Harry Potter And The Secret Of The Scar

Harry got to his feet, and brushed off the dirt that had gathered on his clothes. He suddenly remembered something, and felt as though his legs had given way.

"Er, Hagrid?" he said tentatively, "I think I forgot to get my trunk."

Hagrid looked down at him kindly. " Yeh'r trunks down at The Three Broomsticks, Harry. I took a Portkey ter yeh'r room, put a newspaper in yeh'r trunk, and then went to yeh'r cousin's room ter pay him a little visit."

Harry heaved a sigh of relief.

* * * * *

At that moment, in a decrepit house far from civilization, Voldemort addressed Lucius Malfoy in a frosty voice.

"Have you located him, Lucius?"

Lucius Malfoy shuddered and said in a lugubrious voice, "Not yet, master."

Voldemort regarded him belligerently. " I expected better from you, Lucius. I take it you know what happens to those who fail me?"

Malfoy gave another involuntary shudder. " Yes, master. Please forgive me. I shall see to it that he is located soon."

Voldemort laughed mirthlessly. " You do that, Lucius. Be off now."

Lucius Malfoy bowed obligingly, and with the swish of a cloak, he was gone.

* * * * *

Harry Potter mused in silence as he stood on the moving spiral staircase that led to Dumbledore' s office. He watched silently as Hagrid raised his gigantic fist and knocked on the door. It opened noiselessly, and he walked in accompanied by Hagrid. Dumbledore was sitting with his back to them, looking out of a window. All the previous headmasters and headmistresses of Hogwarts were snoozing peacefully in their portrait frames, except for the portrait of Armando Dippet, who was enjoying a pint of rum.

" I've got him, Professor," said Hagrid. Harry looked up into his face, and saw him looking at Dumbledore with evident concern.

The reason for Hagrid' s apprehension became clear when Dumbledore turned in his chair. Harry could hardly remember when Dumbledore had ever looked so worried. He looked older than ever.

He smiled at Harry, and Harry was relieved to see that his smile had not changed. There was a twinkle in his eyes that Harry knew so well.

" Thank you, Hagrid. I will handle it from now onwards," said Dumbledore.

Hagrid bowed and went out of the room.

Dumbledore peered at Harry through his spectacles. " I presume you received my letter?"

Harry nodded.

"Well," he continued, "it is now time for me to explain to you exactly what you will be undertaking in SPIT. You may ask me any questions that you may have after my explanation.

As you know, Lord Voldemort returned to power two years ago, towards the end of your fourth year. Ever since this rebirth, my sources tell me he has been undertaking every possible measure to ensure immortality." He paused to regard Harry carefully.

" Further information I have received tells me he has succeeded in this attempt."

Harry felt as though his heart had dropped right through his stomach. " But that means... that means he can't be killed!"

Dumbledore studied him gravely. " That is where you are wrong. We believe he can be killed. But there is only one person alive who can kill him."

"Who?" asked Harry curiously.

" You, Harry, you."

Harry stared, thunderstruck.

"Me? But... but... how on earth do I have the power to kill Voldemort, if he's immortal?"

Dumbledore shook his head. " Ah, I'm sorry, but that is something that I cannot tell you now. When the time is right, I shall let you know."

Harry began to protest, but Dumbledore held up a hand.

" Now that Voldemort has attained what he assumes to be immortality, I cannot say when he will try to spirit you away. His attempted attack on Hogwarts is just a symbol of his arrogance. Fortunately, I arrived on time, and he fled. Which is why, we have decided that that it is best you undergo SPIT here at Hogwarts. The best witches and wizards in the world have assembled here to train you in every aspect of self-defense possible. You will begin training tomorrow. You will sleep in Hagrid' s cabin ever night until school re-opens. That is where you will have your meals too."

" Don't worry, I shall ask Hagrid to get the food from the kitchens," he added, seeing the consternation on Harry' s face.

"Any questions?"

Harry shook his head.

Dumbledore smiled. " Good. Hagrid will be waiting outside the door. I suggest you have dinner and then go to bed immediately. You have a long day ahead of you."

Harry rose and was about to leave when Dumbledore called to him.

" My goodness, where are my manners? Would you like a sherbet lemon?" he offered.

Harry grinned and took one.