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 apologize for the making everyone waited so long, I'm currently in mid-terms and my attention could not be divided.
I still would like reviews. I have altered my account so that any reviews are accepted.
Revised 5/13/03
Harry Potter and the Turmoil Within
Chapter 8
Back to Hogwarts
Harry's robes swished violently at his sides as he stormed into the Leaky Cauldron. The unknown wizard followed
behind only a few steps away.
The establishment was nearly empty as the afternoon crowd had cleared and evening crowd would soon filter in.
"You'll only wear yourself out further this way," stated the wizard.
Harry turned on his heel and faced the wizard.
"I'll do as I please," snapped Harry before turning back and heading for the bar, he needed something to drink.
A second later the back door burst open with Hermione and Ron rushing in.
Ron dropped the school supplies onto a table as Hermione ran up to Harry.
"Harry, what happened," demanded Hermione?
Harry stopped, gave her a quick glance and then turned to glare at the wizard.
"Ask him," responded Harry quietly.
Hermione looked at the strange wizard knowing a certain something familiar about him. Ron joined them and looked at the odd wizard as well, realization appearing on his face.
Hermione peered at him and asked, "You were at the meeting?"
A smirk crossed the wizard's face as he replied, "Yes I was and you two were the ones outside the window."
He gave a quick glance at Ron before placing his attention back to Hermione.
Hermione was instantly suspicious, "How did you know we were there."
"Invisibility cloaks don't conceal everything."
"Daken Valenor," announced Ron with intense enthusiasm. His face filled with shock and his ears went red," It's been a long time Mr. Valenor"
Daken nodded his head in a respectful bow of introduction.
"Call me Daken; I'm not a fan of formalities," answered Daken," So you must be the young Ms. Hermione Granger… you're not quite what I expected."
"What do you want," inquired Hermione.
"I'm here at the request of a friend, "answered Daken, "But I wonder if my help was necessary."
A slamming thud from the bar startled Hermione who had been watching Harry from the corner of her eye. The bartender had given Harry a pitcher of water with a glass and Harry had been steadily drinking glass after glass during the short conversation.
"No," responded Harry, "Your help was 'not' needed… Lucius Malfoy wouldn't have done anything in front of everyone."
"He wasn't the one I was concerned about, "said Daken quietly with an inquiring look back at Harry.
A dangerous expression crossed Harry's face, a look Hermione had never seen and couldn't read.
"It's getting late," stated Harry blankly, "Your mum will be going crazy with Dobby having at her kitchen. We should go back."
Harry walked towards the fireplace of the Leaky Cauldron; pulled out a bag of Floo powder, Mrs. Weasley had given him earlier and tossed it into the fire.
The fire blazed green and Harry made ready to step in.
"There's another reason why I came, "began Daken.
"I really don't want to know," cut in Harry as he stepped into the flame and vanished.
Harry stumbled out of the fireplace at the Burrow and was greeted by Mrs. Weasley.
She didn't look happy but rather quite crossed. Harry could hear a lot of noise clattering from the kitchen and Harry got the distinct impression that Dobby was at it again. Mrs. Weasley had her coat and hat on so she must have been preparing to look for them.
Mrs. Weasley waved her wand around Harry making the soot disappear as Hermione and Ron stepped through the fireplace. Hermione was looking extremely unsatisfied and Ron looked distant. They dragged with them their school supplies, which Harry solemnly realized he had forgotten about.
"I thought something might have happened with you lot being gone so long," snapped Mrs. Weasley," What happened? You can't have had that much to get?"
Ron headed up the stairs with the supplies as Hermione was getting the soot removed from her clothing and Harry took a seat at the sofa nearby.
Hermione was able to calm Mrs. Weasley, "Simplest answer would be Lucius Malfoy and someone named Daken Valenor."
Mrs. Weasley peered into Hermione's face and deep thought became evident in her eyes. Though Mrs. Weasley said nothing more of subject, she made no indication of worry any further.
Harry had a new problem though of where his attention was drawn. As Mrs. Weasley moved about Hermione enchanting the soot off, Harry couldn't stop gazing at her.
Hermione's skirt fluttered slightly, causing more of her legs to show. Harry was suddenly wondering if Hermione's skirt was shorter because her legs never seemed that long before. Her robes slid towards her sides as the magic worked on her blouse making her chest more prominent in appearance. Hermione's hair lifted as Mrs. Weasley worked to remove the soot from behind. Harry watched as Hermione tilted her head from side to side revealing more and more of her neck. Her whole face was brought into light from the fireplace as her hair moved away.
Mrs. Weasley commented that it seemed odd that Hermione had gathered so much soot on her but Harry heard little of it as he continued to stare.
Harry could feel his heart beating faster with each second and sweat beginning to form in areas around him. He suddenly found it uncomfortable to sit where he was and tried hard to sort his thoughts. He had a strong notion just to leave very quickly and get as far away as possible but an equally strong feeling told Harry to stay right where he was.
Hermione looked over at Harry and noticed he was staring.
-He's looking at me, - excitedly thought Hermione, -I knew he would sooner or later. -
The color of Hermione cheeks changed to a deep shade of scarlet and Harry realized he'd been caught. He hastily stood and headed for the staircase, but Ron was standing at the base with odd grin on his face.
"Anything interesting Harry," asked Ron in a fake uninterested voice.
Harry just eyed his friend unsure of how to respond to an obviously insinuating question. Ron had obviously seen the scene a moment ago.
Harry walked by Ron and headed up the stairs. Ron followed without another word of his insinuations.
"There's a package for you in the room. Hedwig looks rather pleased with herself of having delivered it. There's a letter with it but it doesn't show who it's from."
They reached Ron's room, Harry's recuperation chamber as of late, to find the mentioned package sitting neatly in the center of the bed awaiting its addressee. Harry made for the letter setting attached on top when Hermione bounded into the room along with Ginny. Harry felt his face flush and heat up but he busied himself with the letter to keep his back to the girls.
"Ron, you open the package I'll read the letter," said Harry.
"But Harry it's for you I shouldn't," responded Ron.
"I'm going to show you all anyways and I'm 'in recovery'. Remember? I shouldn't strain myself," joked Harry.
He opened the letter and began to read as Ron opened the package for him.
Ron gave a whoop of surprise as he had revealed a large fresh box of Chocolate Frogs. He gave a glance at Harry who return gave an encouraging nod. Ron tore into the box and found individually packaged Chocolate Frogs, which meant new collector cards. Ron handed one to Hermione and Ginny as well.
Harry had quite a different reaction.
He finished the letter, crumpling it in one hand as he snatched a Chocolate Frog from the open box. He tore it open with an intense fury emotion evident on his face. Harry dropped the letter as he pulled the card from the box and examined it. He stuffed the card back into its origin and looked at the delivered box the fury not dwindling but rather intensifying. The atmosphere of the room changed but no one dared say anything.
Ron took a chance, "Harry what's in…"
But nothing more could Ron say as Harry tossed his chocolate frog back into the box and made to leave the room. He sidestepped the girls and Hermione's attempt to talk to him.
"Harry…"
"Leave me alone," declared Harry.
With that Harry left.
They stayed where they were stunned, not sure of what had happened and just as unsure of what to do next.
Mrs. Weasley appeared, "What in Merlin's name went on up here? Harry just stormed out the back door, ignoring me and Dobby."
"Let's find out," answered Hermione and she picked up the crumbled letter.
She read it aloud.
Dear Mr. Harry Potter,
We have never met and I do not know if we will ever. However I must express my gratitude and I found that you are a fan of one my establishment's sweets called Chocolate Frogs. So I have sent you the very first batch each with the brand new card we have designed for collection. There are legal matters involved in doing so but I hope you'll forgive me in being hasty. I have three daughters that will be attending Hogwarts this year. The youngest two are starting their first year and my eldest is in the same year as you. I'm not implying anything, of course. Due to your wonderful courage all three were spared the horrific end that a Dark wizard had planned as they were all at the Museum with their Aunt while my wife and I were working. I cannot begin to express in words or in person the joy we felt when we found our daughters shaken but unscathed. I hope you find the new collector's card in these Chocolate Frogs to your fancy if not I will be glad to change them personally.
Though we have never met, I know I will live a better life as will my family having had your grace involved. I'm sure that all those you meet will live better lives having known you or benefited from your actions.
Hermione finished the letter and began folding it neatly again as a tear slid down her cheek.
"I don't understand? I know Harry isn't fond of this kind of recognition but I don't see why it would make him so angry," asked Ginny?
"It isn't the recognition," began Hermione with a choked sob in her voice," All these people keeping saying how wonderful it was of him to save so many lives and that he's such a hero."
"Isn't it wonderful," continued Ginny?
Hermione looked at Ginny, her lip quivered a bit as she answer, and "It would be if they weren't reminding him of those that weren't saved."
Ginny's brow furrowed in confusion until the realization set in.
The people were reminding Harry of those who were murdered to get to him she realized.
"This probably didn't help either," spoke up Ron with a sigh.
He handed Hermione, Ginny and Mrs. Weasley each a card from the Chocolate Frog containers. All were the same person, the same Harry Potter.
The picture was of him from the Tournament and on either side of the picture was printed image of a thunderbolt.
Like all Chocolate frog cards they had seen, there was an inscription on the back.
Harry Potter
Well known for his defeat of You-Know-Who at a surprising age. He still defends the world against the evil power of Dark magics. He's had numerous triumphs against many dark forces while at Hogwarts which he currently attends. His second greatest triumph was being the savior of every life at the fall of the Ministry's Museum of Dark Arts by holding the crumbling fortress together with powerful magic while everyone escaped serious harm.
They all read the inscription and knew very well that it wouldn't be long before others read the same thing.
"Everything is going to get very interesting if this sort of thing continues," said Mrs. Weasley as the seriousness of the situation settled into her.
"No kidding look at this, "exclaimed Ron.
They looked to see where he was pointing. Ron had opened every container in the box but what he was pointing out was that every one of the Chocolate Frogs were all melted flat as if exposed to a strong source of magic.
"I think things are already getting interesting," whispered Ron.
The girls went with Mrs. Weasley as they headed for the kitchen. Ron stayed in the room to clean up the chocolate mess. Dobby was working on dinner and having a fit of not knowing where Harry was. They did their best to calm him. Mr. Weasley and the twins arrived a bit later. Each tried to ask why the atmosphere seemed very tense but each inquiry was answered with a glare from Mrs. Weasley and the inquiry ended. Harry reappeared much to Dobby's delight, as dinner had been prepared.
They were all about to sit down at the table outside when a sound emanated from the house and Mr. Weasley suddenly spoke up.
"Oh I forgot we have a guest this evening," said Mr. Weasley as he entered the house," He'll be staying the night with us concerning the business of the kids and school tomorrow."
Before any discussion could be said as to whom it may be, Mr. Weasley returned with a wizard beside him. A wizard that reminded Harry of Lockhart while not dressed in robes but a casual teal and white suit. He was bearing a black cloak with violet lining.
"Daken," murmured Harry.
"Daken," squealed Mrs. Weasley with delight, "It's been some time, you should write more."
The twins and Ginny were very pleased to meet him while Ron showed the same signs of exuberance to this wizard's presence.
Harry barely managed to say hello, Hermione was polite while Daken made to greet them.
Ron grabbed the arms of Harry and Hermione, tugging them strongly as he called out his mother, "We're going to get some flowers from the garden for the table, be right back."
"Hurry back"
They followed Ron to the farthest area of the garden to get the flowers.
Ron decided then to give the explanation they needed for this wizard.
"Daken is well known in my family," explained Ron," I know right now you don't trust him but we've known him for years. He's something of an Auror specialist."
"And this is conclusive why…" asked Hermione?
"How about because he's the one who dragged Lucius Malfoy, bloodied and bruised, before the Ministry to answer for his Death eater involvements," stated Ron proudly.
Hermione's eyes went wide and Harry thought a second.
"Just give him a chance or ask him about himself," defended Ron.
"Okay," surrender Hermione.
Harry said nothing and Ron took it as a sign that things were better with Daken.
Throughout dinner, there was conversation much of which Harry stayed out of. He barely ate anything only picked if anything. He was thirsty though; he seemed to go through water every minute. Dobby enchanted the pitcher to refill itself as Harry seem to empty it constantly. This and more was not unnoticed.
"Hey Harry," started the twins," We bought some Chocolate frogs today."
Hermione went tense and Ron blanched white. Mrs. Weasley was trying frantically to swallow what was in her mouth.
"Its no joke but apparently they have a card on you now. We were wondering when you were going to have a signing session?"
It was too late, they had said it and now it was only a matter of time before Harry reacted which came with surprising force.
Harry laughed a moment and answered, "Colin Creevey's probably already arranging it. He's practically the president of my fan club at Hogwarts."
"Well if he does, we want to be the first to have ours signed," laughed Fred.
"Next to Ron and Hermione of course," laughed George.
"Maybe," answer Harry," I'm getting tired I think I should head for bed. May I be excused?"
"Of course dear," answered Mrs. Weasley," Check your trunk to make sure you have everything. You'll be leaving a bit earlier for Hogwarts tomorrow."
Harry left the table, meeting Dobby at the entrance.
"Sir not like dinner tonight," quietly sobbed the elf?
"I'm just tired tonight. All that walking in Diagon Ally wore me out," said Harry,"I look forward to your cooking at Hogwarts and if you want to know my favorite breakfast is porridge and muffins."
The elf grinned happily as Harry passed by on his way to bed.
Dinner finished and the elf refused anyone's help with cleaning up. So everyone went to the living room to let dinner settle and continue chatting.
Hermione was fighting the urge to run up the stairs and see Harry but she wasn't sure he'd enjoy being checked up on. Ron's seemed to be having similar thoughts as he glanced at his watch and looked towards the stairs. Hermione notice that Daken kept glancing her way continuously. Each time with a knowing grin that bothered her.
At long last everyone agreed it was time to turn in. Ron used the excuse to check on Harry who was apparently asleep since he'd been bunking with the twins much to his dismay.
During the night, Hermione was restless and so decided to get some water.
She headed down stairs quietly but discovered not nearly enough.
"Up a bit late aren't we," said a voice in the shadowed corner of the living room.
Hermione looked to see a person with eyes shining in the dark sitting in a chair in the corner, a bottle of Ogden's Fire whiskey nearly empty next to them and watching her every move like a predator on the hunt.
"Getting some water… is that you Daken," asked Hermione?
"Yes"
"Well why are you still," began Hermione trying to lighten an awkward moment.
She was very uncomfortable to be in her night dressings with this man nearby.
"I'm thirsty too but for something that I can't quench but the whiskey soothes it for now."
Hermione pulled her robe tighter together, now she was really getting uncomfortable.
"Don't be surprised if you find this same scenario again only with Harry instead of me."
"Why would you say that," inquired Hermione?
"He's following a path like mine, especially now… he's withdrawing as you may have noticed… I did that and now the only person who knows me is Ogden," explained Daken tapping the whiskey bottle, "I'm not a part of life… I observe it and step in when I can… I made the mistake of not telling people… a person… what I felt… and after the trouble settled the consequences destroyed me."
"Oh well I," started Hermione.
"What ever happens, don't stop," stated Daken ignoring her,"Hound him like mad no matter what he says or does… stop even once and you'll start to lose him. I made my choice… but Harry's life is preventing him from making that same choice freely."
"I don't know what I can do," said Hermione, her instincts were telling her to run, that everything about him seemed wrong and her feelings were apparent.
"Being a female you sense something different about me… good… I am not what I appear to be nor is Harry… he's not what I am but he's definitely something else…"
Daken continued before Hermione said anything, "I know you care for him deeply and don't give me that friendly garbage… I know those looks… you might as well carry a banner."
During his lecture he had finished the bottle and was left only with what was in the glass.
"Harry won't respond like other boys… I'd kind of like to know how he would respond about Victor... It's definitely not a good idea for him to know right now… "
Daken finished off the glass and with a wave of his wand a new bottle appear filled to the top.
"Malleck will challenge Harry… that we'll discuss tomorrow at Hogwarts… but there are other challenges we can do little about… dealing with all these 'grateful' people… the pressures of his peers… girls."
The last statement struck Hermione hard as the image of Cho surfaced.
"I believe that challenge will be in your favor," commented Daken with a note of finality in his voice.
Hermione forgot about the water and headed back to bed still restless.
The next day, everything was ready and the chaos of preparation was surprisingly avoided. The trunks had all been packed and checked. The owls had flown off to Hogwarts with their cages ready. Dobby had breakfast all prepared before anyone was up. Every student was dressed and ready to go. Daken was rather jovial with Mr. Weasley to Hermione's surprised considering the whiskey he had been drinking.
Ron came into the kitchen as Dobby was floating cleaned dishes about the kitchen to put them in their places. Harry coughed and Dobby placed all his attention on Harry forgetting the dishes. They all fell clattering on the floor but not all of them went straight for the floor. One large serving plate fell straight on Ron's head shattering on impact.
Dobby squealed in terror as he pulled at his ears. Everyone stared for the moment. Ron just shook his head and brushed the broken pieces from his hair completely uninjured.
Ginny placed her hand on the back of Ron's head and looked at her hand.
"You're not even bleeding," stated Ginny.
Ron shrugged his shoulders and replied, "Guess I have a harder head than I thought."
Everyone seemed a bit stunned by the incident but it dissolved, as Ron was okay.
"Well don't bother with your trunks anymore Dobby has decreed that he will take them to Hogwarts for you," laughed Daken.
"It's not a bother to put them on the train," said Hermione.
"That would be true if you were taking the train to Hogwarts," replied Daken.
"We're not," asked Harry?
"Sorry no, Dumbledore wants to have a talk before the start of the term so we'll be doing some special apparition."
"Just us," asked Harry?
"Arthur is coming as well and Molly is more than invited," answered Daken.
"I'll drop the others off, see them to the train and then pop back here," stated Mrs. Weasley.
A short while later, the trio was instructed to stand together as the adults surrounded them. They held their wands together above the heads in the center. They closed their eyes in concentration. A slow hum filled the room and all became blurry. A moment later everything went dark and Harry found himself being held up by Ron at the Gates to Hogwarts.
"Well Harry here we are," said Ron with a shrug, "Back at Hogwarts."
Next Chapter:
The Beacon in the Void