Ch 4: The Long Walk Back
Inside The Crooked Staff, Harry and Hermione paused momentarily to allow their vision to adjust to the dim light inside the tavern. Avoiding the scattered tables and chairs strewn haphazardly throughout the chamber, they made their way to the bar at the far side of the room. Hermione asked for a room with a fireplace from which they could contact their school.
The tavern owner looked up from the glass he was cleaning and peered at them curiously. "I have rooms I could rent you if you needed," he offered, "but they would have to be separate. You two don't seem old enough to be married and I won't rent you a single room if you're not."
Hermione blushed slightly but Harry explained with Hermione's help. "I quite understand. We just need a room for a few minutes to speak with one of our professors at school. We're classmates from the same school. Actually, we're here on vacation with my parents and we would have stayed at a wizard inn like the one you have, but they're both Muggles and still don't feel very comfortable in our world. That's why they didn't come with us tonight. I'm sorry."
"Nothing to apologize for, young man. I understand." Turning around behind him, he pulled out a key on a short chain and hesitated before he handed it to Harry.
Noting his concern, Harry spoke softly to him. "You have my oath as a wizard that I have nothing but the best of intentions for the young lady. We just need the room to talk to our professor." Satisfied, the owner gave him the key and told them to use the second room on the right at the top of the stairs.
They walked across the room to the stairs on the side of the wall. Harry's gaze swept again over the several figures hunched over their drinks at various tables, but nothing out of the ordinary struck him about their appearance. If anyone noticed the young couple heading upstairs, nobody seemed to show an interest.
Closing and locking the door behind them, Harry moved towards the fireplace to throw an extra log on. Hermione searched the mantle for the jar of powder they would need and lifted it down. Removing the lid, she grabbed a pinch and passed the jar to Harry. He took a bit of the powder between his fingers and turned towards the fire. Together, they tossed the powder into the flames and repeated in unison, "Professor Dumbledore, Headmaster's Office, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Scotland." Then they waited for a few moments. The room spun for a moment and when their vision cleared, they could see Dumbledore's office. Seated in a chair by his desk was Dumbledore himself, who looked at the two young teens with calm amusement in his blue eyes.
"And to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit, my two young friends? To tell you the truth, I did not really expect to hear from either of you for another couple of weeks after you returned from your vacation in Athens." Grinning suddenly at Hermione, he continued, "As you predicted, Harry's refusal to either attend or accept the award caused quite a stir, but one that has been mostly positive I believe, especially after Arthur read Harry's letter. In fact, Arthur has been put in charge of a special commission for creating a special monument honoring all those who gave their lives in the war against Voldemort."
It was Hermione's turn to grin as Dumbledore looked at Harry more seriously. "But I am afraid that Hermione was also right about the political problems your little stunt might cause. Obviously, Fudge is furious. But there are others in the international community who were upset as well."
Harry snorted, "Fudge is upset? Who cares? He's nothing but a political hack, a spineless bureaucrat. What can he possibly do that Voldemort and his Death Eaters couldn't do? I'm not scared of what he can do."
"I did not say that you should be, Harry. But do not dismiss so easily the trouble and chaos those with political power can cause, given the proper motivation. Fudge may not be much of a foe in a magical duel, but his political power can be quite dangerous. There are many kinds of enemies, Harry-political opponents are not the least of these and should never be taken lightly."
Hermione chimed in, "Have you forgotten what Fudge and Umbridge were nearly able to do to Hogwart's two years ago? They almost took over the school simply through bureaucratic manipulation and quasi-legal decrees."
"I know, I know. It's not like I could have forgotten," muttered Harry as he absent mindedly rubbed the back of his right hand. "But why do I need to worry about it when the both of you do more than enough worrying already?" smiled Harry.
Exasperated, Hermione replied, "Because we may not always be there to point out the political pitfalls of your actions."
"I know, I know, I promise I'll be more careful," replied Harry.
"Excellent, Harry. By the way, I think you did the right thing. You made an excellent point to the magical world, one they needed to more fully understand. I just hope you realize that those kinds of actions almost always exact a price as well. But I do not think you wanted to speak to me about the Order of Merlin ceremony. Please tell me, what is so urgent that you needed to contact me personally?"
Harry glanced at Hermione before beginning a detailed description of the events of their day. When Dumbledore raised his eyebrows several times in surprise, they were glad they had decided to speak with him before pursuing the task any further. When he was finished, Dumbledore rubbed a furrowed brow and looked off sideways into the distance as he thought quietly for several moments.
"So do you know this Corlyn fellow?" prompted Harry.
"I thought I did. We have occasionally shared information in the past, he was very helpful during both wars against Voldemort. But he was always a very mysterious figure, though his information was always useful and accurate. Now if he has information about someone who is seeking one of the artifacts of Atlantis…"
"Well, he may have had information, but he sure wasn't very good at sharing it. He was pretty vague about both the people who were interested in it and what they might be after," explained Harry.
Dumbledore chuckled. "Yes, I do recall experiencing certain frustrations with some of the information he provided."
Hermione spoke up, "Do you know what he was talking about? What kind of artifact someone may want from Atlantis? We thought we would begin with some initial research on Atlantis, but if you know something you could tell us or help point us in the right direction…"
Looking closely at both of them, Dumbledore sighed. "I suppose the two of you have already decided to pursue this task Corlyn has described?"
"Of course, sir. If we can prevent some powerful artifact from falling into the wrong hands, how we could we not try and do something to prevent it?" replied Hermione. Harry nodded his agreement.
"I thought as much. I will not waste my time nor yours trying to dissuade either of you." The look of concern and worry in his eyes that he was unable to hide spoke more loudly than did his actual words to the two. "I will come to Athens and visit the both of you a week from tomorrow. I have a few things I need to look into first. I presume that you have told nobody else about your experiences today?" As they shook their heads in unison, he continued. "Please keep it that way. If you feel like pulling books from the library to begin some preliminary research, feel free to do so. I will alert Madame Pince so that she does not become alarmed at missing books on her shelves. But do not do anything more until after we have spoken. And be extremely cautious-both of you." Dumbledore looked at both of them sternly, but kindly.
"Sir, how did you know we were in Athens?" asked Hermione.
Dumbledore chuckled. "A true wizard never reveals all of his secrets." Then his tone became serious again. "I will meet you again a week from tomorrow at eight o'clock at-what was the name-The Twisted Staff?"
"The Crooked Staff, sir."
"Ah yes. They have excellent food there, by the way, despite its rather shabby appearance. Try to enjoy the rest of your vacation until we meet again. And be careful."
Realizing the conversation was over, Harry and Hermione pulled back and looked at each other.
"If he's worried, you know we've stumbled into something serious, Mione. I've never seen him that off balance before."
"Well, we'll just do what he says. Take in some sights and do some casual reading in the afternoons and evenings. You can get us books from Hogwart's library, can't you?"
"Of course, as long as your idea of casual reading doesn't exceed five books a night. It's getting late, we better get headed back to the hotel."
Hermione followed Harry out of the room and back down the stairs to the main room of the tavern. Harry noticed there was the same number of people in the tavern, but the witch with the purple hat had left and a wizard with a shabby grey cloak was now at a table by the wall that had been vacant before. When he glanced at his watch he was astonished to notice that nearly an hour had passed as he made his way to the tavern owner to pay for the room. Harry paid the sum requested and added a generous tip which was received gratefully. After saying good night, Hermione and Harry exited the tavern and turned their steps towards their hotel.
The night was cool and refreshing after the warm tavern. With only a sliver of the moon present, it was also fairly dark on most of the sidestreets. A brisk walk home appealed to the young pair as they mindspoke silently about their conversation with Dumbledore and tried again to make sense of the events of their day.
A pair of young men had just reeled past them, a little tipsy after a long night drinking. When they suddenly stopped several feet in front of them, Harry sensed the trap but it was too late to escape. Strong pairs of arms grabbed both Hermione and Harry and dragged them into a dark alley.
Harry forced himself to relax as he sorted through his options and listened as Hermione translated for him.
"Well, well. A foolish young couple out for a lovely stroll? Not very smart bringing your girlfriend to this part of the city at this time of night. But don't worry, we'll take good care of her. Nikki! Get his money and then slit his throat. We'll take the girl somewhere else."
Harry closed his eyes tightly and heard laughter around him. "Not very brave, this one, eh? Finish him off and let's get out of here."
To the young thugs, it seemed as if Harry was whimpering and begging for mercy, but when he muttered Lumos the alley exploded in blinding light, stunning his opponents momentarily. Harry snapped his head backwards violently to smash in the nose and front teeth of the man holding his arms pinned. As his hold loosened, he grabbed the wrist of the man in front of him that had been searching through his pocket looking for his wallet, locked his fingers tightly around the thumb, and twisted violently until he heard the bones snap. Then he punched him as hard as he could in the left ear. The mugger dropped quietly to the ground. Harry spun to face the mugger who had pinned his arms and was now holding his face with his hands, trying to stop the heavy bleeding coming from his nose and mouth. Harry punched him once in the solar plexus, doubling him over. In one fluid movement, Harry shifted his feet into position, bent at the knees into a crouch, grabbed the mugger's right wrist with his left hand, and then shot his right arm between the man's legs. He then exploded upward from his crouching position with the man laying across his shoulders, he yanked down hard with his left arm as he lifted his right and threw the man headfirst across the alley where he crumpled, moaning in pain.
Harry's back exploded in pain as a long board smashed diagonally across it. Harry spun to face the new attacker and lunged forward. Harry caught the man hard right below the sternum with a shoulder while he had both arms raised as he tried to hit Harry again with the long board he was swinging. Harry heard the man gasp as the air rushed from the man's lungs when his shoulder connected with his diaphragm. He then seized the man's hair with both hands, and pulled down hard as he brought his right knee up. As the man fell over unconscious, Harry noticed that Hermione was on top of one man punching him with all of her strength. On the other side stood the last attacker, still rubbing his eyes, but carrying a long stiletto blade. As Hermione got up with one last kick to her assailant's head that left him motionless, Harry moved towards her screaming a mental warning even as the remaining thief seized her from behind.
"One more step, and I swear, I'll cut her head off. Back off! Back off!" Hermione translated for Harry, her eyes wide with fright.
Harry raised his hands in defeat but his eyes blazed with anger. A wind sprang out of nowhere, blowing Hermione's hair into the eyes of the mugger. Distracted, he moved his knife hand away from her throat for a moment to clear his vision. The cool breeze blew a little cooler but also brought the smell of superheated metal and burning flesh. Screaming in pain, the final thug pushed Hermione to the ground as he dropped the knife and ran off, clutching his wrist and hand in unbearable agony.
"Mione! Are you OK?" Harry rushed to her side and helped her up.
"Yeah, I think I'll be fine. I just feel a little sick to my stomach right now. Are you OK?"
"I've had worse. I think I might be a little sore tomorrow, though."
"That's why I brought my SAPs, Harry. For all of your little accidents," she joked as she managed to crack a smile.
"Funny. Let me help you up. I think we should get headed before any of their friends show up. Come on, let's go."
With her arm around his shoulder, and his around her side, Harry walked with her until she felt a little steadier. He kept turning his head this way and that, the adrenaline driving his senses to super sensitivity. Harry reckoned they were about halfway back to the hotel when he slipped his hand into the leather pouch at his side. "Can you keep walking another block or so without me?"
"What?"
"I think there is someone following us. I'm going to activate a Splittin' Image to keep walking with you while I wait for our friend in this alley. Will you be OK?"
"I guess, just be careful," she replied uncertainly.
"Trust me." Harry pulled out the small globe and put it in Hermione's hand as he disappeared into the background of the wall. Hermione and the illusion continued walking, while Harry waited for their stalker. The man was fast and very good, little more than a shadow. Harry recognized him as the wizard dressed in shabby grey robes from the tavern. Harry pulled another small object from his leather pouch and then shapeshifted into his dragonform. He flew silently behind the stalking shadow and then moved slightly above and behind him.
Suddenly the shadow paused and whipped his head around as if looking for something. Realizing the trick was up, Harry transformed again. As he fell back to the earth, he threw the object at the man's back. Incredibly, the man spun just as he released the small orb and Harry nearly missed him entirely. It grazed him on the side and then exploded into a mass of sticky webbing that trapped the man to the side of the wall. Hermione came running back as Harry stepped closer. Harry watched in amazement as the man slowly fought through the webbing. Realizing he would be free in moments, Harry whipped out his wand and pointed it right at the man's face.
Instead of showing fear, the man grinned. "Well done, Potter. I'm very impressed. That was an excellent illusion. And this webbing. Very clever."
"Who are you and how do you know my name?" threatened Harry in a low voice.
"Ahh. It must have slipped his mind to mention me. Corlyn asked me to watch over Miss Granger. That is a very convincing Metamorphmagus transformation, by the way, but you must admit that the red hair would remind those looking for you of the Weasleys, even if it's not as bright as their hair. I presume this is the face you used on your passport where you are known as James Black? Cleverly done, but you realize of course that that name is not going to really fool anyone that wants to track you. Yes I know it has fooled the press for several weeks now, but then most of those reporters weren't too sharp to begin with, were they?"
"Who are you? And if you were sent to protect us, where the hell were you ten minutes ago when we were attacked in the alley?"
"Yes, well, my name is Aardus. And I deeply regret my tardiness in arriving," A pained look crossed his face. "I am sorry I could not do more. I did not have a clear shot for a stunning spell at the attacker who threatened Miss Granger. But I am glad you were able to take advantage of the slight diversion I created to disarm him." He paused and then asked, "Would you mind pointing that wand somewhere else besides in my face? It's becoming rather uncomfortable."
Harry backed up a step and lowered his wand slightly, still unsure of the man barely held by the bonds of the web. He would have to discuss this with the twins. They swore the web created by the orb would be strong enough to hold a small dragon. But it had barely slowed down a single man. And who was this wizard who claimed to be their protector? Taking a chance, he quietly spoke the command word to dissolve the web. A moment later, the man stood quietly before them, looking from Hermione to Harry. Harry noticed blood on his hands and face and raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, this? Well, I had a little chat with your friend from the alley. He won't be bothering you again." Harry looked at his own hands and noticed that though there were flecks of blood on his knuckles, it was nowhere near the amount found on Aardus. Harry raised his wand again cautiously, aiming it at Aardus.
Aardus raised his hands again and suggested, "I suppose this attack could be a coincidence, but it also might have been an attempt to prevent you from succeeding in your task."
"Task? We don't know what you're talking about."
"Oh, excellent. Clever, resourceful, and closemouthed. Yes, I can see why you two were so successful against Voldemort and why Corlyn thinks you may be able to help."
"Well, we don't need any bloody bodyguards while we're here on vacation, so you're free to go. And don't follow us around anymore, we're fine on our own. You can tell our mutual friend thanks all the same. Now it's late and we're a bit tired, so if you'll excuse us, we'll be leaving now." Harry grabbed Hermione's hand and led her away, back to the hotel. Aardus didn't seem insulted at all, simply calling out a cheerful sounding admonition to be careful before they were out of earshot. When they turned back to see if he was following them, he had disappeared.
Finally arriving at the hotel without further incident, Hermione gave Harry a final SAP to ease his aching back. In their separate rooms, they collapsed into a heavy slumber that lasted well into midmorning.
-->