Disclaimer: I do not own.
Dedication: Professor Minerva McGonagall...the woman who survived both the Marauder's and the Golden Trio.
Chapter 07
The week went by quickly for the readers. Classes and grading/doing assignments took up much of their time. The rest was spent in a variety of ways.
Dumbledore and McGonagall spent the week making a list of suitable guardians. Nearly everyone on the list had been in the original Order of the Phoenix. They had both agreed that Remus was the best choice as he not only knew the Potter's well but he was also developing a relationship with Harry. Unfortunately he wasn't an option unless they found a way around his status as a werewolf.
They had both considered putting themselves on the list, but as professors it could be seen as a conflict of interest. If one of them had taken Harry in before he entered Hogwarts there would have been no problems. The Weasleys were also taken off the list. They were a wonderful family, but they were large. Harry wouldn't get the attention he needed.
The other top contenders were Elphias Doge (a close friend of Dumbledore's), Alastor 'Mad-eye' Moody (another close, if slightly paranoid, friend) and Kingsley Shacklebolt (a good friend of James'). They each had good standing in the Ministry and would be able to adequately protect Harry should something happen.
Remus spent the week reviewing all his knowledge of the Potters. He knew James very well and had been on friendly terms with his parents. Beyond that he only knew the more action packed adventures and the occasional sad tale of his ancestors.
On the political side of things he knew enough to give Harry an overview. Once he understood that they could find books for more in depth information and maybe convince Dumbledore to go over several points.
If he could get permission he'd like to take Harry into London over Christmas break. They could go to Gringotts for his bank statements (which were only given upon request) and take a trip into Muggle London for a new wardrobe. Perhaps get some casual robes as well. And maybe new glasses.
Harry spent the week with Ron and Hermione. They spoke briefly of his meeting with the professors. He was deliberately vague about most things. He did however tell them that Lupin was close friends with his parents and had offered to tell him more about them and his family in general.
He had also put off his visit to Madam Pomfrey for several days but knew he had to get it over with. When he finally went she scolded him for taking so long. He sat on the hospital bed for several minutes while she waved her wand muttering spells.
Harry's magic had sustained his health during his pre-Hogwarts years and regular meals during the months at Hogwarts had helped to correct some of the damage. In the end Pomfrey put him on several Nutrient Potions to correct any lingering deficiencies. He would have to return to her once a week to take them and once a month he would receive another examination to decide on further treatment.
Saturday evening found Harry standing outside the DADA office. He had received a note that morning requesting his presence for another reading. He had shown up early though because he had wanted to ask Lupin something before the other professors showed up.
He raised a fist to knock on the door when it opened. Remus leaned against the door frame, arms crossed and an eyebrow raised. His eyes were shining with amusement, "I was beginning to think you planned to stand out here all night."
Harry flushed in embarrassment. He hadn't realized he was standing there for so long. Rather than admit to it he asked, "How did you know it was me?"
Remus just tapped his nose in response and motioned for Harry to come in. He led him through to his personal quarters and had him sit at the table while he put a kettle on. With all the reading they would hopefully be doing tonight refreshments would be necessary.
"So," Harry started tentatively, not wanting to sound offensive, "the sense of smell. Is that a werewolf thing?"
"Yes. All werewolves have a heightened sense of smell, sight and hearing along with speed and strength. It varies though, depending on how long you've been one, how attuned you are with the wolf and phase of the moon. And pack is always easier to scent." Remus tensed, he hadn't meant to imply that he considered Harry pack, no matter how true it was.
Harry, not noticing this, nodded his head. "That makes sense."
"Not that I mind talking about this," which was a total lie because discussing this always made him uncomfortable, "but I'm sure you didn't come here early for that."
Harry looked up startled for a moment, "Huh? Oh, right. Can you teach me that thing you did to chase the Dementors off? The Patronus Charm?"
"I'm not an expert at fighting Dementors, Harry — quite the contrary…"
"But I need to be able to fight them. They keep finding me and I'm not always going to have someone there to save me."
Remus looked into Harry's determined face, hesitated, then said, "Well… all right. I'll try and help. But it'll have to wait until next term, I'm afraid. With these books and the end of term nearing I don't have much free time. I'll also have to find a suitable substitute for a Dementor."
"Thank-you. I just —" Harry stared at the table, his throat tight. "I don't want to hear Voldemort murdering my mum anymore."
Remus reached across the table and rested his hand on Harry's. "Oh Harry. I'm so sorry you have to hear that. I know there's not much I could do or say to make it better, but I can listen. If you ever need someone to talk to my door is always open. Day or night."
Unable to say anything, Harry gave a jerky nod. The somber silence that followed remained unbroken until the kettle gave out a shrill whistle. Both student and teacher jumped. Remus, glad for the distraction, hurried to the kettle.
Together they got a tray of tea and biscuits ready for the reading. Remus also brought out several bottles of Butterbeer, explaining that it was a common drink in the wizarding world. By the time Dumbledore and McGonagall arrived the two were talking quietly over a Butterbeer.
"Ah, excellent, you are both ready to begin. You even set up snacks, how delightful. I brought a bowl of sherbet lemons as promised," Dumbledore said, placing the bowl on the table. As he made himself a cup of tea he asked, "So, who would like to begin reading tonight?"
"I will," McGonagall said in her no nonsense manner and opened the book to the correct page.
"Chapter 3," she began.
The escape … his longest-ever punishment.
"How long?" Remus asked.
Harry sighed. They couldn't even get though a page without someone getting angry. "Does it really matter?"
"Yes Harry, it does. Now can you please tell me how long you were kept in there?"
"About a month," he said resignedly. "But it's not like I spent the entire month in there. I still had to go to school. And since I wasn't locked in I would sneak out for a bit while everyone else was asleep." This just seemed to depress everyone, which is exactly why he didn't want to answer the question in the first place.
By the time … remote control aeroplane,
"What a waste of money," Remus muttered.
and, first time … her crutches.
"That boy! At least tell me he was forced to apologize," McGonagall interrupted herself.
Harry snorted. Like Dudley could be made to do anything he didn't want to.
Harry was glad … house every single day.
Harry scowled at the book. They did that just to annoy him.
Piers, Dennis, … was the leader.
"It has been some time since I was young, as such I am not quite sure how those qualifications make a person the leader. Can you explain my boy?" Dumbledore asked, slightly confused. In his experience such things made a person a bodyguard not the leader.
"Er — well, since he was bigger he just bullied the others into listening to him. And since he's st- er, I mean since he's not very smart he likes to keep things simple. So if the others question him or confuse him he just hits them."
"Sounds like the way giants choose a Gurg," Remus said. At Harry's questioning look he added, "That's the title of the leader of a giant tribe. He's usually the biggest and laziest." Not to mention ugliest, Remus thought.
The rest … Harry Hunting.
McGonagall's nostrils flared as she said finished the sentence. "And what exactly does 'Harry Hunting' entail?"
"It's pretty much how it sounds," Harry spoke over the growling. "I would hide or run and they would try and catch me." He had spent much of his childhood playing it and had become very good at getting away.
This was why … tiny ray of hope.
"And no one said anything about a ten year being out by himself?" Remus couldn't believe this neighborhood. Did no one pay attention?
"Not really. The neighbors don't like me much." Realizing that that was a stupid thing to say he added, "There are also a lot of kids in Little Whinging, so it's not uncommon to see them walking to a friend's house or the park by themselves."
When September came … the local comprehensive.
Dumbledore sighed. "Petunia knew perfectly well that you were already enrolled here. I had included that in the letter I left for her."
Dudley thought this was very funny.
"I don't see what's so funny about it. There's nothing wrong with going to a local comprehensive." Remus' Marauder side couldn't find anything funny in that.
"That's not the part Dudley found amusing."
"They stuff people's heads down the toilet the first day at Stonewall," he told Harry.
Remus rolled his eyes. Small minds were so easily amused.
"Want to come upstairs and practice?"
"No, thanks," said Harry. "The poor toilet's never had anything as horrible as your head down it — it might be sick." Then he ran, before Dudley could work out what he'd said.
Dumbledore smiled. Harry may have been a Gryffindor at heart but his inner Slytherin managed to shine through every now and then.
One day in July, … several years.
Harry really needed to remember to write her, if only just to say thanks for looking out for him all those years.
That evening, … hats called boaters.
Harry laughed at the memory of Dudley in his uniform while Remus and McGonagall look revolted at the uniform. If McGonagall was honest with herself it sounded like something the Headmaster would wear. Sneaking a peek at the man in question she saw a thoughtful look on his face, which could mean nothing good.
They also carried … for later life.
The witch sniffed angrily. How was that supposed to be good training?
As he looked at Dudley … trying not to laugh.
A problem he certainly didn't have at the moment.
There was a horrible smell … ask a question.
The professors muttered angrily at the reminder of that ridiculous rule.
"Your new school uniform," she said.
Harry looked in the bowl again.
"Oh," he said, "I didn't realize it had to be so wet."
It's a shame sarcasm is wasted on her, Harry thought.
"Don't be stupid," snapped Aunt Petunia. "I'm dyeing some of Dudley's old things grey for you. It'll look just like everyone else's when I've finished."
"She what?" McGonagall hissed.
"That's vindictive," Remus growled. "She'd rather make an effort for you to look bad then take the easy way out and buy you a uniform."
Harry seriously doubted this, …
… on the table.
"And that means everywhere," Harry said disgusted. He'd seen Dudley come out of the bathroom with it a few times and then put it on the table with the food.
They heard … Smelting stick, Dudley."
"I can't believe he actually encourages his son to act like that," McGonagall fumed.
Harry dodged …a letter for Harry.
"Your Hogwarts letter?" the werewolf asked curiously.
"Yeah," Harry smirked. That letter was the start of Uncle Vernon losing his sanity. Or perhaps it was him losing what was left of it.
Harry picked it up … Who would?
Remus sighed. He had. He just had to figure out what happened to all the letters.
He had no friends, no other relatives — he didn't belong to the library, so he'd never even got rude notes asking for books back. Yet here it was, a letter, addressed so plainly there could be no mistake:
Mr. H. Potter
The Cupboard under the Stairs
4 Privet Drive
Little Whinging
Surrey
Remus raised an eyebrow at his former professors. "I thought you didn't know about the cupboard."
"A self-addressing magical quill fills out the envelopes. I believe it is perhaps time we check them before mailing them out," Dumbledore reassured. He had never thought it was necessary to check them.
The envelope was thick … staring at his letter.
"Why do I get the feeling that that was a bad idea?" Remus questioned.
"Because it was," came Harry's resigned answered.
He handed … Harry's got something!"
Remus' eye twitched. Couldn't they let him have just this one thing?
Harry was … snatch it back.
"That's right Harry, fight for what's yours."
"Remus!" McGonagall shouted incredulously. "You shouldn't encourage him fighting."
"He has every right to stand up for himself and he should. Especially when he's done nothing wrong."
Harry stared at the two wide-eyed. He didn't think he'd ever see a situation where a teacher approved of him fighting.
"Who'd be writing … old porridge.
"A little fear would do him some good." Of course that didn't mean he was just going to let it stop there. Remus had plans to visit the Dursleys and leave them more than a little scared.
"P-P-Petunia!" he gasped.
…
"Vernon! Oh my goodness — Vernon!"
"She's always such a drama queen," Harry said, rolling his eyes.
They stared … Smelting stick.
Remus gaped at the book. This boy didn't even seem to respect his father.
"I want to read that letter," he said loudly.
It's not even his, Remus scoffed inwardly.
"Iwant to read it," said Harry furiously, "as it'smine."
"Get out, both of you," croaked Uncle Vernon, stuffing the letter back inside its envelope.
Harry didn't move.
"I WANT MY LETTER!" he shouted.
"Temper, temper," Remus chided gently.
"Letmesee it!" demanded Dudley.
"OUT!" … door behind them.
"Get your filthy hands off him you bas-"
"Remus!" McGonagall yelled over him.
Harry and Dudley promptly had a furious but silent fight over who would listen at the keyhole; Dudley won,
Like I even stood half a chance against him, Harry thought.
so Harry,… watching the house?"
"Not closely enough," the werewolf lamented.
"Watching — spying — might be following us," muttered Uncle Vernon wildly.
"But what should we do, Vernon? Should we write back? Tell them we don't want —"
Remus snorted. "That would have failed spectacularly."
"What do you mean?" Harry inquired.
"Without a valid reason for the refusal a home visit is required. From the Dursley's behavior I doubt they would have appreciated one of us showing up," Dumbledore informed him.
"You would be right sir," Harry said, thinking of his meeting with Hagrid.
"There's also the fact that the wizarding world would have thrown a fit if you didn't show up to any of the wizarding schools," Remus added.
Harry startled. He hadn't realized there were other schools. But then again it would make sense that there were.
Harry could see … we won't do anything…"
"As if that would work," McGonagall stated primly. Not receiving a response just made her more creative with the delivery methods.
"But —"
"I'm not having one in the house, Petunia! Didn't we swear when we took him in we'd stamp out that dangerous nonsense?"
Remus' eyes flashed gold in his anger. He knew what happened to children whose magic was suppressed. It never ended well. Before he was able to give voice to his anger a suffocating coldness seeped through the room. Looking around his eyes met Dumbledore's and he saw pure rage reflected in them. Though when he spoke his voiced was controlled, with only a hint of his true emotion, "The Dursley's should consider themselves lucky that they failed in that endeavor."
That was all he said on the matter as he became lost in memories of Ariana.
That evening … Harry in his cupboard.
Moony eyed the book suspiciously. The tub of lard was up to something and he doubted it was good.
"Where's my letter?" … to you by mistake,"
"That was a rather accurate mistake" Remus grumbled.
"And they only get more so," Harry commented offhandedly, thinking about the letter he got to keep.
said Uncle Vernon … "it had my cupboard on it."
The werewolf's fists clenched at that. His cub shouldn't have needed to be so defensive of a cupboard.
"SILENCE!" … Dudley's second bedroom."
"You think it might be nice?" Remus sneered. "He shouldn't have been in the cupboard in the first place. Bloody animals."
"Why?" said Harry.
"Don't ask questions!" snapped his uncle. "Take this stuff upstairs, now."
The Dursleys' house had four bedrooms:
"They had two spare bedrooms and didn't give you one!" McGonagall cried, glaring at the book in her hands.
Harry just shrugged. He was quite used to the Dursley's attitude towards him.
one for … first bedroom.
Remus sighed. It looks like he just figured out where the money went. He briefly wondered if any of it was salvageable.
It only took Harry one trip upstairs to move everything he owned from the cupboard to this room.
The professors looked at Harry sadly.
"Harry, may I ask what it was that you owned?" the aged wizard asked despondently.
"Umm, about a weeks' worth of clothes, some school things and a few army men," he listed.
This just depressed them more, but it also made them determined to change things for him.
He sat down … never been touched.
Remus began muttering about a misuse of funds and goblin justice. Harry wasn't sure he wanted to know what that would involve.
From downstairs … him get out…"
"You do not need that room. No child needs two bedrooms," the cat Animagus hissed.
Harry sighed … up here without it.
Harry nodded in agreement with his past self. The bedroom was nothing but a new, 'normal' way to keep him oppressed. The letter was his ticket to freedom.
Next morning … have his room back.
The professors' eyes widened as this was read. They didn't think the boy could get any worse, but apparently they were wrong. How his parents could allow him to hit them was beyond them.
Harry was thinking about the poor tortoise. Dudley had named it Leonardo, after some character from a cartoon he watched. He spent a week showing it off before he got bored with it. After that Leonardo became Harry's responsibility. Harry had grown fond of it and was upset when he found out that Aunt Petunia had gotten rid of it during first year so she wouldn't have to take care of it.
Harry was thinking about this time yesterday and bitterly wishing he'd opened the letter in the hall.
Harry leaned back in the sofa and wondered how things would have turned out had he opened the letter in the hall. Would he have believed it or thought it some sort of joke? Would he have responded? Would Hagrid have still taken him to Diagon Alley? Would he still have Hedwig? He shook his head. It didn't really matter. He wouldn't trade the friends he made as a result for anything.
Uncle Vernon … trying to be nice to Harry,
"Something tells me that didn't last long," Remus murmured to himself.
made Dudley go … 4 Privet Drive —'"
The werewolf bit back several comments
With a strangled cry, … neck from behind.
As one the professors turned to Harry, showing various expressions of shock.
Seeing their eyes on him Harry let out a defensive "What?"
McGonagall raised an eyebrow as if saying 'You know what.' She shook her head. Why were all her Gryffindors so foolish?
Dumbledore looked at him in slight worry. After what they read so far he couldn't help but worry what consequences this action would get.
Remus let out an amused chuckle. He was worried about Harry's safety, but it was impossible to not find the image of a slightly smaller Harry (because he couldn't have grown much in only two years) jumping on the back of an overgrown walrus. If he had known what was to come that Halloween he wouldn't be half as amused.
After a minute of confused fighting, in which everyone got hit a lot by the Smelting stick, (insert snort here) …
… "Dudley — go — just go."
"While still unfair, I would say this is an improvement on his behavior towards you."
Harry hummed in agreement. The headmaster was right, it was an improvement. Before the letters arrived those actions would have earned him a few purposeful bruises and no meals. He still ended up with bruises, but so did Uncle Vernon and Dudley (all caused by that damn Smelting stick). His only punishment was being sent to his room, which wasn't really a punishment in his opinion.
Harry walked round … He had a plan.
It was a good plan too! Harry felt that it was a shame that Uncle Vernon had decided to use his brain in that moment.
The repaired alarm … number four first.
Remus found himself impressed. That was a well thought out plan for any ten year old, let alone one who had shown reckless behavior earlier in the day. When he told him so Harry just looked away and mumbled something too indistinct for him to make out.
His heart hammered as he crept across the dark hall toward the front door —
"AAAAARRRGH!"
"Now Minerva dear, if you're going to read you should read it correctly." Said woman gave her employer an irritated look. "I'm sure it doesn't simply say 'argh.'" Dumbledore continued on, oblivious to the look being sent his way, and took the book from her. "See," he said pointing to the word, "It's in all capitals and the first two letters are dragged out. As such it should be pronounced 'AAAAARRRGH' not 'argh.'"
McGonagall, finally fed up with the man, let out a frustrated "ARGH!"
"That's more like it. While not perfect, it was much closer," he complimented, patting her hand and returning the book.
With one final glare at the man she turned back the book, studiously ignoring the snickering the boys across from her were failing to hide.
Harry leapt into the air; … his uncle's face.
Horror because Harry knew there was only so much his uncle would take before snapping and finally punishing him. After all, the nice act could only last so long.
Remus had been about to comment on that when he saw Harry's solemn expression. He held back any comment upon realizing that Harry had probably been worried at that moment about what would happen to him.
Uncle Vernon … trying to do. (Harry really hated it when Uncle Vernon used his brain.) He shouted at Harry for about half an hour (which was actually a relief since he was able to tune most of it out) and then told him to go and make a cup of tea. Harry shuffled miserably (because his plan failed) off into the kitchen … addressed in green ink. (At least he had been right about them trying again.)
"I want —" he began, but Uncle Vernon was tearing the letters into pieces before his eyes.
Moony growled. This man had no right to order his cub around and destroy his happiness.
Uncle Vernon … nailed up the letter-box.
The witch paused in her reading. "What does he think that will accomplish?"
"I wasn't aware he could think," Remus countered, receiving a choked laugh from Harry.
"See," he explained to Aunt Petunia through a mouthful of nails, "if they can'tdeliverthem they'll just give up."
"I'm not sure that'll work, Vernon."
"Mr. Dursley really should listen to her. While Petunia may despise our world she knows enough about us to know that wouldn't work," Dumbledore's voice held a touch of exasperation in it.
"Oh, these people's minds …just brought him.
Several deities and Merlin were silently thanked for this fact.
On Friday … downstairs toilet.
Remus looked slightly disturbed, as did the other professors. "The toilet? Why on earth would they be delivered there?"
Harry shrugged through his sniggering. "No idea, but whoever did it scared Dudley. He came running out screaming."
Uncle Vernon stayed at home again.
Remus cocked his head to the side. "Can he really afford to just take days off like that?" With the amount of money they seemed to spend he didn't think so.
"Uncle Vernon is kinda high up in the company, so when he wants to take a day or two off they don't really ask questions."
After burning … small noises.
If asked to pinpoint the exact moment his uncle lost his sanity this would have been it.
On Saturday, things began to get out of hand.
"They were only beginning to get out of hand then? I would have thought having letters forced into the toilet would have been out of hand," Remus said wryly.
Twenty-four letters
"That makes 40 letters. Why didn't you send someone to check on him by that time?"
"When the letters reached over a dozen I went to Albus," the witch nodded towards the man in question. "He told me he would handle it but I was to continue sending out letters."
to Harry … living room window.
The werewolf stared at the witch in disbelief. He could now see why things weren't considered out of hand until then.
While Uncle Vernon … food mixer.
McGonagall had to restrain herself from rolling her eyes. They were being ridiculous in their attempt to ignore magic, especially since they knew of its existence.
"Who on earth wants to talk toyouthis badly?" Dudley asked Harry in amazement.
The entire wizarding world, Remus thought drily.
On Sunday morning, Uncle Vernon sat down at the breakfast table looking tired and rather ill, but happy.
"No post on Sundays,"
"A little thing, such as the day of the week, isn't enough to stop a determined wizard." At McGonagall's glare the headmaster amended his statement, "or witch as the case may be."
he reminded them cheerfully as he spread marmalade on his newspapers, "no damn letters today —"
Remus smirked. That's what he thinks.
Something … trying to catch one —
"Why not grab one from the floor?" Remus inquired.
"Most of them bounced off the floor and back into the air. The ones that were on the floor were near Uncle Vernon. I figured I had a better chance grabbing one out of the air." That and Harry had no desire to be on the floor near his uncle. He was likely to be accidentally stepped on or kicked by him.
"Out! OUT!"
Uncle Vernon seized Harry around the waist and threw him into the hall.
"Were you hurt?" Remus growled out. This man had no right to touch any child like that, let alone Harry. He would make sure this man was sorry for ever looking at Harry funny.
"Er —" Harry was taken aback by his Defense professor's attitude. Logically he knew the man was close to his parents and probably felt somehow responsible for him but it was still odd. He wasn't used to adults caring; especially when they taught Defense (the last two did attack him after all). "I don't think so. I don't really remember."
Remus sighed. He noticed Harry's hesitation and wondered how long it would take for that to disappear and for Harry to believe that he did care about him.
When Aunt Petunia … walls and floor.
"That does it," said Uncle Vernon, trying to speak calmly (as if he even knows how) but pulling great tufts out of his mustache at the same time (Harry chuckled at the memory). "I want you all back here in five minutes ready to leave. We're going away. Just pack some clothes. No arguments!"
"Does he think he can outrun the letters? And here I thought he couldn't possibly get any stupider."
He looked … his sports bag.
Dumbledore let out a heavy sigh. "While I think young Mr. Dursley needs to learn discipline I do not think hitting him is the answer." Dumbledore never approved of corporeal punishment, which was why when he became Headmaster he had it banned from Hogwarts.
They drove. … whenever he did this.
"He's nearly as bad as Mad-Eye," Remus muttered.
"Who?" Harry whispered, not wanting to interrupt the reading.
Remus shifted closer so they could speak. "Alastor Moody. He was an Auror – a dark wizard catcher," he added for Harry's benefit, "and probably the most paranoid man you'll ever meet. I worked with him some during the war and trust me when I tell you we we're lucky he was on our side." Remus shivered at the memory of some of the battles he saw Moody take part in.
"Why'd you call him Mad-Eye?"
"He lost his eye towards the end of the war. He has a specially made fake one that moves. It's a bit unnerving at first, but I imagine you get used to it after a while."
They didn't stop … on his computer.
McGonagall's lips thinned. That child was going to be in for a rude awakening once he was on his own. She looked over at Harry and saw him having a whispered conversation with Remus. She couldn't help but thank everything out there that he turned into such a good young man.
Uncle Vernon stopped … at the front desk."
Remus smiled at her, "I'm starting to think you were enjoying driving them crazy with all the letters."
"While I do admit it was rather entertaining," she said proudly, "that was not the reason for sending so many. I was making a point that it was useless to hide from us and that we would be at least visiting Harry whether they liked it or not."
She held up a letter so they could read the green ink address:
Mr. H. Potter
Room 17
Railview Hotel
Cokeworth
Harry … the dining room.
Of course he did, Remus thought gloomily.
"Wouldn't it be better just to go home, dear?" Aunt Petunia suggested timidly, hours later, but Uncle Vernon didn't seem to hear her.
"As I said before he really should be taking her advice," Dumbledore stated, shaking his head.
Exactly what … late that afternoon.
"I believe Daddy went mad ages ago," Remus commented.
"I think we should just give him credit for noticing it," Harry countered.
Uncle Vernon … with atelevision."
Harry rolled his eyes. All Dudley cared about was the television.
Monday. … Harry's eleventh birthday.
Remus smiled sadly, thinking of all the birthdays he missed. He hadn't even been able to attend his first because of Order business. Hopefully he would be able to attend Harry's fourteenth.
Of course, … old socks.
Bastards! They couldn't even give him a proper birthday present. He made a mental note to spoil Harry on his next birthday.
Still, you weren't eleven every day.
Dumbledore chuckled at the resilience of children. They had a wonderful knack for looking for the positive in a gloomy situation.
Uncle Vernon … he'd bought.
This didn't bode well for any of the professors, because whatever it was it was definitely no good in his hands.
"Found the perfect place!" … no television in there.
"You know, it does sound perfect," Remus said receiving several stares as though he lost it. "Like the perfect death trap," he finished darkly.
"Storm forecast … water below them.
"That sounds dangerous. I can't imagine an old rowboat being able to carry the four of you across," McGonagall said worriedly.
"I've already got us some rations (Harry huffed remembering the so-called rations)," said Uncle Vernon, "so all aboard!"
It was freezing … only two rooms.
"I never thought I'd say this, but compared to that the Shrieking Shack seems homey." Remus may have hated the Shack because of what it meant but at least it had been hospitable.
"That's the haunted house by the village right?" Harry asked, receiving a nod in answer.
Uncle Vernon's rations turned out to be a packet of crisps each and four bananas.
"He calls that rations?" McGonagall interrupted herself. She had heard about Harry's examination and knew he needed to eat more.
He tried to start a fire but the empty crisp packets just smoked and shriveled up.
"Could do with some of those letters now, eh?" he said cheerfully.
"Arsehole," denying Harry his letters was bad enough but to taunt him with them like that was somehow much worse.
He was in a very good mood. … most ragged blanket.
Harry really didn't understand what the problem was with that. The floor was the only option, it's not like he was going to share with his aunt and uncle, and Dudley was so large that he took up the entire sofa. As for the blanket, well, at least they gave him one.
Oops, he must have said that last part out loud if the looks he was getting now meant anything.
The storm raged … rumbling with hunger (it was always harder to sleep when he was hungry). Dudley's snores (which were extremely loud) were drowned (a feat he never imagined possible) by the low rolls of thunder that started near midnight (it would have been hard to sleep through that anyway). The lighted dial … remember at all (not likely), wondering where the letter writer was now.
Five minutes to go. Harry heard something creak outside (he smiled slightly, thinking of what was to come). He hoped the roof wasn't going to fall in (he wondered at the possibility of magic holding the building together), although he might be warmer if it did (in hindsight he also might have been dead had that happened).Four minutes … steal one somehow (that would have been amusing).
Three minutes to go. Was that the sea, slapping hard on the rock like that? (Nope.) And (two minutes to go) what was that funny crunching noise? (Probably Hagrid.) Was the rock crumbling into the sea? (He found the whole being able to answer his own question thing kinda fun.)
One minute to go and he'd be eleven (he smiled, aside from the rocky start that had been his best birthday ever). Thirty seconds… twenty… ten… nine — maybe he'd wake Dudley up, just to annoy him —three… two… one…
BOOM.
"Boom? What do you mean 'boom'? Boom is hardly ever a good sound. Did the building collapse?"
Lupin, Harry decided, seemed rather panicky at the moment. So in a poor attempt to soothe his nerves he said, "Not completely."
Remus looked wide-eyed at McGonagall, silently begging her to go on and tell him what happened.
The whole shack shivered and Harry sat bolt upright, staring at the door. Someone was outside, knocking to come in.
"Is that it? It doesn't say who was at the door?"
"I believe we will need to read the next chapter to find out who it was Remus." Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling in amusement, but Remus ignored it in favor of taking the book so that he could get the answers he needed.