Harry potter and the Time of Retirement
Everything related to Harry Potter belongs to JKR
Chapter 50 – Year 3
"Ouch" murmured Harry, his face becoming a mask of disappointment.
The day had started well enough. It was a crisp morning of late September and all he had started to keep himself busy – the seedlings in his yard, some potions, and basic repairs in his house – was going well enough that he could take a break. That was why, pushed also by a bit of loneliness, he decided to make a tour of Diagon Alley. See some people, look at stuff.
He had been seriously temped to disguise himself as an older man again, especially since he had learned from Hannah's mother how his expulsion had made the front page of the Prophet, courtesy of Rita Skeeter. A long article had been written on him, where he was depicted as both a poor petrified victim of Dumbledore's incompetence and a budding dark lord experimenting with forbidden magic.
After some consideration, with a shrug, Harry decided to simply ignore the matter and go as he was. 'Not that I won't curse her on sight, if I meet that stupid beetle' thought Harry. That, or snitching on her with the ministry for being an unregistered animagus, he also considered with a smirk. So, with a quick apparition, he reached the Cauldron.
The stares were there, all right, and so were the whispers. As there was nothing to do about those Harry simply moved on into the alley proper. And, in there, his mood instantly improved. The shops were open and no kids were in sight, except those young enough to still be taking their mother's hand. He could tour everything at his own pace.
His first true stop was Quality Quidditch Supply and on its windows he noticed a brand new and shining Firebolt. With a big smile he went inside to look at it more closely, reminiscing about all his old memories atop that broom. Until he noticed the price tag, that is.
"Ouch" was his comment, before sarcastically thinking of how paying for the broom was not part of his memories. Oh, he clearly remembered receiving the broom – with Hermione instantly snitching on him, even if with good intentions; that actually still burned him a little – but not shelling several hundred galleons for it. For a broom that, he knew, would not remain the best forever or even just for more than a couple years.
Shaking his head, he continued touring the shop. There was a corner dedicated to second hand brooms, sure, and the prices there were way more affordable. Close to them, on a shelf, a "Create your own Broom" box draw his attention. Picking it up, Harry noticed how it contained the bare elements like a seat, the leg rest, and – so it reported – instructions on what runes and enchantments were needed to get even a muggle made broom to fly. Chances were the final result would be so bad he would regret not buying an old used broom and roll with it, but he was also curious enough to see what he could create. 'It's not like I lack time' thought Harry. Its price also being a fraction of the cheapest broom also helped.
Buying it and going out, Harry continued his tour of the alley. His next goal was finding potion ingredients but, before he could enter the apothecary, a heavy hand fell on his shoulders startling him deeply. Turning around he found the frowning face of Hagrid.
"Harry" said the half giant, towering over him. "What are yeh doing here?"
"And good morning to you, too" countered Harry, one eyebrow half raised in sarcasm. "What does it look like I am doing?"
"I heard yehw've been kicked out of school, Harry, make no mistake" continued Hagrid, grumbling "but I also heard the Headmaster is willing to take you back, so long as you start listening to him. And instead yeh waste yehr time coming here?"
"Well… yes?" answered Harry, unsure on what to say. Hagrid kept looking at him, clearly expecting more, but he remained silent. Eventually, he shrugged and half turned away saying "I do have things to do, so…." before Hagrid grasped at his shoulder again.
"Listen Harry, yeh know I have been expelled too. I know how that feels" he started, voice turning to a symphatetic tone "and that is why yeh really, really should do yehr best to come back. Absolutely."
"I don't want to" said Harry gently pushing his hand away, or at least trying. "Thanks for caring, but…"
"But nothing!" exploded the half giant. "Harry, I love yeh, but you know nothing. Yehw're a boy throwing a temper tantrum! What do yeh think you can do, all on yehr own?"
"I can mind my own business. Try doing the…." started Harry, before stopping himself. Sighing, he took a deep breath with his eyes closed. "Ok, listen. I know how it looks from the outside, but this is a private matter. Leave it be."
"Yeh'r just a kid, Harry, stop being stupid" complained Hagrid, exasperated.
"I am this close to losing my patience, Hagrid" said Harry, now irritated. "We are friends and you mean well, but I don't answer to you. Or anyone else, actually. Are we clear?"
An awkward silence followed, before Hagrid seemed to deflate. His face was clearly showing his worry.
"This… this is wrong Harry. This is all wrong" said the man, sadly.
"What are you doing here, anyway, Hagrid? I would expect you to be working right now" asked Harry, trying to switch the topic. Hagrid, in front of him, shrugged.
"I am working, Harry. I am doing commissions for our school, buying and selling stuff. Well, delivering."
"Selling? What?" asked Harry, surprised.
"Nothing that regards yeh" said Hagrid, shaking his head. "Harry, I can't ignore this. Go back to school. I have nothin' left to say."
"Noted. Have a nice day, Hagrid" concluded Harry, sadly, and with this the half giant left. Harry followed him with his eyes, seeing him go inside Knockturn Alley.
'I knew he was loyal to Dumbledore, but still' thought Harry, frustrated and moving away. Hagrid was supposedly his best friend, in this new life of his, and yet he showed no intentions whatsoever to even just listen. So, Harry walked on… only to turn again. 'Wait, Knockturn Alley….' he considered, and took the path to reach the place.
He had been there more than once, in his career. As in, more than once a week. Only a fraction of its infamy was deserved, he knew that: after all the shops that had little turnover or were not 'family friendly' had to stay there as Diagon Alley was specifically kept by the ministry as a sort of exposition of the best on offer by the magical community.
Such a semi-official ban didn't mean that most of the shops in Knockturn Alley couldn't be legit and morally acceptable. Places like Borgin and Burkes were the exception and even that one was completely legal. Mostly. And yet even those few were enough, together with the alley's reputation, to ensure that anyone not comfortable in the prim and proper sections of the wizarding world still gathered there. Not necessarily criminals: even lazy lowlifes or drunks that couldn't stomach the open Diagon Alley gathered in the corners of Knockturn's.
As for him, what he needed was a store that also sold seeds for magical plants. Sure, some potion ingredients could only be bought – it was ridiculous to start raising salamanders just to get one heart after all - but as he was cultivating plants already, he might as well start growing the ones he needed and not just the 'harmless specimens' given to him by Sprout.
'Maybe I could also sell some once they grow up' considered Harry. 'Next time I could upgrade to an used broom!' he concluded, making fun of himself.
It took some time to find an appropriate store, and a bit more to decide what he actually wanted to grow. Plants that required way too much care or draw too much attention – even if his yard, like his house, were under heavy wards to keep muggle eyes away – were out: no Mandragores or Whomping Willows, for sure.
On a spur he also decided to try and buy aconite, too: he had prepared some Wolfsbane potion in the past, as the potion stores of the aurors had to be replenished without emptying their galleons reserves, and he was relatively experienced at it. 'That would sell for a good price' he thought. "Too bad most werewolves are poor" he murmured, thinking of his old defence professor, Lupin. Was he teaching at Hogwarts, at the moment? Did Black know? Harry considered all that, before dismissing it as none of his business.
'If only other people understood the value of minding your own' he thought, still peeved at Hagrid's reaction to his expulsion. Paying for his purchases, Harry went out. For a second he wished he could go to the Cauldron and get something strong to drink, but he could imagine how well that would go after his stunt with Black. Nor he wanted to push his luck and drink something in some seedy place in Knockturn Alley.
Eventually, he settled for buying a butterbeer on the go and then returning home. He had work to complete, after all.
Wiping his hands from the dirt, Harry looked up to the sky and judged by the position of the sun that it was afternoon already; casting Tempus confirmed he had still some time left but he decided to stop working and wash up anyway. He was expecting a guest, after all.
Standing up he admired how he had turned his yard, once full of weeds, into a veritable selection of magical plants and future potion ingredients. Barely sprouting, and winter would not help with their growth, but still – he considered it a moderate success, with how few weeks passes since he had bought them in Knockturn Alley. Sporting a smile, he turned towards the door.
Walking inside his home, he had a quick shower and a change of clothes before starting to prepare some food and tea. On the table there was a parchment he had received the day before by owl; in it, a message from Mr. Weasley, asking if he could come by and have a chat one of those afternoons.
Harry had been quite nervous when he received that, fearing immediately he was in for some complaints from the Weasley father or, even worse, bad news about Ginny and Percy. Still, avoiding the problem was not really an option and he immediately sent Hedwig to the Burrow with his consent to a visit.
Not long after he completed his preparations, he heard a couple knocks coming from his entrance hall; after a moment of hesitation he opened the main door.
"Good afternoon, Harry" said simply Mr. Weasley, with a placid expression.
"Good afternoon" answered Harry, stepping aside and waving at the man to walk in. In silence, they both sat down and Harry offered his guest a cup of tea, which he took but didn't drink. In fact, once Harry had sat down himself, Mr. Weasley placed his cup back on the table, folded his hands and looked straight at him.
"I am glad we can talk a little, Harry. I wanted to do this since January" started Mr. Wesley. Harry nodded, but remained silent. "To be honest, I wasn't supposed to. Percy asked me to let it go, because he wanted to speak to you himself. He was quite disappointed when he discovered you were not at Hogwarts, this year."
"And you decided to come and see me personally?" asked Harry, quietly. "What about your wife?"
"She doesn't know, nor would she approve. She is... displeased with you lately, and I too have mixed feelings about your behaviour, Harry. I saw my children's memories, I insisted with Dumbledore for the privilege" said Mr. Weasley, sarcastically, as Harry grimaced "and I understand why my daughter is still quite vocal on how horrible you are."
"I can imagine that" said Harry.
Mr. Weasley watched him for a second, almost as if searching something in his face. Eventually he nodded, as if he took some decision. "From some words here and there, I think there is more than resentment behind her anger though. She said, once or twice, that even if they – she and Percy, I mean – messed up you are still to blame. I think she feels somehow guilty for what happened."
Harry shook his head. "All she did was to believe her brother. Hardly something to feel guilty for, at her age." At this, Mr. Weasley smiled.
"Quite generous of you to say that, but not surprising. It was always obvious you have a soft spot for her."
"Percy is different. Oh, he has remained quite withdrawn lately, especially with me. And he never contradicts Ginny whenever she complains. But one time he surprised my wife, well, talking about you he insisted firmly that we owe you too much to… to be less than grateful."
"I am not sure he owes me anything at all" commented Harry. "I had hopes to solve the matter quickly, and yet…."
"No parent enjoys seeing their children pass through such an ordeal. My wife has banned you from our house, by the way" said Mr. Weasley, now with a sad smile "but Percy doesn't agree, and I don't either. Not completely."
Harry remained silent, so Mr. Weasley eventually continued. "Listen, Harry. No matter what, you saved their lives at great risks for yourself. I can't ignore that, even if I wish you simply told Dumbledore everything and let him deal with the matter. Or better, I wish Ginny didn't beg you not to warn the professors."
"I could have ignored her" said Harry, only for Mr. Weasley to shake his head.
"My family might owe you, Percy is right. I hope one day we can all make peace. Eventually. That is not why I am here, anyway" continued Mr. Weasley, and at those last words Harry raised his head, surprised.
"What other businesses do we have, anymore?" asked Harry. "The ra…" he started, before stopping immediately. Not quick enough, apparently.
"The rat? Pettygrew? Right, there is that too if I were to believe what Dumbledore said" commented Mr. Weasley, with a snigger. "I almost wish I could tell the rest of my family about that story, to put you in a better light. If you were involved, of course."
"Never said I was" countered Harry, shrugging.
"Of course" repeated Mr. Weasley, calmly. "Just in case, well, all the more reason to be grateful. But no, my question is different. And it is one that will really decide how you stand with my family."
At this, Harry frowned himself, puzzled. He could not recall anything else bad he did to the Weasley. Or good. Thinking about it, the best he could come up with was lying to the twins over the Marauder's map. "What?" he finally asked.
"The Diary, Harry. It is obvious you knew from the start it was, or might be, with my children. And Percy says he got it the first night you were with us. Did you bring that cursed thing into my home?" asked Mr. Weasley, now looking at Harry with some hostility. But Harry simply shook his head, relieved.
"No. I am willing to confirm that under oath, or Veritaserum, if necessary."
Mr. Weasley hesitated, his face blank. Shortly after, he sighed. "Fine, let's say I believe you. But I need then to learn how you knew it was there. Because you knew that, don't even try to deny it."
"I had no certainty" said Harry, shrugging "and that, too, I could swear on. Just a hunch."
"Based on what? Harry, I want to trust you but your involvement is suspicious. You have been aware of that thing for months before your fight with my son, so says Ginny. How?"
Harry remained silent for a while, thinking. Every word he pronunced here, he might have to answer for eventually. Just revealing the truth was out of the question, but playing dumb was no longer an option.
"Remember the morning after I arrived at your home, Weasley? Not the party, I am talking of the day after I came to stay" said Harry, eventually. Mr. Weasley frowned at these words, before answering.
"I saw in Percy's memories how that was the day he found the diary. And the association doesn't help you, i fear. Otherwise, no, it doesn't ring a bell. What about it?"
"It's when Ron had a fight with an elf in the courtyard, allowing him inside your wards. And that elf, I recognized it. It belongs to the person that had the Diary. And it was speaking about disasters at Hogwarts, something that the Diary could have certainly unleashed by freeing the basilisk."
"Yes, I remember that story. And you thought that one of my children was given the Diary merely because of that?" asked Mr. Weasley, clearly skeptical.
"No, I feared they could receive it because using it against them would destroy your family, and the elf's owner is no friend of yours" said Harry, frowning. "Beside them, I was waiting for any hint of the Diary even just being in Hogwarts before warning Dumbledore. Anonymously, of course" he concluded, casually.
Mr. Weasley stopped talking for a while, clearly deep in thought. Harry, too, said nothing and just looked at him, stone faced. Eventually, the man's eyes moved again to Harry's.
"Ok, let's say this is all true. Who is the owner of the elf, then? Who did this to my children?"
Harry shook his head. "Nope. I won't make a name if I can't prove what I say. And I can't."
"You can not simply evade this question, Harry. This was not a school prank! Percy was possessed, Ginny almost killed. Who is responsible for all that?"
"Unless you are willing to go to the aurors and spill out the whole story I can evade it quite easily, I fear" said Harry, looking Mr. Weasley straight in his face. "I am not self destroying with accusations that aren't going anywhere."
"I wouldn't say that to anyone" started Mr. Weasley, only to stop at Harry's smirk of derision. "I wouldn't."
"Sure you won't" said Harry, shrugging. "Just in case, I am still not making names. Period."
Mr. Weasley frowned, before looking at his hands for a while. Eventually, his eyes - dangerously narrowed and hostile - went back to Harry's.
"Don't you want to avenge Ginny?" he asked, as Harry tensed and looked incredulously at him.
'That's a low blow, you piece of…' he thought, before trying to calm down.
"Of course I do!" said Harry, stress in his voice. "But life ain't that simple. I can't prove anything I said, I mean it, and empty accusations would backfire terribly. On me, on us actually. Unless you are telling me you would strike that man personally, bypassing the aurors?"
"No" said Mr. Weasley, immediately. "I could ask for Dumbledore's help, though."
"You all seem to have too much faith in Dumbledore" said Harry. "As a wizard he is unmatched, true, but that doesn't make his judgements any sounder than anyone else's. Plus, he seems even less willing to act directly than you are."
"And you? Don't talk like you would do anything, Harry."
"I don't, because I won't. That's the point."
Mr. Weasley just shook his head, frustrated. "Bottom line you are not making names, you won't help me punish whoever hurt my kids, and you are not really explaining how you knew what you knew. Am I correct, Harry?"
Harry shrugged again, which seemed to irritate Mr. Weasley even more. He stood up, stiffly turning towards the door.
"I am. I can understand why Dumbledore expelled you, at least. Behind your polite manners, you are one messed up boy."
"Either you owe me or you insult me, Weasley. And until you pick the first, get the hell out of my house" said Harry, a tone of resentment in his voice. Mr. Weasley glared at Harry with an intensity he had never seen on the man's face and then walked out, leaving the door open. Frowning, Harry went and closed it with considerably more force than needed before walking into the kitchen, irritated.
'Damn Weasleys' thought Harry, pacing around torn between guilt and anger. 'Sure, I could have done better, but you are all still a bunch of morons!'
An image of Ginny, an older Ginny as she was in his memories, beautiful and affectionate passed through Harry's mind followed by some of their kids but if only made him feel more angry. 'They are alive somewhere else. Hopefully' he added, with his usual spike of pain and fear in his chest, which he forcefully ignored. 'But not here. And I am done with the Weasleys. Men or women.'
Opening a bottle of transfigured muggle spirit – firewhiskey would have been better, but it was unsurprisingly harder to replicate – Harry poured a generous glass to himself and started drinking. He knew this was not a good reaction but at that moment he just could not care less.