Harry Potter and the Scar of Fate

Chapter 2

Crooked House

"Hi," said Harry as he appeared at the Burrow. He looked around at the pale, shocked faces.

"I just heard," he said quietly, "I'm so sorry. Did they catch her?"

"No," said Mrs. Weasley, her face wet with tears.

"We'll kill her when we see her," said Fred, and George nodded. Ron was in the corner, staring into space. Harry walked over to him.

"Ron," he said quietly, "I'm..."

Ron whirled around, caught his shoulder and broke down. Harry led him to the sofa and sat down with him. Soon after, Hermione, Draco and the others arrived.

Bill was given a magnificent funeral. Though still pale and haggard, the Weasleys returned to work. Ron went over to Hermione's place with Harry and Draco. After a few sombre days, their moods lightened, and they all sat discussing what their future actions would be. It was their last year in school, and time for their Animagus transformation to be complete. Except Harry, of course. Harry could choose to be any animal he wanted to be at will. But no one had seen him at it, for he didn't like showing off to his friends, and also because it brought back painful memories of Sirius.

On Harry's birthday, Hermione and her parents arranged a party. Harry savoured every moment of it, knowing very well that it might be his last. Ron got the Head Boy and Quidditch Captain batches. Hermione was Head Girl. Draco was a Prefect. Harry was not jealous anymore. He knew Dumbledore had good reasons, and he didn't want any extra responsibilities either. It was enough to have to think about ridding the world of Voldemort.

After the party was over, Harry retired to his room, which he shared with Ron and Draco. They had not come in yet. They were downstairs, talking to Hermione and her parents, trying to learn stuff about Muggles. Harry was surprised to see an owl sitting on his bed. The owl flew to him and dropped a letter in front of him. Then it flew off. Harry tore open the letter. It was from Dumbledore. He was coming to pick them up the next day to take them to Harry's parents' house, Godric's Hollow. Harry ran down the stairs and informed everyone. All of them were excited.

Dumbledore and Lupin arrived early. Dumbledore had a portkey and took them to the place. As soon as his stopped spinning, Harry looked around. A terrible sight greeted his eyes. A house, half shattered, scorched badly, stood before him. It must have been a very handsome house once, almost a palace. A gilded board declared it to be Godric's Hollow. Harry felt tears stinging his eyes. He blinked furiously and bit his lip. He looked at the others. Hermione was staring, tears pouring down her face. Even Ron and Draco seemed to be fighting back tears. Lupin had tears in his eyes too. Dumbledore looked very sad as well. Lupin showed them around the house. When they came out, Harry saw a strange, lop sided house some distance away. It was a grotesque building, crooked and shabby.

"What is that?" he asked Dumbledore.

"Whitechapel orphanage," Dumbledore said heavily.

Harry stared at it. "I want to go there," he said a minute later.

"Harry..."

"Please, sir."

"Very well."

Harry and Dumbledore went over to the Muggle orphanage, leaving the others with Lupin. Harry took in the miserable, starved faces, the podgy, cruel face of the warden and the run down building. He suddenly felt nauseous. He was about to turn away when he noticed a little girl huddled in a corner and some children bullying her. A fat boy, remarkably like Dudley, suddenly slapped her sharply. She cried out.

Harry couldn't stop himself. He went over to the corner. The other children scattered immediately, leaving the girl alone. She was a pretty child, with wavy golden hair and ice blue eyes. Harry knelt down next to her.

"What's your name?" he asked kindly.

"Kathy. Please don't hurt me. I swear I didn't shatter the glass!" she cried tearfully.

"Of course not. Why should I hurt you?"

"They all think I am weird. And things do keep happening around me all the time. The warden always blames me and punishes me. Are you the new manager?"

"No, Kathy, I'm not your new manager. How old are you?" he asked gently and passed her a chocolate. She smiled at him, a very charming smile.

"I'm eleven. If you promise not to tell anyone, I'll tell you a secret," her voice sank to a whisper, "I got a weird letter yesterday. Want to see it?" Seeing Harry nod, she produced a letter.

Harry stared at the letter in shock. It was a Hogwarts letter.