Chapter 259 - A New Beginning (2/2)

”What? No —” Hermione blushed furiously and to hide it she quickly turned to her parents.

”They are quite too much,” said Chris. ”You need a good fashion sense but considering you run a joke shop in the wizarding world, these things are very cool.”

”What are you all doing here?” Harry asked hugging Sirius.

”You don't know?” said Sirius smiling. ”I am here to pick Chris up.”

”So many people just to only pick me up?” said Chris as Lupin shook her hand. ”I have my doubts.”

”Well, not only that,” said Lupin quietly. ”We thought we might have a little chat with Harry's aunt and uncle before letting them take him home.”

”Yes, last time I thought you would be at least well treated there,” said Sirius to Harry. ”But after they threatened to kick you out of the house, I think they need to talk to your Godfather.”

”I dunno if that's a good idea,” said Harry at once.

”Oh, I think it is,” growled Moody, who had limped a little closer. ”That'll be them, will it, Potter?”

Mad-Eye pointed with his thumb over his shoulder; his magical eye was evidently peering through the back of his head and his bowler hat. Chris followed his gaze and sure enough, were the three Dursleys, who looked positively appalled to see Harry's reception committee.

As the group stepped forward to meet the Dursleys, Harry pulled Chris aside.

”What?” Chris asked surprised.

Harry didn't answer, he just hugged Chris. For a moment Chris looked shocked then she slowly hugged him back.

”Listen, no matter what or no matter how — always remember we are in this together,” murmured Harry.

”But our jobs are a little different, Harry, don't you think?” asked Chris pulling back from the hug.

”Yeah, so are we,” said Harry seriously. ”But I remember, when I wanted to go and save the Tonks family, you were the one who believed me and decided to go with me at once. So I think deep down we both have that —”

”Saving-people-thing?” Chris said.

”Yeah, that saving-people-thing,” said Harry nodding.

They both chuckled sadly.

”So, I know if I need help, you will be always there for me, but I also want you to know that if you need help I will be there, I promise,” said Harry.

Chris stared at him for a few moments then —

”Potter,” growled Moody.

”Yes,” Harry said looking at Moody then gave a small smile to Chris and started walking.

Chris followed after a moment.

”So, Potter . . . give us a shout if you need us. If we don't hear from you for three days in a row, we'll send someone along . . .” said Moody.

Chris noticed that the Dursleys looked really frightened.

”Bye, then,” said Sirius again hugging Harry. ”I will take you away as soon as possible.”

”Take care, Harry,” said Lupin quietly. ”Keep in touch.”

”We'll see you soon, mate,” said Ron anxiously, shaking Harry's hand.

”Really soon, Harry,” said Hermione earnestly. ”We promise.”

”Thanks, Harry,” whispered Chris giving Harry's hand a light squeeze. ”See you soon.”

”See you soon,” Harry smiled.

They parted ways.

”I am going to talk to mum and dad,” said Ginny hugging Chris before leaving. ”You have to come to Burrow before our next term starts. You can't avoid me forever.”

Chris just smiled then said bye to Ginny, Hermione, Ron and the twins, and left with Sirius and Lupin.

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End. . .