Chapter Twenty-One: Another Year Gone
The students only had a week of breathing space before the exams began: Katie, Cho, Roger Davies and the other seventh years had to take their NEWTs; Ginny, Luna, Sharon Skelton and their fellow fifth years had their OWL exams to sit; while the rest of the school had their own end-of-year tests, and Harry volunteered to cover most of Katie and Roger's duties as Heads of the School so they could spend more time on their revision.
When Harry wasn't busy with classes or his DA duties, he spent most of his time in either the Hogwarts' Library or his office, researching advanced magic and helping Ginny and Luna with their OWLs revision. Their first exam, Theory of Charms, was scheduled for first Tuesday in June, with Practical Application of Transfiguration in the afternoon and both of the DADA exams a day later.
Professor Ambrose was called away on Order business the Tuesday before the start of the OWL exams and as a result Harry was busy covering her classes, so the first chance he got to talk to the two girls was when they joined him for a study session on Friday night. "How did your exams go?" Harry asked them when they came in.
"It was okay, Harry," Ginny told him, when they arrived. She took her copy of the Standard Book of Spells (Grade 6) out of her bag and joined Harry on the sofa. "I think DADA went better than Charms though."
"What about you, Luna?" Harry asked.
"Fine, fine," said Luna, absently, fingering one or two books on Harry's bookshelf.
Harry smiled. "Try Fox Luscly's Study of Explained Phenomenon, it's in the middle of the bottom shelf," he suggested. "I think you might find it interesting."
"Thanks Harry."
After rooting around for a while Luna found the suggested volume, an attractive black, leather-bound book with a stylised 'X' monogram on the cover. She crossed to one of the chairs and cracked it open.
Harry and Ginny curled up cosily together on their sofa and paged through Ginny's Charms book, once or twice pausing so that Harry could explain one or two things that she was struggling with.
----
Harry had just left his first exam, Care of Magical Creatures, and was heading back to the Gryffindor common room when he heard shouting coming from the dungeon stairs. Ignoring the calls of his friends he vaulted down the steps and hurried towards the sound. When he finally located the problem, he groaned - Malfoy and his cronies had been pushing a couple of Hufflepuff first years around and had been caught by Romulus Moon, the new sixth year Prefect - Harry pulled out his wand and pointed it at the group, he yelled, "Expelliarmus!"
Crabbe and Goyle's wands flew out of their hands and a snap-kick knocked Nott's wand out of his hand while a precisely-targeted glaive knocked Malfoy's out of his hand just as he was about to nail Moon with a Stunner from behind.
Moon turned around and smiled, "Harry! Thanks for the assist."
"You're welcome, take fifty points."
"Thanks."
"As for you," said Harry, turning to the other Slytherins. "Malfoy, Professor Dumbledore warned you that if you went out of line again, you'd be expelled."
"Yes, he did, Potter. What are you going to do about it?"
"He's got better things to do," decided Harry. "So I'll make it thirty points from Slytherin each, and detention. Hagrid needs some volunteers to help clear out the Thestral stable."
"When?"
"You can start on Friday night, and you can continue until Hagrid's satisfied."
"Can I go?"
"Yes, you can," said Harry, then once Malfoy and his goons were out of sight he turned to Moon, who was checking over the two young Hufflepuffs. "How are they?"
"They're fine," Moon replied, and helped the two girls to their feet. They paused for a minute and then ran off in the opposite direction.
"How are things, Romulus?"
"Not easy, Harry," the tall, wiry Slytherin admitted. "Although things have been a bit easier since Parkinson handing in her badge and Blaise took over. Bletchley and Selvina are still causing problems though."
"They'll be gone in a few weeks," Harry reminded him.
"I can't wait," Moon admitted.
"Have you got a minute?" Harry asked, heading back towards the dungeon stairs. "My copy of Professor Orpheii's Study of Dream-Magic, is in my office drawer if you'd like to borrow it."
"That would be great, Harry," Moon agreed and followed Harry up the stairs to his office.
After picking up the dream-magic book Moon headed back down to the dungeons, while Harry headed up to the seventh floor and Gryffindor common room. Just as he was passing second floor he got a telepathic call from Dr Chrystan.
«What is it, Doctor?»
«I think I may have found something, could you come to the library?»
«Now?»
«If you don't mind?»
«I'm on my way,» Harry replied and set off towards the Library.
----
When Harry arrived in the Library, Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape and Professor Ambrose were waiting next to the Librarian's desk. When he joined them, he saw two spelled mirrors propped up on the desk. Moody was watching through one and Sirius, Remus Lupin and Leona White were watching through the other.
"I'm glad you could join us, Harry," said Dumbledore. "Rex, please continue."
"Thank you, Albus," said Dr Chrystan. "I think I've found a reference in this book to something that might help you defeat Voldemort."
"So what do we have to do?" Harry asked him, a little impatiently.
"I'm not sure," he admitted. "This book does go into detail, only the Scrolls of Amor to get the exact details but I know that it's some sort of ritual spell designed to use love to destroy an irrevocably evil person."
"That does sound promising," said Dumbledore. "Do you have any idea where the scrolls might be?"
Dr Chrystan shook his head. "They aren't here, but they would be in a major library if they're anywhere."
"Albus, they might be at Gryphon's Eyrie," Remus interjected. "We have quite a large collection of scrolls in the library here."
Dr Chrystan perked up, "Can I come down for a look? If I can find that scroll we could finish off Voldemort fairly easily."
"It's Harry's call," Sirius reminded him.
Dr Chrystan turned to Harry, who nodded agreement immediately. "I'll do anything it takes to defeat him."
"Very well," said Dumbledore. "I look forward to hearing of your success."
With that, the group dispersed and Harry headed up to the common room to tell his friends the good news.
----
Two weeks later, the exams were finished and as expected Harry and his friends passed their end-of-year tests to the expected standard and Katie obtained the results she needed - an 'Outstanding' in DADA, Herbology and Potions, and an 'Exceeds Expectations' in Charms, Muggle Studies and Transfiguration - for entry onto the Auror program.
"Will I see you in two years, Harry?" asked Katie, when she and Harry met up in his office the evening that the results came out.
"I think so, Katie," Harry admitted, he passed Katie a Butterbeer and moved to his bookcase. He pulled out a large book and turned it face up, then paused and handed it to Katie.
Her eyes bulged, "Where did you find a copy of the Necra Arcana? I've been trying to get hold of that since fifth year!"
Harry shrugged, "There are a couple of copies in the library at my castle. I thought you might like one."
"Thanks Harry."
They finished their Butterbeers and then Katie rose to go. "I'll see you later, Harry."
"See you later, Katie. Remember the last DA meeting is tomorrow night."
"I'll be there," she promised and then left.
Harry sat in his desk chair for about five minutes and then vanished the empty bottles and left the room.
----
"I don't intend to teach anything new today," Harry told the assembled DA group, which had been joined by a few of the first years - Jamie, Mark and Anita - plus Lilith Portland and Scott Summersby. "All I wanted to do was say goodbye to Katie and thank her for all her help this year, and to say that I've been proud of how you have all endured this year, and I know how difficult is has been. Unfortunately, I'm afraid it's probably going to get worse before gets better. Voldemort is back, and he won't back down... won't give up, until either everyone in his way is either dead or imprisoned, and he controls the world; or until he is stopped. There are plans in progress to stop him, but it will take time... if we stay strong and support each other, we can do it."
Ginny stood and moved to Harry's side. "We'll be there, Harry."
Several of those present nodded and they raised their glasses in a toast.
----
Two days later, the students gathered in the Great Hall for the End-of-Year Feast. Looking over at the Ravenclaw table, Harry could see Luna sitting there, chatting lightly with a couple of the other members of the DA. Harry had remembered what he had found out before the End-of-Year Feast the year before, and so he had got Dobby, Winky and Civis go around the castle the evening before and retrieve her belongings from their hiding places.
As usual, once everyone was seated in their place, Professor Dumbledore got to his feet. "Another year gone!" he said, and Harry noticed that he seemed slightly more cheerful than he had at the last couple of occasions. "And we have all weathered its challenges, some of us well." At this, his glaze wandered over Harry, the Bones sisters, and others. "And others not so well."
Harry, seeing where Dumbledore was looking this time grinned to himself. He doubted very much that anyone present didn't know who and what the Headmaster was talking about.
"Now, as I understand it, the House Cup needs awarding and the points stand thus: in fourth place, Slytherin, with one hundred and twenty points; in third place, Hufflepuff, with three hundred and sixty-two points; in second place, Ravenclaw, with four hundred and twelve points; and in first place, Gryffindor with five hundred and ninety-seven points."
The applause from the Gryffindor table was tumultuous, and when some of the students from the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw tables - mainly members of the DA - joined in too, the noise was so loud that it took almost half-an-hour for Dumbledore to make himself heard.
When the students returned to their seats, Dumbledore resumed his speech. "Well done, Gryffindor!" he declared. "However, despite this happy occasion, we must remember that dark times are upon us. When you return to your homes, be on your guard and do not hesistate to call upon myself or any of my staff should you feel the need. Enjoy yourselves, be safe, and for those of you who are going out into the world over the summer. Good luck and Godspeed to you all."
After waiting for a minute or two for the meaning of his speech to sink in, Dumbledore signalled for them to begin the Feast.
-----
As it had been on previous occasions that year, Harry's compartment was rather crowded: Harry, Jamie, Hermione, Neville, Luna, Mark, Civis - in his crow form - and the Weasleys were all in there. The trip went smoothly, most of the DA popped in for at least a visit - with Katie, the Boneses, Romulus Moon, Blaise Zabini and a few others staying the longest - and there were no unwelcome interruptions from Malfoy or any of his dwindling number of supporters. Ron, Ginny, and Jamie played a few games of Wizard's Chess - her grasp of strategy was one of the few traits that she didn't share with her cousin - and Hermione, Luna and Civis spent the journey discussing magical creatures, while Harry and Neville were content to sit and enjoy the company, contributing occasionally to the conversation.
When they arrived at King's Cross, the group was met by the usual escort, as well as Mr and Mrs Weasley and Neville's grandmother. After saying goodbye to Harry and Jamie, Hermione, Luna and the Weasleys disappeared with Mr and Mrs Weasley and Neville left with his grandmother. Watching Mark leave for the car park with his own parents, Harry was struck by a thought and turned to Sirius and the others. "Do you mind if we take a little detour? There's something I need to take care of."
After a moments thought, Sirius, Tonks and Kingsley agreed that it shouldn't be a problem, but suggested they check with Moody first. When the group were safely inside the large taxi, Kingsley picked up the radio mike. "Sovereign calling Cyclops, do you read Cyclops?"
"Loud and clear."
"The subject wants to take a detour. Is that a problem?"
"Where too?"
When Kingsley turned round to ask, Harry replied. "Little Whinging."
----
When they arrived in Little Whinging, Susan and Anita stayed in the car with Kingsley, Leona and the three Hit Wizards as a guard, while Sirius, Lupin and Tonks followed Harry and Jamie towards Privet Drive.
For once their luck was in, it took them only a few minutes to locate their quarry: Dudley Dursley. He was sitting on one of the benches in the park, apparently waiting for his gang to arrive. They joined him, and when he didn't look up, Harry drew one of his sticks and tapped his beefy cousin on the shoulder. Dudley looked up, and his watery-blue eyes widened. "You!" he shouted. "What are you doing here?!"
"I've got a message for you, Dud," Harry told him. "A warning in fact."
"What sort of warning?" asked Dudley, not noticing the three adult wizards ranged around him.
"Mark Evans."
"What about him?"
"He's a 'freak' like me, Dud," Harry replied. "And a friend of a friend."
"So?" said Dudley, raising a fist. "What do I care?"
"If you hurt him, you'll regret it," Harry replied, twirling the stick in his hand.
"I'm not scared of you!" Dudley roared, swinging his ham-sized fist towards Harry's head.
Before any of the adults could react, Harry ducked the clumsy strike and drove the butt of his stick into his cousin's fleshy solar plexus. Dudley puffed and staggered backward. Taking the opening, Harry turned to the side and smashed a clenched fist into his jaw. This time Dudley's eyes took on a glazed look and he slid to the ground.
"You have been warned," Harry reminded him, and then turned to Sirius. "Let's go."
When they returned to the car, Kingsley drove them to Arabella Figg's house. Harry led the way up to the door and rang the bell. A moment later, Mrs Figg opened the door and scowled. "Harry? What are you doing here, I thought you were going back to your castle?"
"I am," Harry confirmed. "We just came up to have a word with Dudley. Can we use your fireplace?"
"Of course, Harry," the old Squib replied immediately, standing to one side so that the group could enter. "Who are your other friends?"
"I'm sorry, Mrs Figg. My cousin, Jamie, and Susan and Anita Bones, who are also living with me at the castle."
Mrs Figg nodded and unearthed a pot of Floo Powder, and handed it out, and then the group Flooed home.
A/N: That's all folks! Before I go I'd like to address one or two points made by recent reviewers: Dearc Aillse, as I have already pointed out in a previous author's note, the anti-Apparation wards around Hogwarts only affect wizards, magical creatures (like house elves and hobgoblins) can bypass them, also the correct historical name for The Stone is the Philosopher's Stone, the Sorcerer's Stone is an alternative name invented by JK Rowling for the American book; shdurrani, you're right, I am a Star Trek fan. There was another Star Trek reference in Chapter Fifteen, can you spot it? E-mail me or review if you do. As for the fate of the story itself, I am trying to find a good site that will put up a beta'ed version of ToC and I have also started work on the notes for the sequel Harry Potter and the Scrolls of Amor, but because of my university commitments it will may be a few weeks before I can get the first chapter up on FF.Net. As always please review.
The students only had a week of breathing space before the exams began: Katie, Cho, Roger Davies and the other seventh years had to take their NEWTs; Ginny, Luna, Sharon Skelton and their fellow fifth years had their OWL exams to sit; while the rest of the school had their own end-of-year tests, and Harry volunteered to cover most of Katie and Roger's duties as Heads of the School so they could spend more time on their revision.
When Harry wasn't busy with classes or his DA duties, he spent most of his time in either the Hogwarts' Library or his office, researching advanced magic and helping Ginny and Luna with their OWLs revision. Their first exam, Theory of Charms, was scheduled for first Tuesday in June, with Practical Application of Transfiguration in the afternoon and both of the DADA exams a day later.
Professor Ambrose was called away on Order business the Tuesday before the start of the OWL exams and as a result Harry was busy covering her classes, so the first chance he got to talk to the two girls was when they joined him for a study session on Friday night. "How did your exams go?" Harry asked them when they came in.
"It was okay, Harry," Ginny told him, when they arrived. She took her copy of the Standard Book of Spells (Grade 6) out of her bag and joined Harry on the sofa. "I think DADA went better than Charms though."
"What about you, Luna?" Harry asked.
"Fine, fine," said Luna, absently, fingering one or two books on Harry's bookshelf.
Harry smiled. "Try Fox Luscly's Study of Explained Phenomenon, it's in the middle of the bottom shelf," he suggested. "I think you might find it interesting."
"Thanks Harry."
After rooting around for a while Luna found the suggested volume, an attractive black, leather-bound book with a stylised 'X' monogram on the cover. She crossed to one of the chairs and cracked it open.
Harry and Ginny curled up cosily together on their sofa and paged through Ginny's Charms book, once or twice pausing so that Harry could explain one or two things that she was struggling with.
----
Harry had just left his first exam, Care of Magical Creatures, and was heading back to the Gryffindor common room when he heard shouting coming from the dungeon stairs. Ignoring the calls of his friends he vaulted down the steps and hurried towards the sound. When he finally located the problem, he groaned - Malfoy and his cronies had been pushing a couple of Hufflepuff first years around and had been caught by Romulus Moon, the new sixth year Prefect - Harry pulled out his wand and pointed it at the group, he yelled, "Expelliarmus!"
Crabbe and Goyle's wands flew out of their hands and a snap-kick knocked Nott's wand out of his hand while a precisely-targeted glaive knocked Malfoy's out of his hand just as he was about to nail Moon with a Stunner from behind.
Moon turned around and smiled, "Harry! Thanks for the assist."
"You're welcome, take fifty points."
"Thanks."
"As for you," said Harry, turning to the other Slytherins. "Malfoy, Professor Dumbledore warned you that if you went out of line again, you'd be expelled."
"Yes, he did, Potter. What are you going to do about it?"
"He's got better things to do," decided Harry. "So I'll make it thirty points from Slytherin each, and detention. Hagrid needs some volunteers to help clear out the Thestral stable."
"When?"
"You can start on Friday night, and you can continue until Hagrid's satisfied."
"Can I go?"
"Yes, you can," said Harry, then once Malfoy and his goons were out of sight he turned to Moon, who was checking over the two young Hufflepuffs. "How are they?"
"They're fine," Moon replied, and helped the two girls to their feet. They paused for a minute and then ran off in the opposite direction.
"How are things, Romulus?"
"Not easy, Harry," the tall, wiry Slytherin admitted. "Although things have been a bit easier since Parkinson handing in her badge and Blaise took over. Bletchley and Selvina are still causing problems though."
"They'll be gone in a few weeks," Harry reminded him.
"I can't wait," Moon admitted.
"Have you got a minute?" Harry asked, heading back towards the dungeon stairs. "My copy of Professor Orpheii's Study of Dream-Magic, is in my office drawer if you'd like to borrow it."
"That would be great, Harry," Moon agreed and followed Harry up the stairs to his office.
After picking up the dream-magic book Moon headed back down to the dungeons, while Harry headed up to the seventh floor and Gryffindor common room. Just as he was passing second floor he got a telepathic call from Dr Chrystan.
«What is it, Doctor?»
«I think I may have found something, could you come to the library?»
«Now?»
«If you don't mind?»
«I'm on my way,» Harry replied and set off towards the Library.
----
When Harry arrived in the Library, Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape and Professor Ambrose were waiting next to the Librarian's desk. When he joined them, he saw two spelled mirrors propped up on the desk. Moody was watching through one and Sirius, Remus Lupin and Leona White were watching through the other.
"I'm glad you could join us, Harry," said Dumbledore. "Rex, please continue."
"Thank you, Albus," said Dr Chrystan. "I think I've found a reference in this book to something that might help you defeat Voldemort."
"So what do we have to do?" Harry asked him, a little impatiently.
"I'm not sure," he admitted. "This book does go into detail, only the Scrolls of Amor to get the exact details but I know that it's some sort of ritual spell designed to use love to destroy an irrevocably evil person."
"That does sound promising," said Dumbledore. "Do you have any idea where the scrolls might be?"
Dr Chrystan shook his head. "They aren't here, but they would be in a major library if they're anywhere."
"Albus, they might be at Gryphon's Eyrie," Remus interjected. "We have quite a large collection of scrolls in the library here."
Dr Chrystan perked up, "Can I come down for a look? If I can find that scroll we could finish off Voldemort fairly easily."
"It's Harry's call," Sirius reminded him.
Dr Chrystan turned to Harry, who nodded agreement immediately. "I'll do anything it takes to defeat him."
"Very well," said Dumbledore. "I look forward to hearing of your success."
With that, the group dispersed and Harry headed up to the common room to tell his friends the good news.
----
Two weeks later, the exams were finished and as expected Harry and his friends passed their end-of-year tests to the expected standard and Katie obtained the results she needed - an 'Outstanding' in DADA, Herbology and Potions, and an 'Exceeds Expectations' in Charms, Muggle Studies and Transfiguration - for entry onto the Auror program.
"Will I see you in two years, Harry?" asked Katie, when she and Harry met up in his office the evening that the results came out.
"I think so, Katie," Harry admitted, he passed Katie a Butterbeer and moved to his bookcase. He pulled out a large book and turned it face up, then paused and handed it to Katie.
Her eyes bulged, "Where did you find a copy of the Necra Arcana? I've been trying to get hold of that since fifth year!"
Harry shrugged, "There are a couple of copies in the library at my castle. I thought you might like one."
"Thanks Harry."
They finished their Butterbeers and then Katie rose to go. "I'll see you later, Harry."
"See you later, Katie. Remember the last DA meeting is tomorrow night."
"I'll be there," she promised and then left.
Harry sat in his desk chair for about five minutes and then vanished the empty bottles and left the room.
----
"I don't intend to teach anything new today," Harry told the assembled DA group, which had been joined by a few of the first years - Jamie, Mark and Anita - plus Lilith Portland and Scott Summersby. "All I wanted to do was say goodbye to Katie and thank her for all her help this year, and to say that I've been proud of how you have all endured this year, and I know how difficult is has been. Unfortunately, I'm afraid it's probably going to get worse before gets better. Voldemort is back, and he won't back down... won't give up, until either everyone in his way is either dead or imprisoned, and he controls the world; or until he is stopped. There are plans in progress to stop him, but it will take time... if we stay strong and support each other, we can do it."
Ginny stood and moved to Harry's side. "We'll be there, Harry."
Several of those present nodded and they raised their glasses in a toast.
----
Two days later, the students gathered in the Great Hall for the End-of-Year Feast. Looking over at the Ravenclaw table, Harry could see Luna sitting there, chatting lightly with a couple of the other members of the DA. Harry had remembered what he had found out before the End-of-Year Feast the year before, and so he had got Dobby, Winky and Civis go around the castle the evening before and retrieve her belongings from their hiding places.
As usual, once everyone was seated in their place, Professor Dumbledore got to his feet. "Another year gone!" he said, and Harry noticed that he seemed slightly more cheerful than he had at the last couple of occasions. "And we have all weathered its challenges, some of us well." At this, his glaze wandered over Harry, the Bones sisters, and others. "And others not so well."
Harry, seeing where Dumbledore was looking this time grinned to himself. He doubted very much that anyone present didn't know who and what the Headmaster was talking about.
"Now, as I understand it, the House Cup needs awarding and the points stand thus: in fourth place, Slytherin, with one hundred and twenty points; in third place, Hufflepuff, with three hundred and sixty-two points; in second place, Ravenclaw, with four hundred and twelve points; and in first place, Gryffindor with five hundred and ninety-seven points."
The applause from the Gryffindor table was tumultuous, and when some of the students from the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw tables - mainly members of the DA - joined in too, the noise was so loud that it took almost half-an-hour for Dumbledore to make himself heard.
When the students returned to their seats, Dumbledore resumed his speech. "Well done, Gryffindor!" he declared. "However, despite this happy occasion, we must remember that dark times are upon us. When you return to your homes, be on your guard and do not hesistate to call upon myself or any of my staff should you feel the need. Enjoy yourselves, be safe, and for those of you who are going out into the world over the summer. Good luck and Godspeed to you all."
After waiting for a minute or two for the meaning of his speech to sink in, Dumbledore signalled for them to begin the Feast.
-----
As it had been on previous occasions that year, Harry's compartment was rather crowded: Harry, Jamie, Hermione, Neville, Luna, Mark, Civis - in his crow form - and the Weasleys were all in there. The trip went smoothly, most of the DA popped in for at least a visit - with Katie, the Boneses, Romulus Moon, Blaise Zabini and a few others staying the longest - and there were no unwelcome interruptions from Malfoy or any of his dwindling number of supporters. Ron, Ginny, and Jamie played a few games of Wizard's Chess - her grasp of strategy was one of the few traits that she didn't share with her cousin - and Hermione, Luna and Civis spent the journey discussing magical creatures, while Harry and Neville were content to sit and enjoy the company, contributing occasionally to the conversation.
When they arrived at King's Cross, the group was met by the usual escort, as well as Mr and Mrs Weasley and Neville's grandmother. After saying goodbye to Harry and Jamie, Hermione, Luna and the Weasleys disappeared with Mr and Mrs Weasley and Neville left with his grandmother. Watching Mark leave for the car park with his own parents, Harry was struck by a thought and turned to Sirius and the others. "Do you mind if we take a little detour? There's something I need to take care of."
After a moments thought, Sirius, Tonks and Kingsley agreed that it shouldn't be a problem, but suggested they check with Moody first. When the group were safely inside the large taxi, Kingsley picked up the radio mike. "Sovereign calling Cyclops, do you read Cyclops?"
"Loud and clear."
"The subject wants to take a detour. Is that a problem?"
"Where too?"
When Kingsley turned round to ask, Harry replied. "Little Whinging."
----
When they arrived in Little Whinging, Susan and Anita stayed in the car with Kingsley, Leona and the three Hit Wizards as a guard, while Sirius, Lupin and Tonks followed Harry and Jamie towards Privet Drive.
For once their luck was in, it took them only a few minutes to locate their quarry: Dudley Dursley. He was sitting on one of the benches in the park, apparently waiting for his gang to arrive. They joined him, and when he didn't look up, Harry drew one of his sticks and tapped his beefy cousin on the shoulder. Dudley looked up, and his watery-blue eyes widened. "You!" he shouted. "What are you doing here?!"
"I've got a message for you, Dud," Harry told him. "A warning in fact."
"What sort of warning?" asked Dudley, not noticing the three adult wizards ranged around him.
"Mark Evans."
"What about him?"
"He's a 'freak' like me, Dud," Harry replied. "And a friend of a friend."
"So?" said Dudley, raising a fist. "What do I care?"
"If you hurt him, you'll regret it," Harry replied, twirling the stick in his hand.
"I'm not scared of you!" Dudley roared, swinging his ham-sized fist towards Harry's head.
Before any of the adults could react, Harry ducked the clumsy strike and drove the butt of his stick into his cousin's fleshy solar plexus. Dudley puffed and staggered backward. Taking the opening, Harry turned to the side and smashed a clenched fist into his jaw. This time Dudley's eyes took on a glazed look and he slid to the ground.
"You have been warned," Harry reminded him, and then turned to Sirius. "Let's go."
When they returned to the car, Kingsley drove them to Arabella Figg's house. Harry led the way up to the door and rang the bell. A moment later, Mrs Figg opened the door and scowled. "Harry? What are you doing here, I thought you were going back to your castle?"
"I am," Harry confirmed. "We just came up to have a word with Dudley. Can we use your fireplace?"
"Of course, Harry," the old Squib replied immediately, standing to one side so that the group could enter. "Who are your other friends?"
"I'm sorry, Mrs Figg. My cousin, Jamie, and Susan and Anita Bones, who are also living with me at the castle."
Mrs Figg nodded and unearthed a pot of Floo Powder, and handed it out, and then the group Flooed home.
A/N: That's all folks! Before I go I'd like to address one or two points made by recent reviewers: Dearc Aillse, as I have already pointed out in a previous author's note, the anti-Apparation wards around Hogwarts only affect wizards, magical creatures (like house elves and hobgoblins) can bypass them, also the correct historical name for The Stone is the Philosopher's Stone, the Sorcerer's Stone is an alternative name invented by JK Rowling for the American book; shdurrani, you're right, I am a Star Trek fan. There was another Star Trek reference in Chapter Fifteen, can you spot it? E-mail me or review if you do. As for the fate of the story itself, I am trying to find a good site that will put up a beta'ed version of ToC and I have also started work on the notes for the sequel Harry Potter and the Scrolls of Amor, but because of my university commitments it will may be a few weeks before I can get the first chapter up on FF.Net. As always please review.