Harry Potter and the Emerald Sceptre

~~~~ Chapter 3 ~~~~

Shopping

Harry awoke late the next morning. The first thing he noticed was that he could not feel his left arm. He looked down. Katie was curled up next to him, with her arm across him and her head resting on his chest. Neither of them were wearing anything. She looked so peaceful curled up next to him. He didn't have the heart to wake her. He gently pulled his arm out from under her and pulled on some clothes. He quietly slipped out of the room and headed towards the bathroom.

"Have fun last night?" asked a voice. Harry spun around to find Albus Dumbledore looking at him.

"How did you know to send me the note?" asked Harry.

"You are still being watched wherever you go, the incident in the park reaffirmed the need to follow you. Dedalus was quite upset when you saw through his disguise."

"What? I never... the pigeon. Diggle is an Animagus."

"Yes Harry. Now, how much have you told Miss Bell?"

"Enough, all, in fact. Well, nothing about Order operations, just about me, and what has happened."

"Do you trust her?"

"Yes. Don't you?"

"Yes I do," said Dumbledore slowly. "I knew her father. He was a great man. I don't believe that she would betray us, though I hope you are not always that loose with information. But remember, I have only given her access to your home, not our Headquarters. That has been relocated. Harry, as Remus has probably told you, you are no longer a boy. You are entering the real world now; you must be responsible for you actions. Don't do anything foolish with this new freedom. Remember 'with great power, comes great responsibility'. Now, onto brighter things, I have an offer to make. Molly is taking her children, Miss Granger and Mr. Thomas to Diagon Alley tomorrow, she would like for you to join them, and you may bring your new girlfriend."

"She's not my..." Harry began, but then it dawned on him. Was she his girlfriend? Was it a one-night stand or the beginning of a relationship? He hoped it was the latter. They had been friends for what seemed like an eternity, ever since his first Quidditch training session, all those years ago. Then there was her father. Harry now realised that it was not only his family that had been torn apart by Voldemort. He had hardly given all those others a thought, except for Neville's parents. Maybe Snape was right, in Harry's view it all came down to him. Last year he had spent so much time shouting at others, believing that they all knew nothing about pain, about personal loss. He promised himself right there and then, he would never be so selfish again. The trip to Diagon Alley would take their minds off things; it would give them all a chance to unwind and to catch up with friends. They needed to have a little fun; a trip to Diagon Alley would suffice. But would Katie want to go? He reminded himself to ask her when she was awake.

"Yes I'd love to go. I'll ask Katie when she is awake," said Harry.

"Very well, I will tell Molly to expect you and here are your two booklists for tomorrow." Dumbledore handed him two envelopes and then left. Harry showered and went downstairs. He made two cups of tea and returned to the bedroom. Katie was up and in the shower. He made the bed, folded her clothes, and laid them down on the bed. She returned a few minutes later. Her hair was rather bedraggled; she still looked beautiful though far from elegant.

"You look rough," joked Harry

"Yeah well I didn't get much sleep last night."

"Neither did I, what a coincidence." She laughed. "I made you tea," continued Harry. He gestured to the mug on the table. "I'll be in the kitchen when you're changed. Just follow the smell of frying bacon." He got up and left. Katie came down to the kitchen few minutes later. She kissed Harry and then sat down next to him. Harry gave her next year's book list, which Dumbledore had given him. She jumped in surprise when Dobby appeared to take her order. She had never seen a real House Elf before. 'Not exactly Tolkien, are they?' she commented. Something had been on Harry's mind since the previous night. There was no subtle way to say it, so he just came out with it.

"Katie, there is something I need to know. Are you...you know...taking the pill?

"What pill?"

"You know the pill."

"What?"

"The contraceptive pill."

"Oh I see. No Harry, I am not a muggle. I take the witch equivalent: a contraceptive potion." Harry sighed with relief.

"What you didn't think I wanted to get pregnant did you?" laughed Katie. Harry felt guilty that he could ever have thought that about her.

"No, it's just that I wanted to make sure."

"A man taking responsibility, you don't see one of those everyday!" she grinned and took a sip of tea. Harry was relieved at her first answer, but his second question still did not have one. How could he ask if she wished to go out again? If he said, 'was it a once only?' then it sounded as if he was accusing her of being promiscuous. If he asked if she wanted to do it again sometime then it sounded as if he only wanted her body. Harry didn't want her to think he had taken advantage of her. Truth be told, he didn't want to loose her. Love he thought was a too stronger word for what he felt but he really did like her. She was the first person he could really relate too. Ron and Hermione differed from him in so many ways. Were it not for Harry, neither of them would have had anything to do with this, neither would be fighting a war and neither would have had to have been carried out of the Department of Mysteries on a stretcher. 'Stop It!' Harry scolded himself. His trail of thought had once again led him back to Sirius. He had gone from happiness to depression in a matter of seconds. He put on a brave face and continued eating his breakfast, which Dobby had prepared. Anyhow, Harry had gone off the subject. The question still remained. Was Katie his girlfriend? He was saved from having to ask this by Katie herself. She had finished her breakfast and stood up.

"Harry, I had better be off soon. I have work today. Hey, you want to go out again tonight? How about the Royal Oak, it's a few blocks away."

"How far is it? I can't stray more than a mile from here or the protective barriers won't work."

"About three quarters of a mile," replied Katie.

"Why not then."

"Great! How about eight?"

"Eight it is. Oh, and before I forget. We have been invited to Diagon Alley tomorrow, you up for it?" asked Harry. She nodded

"Sure," she then kissed him, thanked Dobby whose chest swelled with pride and then left. Harry's heart had leapt up into his throat when she had invited him out. She wanted to see him again. Harry was delighted, 'finally,' he thought to himself. 'I have met a girl who I actually want to go out with and who I can talk to.' Harry pulled out the booklist and began to read. He heard voices in the hall and Narcissa and Remus entered.

"Good morning Harry," they both said in turn.

"Morning," replied Harry.

"Good night's sleep?" asked Remus. Harry nodded. "That's not what I heard," continued Remus with a grin. Harry went pink and stared back sheepishly.

"I know Remus, I remembered what you said," said Harry before Lupin could say another word. Remus smiled and Harry returned to reading the booklist.

The Standard book of Spells Grade 6 by Miranda Goshawk

Advanced Wandwork by Daniella Cygnet

How Things Work by John Harrington

Advanced Transfiguration by Minerva McGonagall

Moste Potente Potions by Armando Dippet

Defence Against Dark Sorcerers: Auror Level by Marilyn Foley

Fighting Fire with Fire: A Basic Guide to the Dark Arts by Igor Karkaroff

"What's that?" asked Remus gesturing at the paper in Harry's hand.

"Just my new booklist. Listen to this 'Auror Standard Defence' and 'A basic guide to the Dark Arts'. Who is teaching us, Voldemort himself?"

"As a matter of fact," replied the Remus. "You will be taught by Professor Black."

"And who is that?" asked Harry.

"That would be me," said Narcissa stepping forward. "I am no longer Lucius' wife. Narcissa Black pleased to meet you." She smiled and extended her hand. Harry took her hand, but he couldn't help wondering why she was setting books on the Dark Arts? Had she really turned? But Dumbledore trusted her. That was good enough for Harry, wasn't it? As ever, questions popped into Harry's head but no answers came to match them.

"Congratulations on your placement," he said.

"Harry, look I want to apologise to you for everything that Draco has done. He has explained your 'confrontations'..."

"Even the one when Crouch turned him into a ferret and bounced him around the hall?"

"No, he left that one out," said Narcissa looking horrified. "Anyway I'm sorry. I just want you to know that he isn't a bad person. It's just his father's influence. He was spoilt from day one."

"You reap what you sow," interjected Harry.

"Exactly...Harry please, I want you to look out for him this year." She had to be joking!

"I am not a babysitter," protested Harry.

"I know, but look, Albus is letting him stay at the school. He believes that Draco can be, well salvaged was the word he used, I prefer rescued. Harry, can you be nice to him. His hatred of you is driving him away from the light."

"What am I supposed to do? Beg his forgiveness for his Father ending up in Azkaban? That wasn't even my doing. I was trying to escape not arrest him. Dumbledore was the one who caught him."

"Just be civil, don't tease him. Help him if he is in trouble," begged Narcissa. There it was again, the same look she had given him when he had a knife to her throat. She had the look of a cornered animal. Harry could see past her eyes. He could almost feel the fear, the fear for her son's safety. Harry could somehow sense that she wasn't lying. There was no sense of joy in her eyes, no anger, just fear. She was genuinely doing what she thought best for her son. After all a mother's first loyalty would always be to her offspring. This was probably why Bellatrix was the only woman in Voldemort's inner circle. No other women were at the rebirth party, nor at the Ministry of Magic. Voldemort demanded absolute loyalty from his disciples, not loyalty he had to share with a child. Bellatrix would be allowed; she hardly counted as human anyway. Harry wouldn't be surprised if she had murdered her own child for him. Narcissa here was the opposite; she would do anything to protect her son, even side with the Weasleys. After looking into her eyes for an age, Harry couldn't refuse.

"I'll do what I can, but if he turns on me and tries a curse, I will not hesitate, not for a second. Agreed?" said Harry.

"I'm sure it won't come to that, but yes ok," sighed Narcissa.

"Is Albus here, Harry?" asked Remus

"No, he left half an hour ago," replied Harry.

"Bugger," cursed Narcissa "Come on Remus, we need to find him."

"What's going on?" asked Harry

"Nothing, Narcissa is just doing some pre-term preparation, catching beasts for Defence lessons for lower school. We need Albus and Hagrid to help." Harry sighed with relief. The last thing he needed was an encounter with a Death Eater. They all went back into the hallway. The adults left and Harry climbed up the stairs.

He entered his room, which still smelled of sweat from last nights 'activities'. He opened the window and lay down on the bed. He thought back over the events of last night. 'Wow,' he thought. 'It definitely was better than a teary kiss in the Room of Requirement.' He was then hit by a rather disturbing thought. One question he had asked himself before on many occasions, and chances are he would have to do every day for the rest of his life. 'Does she only like me because I am the Boy-Who-Lived?' 'No,' she said it herself. She misjudged him and now she knew who he really was'. 'She had been more forthcoming than he had'. 'But then again, he had led her home'. 'But she had never shown any interest in the past'. 'But they had so much in common but had never had the opportunity.' Harry was arguing with himself inside his head. 'Why did you open up to her?' Harry asked himself. He had told her things that he hadn't even told Ron and Hermione. Why did he give out those details to a near stranger? 'I just got caught up in the heat of the moment' thought Harry. He was making feeble excuses to himself. This was almost certainly not going to be the last time he would face this dilemma. He hoped that she really did like him, plain old Harry. He decided to end the debate there before he convinced himself that she was using him. He took an old school book off of the shelves. 'As long as I am licensed to, I might as well practice magic,' he reasoned.

He had done a few spells when a blue ball of light flew in through the window. It headed straight for Harry. Harry ducked with reflexes tuned through years of Quidditch training. The ball of light came around for another dive. This time Harry was too slow. He felt claws grip the front of his T-Shirt. Harry fell back onto the bed under the weight. The ball flapped its wings. Wings? Hang on, Harry looked down at it, the light faded slightly and Harry could make out the shape of the creature emitting it. He realised that it was a glowing blue bird, a blue Phoenix. Harry froze in shock. The Phoenix moved its head towards Harry's head. It grabbed his glasses and bit them in two. Harry tried to stand, but the weight of the Phoenix and the flapping of its wings made that impossible. Harry saw its head coming at him again. It was going to peck his eyes out! Instinctively he shut his eyes. A second passed then two, nothing. He opened his eyes just a fraction, as he did he felt a cold drop of liquid fall into both his eyes; they felt cool yet didn't sting, similar to having eye drops. The phoenix released Harry and hovered in the middle of the room. Harry blinked a few times and looked up, he could see perfectly even though his glasses were destroyed. The phoenix had cured his shortsightedness. He looked up at it. It began to sing; it performed a bar or two and then burst into flames of cyan and white. The ashes fell to the floor. Harry ran over to it and knelt by the pile of ash. He gentle blew it away to reveal a bald baby phoenix. The chick began to sing.

Surprisingly, Harry found that he could understand what the Phoenix was saying. He couldn't discern any words, he just somehow knew. He had never had this with Fawkes. The Phoenix was now his and he was hers. She was not a pet, but a companion. Harry picked her up and gently placed her in Hedwig's old cage, he left the door open, for he knew from mythology that Phoenixes don't like being caged. He filled a bowl of water for her. Since he did not know what they eat, he brought her some meat, some salad and some fish. She happily tucked into the fish. Harry smiled down at her, now he wouldn't have to go through the heartache of replacing Hedwig and being disappointed when his new owl didn't live up to her standards. It then dawned on Harry that he knew next to nothing about Phoenixes. He made a mental note to get a book on Phoenixes from Flourish and Blott's.

Harry spent the rest of the day helping Dobby clean the house. Dobby was startled by Harry being willing to help. He immediately burst into tears and began howling about how noble and modest Harry was. It took ten minutes to calm him down.

Come six o'clock, Harry was knackered. He had cleaned two bedrooms, the lounge and the attic. He had let Dobby do the bathroom on his own. Dobby then made him a sandwich. Harry showered and then returned to his room. He changed into jeans and a shirt. He put on his watch. He told his Phoenix, whom he had named Arwen after a character in 'The Lord of the Rings', that he was going out. She merely whistled at him and then tucked here head under her wing. He pocketed his wand and left. It was warm outside. There was no one about. A pigeon was sitting on the fence.

"Evening, Dedalus," whispered Harry as he passed, the bird cooed in response. Harry turned left at the edge of the square and walked down to the Royal Oak. Harry had never been in a muggle pub before. It stank of cigarette smoke. The walls, which had once been white, were now yellow from it. Men and women everywhere were merrily chatting with a pint in their hand, while the jukebox blared out an old Oasis track. He spotted Katie easily. She was sat at a table in the corner, dressed in a denim jacket and short black skirt. Harry joined her.

"Drink?" he asked her.

"Harry, let me. Being in that cupboard for so long has stunted your growth, you are hardly going to get served are you?" Harry nodded glumly and sat down. She returned a moment latter with two pints of Beer. Harry thought back to Dumbledore's instructions that morning. With freedom comes responsibility. 'Should I really be out here drinking at this age?' wondered Harry. He knew what he was doing was wrong but he reasoned that as long as he was sensible and stopped when he started to feel tipsy then he should be all right. Anyhow Katie was here and Diggle was outside. 'I'm safe,' thought Harry he hoped he was right.

"Have a nice day?" began Harry. For the next hour and a half, they talked. Harry told her about Arwen, who she was eager to see. She told him about life as a receptionist for local DIY firm. They returned to the house at ten having consumed several pints each. They retreated upstairs at once and were asleep half an hour later.

The next morning at nine Harry and Katie were both dressed and ready to go. Harry had sensed that Arwen did not wish to come so he had left a window open so that she could stretch her wings if she so wished. She had grown at an exponential rate. She now had feathers and a tail flame, all brilliant cyan, which glowed white around the edges. She still resembled a chick but no normal bird was this bog after just 24 hours. Another few days at this rate and she would be almost fully-grown.

Harry caught the Knight Bus with Katie from Grimmauld Place. It took them straight to Diagon Alley; Stan had recognised Harry and had put his destination to the front of the queue. They walked straight into the Leaky Cauldron. It looked as welcoming as ever. Harry quickly started moving towards the back door. He had no wish to be recognised. As he made his way through the crowd, he noticed that in the corner sat Dolores Umbridge. She still wore elegant robes and her hair looked well groomed. This made Harry think that she had not been fired and was still Senior Undersecretary to the Minister. She stood and walked to the bar. Katie had also noticed. She smiled wickedly at Harry and took out her wand. She pointed it at Umbridge, and muttered some well-chosen words. Umbridge's bag split and the contents fell onto the floor amongst a forest of legs. Harry and Katie grinned at each other and left.

"That was naughty," said Harry once they were outside.

"What are you going to do? Spank me?" asked Katie as she tapped the brick. Harry grinned and slapped her backside as the arch opened into Diagon Alley. It was as busy as usual. School kids were running around, buying their new robes and kit. Parents were desperately trying to keep their children from running off, for fear of an attack. In addition there were Aurors patrolling the street, dressed in their customary red robes. Harry felt Katie slip her arm around his waist. He raised his to her shoulder. They walked down the street towards the Ice-Cream parlour. Madame Milkins was doing a good trade. Through the window, Harry could see about ten students queuing for robes. As ever the sweetshops were jam-packed full of students. Quality Quidditch Supplies had the usual crowd around the broom in the window. Harry couldn't resist, he had to know what broom was in the window. He pointed out the shop crowd to Katie.

"What do you think? New Firebolt?" asked Harry.

"Shouldn't be, last time I checked, the new one won't be out for another year or so. Cleansweep might have a new one or Comet's follow up to the 520 could have been released a few weeks early," replied Katie.

"Want to have a look?" asked Harry.

"Why not?" she said. They made their way towards the window. Surprisingly, Harry found that he was tall enough to see what was in the window. On the velvet cushion in the window was a Firebolt. The card that described it had not changed, but another one was placed next to it. It read:

As Flown by Harry Potter

Harry felt mixed emotions. Finally he was being noted for something he could do rather than what he had accidentally done at the age of one. Finally he was appreciated for something he was proud of being able to do. Yet he still did not want the attention. Harry felt a hand tugging at his robes. He turned around.

"Do I know you?" asked the boy standing behind him.

"No, I don' think so," replied Harry.

"You're not him, are you?" continued the boy.

"No," said Harry quickly, flattening his fringe.

"You look like him," said the boy's friend.

"Except for the glasses, and I am taller than he is," smiled Harry. This seemed to satisfy the boy. He looked disappointed and turned to leave. Harry turned back to Katie.

"That was rather mean," she commented.

"What would you have done?" asked Harry.

"Told him who you are."

"I don't want the attention."

"Why not? You shouldn't be embarrassed about who you are."

"I am not embarrassed about who I am, just 'what' I am," sighed Harry. He led Katie through the street and towards the Ice-Cream Parlour.

Harry saw the Weasleys at once, their red hair stood out a mile away. Hermione and Ron were holding hands, so they had finally got together. It had only taken them two years. Ginny was sitting on Dean's lap. Bill and Charlie were discussing something with their mother and Mr. Weasley was chatting with the twins. There was no sign of Percy, excellent.

"Harry, dear," cried Mrs. Weasley when she saw him. "Wonderful to see you dear. And who is this, hey wait you're Danny Bell's daughter aren't you, Kathryn isn't it? "

"Just Katie please Mrs. Weasley," smiled Katie. "Morning all." she said looking at the others gathered, who looked truly shocked to see her with Harry. Fred and George, both of whom, Harry recalled, had expressed an interest in getting Katie up in the Astronomy tower on several occasions, stood gaping.

"Harry great to see you, Where are your glasses?" said Hermione, hugging him. "Morning Katie," they shook hands.

"Hello Herm, I don't need them anymore, I can see perfectly," said Harry. Hermione gave him a quizzical look but let it go.

"Harry, Katie what, er, when did you two meet?" stuttered a flabbergasted Fred.

"A few days ago," replied Harry, "How are you all?"

"Great," said Ron. "Yourself?"

"I'm fine." Harry turned to the twins. "How's the shop?"

"Great. Want a tour?" said George

"Sure." Fred and George led the group down to Number 93. Harry was positive he had heard Mrs. Weasley, grumbling under her breath about ambition or rather lack of it. When Harry entered Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes, he was met with a remarkable sight. Angelina Johnson who had left Hogwarts last year and Lee Jordan were behind the till, the queue stretched 20 feet. Harry saw many of his school friends, and many in Hogwarts cloaks who he had never spoken to. Harry surveyed the shelves. Headless Hats, Skiving Snackboxes, Extendable Ears, Fireworks, Fake Wands, Portable Swamps, and many other new products lined the shelves. Harry noticed a box labelled, Laxative Lollies. He made a mental note not to accept any Lolly-Pops from any one else ever again.

"Follow Me," whispered George. He led the group into a back room. "This is the bomb shop. What we make in here has a more serious use. These are all weapons for the Order. Here, Headless Hats, which make you totally invisible, except to Moody of course. Invisible Extendable Ears, much harder to detect. Canary Creams, except these turn you into a sparrow so that you can fly away from danger. These beauties are similar to hand buzzers but they stun the victim instead of shock them. This will encase your victim in jelly, (Lee's idea) and these, well I will tell you when mum is not around." He wisely whispered the last line. Fred picked up a biscuit from the pile and wrapped it up. He then took a sickle from in the draw.

"Here Harry, take these," he said. "The biscuit is a Getaway Garibaldi, the sickle is a sort of flash-bang. Snap it in two and it gives of a bright light, which will blind your attackers for a minute or so. Just remember to shut your eyes first." Harry pocketed the bags and was lead back to the storefront. Between the five members of staff, (Ron also worked there), they demonstrated their inventions. Some were amusing, some were repulsive and then one or two were so bizarre that Harry began to question their sanity. He felt it common courtesy to buy something. He bought a pack of Canary Creams and a fake wand, one that turned into a mackerel.

Harry spent the next three hours in Diagon Alley; he stocked up on Potion's Ingredients and bought all of his new books and an extra one on Phoenix care. He didn't need new robes as Remus had already bough some for him. He treated himself to a refill of Broom Polish. After they had finished their shopping, which included a new pet for Ginny as a reward for becoming a Prefect, they all met back at the Ice Cream Parlour. Mrs. Weasley insisted on buying them each a Sundae.

"How are West Ham doing?" asked Harry while they ate.

"Not bad," replied Dean. "Eighth in the league, got Arsenal next Saturday, should be a good game."

"Harry," said Hermione. "How did you do in your OWLs?" She clearly had been desperate to ask this question ever since they had arrived.

"I did OK. 4 Os, 3 Es an A and a P" said Harry.

"What was the P in?" asked Bill.

"Guess."

"Divination," chorused Ron and Hermione.

"Bingo. How did you two do?"

"You can guess hers, I did OK, 2 Os, I've got you to thank you for one of them, 4 Es, and 3 As," said Ron.

"Straight Os I take it, Herm?" asked Harry

"No, I got an E in Astronomy," sighed Hermione. "What are your 5 NEWT choices? I'm doing Arithmancy, Defence, Transfiguration, Charms, Potions and Herbology."

"That's six. Remember third year Hermione," warned Ron.

"It's OK Ron, I am not doing anything stupid like that; I'll just have less free periods than you."

"None in fact," chipped in Katie. "Believe me Hermione you will be needing those frees during seventh year. I just stuck to Defence, Charms, Transfiguration, Potions and Herbology and I was struggling last year. What about you Ron?"

"I am giving up on Snape, with the greatest of pleasure," grinned Ron. I'm taking, Defence, Charms, Transfiguration, Care of Magical Creatures and Muggle Studies. Harry?"

"Defence, Charms, Transfiguration, Muggle Studies and Potions," replied Harry.

"Why the hell aren't you dropping Potions? I thought you of all people would be glad to be shot of that slimy git," said Ron.

"And why take Muggle Studies? You were raised by muggles," asked Dean.

"Potions, because I need it, and Muggle Studies because I needed a fifth and an easy subject will allow me to concentrate properly on the other four. Anyway there are some things I don't know. A DVD player for example, it took me ages to work out how to play the Quidditch DVD that Remus gave me."

"Harry that is not how it is supposed to work, you choose 5 real subjects," replied Hermione. She had a stern expression on her face; she could be so much like McGonagall at times.

"Bit late now," said Harry. "Besides, I don't regret it." Ron and Hermione, sensing that it was pointless trying to convince their friend to change his mind, returned to their Sundaes. Ginny and Dean went to order seconds at the counter and the adults were talking amongst themselves. Katie leaned across and whispered in his ear.

"I take it from your choices and your 'record of achievement' that you are going for Auror too."

"You are as well?" asked Harry is surprise.

"Yep, but please don't tell my mum, she'll go spare. She banned me from becoming one after my father...well you know, but I want to fight. I don't want to sit around hoping I don't end up like Diggory." This last statement hit Harry hard. He still visited the graveyard in his dreams. Occlumency protects you from outside intrusion but it doesn't stop nightmares.

"I promise I won't tell. I never knew you wanted to become an Auror," said Harry

"I have the entrance exam in February," said with an air of pride that matched Percy Weasley to a tee.

"Good Luck."

"Thanks," she said. A shadow fell over Harry. He looked up and saw Ginny standing in front of him, glaring at him.

"Why didn't you write all summer?" she asked.

"I did," he replied

"'I'm Ok, bye, Harry'. Hardly a letter and the last one was over a week ago!"

"Well," said Harry. "I was a little preoccupied." Ron and Hermione's heads broke apart and they both looked intently at Harry, who went red.

"So 'busy' that you forgot to write," she glared at Katie. "To any of us. We were worried sick. When Dumbledore refused to send Moody to get you, Mum was on the verge of waltzing up to Surry to get you." Harry was beginning to become irritated.

"Ginny, I would have written if I could, but I couldn't."

"And why not?" asked Ginny.

"Well I spent five days in a coma and I since then I have had no owl to send a letter with." Silence fell, all conversation stopped. It was clear that Dumbledore had not told them about the incident in the park. Katie took his hand in hers under the table. She was the only one who already knew what had happened.

"You what, Harry?" asked Mr. Weasley. "How?"

"The barriers failed. Rodolphus Lestrange and a few of his friends paid me a little visit," said Harry bluntly.

"How did you escape?" asked Mrs Weasley, covering her mouth with her hand.

"The same way I always do, sheer dumb luck, to quote McGonagall. Hedwig wasn't so lucky," said Harry, gazing at his Sundae.

"When was this?" asked Bill.

"Fourth of August," replied Harry, still refusing to look them in the eye. He did not wish to relive that incident.

"Why did no one tell us?" asked Ron indignantly.

"Didn't want to panic you, I expect," said Katie.

"Are you going to get another owl?" asked Ginny evidently trying to change the subject. Harry was grateful, he sighed as he remembered what a good friend Hedwig had been.

"No need," mumbled Harry.

"Why not?" asked Ron

"A phoenix adopted me yesterday," said Harry with a small smile.

"No! A real Phoenix, like Dumbledore's?" asked Hermione fascinated.

"Not like Dumbledore's, but yes."

"Hang on I must get a book on Phoenixes." said Hermione starting to rise from her seat.

"I'm way ahead of you, Hermione," said Harry, producing the book on Phoenixes. Hermione took it and began to read.

"The problem," said Katie. "Is that Hogwarts only allows, rats, cats, toads and owls, Phoenixes are not on the list of allowed pets."

"Dumbledore will make an exception for Harry, he always does" grinned Charlie. "Tell me more about the attack." Harry spoke for five minutes. He told them everything that had happened, except that he left out the bit about Narcissa. He told them Moody had come for him. It was fairly obvious that they would not react too well to a former Malfoy being in the Order. Harry had to admit it to himself. He was beginning to trust Narcissa. If Dumbledore had not told them about her it was for a good reason. He did tell them how he had inherited Grimmauld Place and about meeting Katie. When he was done they all looked at him in awe, except Mrs. Weasley who looked furious.

"What was Albus thinking letting you stay there on your own? You should come home with us Harry. You'll be safe there." He felt Katie's grip tighten in his hand.

"Thanks Mrs. Weasley but I think I am better off at Grimmauld Place. It can't be found. I should be safe," said Harry. Katie loosened her grip. He looked at her and she smiled at him. They were interrupted at this point by Hermione.

"Harry, read this," Hermione said as she offered him the book. Harry took it and began to read the passage to which she was pointing.

Phoenixes are the most famous mythical beasts ever to walk the Earth. They feature heavily in mythology, both muggle and magical. In the modern world, Phoenixes are sometimes kept as pets. This however is a common misconception, for the owner does not choose the phoenix, the phoenix chooses the owner. They will appear to their new master and burst into flame and in so doing will regenerate. From that moment on, the wizard and the phoenix are quite literally joined as one. A link is forged. The master may summon the Phoenix anywhere at will, while the Phoenix will always know where the master is and if he or she is in danger. They have many uses in magic today. Their tail feathers are used in wands, their tears in medicine and they can be used as owls and due to their ability to Apparate, they can deliver far heavier loads more quickly. This comprehensive guide to their habits, abilities, care and needs is a must for all new masters and an interesting read for those who wish to learn their ways. Who knows? Maybe one day you will be chosen.

"Well?" asked Hermione.

"Well what?" asked Harry puzzled.

"Summon it so we can see it!" she said bobbing up and down in excitement.

"Hermione, 2 things, 1. She is not an 'it', she is a 'she'. Her name is Arwen."

"Lord of the Rings?" asked Dean.

"Precisely, it somehow felt right, and second, I'd better not summon her, we have to walk back through muggle London, and a glowing blue Phoenix is likely to be noticed."

"She's blue?" asked Ron. "I thought they were red."

"Me too," confessed Harry. "I bet she's just a different species to Fawkes, like a Labrador and a Jack Russell, totally different but still both dogs. It should say in here," he gestured at the book. Hermione looked rather miffed but said nothing. Ginny also looked disappointed. Both opened their mouths to argue Harry's decision, but before either could say a word they both realised that it was futile to argue. Katie just grinned at them, for she had seen Arwen the previous night. Mrs. Weasley then announced that it was time to go. They all said their goodbyes. Harry promised to write to them. Mrs. Weasley invited Harry and Katie to dinner tomorrow night and then ushered her children into the Leaky Cauldron to Floo back home. Harry watched them go, how he envied family life. He was glad that Ron and Hermione had finally confessed their feelings but part of him saw it as a betrayal. They would be an item now, which would leave no room for him. It seemed to Harry that both his best friends had forsaken him in favour of each other. 'Still,' he thought 'at least I have Katie; I just hope that she is not going to leave any time soon. Or I get her killed. Stop It!' He and Katie walked back through the pub and out into London. They caught the Knight Bus back to Grimmauld Place. However when they entered Grimmauld Place, they discovered they were not alone. Remus and Narcissa were on the sofa.

Kissing!