He sat silently in the corner observing the aged pub's customers. Most of them were just tucking into their lunches, the smell of boiled cabbage drifting through the room mingling with the alcoholic scent. Lupin had gone to order some lunch from Tom. Harry was left alone with his thoughts. He had barely spoken to Lupin since he had mentioned his parents. Shopping in Diagon Alley had been rather uneventful except for the large crowd they had met in Flourish and Blotts.
A large throng of bustling females had been pushing and shoving their way into the already crammed shop. Both Harry and Lupin sighed when they anticipated a long wait to be served. Harry noticed that most of the women seemed to be middle aged housewives, surrounded by small children and a mass of shopping bags.
After forcing their way to the counter Harry realised that the queue of women was actually heading to the back of the shop. "Why is there such a crowd?' Lupin asked the harassed looking shopkeeper.
"Gilderoy Lockhart is having a book-signing," the shop's owner replied acrimoniously. "All words if you ask me," he finished, handing Harry his bag of newly bought books.
"Didn't he write most of the books for Defense Against the Dark Arts this year?" Harry cut in.
"Well," said the sour shop-owner "apparently he's after taking the position at Hogwarts. Headmaster must have been pretty desperate."
As they were making their way out of the shop somebody bumped into Harry which sent him crashing to the ground, his books spilling from his bag. `Harry Potter!!" cried a voice of astonishment from above him. Before he knew what was happening he had been pulled unceremoniously to his feet and dragged down through the crowd. He caught a glimpse of the man who was directing him and saw he was short with a blue cape and a tall hat perched carelessly on the side of his head. An enormous camera was hung around his neck.
When they had reached the end of the gathering Harry found himself thrown into a desk which was completely covered in books with the image of man with golden wavy hair, bright blue eyes and a cheeky twinkling smile. Harry also noted the amount of photographs piled on the mahogany desk. "Look who I found, Mr. Lockhart," bellowed the photographer.
As Harry straightened himself out he saw the real Gilderoy Lockhart standing in lurid pink robes with a look of amazement plastered on his face. Then, quite suddenly he nearly jumped across the table and pulled Harry to him, pinning him to his side. "Come on Harry, big smile. Together we make the front page."
After what seemed like a million flashes which left Harry feeling dazed, he pulled away from Lockhart and battled his way out of the shop. He could still hear Lockhart hollering about how glorious a day it was. Harry had cursed himself at being caught unaware of what was happening. Lupin was waiting with his shopping bags and a grimace at the exit to the shop. Asking if he was okay they decided they were finished shopping for the day and had returned to the Leaky Cauldron where Harry now sat in the corner mulling over the day's events, everything from the nightmares to Lockhart.
Lupin returned carrying two plates filled with steaming food. Seeing the thoughtful look on Harry's face, he decided it was time to explain about knowing his parents. He had been putting it off since he had met Harry. It still pained him to talk about his best friend but when he thought about how much Harry had endured and how little he knew of his past, he knew it was worth retelling their story. He started brightly telling the story, knowing this was the way James would've probably told it. "Well, a long time ago, in a castle not too far away, there was your great prat of a father and your wonderful, most beautiful mother…."
He told Harry almost everything about his parents at Hogwarts deciding to leave out the bit with the dangerous werewolf. From the expression on Harry's face, Lupin guessed he liked the fact that his father was one of the best practical jokers ever and that he lived for April Fools Day. He told of how Lily at first disliked James but ended up loving him and how they married soon after leaving Hogwarts. He also told of the enmity between his father and Snape and briefly mentioned where James had saved his life, not wishing to go into great detail.
Harry knew that he would find it hard hearing about his parents but he couldn't help feeling a sense of closure as Lupin told as many stories as he could. Feeling he had gained a much better picture of his parents he thanked Lupin sincerely. The information he had given him was priceless. Sometime during their talking they had started eating but Harry can honestly say he had no idea what he was eating. They sat there for many hours, Lupin answering Harry's questions and then Lupin asking questions about Harry and how he was. Harry told him a little of his life at the Dursley's but wasn't inclined to tell his whole life. He had a suspicion that Lupin knew much of it already.
Tom came over to their table and with a wave of his wand cleared it of plates, knives, forks and glasses. Lupin ordered a glass of wine and Harry got some pumpkin juice. Suddenly Harry heard his own name and stood up just before somebody flung their arms around him in an inescapable bear hug. Harry recognized the brown curly hair immediately and returned the hug slightly. "Hey Hermione," he whispered, his breath dangerously constricted. Somewhere in the pit of his stomach Harry felt as if a weight had been lifted by the presence of Hermione. He had endured nearly two months without any sight or sound of her.
"Harry," she cried pulling away from him. "Why didn't you reply to my letters?" Harry knew from her tone of voice that she had been deeply hurt from his absence of letters. Harry didn't want to tell her the reason in front of Lupin and Hermione's parents who had just appeared behind her. Harry smiled and nodded his head at Mr. Granger in recognition. Lupin stood up immediately and shook both Mr. and Mrs. Granger's hands. Harry returned his gaze to Hermione's worried expression as the adults began small talk. "It's a really long story. I'll tell you later. But I didn't get any of your letters."
A confused look came across Hermione's face and she shook her head agreeing with Harry's idea to talk about it later. "Well we're just finished getting Hermione's things for school. There was a really raucous crowd out there earlier," admonished Mrs. Granger.
"There was a book signing in Flourish and Blotts. Gilderoy Lockhart. He is somewhat of a hero according to his books," explained Lupin, the skepticism apparent in his voice.
"Oh yes!!" exclaimed Hermione, suddenly coming to life. "He really is a wonderful wizard. He's done tons of absolutely wonderful things, rescuing entire villages from werewolves or battling trolls and defeating vampires." As she said this a dreamy expression came upon her face.
Harry frowned at Hermione. "What?" she said pouting.
"Nothing," said Harry looking away from her. Secretly he was annoyed at Hermione's behaviour. He thought she was acting quite idealistic of Lockhart. Harry certainly didn't think Lockhart had achieved anything of what he had written.
The conversation continued for another few minutes, the topic changing from Lockhart to Hogwarts. Hermione nearly jumped out of her seat with the excitement at the news that Lockhart was going to teach at Hogwarts. When Lupin announced it was time for them to leave Hermione became suddenly sullen.
"Well I suppose I'll see you on the train," said Harry trying to lighten the sad mood that had descended between them.
"Yeah," replied Hermione, smiling sweetly. She hugged him again this time lingering for a moment longer. Harry got the feeling she didn't want to let go and if he was honest with himself, apart of him didn't want to let go either.
************************************************************************************
They said goodbye to the Granger's who made their way out into Muggle London. Harry and Lupin were arranged to take a portkey back to Little Whinging. Laden with shopping bags they made their way into a wood panelled back room. An old dirty boot awaited them. With a quick glance at his watch Lupin counted down and soon Harry again felt a pull and found himself standing in Mrs. Figg's kitchen.
But something was amiss and Harry felt it immediately. It seemed that Lupin also did. He motioned for Harry to remain quiet. There was an eerie silence in the house and with a quick glance around the kitchen Harry noted that it seemed to have been pulled apart. The press doors had been completely ripped off the cupboards and the kitchen table was now leaning precariously on two legs. The brown soggy cat food tins had been knocked to the floor and the substance was now seeping onto the grey kitchen tiles.
Lupin crept closer to the door frame and quickly jumped into the brightly lit hall once he made sure nobody was waiting there. Harry followed him and suddenly sensed someone in the other room. Instantly a flash of blue light burst through the door leading to the sitting room. The door was demolished to splinters and Lupin was thrown back into the stairs, where he hit his head and slumped to the ground. Harry had also been thrown to the ground by the force of the explosion but remained conscious enough to witness three cloaked figures walking steadily over to Lupin's lifeless body. Then from somewhere there was a loud booming shout and the three figures retreated and with a sharp crack disappeared.
Harry pulled himself to his feet with a groan of pain. His head was still spinning and he was faintly aware of a cut on his forehead, the blood of which was seeping into his eyes. He stumbled over to Lupin's body, but before he fell beside it someone caught him from behind and steadied him on his feet. The strong hands didn't let go of Harry as he watched Albus Dumbledore turn Lupin gently over and examine him. Removing his wand from his magnificent mauve robes he whispered a few words and Harry saw Lupin stir slightly.
"Oh my head," Lupin grunted as Dumbledore lifted him into a sitting position. Harry released a breath he had been unconsciously holding. Relief must have shown on his face because when Lupin looked at him he smiled lightly and said "Don't worry. It takes more than a knock on the head to take someone like me out of action."
Dumbledore helped him to his feet. It was then Harry noticed that the man who had caught him before he had fallen was still holding onto his forearm. When Harry turned to see who it was, the man let go instantly and didn't meet Harry's eye, instead his cheeks became tinged with red from embarrassment which immediately vanished when Dumbledore announced that they should go through to the living room.
Harry swayed a little but managed to correct his imbalance. His head was throbbing still but it had calmed down significantly. He again returned his attention to the stranger who had prevented his fall. He was quite tall, about a head shorter than Professor Dumbledore. He was wearing a very respectable tweed-suit and a deep red jumper underneath with a wine tie, which perplexed Harry as to why he was wearing muggle-clothing if he had arrived with Dumbledore. His hair was cut short and like Lupin's had flecks of grey through it. He was wearing spectacles which had thin metal frames and suited him perfectly. He didn't look old yet there were lines of worry etched on his face making him seem older. His clothes didn't exactly proclaim his youth either. His eyes were a dark sapphire blue, unlike Dumbledore's bright electric blue ones.
Harry and the man followed Dumbledore into the sitting room which was also completely destroyed. Harry took in the site before him, his face remaining impassive. Dust from the explosion covered the old worn couch and also enveloped the once intense wine carpet. Dust and pieces of plaster still hung thick in the air and Lupin, who had moved over to lean on the couch, pulled the collar of his coat higher so he wouldn't breathe in the dirt.
Suddenly they heard someone coughing behind the couch. All four wizards made in the direction of the noise and found Mrs. Figg lying on the powdery white floor. Her hands and feet had been bound by thick rope which Dumbledore immediately cut with a wave of his hand. Supported by the stranger, she managed to make it over to the couch. She was breathing heavily, still in shock, but she was capable of speech and told them what had happened.
"They appeared out of nowhere and immediately struck me down. I don't remember much after that. I woke up and they were rooting through all my possessions. They were looking for something. I'm sure of it." She took a shaky breath and continued. "I couldn't see their faces. They…they were hooded and cloaked in black. They..." she shuddered and closed her eyes as if trying to prevent herself from saying something. Then she whispered. "They looked like Death Eaters."
Dumbledore shut his eyes and sighed heavily. Harry guessed he had been expecting this but not so soon. Lupin's face was a total mask of shock. He seemed to be shaking his head in disbelief. The stranger strode across the room and sat on the arm rest of the chair. Leaning forward he put his head in his hands and sighed with an air of defeat. Harry just remained motionless. His brain was still trying to absorb the information. The undeniable truth that even though Lord Voldemort had not yet risen, his followers had begun to regroup. Dumbledore had informed Harry of the horror and pain the Death Eaters had inflicted upon both the wizarding and muggle community's alike. They tormented, murdered and drove people to insanity.
"So what shall we do now Dumbledore?" said the tweed suited man. He had a very distinct English accent which told Harry the man obviously grew up in a wealthy, well spoken family and that he was well educated.
"I think both Remus and Arabella should visit St. Mungo's. Harry must be relocated immediately," he said solemnly. The quiet that had graced the room was immediately gone as Lupin stood up abruptly and cried "Shouldn't we reform the Order instantly."
"No!" Dumbledore warned harshly. "We will not risk this getting out. Not yet. We have been aware of some of the Death Eater's movements but this is the first time they have struck. I was wrong to underestimate what their current motives were. Also, there is only a small group of them and if words gets out that they are regrouping…well we might as well put an advertisement in the newspaper.
But I do not think that it was by mere chance they arrived here, where Harry was. Nor do I think they wanted a public affair. There is no dark mark above the house. They were on Voldemort's orders, we must not forget that. Hopefully we have stopped or prevented their plans, even it is for only a short period of time."
*************************************************************************************
Lupin and Mrs. Figg took a portkey to the hospital, St. Mungo's. Harry had felt guilty saying goodbye to Lupin as it was his fault he had been in Little Whinging in the first place. Now it was just Dumbledore, Harry and the stranger left in the silence of the wreckage. For a few moments nothing was said, until Dumbledore stepped forward and motioned with a wave of his hand to the man.
"Ah, Harry. I would like you to meet Mr. Ethan Davis. He is an old friend and a past student of mine."
Mr. Davis stepped forward uneasily and shook Harry's hand before stepping back to his original position. Harry looked back to Dumbledore who was surveying their actions over his gold rimmed spectacles.
"Why did you place me here if I wasn't protected?" Harry said suddenly, voicing his thoughts. "I…I didn't think Mrs. Figg was under any threat but she was and you knew she was."
Dumbledore didn't look away from Harry's intense stare nor did he try to defend his actions. "Harry, I will not lie to you. I failed to provide you safety but I didn't think the Dursley's would keep you safe either. The Dursley's would perhaps keep you alive but to whether they would destroy your mind, your personality, your humanity….we could never foretell the damage. Without these characteristics, without your morality and your heart, you could never dream to kill Voldemort. And as that is what you must do, according to the prophecy, then you need them as much as you need magic to aid you."
Harry gave Dumbledore a questioning look as to why he was mentioning the prophecy in front of Mr. Davis. Dumbledore smiled gently. "Don't worry Harry. Mr. Davis knows about the prophecy. You asked me, before the end of last year, for help in the fight against Voldemort. Under no circumstances could I teach you without raising suspicions with the Ministry, the staff or the ever curious students of Hogwarts."
Mr. Davis was now standing shadowed in the corner. The orange sun now hung low in the sky taking its last breath before falling beneath the horizon. Harry had many questions to ask but his head was still pounding. He decided to begin with the obvious one. "How does Mr. Davis know of the prophecy?"
Dumbledore was about to speak but Mr. Davis stepped forward. "I was once an Unspeakable, working for the Department of Mysteries. It is one of the most secret departments of the Ministry and security has never been breached. Research into the deepest magic and mysteries known to mankind is carried out deep beneath the Ministry's atrium. For many years prophecies have been brought forward to the department for keeping and also safety. Prophecies are a dangerous thing to be held responsible for even if you are involved. As an unspeakable it is mandatory that we merely place the prophecies in a safe room, perform the security spells and then leave. We are forbidden to get any information about the prophecy; we are mere carriers of the spheres into which the prophecy is copied."
He stopped for moment as if thinking about how to proceed. "Then one day I was approached by a very reputable wizard. My old headmaster in fact. Professor Dumbledore asked to me take control over the carrying of a certain prophecy. I could certainly have had that arranged, but then he asked me to do something that would certainly change my life. He asked me to listen to its contents."
Harry gave Dumbledore a confused glance. `You see Harry I was afraid that you would never hear the prophecy. That you would be murdered and never know the reason for it. By telling Ethan I was assuring that someone would at least be able to reach you if the worst happened and I was killed. I trust Ethan wholly. He is an experienced wizard and his knowledge of Dark Magic, while being intimidating and dangerous, will also aid you on your path."
Mr. Davis seemed to grow uncomfortable with Dumbledore's compliments. "Er…right…to continue," he stammered. "Well, I heard the prophecy and finally understood Professor Dumbledore's doubts and his reservations for leaving the prophecy under the hand of the Ministry. As we learnt from the first war, the ministry can easily be corrupted. So I agreed with Dumbledore and after the downfall of Voldemort we remained on alert but also knew it would be a few years before his return. And now…it pains me to say it but we must accept it, that the wheels are in motion for a second war on the wizarding world."
Silence struck the room as each wizard thought about the words spoken. Harry thought there would be more time, that Voldemort would need more preparation. He wasn't ready to fight. He could only dread what he was up against. Dumbledore strode forward and his eyes glinted as the last shaft of sunlight illuminated the room. "We do not know when they will strike again. From what I can deduce they are most likely looking for a way to resume Lord Voldemort to his previous health."
"But then what were they doing here?!" Harry nearly shouted.
"They were here for you," Mr. Davis said with such intensity that Harry immediately spun around and looked at him. He dark eyes were surveying Harry, as if waiting to see how he would react.
"I don't understand," Harry resigned. His head had begun to throb again.
"Nor did they," Davis continued. "For thousands of years, ways of retaining and regenerating health have been explored. Not many have succeeded. But there have been certain cases where a person on the edge of life has recovered to near full health. Potions usually have a major part in the restoration of life. So I assume they're going to use them. From my research, I think you might be a main ingredient."
"Now…I'm not sure but from Mrs. Figg's account of what happened I can only deduce they were looking for something which they didn't find. My guess is Voldemort told them to look here for their ingredient, meaning you, and the Death Eaters never thought to even think of you. This…" he said, placing his hands in his pockets, "suggests that Voldemort has limited communication with his Death Eaters. He has more than likely been smuggled out of the country."
Harry sighed and made his way over to sit on the couch. Voldemort needed him, Harry, to rise again. His chances of living a normal life were really slimming down. Dumbledore turned to Mr. Davis. "That's an excellent deduction, Ethan. I see you still haven't lost your admirable talent for solving cases."
"Yes…well," Davis said with a nervous laugh. "One does need their wits about them in dealing with such dire things."
Dumbledore quietly went over and sat beside Harry on the couch. "I thought that having you near enough the Dursleys would protect you as the wards reach farther than the actual house. I also had some people positioned to watch over you. Their understanding was that you could be affected by the events of last year. Harry, I know now that keeping you safe could mean harm for others but…"
"But nothing!" said Harry standing up. He had his back to both the still figures behind him. "I don't want to stay here. It's too dangerous," he said, his voice breaking. He coughed, clearing his throat so they wouldn't think of him as fragile. He didn't like to show such emotion in front of others. The fact remained that if it wasn't for him, Mrs. Figg wouldn't have been in danger and if he remained here then she would continue to be put in danger. He closed his eyes and hung his head in defeat. "So, where do I go now?"
"Well, I'm going back to Hogwarts tonight. Maybe…if Professor Dumbledore allows it…you could stay at the castle for the remainder of your holidays. We could start your training immediately," Mr. Davis offered. Harry thought about it. The extra training was certainly promising but then he remembered Dobby's warning. This all obviously tied together. There wasn't enough time to even suggest coincidences.
"Well I think that would be an excellent idea. What say you Harry?" Dumbledore requested. Turning around slowly Harry nodded his head. "Yeah. That sounds good." If there was danger at Hogwarts he wanted to see if there were any signs of it. Dobby could easily have been bluffing or on orders from his family, though Harry doubted it considering Dobby's fearful, hysterical behaviour.
-->