Harry potter and the Time of Retirement
Everything related to Harry Potter belongs to JKR
Chapter 61 – Year 3
"That could have gone worse" said Harry, as he walked out of Grimmauld's Place. His smile, and his optimism, did not seem to be shared.
"How could you even say that" commented Remus, downcast. "It was Voldemort itself, Harry. Right in front of us. The things he said…"
"A part of his soul, sure" said Harry, almost uncaring. "The headmaster did invite you and Sirius to leave while he destroyed the locket. Listen to him, next time."
"He has not asked you to leave, that's why I was unafraid" countered Lupin. "I didn't think it would be that bad."
"It is a cursed item after all. It was" precised Harry, smiling with satisfaction. "As for Dumbledore, chances are he didn't ask me to leave as some sort of petty punishment. He doesn't like me much, I fear."
Remus shook his head, as they simply walked out of the courtyard. For a second Harry stopped, thinking the man was about to apparate away. But Lupin, while silent, showed no intention to leave so Harry himself just waited there.
"Harry, how are you…" started Lupin, only to stop, unsure. Harry remained silent.
"How come you are involved with so many dangers?" he finally asked. "Sirius has a point on that. You should be a normal boy, not…. this."
"For obvious reasons, this Voldemort guy isn't fond of me" said Harry, shrugging. "And I am not a good fit for school life anyway, to be honest."
Lupin nodded, slowly. "I don't want to be involved in more troubles. My life is hard enough. But, if it is not you searching for them, if it is Voldemort still chasing you… I should help. I will help."
"Are you sure?" asked Harry, looking straight at him. "For now it's just destroying old items and hearing empty threats. If it comes to a fight, you might die."
"I am sure" answered Lupin. "I owe it to your dad, and I am not leaving Sirius down once more. If you will need help, Harry, I'll come to help the second I know. No matter what."
"I see" said Harry, nodding. "I appreciate that, deeply. As for you, Remus… don't let yourself go. Between me and Sirius, we can easily set you up somewhere, if needed."
"I doubt it would be that easy. And I don't want to be a burden anyway" said Lupin, shaking his head. "I appreciate the feeling, of course."
"Still, the door is open" said Harry. "Not helping you find a job, I don't have those kind of connections. But helping you in building your own place, and offering a room in the meantime, we will always be ready for that."
"Yes, Sirius offered that already" said Lupin. "Thank you too, Harry. If I really need it, I might come and call you two up on that."
"So, that's it" concluded Harry. "Don't let what you saw shake you. Dumbledore is taking care of most of those items. As he should, anyway."
"What is it about the headmaster you resent so much, Harry? He always did his best, for you" said Lupin, unconvinced.
"Oh, I have nothing against him" said Harry, a bit too quickly. "He is talented, hard working, has good intentions. Not perfect, but none of us is."
"Definitely" commented Remus with a hint of sarcasm.
"No, our problem is that I want to be left alone while he wants to keep me under check. For my own good, he must think, but still…" said Harry.
Lupin didn't comment further, and just shrugged.
"I'll be going, Harry. I have a place near Hogsmeade for now, if you pass by. Otherwise, I am sure I'll see you at Sirius'."
"There, or at the finals. Not much time left" said Harry, smiling lightly.
"True. Have you heard about Sirius's lady friend? She is coming" said Lupin.
"Oh, yes. Poor naïve Sirius, he is so out of his depth" commented Harry, shaking his head.
"It is nice he has someone next to him" said Lupin, trying to hide a small smirk.
"Normally, yes. Here we are talking about a lady that wants to marry a rich, respectable pureblood" said Harry. "I hope she likes him, truly, but I fear who the husband is, it's not as important."
"How cynical" said Lupin. "He is telling me more details than to you, Harry, and I assure you the lady genuinely likes him. Or is a truly excellent actress. She is a bit stuck up, apparently, but not terribly so."
"I'll see her for myself soon enough. See you around?" asked Harry.
"See you around" confirmed Lupin. With a nod and a smile he took a couple steps back, wielded his wand and apparated away.
Harry remained there for a while, thinking about all that happened, only to take his own wand and apparate back to Godric's Hollow. He arrived inside his living room, and took a second to appreciate it. The house had much stronger wards now – he could feel the difference, and how his control over them was marginal. They answered to Dumbledore only, something that made him frown.
Shrugging, he moved on with his day. With all the chaos involving Kreacher's interrogation first, and the destruction of the Horcrux second, he didn't organize any meeting with Dumbledore for the Hallows, but that would come. Harry had little expectations out of it anyway.
'Nothing happened when I reunited them, after all' he considered, only to freeze for a second. Nothing? 'I am here, alive. That's unusual enough.'
Grimacing, Harry tried to calm down. Even if the two things were linked, he had not the first idea on how to verify it. 'And I am certainly not asking for the headmaster's help with this, either' he thought with nervousness.
Changing into his half ruined clothes he was lately using in his greenhouse, he tried to make a checklist of all his suspended businesses. Potions to sell. Meeting with Dumbledore with the cloak. That party with the Hufflepuffs, the finals and meeting Sirius's lady friend.
'What a full summer' he thought with a smile, as he was going out of his house.
"Booooooomb!" screamed Justin as he threw himself inside his pool, hugging his legs and forming a huge ball. The splash that followed his drop was noteworthy, and several of the girls within the droplets' range – that had taken care not to wet their hair until then – certainly took notice and glared towards him the second he emerged from the water.
Harry smiled at the sight, and lay down further on his sun chair. He was still used enough to the muggle world to appreciate these small luxuries, no matter his personal feelings.
Their day at Justin's had been going on well enough. They all arrived there mid morning, one after the other, as the enthusiastic boy and his amused parents welcomed them all. Justin took particular care to welcome Zach, once he arrived; Harry, still inside the entrance hall, saw him all but grandiosely bow and loudly declare how honored they were that such a respected scion of who knows what magical dynasty was gracing them with his presence once again.
Zach's eye rolls and sigh all but proved how subtle and frequent Justin's greetings were, but no quarrel started and soon after he was joining all third year, almost four now, Hufflepuffs around the pool. It was large enough for all of them, though not extraordinarily so. With how often the boy had bragged about his family Harry expected some of the huge mansions he saw in muggle television sometimes, but apparently he was expecting too much.
Justin's house was certainly nice and luxurious: a double story independent house with its own large garden and pool, just short of being worthy of the title of villa, but it was still a house. Malfoy's manor remained incomparably larger and more richly adorned. The real difference, of course, was in the muggle gizmos surrounding them: Harry could recognize the basic appliances from his time at the Dursley, but Justin's family had plenty more than those, several which Harry himself did not recognize. Plus two large, fancy cars in the driveway that would have made uncle Vernon frown with envy.
Turning his eyes towards the pool, he checked out today's participants. Some of the kids, mostly boys, were playing in the deep water, tossing a ball between themselves. The girls had gathered around in the shallow part, and were busy gossiping and talking about swimwear.
In truth, swimsuits were not something common among wizards – swimming in general didn't seem beloved, anyway – so it fell to Sally Anne to share some of her own with her female classmates. She had offered some double pieces too but no one accepted so Susan, Hannah and Megan were wearing a mix of casual and serious full-body swimsuits, with Sally being the only one showing a bit more skin. As for the boys, they wore what seemed like normal trunks.
With some amusement Harry noticed how the boys were sneaking some glances here and there at the girls – again, this was not a common show among wizards, especially teenagers. Only he and Justin were pretty much untouched by the sight, even if for different reasons.
"So, Harry" said Justin, water still dripping from his hair, as he swam towards him "first time here. What do you think?"
"Fishing for compliments, now?" countered Harry. "Still, this is nice. I swam in a pool already, but never a private one. Lucky boy."
"Eh, what can I say. Can you imagine that Zach claims he could recreate this with magic? I laughed quite a lot when he did" said Justin, proudly.
"I am pretty sure he could, though" argued Harry, unsure.
"Creating a hole and filling it with water?" continued Justin, dismissive. "Sure, he can do that all day long. But the water would be lost into the ground, and it takes a filter to keep it clean anyway. He doesn't understand."
"Just be a good host" concluded Harry, smiling. "And don't ruin his day, if you want him to come again."
"You are no fun" said Justin, smirking lightly. "Sure dad. Come on, let's go and play with the others."
And that they did. Beside some light complaint from Zach that the ball wasn't flying they all had a great time throwing it around, eventually forming a big circle with the girls too. After some time Justin's mother came out carrying trays or drinks and ice treats, so they all came out of the pool to enjoy the sun and relax on the sun chairs.
Harry, too, was laying down as Sally approached and sat down on the chair right next to him. Exchanging a couple of smiles was enough to silently acknowledge each other.
"Nice swimsuits" started Harry, laughing softly.
"I can't believe they didn't have their own" commented Sally, shaking her head. "And it's not like they got caught by surprise, Justin promised this party months ago."
"I think madam Malkin sells some beach wear, but they are, well, a bit different from these" said Harry.
"Those fashion monsters" said Sally, shuddering a little. "I saw one, once, in Diagon Alley with Susan. Not even my grandmother would have wore those, I swear."
"Nevermind. So, what are you doing this summer, Sally?" asked Harry.
"Mid July we go to the highlands. My parents said they haven't been in Scotland for a while and they want to try and reach Hogwarts, actually" said Sally.
"You told them it's not going to happen, right? They would do better to ask Sprout for a tour" said Harry.
"I think my dad wants to try and approach the castle with me in the car, and see how close he can get" said Sally, amused. "If it doesn't work then yes, I already talked with professor Sprout. She said a visit it's OK, so long as she is present and there are no classes yet."
"Have fun" said Harry, smiling.
"We'll try. What about you, Harry? Any plan?" asked Sally.
"I have something similar to summer homework to complete, I guess" said Harry with a bitter smile. "Beside that, I am going to the finals of the world cup. Quidditch stuff."
"Yes, I heard about it. Something like the finals for the soccer world cup, I imagine" said Sally.
"Only with less beer" added Harry, as Sally nodded.
"That's something to do, for sure" said Sally, before sending a weird glance at Harry. "Hannah keep saying you two are going out all the time. Are you planning something together?"
"No, nothing" said Harry. "We live close by and Godric's Hollow is the tiniest village ever, so it is more boredom than everything else. Mind you, I am quite grateful for her company."
"Oh, I see" she answered, quietly. "What are you two even doing, together?"
"Touring the place, which mostly means the countryside. Getting an ice cream at the local pub. Sharing what books we have in the house" listed Harry, shrugging. "I wouldn't mind playing some Quidditch or some cards game, but she is not into it."
"Better than nothing, I guess" commented Sally, casually starting to sip her drink. "I am lucky that I live in a larger city. Maybe you should come and visit me, too. I would show you the place around."
"Wouldn't it be weird?" asked Harry, snorting lightly. Turning aside, he saw she had her head slightly down. Sighing internally, he added something more. "I imagine you could always visit Hannah, and we could play all together. Or review your assignments for the holidays."
She didn't answer after that, even though she now had a small smile on her face; from that moment onward they kept taking in the sun in silence until the whole group moved back into the pool.
'It's been a while' thought Harry, approaching Hogwarts on foot. He had apparated in Hogsmeade, as he often did during spring to visit his former Hufflepuff classmates during their weekend visit to the town; only this time his objective was the castle itself.
A couple of days before he had received an owl from Dumbledore, stating that the headmaster would be free that Sunday and it was time to test their "set of objects". With little better to do and no reason to refuse – in fact, he had some curiosity and ideas on its own – Harry put on his robes, placed his precious Cloak in a bag, and apparated away.
The countryside around Hogwarts was splendid, to say the least; it was full summer, just the start of July, and the land was in full upswing. Grass and flowers everywhere, blue sky, warm sun, the full course. Harry noticed it, and a wide smile accompanied him throughout the walk up to the castle. A walk made longer by his decision to take a more scenic route, coasting the lake itself.
'This was the spot' he thought at one point, looking at one big bush covered by a group of thick trees. He had lived in Hogsmeade for decades after all, and one of his favorite activities on the weekends were to take his kids out for a stroll or some flying. Harry was well practiced with the area, and knew all the best place. The funniest for sports, or the prettiest for some private night out with Ginny. The most private kind.
Smirking, he moved on. It wasn't long since he arrived at the castle but, due to his weird route, he was on the opposite side of the main gate. With a smile he decided to also stop by Hagrid. 'Might be time to see if he got over my expulsion' he thought, with some irritation at the memory of their last encounter.
Finally reaching the old hut Harry didn't hesitate to knock on the door. No one answered but, while he right about to knock again, he heard a dog barking in the distance. 'Fang' thought Harry, moving towards the sound. Not soon after he spotted Hagrid, busy cutting brushes growing too closely to the castle.
"Hagrid!" said Harry, loudly, as he approached. Fang immediately started running towards Harry, tail waggin' around, while the half giant turned with a surprised expression on his face.
"Harry" he started. "What are yew doing here? School is closed."
"Even if it was open…" suggested Harry, with a tip or irony. "I have been summoned by the headmaster. How are you?"
"Well, well, thank you. With classes over I have more work to do, but no watch keeping over the students" said Hagrid. "And the headmaster always sends me around Europe, in this season."
"What about Romania, any plan to visit Norbert?" asked Harry, as he started patting Fang on the head.
"That I do" answered Hagrid, now with a big smile of excitement on his face. "I am even bringing him presents! A selection of my best rooster meats, salted or smoked."
Harry smiled condescendingly, while Hagrid slowly calmed down. "Harry, I am happy to see you. It's been a long time, really. I was a bit worried."
"No reason to" countered Harry, smiling. "Everything was dead quiet. Unlike here, my classmates kept telling me stories of your classes, too."
"I've been improving" claimed Hagrid with pride. "I'm even starting to use more dangerous pets, Harry, like Hyppogriphs. Students love those."
"I certainly would have" said Harry with sadness, as memories of his own flight on Buckbeak washed over him. "Anyway, are you free later? Once I am done with the headmaster we could drink something together."
"Still drinking, kid?" said Hagrid with a small glare, before smiling. "Well, if the headmaster is keeping 'is eyes on yew, it must be OK. Sure, come and call me once it's over."
Harry and Hagrid then exchanged some more small chat, until eventually Harry walked away and into the castle.
The halls, devoid of students, were not a new sight for Harry; he had certainly spent enough Christmas breaks semi-alone at Hogwarts already. Even so, in full summer and with even less students around than usual, he could notice a small difference.
Feeling almost as nostalgic as during the first days of his return to Hogwarts since his, well, 'Event' Harry sometimes thought of it, Harry slowly walked to the X floor and the headmaster's office. Surprisingly, the gargoyle blocking the entrance to the office itself was set aside, and the stairway open to the sight.
'With no kids he might not need the extra protection' thought Harry, amused. He climbed the stairs and knocked on the door.
"Come in" said Dumbledore from the other side, and Harry did.
"Welcome, Harry" said Dumbledore, not hostile but not smiling either. With his hand he waved at the large, comfortable chair placed in front of his desk. With a nod, Harry sat down.
"I am grateful for your presence here. The Hallows are truly fascinating objects, of immeasurable power. Being able to test them all at the same time is unprecedented since the time of their creators, the Peverell brothers."
"So long as Death itself doesn't appear in front of us" commented Harry, half smiling. Dumbledore remained a little stern, though.
"I find that unlikely" he said. "There are plenty of mysteries to be solved when it comes to magic, but a physical existence of Death itself is almost certainly not one of them."
"What can we expect, then?" asked Harry.
"By themselves, probably nothing" answered Dumbledore. "I would be surprised already if the Hallows shows any reaction to each other, and if their behavior changes."
"If it was that pointless, you wouldn't have called me" said Harry.
"True" said the headmaster. "The Hallows are unique in a way that not even other exceptional, one of a kind artifacts like the Philosopher's stone or the Mirror of Erised, are. What I wish we can discover" continued the headmaster, frowning "is similarities in their construction of functioning. Anything that can hint at how they were created."
"That is beyond me, I fear" said Harry. "I wore my Cloak several times, but for the life of me I couldn't tell what separates it from other invisibility mantles."
"I studied it extensively when I had it in my hands, Harry" said Dumbledore, moving to what was closer to a smile since their chat started. "There are several interesting innovations in how the fabric is woven, but what surprised me where other… hints at something more than special materials or unknown charms being used."
"Like what? Potions? Rituals?" asked Harry.
"Both, probably. My Wand is the same, even more" said Dumbledore. "No one become a wand maker in one generation so the Elder Wand might have been made by someone else entirely, maybe even an ancestor of Ollivander. And then, worked on by the brothers."
"And the Stone…" hinted Harry, now completely drawn into the conversation.
"The Stone is the ultimate sign of what I have long thought" said Dumbledore, opening a drawer in his desk and taking a box out. Inside the box, a blackened Ring with a stone cast into it.
"This Stone has no runes on its surface, and no other apparent charms cast on it" said Dumbledore, twirling the ring between its fingers. "The Peverells must have used unknown potions or rituals. Some incredibly powerful ones, probably linked to death or using as ingredients magical animals themselves associated with death."
"Why don't we ask them?" said Harry, smirking.
"….excuse me?" asked Dumbledore, confused. "What do you mean?"
"Well, the stone is the reason I am here to be honest" commented Harry. "When I stopped to think about it, it's capabilities are astonishing. We could, quite literally, summon one of the Peverells and ask him."
Dumbledore remained silent, but from his expression it was obvious the idea was not completely new to him. Understandably.
"I can't deny the possibilities are endless, Harry" he started, unsure. "Of course, that is if we can even contact every soul that ever lived, something I doubt. Chances are there are limitations to the Stone's powers."
"Nothing that can't be experimented on" said Harry "and we are here for that, right?"
"Right" said Dumbledore, steeling down, before sending a weird glance at Harry. "I would have thought you would insist to call your parents, actually."
"Maybe I will" said Harry, quietly. "I cherish the idea of telling them I am well, that their sacrifice was not in vain. Of course, I want to see first if the souls of the dead even want to be called on. The legend wasn't clear on that."
"Indeed, it was not. Anyway, let's leave the Stone for the end" stated Dumbledore. "Please wear your Cloak, Harry, and wear the Ring. I'll use the Wand to check for anomalies."
"Sure" said Harry, nodding and taking the Cloak out of his bag. "Let's begin."
