SECRET ( Drarry fanfiction)

Chapter 28

They left the pub, walking slowly through the town. Harry, Ron and Hermione were technically looking for any clues, but Harry found himself wondering about what it would have been like to grow up in this quaint little village. It reminded him of Hogsmeade in some ways, despite it being inhabited by Muggles as well as witches and wizards.

He found it a little disconcerting to realize that he was recognized here. He received several cordial nods, many of them greeting him as "Mr. Potter". Everyone was kind and respectful, though, and no one made an elaborate fuss over his appearance.

Remus led them down an overgrown drive, sheltered by a wealth of trees, until they came out into a large meadow-like area. Surrounded by trees on all sides, the property was indeed sheltered. The drive wound along the edge of the clearing, leading to what had obviously once been a house.

Harry was surprised to see flowers growing in what must have been gardens of his mum's at one time. Aside from the unkempt lawns and gardens, the area was beautiful, and he couldn't help but notice that there was plenty of room to play Quidditch.

The house itself was almost levelled and destroyed the sense of peaceful tranquility of the property. Drawn to the house where he'd spent the first fifteen months of his life, Harry slowly walked towards the ruins. He walked up onto the still-intact front porch, but there was no door to enter. Some walls were still standing, a portion of a staircase were still in place. Mostly it was just a pile of wood and stone.

It was all . . . wrong.

Harry was abruptly jerked from his reveries when the air shimmered a little in front of him. Draco had lifted the cloak only enough to speak. "The Mark is burning," he hissed. "I think he knows you're here."

Harry didn't stop to question Draco. He'd felt the tingle of magic as he stepped onto the porch, but had dismissed it as old wards on the house. He whirled to face the others, who had respectfully kept their distance, instantly slipping into battle mode.

"I think I triggered a ward that let Voldemort know I'm here," Harry said quickly.

"Then we've got to get out of here!" Ginny exclaimed.

"No, it means what I want is here," Harry said sharply.

"Harry! You don't know that!" Hermione shouted anxiously.

"You're right. I don't know that," Harry shouted back. "But I can't afford to risk it."

"Disillusion them," Draco hissed close to Harry's ear. "Now!"

Harry blinked once as that registered, then issued the order to the others. While they cast the spells, Harry quickly penned a note to McGonagall, snagging parchment and pen from Hermione.

Possible attack at Godric's Hollow. Now!

He called for Fawkes and sent it. It wasn't a moment too soon as several loud cracks were heard and Death Eaters popped into the clearing. Harry's scar exploded with pain and he knew that Voldemort had arrived with them.

Harry was more sure than ever that a Horcrux was hidden here. Here – where Voldemort had killed his parents and tried to kill him.

He'd managed to control his anger earlier, his mind taken up with mourning instead. Now, he could feel the white-hot rage settling over him as he took in the sight of Voldemort and at least twenty of his Death Eaters.

He watched them glancing warily around the clearing, looking for him and anybody who might be with him.

"Where is he?" someone shouted.

"He's here," Voldemort said coldly. "I can feel him."

Harry's heart was pounding. His head was throbbing agonizingly. He wasn't prepared to fight Voldemort yet. He only had to figure out how to get rid of him, keeping himself and his friends alive in the process. Indeed, that was all he had to do, he thought sarcastically. He wished he had an actual clue as to how to go about accomplishing that. His eyes darted about wildly, searching for anything that might help until the Order could arrive.