Harry Potter and the Secrets of Dumbledore

Harry Potter and the Secrets of Dumbledore

Chapter 7

Information by Severus

The school was bustling with activity when Harry arrived in the Great Hall. Students were looking over their class schedules which Professor McGonagall had just passed out. First years were trying to figure out their way around the castle. There were a variety of comments from the rest of the students on what classes they had and with whom they had them with. Many wondering about the new teachers, how much homework they would get, and on and on.

Antonia entered the hall and sat next to Harry. "You look exhausted," she said. "What did you do after the feast last night?"

"That's a long story," he replied, rolling his eyes. "Do you have any plans Friday night?"

"No. What did you have in mind?"

"I thought we might go into London for dinner and maybe some dancing."

"That sounds wonderful," she said. "I haven't seen much of your country since I arrived. I also have a feeling that I won't be seeing anywhere near as much of you now that school has started as I'd like to."

"Well, we knew this would happen from the beginning," he sighed. "Now we have to live with it. Are you ready for your first class?"

"Oh yes. I just have to remember to teach in English instead of Italian!" she teased. "I had better get down there before the chime sounds. See you at lunch." She gave him a wink as she stood up and left.

As the chime sounded, the hall quickly emptied. Harry looked around, shrugged his shoulders, and headed to his office.

*******

"Okay Albus," he said, taking a deep breath. "Is there anything else you are hiding from me? I have a feeling I will have enough surprises in the not to distant future and I don't need any more from you."

Dumbledore surveyed him for a moment. "Harry, I have transferred all my powers to you. Knowledge and secrets are an entirely different matter. I will share those things with you only as needed. You are going to have to figure things out and make plans of how to deal with situations yourself. I'm only here in an advisory capacity. You are running the show now and must do it your own way."

"I realize that," Harry replied with a touch of irritation in his voice. "I'm talking about things like plans with Severus that I know nothing about. You need to remember that you always thought I was to young to know the entire truth about Voldemort and the prophecy when I was a student. It probably would have been better if you had told me the whole thing from the beginning instead of piece by piece each year. There have been a few other things that I could go into, but you know them as well as I do."

"Harry, we could debate these things for the next century and never come to a full agreement. The point is, I will tell you things as I deem necessary. As you pointed out a couple weeks ago, this is the twenty first century. You have a bright, young mind that is more suited to the times than any of ours are. Those siding with Benedict are also younger and more adept to modern times. We will always be here to back you up and suggest some of the old magic that they may not be aware of, or may have forgotten about."

"I'm sorry," Harry sighed. "I'm not expecting you to do everything for me. I don't even want you to do that. It's just that I have enough to adjust to without surprise notes in the middle of the night from someone I never expected to hear from again. At least not in a friendly manner."

Harry stood up and once again started to pace around the office. There was a sudden flash of light followed by a loud crack of thunder. He walked over to the window just in time to see the downpour begin. "Well, the students will have a time of it getting to and from the greenhouses, not to mention Hagrid's class! I suppose I better get to some of this paperwork before I can no longer find the desk."

The first matter at hand was preparing the personal portkey for Severus. Once that was complete, he wrote a note to Jeff at The Leaky Cauldron, explaining who and what this was for and where to put it.

Fortunately, an owl flew in with a letter for Harry. He removed his letter and replaced it with the one for Jeff. "The Leaky Cauldron," he told the owl. With a flutter of wings that slapped his face, the owl flew out the window.

"Guess he wasn't in the mood for another delivery so soon," he muttered to himself.

Harry worked through lunch, losing all track of time. He almost fell out of his chair when he heard a voice say, "Harry are you there?" He turned toward the fireplace to see Hermione's head floating in the flames. "Did I disturb something important?"

"No," Harry said as he walked over to the fireplace. "I was just catching up on some correspondence and sorting other paperwork. I'm sure you know how that goes!"

"Oh yes. That seems to be a never ending ordeal. I just had a meeting with the Aurors and I have three volunteers that are willing to accept your condition. I would suggest they get to your office no later than eleven. That way you can fill them in on what you want. It will also give you time to explain what you will do regarding their memories after the meeting is over."

"That sounds great Hermione. I think you have covered everything. Thanks again, I really appreciate your assistance with this."

"No problem. Anytime the ministry can help, just let me know. On a more personal note. Why don't you, Antonia, and Petunia come to the Burrow for dinner next Wednesday night? The boys have been asking to see you. Beside, you can fill us in on your meeting with Severus. We also have an idea we want to discuss with you."

"That sounds doable," Harry said. "I'll let Antonia and Aunt Petunia know later today. I hate to cut you off, but I have to find Minerva and fill her in on some of this. Thanks again for the agents. Hopefully they won't have to do anything."

Hermione's head disappeared and Harry went in search of Minerva.

*******

"So you knew nothing of this plan either?" Harry asked Minerva as they sat in her office discussing the note received the night before.

"No," she said shaking her head. "This is all news to me. Do you want me to attend the meeting with Severus as well?"

"I think it would be better if I saw him alone. Obviously he doesn't know that anybody else is aware of the plan yet. Anyway, I won't be totally alone. Hermione is sending three auror's who will be in the office under invisibility cloaks. I'll fill you in on what he has to say after the meeting is over."

"Well, whatever you think is best," she said with a far away look in her eyes. "I just hate the thought of going through this again."

"Guess we really don't have much of a choice in the matter. We'll just have to deal with it as it comes."

"Oh, before I forget," he said. "Antonia and I will not be here for dinner Friday night. We will be leaving straight away after her last class of the day."

"I see," Minerva said with raised eyebrows. "In that case, all I will say is...have a nice time."

Later that evening, Harry and Petunia were in the media room checking all the world wide muggle news stations. While they were watching and drinking their tea, he told her about the invitation to the Burrow. She seemed pleased and said she was looking forward to it. As the evening progressed, Harry got his aunt to teach him how to use the computer that he had installed in the room.

*******

The rain had continued through the next day. On Friday, the sun decided to show up again. The level of the lake had risen considerably in the last two days. With the drop in temperatures, the leaves were ablaze in colors of red, yellow, and orange.

Antonia's last class ended at three o'clock. She went to her room and dressed for the evening. She was able to hide her muggle clothes under her robes, but had to carry the high heels in a cloth bag to avoid curious looks, not to mention the noise they would make on the stone floors.

She entered the office to find Evan and Harry discussing the first Quidditch match of the season. It was to be held in two weeks and Evan wanted as much information about the games at Hogwart's as possible. Evan had been an excellent player while at school and had learned of Harry's experiences. They had gotten started on stories of their youth spent playing and had lost track of time.

Finally, they noticed Antonia's presence and stopped talking. Evan looked at the two of them and said, "I take it you two have plans for the evening. So, I'll be on my way. Have a good time. Harry, I'll see you on Monday." He flashed a big smile at them and let himself out.

"Are you ready to go?" Harry asked.

She smiled and said, "Anytime you are!"

"Okay then, take my arm."

Antonia wrapped her arm around his. Just as he started to reach for the paperweight, he heard, "Harry, don't forget about the meeting tomorrow."

Harry turned and said, "As much as I would like to forget it...I won't. I will be here in plenty of time. Anything else Albus?"

"Just one more item."

"What?"

"You two have a nice time this evening!"

"Thank you, Albus. Good bye." Harry grabbed the paperweight as fast as if it were the golden snitch...and they were gone.

"Why don't you relax in the living room while I take a quick shower and change."

Antonia settled on the couch and started reading The Daily Prophet. She dropped the paper and turned with a start when she heard a woman's voice.

"Harry, how..." Petunia froze when she saw Antonia instead of Harry. "Oh, I'm sorry, I wanted to talk to Harry. We haven't seen much of each other since the feast the other night."

"He's taking a shower," Antonia told her. "Why don't you sit down and we can chat until he is ready."

Petunia smiled, sat down, and asked, "Are you two going out this evening?"

"Yes. We are going into London for dinner and dancing."

"Do you know where you are going?"

"Not really. Harry just said it was a small, casual restaurant and then off to a small, intimate club for dancing. I guess he gets his fill of crowds spending so much time at the castle. Anyway, it will be nice to just spend time with each other. Something I doubt we will be able to do all that often under the circumstances."

"I suppose it has to be that way...at least for awhile," Petunia said.

"Petunia, what was Harry like as a child?"

Petunia turned her head away from Antonia and stared at the floor. "I'm not exactly the person to ask about that," she said in a small, shaky voice. She didn't say any more and continued to stare at the floor.

"That's better," said Harry as he entered the living room. He stopped when he saw the two of them and asked, "What's wrong?"

Antonia looked up at him and said, "I'm not sure. I asked her what you were like as a child and..."

Harry held up his hand to cut her off. "Oh." He continued in a hushed tone, "I'll explain that later."

He walked over to his aunt and knelt down in front of her. Taking her hands in his, he said, "Aunt Petunia, we've been through this before. You can't do this to yourself every time someone asks about, or brings up the past. I've told you before...if I hadn't been able to get past all those years and forgive you, you certainly wouldn't be here now. Anyway, I've dealt with far worse things since I left on my eleventh birthday. In a way, those ten years with you may actually have helped me face many of the situations I've encountered since."

"I have a meeting at the school tomorrow. I want you to come with me. While I'm in my meeting, I want you to talk with Shinotqua. She has traveled the world and dealt with both muggles and wizards alike in every situation you can think of. Maybe she will have a way for you to let go of the past."

Petunia nodded, "Alright, if you think it will help."

Harry stepped over to the fireplace, tossed in some floo powder, and said, "Shinotqua Viazon, Hogwarts."

Shinotqua walked over to her fireplace and said, "Harry, this is a unexpected! Is everything alright?"

"Sorry to disturb you. I was wondering if you might have a few free hours tomorrow? I'd like you to counsel my aunt on a certain matter, if you don't mind."

"Certainly, that is not a problem."

"Great. Come to my office at ten thirty and we will fill you in on the details. I really do appreciate this. See you in the morning." He pulled his head out of the fireplace and turned around.

"Now that that is settled," he said. "I don't mean to be rude, but we should be on our way. Will you be alright?"

"Yes, I'll be fine. You two just go and enjoy yourselves."

"I'll see you in the morning." Turning to Antonia, he asked, "Are you ready?"

"Yes," she replied. He took her hand and they disappeared.

Petunia dropped over on the couch and allowed herself a good, long cry.

*******

Harry explained his childhood to Antonia over dinner. She had a hard time understanding how anyone could treat a little boy, who had lost his parents and had survived a murder attempt himself, in that manner. She began ranting in Italian, forgetting that Harry spoke Italian, along with several other languages.

He put his elbow on the table, set his chin in his hand, and looked at her. Finally, he said, "That's not very nice."

"Sorry, I forgot you can speak Italian. But it's going to be very hard to have a normal relationship with her after hearing all this."

"Were you not listening when I was talking to her before we left? I've let go and I'm trying to get her help to let go too. I strongly suggest you not grab on in the first place. I think she has been paying a much higher price these past few years than I ever did."

"I'm sorry," she said. "I just love you so much that the mere idea of you having to endure all that, especially at such a young age, makes my blood boil!"

Harry leaned over and kissed her. "Let's take that hot Italian blood down the street and dance. Maybe we can get them to play a tango!"

Once outside, they walked arms around waists down the street to a cozy nightclub, where they found a small corner table.

The music was soft and alluring. They danced slowly in each other's arms, forgetting that the rest of the world existed. They glided across the dance floor, looking into each other's eyes, closing them only to kiss.

They were jolted back to reality by a booming clap of thunder. Harry checked his watch, "Whoa, I had no idea it was that late! As much as I hate to say it, we had better get back."

Harry left some money on the table for the drinks and a tip. Seeing no need to get drenched in the downpour outside, he casually pointed his finger at an empty chair across the room. The chair fell over, causing everyone to look in that direction. He took Antonia's hand and they were transported back at the Hillside.

They were greeted in the living room by Dobby. "Hello Harry Potter, sir... Professor LaFortezza. Dobby already cleaned auntie's house and is now cleaning yours, sir."

"Thank you, Dobby."

He looked at Antonia, who was already giggling softly. "Not exactly what I had in mind."

"It's probably for the best. You have that meeting and you should be rested for it. I had a wonderful time tonight. I hate to see it end."

"Wait a minute." Harry turned around and said, "Dobby could you clean my bedroom first. I have to take Antonia back to the castle. When I return, I'd like to go straight to bed."

"Of course sir. Dobby can do that." He scurried into the bedroom to clean.

Harry turned to Antonia, "I almost forgot. We've been invited to dinner at the Weasley's next Wednesday night. Can you make it?"

"I'd love to, but I can't. I've got rolls of parchment to grade, and have to be available for students to come to my office with questions or help they may need. I'm afraid our dates will have to be confined to the weekends. I know that's not what you wanted to hear, but..."

Harry didn't even let her finish. "You're right. That is the reason you were hired, as I explained to everyone else. It's just so exasperating at times," he said with a good amount of frustration in his voice. "Since I can't really do this with that lot on the wall in my office." He took her in his arms and gave her a proper good night kiss.

Holding hands, they entered the bedroom where Harry picked up the paperweight and they were whisked to his office. "Let me walk you down to your room," he said.

"Thanks, but I'm fine. Go home and get some sleep."

"Wait a minute. I have an idea," he said. He closed his eyes and said, "Sir Nicholas."

A moment later, the ghost appeared through the wall. "Yes Harry?"

"Would you be kind enough to escort the professor to her room, please?"

"I would be delighted!" He faced Antonia and said, "Shall we go?"

"Good night Harry. And thank you again."

"Good night Toni. And thank you, Sir Nicholas."

Harry returned to his bedroom and found that Dobby had finished and closed the door. He changed his clothes and got into bed. Feeling content, he quickly fell asleep.

The next morning Harry walked into the kitchen, hair still damp from his shower. "Good morning!" he said. "Something smells good."

Petunia said, "Good morning. I'd thought I'd make breakfast before we left for the castle." She turned to face him and shook her head. "That hair. You'd think you would have done something about it by now."

Harry laughed. "I gave up trying several years ago. One night I went so far as to shave my head. When I awoke the next morning, it was all back...unruly as ever. As long as it's clean, I just let it do its' own thing."

*******

The rain had stopped, but the sky was still filled with dark, threatening clouds. The smell of rain was permeating the air.

They arrived in Harry's office at precisely ten thirty. Almost immediately there was a knock on the door and Professor Viazon entered.

Harry explained the situation with Petunia and gave Shinotqua a brief explanation of his childhood and where he was at now. Petunia sat quietly, head bowed, staring at the floor the entire time.

"I see," said Shinotqua. "Actually, this isn't as impossible to correct as you may think." She turned toward Petunia, and asked, "Are you willing to be open and follow directions? Tell me now if you have any reservations, because this will never work if you fight it."

"I have to do this. If for no other reason, it's not fair to Harry to have a depressed aunt living in his house and around the people he cares about."

Shinotqua moved closer to Petunia and looked her straight in the eye. "That is all well and good, but, it is secondary. First and foremost, you must be willing to forgive yourself and look forward, not back."

There was a commanding look in her eyes and in the tone of her voice. Petunia was almost mesmerized. "Yes, I understand. Shall we get started?"

Harry watched this exchange with fascination. "Well, I will check on you two after my meeting. In the meantime, you will have to excuse me as the aurors should be here at any minute."

A few minutes after Petunia and Shinotqua left, the aurors arrived.

They introduced themselves, allowed Harry to inspect their identification, and gave him their official orders from Hermione. After reading the orders, Harry tossed them into the air where they burst into flame and even the ashes disappeared.

"Obviously, the Minister has explained the situation and the need for the memory altercation. You will position yourselves in strategic locations around the office. You are to stay under your invisibility cloaks without making a sound or movement unless the situation gets out of control. Assume nothing, I will let you know if I need your assistance. Some of the things you will hear will probably shock and concern you. That is the purpose of this meeting...information. It is also the reason you memories will be altered. Any questions?"

"No sir," was the only reply from each of them.

At eleven fifty five Harry said, "He should be here in a couple of minutes. Please take your positions."

The agents were now in position and invisible to all, except Harry. He sat in his chair behind the desk. He glanced over at Dumbledore, who looked at him over the top of his glasses and gave him a slight nod.

Before the twelfth chime of the school clock had sounded, Severus Snape stood in front of Harry.

"Well, well, well...Headmaster Potter! Still have a touch for the dramatic, I see. A timed, personal, portkey no less."

"It's nice to see you too, Severus. Before I forget, the drama will continue when you return to The Leaky Cauldron. You will have two seconds to toss that envelope into the air before it bursts into flames, destroying itself.

Severus rolled his eyes and said, "Whatever. I assume Dumbledore has filled you in on the plan and the reason I had to leave the way I did?"

"Yes. Your note said the plan was working and this meeting would have to be short. Why?"

"It would seem that I am on...probation. I'm still watched most of the time. It certainly would not do any of us any good if I were discovered this early. So do you want to hear what I have to say or not?"

"To tell you the truth, I would actually prefer not to hear it. I really have no desire to deal with Voldemort two, the sequel. Unfortunately, there is the reality of the situation. Please, tell me what you've learned."

Severus dropped all airs and sarcasm and took on a very serious tone. "Harry this is worse than we ever imagined. Benedict makes Voldemort look like a mere child. He is pure hate and evil in a way the Dark Lord never was. The only thing that may possibly work in our favor is, that unlike his father, he has grown up in an atmosphere of pure hate and evil. He has no first hand experience with interacting with normal, good and loving people."

"That may be true," said Harry. "On the other side, all these 'good and loving' people have never dealt with the type of evil you are describing. What is his ultimate goal?"

"It's quite simple really. He wants to destroy the wizard world globally, and... he wants you dead! His plan is to start in Britain, followed by the rest of Europe. He will then cross the pond and take over America. After he has those areas in his control, he figures he will have very little problem with the rest of the planet."

Harry ran his fingers through his hair, stood up, and started pacing. "What on earth would that prove? He becomes ruler of the wizards world wide...then what?"

"Think about it Harry. There are about a quarter of a billion wizards in the world...a number that will surely decrease by the time this is all over. There are also somewhere around six billion muggles in the world. With Benedicts' growing number of followers and the spells they could put on other wizards, it gives an entirely new meaning to the phrase, 'hell on earth'."

Harry sank into his chair, his mind spinning wildly. "Do have any idea when or where this is all going to start?"

"I don't really know any more than that, except that it will start small... with you. He doesn't plan to kill you right away. He plans to make you suffer for everything you did to his parents. I don't have any other information right now."

Harry sat and pondered that last revelation for a moment.

"I'm sorry Severus, but I have to ask you to let me search your mind. This is far too important and affects too many people for me not to be sure that there is nothing more and what you have told me is all true."

Severus remained calm and said, "I figured you were going to do something along these lines. Of course I don't like the idea for one second, but do realize the importance of what we are facing. I have already dropped all defenses. Just get it over with."

Harry looked him straight in the eye. He didn't move. He didn't even blink. His green eyes became vibrant.

Snape found that he couldn't move a muscle or even blink his own eyes. A slight fear came over him as he had never experienced anything like this before. Worst of all, he had no idea where Harry was in his mind. He was completely powerless.

Suddenly it was over and Severus had no memory of anything that had just happened. He said, "Would you hurry and get this over with!"

Harry calmly said, "I'm finished."

"What do you mean finished? You haven't done anything yet! I have to get out of here before I'm missed."

"Thank you, Severus. I have all the information you have. You can leave whenever you wish. Oh yeah, don't forget...two seconds."

Before he took the envelope, Snape looked at Dumbledore's portrait, "You were mysterious enough, but nothing compared to this one," cocking his head in Harry's direction.

Turning back to Harry, he said, "It's been interesting. I'll be in touch." With that he picked up the envelope and disappeared.

"Gentlemen, you may come out now," Harry said.

Hearing those words, the three aurors revealed themselves and walked over to the desk.

"I want to thank you for your assistance today," Harry told them. "After hearing that meeting I am sure you can understand the need for my stipulation on this assignment. I am going to enter you minds and remove all memories having anything to do with this meeting or having anything to do with Hogwarts today. I will replace it with a memory of the three of you having lunch together at The Three Broomsticks. You will be transported to the alley next to the building as if you had just left. Any questions?"

Each one shook his head, but looked a little apprehensive.

Harry looked at each one separately with those vibrant green eyes reappearing. Once he finished, he put three small stones on the desk in front of them. "Gentlemen, please pick up the stones in front of you."

As soon as they touched the stones, they were transported to the alley. They each had an urge to throw the stones at a spot on the wall at the far end of the alley. This had a dual purpose. First, once the stone left their hands, the last remnants of Harry, the stones, and how they got to the alley had left their minds. Second, as the stones hit the wall, it extinguished all magical powers the stones held as a portkey.

Once the agents had disappeared, Harry plopped into his chair and looked at the gallery. "Well, that was more information than I expected. I don't like what I heard, and also what I didn't hear."

"Harry, did you search Severus' feelings toward you and the entire situation?"

"Yes, Albus I did. For the most part he was truthful and sincere. There were still some feelings of jealously and dislike toward me. I removed those as I thought it best not to have a seed that could possibly grow and turn him against us when things get 'sticky'."

"It may be time to consider communicating with... The Four," Dumbledore said.

Harry stood up and looked out of the window. It had started to rain again. "I'd prefer to wait until something actually happens and I, hopefully, will have more information for them to go on."

"As you wish, but don't wait too long though. That could actually be more harmful than useful."

"I think I've had enough of this today. It's time to find Aunt Petunia, see how the counseling went and then go home. I need some time alone to digest all this, and start formulating a plan."

"If you all will excuse me, I will collect my aunt and go home."

On the way to collect Petunia, Harry stopped to talk to Minerva. She listened intently, occasionally shaking her head.

"Have you any ideas on where we need to start planning?" she asked.

"Minerva, I just got this information fifteen minutes ago. After I collect Aunt Petunia, I plan to spend the rest of the weekend at the Hillside contemplating what I've been told and hopefully start to plan out something."

"I do have one suggestion for you to consider," she said.

Harry said nothing, but looked at her with raised eyebrows.

"You might want to consider contacting Remus and what's left of the Order. We'd have to do some recruiting and fast work, but it could only be to our advantage. We're going to need all the help we can get."

"That's not a bad idea," he said. I'll keep it in mind as I try to sort this out. I'm also considering meetings with Ministers around the world. I'll let you know what I come up with. In the mean time, you keep thinking about it and let me know about anything that comes to mind."

He looked at his watch and said, "I better collect my aunt before Shinotqua thinks I've abandoned her."

He left Minerva and headed to Professor Viazon's office. When he arrived, he saw the two of them sitting there chatting like a couple of school girls.

"I thought this was a counseling session, not a gab fest!" he said.

"We've finished for the day," said Aunt Petunia. "Professor Viazon is absolutely amazing. I feel so much better, I can't believe it!"

Harry looked over at Shinotqua with a puzzled look, "Just out of curiosity, how did you accomplish so much in only a few hours?"

"It's a combination of intensive muggle psycho-therapy and an imp charm."

"I've never heard of an imp charm. Exactly what is it?"

"It's a mild takeoff of the Imperious charm and is only used with the explicit permission of the receiver."

"I'm sure you know what you are doing," said Harry. "I must be honest with you though...I will be researching this."

"By all means, please do. If you find anything objectionable, please let me know. In the meantime, I believe your aunt is well on the way to self forgiveness and a more relaxed lifestyle!"

"She certainly does look more relaxed." He turned toward Petunia and asked, "How do you feel?"

Petunia looked at Shinotqua and then over to Harry. "It was rather strange going for awhile, but I feel much better...like a giant weight has been removed."

Shinotqua said, "I would like to see you again in a couple of weeks in order to evaluate your progress. If you have any problems or even a slightest relapse, please contact me straight away. Other than that, just go about your daily life."

"Well, thank you again Professor. If there is anything I can ever do for you, please don't hesitate to ask," Petunia said with a genuine smile.

"I would like to add my thanks too," said Harry. "I think it's time we got home. I'm hoping to be able to just get some rest and clear my mind, in what's left of the weekend."

Harry and Petunia took the long route through the castle back to Harry's office and returned home from there.

*******

Sitting there, playing with his food through dinner, it was obvious Harry had other things on his mind. After watching him for awhile, Petunia asked, "Are you alright?"

He looked at her thoughtfully for a moment. "I can't go into much detail at the moment. I have much thinking to do on what I learned at the meeting earlier today. Suffice it to say, there is trouble on the horizon."

With a sudden concern in her voice, she asked, "What kind of trouble?"

"Again, without going into much detail, I can tell you this much. Before Voldemort was destroyed, he fathered a son. Benedict is ready to take up where his father left off. As always, part of the focus will be on me and those that are important to me."

"Harry, you're frightening me."

"Sorry, I don't mean to, but you should be aware that you may be part of the plan. I just don't know yet." He paused for a moment. "Remember I told you there was more to that pendant than just a portkey to transport you between here and the castle?"

"Yes, you also showed me how to make it invisible."

"Right. It also has another feature which I would ask you not to use except in case of an emergency. As you know, pressing on the front of the stone activates as a portkey. If you flip it over and press the smooth, back side, of the stone it will send out a homing signal that I alone can detect. It can not be detected by anyone else or any other magic."

"Why would I need such a thing?" Petunia asked with an ever growing concern in her voice.

"It's just a precaution. You are more than aware how and why, not only my parents died, but your own as well. From what I've learned so far, Benedict is far worse than his father ever was." He sat back and let his fork drop onto his plate. "Whether you had moved here or not, you would be in danger. It's your unfortunate fate to be related to me. At least coming here you have certain protections that you wouldn't have if you had stayed in Surrey. Plus you are learning to use your magic, which is always helpful."

"I won't lie and tell you this doesn't concern me, because it does. You need to listen to me Harry and know that I mean this. I am very proud to be your aunt and am willing to help in anyway I can. Though I must admit I haven't any idea as to how that would be accomplished with my limited knowledge and abilities." She paused long enough to sip her wine. "I didn't make the decision to accept your offer blindly. I just didn't expect things to start so soon."

"I appreciate that," he said in a somber tone. "I'm just sorry that we have to deal with it again at all. I don't know about you, but I need a good night's sleep. If you don't have any plans tomorrow, I do have a job for you to do."

"As I told you, I'm willing to do my part. Just let me know." She then gave him an understanding smile and said, "Go, get some sleep, Harry. I'll see you in the morning."

With that said, he got up, gave her a weak smile and said, "Thanks...I'll see you in the morning." He walked down to his bedroom and gently closed the door behind him.

*******

After breakfast on Sunday morning, Harry asked Aunt Petunia to go into the media room and start searching the satellite news services for anything out of the ordinary.

"What am I looking for?" she asked.

"Nothing in particular. Just anything that might seem out of the ordinary to any muggles that might be searching. I'll join you after I finish my morning run."

He went to his bedroom and changed into a pair of gym shorts, a tee shirt, and then laced up his trainers. He proceeded to his gym. Upon entering, he said, " English countryside with path." Immediately the room turned into the beautiful country side, complete with a pond and path. Not really in the mood for a run, he just jogged along the path at a leisurely pace. He let his mind wander while he listened to the birds chirping and footsteps of some small animal hidden back in the woods somewhere.

After he had been jogging for about an hour, he stopped and sat on the bench next to the pond. He watched the fish swimming around while his breathing returned to normal. Once he had cooled down, he walked out saying, "finished." The room was a blank canvas once again and the door closed and locked behind him.

"So, anything of interest in your surfing?"

Aunt Petunia looked up saying, "Not really. The usual murders, kidnappings, overthrow attempts and the like." She paused, for a moment, "Oh there was one very small thing that struck me rather strangely. There was a tiny blurb that mentioned something about a bunch of owl flying around in the daylight hours."

Harry raised his eyebrows and said, "Really, that is a bit weird. Let's turn on the news and see if we can find anything there."

They sat in a couple of overstuffed chairs and started watching the news. They were both startled to see Hedwig fly into the room and land on the arm of Harry's chair. He looked over at her and said, "Hello Hedwig, nice of you to stop in for a visit!" She leaned over and lightly nibbled his earlobe. After a moment, she stopped. He brought his arm behind her and started stroking her back while watching the news.

When the commercial ended, the screen was filled with hundreds of owls flying all over the sky. "This is the scene in the general vicinity of Romania," the announcer reported. "Animal experts are puzzled by this unusual behavior and have yet to come up with any kind of explanation. They have noted that, although rare, this is not entirely unheard of. The last recorded report of this type of activity was about thirty nine years ago in Britain. The cause of which has never been determined."

Aunt Petunia said, "I remember that. It happened during the day and continued into the night when you were left on our doorstep."

"Really," said Harry in a thoughtful tone. In silence, he continued to sit and stare at the scene unfolding before his eyes, still affectionately stroking Hedwig's back.

17