Chapter 9
Disclaimer. I do not own Harry Potter or any of it's elements, its ownership remains with JK Rowling.
Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and the Weasley family were still staying at the Leaky Cauldron. The bustling inn was filled with the clamor of last-minute preparations as families hurried to get ready for the new school year. Harry looked around the chaotic scene, his mind drifting back to the events of the previous night. The Weasleys and their honorary members, Harry and Hermione, had spent the evening packing their trunks for the upcoming school year at Hogwarts. The scene had been familiar and comforting, a stark contrast to the tension that had hung over Harry for much of the summer.
Harry's thoughts returned to the present as he noted the frantic activity around him. The first of September always brought a mix of excitement and chaos. This morning was no different, with everyone scrambling to find items they had forgotten to pack the night before. Ron was tearing through his belongings, searching for his wand, while Ginny hunted for her favorite quill. Mrs. Weasley was overseeing the commotion, her voice rising above the din as she directed her children and their friends.
Harry couldn't help but reflect on his summer before his third year. The memory of accidentally blowing up his Aunt Marge for insulting his mother was still vivid in his mind. He didn't regret it; in fact, he felt a sense of satisfaction at having stood up for his parents. The aftermath, however, had been terrifying. He had run away from home, fearing that the accidental magic would get him expelled from Hogwarts. His journey on the Knight Bus had been a whirlwind of strange encounters, culminating in his arrival at the Leaky Cauldron and his unexpected meeting with the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge.
The mysterious dog he had seen while running away lingered in his thoughts. It had been a large, black creature, its eyes glowing with an eerie intelligence. Harry couldn't shake the feeling that it was important, though he couldn't quite understand why. The atmosphere in the Wizarding World was also weighing on him. People in Diagon Alley had been pointing at him, whispering behind his back. He couldn't catch the content of their conversations, but he was certain it had something to do with being the Boy Who Lived.
Adding to his unease was the odd behavior of the Weasley parents. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley seemed to be hiding something, their whispers and worried glances making Harry feel like there was a secret just out of his reach. And now, as they prepared to leave for Platform 9 ¾, Mr. Weasley pulled Harry aside for a private conversation.
"Harry," Mr. Weasley began, placing a hand on his shoulder, "could I have a word with you for a moment?"
Harry turned, slightly surprised. "Uh, sure, Mr. Weasley. What's up?"
Mr. Weasley looked around cautiously before continuing. "It's just... I wanted to have a quick chat before we all head off to the station. You're starting your third year now, and, well, there are some things I think you should keep in mind."
"Alright... what things?" Harry asked, curiosity piqued.
Mr. Weasley chose his words carefully. "Harry, I know you have a knack for getting involved in... difficult situations. You've faced more than your fair share of challenges already. But I want to caution you against chasing after trouble, especially if you hear rumors or if someone tries to provoke you."
Harry listened intently, though he was confused. "What do you mean, Mr. Weasley?"
Mr. Weasley sighed softly. "There are whispers, Harry. Things that might reach your ears at Hogwarts. Just remember not to jump to conclusions or act recklessly. Sometimes... it's best to let the adults handle certain matters."
"Are you talking about something specific?" Harry asked, still unsure.
Mr. Weasley decided not to divulge too much. "Just... a general caution. I know you have a sense of justice, and that's admirable. But sometimes, it's safer to trust those around you, especially the teachers and the Ministry."
Harry thought it over and nodded slowly. "Okay, Mr. Weasley. I hear you. I'll... be careful."
Mr. Weasley looked relieved. "Good. That's all I ask. You're a remarkable young man, Harry. But even remarkable people need to think before they act, especially in uncertain times."
Harry managed a faint smile. "Thanks, Mr. Weasley. I'll keep that in mind."
Patting Harry on the shoulder, Mr. Weasley said, "Alright then. Let's not keep everyone waiting. They're eager to get going."
Harry glanced toward the entrance, where the others were waiting. "Yeah, let's go."
As they walked back to the group, Mr. Weasley added, "Just remember, Harry. Trust in the people who care about you. Don't let rumors or hearsay cloud your judgment."
Harry nodded again, more surely this time. "I won't, Mr. Weasley. I promise."
With that, the group gathered their things and made their way to the Ministry car that had been lent to Mr. Weasley for their trip to the platform. The car was spacious and enchanted to accommodate all their luggage. Harry climbed in, his mind still on Mr. Weasley's words. He knew that the coming year has the possibility to bring its own set of challenges, just like it did for the last two years, but he was determined to face them all head on, he was a Gryffindor after all.
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The first of September dawned over Hogwarts, the castle stirring to life as staff members returned from their summer holidays. In the Great Hall, the staff table was already occupied by a few early risers. Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, with his usual twinkle in his eye, sat at the head of the table. Beside him were Severus Snape and Minerva McGonagall, each of them with their own thoughts about the upcoming school year.
The Great Hall was filled with the smell of breakfast, the clinking of cutlery, and the murmur of conversation. The atmosphere outside the castle was noticeably gloomy due to the presence of Dementors, a constant reminder of the danger lurking in the Wizarding World.
Dumbledore greeted each staff member as they entered the hall. "Good morning, Minerva, Severus," he said warmly. "I trust you all had a restful summer?"
Minerva nodded, though her expression was slightly strained. "As restful as can be expected, Albus. The Dementors' presence has been unsettling."
Filius, who had just joined them on the table, looking tired but determined, added, "Indeed. The students will need our support more than ever this year."
Severus Snape, his face a mask of calm, took a sip of his tea before speaking. "How did the meeting with Heather Potter go?" he asked, his tone neutral but his eyes sharp.
Albus's eyes twinkled as he responded. "It was delightfully informative, Severus. It assuaged my concerns about Heather being a danger to Harry. I have approved her request to meet Harry this weekend."
Severus acknowledged this answer with a slight nod but inwardly knew there was more to it. He decided to press further but not here. "May I speak with you in your office after breakfast, Albus?" he asked.
"Of course, Severus," Dumbledore agreed easily. He then addressed the rest of the staff. "Are we all ready for the school year and its challenges?"
There were murmurs of affirmation from around the table. The staff, despite their individual worries, were united in their commitment to the students and the school.
After breakfast, Severus and Albus excused themselves from the rest of the staff and headed to the Headmaster's office. The walk through the castle was accompanied by the echo of their footsteps and the distant sounds of ghosts gossiping in the corridors.
Once inside the office, Severus wasted no time. "I want more information about Heather Potter," he demanded, his frustration evident.
Dumbledore's expression remained calm. "What I told you was true, Severus, but there is more to the story."
Severus's eyes narrowed. "Then tell me the rest of the story."
Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "Heather explained her absence from the Wizarding World. She was born premature with a compromised immune system and was grievously sickly. Her parents, Fleamont and Euphemia, believed it was best to raise her in the Muggle world, hidden from everyone to protect her. Her existence was kept secret even from James's family. She was eventually found by Unspeakables, who taught her and helped her develop life-saving magic for premature births and compromised immune systems. Recently, she discovered Harry and now wants to meet her nephew."
Severus's frown deepened. "Did you confirm all of this?"
Dumbledore nodded. "I did. There is substantial evidence supporting her story. Surely, you've read the latest articles in the leading magazines for potions and healing, which include Heather's name among the authors."
Severus had indeed read those articles but still felt uneasy. "Is there anything suspicious about Heather Potter?"
Dumbledore's expression grew serious. "Curiously, there isn't. However, I realized she could be dangerous."
Severus's tone turned snide. "How could a witch like Heather be dangerous when she apparently grew up in the Muggle world and only learned magic recently?"
A wide smile spread across Dumbledore's face, his eyes twinkling. "One should not underestimate someone taught and trained by the Unspeakables in magic, Severus. Growing up as a Muggle does not make one weak."
Severus had to concede that point. "Do you have any indication that she isn't a weak witch?"
Dumbledore's smile remained. "When I stepped into the room for our meeting, it was warded and spelled for protection and secrecy in a manner that would make Mad-Eye Moody proud. Heather herself is undeniably beautiful and charming, and even with those indications, I couldn't help but let my guard down."
Severus considered this, realizing that Heather Potter might be as paranoid as Mad-Eye Moody but surely isn't as charming as Albus made her up to be. She is a Potter after all. "Very well, Albus. I deem myself satisfied with this information."
With that, Severus left the Headmaster's office, his mind buzzing with the impact of a new person joining the board. He knew the coming school year would be challenging, but now he had an additional factor to consider. Heather Potter's arrival added another layer of problems to this already turbulent times.