CHAPTER ONE:
Third Person P.O.V.:
It had been a long summer for Charlie Hawthorne. However, he spent majority of it like he did last summer, writing letters to his friends.
Harry had been going crazy at the Dursley's. He had written to Charlie to voice his frustrations over and over again. The brown eyed boy felt bad, but felt as though there was nothing that he could do. Charlie had tried to call Harry, just so he could talk to him for a while and put him out of his misery, but every time he did, Vernon would tell him that Harry wasn't home.
As for Ron, his family was currently in Egypt after Mr. Weasley had won the annual Daily Prophet Grand Prize Galleon Draw. Every now and then, the ginger haired boy would write to Charlie about his adventures. His most recent letter revealed that not only did he have new passed down rat named Scabbers, but that his family was also going to be buying him a new wand at Ollivander's, and Percy was officially the new Gryffindor Head Boy.
Then, there was Hermione. They had written to one another every day, just like last summer. Her last letter revealed that not only was she in France with her family, but that she somehow managed to rewrite her History of Magic essay once again, so she include some witchcraft facts based in French folklore. Even on vacation, Hermione Granger didn't stop doing her school work. Nonetheless, Charlie awaited her letters everyday. In fact, they were pretty much the highlight of his day. Ever since their awkward cheek kiss during last year, he couldn't get her out of his head.
When it came to life at the castle, Charlie maintained a schedule that encompassed all of typical summer activities like travelling with his grandfather, avoiding Snape at all costs, finishing last minute assignments, learning some extra facts with McGonagall, and finally, helping Hagrid with his creatures.
Before Charlie even realized it, it was his thirteenth birthday. He sat in his room opening his gifts, which had come from his friends by owls. Ron had gotten him a cool Egyptian horn and a set of gobstones. Harry had sent him a couple of chocolate frogs and a pair of omnioculars for quidditch. Hermione sent him a stamped book from Shakespeare & Company and big photo album filled of pictures of Charlie with Hermione, Ron and Harry, and even some with McGonagall, Hagrid and Dumbledore.
Inside the parcel, there was a note from the bushy haired girl;
"Dear Charlie,
Happy Birthday! I'm sorry that I couldn't be there to celebrate with you, but I promise to make it up to you when we all meet up in London before school begins again! You are coming, aren't you?
Anyway, I hope you like your gifts. The book I got you was from this really beautiful bookstore here in France, it's about two lovers in fair Verona, and it happens to be one my favourite muggle stories. The next item is a photo album that I've enchanted to have the pictures come to life. I figured that it might be nice to look back on some of our memories. Say what you want about Collin Creevey, but he did manage to get some nice photos.
I miss you Charlie.
With love,
Hermione"
The brown eyed boy couldn't help but blush as he read the letter. God, how he missed her. He glanced down to the photo album and flipped a page. The boy smiled widely as he had just turned to see all the memories within the book.
There was one of Harry and him riding the broom during their very first quidditch match, one of him and his three friends hugging Hagrid at the end of last year, one of him and Dumbledore as they walked through the castle together one night, one of Hermione holding his hand while he was in the hospital wing which made his smile even bigger; the memories just went on and on.
He set the book down before shifting his gaze next to bed, there was another parcel addressed to him from his father, as well as a letter from McGonagall.
Charlie quickly opened the package and pulled out a black suit jacket embroidered with the Ministry of Magic crest. The boy rolled his eyes as he read the short card;
"To Charles,
Happy birthday son.
My hope is that as you get older, you are able to live up to the expectations I have set for you. With this jacket, you can consider yourself taking a step in the right direction.
Talk soon.
Fenwick Hawthorne, Minister of Magic"
The brown eyed boy sadly moved to hide the parcel in his bedroom closet. He hadn't yet admitted it to anyone, but the last thing he ever wanted to become was his father. Charlie didn't know what to think about the Minister anymore after all the happened last year.
He shook his head before picking up McGonagall's letter once again, and smiling as he opened it;
"Dear Mr. Hawthorne,
Please note that the new school year will begin on September the first. The Hogwarts Express will leave from King's Cross station, platform nine and three-quarters, at eleven o'clock.
Third years are permitted to visit the village of Hogsmeade on certain weekends. Please give the enclosed permission form to your parent or guardian to sign.
A list of books for next year is enclosed.
P.S. Happy Birthday Charles!
Yours sincerely,
Professor M. McGonagall,
Deputy Headmistress"
Charlie smiled widely, forgetting all about his father's parcel, as he pulled out the rest of the letter's contents. He quickly gazed over the list of books before he stopped on the one he was hoping to see, "The Monster Book of Monsters".
In third year, the students were able to take a new course called, Care of Magical Creatures. Charlie applied for the course at the end of term last year, but he hadn't realized who the teacher was going to be. It was only recently that he found out that Hagrid was going to be his new Professor, to which he was absolutely thrilled.
He had experience with Hagrid and his creatures ever since Charlie did an internship-like job with the half-giant last summer. So, he was looking forward, and expecting to excel in the class.
With all of his presents opened, he changed out of his pyjamas into black jeans and a beige jumper, only to then hear the small bark of his dog, Ludo coming from downstairs.
He set off down the stairs of the Headmaster's quarters to arrive at the sight of his grandfather in his office, playing with Charlie's dog. Suddenly, the boy came to realize that he was given Ludo as a gift, two years ago today. Wow, the time really does fly.
"Morning grandad," Charlie spoke happily.
Albus turned to meet his grandson's gaze with his icy, blue eyes and a smile, "Morning Charles, happy birthday!"
The young boy smiled widely as Ludo came running up to him. He crouched down to meet his ecstatic puppy and was attacked by kisses to which he laughed at.
Albus moved towards his desk, opened a drawer and pulled out a small gift box. The older gentleman walked back over to his grandson and extended the gift to him.
Charlie took it in his and unwrapped the box slowly. As he opened it, he noticed a sterling silver ring with the Celtic Knotwork Interlace pattern that was similar to the one his grandfather wore on his left hand. The only difference, was that Charlie's was accented with a small falcon in the middle of it.
"Wow," The young boy spoke with his mouth agape, as he slipped it on his ring finger on his right hand. Charlie looked up to meet his grandfather's gaze once again, "Thank you."
Albus nodded with a smile before he began, "That ring is very special. The Celtic Knotwork Interlace is said to represent the interconnection of life and our place within the universe. The idea is supposed to pair with that of the Celtic Cross which is symbolic of the four directions, the elements, and its meeting place for all divine energies. Or more commonly referred to as human aspects such as physical power as earth, mental power as air, water as emotional power, and finally, fire as will power."
He paused for a moment, "And the falcon...well, you'll see what that means in time. I wanted you to have this as a sign of just how capable you are, Charles. Let the ring be a reminder of not only your own strength, but to remind you that I will always be there when you need me."
Charlie gazed down at the ring in awe. Such a small thing, suddenly meant so much to him. The boy moved to give his grandfather a hug in appreciation, which Albus gladly reciprocated.
"Now," Dumbledore said as he pulled away slightly, retreating to his desk and pulling out a copy of the daily prophet, "We sadly, have very pressing issues to deal with."
The brown eyed boy took the paper in his hands and read the headline in his head, "ESCAPE FROM AZKABAN"
He read a little further and recognized the inmate, Sirius Black. Charlie knew that name, of course, from the various stories that would be told about him. Black was a notorious prisoner up in Azkaban. Almost everyone knew that he was the murderer of Peter Pettigrew and thirteen muggles. Charlie's stomach turned in nervousness. What would this mean for the Wizarding World?
He raised a brow in his grandfather's direction, "How'd this happen?"
"No idea," Dumbledore said simply, "However, as expected, your father has been forced to do damage control. He's even gone as far as to request that Hogwarts play host to the dementors of Azkaban until Sirius Black has been captured —"
"You don't think Black would come here, do you?"
The young boy asked, nervousness in his voice.
"I'm afraid I'm not sure," said Albus, "But one can never be too careful. I am not so much worried about Hogwarts as I am about Mr. Potter."
"Harry?" questioned Charlie, "What's he got to do with this?"
"Well, as you should know Sirius Black is said to have been the reason Lord Voldemort knew of Lily and James Potter's location," His grandfather explained, "it is believed that they died because of Black's betrayal."
"And you think he'd go after Harry?" Charlie inquired.
Albus sighed, "I certainly hope not, but like I said, one can never be too careful. Which is why, I am entrusting you with the task of going to retrieve Mr. Potter from the Dursley's. The two of you can stay at the Leaky Cauldron in London until the start of the next term. Not to mention, your father is quite interested in speaking with Mr. Potter to find out what he knows about Sirius Black's return —"
Charlie scoffed, "Of course."
Dumbledore laughed slightly, "Well yes, my reaction was the same. Which is also why I find it best if you were there to be a mediator; for lack of a better term. Anyway, you shall leave as soon as your ready, I took the liberty of getting all of your books for the school year, so you need not worry."
The young boy nodded as Professor McGonagall had entered the room, "Good morning, gentlemen!"
Charlie smiled, "Morning Professor."
"Happy birthday to you, Charles. I do hope you enjoyed your letter." Minerva beamed.
"Very much so," assured the young boy.
"Charles," Albus spoke, bringing Charlie's attention back him, "Why don't you run along and say your goodbye's to Hagrid while Professor McGonagall and I speak. I'm sure he would like to see you before you left."
Charlie nodded. He silently bid farewell to McGonagall and called for Ludo to follow him as he walked out of the office. Him and his dog walked through the castle rapidly, avoiding any potential sign of Professor Snape, and rushed to Hagrid's hut.
He waved to the half-giant as he approached. Hagrid was currently out front of his house, tending to his pumpkin patch, and as soon as he saw the boy, he waved back.
"Professor Hagrid! In the flesh!" cheered Charlie, causing Ludo to jump around cheerfully.
"There yeh 're!" Hagrid said happily, "Bin wonderin' when yeh was gonna come see meh. Happee birthdae, Char!"
Charlie laughed at his friend's excitement, "Thanks Hagrid, what are you up to today?"
"Tending ter meh pumpkins, I reckon" Hagrid spoke softly, "But there was somethin' I wanted ter show show yeh for your birthdae."
Hagrid then got up with a big thud before walking towards the magical creatures reserve, "It's gonna be one of meh lessons, but I figured yeh 'ould get a lil sneak peak."
Charlie followed Hagrid, leaving Ludo behind to play with Fang. They passed many creatures that the boy had seen before when he was working with Hagrid throughout the summer such as nifflers, portlocks, and bowtruckles. However, the half giant led him into an area he had not been to before.
Hagrid had told Charlie to stay put for a moment while he went deeper into the first area. He returned moments later with a very large, grey hippogriff, causing the boy's jaw to drop to the floor as he stared in awe.
"This is Buckbeak, ain't he beautiful?" Hagrid beamed as he fed the hippogriff a dead ferret from his coat, "Very proud creatures, hippogriffs, but I'm sure he'd like it if yeh came ter say 'ello!"
Charlie nodded eagerly, as he took a few slow steps forward, watching the hippogriff intently to make sure he didn't offend it.
"There yeh go! Now give him a nice bow, if he bows back, yeh can go pet him." Hagrid explained.
The brown eyed boy took a reluctant and slow bow. He didn't dare look up at the hippogriff out of fear of having it snap on him. It was then that sudden nervousness came across him. If this went wrong, he wasn't sure what would happen.
A few short moments had passed and Charlie was surprised to hear the cheers of Hagrid in the near distance, "There yeh go! Yeh 're a natural, Char!"
Charlie looked up slowly to see Buckbeak bowing back at him to which he smiled widely before walking up and giving him a pat on his neck. Surprisingly, Buckbeak instantly nuzzled into his touch. The brown eyed boy always did have a love for magical creatures, which is why Hagrid and him got along so well. Not to mention, a lot of the magical creatures were quite fond of him as well.
The young boy stood there smiling as he continued to pet Buckbeak, "He's fascinating, Hagrid."
"Ain't he?" The half giant said with a smile as he approached them, "Figured he'd be a good firs' lesson to keep yeh lot interested in meh class."
Charlie laughed, "Don't think you'll have to worry to much about people being interested, Hagrid. Just — don't be bringing in things that could kill us."
Hagrid let out a hearty laugh, "Right. Don't wanna be doing that!"
The two of them stood there with Buckbeak for quite awhile. Hagrid had been telling Charlie all about hippogriffs and how he came to find Buckbeak until the sun eventually went down.
Charlie bid Hagrid and Buckbeak a quick farewell before heading up to the castle to get a good nights rest before setting off to find Harry.
———————————————
The following morning, Charlie awoke with a start causing Ludo to be startled with a jump. He quickly changed out of his pyjamas into a black t-shirt, black jeans, and a blue jacket.
He stuffed his wand and few galleons and sickles in his pockets before giving Ludo a kiss on the head and starting down the stairs. The boy did all of his chores around the castle before the afternoon was over. He bid his farewells to everyone as he took a hand full of floo powder and went on his way to Privet Drive.
By the time he had arrived, the sun had nearly been setting in Sussex in the muggle world. Charlie walked down the street with a smile on his face. It had been Harry's birthday and his gift to him was going to be an escape from this god awful place.
As he walked, he was pulled from his thoughts at the sound of a lady's screaming. However, as Charlie looked around, he couldn't see anyone on the street with him. So, he finally looked up and his jaw dropped at the sight.
Up in the sky seemed to be a middle-aged woman blown up like a balloon. What an odd sight. However, Charlie quickly worked it out to be the effects of the Inflating Charm. Oh, Harry, what did you do?
He walked quicker down the street to 4 Privet Drive. As soon as Charlie arrived and was about to knock, the door flew open to reveal Harry Potter looking very cross with his trunk in hand.
As Harry realized who was at the door, his jaw fell in disbelief, "Charlie? What are you doing here?"
The brown eyed boy raised his brow at the sight within the house before he answered; Vernon Dursley was looking like a nervous yet angry wreck, crying and yelling about his sister being the victim of a spell. That must've been who Harry used the charm on.
Charlie smirked before answering his friend with a raised brow, "Came to get you. I see that I've arrived just a bit late to see the show. Blown up any aunts recently?"
Harry laughed before Vernon came rushing to the door, "COME BACK IN HERE! COME BACK AND PUT HER RIGHT!"
A reckless rage had come over Harry. He kicked his trunk open, pulled out his wand, and pointed it at Uncle Vernon, all while Charlie just stood there and watched.
"She deserved it," Harry said, breathing very fast. "She deserved what she got. Now, you keep away from me."
Charlie watched as Harry picked up his trunk once again.
"I'm going," Harry said. "I've had enough."
And in the next moment, he was barreling down the dark, quiet street, heaving his heavy trunk behind him, Hedwig's cage under his arm, leaving Charlie on the porch.
The brown eyed boy watched him leave in complete disbelief before turning back to Vernon and giving him a cocky smile, "Good seeing ya, Dursley."
Vernon's nostrils flared as he glared at Charlie causing him to laugh heartily before running after Harry.
As he caught up the boy with glasses, he spoke, a bit out of breath, "So, you going to tell me what the bloody hell happened back there?"
"My uncle's sister came for a visit. She was a nasty woman who talked poorly about my parents," Harry explained as his face fell slightly, "I lost my cool. I couldn't control it."
The two young boys didn't discuss it any further as they continued further into the night down a long street.
Eventually, they came to a stop and collapsed onto a low wall on Magnolia Crescent. The two of them sat there for a moment, Harry panting from the effort of carrying his trunk. The boy was still quite angry from what had happened. Charlie knew that, which is why he found it best to not say anything and let his friend calm down for a moment or two.
After ten minutes alone in the dark street, panic overtook Harry. Whichever way he looked at it, he had never been in a worse fix. He and Charlie were stranded, in the dark Muggle world, with absolutely nowhere to go. And the worst of it was, he had just done serious magic, which meant that he was almost certainly expelled from Hogwarts. He had broken the Decree for the Restriction of Underage Wizardry so badly, he was surprised Ministry of Magic representatives weren't swooping down on him where he sat.
"God," Harry sighed as he put his head in his hands, "I'm going to be expelled. I broke the underage magic rule. I don't where I can go anymore."
Charlie put a comforting hand on his friends shoulder, "It was an accident. I'll talk to my father about it, see what I can do. No one's getting expelled."
Harry let out a relieved sigh before meeting his friend's gaze, "It's good to see you."
"Good to see you too, mate," Charlie said with a smile as he put a hand on Harry's shoulder, "Happy Birthday."
For the first time today, Harry smiled. On the bright side of things, he was now as far away from the Dursley's as possible and one of his best friend's was with him in his time of need. It reminded him of last time him and Charlie had spent his birthday together, after Hagrid and Charlie rescued him from the hut on the hill. Oh, the good old days.
Then suddenly, there was rustling in the bushes in front of them. The two boys rose to their feet quickly and narrowed their eyes towards the sound. Both, Harry and Charlie saw, quite distinctly, the hulking outline of something very big, with wide, gleaming eyes. The two of them stepped backwards, startled at the growling now coming from the figure in front of them. Harry, however, stepped too far back and tripped over his trunk.
The loud thud of his friend's fall, snapped Charlie's gaze away from the bushes and back towards his friend. As he kneeled down to help him up, the two of them looked back towards the bush to see nothing staring back at them anymore.
"Strange," Charlie said softly.
The two of them didn't question it any further, but did keep peeking towards the bush every now and then out of the corner of their eyes. But nothing was ever there. Was there actually something there to begin with? Or were they just seeing things?
"What're we going to do?" said Harry, sadly, sitting up.
"What'd do you mean?" Charlie asked.
"We're stranded."
"Yeah, and?"
Harry was taken aback. Did his friend not grasp the uncertainty of this situation? They had nowhere to go! And whatever was in those bushes might come back.
Charlie laughed at his friend's confused state before taking out his wand and wailing it in the air, like a muggle does for a taxi, "Don't worry about it, I'm sure the bus will be here any minute now."
Now Harry was even more confused, "Bus? What bus? Mate, are you alright? You're talking nonsense!"
Then, as if on cue, there was a deafening BANG and Harry threw up his hands to shield his eyes against a sudden blinding light...
With a yell, the boy with glasses rolled back onto the pavement, just in time, as Charlie simply got up quickly and took a step backwards. A second later, a gigantic pair of wheels and headlights had screeched to a halt exactly where they had just been sitting. They belonged to a triple-decker, bright, neon purple bus, which had appeared out of thin air. Gold lettering over the windscreen spelled, The Knight Bus.
"Told you." Charlie said with a smirk as he approached the bus doors.
A conductor in a purple uniform leapt out of the bus and began to speak loudly to the night.
"Welcome to the Knight Bus, emergency transport for the stranded witch or wizard. Just stick out your wand hand, step on board and we can take you anywhere you want to go. My name is Stan Shunpike, and I will be your conductor this eve—"
The conductor stopped abruptly. He had just caught sight of Harry, who was still sitting on the ground. Stan Shunpike was only a few years older than Harry and Charlie were; eighteen or nineteen at most, with large, protruding ears and a fair few pimples.
"What are you doin' down there?" said Stan, dropping his professional manner.
"Fell over," said Harry, as Charlie helped the boy to his feet.
"Whatchu fall over for?" sniggered Stan
"I didn't do it on purpose," said Harry, annoyed.
There was another rustling sound, and suddenly, Harry remembered why he had fallen over, and turned around quickly to stare at the bushes, causing Charlie to do the same.
The Knight Bus's headlamps were flooding it with light, and there was still, nothing there.
"Must've been the wind," muttered Charlie, loud enough for Harry to hear.
"Whatchu lookin' at?" said Stan, now looking in the direction of the bush.
"There was a big black thing," said Harry, pointing uncertainly into the gap. "Like a dog... but massive...''
It was then that Charlie subtly tapped Harry's foot as a way of telling him to shut up. The boy with glasses looked to his friend who titled his head towards the conductor staring at them with a weird gaze. Something told Charlie that Stan wouldn't be too keen to hear about a shadow figure with big, gleaming eyes.
"I know you lot, don't I?" Stan questioned, "'Choo look very familiar."
Charlie shook his head, quickly, "Don't think so."
He didn't want anyone to know who they were just in case the Ministry was already looking for Harry before Charlie had a chance to speak with his father.
"Woss your name?" Stan persisted.
"Theodore Nott," Charlie said, saying the first name that he could think of before pointing to Harry, "and that there is Neville Longbottom."
Harry quickly caught on to what Charlie was doing and flattened his hair over his scar before changing the subject, "So — so, this bus. You said it'll take us anywhere?"
"Yep," said Stan proudly, "Anywhere you like, 'long as its on land. Can't do nuffink underwater."
Harry processed the information as Charlie spoke up, pulling money out of his pocket, "How much to get to the Leaky Cauldron?"
"Eleven Sickles," said Stan, "but for firteen you get 'ot chocolate, and for fifteen you get an 'ot-water bottle an' a toofbrush in the colour of your choice."
Charlie quickly shoved some silver into Stan's hand for both him and Harry's ride on the bus before his friend could even protest.
Stan quickly picked up Harry's trunk and brought it into the bus along with Hedwig's cage, as Harry looked to Charlie in disbelief about the money thing.
Charlie simply shrugged, "It's your birthday, mate. Least I could do, now come on."
Without another protest, both boys got on the bus. There were no seats; instead, half-a-dozen brass bedsteads stood beside the curtained windows. Candles were burning in brackets beside each bed, illuminating the wood-panelled walls.
"You 'ave this one," Stan whispered, shoving Harry's trunk under the bed right behind the driver, who was sitting in an armchair in front of the steering wheel. He then pointed to the bed beside Harry's while looking at Charlie, "And you, there."
"This is our driver, Ernie Prang. This is Neville Longbottom and Theodore Nott, Ern." Stan continued as he walked back up to the front of the bus.
Ernie Prang, an elderly wizard wearing very thick glasses, nodded to the two boys, who nervously sat down on the beds that Stan had picked out for them.
'Take 'er away, Ern,' said Stan, sitting down in the armchair next to Ernie's.
Right before they were about to take off, Charlie gripped the bar above him tightly and smirked slightly. He knew what was coming next, but Harry didn't.
So, when there was another tremendous BANG, Harry found himself flat on his bed, thrown backwards by the speed of the Knight Bus. Pulling himself up, Harry stared out of the dark window and saw that they were now bowling along a completely different street. Charlie was watching Harry's stunned face with great enjoyment.
As the bus continued on its way, it made a few stops to drop off a couple passengers. Charlie continued to laugh at Harry's queasy state. The boy with glasses clearly wasn't the biggest fan of wizard transportation.
On their way to the Lucky Cauldron, Stan had unfurled a copy of the Daily Prophet and was now reading with his tongue between his teeth. Charlie noticed the familiar newspaper. It was about Sirius Black, of course. That was the biggest story in the news at the moment.
"That man!" Harry said, forgetting his sickness for a moment, "He was on the Muggle news."
Stanley turned to the front page and chuckled.
"Sirius Black," he said, nodding. "'Course 'e was on the Muggle news, Neville. Where you been?"
Harry read the paper quickly as Stan graciously handed it to him. Charlie gulped as he knew soon enough, his friend would be asking questions.
"Scary-lookin' fing, inee?" said Stan, who had been watching Harry read.
"He murdered thirteen people?" said Harry, with his eyes on Charlie as he handed the page back to Stan.
"Yep," said Stan, answering for the brown eyed boy. "In front of witnesses an' all. Broad daylight. Big trouble it caused, dinnit, Ern?"
"Ar," said Ern darkly.
Stan swivelled in his armchair, his hands on the back, the better to look at the two boys.
"Black woz a big supporter of You-Know-'Oo," He said in a whisper.
"What, Voldemort?" said Harry, without thinking.
Charlie's eyes widened and Stan went completely white as the Knight Bus came to a halt.
"You outta your tree?" yelped Stan, "Whatchu say 'is name for?!"
"Sorry," said Harry hastily. "Sorry, I – I forgot –"
"It's fine," Charlie reassured as he looked out the window and saw that they had arrived at their location, "Let's just go."
Stan narrowed his eyes at the two boys as they retrieved Harry's belongings and walked off of the bus. It wasn't long after they had entered the Leaky Cauldron that they heard the bus speed off.
The two young boys were welcomed by Tom, the innkeeper, who quickly ushered them up the stairs as he expected their arrival. Charlie figured that Dumbledore must've told Tom to expect Harry and his arrival, so he wasn't surprised.
What did surprise him, however, was the two of them being ushered into a room where a tall, strong-built figure stood in the shadows.
"Ah there you are! I've been expecting your arrival," said the figure.
Oh god.
Charlie recognized the voice quickly. It was a voice that he couldn't forget even if he tried. The brown eyed boy stood awkwardly in the corner as Harry walked towards the infamous Fenwick Hawthorne.
"As the Minister for Magic it is my duty to inform you, Mr. Potter, that earlier this evening, your uncle's sister was located a little south of Sheffield." Fenwick spoke confidently, gazing out the window.
Tom ushered the two boys to sit down in chairs in front of the fire. Charlie was reluctant but took a seat, his eyes not leaving his father's shadow. Harry gave his friend a look to which Charlie simply nodded. Yes, that was his father. The Minister of Magic.
He hadn't seen him since the incident where he sent Hagrid to Azkaban, but that was okay. Charlie was still fuming at the mere memory of what had happened. In one evening, his father had single handily sent away the two people closest to Charlie; Hagrid and Dumbledore. They hadn't talked about it, obviously, since Fenwick wasn't even aware Charlie witnessed the whole thing, but still; he was upset.
Tom, the innkeeper snapped Charlie from his thoughts as he was adamant to offer the young boy several dishes of food to make him comfortable, but he kindly refused everything.
Fenwick continued, turning around for the first time to face the two boys, "The Accidental Magic Reversal Department was dispatched immediately. She was properly punctured and her memory modified. She will have no recollection of the incident whatsoever, so that's that. No harm done."
Charlie raised a brow at his father. There had to be a catch. There had to be. There was no way in hell that Harry was excuse for his wrongdoing without someone influencing Fenwick to do so.
Clearly Harry thought the same as he said, "Minister, I don't understand?"
"Understand?" questioned Fenwick as he moved to put a hand on his son's shoulder, to which Charlie tensed immediately. The last time Fenwick put his hands on him was when —
"I broke the law?" said Harry, cutting the tension, "Underage wizards aren't supposed to do underage magic at home."
"Oh, Harry, my dear boy," Fenwick said with a weird smile that Charlie couldn't recognize, "The Ministry doesn't send people to Azkaban for blowing up their aunts!"
Charlie gritted his teeth to refrain from saying something that could get him into serious trouble. All the while, Tom let out a weird chuckle, which earned a scolding and stern look from Fenwick.
There he was.
The real Fenwick Hawthorne.
"On the other hand," The Minister began as he stepped turned back to Harry, "Given the state of things, it was very, very irresponsible."
"The state of what, sorry?" questioned Harry.
For the first time, Charlie spoke up, his eyes locked on his father's, "There's a killer on the loose, Harry. Dear, old dad is simply checking in. Isn't that right?"
Fenwick turned to his son and gave him a daring look. The Minister clearly didn't want Harry to know about Sirius Black's relation to his parents.
"Sirius Black? But what's he got to do with me?" asked Harry.
Fenwick was quick to answer, "Oh nothing, of course! You're safe, and that's what matters! You'll be back on your way to Hogwarts soon enough, I even took the liberty of getting you two your school books for the term."
Charlie finally understood. Fenwick was trying to control the Sirius Black situation. The escape from Azkaban was already an embarrassment for the administration, so Fenwick had to secure the most likely target of Black, who also happened to be the Wizarding World's famous hero. The Minister of Magic was clearly trying to buy Harry's compliance to the matter. The brown eyed boy had always saw through these back-handed plans of his father.
"I already have my books." Charlie said simply which earned a serious look from Fenwick.
The Minister quickly shook the look off before he plastered a fake smile on his face, turning back to Harry, "Well, alright. That's all I have to say to you, Mr. Potter. Best be off, I reckon it's been a long day for you. Time to get some rest. Tom will show you where you'll be staying."
Then Fenwick shifted his gaze and narrowed his eyes on his son, "Charles, my boy, I'd like a word."
Harry was quickly ushered out of the room much to his resistance. As soon as the door shut, Fenwick's fake smile was replaced with a scowl.
"What do you think you're playing at?" he asked, angrily.
"I'm not sure what you mean, father." Charlie said, simply.
"Don't be smart with me boy," Fenwick scolded, "I know that you were informed of Black's past, you can't blame me for wanting to make sure your... friend was alright."
Charlie narrowed his eyes, "But that's not all your doing, is it father? There's always something else with you."
Fenwick laughed slightly before putting a rough hand on Charlie's shoulder, "Listen here, I am doing my job as the Minister for Magic. I am trying to keep this whole Sirius Black debacle under wraps. It is important to gain the trust of Mr. Potter. If Black approaches him, for whatever reason, Harry needs to know that the Ministry should be the first people he informs."
"And why is that?" Charlie raised a brow.
"Because Sirius Black is a liar!" shouted Fenwick, tightening his grip on his son's shoulder, making Charlie flinch, "And a murderer! He should not be trusted, no matter what."
"Quiet a harsh judgement on someone you have yet to meet, father." said Charlie, shrugging off his father's hand.
Fenwick sighed, "Charles, my boy, there are many things you don't know; things you won't quite understand. I suggest you keep your nose out of business that doesn't concern you. Now, get some rest. I will not entertain these pessimistic thoughts of yours any longer."
Charlie rolled his eyes as he began to walk towards the door. Suddenly, his conversation with Albus from last year had been recalled in his head; your father has always been secretive.
Yeah, that was an understatement.
As soon as he reached for the handle, his father grabbed his arm incredibly tight, earning a wince from Charlie.
"Where are your manners?" Fenwick asked, with fury behind his eyes, "I will not tolerate such disrespect. Especially from my own son. Do you understand?"
Fenwick's gripped tightened, causing Charlie to look up at him in fear. But there was nothing but darkness behind his father's eyes. The young boy knew that it was in his best interest to comply.
Charlie nodded quickly, "I understand."
————————————
Author's Note:
*this chapter was not proof read*
Let's go! Prisoner of Azkaban! My favourite book and movie, simply because the ending is amazing!
Hope you enjoyed!
If you did, be sure to vote, comment and share! I really wanna know whether or not you guys are enjoying the story so far!
Much love to you all! Until next time!
xo, Selena