Harry Potter and the War of Two Worlds

CHAPTER 2

"Et nunc, reges, intelligite, erudimini,

Qui judicati terram"

...Harry, taken aback by his situation, began to explore this threatening nightmare. As blazes of lights encircled Harry and his companions, he walked slowly on, seemingly unaffected by these curses.

Harry began to approach a group of wizards hiding behind a broken wall, presumably the victim of an askew curse. As he grew closer, Harry noticed a familiar face among the mass. The man bore a gash across his cheek and wore robes tattered from the battle.

"Mundungus Fletcher," Harry shouted over the uproar of the witches and wizards around them. Mundungus remained unresponsive to the greeting. Harry moved closer to the member of the Order and tried in vain to get the man's attention.

"Why can't you hear me? Hello? Mundungus, it's me! Harry Potter!" Frustrated at his futile attempts at the impassive wizard, Harry moved on. A large crowd of clashing wizards attracted the young wizard's curiosity. As Harry moved closer, an icy cold wave swept over him, stopping the boy in his tracks.

"Not Harry, not Harry, please not Harry!"

"Stand aside, you silly girl...stand aside, now..."

"Not Harry! Please...have mercy...have mercy..."

As Harry's head echoed with the pleads of his mother and father, a swarm of dark, hooded figures glided over the island prison, swooping down on war-weary wizards. Harry slowly opened his eyes, trying to ignore the voice of his parents' murderer resounding in his ears.

"I need to get help! I need to...AARRG!" Harry's train of thought was abruptly interrupted by a sharp, blinding pain. Clutching his scar, Harry was jolted back from the nightmare into his bed at Number Four. Cold sweat covered his body and soaked his sheets. As he slowly got up from his sopping cot, still holding his lightening bolt scar, Harry grabbed a quill and a piece of parchment to warn the Order of this breakout.

To Anyone at the Order:

I don't know what just happened, but I had a dream and the Azkaban prisoners escaped. Hope everything's okay.

Harry

There, short and to the point. Harry roused Hedwig from her sleep and sent the owl off to 12 Grimmauld Place. As he watched her soar out into the horizon, Harry sat by his window and tried to recall all the details of his most recent nightmare.

It was all so vivid, so real. Harry closed his eyes and remembered the faces he had seen during the escape. Well, it was only a matter of time until the dementors joined Voldemort. Harry thought bitterly to himself, knowing that this could've been avoided if Fudge had just listened to him and Dumbledore. Dumbledore... Harry's fists clenched at the sound of his headmaster's name. This reaction had been a common reoccurrence this summer. If he had just told me about that damn prophecy, Sirius wouldn't be... Harry let his thoughts trail off. No, it was my fault he died. He was coming to save me because I was too stupid to see the trap for what it really was. Harry sat back under the window and tried to close his mind off to any more unwelcome thoughts like this one, determined to keep his eyes open for fear of another nightmare.

His eyes had begun to droop ever so slightly until the clatter of pans and the sound of what seemed to be elephants tramping down the stairs told him that the Dursleys were up.

Not wanting to stay alone in his room with the threat of unwelcome reflections, Harry traipsed down the stairs and into the spotless kitchen.

"Oh, look. Potter's awake from his beauty sleep." Dudley smirked in between chews. Harry sat down, ignoring his cousin's taunts. Across the kitchen table, Mr. Dursley sat reading the newspaper. All that could be seen atop that paper was his large purple head. This suddenly reminded Harry of a balloon and it took all of his strength to stifle a laugh.

"Harry, here's your breakfast." Aunt Petunia smiled forcefully as she placed a china plate of three sausages, two fried eggs and a burnt piece of toast in front of him. Seeing as this portion was one of the largest Harry had received for a morning meal, he disregarded the scorched bread and gobbled down his food, unaware before that time that he was so hungry. As Harry finished off his last bit of sausage, he looked up to see three pairs of eyes fixed on him.

"Now, boy," Uncle Vernon began, "a business colleague of mine is visiting our house to meet the family, size up a possible business partner, etc..." Mr. Dursley waved his hand in a know-it-all manner, which reminded Harry distinctively of Hermione, and continued; "Now this is a very important meeting, so no funny business. I'll have to introduce you, seeing as the story of the...er... problematic boy living with us has spread." Vernon inhaled deeply after his statement, as though winded from his long explanation.

"So, I have to sit with you and lie to him about who I am and where I go to school and how I am such a terrible kid?" Harry asked innocently, leering inside at the sight of Uncle Vernon's face flush to a deeper purple, something Harry did not think was possible.

"Yes, you miserable little-" He was cut off by his wife's quiet but distinctive cough. Staring at Petunia Dursley, begging her to let him release the anger that had been building up ever since his nephew had returned, Vernon finally gave up and started with Harry again, but in a different tone. "Yes, you will have to lie, but it is for the good of this family. The family that has provided for you for the last 16 years!" Mr. Dursley emphasized this last bit and let the topic rest. Harry decided not to push his uncle any further or he might pop. And however funny that might be, in the long run, it would not be beneficial.

The family continued to eat in silence. Or at least, partial silence, for Dudley's chomping and gulping could be heard throughout the kitchen. Harry excused himself and, with a nod to his aunt and uncle, climbed back up the stairs and into his bedroom. Hedwig had not returned and Harry dearly hoped his letter would be safely delivered to its destination.

Where is she? Harry looked anxiously out his window, hoping to catch a glimpse of a snowy owl soaring through the sky. I hate this! They don't even trust me enough to let me in on anything! God forbid the boy destined to save this world or perish with it knew something about anything! Frustrated, Harry shoved a pile of parchments off his desk and watched menacingly as they floated down to the floor. Everything always goes wrong, and the one person I need to talk to isn't here anymore. These thoughts resonated in his ears until, finally, Harry had had enough of them and went out into the late morning, walking along the concrete sidewalks, not knowing or caring where his feet lead him.

The next days passed with few occurrences. There was still no sign of Hedwig and Harry began to worry about his owl and his message. Soon, it was the night of Mr. Dursley's business associate's visit. Aunt Petunia was fixing dinner whilst applying her make-up. Watching his aunt's endeavor, Harry reminded himself not to try the broccoli stew for he would risk being asphyxiated by face powder.

More amusing than this, however, was the sight of both Dursley's in matching suits, looking more like those Russian nesting dolls than distinguished English gentlemen. Dudley had been fidgeting with his bow tie that was a tad to small for his large, almost lost neck. Harry had been in his room for most of the day and had only lately left to undergo inspection.

"Well, I guess you clean up better than I expected," Mr. Dursley said in a huff. He straightened one of Dudley's old ties that Harry had borrowed for this occasion and, then, stepped back to do an once-over. "Yes, well, that will have to do." Suddenly, the doorbell rang and all three Dursley's sprinted, or in Mr. Dursley's case, walked very fast, to their designated spots. Harry stood against the wall of the parlor and waited, uninterested in this new visitor, for the persistent worry concerning the Azkaban breakout was far more important in Harry's eyes.

"Welcome Mr. Deyncour! Please come in." Mr. Dursley escorted the refined man into the lounge. Harry noticed a limp in this middle-aged man's walk as he went to sit on the Dursley's sofa. Harry sat down with the Dursleys and kept quiet, not wanting to draw attention to himself and risk having to answer questions he, frankly, didn't know the answers to himself!

"Vernon and I are so delighted you could come." Aunt Petunia said in a sickly sweet voice that made Harry cringe. "This is our son, Dudley." She pointed lovingly to the large boy as Dudley leaned across the coffee table to shake Mr. Deyncour's hand.

"Well, Dudley, I have heard a great deal about you from your father, here. Apparently, you are a boxer? Wonderful sport. I played myself in my younger years." Mr. Deyncour said thoughtfully, obviously reminiscing over his glory days. Dudley just shrugged and glanced around the room dully.

"And this is," The visitor spotted Harry and questioningly looked over at Vernon Dursley, whose face had gone from a stiff smile to a nervous grin.

"Oh, yes, well, this is Harry Potter, our nephew." Mr. Dursley said very fast, feeling he had closed this subject and wanting to speak about more important things, such as his possible promotion. Mr. Deyncour, however, had a different notion.

"Harry Potter, so very nice to meet you." The gentleman courteously extended his hand towards the boy. Harry shook it and quickly let go, hoping, as Mr. Dursley was, that this introduction was over and Harry could return to being invisible.

"Now, what school do you attend, Harry?" Mr. Deyncour asked innocently, waving off a plate of cookies Petunia had offered in a feeble attempt to steer the conversation away from Harry, or, at least, stall it until the young wizard could prepare an honest-sounding response.

"Er...well, yes, I attend St. Brutus's Secure Center for Incurably Criminal Boys." Harry answered quickly, hoping this reply sounded sincere.

"Oh," The man said in surprise. "Well, that...is...something." Not really knowing how to reply to such a statement, he moved on to lighter conversation with Petunia and Vernon. Time passed slowly and dinner was no exception. Harry watched amusingly as Dudley gobbled up the make-up-sprinkled stew. Mr. Deyncour continued to occasionally question the young wizard about school and such, and Harry replied with harmless answers that he tried to keep very vague. Mostly the questions involved studies and friends. This question and answer session entertained Harry, as the thought of Snape hearing that Potter had related Potions to the muggle subject of chemistry was extremely comical. Soon, Vernon ushered Mr. Deyncour into the parlor, seemingly to discuss future business plans. Petunia began to clear the dishes, enlisting the help of "Ickle Diddykins", leaving Harry free to retreat to his bedroom. As he opened his door, Hedwig flew over and landed on his shoulder, affectionately nipping at his ear.

"Hedwig! You're back! I thought something might've happened to you!" Harry smiled and took the envelope the owl was holding. Hedwig flew over to her cage; grateful for a rest, as Harry ripped open the letter he had been waiting for.

Dear Harry,

Your dream has been confirmed. Regrettably, Azkaban prisoners have been released and the dementors are nowhere to be found. This is all we can say. You will learn more when there is a safer way to communicate.

Take care of yourself.

That's it? That's all I get after all this. Why can't they just get me outta here and tell me what the hell is going on? They're treating me like some little kid! Harry shook with frustration. I've handled more than half those people and they still think that I'm too young to manage anything! Harry threw himself on his bed and glared up at the ceiling. Not safe enough to communicate... I thought the Ministry of Magic was a safe place but turns out I was wrong! As these angry thoughts swirled around in Harry's mind, his eyes began to grow heavy, and, despite his best efforts, he drifted off into a restless sleep laden with vague dreams of dark places and a high-pitched laugh ringing in his ears.

"Harry. Harry wake up. Come on Harry! Get up!"

Harry awoke to find someone shaking him. Instinctively, using his Seeker reflexes, he jumped out of bed, wand out and poised at the potential enemy only to find a shocked Remus Lupin and an amused Tonks staring back at him.

"Wotcher, Harry. Put that wand away or you'll poke someone's eye out!" Tonks teased wittily, giving Harry the once-over as she said this. "Well, Harry, you sure have grown since last time I saw you. Much more of a man, I'd say!" She said keenly, making Harry blush profusely and refocus his eyes on Remus.

"What are you two doing here?" Harry asked hesitantly, wand out, still in hand. He glanced from Tonks to his old professor. He noticed Lupin looked more tired than usual, bearing more lines across his forehead, presumably from the stress of last school year.

"Harry, it's us. Trust me. Ask me anything!" Lupin said, holding his hands up in an action reminiscent of a muggle being arrested.

Harry stood thoughtfully, trying to decide on an appropriate question. "What is the password to access the Marauder's Map?" Harry asked, feeling this was a question only the real Moony could answer.

Remus chuckled, "'I solemnly swear that I am up to no good!'" Harry smiled at his old friend and returned his wand to his back pocket.

"How are you Remus, Tonks?"

"Well, you are probably wondering what we are doing here," Tonks sat down on the edge of Harry's bed, still looking at him playfully. "And we would love to explain this over a cup of tea in your aunt's kitchen, but we doubt she would approve!"

"We know how much you've wanted to leave your family's house, and Al- er, Professor Dumbledore said that it would be safe to take you out of you're aunt's home at this time. I'm sure Ron has told you all this. However, we felt it would be safer not to bring you to the Headquarters. I hope this is all right with you, Harry. Safety precautions, you know." Remus smiled a tired but true smile at his best friend's son.

Harry's eyes widened at the prospect of leaving the Dursleys right away and before he knew it, he was hugging both members of the Order. They broke away awkwardly and soon began to pack all of Harry's belongings.

Soon after, the three of them were walking in the early hours of morning towards Mrs. Figg's house. Mrs. Figg had become Harry's only direct connection to the magical world. It was only during his talks with the Squib that he could find out if there had been any activity from Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Although he only received tidbits of information, he was grateful for anything.

When they reached Mrs. Figg's front door, Remus knocked twice, although these thuds could barely be heard over the "meows" from inside.

"Remus, Nymphadora! Oh, and Harry! How nice to see you all. I was expecting you!" Mrs. Figg greeted them as she opened the door. The old woman ushered the three in and, with a last look outside, closed the door.

Harry looked around the living room. The furniture displayed numerous scratch marks and the room had a strong odor of cats. The fireplace was empty, most likely for communication purposes.

"Come in, come in! Remus, Nymphadora, you must be tired from your long journey. I have tea if you'd like." Mrs. Figg eagerly brought a tray of teacups and cookies. Harry and the other two graciously accepted the tea, although they avoided the cookies, especially the hairy ones.

"Please, Arabella. Call me Tonks! Nymphadora sounds so stuffy." Tonks smiled as she sipped her cup.

"Arabella, we won't be staying long. We are to deliver Harry and then report back to Headquarters. You will be staying in Surrey, I presume?"

"Yes, Remus. I am needed here." Mrs. Figg glanced at Harry knowingly and stood up from the table. "Well, let's get you going then. Wouldn't want to be late!"

"Um, where exactly are you 'delivering' me?" Harry asked tentatively. "If not Headquarters, then where?"

"Well, we are bringing you to the Granger's. Members of the Order have taken great care in protecting them and we feel you'll be safe there for the remainder of the summer. I believe a certain red-haired boy will also be joining you!" Lupin winked at Harry and continued to help the women carry Harry's things out into Arabella's backyard. "We will be taking a portkey to the Granger's, so everyone, grab something and gather 'round."

Harry held onto Hedwig's cage as he, Tonks, and Lupin both grasped a discarded shoe lying on the ground. After a particularly small cat leaped out of it and hid behind a shed, the three were ready. Soon, a familiar sensation brought Harry and his companions onto a long road. It was lined with stately houses, all different in style. Well, this is a change from Privet Drive. Harry thought, surveying the suburb.

"Come on, Harry." Tonks waved to him as the three set off along the road. It was barely sunrise, which was convenient. Three people appearing out of nowhere carrying an owl cage among other things was hardly a day-to-day happening. Well, that could've been troublesome.

"Don't worry. Even if someone happened to be out here, they wouldn't see us. If any muggles happened to be looking this way, they would suddenly look the other way for one reason or another, in simplest terms. An ordinary charm, Harry. You'll learn." Lupin said humorously, reading Harry's thoughts.

The trio continued walking until Tonks pointed to a large, white house in front of them.

"That's it. 164 Holborn Road." Tonks said, looking at a scrap of paper she retrieved from her pocket.

"Harry, we really must be going. The Granger's are expecting you, so don't feel rude entering. Have a great rest of the summer, Harry." Remus hugged Harry and slowly released the teen. Harry then hugged Tonks.

"Wait, but can't I ask about the Azkaban situation? You're here, now, so..." Harry looked longingly as Lupin shook his head.

"I'm sorry, Harry. We really must be going. There will be a time for talking, Harry, but not right now." Lupin finished and glanced at Tonks, who was also shaking her head. Harry gave up and let the matter alone.

As he started up the walk, the two disappeared with a pop and Harry was left alone on the street.

Well, Ron and Hermione must know something! They'll surely tell me! Harry smiled as he continued up the path. He slowly cracked the unlocked door open, not wanting to disturb the sleeping family. As Harry stepped inside and closed the door, darkness engulfed him. He set his trunk and cage down and felt his way around to find a light of some sort. His hands fumbled around on the wall until his fingertips met a light switch plate. He flicked the switch, and lamps running down the long hallway illuminated the impressively decorated foyer. Portraits of men and women, presumable members of the Granger's family, stiffly sat in picture frames hung on the walls. Harry made his way down this entry and was met with a large sitting room.

This is quite eerie. Harry stepped lightly on the carpet and looked around, not knowing what to do next. I guess I'll just wait until the Grangers come down... Harry sat himself on the plush settee. Faint noises from above made Harry jump. Feeling rather silly, Harry waited awkwardly until the sound subsided.

Harry glanced at the clock on the mantle for the tenth or eleventh time; he really couldn't keep track anymore. Half past seven. They should be down soon, I suppose. Just as Harry finished that thought, footsteps on the stairs and an excited Hermione Granger brought the house to life.

"Oh, Harry, I'm so glad you're here!" The young witch threw her arms around Harry's neck. "I've missed you so much! Sorry you had to wait." Hermione said apologetically as she released Harry from her embrace.

"Hey, Hermione!" Harry beamed at his friend as she led him into her kitchen. It was warm and inviting. Gleaming tiles and sparkling clean floors glittered in the incoming sunlight. Aunt Petunia would be impressed. Harry smiled to himself as Hermione bustled swiftly about the kitchen, setting plates and cups and various pieces of breakfast foods on the counters at lightening speed.

"I suppose you must be hungry, Harry." She grinned as she placed mounds of food in front of the boy. Harry looked up at a glowing Hermione and decided not to let her effort go to waste. Besides that, Harry's stomach was growling and was greatly obliged for sustenance.

As he and Hermione finished off the large meal, a short, balding man and brown-haired woman made their way into the eating area.

"Harry, so nice to finally meet you! We have heard so much about you from Hermione here." Mrs. Granger hugged Harry as Mr. Granger shook the boy's hand. Harry Potter smiled and thanked them for allowing him to stay in their home.

"Dear, it is no trouble." Mrs. Granger sat with her husband on the other side of the table whilst grinning at Harry.

Breakfast was pleasant and, soon after, Hermione guided Harry to the guest room.

"You and Ron can stay here. I think he said he was arriving today sometime in the afternoon." Hermione set Hedwig's cage down on a dresser.

"Thanks Hermione. Really." Harry hugged the brunette lightly, interrupted shortly by Mr. Granger's calls.

"Oh! My dad said he could take us into town if you'd like." Hermione said cheerily, looking up at Harry.

"Yea, that'd be great, Hermy." Harry smiled; using the nickname Grawp had so graciously given to her.

"Harry Potter, if you call me that one more time, I swear I'll..." Hermione menacingly waved her fist in the air, causing Harry to laugh even harder. After glaring at him threateningly, she too joined, and the pair laughed until their sides hurt.

Hermione's father later let them off near a muggle café. They said their goodbyes and Mr. Granger drove away. Harry turned after the car was out of sight to the building they were standing in front of. Its sign, which bore the letters Nara's Coffee House, hung precariously above their heads.

"We better go in." Hermione said, obviously watching the dangling sign also.

The two walked into a small coffee shop, littered with people drinking espressos and reading various books or periodicals. None of them looked up as the pair made their way towards the counter. Although this observation was beyond Hermione, Harry was thrilled to see no one staring at his scar or whispering with one another.

Harry and Hermione were seated and quietly sipped their coffees, appreciating each other's company.

"Harry," Hermione broke the silence, putting her cup down slowly, avoiding Harry's eyes. "I was just wondering if you're doing okay. Your letters were happy, but an empty happiness, it seemed. Or maybe, forced." Hermione finally met Harry's eyes. They were filled with a great sadness. Now, it was Harry's turn to look away.

"Look, Hermione," He started slowly, "It's just been a hard summer, but I'm fine. Really." Harry added, hopefully sounding convincing. Hermione just stared at him. Choosing her words carefully, she began again.

"It's just, you've been through a lot and we all want to help! Me, Ron, everyone, Harry! You're not alone in this! You don't have to be." Hermione placed her hands over his and the pair sat in silence. The only other sounds around them were from a rather large coffee drinker sipping loudly from behind a newspaper.

Harry looked over at the noisy customer, unable to endure Hermione's inquiring gaze. The paper he was reading was barely readable. Harry could only make out a handful of sentences.

...temperatures rising...pools overcrowded...Prime Minister's statement...see page 5 for more details...breakout popstar...

Breakout? Remembering his dream of the Azkaban escape brought Harry back into the harsh reality. Hermione must not know about it then, if she hasn't mentioned it yet! Maybe I shouldn't mention it.

Harry must have been lost in this train of thought at length, for Hermione's stare was now one of curiosity.

"Harry? Harry, what happened? Are you okay? You look, well, confused." Hermione removed her hands from his and returned to her coffee cup, which had, along with Harry's, become cold.

"Oh, sorry. Er, it's nothing. Trust me." Harry pleaded. Hermione, still doubtful, let the issue rest, for now at least.

They paid the bill and quietly left the coffee shop. As they strolled down the sidewalks, glancing inquisitively at the unique storefronts, Harry noticed Hermione's father's car coming down the street.

"Hey, Hermione. Isn't that your father?"

Hermione turned around as Mr. Granger's black coupe pulled to a stop at a nearby curb. As Harry and Hermione approached the car, they were surprised to see a familiar redhead pop out from the back of the vehicle.

"Ron, you're here!" Hermione squealed as she embraced her other best friend.

"Hey Ron, it's good to see you, mate!" Harry shook his pal's hand and the three stood smiling; the Trio reunited.

"Well, I arrived at your house, Hermione, but you two weren't there. Your dad gave me a ride down here, hoping you hadn't wandered off or anything!" Ron exclaimed, still grinning like mad.

"We just had a cup of coffee. Nice little place they got there." Harry explained. The three of them jumped into the Granger's car and chatted excitedly the whole trip home. Before long, they arrived at the house. Harry and Hermione helped Ron take his things up to the guest room. As Ron unpacked, the other two sat on the beds, eager to talk in private.

"So, Ron. How was your summer? You didn't say much in your letters." Hermione sat cross-legged on one of the two beds, while Harry occupied the other.

"Well, nothing much happened. Pretty boring, really. Mum has been a real nutter, lately. Practically choked me measuring for dress robes. Did you hear we need them again this year?" Ron wore a look of disgust as he spoke the last few words, obviously remembering his previous dress robes and the detested lace around the neck.

"Wonder what for."

"Yea, well, as long as it isn't another tournament." Harry said bitterly. The last time dress robes were required, he had been entered in the Triwizard Tournament, which brought Harry to a duel with Voldemort.

Ron and Hermione perceptibly noticed the tone in Harry's voice and decided not to continue with the subject. Harry was glad when Hermione changed the subject.

"Well, I'm just glad we all did fairly well on our O.W.L.'s." Hermione stated, bringing a smile to both Ron and Harry's faces. "You two really should take your futures more seriously!"

"Like you, Hermione?" Ron laughed until a look from Hermione interrupted his fun.

"Really, Ron." Hermione shook her head at her red-haired friend. Harry rolled his eyes at their constant bickering. It's a wonder they both haven't caught on yet. Harry poked fun at his two friends' apparent fondness for each other.

Ron and Hermione continued their squabbling all through the afternoon and into the night. Finally, after they said their good nights, Hermione retreated to her bedroom as Harry and Ron settled into theirs.

"Ron, you really should just tell her how you feel, mate." Harry smiled at his blushing friend.

"What are you talking about? Hermione's such a know-it-all! It's a wonder how we put up with her for the whole year!" Ron tried to sound convincing, but Harry saw right through it.

"Alright mate, alright!" Harry turned the bedside lamp off and settled into his bed. Soon, Ron's snores told Harry that he was the only one awake in the room. Harry rolled over onto his side and tried to clear his mind.

Wish I could've done that last year. Harry thought sadly as his eyes began to adjust to the darkness. Outside the window, the moon shone brightly over the quiet neighborhood. A peaceful setting; parents heading up to bed, children fast asleep dreaming of fairy-tale-like places and creatures seen only in fantasies.

Must be nice to be normal. Forlornly, Harry closed his eyes, only to be plagued with the images that had been beleaguering his mind all summer. He opened his eyes, not wanting to relive the memories he so feared to return to. Harry lay awake in his bed, looking dazedly at the ceiling above him. No one understands. No one will ever understand.