Fragments of Us
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Warnings: None for this chapter.
Chapter 23 – Godmothers, Godsons & Order Meetings
When Kate and Harry walked through the magical wall of Diagon Alley and into Muggle London, Kate had a sense of the surreal. Once, long ago, she and this boy's mother had taken turns pushing an old fashioned pram along this very route, "airing" an infant Harry. Kate chuckled softly as they walked along. Merlin, that was a fun day!
"Kate?" Harry's voice brought her back to the present. "Did I miss something?"
Kate smiled over at the boy. "Well, you didn't exactly miss it, but you probably don't remember it." At Harry's politely puzzled expression, Kate laughed a bit then shared her story. "When you were – oh, about 3 weeks old, your mum got the idea that you needed to be "aired". It's a rather quaint and old-fashioned term that means, basically, taking a very young infant out for his or her first walk in the fresh air. Now, your father thought that meant taking you along with him – and Sirius – to a Quidditch game. Two birds – one stone, you see. They'd get to do what they wanted to do for themselves and they'd get to introduce you to the 'manly sport of Quidditch', as I believe James put it. Manners forbid me telling you exactly what Lily said in reply, but let's just say that she and I spent a rather lovely afternoon pushing you along in your pram, walking this very same route." Kate was still smiling at the memory and she looked over to see Harry smiling, as well. "It feels nice to be doing it again," she said softly. "Of course, you're a bit more interesting this time around," Kate added and was rewarded with a laugh from Harry.
"I'll reckon I'm a bit less of a bother, as well," he said, chuckling. "After all, I can cut up my own food now."
The holidays, the cold weather and the time of day combined to keep the normally busy streets fairly quiet and they encountered few other people as they made their way toward the deli for lunch. They walked along a bit further then Kate broke the silence. "I'm really glad that you asked me to do something with you today, Harry," Kate said to him as they walked along the sidewalk. "I've wanted to get to know you better; sort of meet the young man I knew as an infant."
Harry smiled. "Sirius and Professor Lupin said that you spent a lot of time with me when I was a baby."
"Yes," Kate said. "Every chance I got. There were times when I thought your parents would surely ask me if I still had a flat of my own to live in, I was at your house so much. But they were only teasing, and you and I had a jolly old time together. Ah," Kate paused in front of a small shop. "Here we are." As the tiny front door opened, mouthwatering smells wafted out into the cold December air. A combination of freshly baked bread, sharp cheeses, garlic and salami assailed their nostrils, making breakfast seem very long ago, indeed. Harry's stomach gave a small grumble and he turned red, even as he smiled.
"And that would seem to be our cue to go inside," Kate smiled with him and together they went inside the deli and quickly found a booth in the back of the room.
The waitress brought them menus, which they perused for awhile, both finding it difficult to decide from amongst the vast selection of hot and cold sandwiches, soups, chowders and salads. Finally, they both decided on thick, roast beef sandwiches on homemade bread with relish and crisps. Despairing the lack of butter beer in the Muggle shop, they ordered lemonade, instead, promising themselves a quick stop at the Leaky Cauldron before returning to Grimmauld Place if there was time before the meeting.
Once they'd placed their orders, Harry resumed their conversation. "So, you and Sirius used to hang out with my parents," he prompted, obviously looking to pick up where they had left off when they arrived at the deli.
Kate nodded. "Yes, although we both visited you separately as well. Sirius used to infuriate your mother by insisting on "changing your diapers" using 'Evanesco' instead of actually removing the old and replacing with new." Seeing Harry's embarrassed expression, Kate smiled ruefully. "Sorry. That probably falls under the heading of 'too much information', doesn't it?" Harry shrugged and Kate felt her heart constrict a bit. This 15 year-old boy hungered for details of a time he couldn't remember and had never been told about, but still realized that, at his age, he should probably be a little squeamish about this level of detail – this type of story. Yet, Kate thought he realized, as she did, that he needed to hear this, and many other stories, to get to know his parents; stories told by old friends were the only way he would get to know the extraordinary couple who had made him, and loved him with all their hearts. These little adventures of daily life had not become part of his history through their re-telling at family occasions in the past, but they would become so now, Kate promised him, silently. "Well," she continued. "your mum began refusing to let Sirius take care of you alone when one day she came home to find that along with vanishing your soiled nappy, he had also managed to vanish your belly button, as well!" Kate laughed as she described the memory of Sirius' face as Lily kept turning baby Harry over and over as if the missing body part would somehow appear behind one knee or fall out of his sock. "Your poor Godfather hung his head and looked as pitiful as Padfoot caught chewing the paper, while James had to leave the room to avoid bursting out into hysterical laughter and bringing Lily's temper down on his head, as well."
Harry paused and wiped his eyes while he brought his breathing under control. "Since I now have my own navel, someone must have brought it back. What happened?" his voice ended in a small giggle.
Kate waited until the waitress had set their plates in front of them and left again before answering. "Bit of a scandal, that," she told him, her eyes twinkling. "Lily wouldn't let Sirius or James try any of the reversal spells they had looked up in several reference books that came from your Grandfather's library. They were all a little leery of going to St. Mungo's because Merlin only knew what had gone wrong and Lily was afraid they'd take you away from her because she'd let that – how did she phrase it – incorrigible reprobate practice illogical, antiquated spells on an innocent child. Yes, I think I got that right." She paused. "So, Lily decided that the punishment should fit the crime and she made Sirius accompany her and James to Hogwarts – to see Madam Pomfrey. She put you right almost immediately, then whirled 'round and gave your Godfather a very large piece of her mind. From that point onward, Sirius avoided that woman like the plague and your mother insisted that whenever they had to go out, Sirius could come over to Godric's Hollow, but that I had to come along to babysit you both!"
Harry laughed delightedly. "I can't wait to go back and tease Padfoot about this," he said then sobered instantly. "Only, Kate – I don't want to make things worse between the two of you; and I know they're bad enough now. Would Sirius be mad at you for telling me about this?"
Kate reached over and put her hand on his. "Harry, whatever is happening between Sirius and I doesn't, well – shouldn't affect the way you interact with either of us. I think you should go back and share this stuff with him. In addition to strengthening the bond you have between you, you will be giving Sirius back memories that are precious to him but which he no longer has. It's a spectacular gift you bring to him, Harry and you shouldn't let anything stop you giving it to him."
Harry nodded and munched on his sandwich for a few minutes without saying anything. "Kate," he said after awhile. When Kate looked up at him, she saw a dangerous glint in his eye – reminiscent of another messy-haired, bespectacled boy from long ago.
"Yes," Kate replied slowly.
"Do you think there's a way we can charm my belly button to look like it's disappeared again?" this time when he finished, Harry was truly consumed with laughter and Kate joined in, both of them picturing Sirius' face as Harry stood before him.
"Harry, how your father would have loved this!" Kate said and they both exchanged a fond smile at the thought.
Lunch continued with more stories and much laughter but soon it was time to head to the cinema for their movie. They had selected a theater that ran classic films rather than one featuring new releases because, truly, just about everything was new to them living as they did in the wizarding world. Kate noted that the marquee boasted a matinee of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail", which was one of her favorites. The unrelenting humor, ribald and completely irreverent, had given her, Sirius and Remus hours of entertainment. She thought it might be fun to continue Harry's "personal history lesson" by sharing something that his Godfather and Remus had also enjoyed and Harry readily agreed. She was rewarded when, sitting in the darkened theater, Harry's unbridled laughter rang out quite often indeed and, when the lights came up they were both wiping tears of laughter from their cheeks.
Harry turned and looked at her and said, "I have never laughed so hard in my entire life!"
Kate smiled at him and put her hand on his shoulder. "I'm so glad you liked it. You know, when we get back to the house, you might want to feed Remus a couple of lines from the film – just to see what he does!"
Harry looked back at her, his eyes widening, "Really? Professor Lupin? Why? What will he do?"
Kate winked at him, conspiratorially. "He used to know the entire movie by heart. We can test him later and see if he still does!"
They turned to head back the way they came and Kate was distracted by a slight movement to her right. Looking more closely, she thought she detected the shimmer of a Disillusionment charm and, reaching inside her jacket, she tightened her grip on her wand.
"Harry," Kate said quietly. "I think we might have someone following us – don't look around. Let's just walk a bit more quickly. That's right," she said as he picked up the pace. "We'll head over to an alley just beyond the deli. I want you to picture the Leaky Cauldron and hang onto me no matter what – deal?"
Harry nodded. "Deal. Only, tell me – what did you see?" His eyes shot to the sides without moving his head and Kate noticed that he, too, had a tight grip on his wand stored in his own jacket pocket.
"Evidence of a Disillusionment charm that needed renewing," she muttered. "Here we are. Begin focusing on the Leaky Cauldron – hedges on the side of the building, right?" At Harry's nod, Kate said, "I'm going to do a Side-Along Apparition on three. Ready? One…two…three!" Kate withdrew her wand and, with Harry's arm threaded tightly through her own, Kate turned on her heel and disappeared with a very soft "pop!"
When Tonks, Moody and the rest of the security detail appeared 'round the alleyway corner, Harry and Kate were nowhere to be found. Moody withdrew his wand and muttered a quick incantation then nodded his head in approval. "Good lass; smart," he said. "She wiped all magical traces before they Disapparated. Couldn't follow them now if I was Voldemort, himself!"
Kate and Harry reappeared in the generous space between the frozen hedges and the exterior wall of the Leaky Cauldron. Peering over the top of the hedge, Kate was relieved to see that there were no pedestrians lurking nearby and no sign of the Disillusionment charm. "Ok, Harry," she said quietly. "I think it's safe to pop out now."
Harry moved from behind Kate and gingerly took a couple of steps forward. Seeing his caution, Kate took his arm to get his attention. "Ok?"
Harry nodded. "Wouldn't want to do that very often, though."
Kate smiled. "By the time you learn to do it properly and get your license, it won't bother you a bit. But, side-along is always a bit tricky."
"What was the spell you did just as we left?" Harry asked, curiously.
"Oh, I just wiped our magical footprint from the area so we couldn't be followed. Auror trick I learned from Moody years ago," Kate confirmed.
"Do you think we were being followed by Death Eaters?" Harry asked.
"No, Harry," Kate said, smiling at him. "I think we were being followed by the Order. When I told you that I saw traces of a Disillusionment charm that needed renewing I could clearly see an image of a vibrant pink blob – just about shoulder height."
"Tonks," Harry said, smiling.
"Tonks," Kate repeated.
"Are you mad that they sent people to follow us?" the boy wondered.
"Well, I guess my ego is a little dented," Kate allowed. "But, truthfully, their goal and mine are the same: to protect you. How can I be that mad at them if that's why they were here? However," she continued, winking at him. "they don't have to know that. I think I just might drop a couple of hints that I saw them and am none too pleased with their lack of confidence!"
Harry grinned at her. "And here I thought there were only the four Marauders!"
Kate put her arm around his shoulders and hugged him slightly. "Harry, I think that's just about the nicest thing you've ever said to me! Shall we celebrate with a butter beer?"
"Do we have time before the meeting?" he wanted to know.
"We'll make time," Kate assured him.
And so they went into the pub, sat at a table and ordered warm butter beers to take off the chill of the day.
Harry smiled at Kate at one point and slyly asked, "So, don't suppose you can share anything about tonight's Order meeting, can you?"
Kate grinned back at him. "Is it too 'Godmother-like' to say something like, 'you know better than that, young man'?" she asked.
"Probably," Harry said. "But I don't mind."
"Harry, could I ask you something?" Kate asked.
Harry looked surprised, but nodded.
"Can you forgive me for not telling you sooner than this who I was to you?" Kate was anxious to hear, but nervous about the answer.
Harry thought for a long moment. "Well, I had pretty much figured it out for myself, but it did bother me that no one had been completely honest. I've thought about it a lot, though, and I don't think that you were trying to keep it from me on purpose. I understand why you didn't tell me and it's ok, really. I do forgive you."
Kate exhaled. "Thanks," she said. "I'm glad not to have that hanging between us."
"Kate!" came a booming voice near the door. "Kate, is that you?"
Both Kate and Harry turned to see a tall, thin man with long, red hair tied in a ponytail striding toward them. Both recognized Bill Weasley and greeted him warmly.
"Harry!" Bill said, shaking Harry's hand with both of his own. "How are you?"
"Fine, thanks Bill," Harry responded, flexing his fingers slightly. Kate winked at him. Bill had a firm grip that she had experienced on more than one occasion.
"What are the two of you doing in town on such a cold day?" Bill asked, signaling the waitress and asking for a bottle of butter beer, as well.
"We went out to lunch then took in a movie," Kate offered and, from there, the conversation turned to the movie and it turned out that Bill was another huge fan. Their raucous laughter soon filled the room as they replayed their favorite moments aloud for each other's benefit. Finally, Kate reluctantly looked at her watch and saw that they really needed to return to Grimmauld Place. The order meeting would begin in a little over thirty minutes and Kate had hoped to fit in a shower before it did. Unfortunately, it didn't appear that there would be enough time. "We'd better go," she said.
Harry looked just as disappointed as Kate felt, but she promised him that they would spend more time together before he returned to school.
"Come on, I'll head over with you," Bill said, rising with them. "Dumbledore has asked me to attend this one," he said quietly and Kate nodded.
They chose to walk back, both feeling that there was enough time. Additionally, after Harry's reaction to their earlier Apparition, Kate didn't want to take the chance that doing so again, so quickly, would make him ill. As they walked through the streets toward Grimmauld, they all resumed their discussion of the movie and were in high spirits when they arrived. Although the three remembered to lower their voices upon entering the great hallway, their laughter quickly reasserted itself as they trooped down the stairs toward the kitchen. As they approached the closed door, it suddenly flew open and an irritated Sirius stood before them. His gaze went from their laughing faces to Bill's hand, which was currently resting on Kate's waist and his frown deepened. "Nice of you to join us," he commented sharply. "Pity you couldn't do so quietly. The meeting has already started."
"Only just, Sirius," came the calming and pleasant voice of Dumbledore from his chair at the head of the table.
Kate and Bill brushed by Sirius and made their way to the only two seats that remained open – side by side and next to Moody. Harry hurried back upstairs, planning to return for Molly's chocolate cake later in the evening. After closing the door, Sirius returned to his customary chair and Dumbledore again called the meeting to order.
"As you all know, the Ministry has infiltrated Hogwarts through the presence of Dolores Umbridge. Her constantly changing title and authority levels are clear indications that Fudge intends to remove me as part of his continuing campaign to discredit me and cast doubt on Voldemort's return," he commented.
"Odious woman," McGonagall murmured, earning a smile from the Headmaster and a grimace from Snape, who was seated in one corner of the room, positioned away from the others.
"What do you propose to do about her, Albus?" Hestia Jones asked. "Surely, you must have a plan in mind."
Albus smiled at the woman. "I am considering several alternatives but, for now, feel that the best course of action is to wait her out. I am certain that she plans to wrest control of the school from me and I shall take no action until she attempts to do so. At that time, I'll do whatever seems most prudent, for the school and for the Order. Rest assured, I am confident that we will prevail. It may just take more time than we'd like to do so."
The meeting continued with each member providing a report of their individual activities, with Remus commenting on the movements of the werewolf packs and Bill called upon to discuss the unusually high volume of ancient and dark Egyptian curses that were beginning to surface in Britain. Bill had arranged for Gringott's to relocate him to London for the immediate future, as his services were needed to address and break the curses as they were discovered. The Order was very interested in learning of any patterns of use or curse type that could indicate that Voldemort was involved.
"So, I guess I'll be coming to more of these," Bill said, smiling. Kate couldn't help but grin. It would be nice to have him popping in and out of headquarters. He'll help offset the gloom for all of us, she thought. Inadvertently, she glanced over at Sirius and was surprised to see the look of hostility on his face as he looked at Bill. What on earth could Bill have done to him?
The meeting ended after Dumbledore handed out the assignments for the coming two weeks until they were all together again. Once Kate had her assignment, she was walking over to pour herself some tea when Bill stopped her. "Kate, hold on. I've been meaning to return this to you," he said, handing Kate a single earring. "I found it after you left the other night. I tried to catch you, but you were long gone. I've been carrying it around with me ever since."
Kate smiled. "I wondered where this had got to! These are old favorites and I hated to think I'd never wear them again. Thanks, Bill!" She leaned up and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. Turning away to finally pour her tea, Kate came face to face with Sirius and her heart leapt into her throat.
His face was white and his blue eyes blazed pure fire and something else that Kate couldn't quite identify. Sirius took one step closer to her – close enough that Kate could feel the heat of his breath on her cheek as he spoke.
"Has anything else gone missing?" he asked, his voice dripping venom and loud enough only for Kate to hear. "Shall I dash upstairs and search my bed for any other lost items?"
While Sirius' comment was lost to the others, the room was rendered silent by the sharp crack of Kate's hand as it connected hard with Sirius' cheek. Shaking with righteous anger, she turned and left the kitchen.