Pack!

Chapter Nine

First things first, he wanted to test knew a new theory that blew into his brain like a hurricane, regarding empty magical buildings. It was just a thought, but what if Hogwarts had gained some sort of sapience over time, instead of being granted such by the founders? If Hogwarts could decide who owned her, because he knew that family tree story was complete rubbish, what about other buildings that would have had heavy magic use over the years? Would they gain basic sentience, or some form of it? He had the perfect candidate in mind, if it were already evacuated.

The minute he cleared the gate, he braced himself and apparated to Hogsmeade. If he didn’t practice, he’d never get better. He couldn’t keep asking people to run errands he could do if only he had more confidence in his apparition skills. He stepped into controlled chaos, with people rushing here to there, trunks floating behind them, half filled shopping bags in their hands, but at least the crowds were navigable. He ducked into the Three Broomsticks, stopping short at the complete lack of people inside. He looked around, hesitantly calling “Madam Rosmerta?”

She appeared from a side room, looking angry and holding her wand. “Oh, it’s you, Harry. Hello.” She sounded about as angry as she looked, and Harry wasn’t sure what to make of it.

“Is everything all right, Madam Rosmerta? I mean, you’ve not got anyone here, and the Leaky was stuffed to the gills when I was there this morning. I would have expected people to at least be sitting and talking while they wait for the portal.” His experiment could wait for a few minutes, something was wrong.

“It was that Madam Umbridge and her pet aurors. Came storming in here first thing this morning, she did, trying to confiscate all my alcohol and saying I won’t be allowed to operate a tavern on the other side. They want a ‘family friendly’ community, and my sort of business wasn’t welcome. Threw them right out, I did, said they had no right, and I’d do as I pleased, but they’ve talked to everyone else in the village and convinced them that I shouldn’t be allowed to bring my business with me, and now I’ve been shunned. Apparently, Tom at the Leaky was more interested in running an inn and the lunch crowd, and agreed with not selling alcohol as he wasn’t sure he’d be able to source more anyway. But I’ll be roasted on hot coals before I allow that shrew to tell me what I can and cannot do.” She gave an inarticulate growl.

Oh hell no, this would not fly. “Madame Rosmerta, I have a very different, ill considered and not much thought out option for you. If you’re willing to jump blind to elsewhere, we’re working on a place I can guarantee will not contain Umbitch and her ilk. I’m on another errand right now, but I’ll come back and either myself or someone else will fill you in on what details we have, if you’re interested. Might be a couple hours, but I’ll try to get someone to you soon. It’ll be a smallish group and we intend to forge our own path, but we will always have room for those who need a place.”

“To Merlin with the explanation, I’m in. If Umbridge is what’s waiting for me in one spot, I’d serve beer to the devil in another to avoid it. I’ll be here, waiting for you.” Madam Rosmerta still looked angry enough to spit nails, and Harry was glad he made the offer, hoping she wouldn’t regret it.

“Welcome aboard, Madame Rosmerta. We’re calling ourselves Team Clueless, because I totally was when this started. Gather your belongings and whatever supplies you can lay your hands on. I’ll be focused on group based supplies later today, and probably tomorrow morning, but feel free to bring whatever you think would be helpful. May I use your floo, please?” With her assent, he flooed into the Leaky.

He stepped through, noting the smaller crowd. Tom’s helpers were slowly moving thorugh the remaining patrons, casting sobering charms. Harry stepped over to the Diagon Alley entry point, then apparated to St. Mungo’s.

Entering the building, there was an eerie quiet and feeling of emptiness. He turned in a circle, calling out a loud hello, to be sure. The was no answer.

He extended his awareness, much like he’d done when trying to reach out to Hogwarts, looking, or rather feeling, for anything different. It could be his imagination, it wasn’t really a feeling, it wasn’t so definite as that, but he thought there might be something. Feeling rather silly about it, he straightened his posture, kept his awareness as open as possible and said, “I believe this building to be abandoned by the owners. Magic will be dying in this world very soon, and I represent a group that has the ability to Pack! and take buildings with us to a new home that will support magic, but for the Pack! spell to work, it requires ownership of said building. Will you consent to a change of ownership in order to accompany us to our new home? A hospital would be very welcome, we don’t currently have one. We do have two other magical buildings, though, so you wouldn’t be alone - we’re taking Gringotts and Hogwarts with us.”

Nothing. He felt nothing. He sighed. Well, it had only been a theory. He turned to leave, but hesitated, turning back. He had to be sure, just in case. “Pack!” he commanded.