Disclaimer: All Harry Potter characters and story affiliations mentioned in this fan fiction all belong to JK Rowling and legal associations. I own nothing of it nor am I profiting from it now and planning too in the future in any way. The only exception of profit is to my self for literary improvement.
Author to Reader Note: I have not forgotten the dream sequence but its reoccurring role is interrupted by actions, which will be revealed later. I use a scene of a kitchen; I do not know what wizards and witches have for kitchens in the HP saga so please bare with me.
I would also like to apologize about dialect. I have never written a fan fiction using British dialect and thus only have the written material of the books to rely upon.
I would also like to literally beg for reviews. I can only improve with feedback. I'm not asking for in depth reviews but I would thoroughly enjoy knowing your thoughts and any suggestions.
Revised 5/13/03
Harry Potter and the Turmoil Within
Chapter 7
Showdown in Diagon Alley
The cold night air was numbing Harry's legs. His school robes were not during much for the rest of his body either.
It's always cold and always seemed to be getting colder.
He stumbled about on the gravel path following the wall of the corridor.
The smell of the putrid fog was burning in his nose and bringing tears to his eyes.
The muffled sounds from somewhere in the maze were less evident now but that crazed laughter still ringed in his ears.
Harry continued on, not knowing whether he was progressing anywhere or even going the right way.
As if sensing Harry's worry and using it like sickening stage cue the demonic eyes appeared again.
Wind picked up around Harry again and a new element came into play in the form of a cold screechy voice.
Think you can stay away forever?
There was something familiar about that voice and Harry felt his chest go colder than world around him.
The wind grew in force and encircled Harry carrying the familiar whispered calling.
"Harry…"
"No!" shouted Harry as he sat up his forehead cover in sweat along with his clothes.
He massaged his scar out of habit but there were no sensations from it at all.
-Damn- thought Harry furiously, -Why do I keep dreaming that? -
Harry turned, looked out the window and saw daylight beginning to breach the horizon. He didn't want to sleep anymore so he decided that he might as head down stairs.
However before Harry could leave the room, the door squeaked open and Harry turned to see Dobby slowly walking towards him with apprehension. Harry decided it best to play as though he wanted to be up this early.
"Morning Dobby," greeted Harry, "I guess with all my sleeping my body's clock is a little messed up."
Dobby seemed to buy into Harry's act and replied, "Morning sirs! Would sir like something for breakfast?"
"Not really, still have supper in me I guess but I am thirsty, how about some water or tea maybe?"
Dobby grinned in his elf way and took off like a flash out the door.
Harry stood up from the bed, putting on his glasses and noticed a letter on the nightstand addressed to him from the ministry. Harry chuckled slightly as he had expected them to scold him. However he had quite a surprise when a shiny piece of metal fell from the envelope upon opening it.
It was round and a symbol on the front Harry didn't recognize. There was a small jewel in the middle that changed color every few seconds. The symbol was a shield with a broken sword across it as if the sword had broke when striking the shield. There were also a string of words that trailed along the edge of the metal.
Harry read the enclosed letter see if there was an explanation.
Mr. Harry Potter
It is our most esteemed honor to congratulate you on your bravery and thank you for sacrifice concerning the events of the Museum of Dark Arts. A total of four hundred and thirty seven lives were saved because of your quick action and decisiveness. We would have liked to present our gratitude in a more formal presentation but with the approaching school year and resistance of the medical staff of St. Mungo's we have sent you the medal you most truly deserve. The Medal of Vigilance represents those who stand firm in chaos and strong in fear, Defenders.
The world would be a greater place with more people with the same generosity and thoughtfulness as yours.
In Honor of the Ministry of Magic and all those grateful of the Magic World,
Cornelius Fudge
Harry reread the letter again and held the medal in his free hand.
"Vigilance… bravery?" said Harry aloud to himself,"I saved a lot people I didn't know."
Harry crumpled the letter in his hand. A look of anger crossed his face before he turned and threw the medal out the open window.
"What about the people I did know," growled Harry, "They weren't so fortunate?"
Harry sat back down on the bed and said nothing more.
All of this was observed from the doorway left open by Dobby. A pair of eyes saw his actions and ears heard his words, but who it was Harry didn't know as they disappeared before he notice when Dobby tiptoed up the stairs. Dobby never noticed a nearby closet closing as something Harry was hiding had been noticed.
Harry stayed awake the rest of the early morning. Dobby stayed with him but dozed off after a while. Harry pulled a blanket around the snoozing elf, dressed quietly and headed downstairs.
Harry crossed the living room into the kitchen. He knew Mrs. Weasley wouldn't be awake but it was not a problem, he wasn't hungry. Harry got himself a glass of water and headed outside into the morning air.
He sat on the swing bench again realizing how long since he'd been there. Harry watched as gnomes snuck into the garden from the back the bushes.
He had to grin at the sight; it looked like a bunch of potatoes trying to replant themselves in the early light.
"I wondered what Hermione would say to me being out here," asked Harry to himself?
Harry didn't know how long he had sat there but he noticed his glass was empty and he was still thirsty so back to the kitchen he went.
He stood at the sink and drained another glass of water. While refilling it yet again, he felt somebody nearby.
Harry turned to see Hermione walk into the kitchen already dressed in her robes.
"Harry you're awake already," said Hermione in a whisper," Is everything okay?"
Harry tried his same act on her as he did Dobby, "Of course I've slept so much I guess my body is a bit off."
"Really," answered Hermione with a note of disbelief?
Harry decided to change the subject quickly, "Why are you up at this time?"
Hermione look showed that she wasn't stirred but she didn't push and walked further into the kitchen towards Harry, "I was hoping to be up before Mrs. Weasley. Dobby's been working like crazy and so I thought I'd make breakfast. Kind of like a thank you to them for everything."
"I'll help," said Harry.
Hermione didn't argue and they went to work. They gathered plates and bowls from the cupboards, silverware from the drawers and various other items from other places in the kitchen. Cooking became a challenge, as Harry had never used a magic kitchen to make anything. He was use to microwaves and gas stoves but there was no microwave and the stove had no knobs for temperatures. Harry didn't have a clue and felt rightly stupid.
"Hermione do you know how…" began Harry but Hermione had guessed what he was asking answered.
"You have to tap it with a wand three times to turn it on."
Harry reached into his pocket and then robes, a flashback to his nightmare surface as he realized something about his wand.
"Hermione I don't have my wand, in fact I have no idea where it is, "whispered Harry with a worried look.
Hermione smiled as she continued her task at the counter, "Oh, I forgot, Dumbledore has it. He said you could get it from him at Hogwarts. Here I'll turn it on."
Harry's world altered into something else for the next few moments from Hermione's actions.
In a swift movement she had brushed by Harry, her hair grazed across his face as she leaned by him and tapped the stove, igniting it. Harry's senses went rampant, a scent from her hair set his mind ablaze in stimulus and his skin tingled in a strong tickling sensation from the touch of her hair. He felt completely disconnected from everything and stayed engrossed in these new sensations.
Everything halted when he heard his named called.
"Harry, "inquired Hermione, "You look a bit dazed. Is there something wrong?"
"No just got lost in thought there for a second," replied Harry shaking his head, blushing.
-Yeah right, - thought Hermione -Sooner or later you're going to have to tell someone what's bothering you. -
"Would you get the sausages?" asked Hermione.
"Sure"
Harry opened the fridge and grabbed the sausages. When he turned around the sight that greeted him froze him in place.
He and Hermione were standing barely a few inches from each other face-to-face. Apparently both had chosen that moment to turn and move.
Harry looked down at the slightly shorter girl in front of him, her thick bushy brown hair flowing freely around her shoulders and down her back. Her chocolate brown eyes were wide and clear while full of emotion. Her rounded face was slightly pale in the cool air of the morning but her cheeks were flushed red. Her pink lips were parted; her breath escaped and blew warm air towards him. Harry found himself lost in her eyes as they came closer.
Hermione looked up to see the slightly taller Harry before her. His jet-black shiny hair was still its usual messy self. His tanned face had a ting of redness in its cheeks. Her face heated from the warm air that escaped his lips. His indefinably green eyes wide and inviting, full of mystery and hidden pains. With each passing moment she could feel herself drawn to him and she knew she wanted the result.
They noticed slightly that each breath was getting warmer and closer…
There came an unexpected squeal, which snapped them both to reality, and they separated!
Dobby was standing in the doorway of the kitchen in tears after he squealed in horror. Harry wasn't sure he could explain anything; he wasn't even sure himself at what almost happened.
"A Dobby…" began Harry.
"Dobby is forgetting breakfast," wailed the creature!
Harry stood stunned while Hermione went into a fit of laughter.
Late into the morning they had all prepared for their trip to Diagon Alley but Hermione was being resistive to the idea of Harry going. While standing in front of the Weasley fireplace, Ron and Hermione were having it out.
"You should stay here," stated Hermione, "There'll be a lot to do and you're not ready to move around a lot."
"You're as bad as mum," snapped Ron, "Harry's not a doll he won't break."
Harry stood in the off center of the verbal dueling duo. They had carried on like this for the better part of an hour during the preparation to leave for Diagon Alley. Mrs. Weasley had not made a fuss but she had a look in her eyes that made it quite clear how unsettled the idea was to her of Harry going with them.
"Harry shouldn't strain himself," snapped Hermione.
"What if I promise not to stop any buildings from falling," said Harry trying to look serious while actually making a joke.
Anything to get them to stop fighting and arguing like he was a child was Harry's goal at the moment.
Hermione gave him a murderous glare obviously not thrilled by his attempted humor.
Harry decided to try his way with Hermione's type of thinking.
"Look I can't stay resting forever. The doctor did say I should have some exercise," explained Harry, "I'll do whatever you say while we're there. You want me to sit I'll sit down. I won't do anything strenuous; I won't even go to my vault at Gringotts."
Hermione glare became less serious but she gave in and agreed to the terms Harry said.
"Whatever I say," she replied?
"Yes," answered Harry exasperated.
"Fine," she replied.
Hermione then swiftly turned, grabbed some Floo powder and tossed it into the flames.
As the fire turned green and Hermione stepped in, announcing her destination, she had odd smile on her face before she vanished into the network.
"You dug yourself deep this time Harry," snickered Ron before following suite with Hermione's path.
Harry stood for a moment, thinking and facing the fireplace. Something about the color of the fire was catching his attention as it seemed suddenly uninviting. A chill flowed down Harry's spine and he was wondering if maybe he should stay behind.
-No, - Harry thought, shaking himself to reality, -It's only the fireplace and nothing more. -
With that Harry turned the flames green with the Floo powder and stepped in.
Much to his delight he appeared at the Leaky Cauldron, Ron and Hermione on either side waiting as he stumbled out.
"Took you long enough," chided Ron, "Get lost again?"
"Took my time," answered Harry, quickly.
Hermione didn't say a word but the look on her face clearly showed she had other thoughts to his paused arrival.
They headed for the back where an older wizard sat reading the Daily Prophet. He noticed the trio walking towards his way and stood up ahead of them. He went through the door that led to the secret entrance to Diagon Alley. Without a word he tapped his wand in the right places and the bricks played their role of sliding away.
He ushered them through with only a smile.
"That was odd," observed Hermione.
Harry, however disagreed, "He's just being same as the others."
Ron became curious, "What do you mean?"
"Look behind us," was Harry's answer.
Hermione and Ron looked to see the same wizard talking animatedly with a witch and a few other wizards, pointing to the Daily Prophet in his hand then towards Harry.
They realized now, he wasn't someone just being helpful to kids of Hogwarts, he was one of those people looking to see celebrities and he got his wish at Harry's expense.
They walked slowly through the busy street as people were going about their day. Proprietors were outside their shops trying to get people to come in with various approaches and advertisements. They saw some of their fellow Hogwarts classmates also doing their school shopping. They had brief conversations with some of them otherwise gave general greetings and acknowledgements. One thing that was everywhere was whispers and quiet conversations.
It's Him…
Potter boy…
The one who…
Yes the same one…
Wonder if he's got another scar?
Just like the paper…
Seems smaller in person…
These and more were among the many whispers and subjects they heard as they walked on. Harry's face was void of any emotion towards it but Hermione could see the trouble in his eyes. Harry was the center of attention again, the one place he dreaded most. It was one thing in Quidditch because then others were involved but in times like this it was all about Harry and he hated it.
His eyes were the only as evidence to his discomfort and Hermione realized that Harry's eyes were the only thing that could not lie about him. A realization she would most definitely remember.
There were groups of girls in places, talking excitedly and glancing with blushing expressions towards Harry. Something Hermione show the oddest form of distaste towards them. Harry felt someone's fingers entwine with his and his hand was being held. He looked to see Hermione looking straight ahead a slight pink tinge in her cheeks but did not say a thing to Harry. Many of the girls around stopped the way they were acting, much to Harry's relief, but some had very strange looks to dangerous looking glares directed at Hermione.
They arrived at Flourish and Blotts, as they were about to step Hermione stop and turned to face Harry.
"Oh no you don't, you're going to sit right there," ordered Hermione pointing to the bench next to the entrance," You've walked the whole way here and now you're going to take a break. Ron and I will get the books."
"But I," started Harry before he was cut off.
"Didn't you say you'd do whatever I say," stated Hermione a look of knowing triumph on her face, not to mention her wand in hand showing ever so clearly?
Harry got the hint, she was going to make sure one-way or another he kept his word and not persuade her otherwise.
Ron gave a sigh but a slight grin crossed his face as well.
Harry moved towards the bench as the Hermione walked into the shop, Ron followed mouthing a few words to Harry before stepping in.
"Deep… way deep..."
Harry sat there feeling like a fool as people passed by, some seemed to pass by more than once rather quickly. Harry realized that people were still going on about him and were trying to get better looks.
-Why don't they just put a huge painting up somewhere and let these gits stare at that, - thought Harry furiously.
He was suddenly very glad that had not happened. Harry got the image of Colin Creevy running around a big overdramatic painting of Harry screaming at the top of his lungs for people to look while scurrying around looking for the slightest speck of dust.
It was a creepy thought and Harry figured this environment was better. At Hogwarts this wouldn't happen.
An hour seemed to go by and Harry had almost enough of waiting. He just started to get up when a door slammed and he turned to see his friends Ron walking out with bags in each hand.
"What are you planning to do read the whole world Hermione, " laughed Harry, "How'd you get so many books anyways?"
Hermione thought for a moment before answering, which surprised Harry normally she answered questions right away.
"They were having a quite a sale," answered Hermione hesitantly.
"Looks more like they were giving them away," remarked Harry.
Ron stood frozen and Hermione kicked him.
"Ron it must have been horrible for you to be in a bookstore so long," chuckled Harry.
"Well let's see then," said Harry, as the group walked on leaving the bookstore behind, "I didn't get to see our school list."
Harry snatched one of the bags from Ron's hands that was labeled Harry and started looking through.
"Hermione I think we should go back, I don't see any receipts in this bag," said Harry.
"You have to pay for something to get a receipt," blurted out Ron.
Ron suddenly went white, covering his mouth and looking like he wanted very much to disappear.
Hermione reacted much more differently by shouting quite furiously, "RON!"
Harry closed the bag he was holding slowly; his expression was serious and narrowed his eyes making it hard to see them.
"They gave you my books for free," asked Harry very slowly with a slightly threatening tone to it?
Hermione looked furiously at Ron and Harry got the impression that they had agreed not to say anything about it.
Ron explained quickly, "He insisted, we argued and everything but he wouldn't take any money from us."
Harry faced didn't change nor did his tone when he replied, "If you had to pay for your books then so am I."
Harry turned on his heel and started back towards the bookstore again.
However, what Hermione said next stopped him in his tracks," Not just your books… we… we didn't pay for anything. Yours, mine, Ron's and the rest of the Weasley family, we didn't pay a single Knut for anything."
"Why," responded Harry in a strangely quiet, unnerving tone?
Ron answered this time, "Apparently the owner's wife worked at the museum and this is his way to thank you for saving her… and to the family that's caring for you."
"Alright… well let's get our shopping done then," said Harry plainly.
He turned back to them and they pressed on with their task for school preparation.
As they continued on, not another word was said but Hermione could see anger in Harry's eyes. This was causing more of a spectacle and someone was bound to find out. Especially since the situation at the bookshop was not the only incident. Every place they went to was the same, no one would charge any of them a single bit of money, muggle or magical alike for anything.
Much to the surprise of many customers, they didn't take advantage of their good fortune. They only took what they were required to get and each time asked for a price knowing what the answer would be.
By the time most everything was done, early evening had settled in and they needed to get moving to head home.
Hermione and Ron were getting really worried about Harry. He would barely speak; he stayed polite but only to the point. Ron tried many times to make a joke but Harry didn't seem to notice. He kept his lips pursed together like he was trying to keep from saying something. His eyes were glaring at the ground and showing no sign of relaxing.
Hermione decided something had to be done or the whole day would be ruined. Everything had started with the usual quarreling between her and Ron. In the kitchen they almost did something she was sure would have been enjoyable. Then she was holding hands with him later and now he was walking off to the side of them looking ready to strike at the first person to talk to him. Hermione got an idea.
She stopped and the boys followed.
"What are we stopping for," asked Ron?
"We haven't eaten for hours and I'm getting hungry. We're not leaving until Harry's eaten something," stated Hermione in an absolute tone, "You two wait out here."
Hermione suddenly notice that Ron was carrying nearly everything and had not said a thing. In fact she noticed that Ron wasn't even sweating or in way put out over the weight of everything.
-He has gotten stronger, - thought Hermione.
Ron and Harry stood outside a small shop where refreshments could be bought. Ron seemed preoccupied and Harry looked to see why.
Across the street was the Quidditch supply shop. Harry could see the prototype for the new Chudley Cannons Quidditch robes past a young blond girl on display in the store window. Harry could see that Ron was very anxious for he kept looking from the window and back.
Harry sighed and answered the question on his friend's mine, "Go."
"But Harry," started Ron.
"I feel a little winded so I going to sit here, so just leave the bags here and go see the shop," replied Harry, "Knowing Hermione she'll be in there a while getting the healthiest thing she can find."
Ron looked thoughtful for a moment then set the bags at an outside table and headed off.
Harry sat down at the same table trying to clear his head from everything from the day. People staring and whispering, people in the shops embarrassing him, girls giggling like hyenas around him and worst of all he was being babied.
Unfortunately things only got worse in the form of one person, that he most definitely did not want to see right then.
"Harry Potter" said cold and familiar voice from a wizard that now stood before Harry.
Harry looked up into the face of Lucius Malfoy.
Harry stood up, reaching for his wand, when he remembered where it was located.
Surprisingly though, not having his wand didn't bother him.
"Well so you are alive… for now," sneered Malfoy, in a low voice," A problem that can be easily remedied anytime."
Harry started to feel different.
He started to feel… stronger.
"Try it anytime… Malfoy," growled Harry.
Malfoy pressed on in his threats, "That's Mr. Malfoy to you brat."
The wind picked up and the temperature started to go cold. A rumbling sound could be heard the distance. The sounds of the street activity began to dim. These things and more were being noticed.
Malfoy noticed too but didn't deter from his current objective. People were noticing the two in their odd stance.
Harry could feel the hair on the back of his neck beginning to stand on end. His hands clenched in fists as he gritted his teeth. His eyes started stinging as he felt an odd heat growing in them.
"Dumbledore can't protect you always…" whispered Malfoy.
Harry looked straight into Malfoy's eyes and saw something he had not expected. Malfoy had a worried look that appeared when Harry looked at him. Malfoy saw something that disturbed his demeaning manor.
"You'll need Dumbledore to stop me when I…"
Whatever the rest of Harry would have said Malfoy didn't know as it finished in Parseltongue.
Something about Harry was making Malfoy nervous. Especially as the temperature was getting colder and something was just not right.
"How are you," began Malfoy before a new voice spoke up?
"Lucius how are you? I am so glad you decided to do this regardless of the Ministries orders."
They turned to see a wizard walking towards them from an alley in the shadows. He was dressed differently than other wizards. He didn't wear robes but more of a casual suit of the colors of teal and white. He wore a black cloak with the inside lining the color of violet.
"I knew the Ministry officials wanted to thank Harry personally for his efforts but some one as prestigious as you now that is something."
This wizard gave Harry the strong reminder of Lockhart but something was different as Harry notice that the wizard had his wand drawn behind his back with another tucked into a pouch on the front of his suit.
Malfoy reacted differently; he was ghostly white as if he'd seen the devil himself.
"You are going to thank him, that's why you're here right?"
Malfoy's breathing was rapid and with out taking his eyes off the new wizard he did as he was 'supposed' to have done with Harry.
"Right… well Mr. Potter I should let you be on your way. I just wanted to say that on behalf of the magic world, the Ministry and the survivors of the Museum that we are all… grateful… and are forever indebted to… you," blundered Malfoy.
In an instant he turned and walked past Harry and the wizard but didn't leave until one less thing was said.
The wizard was the one and only one who spoke in that last moment.
"Be careful… blood may be thicker than water but it is not the tie that binds," growled the wizard to Malfoy," It didn't help you before and I guarantee it will not in the time to come."
Malfoy walked away, leaving Harry with the unknown wizard.
Harry realized he had calmed down somehow from the distraction and world was right again. The temperature was warm again and Harry felt his winded self again.
"That was quite a show Harry," snickered the wizard,"I've never seen anyone hold out as long as you in conditions like that."
"Malfoy is a …" snapped Harry ending with a particularly nasty explicative.
The wizard smiled and replied, "True… but I wasn't talking about Lucius… I meant Diagon Alley in general… everyone constantly nagging you about your wonderful heroism. I expected you'd have snapped by now, quite a showdown in Diagon Alley."
Next Chapter:
Back to Hogwarts