Moments in Love

Demons of the Past

The gleaming red steam engine released hisses of billowing hot vapor as students and parents clamored and thronged on platform nine and three quarters. Mrs Weasley had given all of her children hugs and kisses - including Harry and Hermione whom she was very fond of - and was now passing out sandwiches for the long train-ride to Hogwarts.

Harry flinched slightly when Mr Weasley touched his arm and guided him gently to a nearby pillar.

"Harry..." said Mr Weasley quietly as he glanced around to make sure nobody could hear, "I need to tell you something before you go..."

"Er... it's alright Mr Weasley," said Harry. "Minister Fudge already told me about Sirius Black - that he's out to get me..."

"Really?" Mr Weasley looked stunned, he hadn't expected that.

"Yeah! That's why he emancipated me..."

"He did?" gasped Mr Weasley.

"Er... yeah!" Harry nodded. "He did it so that I don't have to worry about getting in trouble with the Ministry if I have to use a bit of magic outside of school to protect myself."

"My goodness!" said Mr Weasley, still looking quite bewildered. "Well... I suppose - after the business with the Basilisk and the Philosopher's Stone - he must have realised that you're made of stronger stuff..."

"Arthur - the train..." Mrs Weasley called out.

"Just a moment Molly dear," Mr Weasley replied before returning to Harry in even more hushed tones. "Harry... I don't have time to explain - and it's not really my place... maybe Dumbledore - If Fudge thinks you're man enough to look after yourself that's one thing, but be careful... please don't go looking for Black yourself!"

"What?" Harry stared in shock. "Why would I...?"

A loud whistle echoed across the platform as the engine began to chuff and clank, wheels screeching. Mrs Weasley called out again. Harry peered at Mr Weasley questioningly, but all Mr Weasley had to offer was an anxious expression. Harry didn't have time to wheedle any more information out of Ron's father. In exasperation he ran for it and leapt up to the open door of the carriage as Ron and Hermione reached out to haul him aboard.

"Well that was weird..." Harry gasped at Ron. "Your dad... er... maybe we should talk in private."

Ron nodded and the three of them managed to find an empty compartment further down the narrow passageway as the train pulled out of the station. Harry told Hermione and Ron what Ron's father had said and they both appeared to be as bewildered as he was.

"Honestly Harry," said Ron. "I don't know what my dad's on about!"

"I wonder why he'd think you'd go looking for someone who's trying to kill you?" said Hermione, frowning pensively.

"There's more to this..." Harry muttered. "Fudge said more or less the same thing about it not really being his place to tell me everything. I think Dumbledore knows too. Fudge and Ron's dad both seemed to think he might tell me."

"Oh... well that's alright then isn't it!?" Ron shrugged dismissively. "What's to worry about then? Dumbledore'll tell you."

"Yeah... I suppose he will," said Harry, nodding stiffly at Ron. "I'll just ask him about it later then. Forget about it Ron!"

"Anyway, at least you'll be able to go to Hogsmeade." Ron's features brightened as he changed the subject. "Now that you're emancipated I mean - you won't even need a note from your guardians."

"Don't be silly Ron!" Hermione snapped crossly, having noticed Ron's dismissiveness of Harry's worry. "Of course Harry could go if he wanted to - but there's a maniac after him! He's much safer at school..." she glanced at Harry, discerning an ambivalent expression on his face.