Of Monsters, Of Men

Chapter 19

Summer 1941

The last few days of term were spent doing rounds in the room and packing things into the expandable trunk.

On June 21st, Tom and Harry left Hogwarts and boarded the scarlet train. When they disembarked, they saw that Avery had already found his parents, a short blond and tall brunette.

Walking over to Mrs. and Lord Avery, Tom greeted them coolly.

Mrs. Avery's smile was tight and didn't reach her eyes. Lord Avery nodded curtly upon seeing them. "Come along, children. Mr. Peters, Mr. Riddle, is this your first time apparating?"

"Yes," replied Tom.

Mrs. Avery's smile grew tighter. "I see," she said, voice short. "Well then, brace yourselves."

"Thank you for the advice, Mrs. Avery," Tom said.

Harry couldn't help but interject, "Please, Mrs. Avery and Lord Avery, we'd much prefer it if you referred to us as Harry and Tom."

Lord Avery gazed at him coolly, stroking his chin. "Very well. Marcus and Harry, hold on tightly to my arm. Tom, you do the same with my wife. Understood?"

All three children nodded, and they grabbed onto an adult's arms, gripping as tightly as they could.

It felt like he was being squeezed through a tight rubber tube. When they appeared in a new place, Harry struggled to keep himself from vomiting, although a queasy glance at Tom showed him he wasn't the only one struggling. Avery seemed a little off-kilter but nowhere near their state of sickness. Somehow, Harry reigned himself in.

Only once his insides had calmed down a little could he appreciate the landscape. Rolling hills, lush grass, abundant ash and dogwood and elm trees, brilliant skies with white, puffy clouds. And the flowers. The lawn was overflowing with wildflowers: cowslip, rock-rose, orchid, goat's beard, meadow vetchling, dropwort, yellow rattle.

"It's beautiful," he breathed.

Turning around, Harry saw a stone cottage the color of honey. It was a warm shade, golden and luminous in the sunlight. Ivy wreathed the walls, and the door was a charming yellow. Neatly trimmed shrubs lined the sides of the house.

Lord Avery was glancing approvingly at him, pride for the beauty of his home shining in his eyes. "Cotswold stone. Come in, we will discuss things."

Dazed, Harry did as he was told, following Avery's parents into the house. Inside, it was much larger than he could have expected, the entrance hall seemingly larger than the outside.

Briskly walking, he sat them down in the living room, a lavish room decorated with rich rugs, carved cabinets, soft chairs, ornate lamps, framed pictures, a large grandfather clock, and floral wallpaper.

Lord Avery snapped his fingers. A house elf appeared, squeaking, "What can Prifley do for Master?"

"Fetch tea for us."

The house elf disappeared. A tea set, filled with steaming Earl Grey smoothly appeared on the low table before them. Lord Avery gestured towards the tea set, and the two of them prepared their cups, cream and sugar for both of them. As they settled back into more comfortable positions, Lord Avery let out a soft sigh, his fingers crossing. He settled into his chair, looking Harry straight in the eye.

"My wife and I would like to thank you for saving our son's life. We are forever willing to help you, should the need arise."

Harry straightened, then nodded, holding back from nervously gulping.

Tom came to his rescue. "Thank you for your assistance. I hope for this to become a mutually beneficial relationship on both of our ends."

Lord Avery turned to him, regarding him with slightly curious eyes, and they began discussing business. While they talked, Harry marveled at the teacup's gold handles and detailed floral pattern. Lifting the porcelain up, he could really clearly see the reddish color. Taking a sip, hints of citrus hit his tongue, along with the slightest notes of bitterness from the bergamot, the milk and sugar soothing the strong astringency. Earl Grey.