Chapter Text
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Notes:
As it seems to bother some people, the story is told from Harry first person view.
I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly
I'll do what it takes til I touch the sky
And I'll make a wish, take a chance, make a change
And breakaway
From Kelly Clarkson song Breakaway
I was not in a good mood as I lay in (what could barely pass for) a bed at Four Privet Drive. The only good thing about my throbbing head (from cracking my head on an open window when I swore I heard someone Apparating nearby) was it provided me a distraction from my thoughts. They had been in a very dark place for the past four weeks. Voldemort was back and honestly even though I had lived through the encounter (once again), he had won our last battle.
What really puzzled me was that there was no unexplained disasters, no mysterious mass disappearances. Nothing seemed out of place in the Muggle world. The fact that my so called best friends (who were together and having a grand adventure by the sound of it), would not tell me what was going on in the magical world had me further on edge. As the one who (unwilling) was the first one to see the Dark Lord gain a new body, didn’t I need to know what was going on.
I shook my head (and then promptly winced). Thinking about all these things never helped matters and made time seem to move even slower. I decided to skip dinner (probably made the Dursley week) and decided to try and get to sleep early. Hopefully, my head would feel better in the morning. As I drifted off to dream land, I tried not to think about the evil green light racing toward Cedric.
I awoke with a start, something was not right. I slid on my glasses and looked around. I saw that it was now dark, but not that late into the night. I strained and could hear a faint conversation (okay argument) going on at the front door. I could easily hear Aunt Petunia’s caustic voice, but I could not make out the other voice though it did sound familiar.
Whatever the discussion it ended rather quickly with a very clear stunning spell was used. Knowing this was not a particularly good turn of events, I quickly pulled my wand from under my pillow and listen for any additional noise. My heart began to pound as I wondered how I was going to get out this mess. Seizing on the first idea in my head, I quickly got up out of bed. I quickly tucked several pillows under my blanket, so it looked like someone was sleeping there. I then made my way next to the door and stood on the side such that when it opened I would be hidden from view.
I heard a soft Alohomora being whispered undoing the many locks on the door to my room. The door slowly opened and I watched as a figure walked over to my bed. They raised a wand casting a Lumos spell. Deciding that I needed to act now I said, “Drop your wand, now.” I saw the person jump a little at the sound of my voice. But, quickly did as I demanded.
I continue, “Turn around and kick your wand to me.” I was rather surprised when the face of Fleur Delacour was revealed to me. She followed my instructions and I continued to hold my wand on her as I picked up her wand with my left hand. After last year experience with Polyjuice Potion I said, “What was the first thing you said to you Headmaster after my name came out of the Goblet of Fire?”
She appeared to think a moment and replied blushing a bit, “They are saying that this little boy is to compete also.” I let out a slow breath and relaxed a bit. Letting the wands I was holding point toward the floor. I was pretty sure after saving her sister from the lake she could not wish me any harm. My moment of relaxation was short lived as I heard another (definitely masculine) voice from the hallway say, “Angel, what are you doing? We don’t have much time with the wards down.”
He stepped into and room and I instinctually raised a wand in either hand to point at them both. That stopped him and I said with a shocked expression, “Bill?” He replied, “Should have known you would not be taking by surprise.” He paused and continued, “I’m here to help you break out of prison. I don’t have the time to explain, but you need to go with Fleur.”
Deciding that being anywhere else than the Dursleys was a plus. I handed Fleur her wand back and slid mine into my back pocket. Bill said as we passed him, “I’ll send your stuff along shortly”. I followed her as we walked into the backyard and she reached into her robes. She removed a small statue of Venus on a chain and said, “I doubt a Portkey is your favorite way of travel, but it is the quickest.” Working up some courage I placed my hand of the statue and Fleur did the same before saying, “maison.”
Feeling the familiar (and still nauseating) of being pulled along to some unknown destination. I was fighting to stay calm throughout the trip. Finally, we stopped and for once I managed to stay upright. I took in the beautiful sight of what I thought was a castle and I asked, “Where are w…?” I stopped feeling my stomach continue to make several more flip-flops and I said, “I think I’m going to be sick.”
Fleur replied with something, which I assumed were several swear words in French. She seemed to catch herself and mumble something about the stupid wards. I was quickly turning a nice shade of green. I heard her mutter something in French and a bucket appeared in my hands. I wasted no time in using it, not that there was a lot in my stomach to get rid of. Once I was done she vanish the bucket away and preformed some sort of breath freshening spell. She said, “Sorry, I forgot the wards do that to any strangers that come in directly.”
I smiled and replied, “Not a bad idea, hard to attack a place when the first thing you want to do is feed the grass.” I paused and my thoughts changed direction, “Are there any Death Eaters around here?” Fleur took me by the arm and we headed toward the front entrance. She said, “No, but there are some people who share their views.” She paused and continued, “My family is not exactly welcomed at any ‘Pure Blood’ events.”
She directed me inside and gave me a quick tour. She made her way up a stair case and opened a door to a lavish bedroom. She said, “This is the main guest bedroom and it also has its own private bathroom.” She paused glancing outside, “Why don’t you grab a few hours of sleep and come down for a late breakfast when you awake.” Suddenly feeling rather tired after the day events I nodded my head in agreement. I closed the door and headed over to the bed. I literally fell into the bed without bothering to undress and immediately went to sleep.