Chapter V- letters and learning
Hours have passed since I got rid of the infected person and researched everything I could about the disease. It's already eight at night, and I spent the day resting, tidying the house, and putting together an emergency backpack in case I had to run out.
The backpack is a camping backpack. I packed in it: a map, Dudley's tent, two flashlights and some batteries, a one-liter water bottle already full, a small first aid kit, Dudley's coat that was bigger and warmer, some of my clothes that I bought with Hermione, some biscuits and dried fruit, and a hunting knife that my uncle uses when he goes fishing. And that's all I can think of that would be needed in this situation.
After I had sorted things out, I sat on my bed with Dudley's computer, looking for more information. I was so immersed in the research that I almost didn't notice a small red box appear on the carpet next to my bed. When I realized what had happened, I put down the computer and slowly approached the box.
As soon as I got closer, I looked at it closely, searching for something that would tell me if it was something that would hurt me, but nothing happened. The box didn't move from its place or make any noise, so I picked it up and sat on the bed, opening it. The box was much bigger than it looked, and it contained some letters and two small bags.
Surprised, I picked up the letters. The first card had the Gringotts symbol; the others were letters from Hermione and one from Ron. Out of curiosity, I decided to read the Gringotts one first.
"Dear customer, this is a standard emergency letter. In view of recent events, ministries worldwide are providing carte blanche so that all teenagers/children capable of producing magic are free to use it in case of emergency. In other words, if you perform magic outside of school, you will not be penalized. Stay safe!
Kind regards,
Your trusted bank, Gringotts."
This was a surprise! I never thought that the wizarding world would allow the use of magic outside of school. But when you think about it, things must be pretty bad out there.
Setting the letter aside, I picked up Hermione's letter, dated yesterday.
"First day of the Outbreak
Dear Harry, I found out why you don't answer me; the letters are being intercepted. I've already resolved that, so the letters will be sent by Gringotts. Along with the letters, I put some books, some potions and ointments in case you need them, and food from Mrs. Weasley. The letters cannot be answered, but we are fine and going to Hogwarts.
We are going there because things here are not good. The numbers of infected people have tripled in the last twenty-four hours, and Diagon Alley has been closed and can only be accessed through Gringotts, where the goblins allow us to pass.
I tried to talk to Teacher Dumbledore to bring you here, but he keeps saying you're safer wherever you are.
I hope to change your mind.
Signed,
Your best friend, Mione"
Anger consumed me. Why the hell does Teacher Dumbledore think I'm safe here? He must have some kind of problem! How would I be safe with Muggles who hate magic and infected people running around? Holy crap.
Taking a deep breath, I started to read the next letters.
"A week before
Dear Harry, where are you?
Teacher Dumbledore said you went traveling with your relatives. I know you would never agree to this willingly, but I know you have no choice. I hope they are not mistreating you.
How are you feeling? Have you been eating? I wanted to be with you, at least that way I know you wouldn't have the chance to deceive me.
Signed,
Your best friend, Mione"
| Two days later
Harry, you brat, why don't you answer me? I'm starting to get worried! Ron says maybe your relatives are confiscating the letters, I hope that's it and you're not ignoring me.
Signed: Your very angry best friend, Mione |
| Four days before the outbreak
Harry mate, I hope you're okay, Hermione and I are worried!
She thinks you are ignoring her; I said it wasn't possible that maybe your relatives are being the usual idiots. She didn't really believe it.
In any case, take care and respond as soon as you can!
Signed: Your favorite Weasley, Ron |
| Three days before the outbreak
Dear Harry, I don't know what I did to you, but I moved to Ron's house with my parents. Things in Muggle London are not going well; many outbreaks of this disease are happening.
Mrs. Weasley sent you a kiss and hugs and is asking if you are taking care of yourself. The twins are saying they have new things to show you from the store, but they will do it in person. Mr. Weasley sends his regards. Ginny still hasn't given up on her feelings, but at some point she will move on and forget you.
With love, Mione |
Smiling, I put down the last letter. It's good to see that they care and that even though I couldn't respond, they didn't give up. It makes me feel so loved, and that's good.
Digging into the box, I take out the three books: one on herbology that talks about both magical and Muggle plants from all over the world, one on potions and healing ointments, and one on spells. I put them next to me on the bed. Then, I take a small bag with the Aesculapius stick drawn on top. Opening it, I see several bottles and pots. Closing it again, I take the last bag and open it to see some containers and bottles with food and drinks, all of which are still hot and cold. Smiling happily, I take one of the containers marked "Chicken Pie" and an orange juice.
While I read the spell book looking for something that would help me, I flip through the pages and find some spells that would be more useful at the moment:
Capacious Extremis
Which allows me to enlarge and modify the interior of objects.
Protegum Totallum
It creates a protective area that doesn't allow anyone to enter. I don't know if it will be useful against those infected, but it will be useful against people.
Lepor atmosphaericus
It adapts to any place with the climate I want, this will be very useful in the winter, and now in the heat of Georgia.
Cave Enimicum
It creates a kind of bubble that prevents anything from seeing, hearing, or smelling whoever is inside.
Engorgio and Reducio
They allow me to scale things up and down.
Finishing eating, I put the bowl on the bedside table and start practicing the spells. I decided to start with the spacing one. After some failed attempts, I finally managed to modify a backpack that was in my room.
I spent some time practicing all the spells until I was sure I could do them without exploding something. At the end of it all, I ended up with a cool house and a suitcase full of compartments and the spell that would make it light as a feather, some air-conditioned us. In which I put the food I hadn't saved and the others with some things from around the house. As I can't carry a suitcase around, I shrunk it and put it on a chain around my neck. I decided not to touch the backpack I had packed because of the Muggles. I also decided that I would only use my magic in cases of extreme importance. I am fully aware of what Muggles are capable of doing with what they don't understand.
Something that wizards should understand and not be so careless...