Chapter 3: A picnic turned into mayhem

Petunia pov

My boys started their schools in their fourth year. Both were sharp in their class and one of the toppers. Duddley has a good memory and Harry is good at implementing. They come home each day telling me new tales.

One day it would be something silly; their class came across a bunch of butterflies flying and everyone tried to catch one. Another day it would be something kind; they shared their boxes with another girl because she did not bring it herself and that started a new routine amongst the whole classes to share their boxes. One day it would be something adventurous; their friend lost his golden chain and the whole class searched for it. They found that a baby monkey had snatched it and was sitting in the park. They chased the monkey all around and finally had to lure it with a banana and silently take the chain from it. Another day it would be something scary; like watching as a classmate toppled over a window on the second floor. Harry unconsciously summoned a rope, though no one saw it, and then my boys pulled him with help from others.

You get my drift. It was a new day everyday! They were both pretty popular in the class and sort of unnamed leaders. It made my heart proud to see them grow so well. I too joined a job in the marketing industry as a trainee. My qualifications were well received and overrun the complaint of not joining after graduating. The work is good and I am awaiting a promotion soon.

Now the boys are seven years old. Both boys have grown into surprising talents and interest. They are amongst the toppers of class and both participate in sports, Duddley in football and Harry in basketball. Harry likes painting and dancing. Duddley likes to dance and play guitar. Well, they are learning anyway. Both are in the drama club. It feels sad to know that Harry would not be able to pursue his interests to popularity when he leaves for Hogwarts while Duddley could, but who knows what's written in the future.

Today, school has arranged a picnic for the students. I have signed their acceptance. God knows I need rest from their activities. Just looking at them the whole day makes me tired. I can enjoy a peaceful Sunday and they can enjoy the jungle. Yes, the picnic is in the woods near the city that the government has declared safe for citizens. I hope they are careful.

"Boys! Are you ready? It is 8 already and you have to report in half an hour. You still did not have your breakfast."

"Coming Mama" Duddley shouted. However old he grows, I wish he would not stop calling me Mama; it is so cute of him. There was thudding of steps and both boys descended down with their backpacks. Paladin, our king cobra, has now grown by another few feet. I thought he was an adult when he came home, but in 7 feet length, it was only 2 years old then. Not even fully matured yet. I researched and it says that he may live more than 20 years (Oh my god!) and I have promised him a routine in which we leave him in the woods every two months for a month so that he can get used to his natural habitat and yet live with us. We have even converted our backyard into a small forest for him so he can be happy. I don't know what the world is coming to when I start caring for a snake as my baby. Phew!

"Hey Paladin" "Morning Paladin"

:: Good morning. Are you ready to go into trees? ::

"Yep. I can't wait. I wish we could take you though, but I bet the others will not react well."

:: I am happy here. I just returned two days back from the woods, so it is okay. I could take you with me next time and show you wonders of forest. ::

I just shook my head, "Quiet now. Plan later. Eat. Now, both of you promise that you won't venture into any adventures, listen to your teachers and will enjoy safely."

"Promise Mama." "Promise Aunty."

"Okay then. Enjoy, bye."

I watched my boys leave. They were growing up so well. Lily, wherever you are, I hope you can see this too.

Duddley pov

"Everybody ready?" Our teacher, Mr. Robin shouted.

"Yeah!" Everybody replied.

"Okay then. Now I am repeating the instructions one last time. Everybody remember them. We are going to be just inside a jungle. Now, what does the jungle has in it?"

"Trees!" "Animals!" "Insects!"

"Okay okay! Now there are many dangerous animals inside the forest, many insects that bite and many many many trees. If an insect bites you, you may get very bad fever or become even more ill. If an animal finds you, you are dead. If you wonder amongst trees, then we will never find you again and you will be lost. So don't take off your jackets, don't prompt any wildlife if you ever see them and never wonder among the trees. You will simply loose us and never come back. Understood?"

There was a subdued response of 'yes sir' from us.

"Very well then, let's go. Welcome to Billwood Wildlife Sanctuary. Everybody pick up your backpacks and let's go."

We all got down to the view of a big archway pronouncing that we are about to enter the Sanctuary. Unlike the city or even a village, there were trees everywhere, no pathways except for trodden paths, and complete silence in spite of sounds of leaves, wind and crickets. It was scary yet thrilling.

Harry also showed excitement in his step, his face full of smile watching the woods around us. This sanctuary was recently established and did not divide the forest in anyway, just assumed a border of inspection against anything illegal or dangerous.

After walking for some 15 minutes, we came upon a clearing full of grass, probably created for such picnics pr meetings. An officer was escorting us for this picnic, and he helped and guided us as to how to build a fire, how to establish tents, and what the flora surrounding us was.

While feasting on the snacks, we started with playing various group games. Many small races and contests were held with funny prizes handed out. It was fun. Laughter and jokes rang all around us. Soon it was lunch time and we had a feast of food we had brought along. After that we all settled down as the officer and Mr. Robin told us various stories. I'm pretty sure Harry dozed off in between.

That's when things went all wrong. The officer was telling us about a funny experience he had. He was laughing with all of us. And then, he suddenly dropped off onto the ground. All of stiffened, but more so because of appearance of four guys holding guns. Pointed at us. They were wearing a green leafy dress, probably to camouflage, and had masks over their heads. One of them spoke in a muffled voice,

"Shout and we will shoot you, just like that stupid fellow over there."

One of the girls, I don't know who, screamed anyway, and a bullet shot out of his gun, landing on the tree beside her, chipping off a part of the trunk.

"That is your last warning. Now all of you follow me quietly. We have already taken care of the officers at the base, so expect no help. Come on."

He led us deep into the forest and then opened a door hidden by bushes and grass. No one would have noticed it. We all followed him underground into a dimly lit tunnel which led into a small hall of stone.

"Stay here, all of you. You will not find an outing from here as I am locking the door. Any sound you make won't help you, the hall is sound proof. Any doubts, kiddos?"

"Why are you kidnapping us?" Mr. Robin asked.

"Ah glad you asked. For Ransom of course. And because we want one of our mates released from jail. If they don't do it, you will be dead."

He laughed a scary laugh and they all went outside. We heard the clicking of a lock. Trapped, we were. Oh my god! I am just seven years old. I have to do many things in my life. I cannot die like this. Mama will be so sad. I let out a deep sob and clung to Harry beside me. I heard many others breaking down and crying. Harry rubbed his palm on my back as he tried to soothe me, his own breath laboured.

"We will make it Duddley, just wait. We will make it out safe."

A few hours passed like that. Many of our classmates had fallen asleep. Harry, Justin, Brian, Thomas and I, who were close friends, stuck together in a huddle. Since we brought out bags with us, we at least were not hungry or thirsty. Not yet. Thomas was the one awake with Harry and me. Suddenly he got up and walked to the walls. He ran a hand along the wall and jerked back. We rushed over to him.

"What is it?" Harry asked.

"My father is a policeman. I know the smell of gun powder. The one which is used in guns to fire. The whole wall of the hall is caked with it. If we open the door or if they light a fire, we all would be burned alive."

OH MY GOD!

"What happened boys?" Mr. Robin came to us.

"Sir the hall is caked with a layer of gunpowder. We will be burned alive." Thomas sobbed in his arms. Mr. Robin shushed him, looking sad himself.

Just to calm Thomas, I asked him, "Hey Thomas, why don't you tell us about gun powder, if you know so much about it. Maybe we can figure something out."

We all sat down as he began explaining, "Gun powder is used in guns, papa showed me. The bullet has gunpowder inside it. When a gun is fired, it sparks the gunpowder and the explosion forces the bullet very fast onto the target."

Mr. Robin who was still standing at the wall hit the wall with his fist in frustration. Unexpectedly, a piece of the cake broke into his hands. I mumbled to myself, "I wish we can use this against them."

All of a sudden, Harry hugged me and kissed my cheek, "Duddley you are a genius."

Bewildered, I snorted, "Really? Why?"

"Because you told us how we can go home. Are you ready to use your strength?"

Though still confused, I nodded. Harry then laid out his plan to all of us. Though Mr. Robin was skeptical at first, he agreed that doing this was better than doing nothing. "Promise me kids, if we fail, then let me take the blame and do not interfere. I am responsible for all of you. Stay together and strong okay?"

We all nodded and went to our tasks. Mr. Robin quietly woke up all the kids and backed them into the side corner. Thomas and I were responsible breaking off the gunpowder sticking to the walls and wetting the walls inside the tunnel just near the door. This was so that when we light the wall near the door, the rest of the hall won't start burning. Yes, we planned to burn the wall. Either we would be able to break the door when it explodes, or someone would see the smoke and open the door. By our watches, it was nearly midnight, so we were hopeful that we would be able to escape. Harry, Justin and Brian were tasked to build torches and makeshift dart-guns for us with the help of Mr. Robin. He was a retired policeman too, so he knew how to make them.

Harry assured me that everything would be fine, that we will reach Mama and the rest of our friends will too. Soon we were all ready. We had scraped and wet the walls of the tunnel a few feet from the door so that the fire won't carry inside. Since Harry and I were leading, we had the dart-guns along with Mr. Robin.

Mr. Robin, who brought the lighter for the camp, lit a dart on fire and immediately fired it into the entrance. We all backed into the hall into a corner and watched. The dart landed on the wall near the door and

BOOM!

There was a bright explosion and the front of the tunnel blew. Harry held my arm very tightly, I assumed in fright. But when I looked at him, he was concentrating very hard at the entrance. I looked ahead to see a transparent sheet protecting us from the debris. Oh Magic!

"What the hell?" our teacher must have seen it to. He looked down at us and I motioned with a finger on my lips for him to keep silent. I then jerked his attention towards Harry and almost laughed at the look of astonishment and shock on his face.

Once the smoke cleared, we rejoiced in seeing that the door has blown off. But Mr. Robin has already instructed us all earlier not to make any noise, so we did not. He, Harry and I waited for a while and then slowly crawled to the entrance. The door has definitely blown off and so did the bushed covering it. We came out into the dark and found no one around. There were bushed again nearby and we hid among those in waiting. After waiting about half an hour, we heard many people wandering there.

So someone did notice our escape.

We did not know if it was friend or enemy, so we remained there. The smoke must have directed those people because they soon came near the entrance. I saw with relief that it was policemen. Mr. Robin patted our legs to stay put and went ahead to meet them. Though we could not hear them, we saw that he shook his hands with one of the officers and then another went inside the cave to bring out the kids. We were motioned to come out and we did so in relief.

Just as we were about to reach them, a masked man like the one who kidnapped us sprung out from the bushes and caught me around my neck with a gun at my temple.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgh…." I let out a huge scream. I struggled in his arms saying 'let me go, let me go' but he just hit on my head with the gun and then rasped out.

"Give in to our demands or I will shoot him!"

Everyone stood in shock watching us. I felt like crying.

Just when I thought I am free. Mama, please help!

"Listen to me. You are surrounded. Let go of the kid and surrender." One of the officers tried to come forward.

The masked man shot the gun at my left foot.

"AAAAAARghhhhh" I screamed.

"I am no fool, idiot. I don't want to waste time. If I die I am taking one with me."

As he said that, my eyes widened in realization.

Mr. Robin pov

I watched as our plan to keep the kids safe and return them home was smashed as the rogue held Duderson.

Oh why did I leave them behind? How could I be so careless? I took the responsibility of all these kids, and looks like I am failing them. Oh how his cousin must be devastated. The two kids were the ones who came up with the plan. And he was the one who protected us from the debris, though I don't know how he did it.

Thinking such thoughts, I cringed when the rogue shot a bullet at the boy's foot. I looked at Harry in sympathy, but was surprised to find him concentrating on his cousin. He seemed to be on the verge of collapse. I looked at Duderson at the same time his eyes widened. Yes, He realized it too. Harry is somehow guarding him from bullets. I bent down to him and whispered,

"Can you hold on for just one more bullet?"

He gritted his teeth and nodded. I had to act swift. As the police officials were negotiating with the rogue, I quietly slipped aside and hid into the trees and started moving behind his back. Duderson must have seen me for he gave me a tiny nod and prepared himself. Pulling up a fallen branch with me, I reached behind him and hit him hard on the head. The boy ducked in time and ran into the rogue's stomach with whatever force he could muster. The gun did fire, but I saw Harry collapsing after that, so I could assume that Duderson was safe. He ran into my arms and we immediately ran aside as the officials disarmed him and took him into custody. Both of us ran to Harry who was on the ground.

"Sir please" Duderson whispered urgently, "We will explain what happened later. Please take the credit and don't let his name come out, whatever happens. He is in danger if it does so."

I nodded and took the boy in my arms. The Officials were taking care of the kids and leading them to the bus, so we followed them.

Two days later…

"Thank you, Madam. I'll be there in half an hour."

Mrs. Petunia Dursely was the one who received me at the door and she invited me inside. She was pretty lady with an air of grace surrounding her.

"Thank you for agreeing to our request Mr. Robin, even if you did not know any details. That our names are not splashed in the papers is a blessing you do not know you have given us."

"You promised to explain, and I trust you would do it today."

"Of course" she smiled, "this way please."

As I entered the living hall, I was met with shrieks of laughter from the boys, but what sight I saw nearly made me cover in fright. The boys were running around the hall and a snake was after them. In fact, if my memory serves me right, it was a king cobra. I moved to defend the boys, but their mother put her hand on my shoulder and shook her head.

Is she crazy? Why was there a poisonous snake in the house? Wait… why were the boys laughing?

As I saw them, the snake crawled from under the bed and spiraled itself around Harry's legs with a hiss. Duddley just rejoiced and shouted 'OUT'. The boys then noticed me and welcomed me, ignoring the fact that there was a deadly snake in the house.

"Good morning sir"

"Good morning sir, thank you for helping us and keeping our identities." Duddley added.

I was still hesitant to walk into the hall. Harry must have noticed my reluctance, for he just picked up the snake and put it on the table.

"Sir, meet Paladin. He is our friend."

The black snake lifted it hood menacingly and hissed. But it seemed to remain where it was, so I hesitantly walked to the sofa farthest from the table and sat down.

"This is bizarre!" I exclaimed as I accepted a cup of tea from the lady. She too settled in the sofa beside the boys and started talking.

"Mr. Robin, I know all this seems pretty strange to you, but our situation is pretty strange in itself."

"You can say that…"

"Please sir you would have to maintain the promise not to reveal us any time."

"Explain." Was my demand.

"Have you ever read tales about withes, wizards, dragons, centaurs, goblins, werewolves and so on?"

I nodded, confused, "Yeah children's fairy tales have all those."

"They exist and are real. Just hidden from the non-magicals."

"What do you mean?"

"Harry here is a wizard."

I looked at the boy, who smiled impishly at me and waved his hand. His aunt continued,

"There are hidden colonies amongst us that are of the magical beings. Harry is a wizard who can wield magic. My sister was one too."

"Stop joking." I brushed them off.

Harry sighed and called my name. When I looked at him, he pointed his eyes towards my tea cup. It was floating in the sky. I even checked to see if there was anything around it. Nothing. It just floated.

"Oh stop your tricks. I saw it many times in a magical show."

Harry just shook his head. The tea cup just moved around the room and then it settled on my saucer, leaving the tea in mid air. The liquid then reformed into various shapes and settled into my cup again. All this, I watched with disbelief.

"You can do magic?"

"Mundane ones, I can do them. I still have to go to school to learn the advanced magic."

"There's a school too?" My eyes widened.

Mrs. Dursely interrupted. "Let me explain the whole story." And she did. She told me about her witch sister, the wizarding community, Hogwarts school, Voldemort, Harry's parents death, Harry being a hero, the headmaster, the snake language, the snake… everything. It took us well into the afternoon.

"So, that's why we did not want our names in the open. Anyone could pick it up."

"The why didn't you just let him be raised in the magical world?"

"He is my nephew" her eyes sharpened, "and just lost his parents. Why would he be in another house?"

"Please don't misunderstand me. I was just asking that because he is a wizard, he could learn more there."

"And he would be the target of too many, good as well as bad. I want his childhood to be fun loving and peaceful, not political."

I raised my hands in surrender, "You've convinced me, don't worry. You take good care of your kids. They are the brightest in their class. But why tell me all this?"

"Thank you. And because you helped us and deserve to know the truth, policies be damned. Just don't tell anyone else, not even your family."

I nodded in agreement.

"So do you understand sir? Do you agree to keep our secret?" Harry was reluctant to ask, fearing my refusal, I guess. I just smiled at him and nodded.

"On one condition!"

They all stiffened. I just smiled, "Can I talk to Paladin too?"

Harry relaxed and hissed at the snake. The snake looked at me and hissed back at him. Harry then closed his eyes and I felt a blanket of power wrapping me and then a line of power extending between the snake and me. When I opened my eyes, Paladin said 'hi'.

Wow! It's magic.