Harry Potter and the Imaginary Order of Phoenix

News from an old friend 

Harry was walking in the Dursleys' garden. Aunt Petunia had stated that no further decisions would be made until his uncle's return; so he was forced to wait.

Even though the garden of # 4 Privet Drive was eye catching with its trimmed grass, picturesque bushes and trees, cleverly placed to provide shade for almost the entire garden, Harry wasn't interested in looking at it. He was deep in thought, walking around the garden with his hands clasped behind his back, looking at the grass and occasionally kicking a stone. He was thinking of possible reasons why the Dursleys were leaving him with Mrs. Figg.

Maybe they don't want me to have as good a time as I had last year. Or maybe because I haven't spent all holidays with them for the last three years and always went against their wishes, he mused.

That was true. In second year, Harry had escaped with Ron and the Weasley twins in a flying car owned by Ron's father. In his third year, he had blown up his Aunt Merge and left them in a rage. Then, accidentally flagged down the Knight Bus, he had spent the rest of his holidays at the Leaky Cauldron. Last year, along with the Weasleys, he had gone to the Quidditch world cup and spent the rest of the holidays with them. Now he again wanted to go stay with them, and his aunt and uncle didn't seem to want that to happen.

Harry was deeply immersed in his thoughts, when he heard something moving. He looked around him. Nothing seemed odd. Harry knew that his ears weren't ringing and that he had clearly heard it, so he became rather attentive and listened closely. Then he heard it again. This time it came from a bush, which was just a couple of feet away from him. Harry watched it carefully and moved slightly away from where the sound had come. He knew that nothing was safe with Voldemort on the loose and that anything could happen. He was waiting, looking at the bush and deciding what to do, when he saw something. Two yellow orbs appeared in the midst of the bush, watching him. Harry tried to see more clearly by moving closer. His eyes widened and he said in disbelief, "Dobby?"

The elf appeared from the bush. Harry was glad to see him; but at the same time, worried. They were outside the house, in the garden where Muggles could easily spot them. Dobby had barely opened his mouth to say something before Harry motioned him to stay quiet and follow him. Dobby nodded and followed. Harry went to the Dursleys' house, opened the door, and peaked inside.

Dudley was watching his favorite program and would not have budged if you broke a cup over his head. Aunt Petunia was in the kitchen; her back turned towards the door, washing dishes.

Harry, without making a noise, led the elf inside, quietly closed the door, and tip toed up the stairs to his room. When they reached it, Harry closed the door and turned to the elf. Dobby was looking at him with large yellow eyes.

"Can Dobby speak now to Harry Potter, sir?" queried the elf.

Harry smiled. "Yes Dobby, you can, it's safe now."

Suddenly Dobby threw himself at Harry and hugged him around the waist, knocking the air out of him. Harry found it difficult to breath and tried to push Dobby away.

"Okay Dobby, now that's okay. Come on Dobby," he had to say before the elf let go of him and Harry was able to breath properly again. Harry looked down at Dobby and saw tears running down from his eyes.

Then Dobby said in his high-pitched voice, "Dobby wanted to meet Harry Potter, sir ... Dobby couldn't resist ... the Dark Lord has again risen and Harry Potter faced him and yet again he escaped ..."

Harry didn't want the Dursleys to hear Dobby. He looked towards the door and then turned back. "I am glad to see you too, just keep your voice down. I don't want my aunt or cousin to hear you." Harry smiled and continued, "I am really pleased to see you. How is Winky? Is she fine now?"

"She is fine, sir ... She has accepted Dumbledore as her master ... but she still misses Mr. Crouch, sir," Dobby's face changed like he was remembered something, "And master has sent Harry Potter a message."

Harry stared at Dobby. "Dumbledore has sent a message for me? What is it?"

Dobby smiled and from thin air, an envelope appeared in his hand. Dobby gave it to Harry, saying, "Dobby was missing Harry Potter very much ... went to master for permission to see you ... Dumbledore was please to hear it and gave this message to Dobby to give to Harry Potter, sir. Master said he was thinking of sending it to you by owl, but decided it would be safer with me."

Harry, after hearing Dobby's explanation, opened the letter and read it. 

Dear Harry,

I know your uncle and aunt are planning to send you to a neighbor, Mrs. Figg. It would be better that you agree with them for they are making it easier for you to come back. You will know the reason soon enough.

-Dumbledore 

"Dumbledore thinks that by sending me to Mrs. Figg the Dursleys are making it easier for me to return? How could that be possible? Unless they pick me up from her house and modify her memory," Harry said thoughtfully. He folded the letter back up.

Dobby was smiling. "Harry Potter will be very pleased to get to her house. Harry Potter will see that soon."

Harry looked at Dobby, frowning, "I will be pleased? What do you mean by that? Am I missing something? What's going on, come on tell me; what is Dumbledore planning?"

Dobby shook his head, "Dobby won't say - Dobby won't break his word with master - Harry Potter will know on July the 16th."

"Come on Dobby, please tell me," Harry pleaded. Dobby just shook his head. Harry gave up in the end. He went and sat on his bed. Dobby kept standing.

"Has Harry Potter, sir, heard from his friends?" Dobby asked.

Harry looked up at the elf, and sighed, "They are fine, both of them. I've just heard from Hermione this morning, as well as from Dumbledore. This morning he says to wait for the person to come, while this evening he says to accept what the Muggles say." He sighed, exasperated.

"Master knows what he's doing. He is the most noble person in the world, and the only one whom He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named fears. He will decide what is best for Harry Potter sir," said Dobby.

"Yeah, that's saying something," Harry said, smiling.

"Dobby must go now, sir. Master might need him. Master must know that his message has been delivered. Good bye Harry Potter, sir." The elf vanished with a small crack. Harry watched the empty place where Dobby had stood for sometime.

He then turned toward Hedwig, who was on her cage, and said, "I hope Dumbledore knows what he is doing." He sighed, " You just can't help trusting him."

***

The evening seemed to take no time in arriving. Harry was in his room, still thinking about Dumbledore's message, stroking Hedwig, when suddenly the door of his room opened with a loud creak. Harry was jerked back to his senses and sat up. It was Uncle Vernon, who was frowning at him. He entered, his hands clenching at the sight of Hedwig, trying to ignore her. His eyes fixed on Harry. Harry sat there calmly, wondering what his uncle had to say.

"Petunia tells me that you are planning on going back ... again," he growled, "Probably to that ruddy old weasel's place I presume."

Harry didn't replied; he just kept watching him. Uncle Vernon was expecting an answer from Harry, but when he was quiet, he continued.

"Well boy, I'm afraid that this time it will not work. I've had enough of those people, causing problems every summer." His eyes flashed menacingly as he said, "This time you're going to Mrs. Figg's house. It has been arranged. Nothing you say or do will change this. Be ready on the 16th and I don't want you to show any of your abnormalities to her..." he pointed his fat finger at Harry, "If any funny business happens, you will be sorry - very sorry."

Harry quietly watched his uncle while he was threatened. As he turned away to move out of the room, Harry said, "But Uncle Vernon ..."

Uncle Vernon turned abruptly. "What?" he asked hoarsely.

Harry continued, "Well you have decided to send me to Mrs. Figg, but you haven't told me why ... I mean ... there must be a reason."

Uncle Vernon surveyed Harry, his beady eyes bulging at the question. "Funny you ask. Well boy, we are going on holidays with Marge to Switzerland. I meant Petunia, Dudley, and me, of course. I don't want to see you anywhere close to Marge. Although she asked me to bring you too, along with a cane to see how much experience you've had at St. Brutus's, but I don't want to risk it again. First a balloon, if you do something else than what will happen." He raised a pudgy finger at him, "Don't you dare to do anything... anything ... abnormal while we are away. AND KEEP YOUR RUDDY OWL AWAY AND SHUT UP," Uncle Vernon added, bellowing at the soft hooting from Hedwig. With that he left the room, shutting the door with a loud bang. Hedwig fluttered her wings at Uncle Vernon's last words and the banging of the door, hooting in a rather angry manner.

Harry kept watching the door as though seeing through it. He sighed, stood up, and went to his drawer. Although he wasn't allowed to do his work, he was allowed to keep his quill, ink, and parchment with him. This was mainly because of Uncle Vernon's fear of Harry's godfather.

At the end of his third year, Harry had discovered that Sirius Black was his godfather and was accused of crime he did not commit. Sirius had escaped from Azkaban to kill Peter Pettigrew, an old friend of James's, Harry's father. Also an Animagus, he was responsible for the death of Harry's parents. Harry had told his uncle that Sirius was his godfather and a murderer who had broken out of wizard's prison, but he had conveniently left out the fact that he was also innocent. Uncle Vernon had already had a bad experience with Hagrid, keeper of keys at Hogwarts and teacher of Care for Magical Creatures subject. He did not want a repetition, especially not with a wanted murderer. So he allowed Harry to keep in touch with him. Taking advantage of that, Harry also exchanged owls with Ron and Hermione. This helped quite a lot because he was then informed of incidents in magical world. His holidays were passing more cheerfully than they would have without this contact with his friends.

Harry sat on his table and began to write a letter to Ron. 

Dear Ron,

Dumbledore has advised me to listen to my Muggle relatives and spend my summer holidays with my neighbor, Mrs. Figg. I would rather not, but Dumbledore says that it would be best for me to go there. I don't know why, but he thinks it's for the better. I don't know what he is planning.

I saw Dobby today. He brought the message from Dumbledore and he also agrees with him. Uncle Vernon is in a bad mood now because he is planning to go to Switzerland along with Aunt Marge and doesn't want me to go anywhere near her. Do me a favor, Ron, and keep Hedwig at your home for a few days. If Dumbledore's plan works, I'll be meeting you on Tuesday. Better inform Hermione about it; she might want to know. See you later.

-Harry 

Harry folded the letter, went to Hedwig, and tied it around her feet.

"Take this to Ron and wait for me there. I'll see you soon," Harry said, miserable at having to let the only one in the house who didn't flinch when they saw him go. Hedwig nibbled his fingers in an affectionate manner, hooted, and flew through the open window. Harry watched her flying until she disappeared from his view. "Tuesday seems to be a day of surprises. Don't know what might be lurking for me next. Hopefully it will be something good," he said to himself.

*** 

The next three days were bare of any interesting incidents. The only slightly amusing incident was when Dudley had tried to smuggle doughnuts into his room and was scolded mercilessly by Aunt Petunia when she found them in his bathroom. That wasn't the end of it, though. On Monday, just before the big day, she was outraged upon hearing a call from a secret correspondent of hers. Apparently Uncle Vernon had been enjoying pancakes, cream cakes (particularly chocolate) and doughnuts nearly everyday in his office for about a year. Uncle Vernon went pale when Aunt Petunia demanded the reason for his actions. He and Dudley had sat at the table, heads down, listening halfheartedly with miserable faces, to her lecture. Harry enjoyed the scene from the stairs, snorting and chuckling occasionally, trying hard not to be noticed.

Later Uncle Vernon tried to restore himself back to a good mood by criticizing Harry, the people at work, Harry, the council, Harry, the bank, and Harry. Dudley smirked whenever Uncle Vernon criticized Harry or bullied him, which was his favorite form of entertainment. Even Aunt Petunia joined with them when it came to that. Although they mainly stayed quiet when Harry himself was sitting among them, they couldn't resist looking at him through the corner of their eyes whenever they saw something horrible on the TV.

Harry stayed patient through all those days. He didn't want trouble and already he was busy thinking about future as well as past events. Harry thought that Ron must have told Hermione about Dumbledore's plan by now. Harry sometimes thought of asking Ron to ask his father about the happenings at the Ministry and their planning. He was dying to know what they knew about Voldemort and the Death Eaters. Although he knew that Mr. Weasley wouldn't hide something from his family, particularly from Mrs. Weasley, he still felt that he might keep some information classified so as not to create panic. He decided he could wait until he saw them next.

***

On the morning of Tuesday, June 16th, Harry woke up hearing Aunt Petunia thundering below his room. Harry understood by her shouts that she was angry with Dudley for making them late by trying to pack his computer and TV.

He stood up, rubbing his eyes and stretching his arms, when he suddenly remembered what the day was. At the same instant, great footsteps were heard outside. It sounded like a rhino was climbing the stairs. Uncle Vernon appeared at the door, looking red.

"Hurry up boy. You have exactly 10 minutes to get ready with your stuff. We are dropping you on the way. AND DON'T TAKE ANYTHING ABNORMAL." With that, he turned back and walked away, thundering down the stairs.

Harry, with his heart beating fast, began his packing. He then changed into jeans and a t-shirt. In a few minutes time he was sitting in the back of the Dursleys' car along with Dudley.

Uncle Vernon checked Harry's bag to see if he was taking anything unusual, but didn't find anything. He didn't know that Harry was carrying his wand with him, hidden inside his pocket.

Dudley seemed to have been trying to pack his whole room, but was force to drop nearly everything and now had his remote controlled plane, his Playstation, a camera, clothes, and few other things.

Aunt Petunia had put on some make-up and Harry thought her face looked like a sample of a rainbow. Uncle Vernon was in his evening dress, with a bow tie that had a very nice contrast of gold and silver.

Dudley, on the other hand, had a red face (which may have been due to the fact that he couldn't bring all of his stuff) and was also dressed in a suit.

Uncle Vernon locked the house, got inside the car, started the engine, and drove towards Mrs. Figg's house, which wasn't far away.

In about a minute they were outside her house. Uncle Vernon banged on the horn. She appeared at the door wearing a smile. Aunt Petunia got out of the car with Harry, who was carrying his bag with nothing but his clothes and a few other things. Mrs. Figg greeted Aunt Petunia. They talked for a minute or so; Petunia thanked her for taking responsibility of Harry. She then got back in the car and in a few moments, they were on their way to the airport. Harry's heart was doing a drum roll.

As the Dursleys drove away, Mrs. Figg said, "Come in, Harry, dear."

Harry followed her into the house. Mrs. Figg's house was nearly the same as it had been a few years ago. The only difference being the smell of cabbage wasn't there anymore. But, to his disgust, two Persian cats were sitting on the sofa, purring loudly.

Mrs. Figg motioned Harry to sit on a chair by the coffee table. He did as he was told and placed his bag on the table. She herself sat on her comfortable armchair close to the empty fireplace and asked politely, "How are you feeling, dear?"

Harry stared at her for some time, surprised by the unexpected question, and then said, "I... I am fine. Thank you."

Mrs. Figg looked at him and smiled, "You must be waiting for someone from Dumbledore to come and pick you up."

"Yes well he ..." Harry stared at her, dumbstruck. Surely a Muggle won't know about Dumbledore, and also she knew that he was supposed to be picked up. "How ... how... how do y-you know a-about that?" Harry stammered.

Mrs. Figg smiled, stood up, walked over to Harry, and placed her hand lightly on his shoulder, "Dear boy, I am the one who was suppose to pick you up. I am your father's friend and your guardian. I am Arabella Figg."