HPNSA - BOOK TWO

CHAPTER SEVEN
BEHIND THICKENING CLOUDS

(Jan. 29)

“Yes,” Ron said grimly. “Aveddon…” his head swam from the lack of sleep and the thought of facing this dreaded enemy. Ron scratched his head furiously then sat on the stairs holding his head with one hand.

Remus pulled a chair and sat in front of him. “I’m not supposed to tell you this…I probably shouldn’t really,” Remus said. “But I think you need this kind of news right now. Although…Can you give me your word that you will not try to go to Hogwarts?”

“Professor Lupin, I can go to Hogwarts anytime if I want to, you know that” Ron said. “The only reason why I don’t is because the Order told me not to.”

“It’s good that you maintain that level of trust in the Order Ron, remember this quest of yours is the result of so many secrets kept from us.” Remus said. “So do I have your word?” Ron nodded. “There are two more people that have returned to Hogwarts yesterday, one more permanently than the other.” Ron scowled at Remus and wondered what all the riddling was for and did not try to hide his resentment for it. Remus noticed this and smiled at him then stood placing both hands inside his pockets. “Dumbledore’s back.”

Ron’s eyes widened and Remus sat back on the chair. “What do you mean, Dumbledore’s…?”

“Back!” Remus said. “As in alive. He’s in Hogwarts.”

Rod felt his lips curve into a smile – it nearly overwhelmed him to tears but he kept himself checked although every now and then he’d let out gasps of air as though his lungs needed deflation. He covered his mouth with both hands because the pressure in his chest was forcing him to scream. Instead he stood and jumped up and down and waved his hand in the air and Remus could not help but laugh.

“WOOHOOO! This is…this is….”

“Amazing?” Remus said and he and Ron began laughing softly. “Incredible?”

“It’s bloody brilliant!” Ron cried aloud.

Then he saw Hermione coming down the stairs with Archer. “What’s all this racket? What are you jumping for?” He went to her and hugged her tightly. “Ron! What…?”

Ron took the baby that was wrapped in a blue blanket and told her the good news. “Hermione…Dumbledore’s back!” He said. “He’s at Hogwarts right now!”

Hermione looked at Professor Lupin who just nodded in agreement. She could have dropped the baby if Ron did not take him first for she nearly fainted on the stairs the minute the news sank in. She started crying and Remus had to go to her placing his arms around her shaking body. “I can’t believe it!” Hermione said after a while. Her voice still cracked and sobs still made it impossible for her to say anything more. “Oh Professor Lupin! Dumbledore’s back…Dumbledore’s back!”

“Yes Hermione, he has returned. And he has taken the attention of the Ministry of Magic away from Ron for the meantime. Right now, they are more interested in knowing how Dumbledore lived through that ordeal.” Remus said.

After a while they heard the Thunderbird roar outside and Arthur and Molly came out. Ginny was helping George out of the car and Jigger was last to come; he had already changed into himself before they arrived. Tonks was outside watching Rio and Chase do their swordplay and when she saw the Thunderbird coming she immediately stood and welcomed them.

“Remus!” Arthur said. “This is a pleasant surprise!”

“Remus! Hello! Hello!” Molly said and Remus gave her a hug. “You must stay for lunch, I insist! You and Nymphadora will join us for tea as well.”

“I will never say no to your cooking Molly. Thank you.” Remus said.

Ron’s high spirits caught his parents’ attention and though they were glad to see him in a different mood, they could not help but wonder what had caused it. “You are up and cheery today?” Arthur said.

Molly took Archer from Ron and showered him with kisses. “Professor Lupin told us a very good news.”

“Oh?” Arthur said. Molly went closer to them with the baby. “What good news?”

“I told them about Dumbledore’s return.” Remus said.

“Oh, that’s brilliant!” Arthur exclaimed. “Yes! We also just got the news this morning!”

“We got the owl today while we waited in the reception area in Saint Mungo’s.” Molly said. “We both cried like children.”

“Well, I was nearly in tears.” Arthur said. Molly smiled at him mockingly. “But really, this is what we have all been waiting for - A sign of hope.”

“We’ve come to tell you that we need to meet tonight.” Remus said. “Something’s up.”

Arthur nodded then he went to Molly and kissed Archer’s little feet. “How’s my little boy?”

“He’s been good to Hermione all morning. I am suddenly very sleepy.” Ron said yawning so hard. “I think I’ll go back upstairs and get some sleep.”

“Won’t you have a bite first?” Molly said.

“I’ll do that afterwards, I am really, tired mum. Save some potatoes for me, alright?” Ron said then he went over to Molly and kissed her head and cheeks. Then he went up but then turned back suddenly remembering something. “Forgot about this little man” He said and kissed Archer on the head before heading back to bed.

“Oh my…oh my…’” Hermione said getting herself to calm down. “Some good news at last…” She went to the kitchen and helped Ginny set the table when Molly told her to take the baby instead. She and Ginny went to the yard where a nice wooden swing with soft pillows was waiting. They both fussed over the little bundle before finally deciding to sit on the swing and slowly rock themselves under the warm morning sunshine.

Molly then prepared lunch and as they sat together there, having several helpings of Molly’s prized baked potatoes and honey roasted chicken, they could not help but feel that things are beginning to look up for everyone. Their conversations were now filled with good cheer though every now and then discussions about the war and their part in Ron’s quest would come up, still it did not dampen the joy they all felt that day. Even Ron who had been unusually depressed for many days suddenly felt like he could let go of all his problems for the time being and was able to sleep soundly again.


***

Molly stirred the honey into Remus’ cup of tea; they have just finished lunch and were discussing how successful the exchange between George and Fred inside the asylum was. “Ginny will be next, and Jigger volunteered to go after her.”

“How will you manage to slip him in?” Remus said.

“Well, we’re thinking he could switch with either Hermione or Ginny first before switching as Ron.” Molly said. She gave Tonks her cup of tea with two slices of lemon wedges. “It’s the same thing we’ll do for Rio on the last day. That is if Amelia has not succeeded in convincing the Ministry to let Ron go yet.”

“I doubt it, though they’ve been by today just before I left to make sure Dumbledore was really there.” Remus said.

“I am so excited! Albus returning to us.” Arthur said. “It gives me so much hope that Harry would really be returned as well.”

“I’m confused, why is it that Draco won’t be transferred here like we planned?” Molly said. “No one will take care of him there.”

“Apparently Harry has made contact with him.” Remus said.

Both Arthur and Molly sat up and excitedly looked at Remus. “Made contact?” Arthur whispered.

“Yes, I don’t know how, but Draco’s cured. He’s going to be sent over to Candice’s place in Glasgow.”

“Why not here?” Molly said.

“Dumbledore feels that it won’t be healthy for him to be too near to Ron.” Remus said finishing his tea in one swig. “That was good tea Molly, thank you.”

Arthur looked at Molly then cleared his throat. “I really don’t understand this sudden fear of Ron. And I certainly do not appreciate it.”

“Arthur,” Remus said, “I’m sure Dumbledore doesn’t mean to put it that way.”

“I know.” Arthur said. “I just feel like he’s been judged unfairly just because of what he did. He does not deserve to be treated this way, Remus. Not after all that he’s done. His only fault, if it can be considered one, is he loves Harry too much.”

“Ron is a good person, Arthur.” Remus said. “I’m sure you are very proud of him, we all are. But you have to admit that he is also a very skilled Knight, one that even I fear to confront. We saw him fight, you and I…can you really say that he’s not lethal?”

Arthur did not answer immediately and even Molly had to look the other way. It was clearly seen by the look in their faces that they both know how dangerous their youngest son is when provoked. “Did you tell him about this?”

“I was about to. It’s a good thing you came just in time and took his mind off of it. I didn’t know what I was thinking,” Remus said. “I just wanted to give him a bit of good news, and luckily I was able to hold my tongue just in time.”

“I’m sure if Harry did return he would want to see Ron and my grandson.” Molly said.

“Yes, in fact Draco had been trying to convince Dumbledore to let him come over to tell Ron that he had to go back to Hogwarts.” Remus said. “Him and Archer. I was rather hoping we can arrange for Archer’s visit in advance.”

“Well, why not tomorrow then. Hermione and I can bring Archer to Hogwarts, while Arthur accompanies the children to Saint Mungo’s to make the exchange.” Molly said.

“That’s a good plan. What time do you leave?” Remus said.

“Around 3:00 am.” Arthur said.

“I can go with them,” Tonks said.

“Alright, I will help Arthur with the others.” Remus said.

“It’s settled then.” Molly said.

“But remember, don’t tell Ron until after the first of February so that he won’t do anything hasty.” Remus said.

Arthur nodded. “Did he really see Harry?”

“I am not sure, Arthur. All I know is that Draco’s is well.” Remus said. “We all know there is only one cure for his insanity. And I don’t think he’ll lie about something like this.”

“As soon as the hearing is over Ron must return to Hogwarts.” Molly said. “I can feel ancient magic at work here, Arthur. The same ancient magic that brought Albus back to life, is helping Ron and Harry.” She started sniveling and Tonks had to place an arm around her as she began crying.

“Hopefully everything will go according to plan.” Arthur said.


***

Fire and ash…

There was a pyre that burned with an inconsumable flame upon a land that was drenched in darkness. Upon the pyre burned piles of carcasses charred beyond recognition – young children taken from their mother’s arms, cut into many pieces their odor reaching towards the sky. Everywhere there was death and cries of death – screaming voices without words.

The beastly hand of a monster reaching out into every house – his hand dripped with the blood of the innocent. The smell of decay filled this forsaken land; there was nothing for miles but the red heat of a sunset that would never rise again.

The demon was looking for something…for the babe that slept soundly…

Ron woke up with a jerk; large droplets of sweat filled his brow. It was already dark outside; he had been sleeping since morning. He was breathing hard and his heart was beating so fast it felt like he had just joined a race. It took several minutes and several deep breaths before he realized it was just a dream; it had been so real that he immediately went in search of Archer. He put on a robe and went out of the room. He went to Ginny’s room and found Hermione sleeping soundly beside his sister. He carefully closed the door and went downstairs where he found Molly sitting by the fireplace rocking Archer to sleep. He went to her and kissed her cheeks.

“Oh!” Molly said a bit startled by him.

“Hello mum!” Ron whispered hoarsely. “Hullo little man! Why are you still awake? Keeping your grandma up, are you?” He bent over again and kissed Archer who reached out his hand and made the long locks of his ginger hair stand on end. It made Molly laugh hard, “Such a big show off! Showing grandma what he’s capable of!” Then he pulled a small cushioned stool over and sat beside the rocking chair made of mahogany wood.

“He must have gotten it from Harry.”

“Gotten what?” Ron said.

“This magical ability of his, this is very rare. In fact I’ve never heard of any child showing this much magic this early,” Molly said.

“Never?”

“Never.”

“Yeah, from Harry it is…” Ron said smiling and fiddling with the little toes that peeked out of the baby blue blanket. “Didn’t he blow up his Aunt Marge without a wand?”

Molly laughed again remembering Harry’s account regarding his demented Aunt and the night she blew up into a blimp – literally! “That was really clever!”

“Yes, definitely Harry’s…” Ron laughed as well. “What time is it?”

“It’s half past nine. There’s still some more food in the cupboard if you’re hungry. I didn’t have the heart to wake you, you were snoring.” Molly said brushing her hand on Ron’s hair.

“Where’s dad gone to?”

“He’s at Hogwarts, remember? Dumbledore called for a meeting of the Order. Everyone is there Ron, and you know why?” Molly said.

“Do I get three guesses?” Ron said smiling.

“They are planning on how to help you with your Quest.” Molly said. Ron smiled at her and took her hand. He kissed it then placed it on his cheek. “Don’t worry son, there are many who want to see you succeed. We are all behind you all the way!”

Ron closed his eyes and found that he had no recollection of the dream that woke him so violently anymore. He then reached out to take Archer from Molly. “Come here you…” As he cradled him carefully and smelled his auburn head, Ron decided to sing him a song. An old lullaby that Molly sang to Ginny (in fact to all of them had he known it) came to his mind and he began humming it until at last the words of the song came back to him and he began to sing, “Tir’na’nog, land of the young, bring me closer to dreams, sleep o’ child, the wind on thy wings, will carry you o’er the sea. Closer and closer to Tir’na’nog, where time had not the pow’r, lay your head, sleep my child, and my song shall take you there.”


***

(Jan. 30)


At around 2:00 in the morning Hermione went downstairs and so did the three Knights. Jigger kept yawning harder and his jaw locked on the last one, which made Hermione laugh so hard. George went down with Ginny and Ron could not help but wonder why everyone was suddenly up at such an unholy hour.

“Is everyone going to Saint Mungo’s for the exchange?”

“No son. Hermione will be coming with me.” Molly said; she has just finished preparing the porridge and set the table for a very early breakfast.

“You’re going where?” Ron said.

“We’re taking Archer to Dumbledore Ron. He has not seen your son yet.” Molly said.

“Oh,” Ron nodded. “Who will go with you?”

“I will!” Tonks said, coming down the stairs as well. “Any more porridge for me?”

“Good Morning!” Ron said. “You stayed here all night?”

“Yes, Remus will be by with your father.” Molly said.

Ron was feeling anxious again; he just realized that he was going to be left all alone inside this house for the first time since his rescue. Not even Archer will be here though the thought of his son going back to Hogwarts was making him feel better knowing Harry must miss Archer terribly. Ron decided to pick him up from the couch where he slept and carry him around.

“Are you ready?” Hermione said; Jigger was going to use her essence today while Rio was going to use George’s. Hermione glared at him for his smile seemed to say something malicious and she has found him rather annoying since the first day they met. She was on the brink of hexing him. “Jigger!”

Jigger jumped, and though Chase found it funny, Hermione didn’t and she furiously shoved the flask of polyjuice potion with her hair at him. “Alright! Alright!” Jigger covered his nose and took a swig of the potion. He grimaced a little but after a while he nodded his head and decided he was beginning to like the taste. “You know it gets better every time you take it.”

Hermione scowled and shook her head as she turned around when Jigger began changing into her. After a while two Hermione’s were standing in the living room – one looking absolutely repulsed at the other who was touching herself maliciously. “Caramia!”

“Can you not do that please?” Hermione said. Jigger stopped but kept smiling at her. Hermione went to Ron and whispered, “Warn him, Ron I am not joking I am this close to cursing him for life.”

“I’m sorry, don’t worry I’ll talk to him.” Ron said. Hermione took the sleeping child and sat on the rocking chair. “Jigger,” Ron though felt a bit awkward talking to this `other’ Hermione. “Dude, Brit ladies don’t like that kind of joke.”

“Sorry dude.” Jigger said. “She’s hot!” He said again. Ron frowned at him and Rio who just turned into George tapped Jigger in the back and shook his head. “Every one’s a critic!”

“Rio I owe you big time.” Ron said.

Rio smiled at him and said, “Think nothing of it man.”

Soon the hearth flashed green and out came Arthur and Remus. Arthur at first found it rather unnerving to see two Hermione’s and the twins in the same room, and then realized they had just taken polyjuice potion when he saw the empty glasses on the table. “I see everyone’s ready.”

Molly and Hermione bundled Archer with one more extra blanket and Hermione had to wear a robe and put up her cowl to hide her face. Arthur gave the keys to the Thunderbird to Remus while he told the others that they were going to London by Portkey. Soon the house was empty and Ron locked it up and turned off every light in the house. The darkness and silence was adding to his melancholy and he couldn’t help feeling sorry for himself. But though his throat filled with chunks and his eyes burned, he would not allow himself to be overcome by sorrow…not when there were so many good things happening for the first time in many days. He shook his head and brushed his hair then headed off to the bathroom for a much-needed shower.

***

The sky was beginning to shine a bright plum when the Thunderbird arrived at Hogwarts. Archer was still very much asleep but when they landed and Hermione went out the child woke up. Molly then took him and Hermione started crying when Minerva and Madam Hooch came out to welcome them. Soon they were all in Dumbledore’s office, and Hermione has wrapped her arms around him and was crying her eyes out.

“There…there…” Dumbledore said. “Dearest Hermione!”

“Albus!” Molly said.

“Ah! This must be Archer,” Dumbledore said as his eyes fell upon the child with emerald eyes and bright orange hair. “Come Molly, we have to take him to the Southern tower.”

Once there, Dumbledore placed the child on Harry’s bed and told them all to leave. Molly protested but Dumbledore smiled at her and said, “They need time to be alone.”

“They…?” Hermione said. Then she realized whom Dumbledore was referring to. “Harry…”

Dumbledore nodded and soon the door was closed and they all went back to his office.

***

Streaks of bright sunlight were now shining through the windows, warm fingers of sunshine touching the babe gently. Harry had been waiting for this, and he was standing there by the bed holding the second stone in his hand. He slowly placed it on Archer’s open palm, and then he placed his hand upon the soft fingers and felt the warmth of his son’s hands upon his. The stone slowly disappeared, the choice has been made and Harry picked up the son he was only able to hold for a while. He could not stop the tears that poured down his face and soon he was sobbing terribly.

“I…I miss you…so much…” Harry said with difficulty. “Oh…my…son…” He was rocking him gently smelling his head, showering him with many kisses.

***

“Harry is there?” Molly said softly as she sat on a chair, her unbelieving eyes growing wider.

“He was given a chance to see those he loves…even for just a day…” Dumbledore said.

“How?” Hermione said.

“I don’t know, but before I returned I was told that he had been given three chances.”

“Is that how Draco got cured?” Molly said Hermione looked at her surprised to hear this news.

“Draco’s cured?” Hermione gasped.

“Yes, Hermione. He was taken to Candice yesterday. He’ll stay there for a while.” Minerva said.

Hermione and Molly both sat there gapping at each other. It took them a long time to come to. “I don’t believe it.” Hermione said. “This is…”

“It’s ancient magic,” Molly said softly her tear-drenched eyes staring at Dumbledore. “Isn’t it, Albus? Ancient magic that we have forgotten…”

Dumbledore nodded. “That we have to learn once more.”

“If Harry has three days, spending one with Draco and this day with Archer,” Hermione said.

“Yes, Ron will be with him after the hearing, Hermione.” Dumbledore said.

Hermione tried to smile amidst her tears. “He’ll be very happy…”

“We have to make sure nothing goes wrong with the exchange tomorrow. It’s Ginny with Jigger, right?” Remus said.

“Yes,” Molly said sniveling. “Looks like someone is helping Ron through this…where is that book that he used?”

“It’s inside the room, upstairs.” Hermione said.

“I am overwhelmed by these past days,” Molly said. “So much power is moving through us all. Like we are on the brink of a culmination,”

“I’m afraid this is the calm before the storm, Molly. Has Charlie returned to Romania?” Dumbledore said.

“Yes, Albus,”

“I need to talk to him.” Dumbledore said. “The dragons might be needed.”