Hairy Potter-Addams and the Philosopher's Stone: An Altogether Ooky Tale

The Keepers of the Secrets

Professor Dumbledore observed Harry during dinner. The last few times he and Minerva came to visit the Addamses, Albus was met with eager amity from the Addams children and Harry. Now, the English boy was quiet and avoided conversation with either of the visitors. Minerva and Albus knew from Gomez's communication that Harry knew he was a wizard. They also knew about the origin of the gaping hole in the parlour. Harry had been present when Minerva asked about it, but Morticia smoothly answered that it was the result of one of Gomez's uncle's experiments. Albus didn't miss Harry staring guiltily at his shoes. (Morticia explained the full story when Harry left the room.)

Harry perked up when Minerva asked the boy about his schooling. "I love being cage-schooled. Mother says my taxidermy is getting really good, and I disarmed Pugsley last week in fencing practice."

"Taxidermy, really? That sounds interesting." Minerva's eyes drifted toward the large mountain lion head mounted on the wall behind Harry.

His bottle-green eyes shone with pride, and he giggled. "No, Professor, I didn't do that one. I wish! I have a great water moccasin wrapped my bedpost, though--fangs and everything! I can show it to you, if you want."

"That's quite all right, Harry. I've never been fond of snakes, alive or dead. But I'm sure it's outstanding."

"It will be, once Pugsley attaches the rooster legs. We're going to turn it into a dragon. Uncle Fester is going to help with the py-ro-tech-nics." This last word was pronounced slowly, precisely; Harry looked pleased with himself for mastering such a large word. "That means the dragon is going to launch fireworks."

"That'll certainly be a sight to behold," Albus said with a smile. "Harry, did you say, 'cage-schooled'?"

The suppertime conversation proceeded in much the same way, until Lurch brought out bowls of ice scream. It was very difficult to eat ice scream and hold a discussion. When a spoon loaded with dessert entered one's mouth, the confection would let out agonized wails until it was swallowed. It was quite distracting to have three or four people eating ice scream at once and have the conversation interrupted by muffled cries of despair. Albus decided, privately, that he preferred lemon drops.

Once it seemed that most of the diners were done with their desserts, Albus considered it an appropriate time to broach the reason for Morticia and Gomez's summons. He steepled his hands on the tabletop as Lurch removed his half-empty bowl of ice scream. "Thank you, Lurch. Now, friends, I think we ought to address the elephant in the room."

Wednesday eyed the elephant tusk adorning the corner. "I think the elephant needs ears to hear. That was a-sens'tive, Mr. Dumbledore."

Albus smiled at the stony-faced five-year-old. "You're right, Wednesday. I beg your pardon. What I mean is, Professor McGonagall and I have something very important to discuss with you all. It's about Harry."

Sheepishly, the boy said, "I suppose this is about the lava."

"Yes, my boy." Albus gave him a reassuring smile. "I think you already know you're a wizard."

"Yes. Father and Mother told me earlier. They also told me I'm adopted."

Pugsley and Wednesday stared at Harry in disbelief. "What?" croaked Pugsley.

"Hey, I just found out today, too."

Wednesday's brow furrowed. "Does that mean you're not really my brother, Hairy?"

Harry tugged Wednesday's pigtail. "Of course not! I'll always be around to torture you. I am your big brother. Pugsley, me being adopted means I'll have to work twice as hard to prove I'm a worthy little brother to you. In fencing tomorrow, you're toast!"