Chapter 3
Molly Weasley woke up bright and early in Grimmauld Place. She wasn’t the type to sleep in; with 7 children how could she.
As she made her way to the kitchen, she noticed something was off. Her steps seemed to echo as she walked. She wasn’t able to put her wand on what was different. She decided to ignore it for now; she had breakfast to make.
Reaching the kitchen, she screamed. It was empty but for the nasty long table. There was nothing. Everything that was removable, including dishes, were gone.
Thundering feet echoed as the others raced in to see what was wrong.
“What’s wrong, Molly Wobbles?” Arthur asked before entering the room concerned, before noticing his surroundings.
By this point everyone who had stayed the night at Grimmauld had entered the kitchen.
“It’s empty.” Sirius intoned, looking around in disbelief.
*Pop*
Kreacher appeared. Looking at their faces, he smiled nastily. “Kreacher cleaned.” He announced before popping away.
“The library!” Hermione gasped before hurrying out of the room.
--*--
In the morning at Garlot Manor, Harry got up, showered, dressed and went outside to have breakfast at the garden table. As he sat down Nimsey popped up along with Milney. Both served breakfast for him, Milney disappearing right after. Nimsey informed him that last night was a success in saving the Black artifacts, before popping away.
“Hoot.”
“Hedwig.” Harry greeted happily, as she flew onto his shoulder.
She nipped at his ear before nuzzling against his head. “Hoot.”
Harry petted her before feeding her some bacon. “This is home now, girl.” He told her.
After eating 4 pieces of bacon, she flew to the owlery.
Once he was done breakfast, Harry went to sit under the 450-year-old wisteria tree.
Closing his eyes Harry slipped in his mind. It was time to rebuild his mindscape and organize it.
Like always his mindscape reflected all of his lives, but unlike before there was a swirling black mass. Sending tendrils of energies toward it he realized it was the connection to Voldemort, from the Horcrux. Knowing the Horcrux had merged with him he knew this connection was now a permanent part of himself and would always be there. Building a room around it with no windows and a heavy reinforced locked door. He put the door in case he felt like exploring the connection. He did dream of being in Voldemort's head before. Harry also placed a gargoyle to guard the door.
Looking back at his mindscape he was happy with the results. It was Hogwarts half built, surrounded by thick wild hedges that constantly writhed, dripping with poison. Outside the hedge was the forbidden forest filled with traps and deadly plants. Wild territorial horses ran free chasing whatever moved. Crows constantly flying around looking for intruders.
Inside Hogwarts he placed his memories inside books in the library. A little cliché but with the magic of remembering his other lives, if an intruder ever got this far, they would see none of the memories. He needed to give express permission for them to show.
Going through his ‘Harry’ memories, he discovered a fake. It was the end of second year. Lucius Malfoy was never there. Harry was in Dumbledore’s office when Dobby appeared wear the Dumbledore crest. It messed up Dumbles plans so he creates the confrontation and plants it in his mind. Harry closely examined the rest but that seemed to be the only fake.
Harry did notice that sending Hagrid to ‘rescue’ him and having him hero-worship Dumbledore to him was most likely a set up. Then the Weasleys, who are a pureblood family, shouting about ‘Muggles’ and ‘Platform 9 ¾’ on the muggle side was also a set up. Ron finding him on the train, he had to be looking for him. Then the Slytherins are evil rants. Everything was a set up. He doesn’t know how Sirius became a part of it, but he’ll find out somehow.
Harry spends the next week reading, catching up on things that have changed and that he didn’t know about. He even looked through some of Regulus’ things, putting some photos of Regulus in his album while getting rid of Lily.
--*--
Albus Dumbledore was not having a good day. Voldemort was back and the Ministry was refusing to listen to him. The rest of the sheep were following the Ministry. He was Albus Wulfric Percival Brian Dumbledore, the Defeater of Grindelwald. They should listen to him, not slander him.
Entering the Wizengamot he schooled his features into his caring grandfather façade. As always, he was the last to arrive to remind them that they needed him. Ignoring the looks he moves to the Chief Warlock seat.
Unfortunately for him, the magic of Wizengamot Chamber knew he no longer had the majority, even if Dumbledore didn’t. When he goes to sit, magic swats at him, making it impossible to sit.
Lucius Malfoy seemed to be the first to notice as he calls out, “It seems it's time for a seat count, as the magic of the Chamber is refusing Mr. Dumbledore.”
Albus glared. What was going on? There were no new introductions. None of those in the Progressive faction changed factions.
The Traditional faction seat count went first, magic showing the number above Lord Malfoy as he was the leader. The count was the same as last time. Next the Neutrals, same count as last time appear above Lord Greengrass. It was less than the Traditionals. When it showed the Progressives, it was 2 seats less.
Once the number disappeared, a sheet of parchment appeared in front of everyone. It showed the new Chief Warlock and what seats everyone has. Albus, like everyone, immediately looked to see who lost seats.
Albus is shocked when he notices that he was the one to lose seats. He was no longer the Potter Proxy.
Malfoy strides up to the Chief Warlock seat. “I believe Mr. Dumbledore you should take your seat so we may begin.”
Numbly, Albus walks to the leader's seat in the Progressive faction, wondering how this was possible. He would have to go pay the Potter brat a visit. With his mind made up he refocuses on what was happening around him.
--*--
An emergency Order meeting was called.
The Order and Ron, Ginny, and Hermione sat around the table at Grimmauld Place waiting for Dumbledore.
“Does anyone know what this is about?” Sirius questioned loudly, he hated waiting.
“No, the Headmaster called it.” Arthur answered. “He even asked the children to join.”
“Well, it could have something to do with him no longer being Chief Warlock due to losing the Potter seats.” Elphias Doge suggested.
“What?” Multiple people shouted just as Dumbledore arrived.
“I apologize for being late.” Dumbledore started. “What happened here?” he questioned, looking around a very empty Grimmauld Place momentarily distracted by the shocking change.
“The crazy house elf claimed he cleaned.” Ron announced smugly, glad he no longer had to clean the filthy house.
“Never mind that, what’s wrong, Albus?” Molly asked in concern.
“Did you really lose the Potter seats?” Sirius Black questioned, causing an uproar of questions.
Dumbledore raised his hand causing everyone to go silent.
“Today I went to visit Mr. Potter, only he was not at home. When I asked his aunt, she informed me he packed his things and disappeared a week ago. He did not speak a single word to her when she questioned him.” Dumbledore informed them.
“Oh no.”
“He ran away?”
“Coward.”
“Why would he do that?”
“We have no hope now!”
“Settle down. Settle down.” Dumbledore called. “Mrs. Dursley allowed me to see a memory of Harry leaving, when I asked.” He lied; he didn’t ask. “I do not believe Harry was in control. He acted differently and he literally disappeared. I don’t even think Mr. Potter learned about apparition yet.”
“You think he was being possessed?” Lupin inquired.
“Severus, have you heard anything?” Dumbledore questioned, knowing the potion master was summoned the other day.
“No, the Dark Lord is fixated on getting -.” He cut himself off and looked at the children. “Are we sure the boy isn’t doing this for attention? After all, his sidekicks were ignoring him.” Severus drawled.
“Severus.” Dumbledore sighed in disappointment.
“Sidekicks!” Ron shouted outraged standing up, before Hermione pulled him back down.
Severus sneered at the youngest male Weasley.
“Who was the last to see him?” Kingsley Shacklebolt spoke up.
“I saw him on the 30th. He tends to stay inside though.” Tonks spoke.
As all his ‘guards’ went around it was determined Tonks was the last to see him and Mundungus was supposed to be on duty the morning he left.
“Oi. It ain’t me fault. There was a… cauldron... sale. That’s right, a cauldron sale. The good ones too.” Mundungus defended himself.
“Tonks, how was he acting when you saw him?” Dumbledore asked, ignoring Mundungus.
“Fine.” She shrugged. “He took out the trash, then worked in the garden.”
“This is very troubling. Hermione, Ron, Ginny, and Sirius, I want you to write to Harry.” Dumbledore instructed them before looking at the other order members. “The school lists will be sent out in 5 days; I want at least two of you in Diagon Alley.”
With around of affirmations, Hermione, Ron, Ginny, and Sirius went to write letters, while the rest made a watch schedule between themselves.
--*--
DUMBLEDORE'S LOSS OF POWER
By: Rita Skeeter
Hello my dear Readers. I come bearing news of the latest happening in the Wizengamot. During this August Session, my sources say, Albus Dumbledore as the last to enter the chamber hurried to take his usual seat, Chief Warlock Seat. Unfortunately for him the magic of the Wizengamot disagreed.
That’s right dear readers, magic declared him unfit for the position of Chief Warlock.
As was his right, Lord Malfoy, leader of the Traditional Fraction, called for a seat count. Now neither the Traditional fraction nor the Neutral fraction had any changes. The Progressive fraction, however, lost two seats.
With the loss of seats, the new majority became the Traditional fraction. With that I am proud to announce that Lord Malfoy is the new Chief Warlock.
Now we are all wondering which member of the Progressive fraction lost seats. In a shocking twist of events, it was Mr. Dumbledore, leader of the Progressive faction. Not only did he lose seats but according to my source, he lost the Potter seats.
That’s right our very own Saviour-turn-Liar removed Mr. Dumbledore as his proxy. Now I’m sure my dear readers you are wondering why, as I, myself am. Why was Mr. Dumbledore removed as proxy? When was he removed? And who will get those seats?
Never fear, my reader; I, Rita Skeeter will find those answers.
--*--
Harry was annoyed. He should have known that with Dumbledore losing his seats, the traitors would be attempting to find him. The first couple owls came the day after the Wizengamot, and every day since, more than once a day. Before even attempting to take it from the owl he cast detection spells. They had tracking spells along with compulsions on all of them.
Deciding to not risk it, he shooed the owls away with the help of Narbey, the house elf that works in the owlery. Ordering the elves to not touch any of the letters and shoo those particular owls away. If they aren’t sure to just come and get him, as he was mostly just reading with the exception when he took a quick trip to buy some muggle clothes that actually fit him.
Five days after the first letter, Harry got a letter he actually wanted. It was his school list. Fortunately, he only had to go to Diagon Alley to pick up the Defence book. He already had the rest of the books and was very glad he had asked the Flourish & Blotts employee for them beforehand.
Knowing they would be there, planning to ambush him, Harry decided he would go around noon when the Alley would be most busy.
--*--
Apparating to Diagon Alley, Harry had his scar hidden and looked like any other rich titled aristocrat. He picked the perfect time. The Alley was alive with movement. Not only was it the weekend, but everyone else received their school list too.
Harry headed to Flourish and Blotts weaving around the crowd as best he could. As he walked, he spotted Ron standing in front of Quality Quidditch Supplies with Ginny. Looking around he also spotted Professor Lupin talking to someone with pink hair by the Leaky Cauldron entrance. He was right, they were looking for him.
Entering the bookstore, Harry quickly grabbed a copy of Defensive Magical Theory by Wilbert Slinkhard. Heading toward the till he spotted none other than Hermione badgering the poor employee.
“We are sold out, Miss.” The employee insisted sternly, polite façade breaking slightly.
“You are sure there is none in the back?” Hermione persisted.
The employee gave her a look, before spotting Harry. “Are you ready to pay sir?”
Hermione harrumphed, turning to glare at Harry, not recognizing him.
“Yes.” Harry confirmed placing the single book on the counter.
Hermione began tapping her foot impatiently.
As the employee rang him up a bald man in dark blue wizarding robes approached, looking at Hermione.
“Miss. Granger, I’m sure you remember that you were asked to wait outside.” he said in a deep voice.
“I was just asking about a book.” Hermione defended.
“Do you remember why we are here?” the Man raised his eyebrow at her.
Just then the employee handed Harry his book. “Have a good day.”
“You, too.” Harry replied before turning to leave. “Excuse me, sir.” He spoke to the Man as he slipped past him.
Pretty sure that the man talking with Hermione was in fact one of the order members, Harry decided it was time to leave the Alley. He did not want to press his luck.
He was almost at the apparition point when he was literally pushed into the back of Mad Eye Moody by an impatient shopper. Harry held his breath as Moody turned around and looked at him with his magical eye.
“Watch it, kid.” He growled before limping away.
Letting out a breath, Harry entered the apparition point, and apparated home. No one knew that Harry Potter had been in Diagon Alley that day.