Chapter 5:
Dementors!
Even though it was still early summer, Harry felt as though he already had a full summer holiday. He, Oliver and Cedric had flown over nearly all of Britain. One of the major highlights was flying over Hogwarts. Harry instantly remembered his first flight with Buckbeak, as they soared over the vast castle, then across the large lake. He was able to do everything he couldn't do, during his past summers. Harry was so happy that he even decided to put his jealousy to rest. He just enjoyed spending his summer with both of them.
Only his happiness couldn't be everlasting. Dementors were soon reported outside of Azkaban. Rumour had it, some made their way to the muggle world. Some stated that Voldemort had finally taken control of the mercurial brings to assist him in his conquest. Others, like the minister quoted: They were just fanciful stories, and no one should pay any mind to them.
As they are their breakfast, Cedric immediately picked up the Daily Prophet. He eyes widened as he read the front page. "This is a catastrophe! Those beasts were hard enough to control as it was, now they've gone rogue!"
"Any news of Dumbledore?" Harry asked, scooting his chair a bit closer to him.
"Not a word. It's like he's become a reclusive figure," Cedric replied, looking at Harry.
"Fudge is most definitely behind that," Oliver blurted, as the other boys turned their gaze to the other side of the table.
"I agree. He was the only one who believed Harry and I fought him. Aside from him, only a few teachers took our story seriously. Most just said we 'imagined the whole thing,'" Cedric huffed, setting the paper aside.
"Something must be done. We need to devise a plan to stop him!" Harry bellowed. If only we could get word to Sirius. I know he'd find a way to rally everyone that is still loyal to Dumbledore and not the minister," Harry exclaimed, feeling exasperated that he had no clue as to his whereabouts.
Meanwhile, Viktor had arrived in Heathgate Hampstead. Hermione was ecstatic to show him around London. Viktor, however wanted to take Hermione flying over the British countryside. Hermione nearly cringed at the thought of flying yet again, but knew she'd be safe with him.
Hermione was more than trepidatious. But, she had to admit she was starting to enjoy flying. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined seeing Britain this way. It was like being in a different world. As they flew over Lake Windermere, Viktor motioned her to descend with him. Hermione nodded, and soon both brooms were gliding across the water.
"Your country is so beautiful," he stated, as they once again headed back to the clouds. "Fields are so green and the lakes look so clear."
"I'm glad you like it. Though, I must admit I've never been this far from home. That is, other than going to school," Hermione laughed, causing him to grin.
"Even better. We both get to witness Great Britain together."
A few hours passed. After they flew over Hogwarts, they eventually made it to Loch Lomond. By now, Hermione felt as though she were on Cloud Nine. Never before had she this much of Scotland. The scenery was breathtaking!
By the time they returned to London, it was nearly nightfall. "Thank you for the most magical day I've ever had," Hermione exclaimed, dismounting the broom.
"My pleasure. I too had a magical day. I'm glad we could share it together."
Hermione smiled, then sighed as she saw her house behind them. "With all we did, the day certainly ended quickly," she stated. "Will I see you soon?"
"I would like that very much," Viktor replied, as he prepared to fly back to his boarding house.
"Oh, should I keep this for next time?" Hermione slightly laughed, holding the broom Viktor brought her.
"Of course. You will most definitely need it," Viktor laughed.
Hermione slowly walked towards the front door. Once she reached it, she turned and waved at him, as he began to levitate. "Good night."
"Good night," he winked, before flying away.
Hermione still couldn't believe they day they had. Nor the fact neither she or Viktor didn't have even one bite of food. Yet, who could be hungry when witnessing such grand vistas? She then unlocked her door and entered the house.
Almost a month later, more dementor sightings had been reported. Though Harry tried to enjoy his birthday, he soon learned one of the sightings wasn't too far from his hometown. As much as he hated the idea, he knew he go there. He had to do something.
Cedric and Oliver both agreed they'd accompany him there. Since mostly muggles lived in that part of town, they knew the use of their brooms wouldn't be wise. So, they decided to apparate. Harry was definitely apprehensive, yet Cedric reassured him he'd be perfectly safe.
The next evening, they apparated to Little Whinging. Once they arrived, Harry felt utterly sick to his stomach. he glanced and saw there were in the park. The area seemed peaceful and quiet. Only it wasn't quiet for long, when he saw three figures looming towards them. He didn't recognise two of them, but knew the one in the middle all too well. His cousin, Dudley.
Dudley had definitely gained weight since last year. He also acquired two goons. He was almost exactly like Malfoy.
"Big D, you're unstoppable! Those brats never stood a chance against you!" One of the boys jeered, as the other chuckled. Dudley only nodded at his statement.
"Was there ever any doubt?" He smirked. "We need to teach them to respect their superiors," Dudley stated proudly, as his gaze met Harry.
Big D? Harry questioned, laughing to himself. He could see why Dudley achieved that title. "Hey, Big D! Beat up another ten year old?"
"This one deserved it!" Dudley huffed, matching his glare.
"How pathetic! Tormenting those weaker than you. That's what gives you a delusional sense of superiority?"
"You're one to talk, Potter!" One of the goons hissed. "Dudley could take you anyway of the week!"
"Oh, really?" Cedric countered, now standing next to Harry.
Dudley silently gulped. He knew Harry couldn't use magic outside of school. But, these boys were older. They were most likely able to use magic anywhere they went. He didn't stand a chance against either. He had to think of a way to decline his offer.
"Go ahead, Big D. Let that prat have it! Hell, he could take on all three at once."
"We'll just see about that," Oliver quipped, knowing they could easily jinx them.
"Why waste my time and energy?" Dudley snarled. "These three aren't worth it! Shouldn't you all be flying back to the mental asylum now?" He teased. "If you're with him, you're just as loony!"
"Yeah, good point. We have nothing to gain from beating up crazy buffoons," one mocked, as the other laughed. Then, they both started to walk away. "See you tomorrow, Big D."
As soon as they were out of sight, Dudley gave Harry a fiery glare. "Why the hell are you here?!"
"You could be in danger!" Harry huffed. "You can hate me all you want, but the fact is this place isn't safe."
"You're daft! You honestly expect me to believe that!?"
"Look, I don't have time to argue! Is Aunt Petunia home?"
"Mum's home. But, you're a fool if you think she'll invite two more freaks inside the house."
"Who would want to be invited?" Oliver winced, as both he and Cedric rolled their eyes.
"They'll wait here," Harry stated. "Let's just go!"
Before they could move, the evening sunset was soon covered by mercurial figures. Darkness soon covered the sun and a sudden wind began to blow.
"What are you doing?" Dudley whimpered, eyeing Harry. "Whatever it is, stop it!"
"I'm not doing anything!" Harry defensively replied, glancing at the older boys.
"You've got to be joking!" Oliver gasped, as they all saw dementors gliding through the air. "Bloody hell! We've got to get out of here!"
"Dementors!?" Dudley moaned, quickly looking at the sky. He couldn't see anything, but by the look on their faces, he could tell they were real. "Well, they're not getting me!" He made a quick dash away from the park.
"Dudley! Wait!" Harry shouted, as he raced after him.
"Harry!" Cedric stammered. "We have to think of something!"
"We will! It looks like he's running towards the underpass. If we head them off, we can get there faster."
Harry raced after Dudley, who by now was almost inside the tunnel. "Dudley, stop!" He shouted, yet to no avail. Suddenly, heavy rain started to fall. The sky was now grey and covered with storm clouds. Harry could barely see through the thick raindrops, yet managed to spot Dudley run into the underpass. Using all his strength, Harry lunged towards him. By the time Dudley made it inside the tunnel, Harry was right behind him. "Listen to me!" He screeched. "You can't outrun them! None of us are faster. But, there is a way to keep them away from you."
"Really?" His cousin asked, as he tried to stop shaking.
"There's a spell. But, you have to stay close to me. It's the only way you'll be safe."
Dudley had no inkling who or what a dementor was or how Harry could repel one. But, if staying by Harry kept him safe, he'd comply wholeheartedly. "All right. What now?"
"Now, we wait. They may be gone," Harry replied, glancing at both entrances to the tunnel. Everything was quiet. Too quiet. The only sound they could hear was the harsh rain hitting the pavement. Yet, the two continued to wait.
After a few minutes, Harry sighed in relief. "I think they've gone. Dudley, we have to get inside, quickly! Before they return." Just as he started to walked towards the other side of the tunnel, a dementor suddenly grabbed Harry's neck! Harry struggled against its tight grip, as he was lifted him off the ground and shoved against the wall. "Dudley...run!" He bellowed, now feeling all the air being taken out of him.
Dudley immediately ran towards the exit, but slipped on the now drenched cement; which sent him sliding towards the opening. Right as he reached the end, another dementor swooped into the tunnel. The dark creature immediately began to suck his soul.
"Harry!" Cedric cried, as he and Oliver raced into the underpass. Both waved their wands, stunning each dementor. Harry instantly fell to the ground, while Dudley remained still on the ground.
Cedric immediately helped Harry stand, as Oliver bent over Dudley. "He's unconscious, but I think he's all right," he remarked, as he pulled him back into the tunnel.
Moments later, the two dementors returned. Only this time they were accompanied by several others.
Each of the their eyes widened in horror, as all ten dementors loomed over them. "We all need to cast a patronus!" Harry bellowed. "It's our only hope."
"I can't! I've never cast one before!" Oliver frantically quipped.
"Oliver, we both learned about this in Defense against the Dark Arts!" Cedric stammered, pulling out his wand.
"We only read about them! We never once generated one!"
"Just pull out your wand and channel all of your happy thoughts. Focus all your energy on them!"
Reluctantly, Oliver complied and pulled out his wand. He knew they had no choice. Their situation was beyond dire! If this didn't work, they'd all be killed in an instant. But, he couldn't think about that! He had to focus on what made him happy. Taking a deep breath, he channelled all the thoughts that made him happy.
"Expecto Patronum!" They screamed, as bright white flashes emerged from their wands.
"It's working!" Oliver exclaimed, as they saw the force shield repelling them.
"It's not strong enough! They're they're breaking through!" Harry moaned, as his light slowly faded.
Before anyone could say another word, one of the dementors swooped over Harry and began to siphoning his soul. Harry began to moan, as he felt the dementor's kiss.
"Harry!" the two screeched, as they turned their gazes to face the band of dementors.
Both Oliver and Cedric knew they had to really focus this time. Raising their wands, they cried, "Expecto Patronum!" Much to their amazement, much more emerged from their wands. Both their Patronus Charms took the form of a unicorn. The ethereal creatures filled the tunnel with a beaming light; blinding all the dementors. Then, they leaped towards them; forcing the vampiric beasts out of the underpass.
Harry was now free from the dementor, and watched in awe as the ethereal patronuses chase the demonic figures into the night sky. After a few seconds, the dementors, along with their patronuses disappeared; leaving them alone in the wet tunnel.
Harry blinked his eyes, in utter disbelief. Both Cedric and Oliver generated a unicorn. That creature was quite rare. His thoughts then drifted back to his lessons with Professor Lupin. Harry remembered him stating that most patronuses take the form of common animals or birds. Only a few people are able to generate magical entities.
"Harry? Are you all right?" Cedric worriedly asked, bending down next to him.
"Yeah. I'm fine," Harry groaned, as the older boy helped him stand.
"You both were brilliant! Those patronuses were fantastic."
"I still can't believe we did it?" Oliver replied. "Ced and I have never once cast that spell."
"I told you if we focused on a few happy thoughts, we could do it," Cedric smiled.
"I still can't believe you both conjured a magical creature! You know how rare that is?"
Cedric and Oliver exchanged dumbfounded expressions.
"Well, to be honest, we don't know much about it at all," Cedric shrugged. "Both of us learned about them during our fifth year at Hogwarts. We both read over how advanced magic like that was used, but neither of us had a chance to really practise it."
"We only knew as much as we read," Oliver interjected. "How uncommon are our they?"
"Extremely," Harry answered. "The creature you conjure possesses the same type of qualities you do. Professor Lupin described a few of them to me. But, I can't remember exactly what yours mean."
Just then, Dudley awoke. They soon heard him moaning violently.
"Dudley!" Harry walked towards him, and knelt down next to him. "We have to get him home."
Dudley's now bloodshot eyes were starring up at the flickering lights. His gaze slowly met Harry, as he felt him take his left hand. Dudley placed his other hand against the wall for balance.
"Dudley, I'm so sorry! This should never have happened."
"I'm not sure how dementors effect muggles," Cedric stated, glancing at Dudley's eyes.
Dudley then began to open his mouth. Yet, when he tried to speak, he vomited on the pavement.
"He definitely has some side effects," Oliver remarked, as Harry helped Dudley stand.
Harry found himself struggling to keep him standing, as Dudley kept tilting away from him.
"Harry, Oliver and I will help him walk. Just point us in the right direction," Cedric offered, grabbing Dudley's arm, as Oliver grabbed his other arm.
They were about to leave, when they heard a sound coming from behind them. Harry turned and glanced down the side of the tunnel where they had entered. The sound was getting louder. Harry gasped, when the figure of a short, old woman appeared in front of him. She wore a plastic headscarf, which covered her brown, slightly greying hair; and a buttoned beige rain coat; with a tightened sash and black shoes. Harry immediately recognised her. "Ms. Figg?" He questioned, as Cedric and Oliver shrugged.
"You know this woman?" Cedric whispered in his ear.
Harry nodded, and motioned them to conceal their wands.
"Don't put your wands away, boys. They might come back," the elderly woman spoke, starring at the four of them.
They each looked puzzled. Our wands? They? Was she referring to the dementors? "You know about...them and us!?" Harry stammered.
"Oh, yes. You think Dumbledore would just allow your family to be unprotected? Especially after the events of the tournament!"
"You know Dumbledore?" Cedric was shocked.
"Indeed. He has informants over both this realm and yours. I must say I'm surprised you came here. But, I'm grateful you did. Those demonic beasts would have certainly done much more damage."
"We came here to warn them," Harry explicated. "We had no idea Dumbledore was already involved."
"If Dumbledore really is involved in all this, why is he acting so passive? According to the ministry, he hasn't breathed a word on the dementor issue," Oliver scuffed, flabbergasted by all this information.
"He has to stay quiet, in order to prevent Fudge's suspicions," Ms. Figg replied. "I'll tell you boys more on the way home. We best get your cousin there quickly." She beckoned them to follow her. They complied and Harry walked next to her, while Oliver and Cedric carried Dudley.
As they walked, Harry learned Arabella Figg was a squib. She explained that though she couldn't use magic, she had the ability to see and sense magical entities.
"I see. But, why didn't you tell me this years ago?" Harry gave her a quizzical stare. "All those times you watched me, when they went on vacation. You could have told me."
"Dumbledore didn't want me to tell you anything. He wanted to wait till he felt you were ready to know about the magical realm."
"Are you sure no one else was attacked?"
"Don't worry. No one besides you was in the park. Heavy rainfall always happens in the summer. Most everyone heads back home during a flash storm. As for him," she stated, eyeing Dudley. "We'd best keep a watch on him. We don't want him mentioning the word: Dementors."
"He's my cousin. He knows we have magic."
"True. But, he's kept silent about it. This attack may change that."
The group reached No. 4, Privet Drive. "Now remember, no matter what happens, don't leave the house. "I'll send word to Dumbledore."
"You really think it's best we stay here?"
"Believe me, after all this, aparating is most unwise."
Dudley started to moan, as a little vomit escaped his mouth.
"You'd best get him cleaned and put to bed," Ms. Figg huffed, placing her fingers over her nose. The smell of vomit was starting to make her nauseous.
"Will he be all right?" Harry asked.
"He's in shock. But, he should be fine," she reassured, as she walked across to the other side of the road.
Harry sighed heavily, as he turned back towards the house. He had no clue how they would explain the events of the evening. Nor, Dudley's condition. Yet, there was no other option but telling his aunt the truth.