Chapter 4.
The Leaky Caudron
The week that followed was anything but restful. Harry's dreams were plagued by visions of Angel Grove in ruins, buildings crumbling, terrified faces staring up at him as he unleashed chaos, all while Rita's laughter echoed in his ears.
"You think you've escaped me, Harry?" Rita's voice hissed in his dreams. "You'll always be mine."
He'd wake up drenched in sweat, gasping for breath, her whispers lingering like shadows in his mind. Every night, he fought those dreams, and every morning, he woke more exhausted than before.
With a sigh, Harry swung his legs over the side of the bed and rubbed his face. He threw on a plain shirt and jeans and headed downstairs. The warm smell of breakfast wafted through the air, but it did little to lift his mood. As he descended the creaky staircase, his eyes landed on a familiar figure seated at a small table near the fireplace.
"Professor Dumbledore?" Harry asked, a hint of surprise in his voice.
The elderly wizard looked up, his blue eyes twinkling behind half-moon spectacles. "Good morning, Harry," he said warmly, his voice steady and calm. "I trust you slept well?"
Harry hesitated for a moment before replying, "Not really." He slid into the seat across from Dumbledore, his curiosity piqued. "What brings you here?"
Harry hesitated for a moment before answering. "Not really," he admitted. His gaze flicked to the table, where Dumbledore had already set a folded copy of the Daily Prophet. "What brings you here?"
Dumbledore studied him for a moment, his expression unreadable. "I wanted to speak with you about... certain developments." he began slowly.
Harry frowned, his curiosity piqued. "What kind of developments?"
Dumbledore slid the newspaper across the table. Harry's eyes went to the headline, "SIRIUS BLACK STILL AT LARGE!"
Harry's brow furrowed. "Who's Sirius Black?"
Dumbledore's expression grew more serious, his voice softening with a weight of old memories. "Sirius Black was your parents' closest friend, Harry. He was your father's best man at his wedding and, for a time, a trusted member of the Order of the Phoenix."
"What happened?" he asked.
Dumbledore's face grew somber. "When Voldemort hunted your family, your parents used the Fidelius Charm to keep their location hidden. Sirius was their Secret Keeper — the one person who knew where they were."
"He betrayed them, didn't he?" he asked, his voice quieter now.
Dumbledore's eyes clouded with sorrow. "It would appear so. Shortly after your parents were killed, Black was arrested for murdering a street full of Muggles with a single curse. He was then sent to Azkaban."
Harry's jaw tightened, but his voice was steady and controlled. "And now he's escaped."
Dumbledore leaned forward slightly, his expression one of concern. "Harry, I understand how this must feel. But you must tread carefully. Anger, no matter how justified, can cloud judgment, and I fear that you have already endured more than your fair share of struggles."
Harry stared down at the table, his expression unreadable. The betrayal was personal, not because he had ever met Sirius Black, but because it was his parents' trust that had been shattered. It wasn't just the death of his parents, it was the act of someone who had been trusted to protect them. The thought settled heavily in his chest.
"I won't let him get away with it." Harry said, his tone quiet, but firm.
Dumbledore's gaze softened, though there was a note of caution in his voice. "Harry," he said gently, "Revenge will not bring you peace…" He trailed off, the weight of his concern clear.
Harry's gaze met Dumbledore's, steady and calm. "I'm not after revenge, Professor. I want justice." His voice was measured, quiet, but with a resolve that left no room for doubt.
Dumbledore studied him for a long moment. The change in Harry since their shared battle against Rita was obvious. Where there had once been anger and uncertainty, there was now a quiet confidence. A stillness that spoke volumes.
"I believe in you, Harry." Dumbledore said slowly, his voice filled with warmth and a touch of sadness.
They sat in silence for a moment, the soft crackling of the fire filling the space between them. The weight of everything that had happened, everything that was yet to come, hung in the air like a thick fog.
London
The streets of London were a patchwork of cold stone and shadow, the fog rolling in thick and suffocating from the Thames. Harry walked with no destination, his shoulders hunched against the chill, his hands buried deep in his jacket pockets. The bitter air stung his face, but it was nothing compared to the storm raging inside him. Angel Grove haunted his every step, its ruined streets, shattered lives, and accusing eyes playing on a loop in his mind. He could still feel the weight of the Dragon Dagger, hear the echoes of destruction that followed his every decision.
The city moved around him, indifferent to his turmoil, a sea of faces and lives unburdened by the kind of guilt that weighed down his soul. He barely noticed the faint crackle of urgency in the air, his thoughts too heavy to register the change. Then, a sharp, guttural roar pierced the quiet, shattering the fragile calm.
Harry stopped mid-step, his head snapping toward the sound. Flames leapt into the foggy night, their glow casting eerie, flickering shadows against the surrounding buildings. The sharp tang of smoke invaded his senses, acrid and choking, as the distant sound of shouts reached his ears.
Rounding the corner, he saw the source of the chaos, a townhouse ablaze, its windows blown out, smoke pouring into the streets like a living entity. The crowd that had gathered stood frozen in fear, their shouts jumbled and frantic.
"Someone, please, help!" a man shouted desperately.
"My daughter!" a woman's scream pierced the night. "She's still in there!"
Harry didn't hesitate. He pushed past the bystanders and rushed toward the inferno. He pushed past the bystanders, ignoring their warnings, their protests. The flames called to him, daring him to step inside.
"Oi! You can't go in there!" someone called out, but Harry ignored them.
The heat hit him like a wall as he stepped inside, the smoke stinging his eyes and filling his lungs. He coughed, pulling his jacket up over his mouth as he pushed deeper into the blazing structure. The fire roared, its flames dancing hungrily along the walls, devouring everything in their path.
A faint cry reached his ears.
"Help!"
Harry's heart leapt as he spotted her, a young girl, no older than seven, curled up in a corner, clutching a stuffed bear to her chest. Her wide, terrified eyes locked onto his, and she whimpered, her tiny body trembling.
"It's okay," Harry said, his voice hoarse from the smoke. "I'm here."
He crouched down, extending a hand to her. She hesitated for a moment before lunging forward, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. Harry held her close, her small frame trembling against him as he stood, shielding her as best he could from the heat.
The building groaned ominously, the fire raging with a ferocity that made Harry's stomach twist. As he turned toward the exit, a beam above him cracked and splintered, sending a cascade of burning debris crashing down.
Harry twisted instinctively, shielding the girl with his body. Pain seared through his hand as a piece of flaming wood struck him, the burn blistering and sharp. He bit back a cry, clutching the girl tighter.
"It's going to be okay." he whispered, though his own voice wavered with uncertainty.
As he shifted to stand, something slipped from his pocket and hit the floor with a faint thud. Harry glanced down. There, lying in the ash and soot, was the Power Coin. Its golden surface gleamed, untouched by the fire, its energy pulsing faintly.
Kimberly's words came rushing back, her voice clear despite the chaos around him, "The day that you realize you're truly good, the day that you believe it, I want you to open this."
The girl whimpered, clutching him tightly. Her wide, tear-filled eyes met his, and in that moment, Harry felt the weight of his choices crushing down on him. The chaos, the destruction, the lives that he'd destroyed. all of it his fault. This was his chance to do something right.
He wasn't sure if he was good anymore, but he knew one thing, he wanted to be.
With trembling fingers, Harry grasped the coin. A surge of energy exploded outward, a tidal wave of green light that pushed back the smoke and flames. Power coursed through his veins, electrifying and unrelenting. The Dragon Dagger materialized in his hand as emerald light wrapped around him, forming the armor of the Green Ranger.
The fire roared louder, but it no longer threatened him. The flames that had once consumed the room seemed to part before him, bending to the power that radiated from his very being. He stood taller, the visor of his helmet glinting in the firelight.
The girl's wide eyes reflected his glowing visor. "It's going to be okay." he said again, his voice steadier now, amplified by the helmet.
With the girl cradled securely in his arms, Harry moved quickly, navigating the collapsing building with newfound agility. Flames licked at his armor, but the energy shield absorbed the heat, allowing him to focus solely on getting her to safety.
The crowd outside gasped as the Green Ranger emerged from the inferno, his figure outlined by the glowing embers behind him. The girl's mother rushed forward, tears streaming down her face as Harry gently handed the child to her.
"Thank you!" the woman sobbed, clutching her daughter tightly.
Harry nodded wordlessly, stepping back as the crowd stared in awe.
Behind his visor, Harry's gaze flicked down to his gloved hands, the green energy still faintly crackling around him. He thought of Kimberly's words, the weight of the Power Coin in his grip, and the choice he had made.
For the first time, he believed her.
Maybe he could be good.
And as the crowd murmured its thanks, Harry turned away from them and walked into the night, the green glow of his armor fading but the resolve in his heart burning brighter than ever.
Angel Grove
The streets of Angel Grove were littered with debris, its skyline obscured by choking smoke. Goldar towered over the destruction, his golden armor glinting cruelly as his massive sword carved a path of devastation. Beside him, the Samurai Fan Man wielded his enormous war fan with deadly precision, each swing generating hurricane-force winds that tore through buildings and sent vehicles tumbling like toys. Civilians screamed as they ran for their lives, but the relentless onslaught gave them no sanctuary.
The Power Rangers fought back valiantly, but they were overwhelmed. Without Kimberly and her Pterodactyl Dinozord, they were unable to form the Megazord. Each Power Ranger piloted their Zord, pushing themselves beyond their limits, but they were no match for the combined might of Goldar and the Samurai Fan Man. Every attack seemed to be countered, every defensive move broken.
"Jason, we can't keep this up!" the Black Ranger's voice cracked over the comms, his panic unmistakable. His Mastodon Zord unleashed a freezing blast, but Goldar shrugged it off, retaliating with a devastating strike that sent the Mastodon Zord skidding backward, sparks flying from its armor.
"I know!" the Red Ranger growled from the cockpit of the Tyrannosaurus Zord, its jaws snapping at Goldar's legs. But Goldar barely flinched, raising his sword and parrying the attack with a vicious strike.
"We can't even get close enough!" the Yellow Ranger's voice trembled with desperation as her Saber-Toothed Tiger Zord tried to flank the Samurai Fan Man, only to be blown back by another gale-force wind. "His fan is too strong!"
The Blue Ranger's Triceratops Zord fired a desperate volley of energy bolts, but the gusts twisted the shots off course, scattering them harmlessly into the air. The Fan Man roared, sending another blast that struck the Triceratops Zord squarely, forcing it to retreat.
The Red Ranger slammed his fist against the console, sweat dripping down his brow as his Tyrannosaurus Zord lunged at Goldar once more. "We just need to hold on! We —"
A bone-shaking roar split the battlefield, drowning out the Red Ranger's voice. The earth trembled violently, cracks spidering through the streets as a deep, primal sound echoed from the distance. The air grew heavier, charged with an energy that made the hair on the Power Rangers' arms stand on end.
The ground beneath the bay split wide open, water exploding into the air as a massive figure began to rise. For a moment, time seemed to freeze as the monstrous shape broke the surface, its emerald eyes glowing with a ferocity that cut through the smoke and chaos.
The Dragonzord had arrived.
Perched on a crumbling skyscraper, the Green Ranger stood like a specter, his emerald armor catching the fading light of the setting sun. In his hands, the Dragon Dagger gleamed with otherworldly power as he brought it to his lips, the haunting melody cutting through the battlefield like a blade. The sound was a call to arms, a promise of reckoning.
The Red Ranger's breath caught in his throat as he stared at the towering Zord. "It can't be…"
Goldar turned, his golden eyes narrowing as he spotted the Green Ranger. A growl rumbled deep in his chest. "Still playing games, huh?"
The Green Ranger's voice was cold, devoid of hesitation. "This is no game."
The Dragonzord let out a thunderous roar, stepping onto the battlefield with a force that shook the very earth. Its tail whipped around in a blur, smashing into Goldar with the power of an avalanche. The golden warrior flew backward, crashing into a crumbling building as debris rained down around him.
The Samurai Fan Man spun his weapon, conjuring a whirlwind so massive it seemed to split the sky. The gusts slammed into the Dragonzord, howling with enough force to tear steel apart, but the Green Ranger didn't flinch. A sharp, commanding note on the Dragon Dagger sent the Dragonzord anchoring its tail into the ground, standing unyielding against the onslaught.
The chest of the Dragonzord opened, revealing an array of missile launchers. A volley of rockets streaked through the air, each one finding its mark. The Samurai Fan Man staggered under the force of the explosions, his massive fan torn from his grasp and clattering to the ground.
The Power Rangers watched in stunned silence as the Green Ranger orchestrated the battle with surgical precision.
The Samurai Fan Man roared, reaching for his fan, but the Green Ranger was relentless. Another sharp note on the Dragon Dagger, and the Dragonzord lunged forward, its claws tearing through the earth as it closed the distance. With a deafening crash, the Dragonzord's tail smashed into the monster's legs, sending it sprawling to the ground.
The Green Ranger didn't hesitate. A final, high-pitched note on the Dragon Dagger sent the Dragonzord into a devastating assault, its claws closing around the Samurai Fan Man's neck. A barrage of missiles erupted from its chest, each one targeting the urn dangling from the monster's belt. The explosion shattered the urn in an instant, and Kimberly tumbled free, landing on the ground with a heavy thud.
She looked up, dazed, as the Dragonzord loomed over her like a guardian. The Green Ranger turned, his visor catching the light as he gazed down at her.
"Harry?" she whispered, a mix of shock and relief flooding her voice.
The Green Ranger glanced back at her, offering a brief nod. "Welcome back, Pink Ranger."
In a blur of light, Kimberly activated her Morpher. "Pterodactyl!" she cried, and in a flash of pink, she transformed, calling forth her Pterodactyl Dinozord.
The sky lit up as Kimberly's Zord soared into the air, joining the others as they began to reassemble for the Megazord formation. The Green Ranger stood beside them, his presence as commanding as ever.
"Let's finish this." Jason called, his voice steely with determination. The Megazord began to take shape as the Zords locked together, towering over the battlefield with a force that could not be denied.
Angel Grove
Later that evening, in the quiet aftermath of the battle, the Power Rangers gathered in Billy's garage. The garage was unusually still, save for the low hum of Billy's computers and the occasional clicking of tools. The television screen flickered in front of them, showing the aftermath of the battle, the Samurai Fan Man, defeated and in ruins. But what dominated the footage wasn't just the destruction, it was the Green Ranger, standing amid the chaos, his Dragonzord looming in the background.
As the camera zoomed in on the Green Ranger, the news anchor's voice cut through the silence, filling the room.
"Angel Grove has once again been saved by the Power Rangers. Earlier today, the Dragonzord, controlled by the Green Ranger, helped to defeat the monstrous Samurai Fan Man, who had been wreaking havoc on the city."
The reporter's voice was filled with equal parts disbelief and intrigue, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding the Green Ranger's true intentions. "Just weeks ago, the Green Ranger was causing chaos and terror in Angel Grove, fighting against the Power Rangers in a battle that left the city reeling. Now, he's helping to defeat a new threat. Has he truly turned over a new leaf?"
Kimberly's fingers tightened around her communicator as the reporter's words echoed through the room. "I can't believe this." she murmured, her voice distant. "He just showed up out of nowhere… and saved us. Saved me."
Jason's expression was grim as he watched the broadcast. His voice was low, filled with hesitation. "He's still the same person who nearly destroyed us."
Zack, ever the optimist, leaned back in his chair, trying to break the tension with a half-smile. "Yeah, but if he keeps showing up with the Dragonzord, I think we can cut him some slack." His attempt at humor fell flat as everyone continued to absorb the weight of the news report.
Kimberly's thoughts were elsewhere. She stared at her communicator, wondering whether they truly understood Harry's commitment. "He's not the same as he was before." she said softly. "He wants to make up for everything he's done."
Jason exhaled slowly, his eyes flickering over to Kimberly. He couldn't deny the truth in her words, but it didn't make accepting it any easier. "Trust takes time, Kim."
Billy adjusted his glasses, tapping a few keys on his computer. "Jason has a point. But it's also possible today was his way of starting over. Actions like this aren't accidental."
Kimberly remained silent for a moment, her thoughts racing. Then, as if a realization struck her, she straightened and spoke with quiet conviction. "I think I know where he'll be."
The others turned to her, exchanging puzzled glances. Jason's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
Kimberly's voice was steady. "If he's really trying to make up for what he's done, there's only one place he'd go. The memorial in the park."
The room fell silent. Zack looked skeptical. "The memorial? You really think he'd go there? I mean… Isn't that the last place he'd want to be?"
Kimberly shook her head, her tone unwavering. "No. It's exactly where he'd go. He blames himself for the people who were hurt and everything that was destroyed when he fought against us. That's where he'll be."
Jason exchanged a hesitant glance with Billy, his lips pressed into a thin line. "Kim… what if you're wrong? What if he's not there, or worse, he doesn't want to be found?"
"And what if I'm right?" Kimberly shot back, her voice filled with quiet determination. "What if he's waiting for us to find him? He saved my life today, Jason. The least we can do is try to talk to him."
Billy finally spoke, his voice thoughtful. "Kim's logic makes sense."
Jason exhaled heavily, running a hand through his hair before nodding reluctantly. "Alright. But if we're doing this, we do it together."
Kimberly gave him a faint smile. "Together."
The Power Rangers exchanged a mix of hesitant and resolute glances, the weight of their decision settling over them, as the flickering television showed the Green Ranger turning away from the camera, his figure silhouetted against the smoking ruins.
Angel Grove
It was late, the quiet of the night only broken by the faint rustle of leaves and the distant hum of traffic. Harry stood motionless before the memorial stone in the heart of Angel Grove's park. He wore simple jeans and a jacket, his shoulders hunched as if carrying the weight of the two hundred and seven names etched into the cold granite before him. Two hundred and seven lives destroyed by his actions when he was under Rita's control. The names were burned into his memory, a constant reminder of the havoc he had wrought.
The soft sound of approaching footsteps pulled him from his thoughts. Tensing instinctively, Harry turned to see Kimberly stepping out of the shadows, her familiar face bringing a mix of relief and uncertainty. Behind her were four other teenagers, their expressions ranging from cautious to curious. These, he realized, were the other Power Rangers.
He didn't know if they were here for a fight, but he resolved then and there, he wouldn't raise a hand against them, no matter what.
The asian girl among them gasped softly as her eyes settled on him. She leaned toward the dark-skinned boy beside her and murmured, "He's just a kid."
Kimberly stepped forward, her voice soft yet steady. "I thought we'd find you here."
The apparent leader, crossed his arms and regarded him warily. "So, you're the Green Ranger." he said.
"I am." Harry replied simply.
The asian girl took a step forward, her voice soft. "Thank you… for today."
"Yeah." the dark-skinned boy added, his tone a mix of gratitude and a little amusement, trying to lighten the mood. "We couldn't have stopped that monster without you."
Harry shifted uncomfortably, his gaze dropping to the ground. "You would've found a way."
The leader's jaw tightened. "You helped us stop them before any more lives were lost."
"It's the least that I could do." Harry said quietly, his gaze downcast. "I look at what I've done, and all I see is destruction. Two hundred and seven names are etched on this memorial... all because of me. I don't know if there's any good left in me, but I want there to be. I can't undo what I did, but I'll do whatever it takes to protect the Earth."
Jason didn't break eye contact, his expression serious. He took a deep breath, clearly conflicted, "If you're serious about this... if you want to be here when we need you... take this."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, gold communicator. He extended it to Harry, his gaze unwavering. Harry reached out and took the communicator. He wasn't sure what to say, but the weight of the gesture wasn't lost on him. "Thank you." he murmured.
Jason's tone softened further, a hint of something in his eyes. "Don't make me regret this." he said. His words weren't a threat, but a promise of trust, fragile as it was.
Harry nodded, his voice quiet but firm. "I won't."
Kimberly gave him a warm smile, stepping forward as she introduced her team. "This is Jason." she said, motioning to the leader. "Zack." she continued, nodding toward the tall, dark-skinned boy. "Trini." she added with a smile to the asian girl. "And Billy." She gestured to the nerdy, kind-hearted boy who gave Harry a small wave.
Zack grinned, offering a hand. "Welcome to the crazy, kid."
Trini smiled warmly. "We're all in this together now."
Billy nodded thoughtfully. "We'll figure it out. Together."
Harry gripped the communicator tightly, nodding. "If you ever need me… for anything… I'll be here. No matter what." he said, his voice quiet but resolute.
As the Power Rangers turned to leave, Harry stood alone before the memorial stone, the communicator heavy in his hand.