Harry Potter and the Orb of Power

                Chapter 4: Hedwig's Folly

    Over the next few days, the situation failed to improve in the Dursley house, much to Harry's dismay. The days passed with all the speed of a double Potions class as Harry marked off the days until Sirius arrived to take him to Diagon Alley. He couldn't wait for his godfather to come; Sirius was bringing news as to whether or not Harry would be able to visit the Weasley's this summer. Of course, as Ron mentioned, the Weasley house had been under a lockdown since the events at the Triwizard Tournament, but Harry felt that at least at the Burrow, he wouldn't have to live in such a tense atmosphere. Just as Harry marked off the previous day on his calendar, he heard his uncle Vernon.

    "Dudley! Get down here!" Harry heard Dudley waddle downstairs. This was a usual occurrence now; Vernon and Dudley would leave the house in the afternoon and not come back until late. Harry nastily suspected that the two of them were planning something against he and Petunia. Vernon's hatred of magic certainly hadn't prevented him from taking arms against his own wife; he even managed to convince Dudley to rebel against his mother.

    "Probably bribed Dudley with real food," Harry whispered to Hedwig, who was staring at Harry with her amber eyes. His wristwatch glowed green in agreement, which prompted a smile from Harry. He snuck a glance at his Foe-Glass, which remained as foggy as ever. He heard the front door slam, meaning that the two Muggles had finally left for the day, which meant Harry could enjoy some liberation from his bedroom. He went into the living room to watch some television. As he reached the living room, he heard his aunt talking to someone in the kitchen. Harry wasn't listening at first, until he picked up, "Muggles". He wanted to listen, but he also didn' t want to be caught eavesdropping when his aunt was in such a bad mood. He turned the television down just enough so that his aunt would think he was watching television in case she came into the living room.

    "So how are the Muggles taking the news?" said the unidentified guest, which sounded like a woman to Harry.

    "Not well. Vernon's been taking Dudley out every day. I reckon he turned Dudley against me," Petunia said sniffling. Harry never understood why, but his aunt always cried when Dudley was away from home. "My poor Duddy Dudkins..."

    "There there now, Petunia, things will be quite all right. Just give Vernon some chance to digest the information. You know his attitude towards magic," the witch said consolingly.

    "But he only thought that way because I was always jealous of Lily! Imagine, pretending my sister was dead only because I wasn't as magical. Now look at me. I wasted my time hating my sister and now she's dead," Petunia sobbed. Harry felt guilty and somber when hearing Petunia admit to this. He probably shouldn't have heard his aunt saying these things; they were quite private. And thinking about his mother's death always made Harry more somber. He debated whether or not to just ignore his aunt's conversation, but he couldn't resist.

    "Your sister knew you loved her deep down, Petunia. Come now, let's begin your lessons. You've learned some wandless magic, but you'll need to get a wand to really harness your potential," the witch said politely, trying to steer Petunia away from her thoughts. But Petunia was not going to be deflected.

    "And Harry! How we've treated him! We practically tortured the poor boy and for what? Because he's a wizard? He's had such a hard life." Harry's jaw dropped. He didn't expect this from Petunia. It was weird and awkward; the Dursley's weren't quite right unless they were putting him down.    

    "Harry's quite all right, Petunia. There's no need to start spoiling him now. Just act as you always have toward the boy."

    "You're right, as always. When shall I get my wand?"

    "Soon, perhaps next week. Harry's going to Diagon Alley next week, perhaps you too shall go with him." Harry suddenly had a feeling of dread. How had that witch known he was going to Diagon Alley next week? And why was Petunia going with him? Would they talk? And what about?

    "Oh no, I couldn't do that to him. He's lived fifteen years of his life independent from us, why should we force him to think otherwise?" Harry wasn't worried about his independence from the Dursleys, he was just worried about the fact that he simply didn't know his aunt as a person. He heard a squawking upstairs, and realized that Hedwig was still in her cage. I thought I sent her to Sirius, Harry thought as he abandoned his aunt's conversation and went to his room. He opened his door and saw Hedwig holding Sirius's letter in her beak. Harry suddenly remembered; he forgot all about his message when Hedwig came in from delivering gifts.

    "Sorry 'bout that Hedwig. Can you get it to Sirius extra fast before he comes here?" Harry attached the letter to Hedwig. She hooted reassuringly, and dipped her beak into her water. "You know, you had a rough time last night. I would understand if you couldn't make the trip." Hedwig looked Harry deep into his eyes, as if reassuring Harry that she was up to the job. She rustled her wings proudly, nipped Harry's finger affectionately, and then flew out of Harry's bedroom window. How could I have been so stupid, not sending that letter to Sirius right away, Harry thought angrily. He didn't want to think that he could let important things like this slip his mind. "I'm getting clumsy," Harry said outloud. His watch glowed red in disagreement, which reassured Harry a little bit. Harry glanced at his Animagus book, and decided to read some symbolism of Animagus forms. He flipped to the chapter and began to read the introduction.

Choosing an Animagus form is a rather misleading concept; a witch or wizard that wishes to become an Animagus allows themselves to transform himself or herself into an animal. In every wizard capable of becoming an Animagus, there is a magical source that remains untapped until the wizard or witch is able to become an Animagus. At that time, the magical source reviews the characteristics and desires of the wizard or witch, and makes a decision. No wizard can consciously decide which form to take. As such, each form represents a different part of that wizard's nature. The following is a list of known Animagus forms and how those forms reflect the wizard.

    Harry flipped through, noting interesting forms such as "The Beaver" or "The Donkey". Harry laughed, wondering what kind of wizard would have an Animagus form as a donkey. He finally reached"The Stag", and read feverishly.

The stag is a noble Animagus form, one that demonstrates primary qualities of nobility and power. The stag is an animal that is awesome to behold; its quiet but powerful nature make it an animal to respect. Those that have the stag Animagus form are usually quite respected and often a leader. A stag Animagus is powerful enough to defend itself if attacked; its horns, hooves, and durable hide make it a powerful foe, and also a brave fighter. However, the stag Animagus will often plunge headlong into battle recklessly; perhaps in a situation of great danger or when defending family. Those with the stag will often put others' lives ahead of their own, which makes them noble but also at risk to those who would take advantage of such a person.

    Harry smiled, but also felt an overwhelming sadness. From everything he heard about his father, Harry surmised that James Potter was well-respected and powerful. However, Harry was more focused on the last two lines of the analysis. His father had plunged recklessly into battle, but only to stave off Voldemort. Harry respected his father and looked up to him, even if he couldn't see him or talk to him. He knew his father's character well enough to regard him as a hero. Harry looked at the moving picture of a stag, standing tall on a hill, the sunset in the background. The stag pawed the ground, lowered his head, and then charged. As it galloped, Harry thought of his Patronus. Prongs, Harry thought. He watched the stag return to the top of the hill, and then flicked backwards to find Sirius's form. He found a general page, "Canines" and read, with a bit more reluctance.

The canine Animagus form is one of the most widely chosen Animagus forms. Although many species of dog are available, most of the forms possess similar qualities. Most wizards who have canine Animagus forms are amicable and popular wizards. They have unswerving loyalty to their friends and rarely wish to leave their companion's side. However, when danger threatens the wizard or his loved ones, wizards with the canine Animagus forms will become deadly enemies; in Animagus form, sharp teeth and amazing speed are used to deadly effect. In normal form, wizards with the canine Animagus form will often stave of an enemy while those that he is protecting escape. There are some, however, who do not follow this pattern. Some often use the canine Animagus form to lull unsuspecting charges into a false sense of security. However, this trait is rarely apparent and is usually confined to Dark Wizards.

    Harry frowned at the last sentence, just as he did when he read the Stag Animagus form. It seemed that all Animagus forms had a drawback or negative quality. Although he didn't doubt Sirius's character, he wondered if Sirius had ever misused his Animagus form. Harry didn't think so, but he was certain that Sirius's enemies would love to have this piece of information. However, nearly no one knew of Sirius's Animagus capabilities, which comforted Harry a great deal. He put the book down and reread Sirius's letter. Harry started worrying about his godfather; he was surely helping Dumbledore against Voldemort, but Harry didn't want anyone finding out that Sirius was in England. The thought of Sirius getting caught was chilling. Harry knew Sirius was very dedicated to fighting against Voldemort, but that dedication might lead Sirius into trouble. As much as Harry wanted Voldemort gone, he didn't want to lose his godfather in the process. He looked outside and realized the sun was setting. Harry hoped Hedwig would come back soon with Sirius's reply, but knew that it would take some time. Harry glanced at his watch and realized it was time to make some dinner. He took one glance at his Foe-Glass and saw that the clouds were swirling, but nothing was clearing up. Harry lingered; one of his foes was coming, but wasn't near. Was it Voldemort? Wormtail? That seeress? Or just a Death Eater? Harry shook himself; he was protected somehow while he was at the Dursley's, so there was no point in worrying. He walked downstairs to make some dinner, feeling anxiety gnawing at his stomach.

*********

    Harry and Petunia sat at the dinner table, eating in silence. They ate by candlelight, which Harry always found pleasing. He watched the flames dance on the candles distractedly. Petunia had made once again Hogwarts quality food; Harry wondered how much magic it took for her to make it. He looked at his watch and realized that uncle Vernon and Dudley would be coming home soon. Petunia seemed to pick up on the idea, because her lips pursed in her usual fashion. Harry looked away from his watch and began eating again, not wanting to upset his aunt at such a sensitive time. He chewed his chicken slowly. He heard his aunt clear her throat.

    "Excuse me for a moment," Petunia said softly, and walked away from the table. Harry watched her leave and continued eating. He felt guilty for not talking to his aunt, but he didn't know what to say. He could talk about magic, but that topic was always sensitive in the Dursley house. He resolved to say something to his aunt when she came back, but by the time he finished his dinner, she still had not returned to the dinner table. He realized she was still in the kitchen, perhaps retrieving dessert. But as the time crawled by, he realized that was less and less likely. He walked into the kitchen and saw his aunt staring out the window, her body quaking as she sobbed. Harry felt sympathy for her, but didn't know what to say.

    "Aunt Petunia? Are you ok?" Obviously not, you idiot, Harry thought stupidly. Petunia looked surprised and turned around, hastily wiping tears from her eyes.

    "Oh yes, quite fine, I was just cutting onions," Petunia said quickly as she reached for a cutting knife. She realized, however, that there was no onions on the counter, and broke down into tears again. "Oh my Duddy...what will I do without my Dudders..." Harry was reminded of Winky the house elf and her obsession with Mr. Crouch as he watched his aunt descend into hysterics. Harry walked over and patted her on the back, the only thing he could think of doing. Things were weird enough with the Dursley's lately. Petunia sniffed, and took a deep breath.

    "Will you be all right?" Harry asked. Petunia nodded and wiped her eyes with a handkerchief.

    "Thank...thank you, Harry." She blew her nose greatly.

    "Uncle Vernon and Dudley will be back soon enough. They can't be happy unless they torture me regularly," Harry said, joking. Petunia smiled weakly and reached into her pocket, pulling out a family picture of her, Dudley, and uncle Vernon. Tears welled in her eyes again, but she fought them back. Harry took a deep breath.

    "Harry, are you happy?" Petunia asked suddenly. Harry was stunned, not so much by the question, but who was asking the question.

    "Yes," Harry said quickly, wanting to comfort his aunt.    

    "No, I mean really happy." Harry didn't understand at first, and was about to say yes again, but realized he wasn't so sure. He found it difficult to say he was happy. I don't deserve to be happy, Harry thought suddenly. He reflected on Cedric, his murder at the hands of Voldemort, and repeated, I don't deserve to be happy. He opened his mouth to reply to Aunt Petunia, but he heard a screech from outside.

    "Hedwig!" Harry yelled. Petunia looked startled and followed Harry as he ran upstairs. Surprised at Hedwig's quick return, Harry quickly opened his bedroom window. He expected to see Hedwig soaring in with a response, but only saw an owl bobbing up and down in the sky. It reminded Harry of Errol, the Weasley's old owl.

    "What's wrong with her?" Petunia asked. Harry didn't respond. Anxiety growing as Hedwig approached slowly, he realized what was slowing Hedwig down. A large black bat had swooped down on her and was trying to steal her letter. Harry hurriedly retrieved his wand and pointed. He wanted to stun the bat, but couldn't risk hitting Hedwig. "Can't you do something?" Petunia shrieked. It wants the letter, Harry thought.

    "Accio letter!" Harry shouted. The letter flew out of Hedwig's claws and into Harry's hands. The bat detached itself from Hedwig and tore at Harry.

    "Close the window!" Petunia shrieked as she moved to close the window. It was too late; the bat screeched as it swooped down onto Harry. He waved his hands to ward off the bat, but only felt its leather wings beating all around him. He heard Hedwig swoop in screeching madly, and saw the snowy owl collide with the bat. Harry saw the two crash into the wall. The bat slowly lifted off while Hedwig lay still. The bat, its red eyes leering at Harry, made for the open window. It flew by Harry in a flash. Harry wouldn't let the creature escape, he dove and shoved the window down just as the bat reached the opening. Realizing that a window escape was no longer an option, the bat turned and flew towards Aunt Petunia. Shrieking, she waved her hands at the flying menace, trying to ward off the attacker.

    "Aunt Petunia, duck!" Harry yelled. Aunt Petunia fell to the ground quickly. Harry pointed his wand at the bat.

    "Stupefy!" Harry shouted. Red light issued from his wand and struck the bat, who fell with a large thump to the ground. Petunia's hand covered her mouth as she looked at the stunned creature. Harry ran over to Hedwig, who clicked her beak. Harry examined her and saw no injuries. Hedwig was exhausted however. He placed her on his bed and pointed his wand at the bat again. "Mobilicorpus!" Harry muttered, moving the bat into Hedwig's cage. Harry gave Hedwig her bowl of water, which Hedwig drank quickly. She ruffled her feathers, hooted angrily at the bat, and then nipped Harry's ear affectionately.

    "You're one brave owl," Harry said to Hedwig. He looked at the bat, wondering why exactly the bat had attacked Hedwig.