CHAPTER FOUR
The Silver Locket
The remainder of the night at The Burrow was spent awake by everyone. Members of the Order went through the remaining guests, and found that all of them were alright, with the exception of two children in need of large amounts of chocolate. The Weasley's, Hermione, and Harry went ahead with clearing away the tables, cutlery resting unused on them, and chairs.
Harry felt sorry for Bill and Fleur, their wedding feast gone to ruin. The majority of the food still sat on the kitchen table, and was over the course of the night, eaten by those who helped clean up. The Delacour's stayed the night, helping as well, with the only exception of Mr. Delacour. He Apparated back to France shortly after midnight, making sure everyone there was safe.
When the sun rose in the morning, all the guests had made it safely home. Only the Weasley's, Delacour's, Harry, Hermione, and Lupin remained at The Burrow, made normal again, tables gone, the white tent packed up into the Weasley's attic.
Mad-Eye departed once he found everyone was alright, and Tonks and Shacklebolt had to go to the Ministry to report the attack. Harry felt very tired, and even though he had not asked more about his patronus to Lupin, he wanted very much to go to sleep.
As Harry drowsily sat down at the kitchen table, which now stood clean of food, he felt the lack of sleep overpowering him. Just as his head started to droop, his eyes closing slowly, a thump from the doorway cause him to jerk back awake. Lupin had come in from outside, looked around the room, and sat across from Harry.
`Harry, I'm surprised. I was expecting you to ask me all night about your patronus, yet you've barely said anything since the attack. Are you alright?' he asked amiably. Harry slowly nodded his head as he looked at the grey haired man, feeling himself momentarily falling asleep each time it inclined downwards. Lupin took out his wand, and conjured two cups of steaming butterbeer. Harry took a sip of his appreciatively, and looked up.
`I've just been . . . thinking, and I'm tired, that's all' he murmured. It was true, he had thought quite a bit while helping with the clean up. His mind raced with thoughts about his patronus, Hermione and Ron, Ginny, and what was to come in the next few months. The dementor attack reminded Harry of how big a threat Voldemort was. While at Privet Drive, he did not feel the danger as much, but now understood how the whole wizarding community felt.
`Thinking about what Harry?' Lupin asked. Harry could tell he was trying to fill Sirius' shoes, being the one Harry asked advice for. He knew Lupin just as long as Sirius, however they had a different connection. He felt his worries with Hermione and Ron where his own, and asking about it would not help, as well as his situation with Ginny. He decided to ask about his patronus, knowing Lupin already planned on telling him about it.
`As I said last night, your patronus changed, probably due to seeing Dumbledore die. I never really taught you everything about them. They take the shape of something that reflects the caster. Your patronus was a stag, because you are so much like your father, I mean, you even look like him. You resembled him so much, that you didn't even know it until Sirius told James' animagus form was a stag. It works much the same for Hermione. Hers, if I saw correctly, is an otter, which symbolizes curiosity, grace, and strength in character, all of which Hermione has.
`Now sometimes they change. Since the patronus reflects something of the caster, if the caster is changed, then it is changed as well. You might have seen that Nymphadora's patronus changed after Sirius' death. It was, before his death, a leopard, probably showing her cunning and hidden attributes. After his death, she was very distraught and sad. Since she changed, her patronus did too. Now she claims it's a Werewolf, but I personally believe it's a large dog, much like was Sirius was in his animagus form. She believes it's a Werewolf for -- well, for reasons. For me, I think it changed to a dog, not a Werewolf, because it reflects her feelings of loss. Your case is different though.'
Lupin looked around the kitchen, evidently seeing if anyone was around to hear. He moved closer to Harry, the creases on his face more apparent in the angled sunlight. He leaned slightly in on the table, and spoke in a quieter tone.
`In your case Harry, the death of Dumbledore must have affected you very much. It changed you enough to make you different than your father. I can understand, since Dumbledore always had a special place for you in his heart, and I can imagine it worked the other way too.' Harry nodded, and Lupin continued. `The interesting part comes in figuring out why your patronus changed specifically to a phoenix.
`You see, Voldemort was always scared to face Dumbledore. He avoided it as much as possible, and his Death Eaters knew this. The dementors also knew, and that is why they fled last night. They saw the phoenix, and how powerful it was, and believed Dumbledore was here. They are afraid of him as much as Voldemort is. Now I have done some thinking myself about why it would change to a phoenix, and I can only surmise one reason. I think, that it's because you are more like Dumbledore now.'
Harry wondered if Lupin's butterbeer was spiked. How could Harry be like Dumbledore? Dumbledore was the greatest wizard in the world, with a plethora of knowledge Harry could never have. Harry remembered when Dumbledore would walk into a room, and radiate energy and power. Harry could never have that, and even if he did, not at his age at least. `That's not possible,' said Harry. `How can I be more like Dumbledore?'
`Well, I think only one big factor comes into play here: Voldemort is scared of you too Harry. He has tried countless times to kill you, yet you've always managed to escape. You have, whether you realize it or not, the makings of a great wizard in you. You must of course understand that Dumbledore was your age at sometime, and was not as great in his younger years. He was able to perform magic beyond his years, much like you.
`I think it's much the same now as it was with your stag patronus. You didn't realize how much you were like James until after you found out about his animagus form. This is the same' expressed Lupin. He looked at Harry for a moment, and stood up.
`You should go and get some sleep. Most of the others have gone for a nap, and you had it worst than most of them. Go ahead, things will be fine' he reassured.
`Thanks Remus' smiled Harry, as he stood up, and walked towards the staircase. As he bound upwards, he went over the thoughts in his head.
It did make some sense that his patronus would change after Dumbledore died. It affected him very profoundly, not having the voice of wisdom there. Harry walked into Ron's room, finding Ron lying diagonally on his bed, sleeping noisily. The window had been closed and draped, making the room relatively dark. Next to Ron's bed, a small second bed was there for Harry. Harry, very unceremoniously, fell onto the bed, and fell asleep instantly.
Harry felt he had been asleep for only a few seconds, when he was woken up by the creak of the door being opened. Harry stirred slowly, noticing his glasses had slid down his face. He quickly put them on, and looked to the doorway.
Hermione was there, holding a tray of food. Harry glanced at Ron's bed, and found it was empty. He looked at the window quickly, and could tell the sun was low on the horizon, telling him it was late in the day. Hermione walked into the room, putting the tray down on Ron's bed, and went over to open the drapes slightly. Sunlight poured into the room, and it took Harry a few seconds to adapt to the light. He sat up, and looked to Hermione who smiled.
`I brought you some food. How are you feeling?' she asked timidly, moving back onto Ron's bed. Harry turned around groggily on his bed, and faced Hermione, wiping his eyes to see clearly. She passed the tray to Harry, who glanced at it, putting it down next to him. It seemed to have an array of food from the previous night that was not eaten. He decided he would eat after Hermione left.
`I'm alright.'
`Harry, do you have any idea why your patronus changed?' she asked curiously.
`Yeah, I talked to Lupin about it this morning. He said it was because I saw Dumbledore die. Said something about a patronus reflected the caster, and that I changed. He said that it being a phoenix might be because I'm . . . well, Lupin said I'm more like Dumbledore, although I can't see how' said Harry evenly. Hermione nodded.
`I figured as much. I did some reading about patronus', and they sometimes change after having something big affect you. And I don't know what you're talking about, I can see resemblances between you and Dumbledore' she articulated confidently. Harry gave her a quizzical look, and asked what connections.
`Well, you both are skilled wizards, leaders, and, if I might say so, excellent teachers. Look at the patronus I made. You taught me how to do that. Without the DA, I would not have been able to.' She smiled, and motioned Harry to eat. She was getting up to leave, when Harry suddenly blurted out words he instantly regretted.
`I saw you and Ron . . . up here, before the feast' he muttered. Harry hated himself for asking, and wished he could take it back. This was something between the two of them, and it was not his place to interfere with it. He was going to apologize, but Hermione stopped in the doorway. She paused for a moment, sat back down, and was again, avoiding Harry's eyes by looking at her feet.
'Let me explain' she said quietly.
'Ron and I . . . well, after the funeral, we talked a bit about things, and we have been owling each other quite a bit. When I got here, he was . . . well, like I said, down and out. I came up here to tell him to not to get all upset about it, and I don't know. I gave him a hug, and when I looked up, we ended up kissing. You must have walked in then. I had a feeling you saw something, because you looked pretty shocked, but I kept quiet. I talked to Ron afterwards, just to tell him to keep it quiet for the moment, so we could talk about it today.' She finally looked at Harry, very intently.
`Harry, I want to know if it's OK with you about me and Ron. Please tell me, truthfully, is it OK?' she asked, giving Harry a hopeful look.
Harry looked at her, weighing his options. He knew it would change how they were friends. He knew he would probably become a third wheel, but on the other hand, he shouldn't say no just because of himself. That would be selfish, and this is something both of them want. He decided, and smiled.
'I have no problems with you and Ron. He's liked you long enough, it's about time the oaf finally did something about it' he said laughingly. She smiled back, and giggled, something quite un-Hermione like.
'How are you getting along with Ginny?' she asked, sounding happier with Harry's response. Harry frowned.
'Well, I'm hoping she'll be OK. She usually bounces back alright, but I can imagine it'll take time' he replied.
'Don't worry, I'll talk to her. She'll be alright' she sympathized. She stood, and walked to the door, again motioning Harry to eat. He smiled again, and dove into his food.
Just as Harry finished his meal, Ron came into the room, and sat down on his bed. He asked Harry about his patronus as well, and Harry told him a shortened version of the story he told Hermione.
`Blimey, more like Dumbledore' he said after Harry finished. Harry wasn't feeling like retelling the exact conversation to Ron, and was more worried about the night before and if everyone was alright, so he asked.
`Everyone's OK. Mum isn't very happy that the wedding was messed up, but dad was just happy no one was really hurt. Bill and Fleur went to France with the Delacours once everything was cleaned up. The garden was messed up a lot last night, but it's back to normal' said Ron gruffly, as he laid back on his bed.
The mentioning of the garden pushed the last nights events out of Harry's mind, and brought back the visions from his dream.
`Ron, I had a dream a few weeks ago on the Hogwarts Express. It was of The Burrow. The Dark Mark was over it, and it was deserted' Harry said quickly. Ron sat up, and looked at Harry, a contemplative look on his face, his eyes thin with thought.
`Well, no one was there, right?' he asked. Harry nodded, and he continued, sounding elated. `Well, no worries then. Since you didn't see anyone, then no one was hurt. We must've gotten all out before anything happened' said Ron coolly.
Harry had not thought of it that way, but he had not mentioned the presents of Nagini at the house, or the eerie feeling when he was running inside looking for the Weasley's. He mentioned these both to Ron, his attitude staying the same.
`Don't worry Harry. Tell my dad about it, but I'm not too worried. Seems in the dream we get out alright. Com'on, lets get downstairs,' he said, motioning to the door. Harry picked up his food tray, and followed Ron downstairs to the kitchen, where Charlie, Ginny, and Hermione were sitting at the table. They all seemed rested, but still on edge after the last night's events.
`I know Ginny, but you won't know until August' said Charlie, looking thoroughly annoyed. Ginny was sitting opposite him, looking out the window. `Hi Harry, how you feeling?' asked Charlie, turning towards the stairwell.
`I'm fine. What won't you know until August?' asked Harry. Ginny continued to look out the window, not responding to Harry.
`Well, Ginny here is worried Hogwarts won't be open in September, but I keep telling her she won't find out until the letters come, which is in August' said Charlie firmly. Ginny was looking longingly out the window, no doubt hoping to see an owl flying towards The Burrow. She gave a sigh, and turned towards Charlie.
`I'm not just waiting for that, my OWL results should be here soon. I know I did awful in Potions, but I'm hoping for a pass' she said somberly. Harry had almost forgotten that she had just finished her OWL's and the results came before the usual Hogwarts letters.
`I'm sure they'll come in soon Ginny' said Harry, giving her a quick smile, hoping she would look at him at least. She gave sigh, and looked back to the window. `Where's your mum and dad?' Ginny exused herself, and went outside. Charlie now gave a sigh, and answered Harry.
`Dad's at work, and Mum is outside. She was nice, and didn't ask us to degnome or help with the garden today' he said nicely. Ron and Harry made their way to the sitting room, where Hermione joined them.
`Don't fret about Ginny, she'll come around eventually. I'm just worried that we weren't able to tell any of the Order about the address' she said, looking concerned.
Harry forgot about telling the Order about the new address, and now everyone was gone. He looked back on the night, and noticed there were few times they could have actually told people anyways; but the chance of getting that many Order members together again is minimal.
`Well, we can at least tell Ron's family, and I'm sure Remus will be back before we leave' pointed out Harry. Ron looked puzzled at the conversation, and somewhat annoyed that he didn't know what they were talking about. Harry saw this, and told Hermione to tell him about Grimmauld. She took out a quill, and parchment, and wrote down a quick note. She handed the paper over to Ron, who read it quickly. He looked taken aback as Hermione quickly took the paper back, and set it on fire.
`You renamed Grimmauld!? But that means . . . wait a minute! Hermione's your secret keeper!' flabbergasted Ron, as both Harry and Hermione made frantic attempts to keep him quiet. Harry nodded, putting his finger to his lips, and Ron's mouth opened in shock.
`When did you do that?' mouthed Ron. Harry explained how they went to Grimmauld after getting off the Hogwarts Express with Professor Flitwick. Ron only closed his mouth a minute or two after gawking at both Hermione and Harry.
`So that's why you two both left so quickly that day. I was asking Mum about it, but she said to mind my own business. So how are you going to tell the other Order members?'
`Well, we're going to have to deal with that when it happens. Let me go show you what I've been studying' said Harry merrily. There was nothing they could do about it now, and Harry wanted to show them what he was practicing. The three of them got up, went ahead and gave the new address to Charlie, Ginny, and Mrs. Weasley, and walked over to a clear area of grass to practice spells.
Hermione was surprised to see how easily Harry could do some non-verbal spells, and his new wandless spell for getting out of Petrificus Totalus. Harry found it worked also on Stunning Spells too. Once it started to get dark, the three of them returned to the house, where they found Mr. Weasley returned from work, along with Tonks and Lupin.
`How have you three been doing today?' asked Mr. Weasley as they entered the kitchen. Lupin smiled when Harry mentioned the spells he learned on his own and were practicing, and they all sat down at the dinner table to eat. During the dinner, Hermione went ahead and gave Grimmauld's new address to Mr. Weasley, Lupin, and Tonks.
Once dinner was finished, it was time for Harry to return to Privet Drive. He said goodbye to the Weasley's, Hermione, and Tonks, and followed Mr. Weasley and Lupin to the lawn in front of The Burrow, where the three of them Apparated back to Privet Drive. When they arrived in the backyard, Harry stopped them from entering the house.
`It's best if we talk back here' assured Harry. Lupin and Mr. Weasley nodded in agreement, and moved away from the door.
`OK, so did Professor McGonagall talk to you about what's planned for your birthday?' asked Lupin. Harry nodded, and asked who would be his guard.
`Well, me, Mad-Eye, Kingsley, Nymphadora- sorry, Tonks. It'll take a while for me to get used to that' Lupin commented, smiling at Harry. 'Anyways, we're keeping the guard smaller; we don't want to attract too much attention. We will be here at quarter to midnight the night of the 30th.' Mr. Weasley now looked at his watch, and motioned Lupin away from Harry.
`Sorry Harry, but we have to get back. I'll make sure to tell Ron and Hermione to keep the owls going' said Mr. Weasley. Harry suddenly remembered he had to tell him about his dream, and waved his hands hoping to stop the two of them from Apparating away. He reached them, and told Mr. Weasley his concerns. Mr. Weasley looked distressed about the dream.
`OK, thank you for telling me Harry. I'll tell Molly about it, and we will make sure nothing happens, OK? Alright, now, go ahead inside. Keep the training up, and we'll see you in a few weeks' he reassured. Harry nodded, and with a quick handshake, Lupin and Mr. Weasley Apparated away.
Harry took a deep breath, turned, and entered the kitchen. He told his uncle, who was sitting in the sitting room watching a boxing match with Dudley, that he was home. He received a wave of a pudgy hand in response, and went ahead to his room, putting away his clothes and planning his next few weeks.
Meanwhile outside, a small bush next to the fence in the backyard gave a rustle, and a disheveled rat scurried out. The rat gave a quick glance to the house, and scuttled off through a hole in the fence.
*
By the morning of July 30th, Harry was more than ready to leave Privet Drive. His aunt and uncle made a week long joke of the wedding Harry attended. Even though Harry told them it was just like a normal wedding (although he did not know exactly what a muggle wedding was like, and he neglected to mention the Dementors), they seemed not to hear. He was glad when they found it less funny, and finally dropped it.
Harry spent most of his time inside still, trying to go over everything he needed to do over the next few months. He knew searching for the Horcruxes was top on the list, but getting to Grimmauld and going to Godric's Hollow was first. Plus, while in he stayed at Privet Drive, he could not really do any searching or thinking about Horcruxes. He knew he would need to actually go to different places, and get help from Ron and Hermione.
Hermione and Ron continued to send owls during his last few weeks at Privet Drive. The Order decided for both Harry's and others safety that Hermione and Ron could not come to Privet Drive. The biggest concern was if Death Eaters were watching the house for people entering and leaving. Harry was upset about this decision, however understood the repercussions. If Death Eaters were watching Number Four, and if Hermione or Ron came here, they could be identified and put at risk, which is the last thing Harry wanted.
Harry woke, and found July 30th was much like that of the wedding, clear and warm. He got up, and got ready for the day. He had been cleaning his room up during the past few days, and little was left to pack. Once he ate breakfast, he made sure everything was packed in his trunk. He wanted to be ready ahead of time, to make his departure as quick as possible. He neglected to tell his aunt or uncle about leaving, and planned too at supper time.
As he packed his trunk with the last items from his room, he was reminded of things from his past. He picked up his photo album that Hagrid gave him as he left in his first year. He opened it, and his parents waved back. Harry smiled, and put the album carefully in the trunk, on top of his Hogwarts robes.
Next were the shard remains of his old Nimbus Two-Thousand. He was surprised to find them, forgetting that he had kept them. He took them, wrapped them in a small bag, and placed them in the trunk, along with his intact broom--his wonderful Firebolt. Once everything he owned was in his trunk, which notably still had space, he took it and moved it to the end of his bed. He sat down, and looked around the room.
He called this his room for 6 years, and was now leaving it forever. He did not like Privet Drive, with all the bad memories of his childhood. Nevertheless, this room was his sanctuary. Even though his uncle locked him in here, he was able to do what he wanted within the confines of these walls. He felt he would miss the room, even though it was originally just a storage room for Dudley's broken toys.
At supper that night, Harry had no choice but to tell his uncle, aunt, and Dudley that he would be leaving forever. As Vernon finished telling Harry's aunt about a customer that came in that day by taking a sip of water, Harry stole the opportunity to tell him.
`I'm leaving tonight, for good' he announced quickly. Vernon spat his water, turning as he did trying not to get it on the table and instead, pelting Dudley with the full brunt.
He put his empty glass down, and looked at Harry with an almost insane look of happiness on his face. Petunia, seeming less ebullient for some reason, was listening to Harry carefully, something she never did. Dudley, in the mean time, was trying to dry himself off.
`Leaving. Leaving! For good? Oh, I've waited for this day!' boasted Vernon, getting up from the table and reaching to the top of the cabinet behind him, and pulling out a small bottle of liquor.
He grabbed two small glasses, handed one to Petunia. He poured the amber coloured liquor in the two glasses, excitedly toasted, and drained his glass, Petunia following suite. They hugged each other, and sat back down with large smiles on their faces.
`How soon are you gone boy?' he asked, refilling his drink.
`Tonight, just before midnight' responded Harry irritably. He stood up, and moved to the kitchen with his plate. He did not want to be in the room as they celebrated Harry's coming departure. He quickly returned to his room, as he heard Uncle Vernon talking about what to do with Harry's soon to be empty room. Harry entered the room, and was surprised to see a small creature standing next to his bed.
It was small, with large green eyes, and very bizarre clothes, which included a number of hats, a red sweater, and an innumerable amount of socks.
`Harry Potter! Dobby has been waiting to see you!' said the house elf excitedly.
`Dobby! What are you doing here? Why have you been waiting to see?' asked Harry, as he sat down on his bed. Dobby walked quickly to Harry, and looked at him grimly.
`Harry Potter is in danger, and Dobby has come to help in his time of need!' announced Dobby. Harry understood that he was in danger, he was always in danger now. Why would Dobby come to help though? He was protected here until midnight, but he was leaving with the guard before hand.
`How am I in danger Dobby?' Harry asked. Dobby looked around the room, and moved closer to Harry.
`Harry Potter must be careful tonight. Mr. Lupin sent me to bring your trunk to your new home, and told me to warn you. Be careful and remember your questions Harry Potter!' whispered Dobby gravely, putting a hand on Harry's trunk and Hedwig's empty cage, and snapping his fingers. With a crack, Dobby, the trunk, and cage vanished.
Harry was glad he had his wand in his pocket, that he let Hedwig out to hunt, and that he packed earlier. He understood Dobby's warning, just to make sure Harry had his questions ready for the guard.
He looked at his watch, and found he had just under three hours left until he was leaving. He did not know how the guard was getting him to Grimmauld. He remembered last time they came for him, and the long broom ride it took to get to Grimmauld. They couldn't be taking brooms, because his had just vanished, along with all his other possessions.
Harry decided to take the time, make sure nothing was left, and try to rest. He did not sleep much the night before, excited over the last day at the Dursley's. He tried hard to sleep, however his excitement was tripled now. The idea of finally leaving the Dursley's was something Harry dreamed and wished for years.
Harry started thinking of how he would celebrate when he arrived at Grimmauld when suddenly, a knock came at the door. No one ever knocked on Harry's door. Usually, Uncle Vernon would just unlock the door, and trample in. Harry got up, went to the door, and opened it causiously.
Aunt Petunia was standing outside, looking down the hallway. She looked back at Harry, and he found she looked sad, or at least what sad might look like on Petunia. He asked what was wrong, and she motioned Harry down the hallway towards her and Uncle Vernon's room. Harry was hesitant to follow, but saw a small amount of hope in Aunt Petunia's eyes, and followed her down the hallway. She opened the door, and he followed.
Their room was about twice the size of Harry's. A queen size bed with white sheets was against the closest wall in the centre. There was a light wood vanity and armoire located on the other walls, both of which where spotlessly clean.
As Harry looked around the room, still standing in the doorway, Aunt Petunia was going into the bottom of the armoire, and retrieved a small cardboard box, placing it on the top of the vanity. Harry moved slowly to the opposite side of the vanity, looked at Petunia, and was surprised to see she was crying as she sat down in the seat.
Harry didn't know what to say. He had no idea why she asked him to come into her and Uncle Vernon's room, let alone why she got this box. It had no marks on the outside, and was closed by one piece of tape. She took off the tape, still sniffling, and put the box in front of Harry.
`Open it' she said, taking a tissue out dabbing her eyes. Harry took the box, and slowly lifted the lid.
The box was empty, at least at first glance. When Harry looked closer, he saw a small circular locket lying on the bottom. It was silver, with a plain outside, and about the size of a five pence piece. Harry looked to his aunt, who motioned Harry to open it. Harry opened the locket, and was surprised to find two faces staring back at him.
There, inside the silver locket, was a picture of Harry's mother Lily on one side, and on the other, a picture of Harry's father James. Harry stood stunned in his aunt and uncle's bedroom, while Petunia looked on. The pictures where wizards pictures, so both Lily and James waved to Harry. Harry was going to ask his aunt about it, when she answered his unasked question.
`It was Lily's. We, sorry, I was told to give it to you when you where old enough. Of course, I forgot about it until a few days ago. Since you're leaving tonight, I'm giving it to you now' she finished. She had finished crying, and was now watching Harry sympathetically.
Harry thought about it over in his head how to respond. She kept this in her room all this time, and never gave it to him. She says she forgot, which could be true, but Harry felt torn between yelling about keeping the locket from him, and thanking her for giving it to him. He resolved to thank his aunt. She did keep it all this time, even though she tried as hard as possible to forget Harry's mother. Also, Harry just noticed, Petunia used his mother's first name just now.
`Thank you Aunt Petunia' said Harry. She stood up, and quickly motioned Harry to the door. She checked to make sure no one was around, and Harry returned to his room. Once Harry was inside, he turned the light on, and examined the locket closer.
It was silver, fairly light in weight, with a silver chain. No marks were present on the outside, and when Harry opened it again, his parents smiled up at him. He saw the edges of the pictures where worn, and took them out carefull. Underneath, he was surprised to find a tiny inscribing.
To my
dearest Lily
All my love
James
Harry read the inscribing, and realized this locket was his mother's, given to her by his father. Harry felt a warm feeling in his heart, at the knowledge it was his mother's. He now had one item of each of his parents; his fathers cloak, and now, his mother's locket. Harry, sitting in his room, on his bed to which he would never sleep in again, was suddenly overcome with emotion.
Harry now had no family left. His parents dead before he knew them, his godfather dead for over a year now, and Harry's last person, Dumbledore, was now gone too. Harry had wished so much over his lifetime that his parents lived, and that he would have had a normal life. He had no memories of his parents and up to now, only one thing to connect to them, his father cloak. Now, with his mother's locket, Harry felt alone, and far away. As memories of times he wished for his mother and father started pouring into his mind, tears started to fall on his lap as he held his head in his hands, his right one still holding onto the locket.
Harry tried to calm himself down, and relax. He realized how he never really had a chance to reflect like this about his life up to now, and decided determinately that this was not the time. He wiped his eyes, and decided to put the locket on. It did not look as foolish as he thought it would, it having been for a girl. The locket was small enough to look like a small silver disk. Harry checked his watch, and saw it was 9:38pm. The guard would be here in almost two hours. Harry laid down on his bed, and closed his eyes, hoping to sleep, but settled with a rest.
His mind was doing back flips, racing along with so many thoughts. The Horcruxes, Ron and Hermione, the Order, his parents, Sirius, Dumbledore, and surprisingly, Aunt Petunia, all continued to surface in his thoughts as he lay in the darken room. Harry tried hard to enjoy the last few hours in the protected house, his thoughts not allowing it. Harry sat up after what felt like ten minutes, turned on the light, and looked to his watch. To his surprise, it read 11:29pm. He had been laying on his bed mulling over his thoughts for almost two hours. Shaking his head to keep alert, Harry surveyed the room, taking one last glance at his room, and closed the door behind him.
When he got downstairs, he found, to his surprise and dismay, all the Dursley's up and in the living room. Watching the late newscast on the television, they looked at him enter and sit down carefully. The news anchor was reporting on an unexplained car crash just outside Manchester that killed all the occupants. Harry and the Dursley's now looked at the anchor woman.
`The father of the family driving the car somehow ended up veering off the road, and into a ravine, where the car sunk quickly. The Boot family of Preston, Lancashire, father Thomas, mother Margaret, and two sons Alex and Terry, all perished. Driving conditions where normal, and no skid marks were found on the roadway. Police have released no other information, and are investigating further' said the anchor. Harry was struck with horror as he listened.
Terry Boot was in Harry's year at Hogwarts, except in Ravenclaw. He remembered when he saw him get sorted, and in their fifth year, when he asked why Hermione wasn't in Ravenclaw because she was so smart. He was a muggleborn, so his family knew nothing of magic.
It was not an accident, but a murder. Harry remembered Dumbledore talking about the Riddle murders, and how odd they were to muggles. This car accident had the same feeling, and Harry knew it was Voldemort's doing.
Vernon gave a grunt, and changed channels. `News is so depressing these days. What's happening to this bloody country!' He found a channel that suited him better, which had a show about vacationing in Italy. His uncle rearranged himself in his seat, and cleared his throat.
`So, you're finally leaving tonight?' he asked, and Harry nodded back to his uncle. To Harry's disbelief, Vernon did not smile back in his usual victorious mood, but instead, wore an unhappy frown. Vernon looked to Petunia, who looked sad, then stood up.
`Yes, well, good luck there boy. Make sure not to come back. I'm going to bed' he said evenly, leaving the room, and thumping up the stairs. Dudley made a grab for the remote control, and switched the television to one of his newest liked shows. Harry looked to his watch again, and stood up, seeing that the guard would be here in ten minutes.
As Harry made his way to the kitchen, he was surprised to see Aunt Petunia moving to the kitchen as well. He entered, and she followed, taking a seat at the table and looking sad and upset. Harry asked what was wrong, and she looked down at the table and answered.
`I'm . . . I'm sorry Harry. I realize how horrible your uncle and I have been' she expressed, giving Harry a sorrowful look. Harry was taken aback by this remark, seeing how in years past she would always try and blame everything on him, and get mad at him so easily.
`I don't understand' he said, `why are you saying this now?'
`Because you're leaving. Last summer, Dumbledore spoke the truth, whether I like it or not. And as much as I am disgusted by your kind, you are family, so I apologize.' Harry was mystified. Not only was she apologizing, she knew Dumbledore's name, and, he remembered, what dementors were. This would be the last time he would see his Aunt, so he had nothing to loose by asking.
`Aunt Petunia' he started cautiously, `how do you know about Dumbledore and dementors?'
She took a long breath, and gave a glance towards the living room, where the television was playing Dudley's program. She motioned Harry to sit down across from her, and he did. Harry so far figured he was alright, considering she did not start ranting and raving at him.
`I remember when your mother got her letter. Like I told you, Mum and Dad were so proud of her. I was, of course, disgusted by it at first. A witch, in our family' she said weakly.
Harry leaned towards the table, and listened carefully.
`She went to that awful school, and I continued a normal life. Mum and Dad always told me how much they wished for me to be a witch too, and it disgusted me they didn't see the truth. I thought I'd have no choice the day I received my letter.' At this comment, Harry lost control, and his mouth fell open in shock.
'You received a Hogwarts letter?' Harry asked in surprise. Petunia lowered her head, and nodded slowly.
'I remember the afternoon the owl came. Luckily, I was in my room, and it came through the window; scared me half to death. It was an acceptance letter like the one Lily received. I didn't want to be like Lily though. She always was first for everything, and there I was; the runner up. I didn't want that in my life, especially as a horrible witch. So, I took the letter, and burned it in my spiteful, and I'll admit, childish mood. Your grandparents never suspected, and although they were sad about it, I was not'
`So you can do magic?' Harry asked tentatively.
`No, I've never done magic. I never wanted to' she answered, sighing tiredly. `Truth be told' she continued, lifting her head and looking at Harry, `as time went on, I became . . . jealous of Lily and being a witch.'
`Jealous?'
`Your grandparents were always proud of her accomplishments and her talent. The oldest child, succeeding so well at school, living in a world they could only dream of, the first to marry . . . I was always second to your mother. I detested her for it, and I started hating myself as well. I won't lie, sometimes I wondered what would have happened if I had entered your world . . .'
`But how do you know about Dumbledore, and dementors?' Harry reiterated.
`Lily and James were at your grandparents house just before their wedding, and I was just leaving from a visit. I used the loo before I left, and overheard them talking about dementor attacks to your grandparents. They explained what they were, and learned that way.
`The first time I heard from Dumbledore when I burned my letter when I was eleven. He sent me a letter asking why I did not accept the invitation to Hogwarts, but I did not reply. I was focused on not being like Lily. After that, I heard nothing from him until the night you showed up on my doorstep, and he left a note telling me what I had to do for you.'
`I was torn with what to do with you. You were a symbol of everything I hated; Lily, and the magical world. So, I treated you in a manner befitting that hatred. Dumbledore wrote asking how you were as you grew up, and I informed him that you were alright. Mrs. Figg helped me with the owls, so Vernon would not suspect anything; however I disliked having to deal with those wretched owls.' Harry, at this point, had to interrupt.
`Wait, you knew that Mrs. Figg was a squib?' he asked astonished. Petunia nodded, and Harry continued. `Is that why you sent me there?'
`At first, when you where younger, it was alright for me to make quick trips there so Dumbledore would not intrude. Eventually, I decided that it would be easier for Mrs. Figg to do it, so we sent you there once a year. She would see how you where, and tell Dumbledore. He left me alone, only until that night dementors came' Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing.
`When the letter came, it was Dumbledore telling me to remember his last note. Mrs. Figg gave it to me during that summer. It told me to keep you in the house, or you would die at the hands of the same man that killed your parents.
`At first I kept you safe because I didn't want Dumbledore to interfere with my life; but after all the hate and anger I put to both you and Lily, I felt this was something I had to do. Lily gave her life to save you, and I knew what was waiting for you outside this house. I decided after all those years of being childish with my sibling jealousy and envy over your mother's accomplishments, to do the right thing for once. I kept you here, to protect you, which was what Dumbledore first asked of me.' She took a short breath at this point, but continued on.
`It was hard to sell to Vernon, nevertheless he forgot about it with time. Now my task is done, and you are leaving. Again, I'm sorry for how we have treated you, and please, do not tell Vernon or Dudley of what I have done' she finished. Harry nodded, and the two stood up. Petunia moved around to the other side of the table, and looked sadly at Harry.
`Be safe' she said. Harry nodded again, and Petunia did something she never did before. She gave Harry a hug.
Harry was caught off balance by this mentally. Just hours before, she was toasting to his leaving the house, and now she was hugging him goodbye. He wondered if he would ever understand such a bizarre night.
The hug itself was light, however Harry accepted it. To finally see some compassion from Petunia was a welcome change, even if it was only minutes before he was leaving. Petunia let go, and left the kitchen, and went upstairs to her and Vernon's room silently. Harry turned, and gave a big sigh, trying to piece parts of what Petunia said into a picture that would make sense. It would be, Harry could tell, a big picture.
Just as he was about to take a seat, a knock came at the back door, startling Harry slightly. Harry moved to the window
and looked out, and he was happy to see Lupin, Tonks, Kingsley, and Mad-Eye waiting for him. The talk with Petunia left
him disoriented, totally forgetting the guard. Lupin waved to Harry, and moved closer to the door.
`OK Harry, here's your question: why were you a little upset at the wedding?' asked Lupin. Harry remembered and
told Lupin it was because he wasn't in the wedding party.
Lupin smiled, `that's right Harry, now ask us our questions quickly' he said, pointing to his wrist. Harry looked at the clock, and noticed it was already 11:46pm. Harry went ahead and asked Mad-Eye, Kinglsy, and Tonks their questions. All answered correctly (although Tonks needed to answer twice to get it correct. Harry attributed it to her nerves). At last came Lupin, with a simple question Harry knew he would answer correctly.
`Alright Remus, why do you think my patronus changed?' He knew the question was simple, since they only talked about it a few weeks before.
`Ah yes,' he said, glancing at the others. `If I remember correctly, we agreed it was because of the stress of the situation. There were a lot dementors there that night, so it must have changed your patronus for the time. Now Harry, can we get going, it's getting close to midnight' said Lupin. Harry gave a fake smile, and quickly moved from the window against the wall, and stared blankly at the table with utter bewilderment.
Lupin gave the wrong answer. Lupin said it was from seeing Dumbledore die, and that he was more like Dumbledore. Giving Harry the wrong answer meant only one thing: these weren't Lupin and Order members, they were Death Eaters.
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