Harry Potter and the Dangerous Choice

Harry Potter and the Dangerous Choice

Chapter Three: Up In Smoke

Harry went up to the room he and Ron had shared the last time they had stayed at Grimmauld Place, and found the bedroom quite brightened up by Dobby. There were some sort of blue, yellow, and violet stripes on the walls, and red velvet drapes around the beds. Another hand knitted Dobby rug was on the floor, this time in orange and green. Harry chuckled to himself as he put on his pajamas and climbed into bed. He was almost instantly asleep.

That night Harry dreamed he was riding a very fast horse but he didn't feel any air movement around him. All the scenery that he passed was a blur, but he felt as though he was sitting in a stationary chair. Suddenly Severus Snape was there next to the horse looking at Harry with a horrible sneer. Snape was keeping pace with the horse as though he and the horse were locked in synch, but Snape wasn't moving either. Harry felt trapped. There was nowhere to go, and the horse was running as fast as it could. Harry sat up with a start, his blanket twisted around his legs. He relaxed back and then looked at the clock on the nightstand. It was seven in the morning.

Harry rose and dressed then went downstairs. He was just stepping into the first floor hall when Arthur and Ron Weasley came through the front door. "Hi mate," Ron said brightly.

"Glad to see you," beamed Harry. "I thought your mum was bringing you later."

"Dad pulled me out of bed extra early so he could drop me here before work," replied Ron. "You're looking great Harry, really, for having half a house fall on you."

"Didn't quite happen that way," laughed Harry.

Ron sniffed the air. The smell of bacon was wafting through the house. "Let's get some food," he said. Harry agreed and the three walked down to the kitchen where Dobby was preparing a huge breakfast. He was wearing an apron that said Kiss the Cook. Ron grinned when he saw it, and then elbowed Harry, who also smiled. Remus was seated at the table reading the Daily Prophet and drinking coffee. He looked up and greeted Arthur and Ron. They all took places at the table and began passing around the plates of food.

"Boys," said Mr. Weasley, "I'm going to be back around three to take Harry to St. Mungo's, that is, if you still want to go?."

"I think I should, sir. I sort of feel as though I should look out for her. After all, if it hadn't been for me, she wouldn't have been hurt," reckoned Harry.

"Admirable sentiment, Harry," said Remus. "You know, Arthur, I could take Harry to St. Mungo's just as well. I don't have duty until later tonight," Remus explained.

"If you could, that would be very convenient. I will be looking in on Mrs. Dursley later, as I have to organize her 'reintegration'. I can't go until later today though," said Mr. Weasley.

"I'd like to go too," said Ron, through a mouthful of eggs.

"Alright then," said Remus. "We'll go this morning, and then, how about ice cream at Diagon Alley?"

"Sounds great!" said Harry, with Ron chewing and nodding.

Arthur and Remus finished eating and walked up to the front hall together. Dobby had left the kitchen. "So, Harry, what really happened at your house?" asked Ron. Harry leaned across the table and told Ron all about the house blowing up and the Dark Mark. Then he told what he had heard from Petunia. He left out any mention of the prophesy. He didn't know why, but he still couldn't bring himself to tell Ron about it. Dumbledore, Mr. Weasley and Remus had seemed happy that he hadn't told his best friends yet. However, his reason for not telling them so far had been because he didn't want to see the look of pity on their faces, when they heard his fate.

Harry told Ron what Dumbledore had said about the Occlumency lessons. "Well, if you don't have Snape, that's an improvement, isn't it?" asked Ron.

"I hope so," said Harry.

Ron and Harry spent the next hour talking about Quidditch. Ron filled Harry in on the current team standings. The Chudley Cannons were woefully behind in the standings, however Ron's team loyalty was not diminished. Harry and Ron explored some of the re-decorated rooms and admired the changes that Dobby had made to the house. They even found Buckbeak, the Hippogriff, in an upper room. He looked well-fed and happy. Beaky was excited to have visitors and bowed immediately to Harry and Ron so they could pet him.

Harry had not mentioned to Ron that this house now belonged to him. He found he was somewhat embarrassed by the fact that he owned the house, just as he was embarrassed by the gold his parents had left him. He knew the Weasley's were far from being well-off.

Harry and Ron eventually went back down stairs to see if Remus was ready to leave. As they passed through the front hall, Ron stopped short. "Hey! Where's that old screaming hag picture that used to be here?" Ron pointed at the blank wall near the door.

"I don't know, but the bare wall is an improvement," said Harry.

Just then Dobby appeared. "Oh, young Mr. Weasley, so nice to see you again, sir! Dobby remembers all your gifts!" Ron had given Dobby his Christmas sweater in a previous year.

"It was nothing, really." Ron inclined his head toward the wall, "Dobby, where did the picture go, that used to hang here?"

"Oh! That was a bad picture. It had to be destroyed, sir. So much nicer now don't you think?" asked Dobby. Harry was glad Dobby had rid the house of the horrible portrait of Mrs. Black but he made a mental note to ask Dobby how he had done it.

Just then Remus arrived in the front hall. He told Harry and Ron that they were going to take a Muggle taxi to St. Mungo's. "I think that will be fairly safe since we don't believe your location is known Harry," explained Remus. "When we get to St. Mungo's, Kingsley will meet us. We want to make sure there is plenty of protection around you, even in public. The Death Eaters have been making their presence felt a little more each day. Oh, and don't acknowledge Kingsley when you see him, boys. We don't want to tip off anyone, that he is anything but a loyal employee of the Ministry of Magic."

Harry started wondering if he'd ever be able to walk outside and go where he pleased without a guard or a plan against some type of attack. He felt very much like a caged animal. He would have been angry, except he WAS getting out, so he decided to ignore the feeling of irritation this time.

Suddenly Harry had a thought, "Don't you take flowers when people are in the hospital?"

"I guess that's true," admitted Remus.

"I can help Harry Potter with flowers," said Dobby. He snapped his fingers and a large bouquet of daisies appeared in Harry's arms.

"Why.... thank you, Dobby," said Harry. "They're very nice." Dobby bowed low and turned to leave.

"Wait Dobby," said Harry. Harry walked over to Dobby, pulled him into the parlor, and lowered his voice. "Are you working for Professor Dumbledore or for me now?"

"I asked to work for Harry Potter, it's a great honor," said Dobby, proudly.

"How much do I pay you then," asked Harry?

"Oh! I could never take money from you, sir." Dobby continued, "Harry Potter freed Dobby. It is a great debt."

"You have to let me pay you, Dobby, or else I won't be any better than the Malfoy's," said Harry firmly. "Besides, you are doing a fantastic job." Dobby grinned from ear to ear.

The taxi arrived at the corner and Remus shepherded the boys down the street and into the car. The trio was soon getting out in front of St. Mungo's Hospital. Remus paid the driver in Muggle money with some assistance from Harry. They waited until the taxi had sped off, and then entered St. Mungo's through the magical window. Kingsley was standing in the lobby when they entered. There was the usual commotion of wizards with various strange maladies and spell damage. Kingsley stood off to the side, pretending to ignore Remus, Harry and Ron. However, he winked at Harry and then turned away.

Harry felt rather conspicuous carrying the flowers. He tried holding them in front of him and then behind his back. There didn't seem to be a good way to carry a huge bunch of flowers. Women smiled at him as he passed with the big bouquet. He decided that next time he would bring a small potted plant instead.

"Remus," asked Harry, "will my aunt be awake? I mean, will she know what's going on? Because I think she will probably be really mad about this whole thing."

"Your aunt will be ...let's say...'drugged' up, to keep her calm," Remus explained. "The healers will be done with her before too long and then we'll put her back in her home. Before we leave her, everything will be explained to her so you don't have to worry." Harry didn't think that any possible explanation would leave his aunt satisfied about an exploding house.

Remus had inquired at the front desk for the room number and then led the way through the hospital to the fourth floor. They read the signs and were directed to a short hall, and a door that said Muggle Damage Repair. Harry thought it seemed like a title more apt for an auto service center than a hospital wing.

They entered the ward and discovered that Petunia was the only patient. She was lying in a bed, wearing a white hospital gown and covered in a cheery yellow blanket. Sunlight streamed in at the window. As Harry moved closer to the bed he noticed that his aunt seemed to be mumbling to herself. She inclined her head toward Harry and smiled slightly.

"Harry," said Petunia, "are those dishes done yet? And what about the garden, have you pulled the weeds?"

Harry realized that Aunt Petunia was not lucid. "Ah....yes... mam," said Harry. "Are you Ok?" he asked. But Petunia was staring at the ceiling again and mumbling. Harry laid the flowers down on a small table near the bed. Petunia did not seem upset; rather, she had a happy, vacant stare. Just then a short man, with sandy hair, wearing a white coat walked briskly and cheerfully into the room. He immediately walked up to Harry and shook his hand.

"Well, Harry Potter, pleasure! I'm Augustus Pye, and I have been treating your aunt."

"Hello," said Harry.

Pye continued to hold on to Harry's hand as he looked up at Harry's forehead. "The famous curse scar. It's in all the textbooks you know." He reached up with his free hand to touch it. Harry shirked away with a feeling of momentary revulsion. Pye pretended not to notice. "I'd love to have a thorough look at it someday," said Pye, with longing. Harry felt quite uncomfortable. He was used to people looking at his scar, but there was something Harry disliked about Pye, and the thought of him touching the scar made Harry shudder. Then Pye released Harry and stepped over to Petunia. "She'll be right as rain by tomorrow, and back in her house, no worse for the wear," said Pye in a breezy and confident manner.

"What was wrong with her?" asked Harry, shoving his hands into his pockets.

"Actually, she had a lot of broken bones, which have been healed, and a great bang on the head. It made her quite incoherent for a while," said Pye.

Harry gave him a quizzical look that said, 'She still seems incoherent.' Pye explained that she was now being kept sedated until she was taken back home.

"Quite an adventure for a muggle, seeing the Dark Mark and all, and she'll never even remember it," laughed Pye. Harry did not particularly like his aunt but he definitely did not like this healer's attitude. It was as if his aunt was a sort of amusing project just because she was a muggle.

Harry, Ron, and Remus left the ward and they started back toward the lift. They passed several patients in the hallway being guided by an attendant. They were all shuffling along in flat, ill fitting slippers, with blank looks on their faces. Some were talking to themselves. As Harry passed, one of the patients, a woman, suddenly turned and grabbed Harry's arm. Harry stopped and she looked him squarely in the eye for a moment. Harry saw recognition in that momentary stare. Then her eyes went vacant again. She took hold of his hand and sort of shook it as the attendant came round to lead her away.

"Now come along, dear," said the attendant. "Don't mind Alice, lad, she is quite harmless."

Harry recognized the woman, now. It was Alice Longbottom, Neville's mother. She had been tortured into this condition by Bellatrix LeStrange and some other Death Eaters, when Neville was a child. Alice continued on down the hallway at a slow shuffle.

Harry looked down at the hand Alice had shaken. She had handed him a crushed up bit of paper. As Harry caught up to Remus and Ron, he flattened out the paper. It was a wrapper from Droobles Best Blowing Gum. Harry stuffed it in his pocket.

In the lobby, Kinsgley gave Remus an in conspicuous hand signal which Remus must have understood. Remus led the way outside and immediately into another cab. The cab sped away as soon as the doors were closed. "Tonks," said Remus, you make a great cabbie!"

Harry and Ron looked at Remus and then at the driver. Nymphadora Tonks morphed from a 40 year old man in a hat to the bubblegum-pink, haired Tonks. "Thanks Remus, pretty good, Eh," she asked.

Tonks was to drive them to Charing Cross Road. On the way they talked and caught up on events. Tonks was a terrible driver when she was not fully concentrating on the road. It was a nerve-racking ride, but it was good to see her again. Tonks stopped the cab in front of the Leaky Cauldron and told them to stay seated. "I'll see you all soon at headquarters," she promised. She got out, having transformed back into a cab driver, and surveyed the area before opening the car door for them. She tipped her hat and winked at the boys as they pulled open the door to the Leaky Cauldron, and stepped inside.

Harry recognized the comfortable warm, smell of butterbeer and old polished wood inside the Leaky Cauldron. The proprietor, Tom, was busy behind the bar, but waved and smiled in their direction, as he poured a glass of fire whiskey for a patron. Remus urged Ron and Harry forward. He seemed anxious to get them back into an area that he considered safe. Soon they were facing the busy shops and commotion of Diagon Alley.

Remus let out his breath and noticeably relaxed as he turned to Harry and Ron. "I have some business at Gringotts. You can come with me or go off by yourselves. You should be safe here in the crowd."

"If you don't mind, Remus, we'll meet up with you later," Harry said, looking at Ron for agreement.

"Ok, then. I'll see you at Fortescue's in an hour," said Remus. "Stick together and have fun."

Harry was feeling very relieved having done his duty by seeing his aunt. He wondered briefly why Remus thought they had needed an extra guard at St. Mungo's, but not here in Diagon Alley. He dismissed the thought immediately; after all he was free for the next hour. Normally Harry was here on a mission to purchase school gear, and not just for fun. In fact, it wasn't since his third year that he had been able to roam freely in the shops for an afternoon. Ron and Harry hurried off toward their favorite store, Quality Quidditch Supplies. They admired the latest brooms, and discussed Quidditch strategy. Next they went to see Fred and George's shop, Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes. Harry thought the shop was just marvelous. It was filled with every kind of joke item imaginable. George proudly showed them around while Fred waited on a customer who was in the market for some of the infamous, Weasley, Skiving Snack Boxes.

In an hour, they were sitting at a table outside Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor, eating marvelous ice cream sundaes. Harry lounged back in his chair, and looked down the street. There was a bustle of activity that always energized him. It was comforting to see so many wizards all gathered in one place. Somewhere, outside, there was an evil wizard who wanted him dead, but right now, here, sitting in the sun, that all seemed very remote and unreal.

Harry's ruminations were distracted by the appearance of a young man in a tan colored cloak with a large green tassel, several stalls down, near Knockturn Alley. Harry squinted, because the man had a familiar gait. There was no mistaking it, the man was Percy Weasley. Harry sat forward, about to point Percy out to Ron, but then thought better of it and sat back. Harry had spent time with Percy at school and at the Weasley house. But, last year, Percy had turned his back on his family and had sided with Cornelius Fudge and others at the Ministry of Magic in insisting that Voldemort had not returned. His stance put him completely in opposition to the rest of his family and there had been a falling out. Percy had actually written to Ron, and suggested that he disassociate himself from Harry, because Harry insisted that his story about Voldemort was true. Percy's attitude had angered Harry. He had thought that if anyone would believe him, it would be the Weasley family. Ron had said little about his brother since that day.

Percy was standing as though he was waiting for someone. Harry was distracted by a small boy squealing with delight when he was handed a large ice cream by his mother. When Harry looked back he saw Percy was talking to a figure standing a few feet away in the shadows. Percy was shaking his head, and turned to leave. The shadowy figure must have called Percy back. Harry saw the figure take hold of Percy's arm and pull him closer, handing Percy a parcel. Then the shadowy man was gone. Percy stood, staring into space for a moment, and then turned and walked away with the package.

Harry lost interest and turned back to Ron. He did not mentioned seeing Percy because any mention of Percy sent Ron into a tirade. Harry knew how distressed the family was over Percy, and he wondered how Percy felt now that Voldemort's return had been proven. Just then Remus arrived, driving any thoughts of Percy out of Harry's head.

"I hope you saved some ice cream for me, " laughed Remus, taking a seat. He hailed Florean, who came hurrying over. Remus had just inquired after Florean's family and was about to place his order when a loud BOOM was heard from down the street. There was the sound of running feet as well as shrieks and cries from the crowd. A large cloud of grey smoke billowed and rolled up the street toward them. Remus leapt to his feet, drawing his wand, and rushed forward. Harry and Ron followed pulling their wands from their pockets. Remus suddenly stopped and spun around, holding out his arms to stop Ron and Harry. "No," he said emphatically. "This could be a trap. Come with me....NOW!"

Ron protested, "My brothers' shop is down that way, Remus, I need to go and see if they're ok."

And Harry added, "WE could help..... There might be people hurt!"

Remus' face clearly said 'do not argue with me', as he grabbed both boys and propelled them back toward Fortescue's. Harry and Ron continued to protest. Florean must have had a similar thought, because he was waiting in the street, and with a nod to Remus, took the boys firmly in hand and into the back of his shop. He opened a door, led them down a hall and deposited them in a windowless room.

"I'll be right back," he said, and he closed and locked the door.

Harry and Ron looked at each other angrily. The muffled sounds of running and shouting were dying back a little. "I hate being treated like some sort of helpless kid," said Harry, with resentment rising in him. "And locking us in?" Harry paused then he realized something. "Ron, Mr. Fortescue must be part of the Order! That's why Remus left us with him."

"I don't care who he is, we should just break out!" Ron growled, red faced, "We've probably fought more Death Eaters then the lot of them combined."

Harry looked at Ron and they both, suddenly, broke into laughter, "You're probably right. But I'll bet Remus has been in some good fights, and maybe even Mr. Fortescue," said Harry thoughtfully. "He doesn't look like much of a fighter, but I think he'd surprise you." Ron agreed.

Soon Remus returned and let them out. He was mumbling something about the audacity of Death Eaters attacking Diagon Alley, in broad daylight. He refused to answer any questions as he hurried them out the front, and into a cab heading away. Remus had the cabbie drive them in a large circle around the city. Once they were headed toward Grimmauld Place, Remus must have felt it was time to explain. "Ron, there was an exploding parcel left in your brothers' shop." Ron gasped. "Fred and George are both alright," continued Remus. "They have some minor cuts which will easily be mended." Ron started to interrupt but Remus raised a hand to stop him. "Your father is on his way to the shop, and I helped board up the front until the aurors can make an assessment. The Dark Mark was seen momentarily, however the smoke was so thick that few probably noticed it. I spoke with Mr. Olivander who saw it from his shop. Fred told me that he saw a parcel sitting on a pile of dung bombs near the front door, but he was busy with a customer and didn't inspect it immediately. Shortly thereafter, it must have exploded."

"I want to see them," said Ron flatly. "Will dad come get me, so I can go home tonight?"

"I believe that your family will be at headquarters tonight. They will want to avoid The Daily Prophet reporters until the situation is sorted out," said Remus.

Ron sunk back into the seat and stared straight ahead. Harry was restless. He needed to talk to Remus in private. He did not want to add to Ron's worries by letting him in on seeing Percy with a package. After all, everyone in Diagon Alley was carrying a parcel or two. It might mean nothing. Soon the cab arrived at the corner of Grimmauld Place. Remus got out and asked Harry to pay the cab with some muggle money he handed over. Remus seemed tense, and was looking all around, with his wand hand tucked inside his cloak. As soon as the cab sped off, the trio walked quickly to number twelve.

Inside, Dobby greeted them in his usual cheery way. He told them that Arthur, Fred and George Weasley were all in the kitchen. Ron rushed off toward the back of the house. Harry touched Remus' arm. "Emm, I saw something today and it may be important," said Harry. "Is Percy still fighting with his family?"

"Why do you ask?" ventured Remus, looking Harry in the eye.

"Before the blast, I saw Percy talking to someone. That person gave a package to Percy and he carried it away in the direction of Fred and George's shop." Harry stopped to let Remus take in the information.

Remus looked at Harry and nodded slowly. "I see," said Remus in a lowered voice. "Let's find out what Fred and George saw. I don't want to add to the problem by making accusations that can't be proved."

"But....If Percy did this..." Harry queried?

Remus interrupted, "We have suspected that Percy may be acting under the Imperius Curse. He's been watched for the last three weeks. He went very quiet after the night in the Department of Mysteries. He has missed a lot of work by our reckoning. The Ministry is in such a state that no one has noticed. The Order wanted to wait and see who might be controlling him."

"I didn't get a good look at the other man," said Harry.

"Never mind that," said Remus, "Just keep this to yourself for now. That means, don't tell Ron." Remus gave Harry a sharp look and Harry nodded. "Ok, let's go to the kitchen," said Remus with a deep sigh.

The Weasley's were a strong family. Fred and George laughed off the attack, saying that if the Death Eaters hadn't blown up the shop, they themselves certainly would have, sooner of later, given the amount of fireworks they were carrying in stock. Ron was soon laughing with them. Harry noticed that Mr. Weasley was very quiet.

Molly Weasley arrived shortly, all in a fluster, with Ginny in tow. She grabbed both Fred and George and hugged them, through tears she didn't restrain. "I was worried that something like this would happen," she cried.

"Now mum, we're fine and the shop will be set to rights by the end of the week," laughed Fred.

"Right you are," agreed George. "Actually, we're quite pleased to rate so high as to warrant an attack. We're thinking it was Dolores Umbridge who did it."

"She never fancied us, you know," said Fred with a wink.

Mrs. Weasley was not to be pacified by her sons' light-hearted jokes. She turned on Mr. Weasley, asking what the Ministry would do to protect the shop. Arthur was very quiet and only mumbled in reply.

Dinner was a strange affair, with everyone in very different moods. Harry sat next to Ginny who talked about a stray cat she had taken in. She was planning to bring it to school in the fall. She had also been practicing some Quidditch moves of which she was proud. Ron agreed that she was 'coming along nicely'.

After dessert was served, Harry saw Remus motion to Mr. Weasley, and the two left the room. Harry thought he knew what it was about and tried to liven up the conversation to give Remus time to talk to Mr. Weasley alone. He asked Mrs. Weasley about the state of her garden, and she launched into a description of the problems she was having with the garden gnomes. Harry had helped de-gnome the garden once, and listened with interest. The Weasley children joined in with more gnome stories, and in the end they were all laughing.

Everyone milled around the kitchen after dinner. Mrs. Weasley insisted on helping Dobby with the dishes. He obviously thought dish washing was not wizard work, but eventually gave in. Harry approached George who was standing alone in one corner of the room leaning against the wall. "I'm really sorry that your store was attacked, George. If I can help....," Harry began.

George bent slightly toward Harry. "We intend to get who ever did this, and when we do, they'll rue the day they attacked the Weasley twins." George had a sort of fake smile on his face. "We don't want mum to worry over it, is all." George paused, then said "Harry, you watch your back. We heard all about your aunt's house. There are some seriously evil wizards out there, and trouble does seem to find you."

Harry nodded slowly. "George, you be careful too, Ok?"

Everyone was fairly tired and they went up to bed early, all except Mr. Weasley and Remus who were talking quietly, in the dim parlor. Harry could not believe that Percy would consciously hurt his family. He hoped that he was wrong about Percy and the parcel.

The room Ron and Harry shared was now a comfortable place. Harry noticed the picture frame on the wall, with no occupant. He reckoned that Phineas Nigellus, whose portrait it was, was dosing soundly in Dumbledore's office. Harry and Ron got into pajamas and turned out the lights, but lay talking quietly for a long time about the events of the day. Harry had to be careful not to mention Percy. It felt funny to be keeping things from Ron and he decided that he would speak to Remus about it the next day. He didn't think that hiding this information about Percy was a good idea.

In the morning, Harry woke before Ron and dressed quietly in jeans and a tee shirt. He left the room, closing the door carefully behind him. He padded down stairs in stocking feet and paused at the kitchen door. There were voices from inside. He decided to listen for a moment before interrupting.

"We have to find him and bring him here," said Arthur Weasley, angrily.

"Arthur, I know he is your son, but we can not risk having him at headquarters until we know if he is a pawn of someone at the Ministry or a disciple of Voldemort," argued Dumbledore who must have arrived very early. "Besides, if it is the Imperius Curse, we will need someone to sort him out. That curse can't be broken overnight, except by the one who placed the curse on him."

"I know the risks, Albus, but I don't want anyone getting at him once we bring him in." Arthur Weasley protested. There was a pause, then he continued in a tired voice, "I can't abide the thought that Percy would hurt someone, particularly his own brothers."

"Arthur, I assure you he'll be safe at Hogwarts," said Dumbledore.

"Sirius was able to get in to Hogwarts, after he escaped Azkaban. And what about Barty Crouch's son, impersonating Moody?" queried Mr. Weasley. "All I'm saying is that if Voldemort thinks Percy is a liability, I'm not sure Hogwarts' defenses would stop him."

Harry could not hear all of Dumbledore's response, only "...defenses will suffice..."

Remus began to speak but too low to hear. Harry could make out, "... think that Harry's description ....was Imperius ...." Then Remus said, "Let's just find Percy and figure out what to do at that time."

Harry pushed the door open and went in. The kitchen was bright and sunny but the mood of the three men was somber. Harry nodded to them, sat down, and served himself some fruit juice.