George.
"Oh, they're upstairs. I couldn't leave them all alone at the Burrow. Why don't you go up and see them?" said Mrs. Weasley.
The twins got up in unison as they left the room. Charlie looked inquisitive. "How did you all get here?"
"Bill got us a portkey from Dumbledore. We couldn't possibly get one from the Ministry, with the Fidelius and everything," said Mrs. Weasley as she moved to sit next to Ms. Vance.
They were all chatting amicably when Moody entered along with Bill and Mr. Weasley and the meeting was called to order just as the twins entered again. Bill cast Silencing charms, a Locking charm and an Imperturbable charm on the door which had never been done in their previous Order meetings. When Catherine had questioned Charlie, he said it was because of his brother and sister upstairs.
Moody was saying that they were going to allot teams to tail the known Death Eaters on the loose, to monitor who they talked to and where they went. Moody and Vance were allotted Bellatrix Lestrange and Bill and Doge were allotted Mulciber.
Fred, George, Lee, and Angelina would work in pairs and shifts to tail Jugson. Since they were new and young enough, it was a good choice. Catherine and Charlie would be tailing Rowle in shifts. Hestia and Dedalus Diggle would be tailing Macnair.
Kingsley, who was busy with the Ministry of Magic and the muggle Ministry, was not able to join. He detailed the Death Eaters' known locations and gave them ideas on how to disguise themselves and when to report.
It was all rather thrilling and during the small break they took, Catherine was discussing with Charlie on how best to allot shift times as were the others who were talking amongst themselves. It was then that an old and filthy house-elf popped into the dining and announced that 'Master Sirius' was waiting outside.
Bill took off the Imperturbable charm and opened the door to reveal a rather handsome man, striding in wearing all black robes. Many of them gave cries of greeting and he grinned. Catherine couldn't help but blush when the unbidden thought crossed her mind that he had a very fetching smile.
"Late as usual, Sirius," said Kingsley as the man took a seat at the end of the table where usually Dumbledore sat. Catherine was astounded to think that this good-looking man was the Sirius Black, the supposed mad, mass-murderer. He looked nothing like she had seen in the 'Wanted' posters.
"I got caught up in something," he said casually and called out, "Kreacher!"
The same house-elf appeared again and bowed low when Black ordered for tea to be served for everyone. Mrs. Weasley smiled gratefully, no doubt for being spated from the work and Black inclined his head in welcome.
"What are we up to?" said Black and the rest of the members caught him up quickly on what they had discussed. Kreacher served them all tea and Catherine wondered if this was perhaps Black's house. It explained why the house-elf took orders only from him.
Black was saying "…why was Fortescue attacked? Do we know who he last talked to or dealt with?"
"I asked around one of the shopkeepers in Diagon Alley," said Kingsley. "Two days before he disappeared, Jugson had apparently met with Fortescue."
"We know the Death Eaters took him. I want to know why!"
"His family has always been against the Death Eaters. His son Magnus Fortescue was killed in the last war," said Moody.
Bill spoke, "So, if it's just a matter of…"
Abruptly, he was cut off as a raven form of a Patronus flew into the room. Everyone froze as they watched, startled. It opened its beak and spoke in a familiar female voice, "Emmeline, I just saw six Death Eaters enter Ollivander's a few seconds ago. I don't think anything good will come of it. You and your friends need to help…"
"That was Madam Malkin. We need to go now," said Vance as she stood up quickly.
Catherine was perplexed when Kingsley pointed out, "We can't all go."
Moody said gruffly, "Right. Sirius, Vance and I will go. Others, it's not safe yet to show to the world where your allegiance lies."
Tonks spoke quickly, "I'll come with you in disguise."
Saying so, her entire appearance changed into an unassuming woman with dark eyes and the same mousy hair. Black's eyes narrowed before he nodded. He quickly left the room followed by the others when Shacklebolt spoke up, "I better leave for the Ministry. I'll be needed soon."
He too left, leaving the rest of them in silence as each contemplated what must be going on.
oOo
Sirius Apparated straight outside the alleyway near Ollivander's. He noticed Moody, Tonks and Vance beside him and motioned them forwards.
Mad-Eye disappeared under his cloak, as a backup and they walked unhurriedly along the nearly empty Diagon Alley at the lunch hour. They heard a loud crash from Ollivander's and now raced forward as other shopkeepers came running out.
Sirius reached the place first and threw open the door which tinkled absurdly.
There were six masked Death Eaters and a livid Ollivander was facing them down, wand in hand. Everyone had turned to look at him when he entered and Ollivander used it to his advantage. He fired a spell at the nearest Death Eater and many things happened at once.
Two of the Death Eaters had turned towards Sirius firing at him, and he quickly pulled up a shield around him. The others caught up with him and it was an outright battle as jinxes and curses flew left and right. Oddly, the stray spells simply bounced off of the shelves instead of breaking the wands to splinters. Must have been Ollivander's handiwork, thought Sirius as he tried to lure them outside.
Sirius was fighting two Death Eaters, ducking and dodging as the fight was taken outside the shop and to Diagon Alley. People were screaming and running away from the scene, the tell-tale cracks of Apparition sounding like whiplash.
One of the Death Eaters he was duelling with threw a silver stream of light, which blew a crater on the wall of a shop behind him, showering them with broken glass and rubble. Sirius coughed as he tried to look past the dust rising and was alarmed to see two of the Death Eaters throwing a spell at Ollivander that made him fly a few feet before hitting the ground.
Sirius hurried towards him and noticed Vance just behind him, but the Death Eaters saw them coming and threw killing curses straight at them.
"Duck!" yelled Sirius, as he dodged and watched Emmeline leap out of the way at the last minute, when one of the Death Eaters guffawed.
Enraged, Sirius hit a Severing charm at him that caused a deep gash across his chest. He yelled as he tried to stem the blood flowing freely when Sirius hit him with a stunning spell. He hit the ground, his wound still bleeding and Sirius turned to look at the others that were still fighting.
Moody and Tonks were fighting three of the Death Eaters and Sirius looked around for the other two. "Where are the rest of them?" he asked aloud.
"There!" shouted Vance and he saw them running towards Ollivander who was lying motionless on the ground. Sirius quickly threw a Stunning spell, but the Death Eater easily deflected it. Vance's 'Impedimenta' hit one but the other Death Eater, quickly grasped Ollivander in one fluid motion and Apparated away.
Sirius swore as he turned to help Tonks who was sporting a bloody lip as she duelled the mask-less Mulciber. Sirius fired a Stunning spell but the man quickly ducked away. He then turned and Apparated along with the rest of his little team, noticing that the job was done.
Moody was walking up to Emmeline and Tonks, who quickly tied up the two Death Eaters (who turned out to be Macnair and Jugson) they had captured with an 'Incarcerous' and put Anti-Apparition Jinxes on them, to make sure they would not escape.
Seconds later, the Aurors Apparated on the scene.
It was an hour later that their little team Apparated back to Number 12, Tonks and Kingsley taking care of the Death Eaters along with the rest of the Aurors.
Dumbledore had just arrived and was looking solemn as they gave the news of Ollivander having been kidnapped. The members of the Order counted the capture of the two Death Eaters as a small victory and many of them left for their homes. It was only Sirius, Dumbledore, Moody, and the Weasleys and their sons Bill and Charlie left, still discussing the events of the day.
"—they definitely didn't want to kill Ollivander, so why does You-Know-Who want him?" said Arthur Weasley who had arrived late to the meeting after his work.
"For information, no doubt," grunted Moody as he cleaned his eyeball in a glass of water.
"He's a wandmaker, so You-Know-Who must want to know something about wands. Maybe, he has a problem with his wand?" said Bill and the others were continuing the discussion, but Sirius didn't hear what they were saying.
He had frozen at Bill's implication because it was exactly what he had thought of too.
He glanced quickly at Dumbledore who was deep in contemplation. Was Voldemort trying to remedy the fact that Harry's wand and his could not be used in a duel? If he tortured Ollivander for information, Voldemort would know about the twin cores that Harry's and Voldemort's wands shared.
He hated the thought of that. At least, it had been a first line of defence – the fact that Harry and Voldemort's wand could not duel properly. If he remedied that, Harry wouldn't stand a chance.
"…alone all this time, Sirius?"
Sirius shook out of his reverie as he looked up. "What?"
"I said, have you left Harry alone all this time?" said Molly with a frown on her face.
Sirius, was still rather distracted. "Oh… yeah."
Molly's lips thinned with disapproval as her voice rose, "What were you thinking, Sirius? Leaving him alone at the present time? Harry won't be safe!"
"He's perfectly safe where he is, Molly," said Sirius coolly.
"You could have brought him along with you at least! It's not alright to just leave him alone in a house all by himself."
"As safe as this house is, Harry is better off at our home. There are people coming and going every day and not everyone are people I can trust yet," said Sirius, frowning. He noticed the Weasley boys gaping at them and Dumbledore watching silently, but he didn't care. He was tired already and was not going to take it lying down anymore when people implied that he wasn't fit to keep Harry safe.
Molly flushed with anger. "Are you saying that you don't trust us with Harry's safety?"
"One of my best friends," spat Sirius with venom, "of eleven years betrayed and framed me, enough to get me carted off to Azkaban. You will excuse me if I have trust issues."
Molly looked like she was going to retort when Dumbledore cut in firmly, "Molly, Sirius is right. With all the new members that we have here, it is better for Harry to be in his home. Nobody can touch him there."
Arthur quickly put a hand on Molly's shoulder before she could argue further. "Harry is safe. He's under the Fidelius and nobody but Sirius knows where he is. I think it's best to keep it that way."
He looked at Sirius apologetically and Sirius simply nodded before standing up, wanting to leave. "It's getting late; I better be off."
Dumbledore stood up too. "I shall be going too. Arthur, the portkey is charmed to leave in fifteen minutes. Farewell."
Sirius nodded in their general direction and walked out to the top step to Apparate home.
oOo
Harry was still reading the thoroughly interesting book after three hours. It really helped that he could do magic at home as he was very eager to try out the tips and tricks mentioned. He was making good progress and could already complete the metal transfiguration in seven seconds, which was a good improvement in a mere three hours.
He heard the door open and close, the clatter echoing up the stairs in the silent house. "Harry?" called out Sirius and Harry marked the page in his book, before he went downstairs.
"That was a rather long Order meeting," said Harry casually as Sirius plopped onto the sofa, looking tired.
"It was a short one at first, which then went steadily downhill," said a sullen Sirius.
"What happened?" asked Harry, concerned.
"Ollivander was kidnapped."
"The wandmaker?"
"Yes, we got a tip-off and we rushed to the scene. Six Death Eaters in Diagon Alley tried to apprehend him. We fought them, but they still managed to get him. We caught Macnair and Jugson though, so that is some victory I think."
"Why would Voldemort want Ollivander?" asked Harry curiously.
Sirius looked stonily at the mantelpiece for a moment before shaking his head. "No idea."
Harry was aware that Voldemort had started making his moves and it was quite disconcerting every time to listen what was happening in the outside world. Potter Manor felt like a peaceful little bubble, strong and impenetrable. Harry sometimes felt guilty that he was very safe here when others might not be.
But another part of him, the part that had craved for some sort of relative to whisk him away ever since childhood, was selfishly very glad that he even had a place he could willingly come home to.
He decided to pull Sirius out of his melancholy. "Let's have dinner, I'm starving."
Sirius followed him into the dining place. "You could have eaten without me."
"I was too busy reading that I forgot," said Harry. "You won't believe how many amazing books granddad seems to have in his library."
"I never really read books while I was here. Your dad and I spent all our time flying," said Sirius with a reminiscent smirk.
"I couldn't do that, because of you," pointed out Harry with mild acccusation. "So, I went to the library. I already brought my transfiguration time down to seven seconds, but if the book was any good, I can get it down to a second by the week I reckon."
"What amazing book was that?" asked Sirius wondrously as they sat down for dinner.
oOo
A/N: Dumbledore standing up for Sirius is a good change, don't you think? Now, only Molly seems to need some work. I think Sirius has the ability to turn everyone around, given time. Let me know what you think!
