Chapter 9
Unexpected discovery
Harry worked his way through the streets of London. The sun was just beginning to rise. His paws were tired and sore from walking all night. He had been in London for three days now. He had fallen into a routine of sorts after the first day. He had found a small park that had a knot of trees at the far end that people seemed to avoid. He would sleep under the cloak, propped up against a tree starting around sunrise. It was a light sleep and the heat was starting to get to him. But it was safe and he was getting some rest. Late in the afternoon he would rise and eat some of his supplies from the Weasley's. Then shift into his Animagus and spend the evening and night walking and learning the city. He had gone through his supplies much quicker than he had expected. He figured it was the continued use of his Animagus form.
He knew that this pattern would have to end soon. He had watched the homeless teens and thought that his best bet was to blend in among them. Perhaps he could find work or shelter that way. He had decided to avoid Diagon Alley until the end of the summer. He knew he could get money from Gringotts. Possibly even have it converted to muggle pounds. However he was to afraid he would be spotted and sent back to the Dursleys and he wasn't doing that.
He had hoped to have time to read and study but those things needed to come second to finding food and shelter. He wouldn't steal food. He had spent years at the Dursley's being accused of stealing. Anything that went missing, he was accused of taking. And while on occasion he did take food it was always from the scraps on a plate or unfortunately from the bin.
Harry had sniffed out a few things that hadn't gone off. However, he was hesitant to eat anything he found in the city. It was common practice to put out poison for pests like rats and the last thing he needed was to poison himself.
Spending long hours strolling the London streets had given him plenty of time to think. He thought about the ways his magic had changed. The things that seem to come to him naturally. Like wandless magic and apparition. He had practiced some wandless magic this year. However he only felt proficient in a few spells before this summer. Now he wondered if he even needed his wand.
The longer he thought about the way his magic was behaving the more he was reminded of his time before Hogwarts. He knew now that the 'Freaky things' he had done were magic. And while he had experienced accidental magic, he had gained some control over his 'Freakishness'. The ball of light he had produced at Grimmauld had brought forth memories. He could remember being locked in the cupboard without light and willing light to exist. The first time had been accidental. It had been brought on by fear. Likely one of his first panic attacks. Although at the time he had believed that the dark had no air. He later realized he was both afraid of the dark and of small spaces. After that he only needed to hold his hand out and think about the ball and it would appear.
The ball of light wasn't his only controlled magic. He had been able to apparate. The most memorable instance was onto the school roof. Which he had been severely punished for. However, He could remember running from Dudley other times and appearing in his favorite spot hidden in the Library. Once he had been so hungry, he had apparated from the school playground into the school kitchen.
There were other things that came to mind. He used to be able to do other spells he had later learned at Hogwarts. Like silencing spells used to keep his aunt and uncle from hearing him sneak out of his room. Or levitation spells used to get things down from places he couldn't possibly be expected to reach but he needed to complete his chores.
The memories had started to come back to him slowly over the last couple of days. It was like he had been cut off from some of his magic and his memory of it hidden from himself. It didn't make any sense. But that's the best Harry could piece together. Something had happened around when he first entered the wizarding world. Then something else had happened to undo it. He thought while he was at the Ministry. He wished he could talk to Hermione. She would know. Or she would know where to look.
Harry sighed.
He had become familiar with his Animagus form, which he had begun to refer to in his mind as Akela. The jungle book had been one of his favorite books as a child and it felt fitting. The name meant alone, and he was.
As Harry rounded the corner in his wolfdog form, he stopped. He saw the group of homeless boys he had been keeping an eye on. They looked to be about his age. He hadn't gotten very close, but they didn't seem aggressive. That was the last thing Harry needed, to leave one abusive situation for another.
He was adjusting to using his enhanced senses. It was amazing how clear his hearing and sight were in this form. But even more telling was his sense of smell. He had planned to approach the boys today. He might still be turned away but maybe they could point him in the direction of a shelter.
He ducked back into the alley but as he prepared to shift back a smell caught his attention. Something familiar. He looked back around the corner and saw one of the boys' faces. Harry felt his heart start to pound.
Why was he living on the street? Harry's mind raced. He didn't know what to do. He didn't want to be found but connecting with someone from the wizarding world had its advantages. Plus, it was someone Harry trusted but was not close with. Hopefully, they could help each other out without him turning Harry into Dumbledore
He steadied his mind and shifted back. He had changed clothing this morning hoping to make a decent impression. He was wearing another band t-shirt but had put the jacket in his trunk. He had put on a hooded sweatshirt instead. He cringed at himself. He was starting to smell. He had attempted a cleaning charm this morning but if didn't seem to have been very successful. His appearance had remained unchanged. He still looked like a young Sirius. He pulled a piece of string from his pocket and twisted his hair up into a bun. He had practiced a bit sitting under the tree in the park. He enjoyed the long hair, but he also loved being able to pull it up. He left a little loose in the front to cover his scar.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped out of the shadows of the alley and cautiously approached the group. He kept his eyes on the boy he recognized. He would make contact there first.
The boy pulled away from the group and began walking down the street. Harry made an effort to quietly approach. When he was close the boy looked up. He looked rough. His hair was a mess, and his face was a little dirty probably from not having access to a shower for a few days.
"Hey, Justin." Harry whispered.
Harry watched the boy's eyes grow big and then narrow in suspicion.
"You've got the wrong bloke. My name is Ezra. Justin said.
Harry looked over his face. This was definitely Justin Finch-Fletchley. They had spent five years in classes together and even more time this last year hidden out in the room of requirements. Justin had been a firm supporter of Dumbledore's army.
Harry raised an eyebrow.
"I know who you are Justin. Call yourself whatever you'd like." Harry said walking a little faster and turning down a different street.
"Who are you?" Hissed Justin.
"Sorry about that snake in second year. I really was trying to talk it down." Harry said casually.
Justin came to a complete stop at those words. His jaw dropped open. He quickly came back to his senses and ran after Harry.
"Harry?" He whispered.
Harry just nodded but continued walking.
When they reached the edge of the park Harry had been hiding in, he sent Justin a little smirk. Harry led him into the trees and plopped down. He leaned against the tree, raised his hand, and cast a silencing spell. He had not seen anyone from the Order or any Death Eaters while he had walked the streets but, that didn't mean they were safe.
Justin raised a questioning eyebrow at Harry. He had obviously felt the wash of magic as he sat down across from Harry and dropped his pack next to him.
"What are you doing on the streets Justin?" Harry asked.
Justin's jaw set. His eyes became stormy.
"Death Eaters showed up at my house is what happened." Justin growled.
Harry was shocked but listened intently.
"Dad heard someone come into the house. Went downstairs in the middle of the night and found four men in masks and hoods. Dad had a shotgun. He shot one of them. I think it surprised the lot of them. Not expecting muggles to fight back I figure. Then they apparated away." Justin said trying to sound strong but there was a fearful wobble to his voice.
Harry was shocked.
"Maybe next year we get some guns and do target practice instead of dueling." Harry joked darkly trying to lighten the mood.
Justin gave him an unamused look but then a small smirk pulled at the corner of his mouth.
"So, how does that get you here?" Harry asked.
Justin nodded and refocused.
"Right. Well, my parents are muggles. I'm a muggle-born. We're likely to be targeted again." Justin cut himself off, he looked deep in thought.
Clearing his throat Justin continued.
"My parents left the country. It wasn't safe for them to stay here. They wanted me to go with them. But I couldn't just leave Hannah and Ernie." Justin's eyes shined with unshed tears.
Harry nodded. He could understand. He couldn't leave the country either. Even if he didn't have the prophecy hanging over his head he would never leave behind the people he cared about. Sure he was kind of on the run from them too, but that was for their protection.
"I had my parents drop me off at the Leaky Cauldron before they left. I was going to meet up with Hannah and then we were going to go to Ernie's. He's a pure-blood so less of a target. Hopefully. But His family is well off, and they have a manor with good wards. I thought if I could get Hannah there, we would be safe." Justin explained.
"What happened?"
Justin's face was angry again.
"Death Eaters killed Hannah's mom. Hannah showed up at the Leaky Cauldron like we planned. She was so upset. She didn't notice someone was following her. We got split up. I don't know where she is." Justin's voice was shaky.
Harry watched as a single tear slid down Justin's face.
"I'm afraid to go back to Diagon alley. When I was waiting at the Leaky, I heard some other people talking about attacks in the Alley. I don't know anyone else in London and I don't have an owl. I've been living on the streets since about two days after school got out."
"I guess that's like a little over a week now." Justin continued, running his hands through his hair. I just figured if I laid low for a while, I could find a way to get to Ernie's. I'm hoping Hannah is already there. She gives herself a hard time, but she is smart. She would have found a way by now." Justin said.
Harry thought that they had probably both had the same bleak thought, that she would have made it by now if she hadn't been caught by the Death Eaters.
Hermione, Justin, Hannah. Did the Order know that the students were being followed and attacked by Death Eaters? Did they care? Harry thought darkly. He wanted to believe in Dumbledore and the Order but so many things this last year had really shaken his faith.
Harry looked at Justin for another moment.
"What have you been doing since you've been on the street?" Harry asked curiously. This was the perfect opportunity to get some information on how he might move forward.
"Um…." Justin went to start but his face flamed red. He seemed to consider what to say about his time.
"I met a guy my first day here. His name is Jack. He has been on the streets for a while. He had a deal with one of the clubs. He does labor work for them. Unloads trucks when they show up with deliveries, cleaning. That sort of thing. The guy pays him under the table. In exchange he turns a blind eye when Jack comes to the club." Justin said.
"Jack says the real money is in the club. He...um runs drugs. Jack has a couple of other kids hooked on the stuff he sells. They go to the clubs with him and um.." Justin paused, clearing his throat again.
"They um… offer services to people in the club for money to buy more drugs." Justin said.
It was Harry's turn to blush. Harry Had been approached by a man his first day in the city before he had found the park. The man had asked if he was looking for work and then made a lewd gesture. Harry had all but ran from the man and hid out in a coffee shop until he was sure he was gone. Then he slipped into an alley and wore his cloak until he found the park.
"So, what have you been doing? If you don't mind me asking?" Harry said looking a little grim.
"I've been helping with cleaning mostly. It gets me some food. I'm not poor. I'm just in a pinch. I did try what Jack sells. It's not for me. Think I'll stick to potions." Justin pulled a small bag from his pocket and handed it to Harry.
Harry took the bag and looked at the contents. He saw several bright colored tablets with markings on them.
Justin shrugged. "Jack gave me those. I just keep packing them around hoping I can trade them for a ride out of the city. I'm not sure what they are worth, but they seem to be worth something to some people."
Harry nodded. That all sounded terrible. He had no interest in drugs, he wouldn't mind labor work, but he wouldn't be earning money in the club the way Jack seemed to be running his people. Harry felt a true jolt of panic at the prospect.
"Most of the kids are leaving the city. Things keep happening that they can't explain. I suspect it's more Death Eater activity, but its got most of them taking the first ride they can out of London. They don't care where they end up. I do, so I haven't left yet."
Harry nodded. If there were things happening in London he probably shouldn't stay either. An idea began to form.
"Hey Justin? If I could get you to Ernie's do you think he could lend me some money? I can pay him back when we get back to school." Harry asked.
Justin nodded.
"Yeah, he usually has muggle and wizarding money at home. He could probably help. Why are you here anyway? And why don't you look like yourself?" Justin finally asked.
Harry pondered for a few moments how to answer.
"It's a glamour and I couldn't stay with my…family either. But it's not safe to just show up at my friends. I'm a little more of a target. I ended up here a few days ago. Still trying to come up with a plan. I think I need to leave the city but I'm also not comfortable showing up in Diagon right now. I'll go before the school year starts when I can blend into the student crowd." Harry said. It was a version of the truth.
Justin looked skeptical.
"A glamour? Not a very good one if i can still see that. What happened to your face?" Justin asked. with a waved hand towards Harry's head.
Harry raised his hand but as it came in contact below his eye he flinched a bit. Running his hand up to his temple he winced.
He hadn't thought much about the bruises. He had a bit of a black eye and bruises around his temple from getting kicked in the head.
"Things have been rough in London." Harry replied with a shrug.
Justin nodded and sighed.
"Do you get the Prophet?"
Harry shook his head. After a year of having his name dragged through the mud, he never wanted to read that rag again.
"We can't take the knight bus. That was the other thing I found out while I was at the Leaky Cauldron. It was one of the things that was attacked. There was something about it in the Daily Prophet. Muggles thought there was an earthquake or something. The Ministry put out a statement, something about there just being a magical accident. The folks in the Leaky were gossiping about it being an attack. Said the Death Eaters were trying to control movement in the country. Apparently, it was attacked a few times during the last war."
Harry nodded as he listened. That was really unfortunate. He didn't currently need the knight bus. He was fairly confident in his ability to apparate them to Ernie's. However, He had just enough Wizarding money left for a ride on the bus. After his first trip before his third year he never went back to Privet Drive without enough money, just in case.
"How will you get me to Ernie's? You're not going to fly us there on your broom, are you?" Justin asked, his face going a little ashen.
Harry shook his head and snorted.
"No, If you can tell me the address I can apparate us." Harry said confidently.
Justin just gaped. The rest of their class wouldn't even start taking classes to learn about apparition until around Christmas.
Harry pulled himself up and offered a hand to Justin. Justin took his hand and stood in front of Harry.
Harry put his hands in the pockets of his sweatshirt. The day would warm up. But here in the shade of the trees he was starting to get chilled.
Justin put his pack on and took Harry's arm. After Justin gave the address, they spun on the spot and were gone.
When they appeared, they were on a long empty road. There were a few trees lining the road and it looked vaguely familiar. He knew he'd never been to Ernie's but he couldn't place why is looked familiar.
Justin began to walk down the road. Harry walked in step taking a few glances around to make sure no one was watching them.
"How'd you learn to apparate?" Justin asked casually trying to draw Harry's attention.
Harry thought quickly. He couldn't exactly say he just knew. Yet somehow that seemed to be the answer.
"I learned during the tournament. I was underage but they wanted us all to be able to do it just in case." Harry lied.
It sounded plausible. If not a little far-fetched but the whole tournament had been unbelievable.
Justin looked skeptical but said nothing.
Harry continued to walk down the road with Justin and began to make out a house in the distance. He assumed that the apparition had placed them just outside the wards. If they extended this far then Justin was probably right about them being pretty decent wards. Harry hadn't learned much about warding. There was a lot of Arithmancy and Runes involved. Both classes he hadn't taken but he had gotten the general idea. Harry thought perhaps he would see if any of the books he had collected were on the topic's.
As they approached the manor a man stepped out on the porch holding his wand out. Harry approved even if he disliked having a wand pointed at him.
Justin waved from beside him and the man lowered his wand. A moment later there was the sound of the front door slamming open and two teens came running at them. One with short dirty blonde hair and the other with long blond hair with a slight wave to it.
Harry stopped short and allowed Justin to keep running at his friends. Harry watched as the friends collided in a hug. Harry was reminded of Ron and Hermione. Then he noticed that Justin was kissing Hannah. A moment after Justin had pulled away from Hannah, He was giving Ernie an equally passionate kiss.
Well, he had certainly never greeted his friends like that. Harrys face flushed at the displays of affection. Although it filled in some blanks about why Justin was so set on getting back to Ernie and Hannah.
Harry was reminded of a conversation with Hermione before the Yule Ball. He had asked about one of the Gryffindor seventh year boys who was taking a sixth year Hufflepuff boy to the dance. Harry had asked if that sort of thing was more tolerated in the wizarding world. He had heard plenty of disparaging remarks about 'unnaturalness' from his uncle.
Hermione had said that almost all relationships were tolerated in the wizarding world. The only relationships that seemed to be an issue were pure-bloods not being involved with other pure-bloods. But that was all blood status nonsense that they had all heard before.
Hermione had then inquired if he had been educated about sex in the muggle or wizarding world. Harry's face had flamed red and he had said no.
Hermione had gotten completely up in arms about the failures in the education system. When she had simmered down, she told Harry they would talk more later. To Harry's relief She had never mentioned the topic again. He still didn't really know anything, outside of vague crude comments made in the dorm. However, he just couldn't imagine talking with Hermione, or anyone for that matter about such a topic.
Shaking his head clear, he saw Justin approaching him.
"Ernie says they were just sitting down for breakfast. You want to join?" Justin asked.
"Do they know who I am?" Harry asked softly.
"No, I called you Jas. I figure if you're trying to hide, best to not give you away." Harry nodded. He wasn't too worried about Ernie or Hannah knowing who he was. He just didn't want Ernie's parents telling anyone that he had been there.
"Yeah, breakfast sounds nice. Thanks." Harry nodded to Hannah and Ernie.
All four teens returned to the house and sat down in the dining hall. A moment later both of Ernie's parents appeared.
"It's nice to see you have joined us, Justin. Hannah and Ernie were worried out of their minds." Mrs. McMillian said. Looking over the teens as she took a seat next to her husband at one end of the long table.
Harry lowered his head hoping to keep attention off of him. But it was not to be.
"And who is this?" Mrs. McMillian asked, turning her attention immediately to Harry.
"This is Jas. He brought me here. Ran into him in London." Justin answered.
Harry just nodded.
"You have a lovely home." Harry all but whispered.
"Are you a classmate?. I've never heard Ernie talk about you?" Mrs. McMillan asked skeptically.
"He was a seventh year in a club we all joined this year." Justin hastened to answer.
Harry watched as Ernie and Hannah cast him questioning glances. They all seemed to go with the lie quickly and nodded along with Justin.
"Ah, the one the Potter boy started?" Mr. McMillian asked.
"Yeah, Dad." Ernie answered.
"Yes, Ernie was telling me that he was quite the teacher. Far better than the woman they hired for the defense post. What did you think of it? Jas was it?" Mr. McMillian asked.
Harry nodded. What did one say about themselves in the third person?
"It was definitely better then Madam Umbridge's class." Harry decided to say. Keeping his tone polite.
"You look very familiar young man. Are you a Black?" Mrs. McMillian asked studying Harry now.
Harry squirmed under the searching look. In his grief he hadn't thought about how looking like Sirius Black might backfire on him. The rest of the Black family was firmly in Voldemort's camp. Harry envisioned himself getting cursed before he even had a chance at breakfast.
Harry shook his head quickly.
"No ma'am, I don't have any wizarding relatives in the country. My mum is a muggle, and my father is from the states." Harry lied. He didn't need them trying to track down the 'stray kids' family.
"Hm. Well you look a lot like an old classmate of mine." Mrs. McMillian said.
Harry picked at the food that had appeared in front of him. He had lost his appetite to nerves.
The meal was quiet. When everyone was done eating the plates disappeared. Everyone sat there for a moment.
"So Jas, How long will you be with us." Mr. McMillian asked.
"I should probably get going." Harry said awkwardly. He cast a worried glance at Justin hoping he remembered that he was going to try and borrow money from Ernie.
"Jas is like me he wasn't safe staying where he was. so he was going to find a town to lie low in for a while. There's a couple around here, right?" Justin asked no one in particular.
"Yes, there's two towns pretty close. We are nearly right between the two. They are both a little run down but there's good people. If you head North on the road, it will take you to Miller's Grove. It's a little smaller, you might struggle to find work. And if you head South you end up in Cokeworth." Mr. McMillian said.
Harry's head popped up. Cokeworth sounded familiar. Like he had read something about it or something. Perhaps it was another one of those memories that would come back from nowhere.
"Cokeworth?" Harry asked.
"Yes, it used to be a mill town. The mill employed most of the people in both towns. When the mill closed a lot of people left the area. There's still a thriving community there. Just smaller than before. The history of the town is actually quite interesting. At one time it was a wizarding town. There are lots of wards and protections on the land there. If you do head that way I'd recommend walking. Apparating into town can be messy if you don't know your way around.
Harry nodded his understanding.
"Hey Ernie, why don't we show Jas the pitch out back before he goes?" Justin said standing from the table.
Ernie just nodded and glanced at Harry with suspicion.
"Thank you for your hospitality." Harry said with a slight bow of his head to Ernie's parents.
"No problem young man. Thank you for bringing Justin to us. After Hannah arrived, we went looking for him. When we couldn't find him we became quite worried. Please keep yourself safe. Dark times are coming. If you ever need anything, feel free to comeback any time." Mr. McMillian said, reaching out his hand.
Harry took the offered hand and gave it a quick shake.
"Thank you." Harry replied honestly. He didn't think it would be a good idea to return. He was trying to distance himself from people. He didn't need to lengthen the list of people in Voldemort's crosshairs.
Harry quietly followed his classmates out the door off the dining room. They now stood on a terrace overlooking a beautiful garden that was being bathed in warm morning light. In the distance he could see a set of Quidditch hoops and wondered if Justin truly intended to walk them all the way there. It sounded as though he already had a long walk ahead of him to town.
To his relief the others clustered around a bench just inside the garden.
"Ernie, I told Jas you might be able to lend him some money. He will pay you back when we get back to school." Justin said, turning to Ernie.
Ernie eyed Harry for a long moment.
"Who are you? I definitely don't recognize you. And if you were part of the DA I'd know you." Ernie said defensively. Hannah seemed to be standing slightly behind the boys. Caution and concern filling her eyes.
Harry glanced at Justin who gave him a little nod.
"I put that club together. How's your Patronus coming along?" Harry said.
Hannah gasped and Ernie just stared.
"Harry?" Hannah whispered.
Harry just responded with a short nod of his head.
"Don't say anything to your parents, please. I need to make sure no one knows where I am, all right?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, don't worry mate. Your secrets safe with us." Ernie said looking to Hannah and Justin for confirming nods.
"I can get you some muggle money. You need anything else?" Ernie asked.
Harry thought about his supplies. He couldn't think of anything he could need. Then he thought about Ron and Hermione. He should write them something. Let them know he was fine and not to worry."
"Do you have an owl I could send a letter with?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, no problem. Listen Harry, we really appreciate everything you did for us last year. We know that Umbridge took a lot of anger out on you." Ernie said glancing at Harry's hand.
Harry pulled his sleeve down to cover his hand and glanced back up to meet Ernie's eyes.
"We have been seeing what they are saying in the prophet. You faced off against you- know- who again didn't you? At the Ministry? They're calling you the Chosen One." Ernie said with a little bit of awe in his voice.
Harry mentally rolled his eyes. Great another label to fail to live up too.
"We stand behind you Harry. Everyone keeps saying war is coming but I think we all know it's already started." Ernie said honestly.
Harry looked over to Hannah.
"I'm sorry about your mum. Justin told me." Harry said to Hannah.
"Thank you, It doesn't feel real yet. I keep expecting her to send me a letter. Ya know?" Hannah whispered.
Harry nodded. He did know. When he had been at Grimmauld he kept expecting to run into Sirius in the hall. Or hear his voice echoing through the house.
"Alright. I'll go to my room and get you some pounds. I think I have enough to get you a room for few nights at the motel. Go to the one in the middle of town. The Sundown. It's a little cleaner and the staff is friendlier. The Railview is on the edge of town, but it's pretty run down. Last thing you need is to get eaten alive by bed bugs or something." Ernie joked.
The Railview. It finally clicked for Harry. Cokeworth was were Vernon had dragged them when he thought they could outrun his Hogwarts letters. He Definitely wouldn't be staying there. Vernon had been especially cruel that night.
Harry nodded.
"You're right. I'll head for the Sundown. I don't suppose you have a map of town?" Harry inquired.
Ernie nodded and looked over at Hannah.
"You think we still have that map from last summer when we went to the street fair?" Ernie asked.
Hannah had a look of concentration on her face.
"Yeah, I think it's upstairs in my trunk." Hannah affirmed.
Harry watched as Hannah and Ernie disappeared back into the house. Justin looked a little out of sorts. Harry understood. They had both spent a few nights on the streets. Justin Had quickly got caught up in something Harry imagined he hadn't wanted to be a part of. Harry reassured himself with the idea that at least Justin was safe now.
"Are you going to be all right? I know things haven't been easy since we left school." Harry asked.
Justin just shrugged his shoulder.
"Yeah, I'm here now. Ernie's parents are pretty protective of all of us. We have spent just about every summer here together since we started at Hogwarts. We um…. Obviously have gotten closer but we're all safe here" Justin said a light blush coloring his cheeks.
"Actually. What should we tell his parents about you? I doubt there going to just let it go. A kid showing up here and then disappeared obviously not headed home. They are going to be concerned." Justin questioned.
Harry thought for a few moments.
"Tell them my name is James Trotter. That my parents left the country like yours. Maybe say something about a distant relative I'm going to meet up with later or something." Harry said.
Justin snorted.
"James Trotter. Like James and the Giant Peach. You going to go find some magic crystals?" Justin ribbed.
Harry laughed.
"I always felt a connection to the character. Dead parents, crap relatives and then off on an adventure." Harry replied.
Justin laughed.
"Harry your whole life story could be called "Off on an Adventure". Justin joked back.
Harry just nodded. It wasn't untrue. Even now he was on an adventure. Hopefully one with less danger then some of his other adventures.
Hannah and Ernie returned at that point.
"Listen, I don't know how you're disguising yourself but you might want to change it before you get to the town. We've run into wizards and witches there before. I think a few even live there. Right now you look a lot like a Black. You could be Sirius Blacks son with that disguise." Ernie said seriously.
"We overheard my parents talking in the kitchen. They were trying to decide if you were an illegitimate son or something." Ernie said with a laugh.
"He was my Godfather; He was innocent and now he's dead." Harry deadpanned.
His classmates all had gob smacked looks on their faces.
"Are you Serious?" Hannah asked.
"Yeah, Did the paper print who they caught at the Ministry?" Harry asked.
They nodded back.
"Peter Pettigrew was the one responsible for the crimes Sirius was accused of." Harry said gritting his teeth.
The others just gave thoughtful nods.
"Regardless. If you can change the way you look, you should. Pick a new alias too. My parents pop into town pretty often. You're already going to stand out being new. It is a small town." Ernie said.
Harry nodded.
He liked his look. But he knew they were right. The question now was should he trust them with his secret. They had already done a lot for him. They were part of the DA and they had stood up for him a few times.
"Can you guys keep one more secret?" Harry asked.
The group all gave him reassuring nods.
Harry nodded to himself. He left his hair the way it was. He liked the length and the way it looked. He allowed his face to change a little and changed his eyes to a mossy grey green. Hopefully the changes would be enough.
When he opened his eyes his classmates had a range of expressions. Mostly shocked but Hannah was smirking.
"Neat trick to have in your back pocket." Hannah said.
Harry returned the smirk.
"Just keep it to yourselves. Ok?"
"We won't say anything. Here this should be enough to get you by for a while. And Hannah found the map. It was for a street fair. So, it's got lots of stuff on it that won't normally be there. But it also has most of the streets and has the businesses labeled." Ernie said, handing Harry a handful of paper notes and a slightly crumpled map.
Ernie pointed to a spot close to the middle of the map.
"That's the Sundown." Ernie said.
"Alright, Thanks guys. I really appreciate it. I should probably go before it gets any later. It's already getting warm, and I've got a walk ahead of me." Harry said as he shoved the money in the pocket of his jeans and the map in one of the pockets of his sweatshirt.
"Here, if you want to leave a note for your friends, I'll send it out when Ava gets back from hunting." Hannah said holding out a piece of parchment and a quill.
Harry took the items and using the bench as a surface He wrote a quick note to his friends in there coded hand.
"Thanks." Harry said, handing the parchment and quill back to Hannah.
"Alright well, Thank you again for bring Justin back to us." Hannah said taking one of Justin's hands as Ernie took the other and nodded in agreement.
"No Problem. Stay safe. And thank you too." Harry said earnestly.
"Don't hesitate to contact us or come back if you need anything alright. We are all in this war together. And if the way we can help right now is keeping you hidden then we will." Ernie assured.
Harry felt warmth spread in his chest at that. He had never been close with any of the Hufflepuffs but he did feel reassured that if things went completely sideways he would have allies close by.
"If you go that way, you'll skip a bit of the walk. Just walk straight and it will take you to the road. "Justin added, pointing off to the south.
Harry nodded once more. He felt like he and his classmates had just done a lot of nodding. But Harry didn't have anything else to say.
He headed off in the direction he was pointed and soon found a walking path cut into the wildflowers and grass that surrounded the McMillian Manor.