Author's Note:
DISCLAIMER: I do not own the characters or world. All credit to JK Rowling.
Hi guys, I hope that you're continuing to enjoy the story. Things starting to get more interesting now. Please please please follow, favourite and review; working 3 jobs at the moment and doing this in little time so would be nice to know that its worth it. Thanks so much for reading, I appreciate it :)
Enjoy!
GrumpyBoyBen
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Chapter 5 – Dementors, Draco and Defence
As the afternoon sun cast its warm glow over Privet Drive, Harry and Dudley set out on their usual run. The familiar rhythm of their feet pounding against the pavement filled the air as they weaved through the neat rows of houses. The sky above was clear and bright, but there was a peculiar heaviness in the atmosphere that Harry couldn't quite shake off. He glanced over at Dudley, who was huffing and puffing slightly as he tried to keep up with Harry's brisk pace.
"Hey, Harry," Dudley gasped, "You sure run fast these days."
Harry chuckled, slowing down a bit to match Dudley's stride. "Well, I have to stay in shape, you know. Hogwarts has a lot of stairs," he teased.
Dudley rolled his eyes but smiled in good humour. The two had developed an unexpected camaraderie over the past few weeks, ever since Harry had confunded Vernon and Petunia to be more agreeable. Dudley had even found out that Harry had been modifying his parents' behaviour, and he didn't really care, thinking it was quite funny and actually somewhat necessary. Dudley had become genuinely curious about the magical world and had bombarded Harry with questions during their runs.
As they continued their jog, the weather took a sudden turn, almost as if the world itself sensed the impending danger. The once clear sky darkened rapidly, and raindrops began to splatter against the ground, turning the dry pavement into glistening wet paths. The air grew colder, and a sharp wind cut through the air, causing Harry and Dudley to shiver.
Harry's heart sank. He knew all too well what this sudden change meant – the Dementors were near. A surge of adrenaline coursed through his veins, and he turned to Dudley, his voice urgent and commanding.
"Dudley, keep close to me and do exactly what I say," Harry instructed, the weight of the responsibility evident in his tone. Dudley, though usually quick to protest, recognized the seriousness in Harry's voice and complied without hesitation.
As they sprinted back towards the safety of Number 4, Privet Drive, Harry's mind raced with thoughts of how to protect both himself and Dudley. He knew that his Patronus was the best defence against the Dementors, but he also had to ensure Dudley's safety. He glanced back, seeing the dark, cloaked figures of the Dementors swooping down towards them, their presence draining the joy and warmth from the surroundings.
Harry's breath quickened as he thought of the dire consequences if he failed. Dudley's safety was now in his hands, and he couldn't afford to make any mistakes. He had to be strong, for both of them. But beneath his determination, a twinge of fear gnawed at him. He couldn't allow the Dementors to get anywhere near Dudley – he couldn't let his cousin endure what had happened last time around, he would not let that happen again.
"Dudley, get behind me!" Harry shouted, his heart pounding in his chest. He held his wand tightly, ready to face whatever horrors lay ahead. He had been keeping on top of the Patronus charm for the last few weeks, perfecting it, to make sure he was ready for this exact moment. But now it was real. Now it actually meant something.
Dudley stared at Harry with wide eyes, fear and trust mingling in his gaze. Harry knew he couldn't falter now. He had to summon every ounce of courage and every happy memory he could find to cast the most powerful Patronus he could manage.
He closed his eyes for a split second, conjuring images of Ron's infectious laughter, Hermione's encouraging smile, and the warmth of Ginny's hand in his. He thought of the love and camaraderie they shared during the war effort, the unbreakable bond between friends, and the hope that had kept him going in the darkest of times.
"Expecto Patronum!" Harry cried out, his voice ringing with determination. With a burst of silver light, his corporeal stag Patronus erupted from the tip of his wand, its radiant form illuminating the gloomy surroundings.
Dudley watched in awe as the majestic creature charged forward, its antlers pointed towards the oncoming Dementors. Harry's Patronus emanated an aura of strength and hope, pushing back the darkness and cold that the Dementors brought with them.
Harry's heart swelled with relief and triumph as his Patronus successfully repelled the Dementors. The creatures hesitated, clearly affected by the power of Harry's charm. They seemed to shrink back into the shadows, unable to withstand the force of his positive memories.
"Keep running, Dudley! Don't stop!" Harry urged, his voice unwavering despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins. Together, they sprinted towards the safety of their home, the stag leading the way and fending off the Dementors.
Dudley clung to Harry's every step, his earlier scepticism about the magical world replaced with awe and gratitude. His cousin was no longer just the odd boy with a lightning scar – he was a wizard, a protector, and someone Dudley could truly look up to. As they reached the protective barrier of Privet Drive, the Dementors finally receded, vanishing back into the gloom from whence they came. Harry's Patronus lingered for a moment, its shimmering form a beacon of hope amidst the fading rain.
Dudley looked at Harry in amazement and gratitude, his own fears now replaced with admiration and respect. "What...what was that? What were we running from?" he asked breathlessly.
Harry quickly remembered that muggles cannot see Dementors, and explained, "You can't see them, but dangerous creatures called Dementors were attacking us"
Dudley was trying to imagine what they looked like, and followed up with, "And what spell thingy did you do?"
"It's called a Patronus," Harry replied, his breath still slightly laboured from the running and the magic; it took a lot to produce a patronus that powerful, and that level of magical output drained Harry of his energy.
"It's a powerful charm that repels Dementors. They feed on happy memories, but the Patronus is like a shield made of your happiest memories. It drives them away."
Dudley could only nod, still trying to process the incredible display of magic he had just witnessed. The experience seemed to change him, with his perspective on the wizarding world shifted, and he knew that there was far more to it than he had ever imagined. Inside the safety of their home, the rain began to subside, and the world outside slowly returned to normal.
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In the early morning, a letter had been discreetly slipped under the Dursleys' front door. This was the work of non-other than Nymphadora Tonks. Petunia, always eager to keep up appearances and fit into the perfect suburban neighbourhood, was thrilled when she discovered it. With trembling hands, she unfolded the letter and read its contents aloud, her voice tinged with excitement.
"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, we are pleased to inform you that your beautiful lawn has been selected as one of the finalists in the prestigious All-England Best-Kept Lawn competition. Congratulations! We invite you and your family to attend the awards ceremony, which will take place at the magnificent Green Park Manor tomorrow morning. Please arrive promptly at 11:00 AM to receive your finalist badge at the complimentary hotel, with drinks.
Best wishes,
The All-England Best-Kept Lawn Committee."
Vernon's moustache twitched with pride, and his eyes widened in delight. "Good God! This is fantastic news! Our lawn is finally getting the recognition it deserves!" he proclaimed, puffing up his chest as if he had personally tended to every blade of grass himself.
Petunia clutched the letter to her heart, already envisioning herself basking in the glory of the competition. "Oh, Vernon, this is simply marvellous! We must start packing immediately, and Dudley, dear, you're coming with us! Just imagine how envious Mrs. Williams next Door will be when she sees us with our finalist badge!"
Dudley, who had been roused from his sleep by the excitement, grumbled sleepily, "Do I have to go, Mum? Can't I just stay here? There's nothing exciting about lawns!"
But Petunia was adamant. "Of course you're coming with us, Dudley. We're a family, and we'll be winning a prestigious award together! Now, get dressed and help with the packing."
As the Dursleys frantically prepared for their unexpected journey, Harry watched from the sofa. A mixture of emotions swirled within him as he observed the scene below. Part of him was amused by the elaborate ruse that the Order had concocted, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that he would finally be leaving Privet Drive.
But, beneath the satisfaction, there was a tinge of sadness. For years, Harry had despised Privet Drive and everything it represented—the coldness, the neglect, and the cruel treatment he had endured. However, Dudley's unexpected change in attitude had shifted something within Harry. They had grown closer, and surprisingly, Harry had found himself enjoying Dudley's company during their runs and other moments they had shared. It was as if they were no longer bound by the animosity of their childhood, and that realization brought a sense of comfort and warmth to Harry's heart. Their eyes met, and there was a fleeting moment of understanding between the two cousins. Dudley stepped closer, and to Harry's surprise, he wrapped his arms around him in a parting hug.
"Take care, Harry," Dudley muttered, his voice barely audible, but his sincerity unmistakable.
Harry returned the hug, feeling a pang of bittersweet emotion. "You too, Dudley," he replied softly. "
And with that, the Dursleys left Privet Drive, and soon enough, if everything went to plan, Harry would be at Grimmauld Place.
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Draco Malfoy sat in his opulent bedroom at Malfoy Manor, the weight of the past summer bearing heavily on his young shoulders. This had been one of the worst summers he could remember, filled with anxiety, uncertainty, and fear. It was as if the very foundations of his world had been shaken, leaving him struggling to find solid ground.
Throughout the summer, Draco's father had been preoccupied with secretive meetings and discussions about the Dark Lord's return. Lucius Malfoy had always been a loyal supporter of Voldemort, but Draco had never truly understood the gravity of the situation until now. The conversations he overheard between his father and their friends had always been filled with bravado, but Draco had never imagined that the Dark Lord would actually come back to power.
Now that Voldemort had returned, fear gripped Draco's heart like a vice. His family's reputation and standing within the wizarding world were at stake. He knew the Dark Lord demanded absolute loyalty, and the consequences of failure or hesitation were unimaginable. His father's actions took him away from home frequently, leaving Draco feeling like a pawn in a dangerous game he didn't fully comprehend.
Even his mother, Narcissa Malfoy, seemed slightly shaken and withdrawn. She had always been strong and composed, but now there was a flicker of fear in her eyes that hadn't been there before. Draco couldn't help but worry about her, too.
Amidst all the turmoil, Draco couldn't escape the headlines and rumours that flooded the Daily Prophet. The papers claimed that Harry Potter was lying about Voldemort's return, but Draco knew better. Despite his upbringing and the pressure to adhere to his father's beliefs, Draco couldn't help but secretly admire Harry Potter. The Boy Who Lived had faced the Dark Lord and survived not once but twice. Though Draco would never admit it to anyone, he found himself grudgingly respecting Potter's courage and determination.
And as the summer was drawing to a close, Draco found himself longing for the escape that Hogwarts provided. Going back to school meant leaving the suffocating presence of the Dark Lord behind, at least for a time. At Hogwarts, he could lose himself in the familiar routines and camaraderie with his fellow Slytherins. It was a brief respite from the harsh reality that awaited him beyond the castle walls.
Deep down, Draco knew that this year would be different. Voldemort's return had cast a long shadow over everything, and the approaching school term held a sense of foreboding. He couldn't help but wonder how Hogwarts would change in the wake of the Dark Lord's resurgence. But for now, he was just happy that he was going back to school soon.
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As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over Privet Drive, Harry found himself seated at his small desk, engrossed in a more advanced book on defensive magic, to try to distract him from his impending departure.
As he delved into the book, his mind wandered away from its contents, contemplating the evolving dynamics of his relationships. He hoped that leaving Privet Drive wouldn't disrupt the newfound understanding he had with Dudley. It was strange how fate worked; they had both grown up together in this dreary place, but it was only now, when they were on the verge of parting, that they had begun to connect.
Harry shook his head slightly, trying to focus on the text in front of him. He was currently reading a chapter which focused on stealth, providing insights into the possible charms to use in different situations and explaining the principles behind the manipulation of magical energy to achieve various effects.
The words on the page blurred for a moment, and Harry's thoughts wandered back to Sirius, his godfather. The prospect of seeing him again filled him with joy and longing. Sirius was one of the few people who had shown him genuine love and care, and his death had left a hole in his heart that was never filled.
But one particular paragraph caught his eye, on the Disillusionment Charm. He'd heard of it before, with many people using it during the war, but he'd never learnt it himself – constantly relying on his invisibility cloak. But he understood that there would be situations without the cloak, and additional measures would be useful to know. As he read, he began to understand that the disillusionment charms allowed witches and wizards to blend into their surroundings and become nearly invisible. With the book explaining that skilled casters could control their magical energy to mimic the colours and patterns around them, making it an excellent defensive tool for sneaking past enemies or avoiding detection. Accordingly, he spent an hour or so trying to master the charm – to some success.
As the night grew darker and the stars began to come out, Harry closed the book with a sense of fulfilment. The prospect of reuniting with his friends, Remus, and especially Sirius filled him with renewed excitement. Leaving Privet Drive was bittersweet, but he knew that the lessons he had learned here, both about magic and about himself, would stay with him. But before he allowed himself to relax, Harry turned his attention to writing a letter to Dudley. He wanted to express his gratitude for the enjoyable summer they had spent together and the surprising change in their relationship.
Sitting at the desk with a fresh piece of parchment and a quill in hand, Harry carefully penned his thoughts:
Dear Dudley,
I wanted to say thank you for making this summer different from any other. It's been unexpected, but I've genuinely enjoyed spending time with you, especially during our runs and other moments we shared. It means a lot to me that we've been getting along better, and I hope we can continue to build on this.
I wanted to let you know that the Order of the Phoenix will be picking me up soon, and I'll be leaving Privet Drive. But I want you to know that I'll write to you every few weeks. You don't have to respond if you don't want to, but if you ever do want to write back, you can just give the letter to my owl, and she'll find me.
By the way, if you have any more questions about Quidditch or anything else related to magic, feel free to ask. I'd be happy to answer any of your questions.
Take care, Dudley.
Harry
After he'd finished writing, he put the letter on Dudley's bed, awaiting his return, and popped downstairs to grab some snacks to keep him occupied until the Order arrived.
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In the early hours of the morning, the streets of Privet Drive lay silent and deserted. Harry, lying in his bed, felt a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. He knew that tonight was the night the Order of the Phoenix would come to pick him up and take him to Grimmauld Place. Moody had put together a team called the Advance Guard, and Harry reckoned it would be the same people as last time: Moody, Remus, Kingsley, Tonks, Elphius Doge, Daedilus Diggle, and
As the clock ticked closer to midnight, Harry's senses sharpened, and he heard faint movements outside his bedroom door. He grinned mischievously to himself, thinking it might be fun to play a little trick on the members of the Advance Guard. With a swift movement, he reached for his invisibility cloak and draped it over his shoulders, feeling the fabric engulf him.
The door to his room creaked open, and the Advance Guard tiptoed inside, their wands held at the ready. To their surprise, they found Harry's bed empty, and he was nowhere to be seen. Even Moody, with his magical eye, couldn't detect the hidden figure beneath the cloak.
Harry stifled a chuckle as he watched their puzzled expressions. He enjoyed the momentary confusion he had caused, relishing the rare opportunity to be a step ahead of experienced Aurors. But he knew he couldn't keep them guessing for too long. With a grin, he decided to reveal himself, removing the cloak and standing in the corner of the room.
A collective sigh of relief echoed through the room as the chosen one emerged from his hiding spot. Remus and Moody gave him approving nods, acknowledging his quick thinking and prankster spirit. Moody even grumbled, "I always knew you were a tricky one, Potter."
With their mission now clear and Harry safely visible, the team quietly left the house and gathered on the deserted street, with the rest of the team using this opportunity to introduce themselves to Harry. Moody took charge, giving out orders with a stern voice that resonated with authority. They were going to fly back to Grimmauld Place, where Harry would be reunited with his friends and members of the Order.
"Nymphadora, you take the front position," Mad-eye said sternly.
The metamorphagus' hair turned a deep shade of red as she responded with her catchphrase, "Don't call me Nymphadora."
Moody grumbled something under his breath as everybody got into their respective positions. The night was cool and calm, the perfect conditions for their journey to Grimmauld Place. Moody, the experienced leader, gave a firm nod, signalling the start of their flight.
With practised movements, the members of the Order mounted their brooms, one by one. Harry felt a thrill of excitement as he kicked off the ground, soaring into the night sky. Tonks flew with her characteristic grace, her hair changing colours in the moonlight. Kingsley and Emmeline were steady and skilled, their brooms cutting through the air effortlessly. Lupin positioned himself underneath Harry, acting as an extra layer of protection, while Moody kept a close watch from behind, his magical eye scanning for any sign of trouble.
As they ascended higher, the lights of Little Whinging grew smaller below them, and the city began to stretch out in all directions. Harry's heart raced with the exhilaration of flying freely through the night, and he marvelled at the beauty of the twinkling stars above.
The wind rushed past his ears, and the sensation of flying filled him with a sense of liberation. It was a feeling he had come to cherish, one that reminded him of the freedom he found on his broom during Quidditch matches at Hogwarts. But this flight was different; it held a greater purpose, a mission to keep him safe and transport him to a place of protection.
The advance guard flew in a tight formation, with Remus and Mad-Eye taking positions at the rear. They moved swiftly and silently, their movements coordinated and synchronized. It was a display of skill and teamwork, a testament to their training and leadership, Alistair Moody really did live up to the bill.
Soon, the Advance guard of the Order approached Grimmauld Place, and Harry's heart began to race with a mix of emotions. It had been a long summer, filled with anticipation and anxiety about this very moment. He had longed to be among his friends, to be back in the world that made sense to him, yet there was also a part of him that dreaded the challenges that awaited.
The old townhouse loomed before them, concealed behind a shabby and unassuming exterior. It held both fond memories and haunting reminders of the past. He hadn't been here since his time with Ron and Hermione on the run, which hopefully wouldn't happen this time around. Harry's mind flickered to Sirius, who he would see in a few moments time, and that brought a smile to his face.
As they neared the entrance, the sense of nostalgia intensified. And nervousness crept in. Amidst these thoughts, Harry also felt a spark of hope. Grimmauld Place represented a safe haven, a place where he would be surrounded by those who cared for him. Hermione, Ron, the Weasleys – they were all waiting inside, eager to welcome him back. Harry knew that he could rely on their unwavering support, and it gave him a sense of comfort in the midst of uncertainty.
As the advanced guard touched down, Harry took a deep breath, preparing himself for the reunion that awaited. He felt another surge of nervous energy, wondering how his friends would react to his arrival. Would they be worried about him? Would they have questions about his time at Privet Drive? Harry hoped that he could find the right words to convey his experiences and feelings, trying not to break his time-travel cover.
Stepping towards the door, Harry hesitated for a moment, his hand hovering above the doorknob. He was about to re-enter the world of magic and war, leaving behind the relative safety and simplicity of Privet Drive. It was a pivotal moment, and he couldn't help but reflect on how much he had grown and changed since the last time he stood here.
Harry took a deep breath and opened the door.