Harry Potter and the Unanswered Question

Chapter Seven

Diagon Alley

The morning of their trip to Diagon Alley dawned bright and beautiful. Harry got out of his bed and looked out his window. From there he could see Ginny in the garden with her mother. At the sight of the youngest Weasley, he felt his heart give a flip. He only had a moment to wonder about that odd feeling when Ron came up next to him. "Morning, Harry," he greeted sleepily.

"Morning," he replied.

"Hey, we're going to Diagon Alley, today, aren't we?" he said, instantly sounding more alert.

"Yup, so you better put some clothes on," he told his friend. Ron walked to his wardrobe and pulled out an old pair of jeans and t-shirt (maroon of course). When he was fully dressed the two friends headed down stairs to the kitchen. By the time they got down there, the girls were already seated at the table, munching on fruit and giggling.

"Something funny?" Ron asked.

"Nope!" Hermione replied with a smile.

"Girls," he muttered as he sat down. Harry took the empty seat next to Ginny.

"Mum says we're leaving for Diagon Alley at ten," she told him while Ron and Hermione bickered about how important their sixth year would be. He listened to the two go at it while buttering his toast. After filling his plate with fruit he turned back to Ginny.

"How are we getting there?" he asked.

"Mum is driving us," she replied.

After breakfast the foursome climbed into the car and headed for Diagon Alley. It was a good drive from Godric's Hollow to London and they filed away the time by playing Muggle car games, taught to them by Hermione.

"No, Ron, it has to be on a billboard or a road sign, you can't just make up words," she admonished.

"This game is stupid," he muttered.

Harry felt that Ron was just upset that he wasn't winning. He himself wasn't doing too well, but at the same time, he had never played games like this with Dudley, so it was as new to him as it was to the others.

Before they knew it, Mrs. Weasley was pulling into a parking space if front of the Leaky Cauldron. The four friends followed her through the dimly lit pub and out into the alley. They waited while she tapped the bricks with her wand. Then they watched as the brick wall magically opened up into Diagon Alley.

The group's first stop was Gringott's. There Harry was able to refill his moneybag and Hermione was able to exchange her British pounds for Wizards gold. After that the group headed to Flourish and Blotts while Mrs. Weasley returned to the Leaky Cauldron to get them rooms for the night. Before leaving them, she reminded them of the new curfew in affect. Everyone had to be indoors by sundown. All the shops were closing fifteen minutes before dusk to allow all their patrons a chance to get home.

Once inside the store, they all purchased quills and parchment. Ginny also had a new list of books, including the newest Defense book, A Wizard's Guide to Self-Protection, by Helena Hurlcar. Which led to speculation about this year's Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Harry, Ron and Hermione would purchase their books once they were at school and had decided what N.E.W.T level classes they were going to take.

After Flourish and Blotts, the group decided to split up. Ron and Harry headed to Quality Quidditch Supplies while Hermione and Ginny headed to Madame Malkin's. Harry first noticed a new broom display when they went into the store. It read, The Galaxy II model, ideal for chasers and seekers. 150 Galleons. Harry thought it looked like a good broom, but he was rather happy with his Firebolt. Ron was looking at it longingly.

"I would love to own a broom like that," he told his friend.

"Yeah, it looks pretty nice," he agreed.

"Weasley, what are you doing looking at that broom? Surely you could never afford a broom like that," Malfoy said with disdain in his voice.

"Stuff it, Malfoy," Ron told him. He just smirked and left the store. "All I need is one shot at him this year, one shot and he's mine," he said rather vehemently.

"Careful," Harry warned.

Several hours later the four friends met back up at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. Hermione bought the group giant sundaes. After devouring the delicious treats, the foursome headed back to the Leaky Cauldron. Once they entered the pub, Harry noticed a familiar form at the bar. "Hey," he told his friends, "it's Lupin."

"Let's go say, 'Hi'," Ginny suggested. Harry walked to the bar just as Lupin caught sight of him.

"Hello, Harry," he greeted warmly.

"Hello, Mooney," he responded.

"Listen, I want you guys to meet someone." At these words, the brunette sitting to the right of him turned to fact the group. She had long brown hair, a cute button nose and the bluest eyes Harry had ever seen. When her eyes fell on him, they widened in shock. "May I present Professor Brookes, your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Natalie, I'd like you to meet Hermione Granger, Ron and Ginny Weasley, and of course, Harry Potter," Remus introduced them all. Brookes politely nodded at the others, and then returned her gaze to Harry.

"I knew your father at school," she told him. "You look..."

"Just like him?" he finished for her. She gave a small smile.

"You hear that often?" she asked.

"Only from everyone who knew my father."

"You have your mother's eyes, though."

"I hear that a lot, too," he muttered.

"Well, Professor Brookes and I must be on our way. We will be seeing you soon, I'm sure," Lupin said as he gathered his and Brookes' cloaks.

"I'll see you at the Welcoming Feast," Brookes added as the walked away.

Hermione glanced at Harry. "I guess we know what happened to Natalie Brookes," she whispered to him.

"Yeah," he whispered back.

"Sweat!" they heard Ron exclaim. "We finally get a hot Defense teacher!"

"What!?" sputtered Hermione.

Ron looked over at her, "She was gorgeous! Did you see those eyes? I could get lost in those eyes," he sighed. Harry glanced over at Ginny, who was trying hard not to laugh at the look on Hermione's face. Her eyes were narrowed and her jaw was clenched.

"She wasn't that pretty," Hermione mumbled as she turned to go up to the girls' room.

Ginny leaned over to Harry and whispered, "Someone has a crush?"

He laughed and watched Ron saunter up the stairs to their room, leaving the two alone at the bar.

"Do you want to have a butterbeer before we go to bed?" he asked.

"Sure." She went to the nearest table while he ordered two butterbeers. Once seated, Ginny started up the conversation. "So, what do you think of our newest teacher?"

"She and my dad were going together during their seventh year, before he got together with my mum. I read about it in the diary you gave me," he told her.

"Why'd they break it off?"

"Dunno. I haven't gotten that far yet."

Ginny watched him for a moment, and then asked, "Are you okay?"

"Honestly, Gin, I haven't been sleeping too well," he admitted.

"It will get better, you just need time," she placed her hand on his for a minute, and then stood up. "Thanks for the drink, I'll see you tomorrow." With that she went up the stairs to her bed, and her forbidden dreams.

Harry followed her a few minutes later. When he reached his room, he found Ron already fast asleep. Deciding he wasn't tired enough yet for sleep, he picked up his father's diary and opened it to the next entry.

Friday, August 1

Lily and I partnered up in Potions today. I decided to just come out and ask her about The Order. She looked at me very suspiciously, but then to my utter surprise, she said, "Meet me at the Astronomy Tower at midnight. Alone!! I'm trusting you, Potter," with that she turned back to our potion and didn't say another word.

Oh boy...Lily Evans can be one scary witch. She told me that she had spent a lot of time protecting the identities of the students helping her and that they were very serious about what they were doing. She told me I had to be just as committed if I wanted to be a part of it. She also told me that the only way I would learn anything about it was to join, otherwise she actually threatened me with a Memory Charm! She told me she would let me in on everything, but I had to swear, on penalty of death never to utter a word to anyone. Then she pointed her wand at me and said, "If you say one word to your marauders then I will curse you to your dying day, don't doubt me Potter." Her eyes were on fire!! I have never been so scared! Sure, she looks sweet in the daylight, while doing her schoolwork, but alone at night, with no witnesses? Lily Evans is not someone to cross!! She told me to meet her in the common room at eleven o'clock next Friday. She will then show me to their meeting place. I will be given a right of passage and if I pass, I will be allowed to join. I have to admit, after seeing her tonight, I'm a little nervous about what I will have to do...

Monday, August 4

Well, what a Monday. Peter got a zero in Charms, Sirius got detention and I lost ten points in Transfiguration. McGonagall was lecturing us (again) on the importance of N.E.W.T's and I made one small smart comment. Boy did she flip! She gave me this horrible lecture on never making anything of myself, and then she took ten points from Gryffindor! Honestly! You would have thought I'd nearly killed someone or, I don't know, blown something up with the way she let into me! Oh well, that's Monday for you. This is gonna be a long week.

Harry glanced at the clock and was surprised to see it was a quarter past midnight. He decided that he needed to get to bed if he wanted to be up early tomorrow to head back to Godric's Hollow. He quietly undressed and crawled into his bed, switched off the small bedside lamp, then listened quietly to Ron's soft snores. Finally he felt his eyes begin to droop. His last thoughts as he slipped into sweet oblivion were of a red-haired, brown-eyed girl with a smile that made his heart do odd things.

~~

Harry awoke the next morning from a dream that left him feeling all warm inside, but try as he might, he couldn't remember what the dream had been about. He glanced over at Ron's bed to find the redhead already up and packed.

"Ready to go?" his friend asked.

"Uh...give me a minute," he sleepily replied. Fifteen minutes later he was dressed and downstairs with all his purchases. After a quick breakfast, they were on their way back to the house. Again the long drive was sped up by insane Muggle games. Harry found himself sitting next to Ginny. His leg was resting gently against hers. He found he kind of liked that. Before he knew it, the ride was over. He found himself being ushered into the house, then up the stairs to his room.

"Meeting," Ron mumbled. "Hermione was making those rules up!" he complained.

"You're just a bad sport, you don't like to lose to her," he smiled as he berated his irate friend. The redhead looked like he was about to say something rather rude, but was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Come," he called. Hermione and Ginny entered the room. Harry quickly scooted over to make room for Ginny, but to his surprise Hermione came and set down on the bed next to him. With a funny look on her face, Ginny went to sit next to her brother.

"I can't wait to get back to school! I really hope this Brookes is a good Defense teacher. It's been a while since we've had a decent one," Hermione rambled. Then she looked over at Harry. "Considering she knew your dad and his friends, it should be a good year! Maybe even like when Lupin was teaching." She beamed at him.

"Err...you're pretty excited about this, aren't you?" he asked, unsure if Brookes would really be like having their werewolf friend back.

"Oh yes!! This year we enter N.E.W.T level classes and since we all got Outstanding in Defense, we need a really good Defense teacher and you know how hard that is to find!" she explained. He smiled.

"I'm excited to have her because she's drop dead gorgeous," Ron smirked.

"You would," his sister retorted.

"Honestly, Ron, is that all you think about?" Hermione asked grumpily.

"Oh, I'm sorry, should I remind you of a certain Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher you were obsessed with?" he asked slyly.

"I was twelve!" she muttered, blushing furiously. Harry was trying hard not to laugh.

"Ginny, what classes are you taking this year?" he asked in an effort to stop the fight that was about to break out.

"Divination and Arithmancy," she replied.

"I'm ditching Divination if I can!" Ron added.

"You were right to get out when you did," Harry told Hermione.

"But we know now that there are real prophecies," Ginny argued.

"Yes, but how many have actually come from Trelawney?"

"Two," Harry answered for them.

Hermione looked like she was about to say something, but was interrupted by a knock on the door. Mrs. Weasley stuck her head in. "Dinner's ready," she announced. The foursome headed downstairs, following the delicious aromas. When they reached the kitchen they found a small feast awaiting them. "I thought, seeing how you are leaving for school day after tomorrow, we would have one last big dinner together. Fred and George are on their way. Arthur is heading out early. Remus will be here. Even Tonks promised to stop by sometime this evening," she informed them.

"Excellent!" Ron exclaimed. Harry smiled. It would be nice to see them all again. He hadn't seen Tonks since end of term last year.

"So, when do we eat?" came a voice from the hall.

"Fred, George!" Ginny squealed.

"Always nice to know we're loved by someone!" Fred said, feigning sadness.

"Hello, boys," their mother greeted each of them with a hug. Both twins shook Harry's hand enthusiastically. Then pounced on their youngest brother.

"Ronniekins!! How marvelous to see you!" George gushed. Everybody laughed while Ron tried to get lose of their monster hug. Mr. Weasley chose that moment to enter the kitchen. Another five minutes were spent greeting him in which time Remus made his appearance as well.

"Well, dinner is ready, so let's take our seats, shall we?" Mrs. Weasley asked while ushering the group to the table. Once Harry sat down at the table, he realized how hungry he was. Mrs. Weasley uncovered plates of smoked ham, potatoes, carrots sausages and fluffy rolls. He quickly filled his plate, then spit open a steaming roll and spread butter on it before taking a monster bite out of it.

"Mmmm...delicious, Mrs. Weasley!" Harry told her after he swallowed his mouthful of food.

"Thank you, Harry, dear," she replied with a smile. Ginny was just leaning over to say something to him when Tonks walked in.

"Wotcher, Molly! I'm so sorry I'm a bit late! Just got off-duty, came as quickly as I could," she apologized.

"Don't worry about it, dear. Have you eaten yet?"

"Actually, no, I haven't," she replied.

"Well, putt up a chair, have a plate," Mr. Weasley invited.

"Thanks!" she said as she piled food on her plate then pulled up a chair between Harry and Mr. Weasley.

"Duty?" Hermione asked. "What kind of duty?"

"Patrolling Diagon Alley. We have shifts. Six hours each," she explained.

"Sounds like fun," Ron commented.

"Actually it's a bit boring. So far it's been rather quiet. People are being lulled into a false sense of security. They need to stay on top of things, they need to be ready!" she told them.

"We know, we know," Lupin said, trying to calm the irate auror.

"So, are you ready for the new term?" Mr. Weasley asked to change the subject.

"Oh yes!" Hermione answered. And so the rest of dinner was filled with talk of school and classes and N.E.W.T's. By the time Harry climbed into his bed that night, he was exhausted and ready for sleep. The moment his head hit the pillow, he was out.

"But my lord, attack the school? Surely you cannot mean that!" he asked, cowering before the Dark Lord.

"You dare to question me?" Voldemort asked quietly.

"No!" the cowering figure spoke quickly. "It's just that, well, with all the protections and...well, Dumbledore, how could we ever hope to conquer Hogwarts?" he stammered. Voldemort was silent for a moment then he slowly lifted his want and pointed it at the man.

"You doubt my power?" he asked. "CRUCIO!!"

"Ahhhhhh!" Harry awoke to find himself wrapped in his sheets, sweating, with his scar on fire. Ron, who had awoken at his yell, came over to his bed.

"Harry! What is it?" he asked.

For a moment he wasn't sure how to answer. He had been dreaming, but he couldn't quite remember what about. "Nothing," he finally answered. "Nightmare," he added. Ron gave him a speculative look. "About Sirius," he lied.

"Oh," the redhead said quietly.

"Go back to sleep. I'm fine," he assured him. Ron went back to his bed and within minutes was fast asleep again. It took Harry a while longer to drift back to sleep and once he was asleep, it was punctuated with dreams of hooded figures and painful curses.