Pure Magic

2009

Somewhere in Britain

The redhead walked slowly into the smoke filled interior of a pub. She stood just inside the door for some long moments as she tried to get her bearings. The Muggle establishment gave her a very unsettled feeling. She let out a slow breath of air as her eyes adjusted to the dimness of the interior. How could people interact in such an environment, she thought.

The striking woman sat down at one of the small tables that lined the exterior of the establishment. She was here to observe and find out if their suspicions were true. If so….she shook her head, wishing that her companions were not late.

She jumped as someone tapped her shoulder. "Can I get you something to drink?"

She shook her head at first, then had a change of heart and nodded. "Just bottled water please." The words felt strange to her lips and she had to fight back a panicked feeling that started deep in the pit of her stomach. "Please get here soon." She said quietly.

"What was that?" The waiter had materialized back at her arm.

"Nothing." She assured before glancing at the small stage that had been erected against a wall of the pub. "What is the entertainment?"

The waited favored her with a smile of pride. "We have one of the best magicians around. He's pure magic, pure magic I say! He'll be onstage soon."

She watched the waiter walk away. "Pure magic? Is it really true?"

"Ginny!" the pub was nearly silent and the man's voice carried through the interior.

She peered into the murk that surrounded the door. "Over here." Thank goodness she wasn't alone anymore. She had felt very awkward and a little nervous. It wouldn't do to defend herself with magic in a pub. It would draw far too much attention and ruin their plan.

"Hi Ron, Hermione." They looked as pale as she was. "I haven't found anything out yet, only that there is a magician here."

"Could it be him?" Ron's eyes were alight with hope. "It's been so long and we all thought…"

"Ron please stop." Hermione replied softly. "We will know soon enough. We mustn't speculate. It could lead to such hurt." Her lower lip trembled slightly and Ron slipped an arm tightly around her in silent support.

"If it's him, we'll know." Ginny said in a determined tone. "No matter what changed about him, we'll just know."

"I hope so." Ron allowed. As he relaxed, he glanced around the room. His eyes caught some movement around the stage and he leaned forward, staring intently at the drama unfolding before him. "There's someone there. Could it be…?"

A spotlight suddenly blinded the few occupants of the small pub and a purposefully enigmatic voice boomed over the PA system. "And now to confound you, please welcome our very own magician, The Great Mystifer."

The light dimmed to focus on the man that stood nervously in front of a microphone. He cleared his throat nervously before speaking but as he opened his mouth, his intended words were drowned out by three shocked cries in unison.

"Harry Potter!"