Chapter Five
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or anything Harry Potter related. This site is free for everyone. I created this site purely as a way to continue on with the story from my point of view in relation to what I feel happened. Some of the content is based on research while some others are based on my imagination. Please disregard any grammar mistakes, this has been written with the intent of pure fun!
Harry walked up the steps to the front door. Pulling his wand from his back pocket he glided it across the door. The door opened at once.
“Wait,” Marla said holding him back. “Not yet,”
Marla stooped low.
“Missy, will you go in and check our way, remember jinxes, curses and whatever else you find,” said Marla. The dog Missy looked at her with reproach and did not move. “Please, I’ll be right behind you,” said Marla, her dog Missy gave her a reluctant look but did what she was told. Harry watched as the canine ran ahead of them, he felt his anxiety increase as Marla motioned forward.
“It’s alright,” said Marla “Wizarding jinxes rarely affect animals,” Marla continued, she dropped her bag to the ground and gave Harry an examining look, “If you haven’t figured it out yet, I will be looking out for your best interest,” said Marla. “I’m not going to risk taking on anything too dangerous, at least while you’re under my protection,” Marla continued with a smirk.
“I’m sorry to disappoint you,” Harry began. “But I don’t need any protection.”
“Oh that’s right, you are the chosen one aren’t you?” said Marla with sarcasm. Harry felt his chest drop with her words. Realizing that she had struck a nerve Marla pulled back. “I’m sorry Harry, but if you didn’t need my protection I wouldn’t be here,” said Marla.
She took the gold hoop from around her shoulders and led the way. “I know what I’m doing so there’s nothing to worry about,” said Marla. “Just stay close behind me.”
Reluctantly Harry stayed a few paces behind her as they walked onward. The old house was dark and cold as they walked though the doorway. Harry clutched his wand tightly in front of him.
“Wait a moment…” said Harry suddenly, “where’s your wand—”
Before anyone could utter another word, the trap that Mad Eye intended for Snape had suddenly appeared. With a gush of wind Harry’s tongue tightened. He was just beginning to prepare himself for what happens next when Marla stepped forward. The fake Dumbledore rose into the air looking debased and decrepit. Marla placed the golden hoop flat on the ground in front of them.
Harry held his wand firm, but as the fake Dumbledore flew across the golden hoop, the room was overcome with misty blue light. Harry took several paces back as the fake Dumbledore rose into air into the air with a swirl of brightness before it completely vanished.
Harry took deep gasps of air as he suddenly realized that he hadn’t been breathing. He looked at Marla who appeared to be completely unfazed by the sudden appearance or a dead Dumbledore.
“Let’s go on then,” said Marla “my wand is in my bag; but I don’t think that I will need it,” Marla continued, “not yet anyway.” Marla picked up the golden hoop and gestured for Harry to follow her.
“How did you do that?” asked Harry.
Marla looked at him questioningly as they walked through the grand hall. “I’ve been told that you are interested in becoming an Auror, is this true?”
“No— I— I mean I’ve given it thought,” said Harry evasively.
“Being an auror is very dangerous business,” said Marla flatly. “Definitely not for the half hearted.”
“I’m interested,” said Harry with sincerity.
“Yea, and what exactly is it that you think an Auror does?” asked Marla. Harry fell silent. In all reality he wasn’t exactly sure how to answer, he knew that many auror’s were apart of the order, he knew that they battled the dark arts. But he was certain that there was more to it than that.
“So you want to be something, and you haven’t a clue what it is?” said Marla who shoved Harry in the arm.
“Look I didn’t ask you to come here for a lesson,” said Harry, who felt suddenly heated.
“So when?” asked Marla.
“When what?” asked Harry as he rubbed the sore spot on his arm, feeling increasingly more confused by the second.
“When were going to find out about Auror training?” asked Marla
“I’m not sure…” Harry began. “Maybe Kingsley--
“Maybe Kingsley has better things to do then to teach a confused little wizard the proper way to kill themselves while attempting to ward off dark magic.” Marla interjected.
“I’m not confused,” said Harry with rising frustration “I’m going to be an Auror and besides what I do isn’t any of your business, you’re here to secure my home remember?”
“This room is clear,” said Marla, her eyes fixed on Harry’s who didn’t back down. “Let’s move.”
Harry reluctantly followed Marla throughout the home of his godfather, the conversation with her sticking in his mind like bubblegum on the bottom of his shoe. He felt uneasy with the realization that he really had no idea of what he would have to do to become an Auror. Harry felt frustrated with himself as he realized all the opportunities that had passed for him to ask the members of the Order questions. What was it like to be an auror and what exactly was it that they did when they weren’t fighting off Deahteaters or arranging meetings at headquarters. Of this Harry had no idea.
They walked throughout the first floor; Harry watched as Marla scrutinized every surface and began to pick up random objects to examine.
“Dark magic is very peculiar,” said Marla, picking up a tea pot and sniffing the inside. “It can hide in the most unimaginable places.”
“Really?” said Harry taking the tea pot and examining it “and Deahteaters would really care about my tea chugging habits then?”
“I wouldn’t be so ready to rule it out Harry,” said Marla, snatching the tea pot up and away from him and placing it back on the counter “But this one happens to be safe.”
After what felt like several hours of Marla scrutinizing random objects Harry was starting to come to the conclusion that everything was normal and felt rather silly for requesting for an auror to come to his home to begin with.
“This room seems to be clear, lets try another room--
—Look, I don’t think that there is anything here,” said Harry finally, taking the empty flower pot from her. “Maybe this was a bad idea”
“Shhh!” Marla exclaimed. Harry froze.
“Do you hear that?” asked Marla in a whisper.
“I don’t hear anything.” said Harry but he spoke too soon.
All of a sudden there was a crash and loud barking rang out at them from upstairs. Marla bolted to the stairway, Harry quickly followed behind her. The curtains that held the painting of Mrs. Black flew open and screamed out.
“HALFARD, FILTH BLOOD!” The painting shrieked. Marla grabbed the golden hoop once more and tapped the painting, it froze still.
“FILTH BLOOD!” The painting shrieked again. Marla tapped the painting for a second time. This time it fell silent. Marla continued forward, Harry began to follow her but stopped short when he noticed that the painting of Mrs. Blacks had froze in place much to that of an ordinary muggle painting. Mrs. Black stood frozen with her usual look of anger and outrage.
The barking continued up to the drawing room. As they both rounded the corner, Marla held Harry back yet again, only this time Harry could see why. Harry watched as the spotted dog drifted above their heads, high above them from the high ceiling.
“Jinxes are not supposed to affect animals…” said Marla more to herself than to Harry as she proceeded forward into the drawing room. She had barely taken three steps when suddenly she too was flung into the air, as if by an invisible sling shot. Marla’s body was bolted to the ceiling with a bone crushing smack, Harry watched in horror as her limp body fell to the ground with a thud. When she didn’t stir Harry began to panic, He ran forwarded.
“Marla! Are you alright?” Harry shook her.
Marla opened her eyes.
“Harry, get out…” Marla moaned in a labored voice. “There’s someone in here.”
Harry got to his feet and pulled his wand from his back pocket, griping it tightly he glanced around the room.
“Who’s in here?” Harry called out into the darkness, trying to shadow the panic in his voice. “Show yourself,” The room remained silent. Harry raised his wand.
“Banbardium Revealo,” he shouted, gray smoke shot out from the tip of his wand and filled the room, but this time instead of thinning out to the ceiling, it settled on a dark corner, near the same sofa Hermione had once slept on when they found themselves in this very room last summer.
“I said show yourself,” Harry called once more, as he took a few paces forward.
“Harry Potter,” called a low jagged voice.
“Who’s there?” Harry called out again. Something from the darkness shifted causing Harry to take a few steps back.
“Lumos,” Harry called to obtain more light. The object shifted again and to Harry’s utter amazement and shock walked forward Kreacher. Harry felt the shock dissolve as the old house elf stepped into his wand light.
“Kreacher, what are you doing?” Harry asked.
“Intruders Mr. Potter,” Kreacher said in his familiar wheezy voice, “There have been intruders.”
“These are not intruders,” said Harry trying to mask his irritation, “I asked them to come.” said Harry trying to talk through the barks that rang out from Missy, who was still floating in the air.
“Can you let her down please?” asked Harry as he made his way back to Marla’s side. Kreacher scuffled forward as the dog slowly drifted back to the ground.
“I need you to tell me something,” said Harry to Kreacher, his voice was unusually calm as he spoke over Marla’s limp body. “Did any—er—I mean have any intruders gotten in here since last summer?” Harry asked. The house elf smiled up at him with big eyes.
“They tried Harry Potter. Dark wizards of all sorts tried to get in my masters house, but old Kreacher chased them off Harry Potter.” The house elf beamed at Harry. “This is Harry Potters home now.”
“Thanks Kreacher,” said Harry.
Harry lifted Marla from under her arms and pulled her on to the sofa. She had a slash on her forehead that glistened with blood.
“Ouch,” Marla said touching her side. “I think my rib is broken,”
“I wish Hermione was here,” Harry said in a panicked voice. He hadn’t had much experience with healing wounds; he knew the charm but hadn’t tried it before. Marla raised herself from the sofa.
“Its fine, I’ve had worse,” said Marla touching her side again. “You have an amazing house elf there, I haven’t met many that can take on a bunch of full grown Deahteaters and live to tell the tale.” Harry shook his head in agreement.
Harry watched as the blood trickled on Marla’s face. “Your head,” said Harry.
“s’not that bad,” said Marla wiping the blood off with her sleeve. “My bag.”
Harry went to the place where she had fallen and picked up her belongings and brought them to her. Harry watched as she rummaged though her bag and pulled out a golden vial with small lettering around it. She took a sip from its contents.
“Sorry Harry, it doesn’t look like were going to have matching scars after all,” said Marla with a smirk as she drank.
“What is that?” asked Harry.
“You should know better then anyone else Harry, not all good magic involves a wand.” said Marla. Harry watched as the slash on Marla’s face vanished into nothing, “was there a wand handling course at your wizarding school?” asked Marla.
“No,” said Harry.
“That’s because anyone can use a wand, it’s just a small tool that aids what we already have within us,” Marla continued. “However I do believe it takes a little more talent to do well in Charms, Herbology or even Potions.” Harry remembered how poorly he did throughout his entire schooling, outside of defense against the dark arts he got by with just average marks. He knew that great wizards like Dumbledore were able to achieve many magical acts without their wands. “Too many witches and wizards hide behind their wands and forget where the magic really comes from.”
Harry placed his wand in his pocket. Marla placed her bag and her golden hoop besides the sofa.
“You spoke of a person named Hermione?” asked Marla. Harry took a seat beside her. “She’s one of my best mates,” said Harry. “One of the brightest witches that I know,” Harry continued.
As Marla continued to ask questions Harry fell to the urge to reveal more and more about him self. He spoke about Hermione and Ron, about how they had met in their first year at Hogwarts and how they had helped him capture the Horcruxes. Harry talked about Dumbledore and Sirius. At one point Harry even found him self laughing about the Dursley’s as he explained to her about his Uncle Vernon and Cousin Dudley. Marla listened intently and laughed alongside Harry who couldn’t remember the last time that he spoke so freely to anyone, there were things he hadn’t spoken to neither Ron nor Hermione that he was now revealing to Marla without worry or fear. His heart was light and for the first time Harry was beginning to remember a world without Voldemort or Deahteaters, a world that wouldn’t threaten to destroy what he tried so hard to protect.
“I didn’t know that you have been through so much,” said Marla empathetically, “sorry for being so hard on you earlier.”
Harry rubbed the sore spot on his arm again. “No worries, this arm as seen worse,” said Harry remembering the time that he spent in the infirmary trying to re-grow every bone in his arm many years prior.
“You have some pretty amazing friends,” said Marla.
“Yeah, Hermione and Ron have been my best mates ever since— well ever since I’ve known that I am a wizard,” said Harry.
“I don’t really have any friends in the muggle world.” Harry continued.
“I know what you mean,” said Marla, “When my friends found out about me, their parents forbid them from seeing me.” Marla continued.
“I know the feeling,” said Harry, remembering his time at the Dursley’s.
Looking out of the window in the sitting room Harry could see the sun show scarlet as it was beginning to set. His attention was immediately drawn to the time. It seemed like only a moment ago when they arrived.
“What time is it?” Harry asked rising from the sofa.
“—I have brought Harry Potter and his friends something to eat.” Harry jumped with surprise as Kreacher appeared suddenly at his knees.
“I— thanks a lot Kreacher,” said Harry taking the tray of sandwiches and placing them near the sofa.
“Is there anything else Kreacher can get for Harry Potter?” Asked Kreacher, his eyes glazed with a certain soppiness that bade Harry feel slightly uncomfortable.
“Erm…No Kreacher, thanks again,” said Harry.
“It is my pleasure, Harry Potter,” said Kreacher, who gave Harry one more soppy glance before he disappeared.
“What about you then?” Harry asked finally after a moment of silence, “I reckon you’re pretty young to be an auror,” said Harry.
“Where I’m from you can start Auror training as young as fifteen,” snapped Marla.
“Where’s that then?” asked Harry, his mind was swimming with questions, but before Marla could respond her words were drowned out by the sudden explosion of barks that rang from Missy.
“Its okay, Missy,” said Marla trying to calm her canine down. “It’s getting late.”
Harry watched as Marla went to the large glass cabinets and pulled out a wax candle, she lit it with a match and placed it near the foot stool near where Missy sat. “Now, that’s better,” said Marla. “But to answer your question, my dad was one of the best auror’s around, so of course we were always on the move.” said Marla. “When Voldemort came back into power, my dad came here to Britain to help fight for the Ministry. He wanted me to stay behind because he thought that I would be safer and of course I was in my last year of auror training which happens to be the most important year of all,” said Marla who turned her attention to a pile of moving dust that had collected near the sofa. “Pixie dust,” said Marla batting the area with the back of her sleeve.
“Where is your dad now?” Asked Harry with curiosity, he didn’t know why but he suddenly felt connected to Marla and wanted to know as much as he could about the wizarding world outside of Hogwarts and The Burrow.
“I don’t know” said Marla and Harry could sense that she was troubled. “It’s been almost a year and he has never gone this long without sending words,” Marla motioned towards her bag “lets see,” she began to rummage through it yet again. This time she pulled out a small clear orb. “Look here Harry,” said Marla.
Harry took the orb and recognized the size and feel in his hands at once. “It’s a Remembrall.”
“Not exactly, my dad bewitched it see there,” said Marla. Harry took a closer look at the small orb as small letters mixed with random disarray from inside the globe.
“The last message that I received said that he was safe and in London, but that was right before Voldemort came back to power,” said Marla. “Something happened to him Harry, I’m sure of it.
“What do you suppose happened to him?” asked Harry.
“I have no clue, but I have time to figure it out,” said Marla. She took a bite out of one of the sandwiches that Kreacher had left for them, Harry gazed at her expectantly.
“It looks like you’ll be in need of my protection for quite sometime,” said Marla with a full mouth of sandwich.
“Wha—,’’ began Harry.
“You didn’t expect me to just leave you here alone did you?” asked Marla.
“Look—er—I appreciate you helping me out here and all, but…” Harry began. “—If Deahteaters have your dad, shouldn’t you be out their trying to find them, instead of wasting time here?” Harry asked. Marla gave him a penetrating stare and swallowed hard.
“I don’t think that its Deahteaters that have my dad,” said Marla. “That much I’m pretty sure of.”
“I don’t get it, if not one of them then who?” Harry asked.
“I’m not exactly sure— all I know is that you are tied into this somehow,” said Marla “I just know it and I’m not going anywhere until I am able to get to the bottom of it,” continued Marla with determination. “Harry you might be the key to figuring out where my dad is.” Marla placed her sandwich on the table and turned to Harry again, Harry saw the desperation in Marla’s face as she spoke as her voice turned to hopeful.
Harry touched the scar that no longer ached with the rage of Voldemort, he wanted to help Marla but his thoughts felt dizzy with mixing visions of this past year, of Hogwarts and his friends and now Marla and her father. His thoughts bounced from the forest and his desperation to find the Horcruxes and back to the battle at Hogwarts.
“Look I want to help,” said Harry at last, “but I’m not the key to anything.”
“No Harry,” said Marla. “You're in this more than you think.” Marla looked Harry in the eyes. “Harry you may not realize it yet, but you are in more danger now than you have ever been in before.”
Harry walked up the steps to the front door. Pulling his wand from his back pocket he glided it across the door. The door opened at once.
“Wait,” Marla said holding him back. “Not yet,”
Marla stooped low.
“Missy, will you go in and check our way, remember jinxes, curses and whatever else you find,” said Marla. The dog Missy looked at her with reproach and did not move. “Please, I’ll be right behind you,” said Marla, her dog Missy gave her a reluctant look but did what she was told. Harry watched as the canine ran ahead of them, he felt his anxiety increase as Marla motioned forward.
“It’s alright,” said Marla “Wizarding jinxes rarely affect animals,” Marla continued, she dropped her bag to the ground and gave Harry an examining look, “If you haven’t figured it out yet, I will be looking out for your best interest,” said Marla. “I’m not going to risk taking on anything too dangerous, at least while you’re under my protection,” Marla continued with a smirk.
“I’m sorry to disappoint you,” Harry began. “But I don’t need any protection.”
“Oh that’s right, you are the chosen one aren’t you?” said Marla with sarcasm. Harry felt his chest drop with her words. Realizing that she had struck a nerve Marla pulled back. “I’m sorry Harry, but if you didn’t need my protection I wouldn’t be here,” said Marla.
She took the gold hoop from around her shoulders and led the way. “I know what I’m doing so there’s nothing to worry about,” said Marla. “Just stay close behind me.”
Reluctantly Harry stayed a few paces behind her as they walked onward. The old house was dark and cold as they walked though the doorway. Harry clutched his wand tightly in front of him.
“Wait a moment…” said Harry suddenly, “where’s your wand—”
Before anyone could utter another word, the trap that Mad Eye intended for Snape had suddenly appeared. With a gush of wind Harry’s tongue tightened. He was just beginning to prepare himself for what happens next when Marla stepped forward. The fake Dumbledore rose into the air looking debased and decrepit. Marla placed the golden hoop flat on the ground in front of them.
Harry held his wand firm, but as the fake Dumbledore flew across the golden hoop, the room was overcome with misty blue light. Harry took several paces back as the fake Dumbledore rose into air into the air with a swirl of brightness before it completely vanished.
Harry took deep gasps of air as he suddenly realized that he hadn’t been breathing. He looked at Marla who appeared to be completely unfazed by the sudden appearance or a dead Dumbledore.
“Let’s go on then,” said Marla “my wand is in my bag; but I don’t think that I will need it,” Marla continued, “not yet anyway.” Marla picked up the golden hoop and gestured for Harry to follow her.
“How did you do that?” asked Harry.
Marla looked at him questioningly as they walked through the grand hall. “I’ve been told that you are interested in becoming an Auror, is this true?”
“No— I— I mean I’ve given it thought,” said Harry evasively.
“Being an auror is very dangerous business,” said Marla flatly. “Definitely not for the half hearted.”
“I’m interested,” said Harry with sincerity.
“Yea, and what exactly is it that you think an Auror does?” asked Marla. Harry fell silent. In all reality he wasn’t exactly sure how to answer, he knew that many auror’s were apart of the order, he knew that they battled the dark arts. But he was certain that there was more to it than that.
“So you want to be something, and you haven’t a clue what it is?” said Marla who shoved Harry in the arm.
“Look I didn’t ask you to come here for a lesson,” said Harry, who felt suddenly heated.
“So when?” asked Marla.
“When what?” asked Harry as he rubbed the sore spot on his arm, feeling increasingly more confused by the second.
“When were going to find out about Auror training?” asked Marla
“I’m not sure…” Harry began. “Maybe Kingsley--
“Maybe Kingsley has better things to do then to teach a confused little wizard the proper way to kill themselves while attempting to ward off dark magic.” Marla interjected.
“I’m not confused,” said Harry with rising frustration “I’m going to be an Auror and besides what I do isn’t any of your business, you’re here to secure my home remember?”
“This room is clear,” said Marla, her eyes fixed on Harry’s who didn’t back down. “Let’s move.”
Harry reluctantly followed Marla throughout the home of his godfather, the conversation with her sticking in his mind like bubblegum on the bottom of his shoe. He felt uneasy with the realization that he really had no idea of what he would have to do to become an Auror. Harry felt frustrated with himself as he realized all the opportunities that had passed for him to ask the members of the Order questions. What was it like to be an auror and what exactly was it that they did when they weren’t fighting off Deahteaters or arranging meetings at headquarters. Of this Harry had no idea.
They walked throughout the first floor; Harry watched as Marla scrutinized every surface and began to pick up random objects to examine.
“Dark magic is very peculiar,” said Marla, picking up a tea pot and sniffing the inside. “It can hide in the most unimaginable places.”
“Really?” said Harry taking the tea pot and examining it “and Deahteaters would really care about my tea chugging habits then?”
“I wouldn’t be so ready to rule it out Harry,” said Marla, snatching the tea pot up and away from him and placing it back on the counter “But this one happens to be safe.”
After what felt like several hours of Marla scrutinizing random objects Harry was starting to come to the conclusion that everything was normal and felt rather silly for requesting for an auror to come to his home to begin with.
“This room seems to be clear, lets try another room--
—Look, I don’t think that there is anything here,” said Harry finally, taking the empty flower pot from her. “Maybe this was a bad idea”
“Shhh!” Marla exclaimed. Harry froze.
“Do you hear that?” asked Marla in a whisper.
“I don’t hear anything.” said Harry but he spoke too soon.
All of a sudden there was a crash and loud barking rang out at them from upstairs. Marla bolted to the stairway, Harry quickly followed behind her. The curtains that held the painting of Mrs. Black flew open and screamed out.
“HALFARD, FILTH BLOOD!” The painting shrieked. Marla grabbed the golden hoop once more and tapped the painting, it froze still.
“FILTH BLOOD!” The painting shrieked again. Marla tapped the painting for a second time. This time it fell silent. Marla continued forward, Harry began to follow her but stopped short when he noticed that the painting of Mrs. Blacks had froze in place much to that of an ordinary muggle painting. Mrs. Black stood frozen with her usual look of anger and outrage.
The barking continued up to the drawing room. As they both rounded the corner, Marla held Harry back yet again, only this time Harry could see why. Harry watched as the spotted dog drifted above their heads, high above them from the high ceiling.
“Jinxes are not supposed to affect animals…” said Marla more to herself than to Harry as she proceeded forward into the drawing room. She had barely taken three steps when suddenly she too was flung into the air, as if by an invisible sling shot. Marla’s body was bolted to the ceiling with a bone crushing smack, Harry watched in horror as her limp body fell to the ground with a thud. When she didn’t stir Harry began to panic, He ran forwarded.
“Marla! Are you alright?” Harry shook her.
Marla opened her eyes.
“Harry, get out…” Marla moaned in a labored voice. “There’s someone in here.”
Harry got to his feet and pulled his wand from his back pocket, griping it tightly he glanced around the room.
“Who’s in here?” Harry called out into the darkness, trying to shadow the panic in his voice. “Show yourself,” The room remained silent. Harry raised his wand.
“Banbardium Revealo,” he shouted, gray smoke shot out from the tip of his wand and filled the room, but this time instead of thinning out to the ceiling, it settled on a dark corner, near the same sofa Hermione had once slept on when they found themselves in this very room last summer.
“I said show yourself,” Harry called once more, as he took a few paces forward.
“Harry Potter,” called a low jagged voice.
“Who’s there?” Harry called out again. Something from the darkness shifted causing Harry to take a few steps back.
“Lumos,” Harry called to obtain more light. The object shifted again and to Harry’s utter amazement and shock walked forward Kreacher. Harry felt the shock dissolve as the old house elf stepped into his wand light.
“Kreacher, what are you doing?” Harry asked.
“Intruders Mr. Potter,” Kreacher said in his familiar wheezy voice, “There have been intruders.”
“These are not intruders,” said Harry trying to mask his irritation, “I asked them to come.” said Harry trying to talk through the barks that rang out from Missy, who was still floating in the air.
“Can you let her down please?” asked Harry as he made his way back to Marla’s side. Kreacher scuffled forward as the dog slowly drifted back to the ground.
“I need you to tell me something,” said Harry to Kreacher, his voice was unusually calm as he spoke over Marla’s limp body. “Did any—er—I mean have any intruders gotten in here since last summer?” Harry asked. The house elf smiled up at him with big eyes.
“They tried Harry Potter. Dark wizards of all sorts tried to get in my masters house, but old Kreacher chased them off Harry Potter.” The house elf beamed at Harry. “This is Harry Potters home now.”
“Thanks Kreacher,” said Harry.
Harry lifted Marla from under her arms and pulled her on to the sofa. She had a slash on her forehead that glistened with blood.
“Ouch,” Marla said touching her side. “I think my rib is broken,”
“I wish Hermione was here,” Harry said in a panicked voice. He hadn’t had much experience with healing wounds; he knew the charm but hadn’t tried it before. Marla raised herself from the sofa.
“Its fine, I’ve had worse,” said Marla touching her side again. “You have an amazing house elf there, I haven’t met many that can take on a bunch of full grown Deahteaters and live to tell the tale.” Harry shook his head in agreement.
Harry watched as the blood trickled on Marla’s face. “Your head,” said Harry.
“s’not that bad,” said Marla wiping the blood off with her sleeve. “My bag.”
Harry went to the place where she had fallen and picked up her belongings and brought them to her. Harry watched as she rummaged though her bag and pulled out a golden vial with small lettering around it. She took a sip from its contents.
“Sorry Harry, it doesn’t look like were going to have matching scars after all,” said Marla with a smirk as she drank.
“What is that?” asked Harry.
“You should know better then anyone else Harry, not all good magic involves a wand.” said Marla. Harry watched as the slash on Marla’s face vanished into nothing, “was there a wand handling course at your wizarding school?” asked Marla.
“No,” said Harry.
“That’s because anyone can use a wand, it’s just a small tool that aids what we already have within us,” Marla continued. “However I do believe it takes a little more talent to do well in Charms, Herbology or even Potions.” Harry remembered how poorly he did throughout his entire schooling, outside of defense against the dark arts he got by with just average marks. He knew that great wizards like Dumbledore were able to achieve many magical acts without their wands. “Too many witches and wizards hide behind their wands and forget where the magic really comes from.”
Harry placed his wand in his pocket. Marla placed her bag and her golden hoop besides the sofa.
“You spoke of a person named Hermione?” asked Marla. Harry took a seat beside her. “She’s one of my best mates,” said Harry. “One of the brightest witches that I know,” Harry continued.
As Marla continued to ask questions Harry fell to the urge to reveal more and more about him self. He spoke about Hermione and Ron, about how they had met in their first year at Hogwarts and how they had helped him capture the Horcruxes. Harry talked about Dumbledore and Sirius. At one point Harry even found him self laughing about the Dursley’s as he explained to her about his Uncle Vernon and Cousin Dudley. Marla listened intently and laughed alongside Harry who couldn’t remember the last time that he spoke so freely to anyone, there were things he hadn’t spoken to neither Ron nor Hermione that he was now revealing to Marla without worry or fear. His heart was light and for the first time Harry was beginning to remember a world without Voldemort or Deahteaters, a world that wouldn’t threaten to destroy what he tried so hard to protect.
“I didn’t know that you have been through so much,” said Marla empathetically, “sorry for being so hard on you earlier.”
Harry rubbed the sore spot on his arm again. “No worries, this arm as seen worse,” said Harry remembering the time that he spent in the infirmary trying to re-grow every bone in his arm many years prior.
“You have some pretty amazing friends,” said Marla.
“Yeah, Hermione and Ron have been my best mates ever since— well ever since I’ve known that I am a wizard,” said Harry.
“I don’t really have any friends in the muggle world.” Harry continued.
“I know what you mean,” said Marla, “When my friends found out about me, their parents forbid them from seeing me.” Marla continued.
“I know the feeling,” said Harry, remembering his time at the Dursley’s.
Looking out of the window in the sitting room Harry could see the sun show scarlet as it was beginning to set. His attention was immediately drawn to the time. It seemed like only a moment ago when they arrived.
“What time is it?” Harry asked rising from the sofa.
“—I have brought Harry Potter and his friends something to eat.” Harry jumped with surprise as Kreacher appeared suddenly at his knees.
“I— thanks a lot Kreacher,” said Harry taking the tray of sandwiches and placing them near the sofa.
“Is there anything else Kreacher can get for Harry Potter?” Asked Kreacher, his eyes glazed with a certain soppiness that bade Harry feel slightly uncomfortable.
“Erm…No Kreacher, thanks again,” said Harry.
“It is my pleasure, Harry Potter,” said Kreacher, who gave Harry one more soppy glance before he disappeared.
“What about you then?” Harry asked finally after a moment of silence, “I reckon you’re pretty young to be an auror,” said Harry.
“Where I’m from you can start Auror training as young as fifteen,” snapped Marla.
“Where’s that then?” asked Harry, his mind was swimming with questions, but before Marla could respond her words were drowned out by the sudden explosion of barks that rang from Missy.
“Its okay, Missy,” said Marla trying to calm her canine down. “It’s getting late.”
Harry watched as Marla went to the large glass cabinets and pulled out a wax candle, she lit it with a match and placed it near the foot stool near where Missy sat. “Now, that’s better,” said Marla. “But to answer your question, my dad was one of the best auror’s around, so of course we were always on the move.” said Marla. “When Voldemort came back into power, my dad came here to Britain to help fight for the Ministry. He wanted me to stay behind because he thought that I would be safer and of course I was in my last year of auror training which happens to be the most important year of all,” said Marla who turned her attention to a pile of moving dust that had collected near the sofa. “Pixie dust,” said Marla batting the area with the back of her sleeve.
“Where is your dad now?” Asked Harry with curiosity, he didn’t know why but he suddenly felt connected to Marla and wanted to know as much as he could about the wizarding world outside of Hogwarts and The Burrow.
“I don’t know” said Marla and Harry could sense that she was troubled. “It’s been almost a year and he has never gone this long without sending words,” Marla motioned towards her bag “lets see,” she began to rummage through it yet again. This time she pulled out a small clear orb. “Look here Harry,” said Marla.
Harry took the orb and recognized the size and feel in his hands at once. “It’s a Remembrall.”
“Not exactly, my dad bewitched it see there,” said Marla. Harry took a closer look at the small orb as small letters mixed with random disarray from inside the globe.
“The last message that I received said that he was safe and in London, but that was right before Voldemort came back to power,” said Marla. “Something happened to him Harry, I’m sure of it.
“What do you suppose happened to him?” asked Harry.
“I have no clue, but I have time to figure it out,” said Marla. She took a bite out of one of the sandwiches that Kreacher had left for them, Harry gazed at her expectantly.
“It looks like you’ll be in need of my protection for quite sometime,” said Marla with a full mouth of sandwich.
“Wha—,’’ began Harry.
“You didn’t expect me to just leave you here alone did you?” asked Marla.
“Look—er—I appreciate you helping me out here and all, but…” Harry began. “—If Deahteaters have your dad, shouldn’t you be out their trying to find them, instead of wasting time here?” Harry asked. Marla gave him a penetrating stare and swallowed hard.
“I don’t think that its Deahteaters that have my dad,” said Marla. “That much I’m pretty sure of.”
“I don’t get it, if not one of them then who?” Harry asked.
“I’m not exactly sure— all I know is that you are tied into this somehow,” said Marla “I just know it and I’m not going anywhere until I am able to get to the bottom of it,” continued Marla with determination. “Harry you might be the key to figuring out where my dad is.” Marla placed her sandwich on the table and turned to Harry again, Harry saw the desperation in Marla’s face as she spoke as her voice turned to hopeful.
Harry touched the scar that no longer ached with the rage of Voldemort, he wanted to help Marla but his thoughts felt dizzy with mixing visions of this past year, of Hogwarts and his friends and now Marla and her father. His thoughts bounced from the forest and his desperation to find the Horcruxes and back to the battle at Hogwarts.
“Look I want to help,” said Harry at last, “but I’m not the key to anything.”
“No Harry,” said Marla. “You're in this more than you think.” Marla looked Harry in the eyes. “Harry you may not realize it yet, but you are in more danger now than you have ever been in before.”
