The Psychic Runaway

Chapter 5- Stranger at Mungo's, Friends in the Alley

Seeing as how Emily (understandably) now took a dislike to Stanley's presence being near hers, Harry had no choice but to act as her bodyguard, separating the two when they sat down in case Stanley tried clinging to Harry's friend again. Seeing as how Stanley hated hospitals (as evidenced by the suspicious eye he cast on any and everything in the room), Harry also had no choice but to help entertain him and pretend to be amused at the jokes Stanley cracked to break the dreary silence. With all of this responsibility, Harry was solidly occupied, while Emily seemed to find nothing else to do but read the old papers and study her hands.

But as hospital visits usually go, even the most entertaining amusement grows dreary. Thus after the billionth lame joke Harry was forced to endure, Harry felt ready to rip his hair out with desperation, except for one thing. After who knows how long, a nurse finally came into the lobby.

"You are the friends of this man, correct?" she inquired as she showed the three a picture the staff had taken of Ernie.

"Yes," Harry replied.

The nurse smiled. "Then I have some good news. Your friend is doing well, and he's even asking for....Stanley, is that right?" Her question was answered by a loud sigh of relief and a thump as the scenario's drama caught up with Stanley so fast as to make him faint. Harry and Emily, thankful for the opportunity to be rid of Stan, were only too eager to assist the nurse in reviving him and helping him up. Then, as Stan was lead away to Ernie's room, Harry turned to comment on how much more peaceful the atmosphere had become. But he was cut off by Emily suddenly taking his arm and hustling him to around the corner.

"Hey- why'd we move?" Harry wondered in bemusement, noting an air of urgency starting to envelop Emily.

"Harry- have you noticed that man sitting near us?" Emily inquired mysteriously.

Harry stepped back around the corner, and tried to innocently lean back against the wall with his foot (while taking a scan of the lobby before him). He then whispered back "Which one? The room's practically filled with men." Harry then looked again, needing only a moment to locate "The guy with a dirty old coat and a red beanie." The man seemed to be in his '60s, with a scruffy greyish-white beard and dazed grey eyes. He had holes in his loafers, and his socks were not only mismatched but different lengths. It seemed the only protection he had from the elements was his indeed-dirty-and-old coat, which the man clung to as tightly as one would to a lifevest.

"Okay, I see him," Harry replied, wondering still why they weren't in the lobby with the other guests.

"Is he looking this way?" Emily asked worriedly.

"No," said Harry after verifying this. "But Emily, what's got you so freaked out that you're not telling me?"

Emily breathed a sigh of relief. "Promise me you won't make a scene, but....I think that guy's spying on me."

Harry became both taken-aback and outraged. "Spying?!" he exclaimed. Before he could say anything else, however, Emily panicked and pulled him back around.

"Shh- what are you doing?!" she hissed. "He could hear you!"

"Sorry," Harry whispered. "It's just, what reason could he have for spying on you?"

Emily became both perplexed and annoyed as she pondered this. "Tsch- you ask me. But it's really starting to piss me off, no matter what."

"Are you sure that he's indeed spying on you?" Harry asked.

Emily sighed. "Let's put it this way," she replied. "I think after the first two minutes of someone trying to stare me down I have a right to be concerned."

Once again Harry started to feel annoyed. How dare some weirdo look at Emily that way, he thought. Doesn't he know how rude he's being? This growing nerve drove Harry to say determinedly "Don't worry, Emily- if he even bats an eye your way I'll introduce him to my fist." With that, the two of them went back to the lobby, but this time they were more wary of the stranger than before.

Or at least, Harry attempted to be. Even though he promised Emily to be on the defensive for her, an unusually powerful sleep started to creep on him, a sleep that overwhelmed him without any resistance.

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Harry wasn't sure how long he had slept; but as he opened his eyes the sunshine pouring into the room indicated that it was at least daytime. Harry reached up to rub his eyes, but felt his glasses still resting on the bridge of his nose. Thus he got up, and, noticing that his luggage was sitting there in the corner....wait. His luggage was here? Harry spun around, and observed that he was no longer at St. Mungo's. He was in some sort of hotel room instead!

This observation made everything flood back to him in a flash. The last thing he remembered was watching Emily's stalker out of the corner of his eye, when he started feeling sleepy. But how did he get here? And where was Emily? A growing curiosity and sense of dread (prompted in part by a recurring image of the old man in Harry's brain) propelled Harry to throw open his trunk, quickly swap his clothes for a new set, and open his door into a long and rather dim hall. "Emily?" he called, not caring if he disturbed anyone. "Emily, where are you?" When he didn't get a response, Harry went over to one of the doors and knocked on it, figuring that the worst that could happen was finding someone behind it that could help lead him to her whereabouts.

That someone, it turned out, was none other than Emily herself. "There you are!" Harry exclaimed with relief. "Did you not hear me calling?"

"Sorry," replied Emily sheepishly. "Guess not."

"So what happened last night- or however long ago the thing with Ernie and Stan took place?" Harry inquired dryly.

Emily laughed uneasily. "Oh yes- about that. See, it turns out that-"

But Harry barely heard this, for Harry noticed for the first time that they weren't alone. Sitting in a chair in the corner, calmly and carelessly twiddling his thumbs, was no other than- "The old man?!" Harry exclaimed. "Emily, what is he doing here?"

"Harry, calm down," Emily urged. "It's okay- he's really-"

"Going to be dead if he doesn't explain himself," Harry interrupted, the missing pieces starting to come together. "Like why he was stalking you, and where the hell we are."

"No, Harry, not stalking me. We straightened it all out- he was just trying to-"

"Dupe you, Emily," Harry finished for her. "You said it yourself- he was drilling holes at you for more than two minutes. There can't be any natural explanation for it.....and where do you think you're going?" Harry growled at the old man, pulling out his wand lightening-fast as the man rose. "You're not going anywhere until you give me an explanation."

Emily grew exasperated. "Oh honestly Harry!" she exclaimed. "That's what I've been trying to do! If you'd just hear me out-"

"Patience, Emily." For the first time, the old man made himself heard. "While I admit he's getting ahead of himself, I think I do indeed owe Harry an explanation. First of all, shut the door please." Before Harry could protest, this was done. "Now then," said the old man, "I think it would clear up a lot of the confusion if, before I carried on any farther, I return to my true form." With that, he pulled out his wand and tapped it twice onto his head.

Although Harry was instantly put on guard, he was in no way prepared for what he would see next. The greyish-white beard all but fell off his face, leaving a stubbly

and grey-flecked brown one in its place. Although the grey coloring in his eyes remained, it was enhanced by a vigorous spirit and an increased sense of intellect. His pale and wrinkly skin became more youthful and healthy-looking, although it could by no means be compared to the skin Harry and Emily's generation sported. The coat became less foul-looking and more in the resemblance of robes. But perhaps the thing that most distinguished him was the appearance of several pinkish-colored scratches across the man's face. "Do you recognize me now, Harry," inquired the man now revealed to be Remus Lupin.

Harry was instantly shocked stiff. Way to go, you little dickhead, his Inner Voice chastised bitterly. Once again you didn't stop to think about what you were doing. But now you've screwed up for a bigger audience than before- not only did you embarrass yourself in front of Emily again (for the third time, may I add) but you just insulted Emily's godfather. Next you'll be pulling off some stunt in front of Fudge himself, I wager. While these words proved effective at making Harry regretful, he also dug a deeper hole for himself when Emily had to poke him in the ribs to get his attention.

"Harry," she hissed. "What was that you were saying about staring at people?"

Harry felt his cheeks start to burn. "I'm really sorry, Lupin," he began, "for jumping to conclusions like that." While Harry was at it, he also threw in an apology towards Lupin's goddaughter, "for letting my ignorance drown you out." Both Emily and Lupin smiled warmly at this, Lupin waving away Harry's words cheerfully.

"Oh come come Harry- it's all right," Lupin said humbly. "Apologies aren't necessary. Truth be told I should be apologizing to you- I didn't make any effort to drop you hints as to who I was."

"But Uncle," cut in Emily, "it wasn't your fault. You had to cover yourself up." Seeing the questions arise on Harry's face, Lupin motioned for everyone to sit, and thus began to explain to him.

"I suppose you've been told how Ms. Forthright won custody of Emily, correct?" he asked Harry. Getting a nod in response, Lupin continued, "I can't deny the bit about my ragged state. However, that was only because I was recovering from a particularly nasty full moon."

"He was almost to the point of going to St. Mungo's," Emily added grimly. "He shed almost all his fur in just two hours, and he couldn't eat anything except cabbage."

"Yes- simply awful stuff," Lupin agreed, wrinkling his nose at the recollection. "But even with all this, I knew I had to be there for Emily. I had legal rights! I couldn't just let some stranger take her away- why, she only knew Emily through her lawyer! So, even though I was sick I fought for my godchild."

"And I was sure we'd win, too!" Emily interjected. "Sure Forthright's some Ministry official, but who really gives a shit? In the end it's me being affected here! So my opinion should matter somewhat! So when I went up on that stand I fought for Lupin too- I told them that he was trusted by Dumbledore himself, that he never once hit me or hurt me, and that I've lived with him this far. If I hadn't been satisfied with his methods before, then I would've complained long ago."

Harry became almost outraged. "And yet you didn't get your case? How the hell did that happen?"

"You're asking me, Harry," Lupin shrugged. "Maybe we just happened to get a superficial jury and a weak judge."

Emily snorted. "Hell yeah we did. Those bastards gave Forthright full custody- you couldn't even come within 500 yards of me!"

"As you can imagine," Lupin continued for Harry as Emily began stewing in her own teakettle, " Emily and I were devastated, but on pain on endangering each other I didn't attempt to reclaim her and she me."

"As the days went by, however, I started regretting this decision. What kind of person would I be if I just abandoned Emily to hell? Thus I tried asking around for Forthright's whereabouts. I tried putting an ad in the Daily Prophet asking her to contact me. I even tried finding a judge who'd accept a countersuit, except that Umbridge's anti-werewolf legislation made it almost impossible for me to file one. Finally, after the next full moon made me as sick as the first, I decided to check out St. Mungo's like Emily advised. Only, I disguised myself, in case Forthright had spies."

"And for the most part, the scene looked clear," Emily said, having blown off her steam by now. "But since it's hard to trust people nowadays, Uncle Lupin didn't want to take the chance and, when he saw us come in, talk to us in the open."

"So I simply put a spell on the whole room and transported us to the Three Broomsticks," Lupin finished. "Although not before, erm, helping you leave an explanation for that Shunpike fellow once he got back."

Harry felt like his inner sky had become clear again. Although he still felt like a fool for jumping to conclusions, Harry was now glad that everything was now as it should be. Thus when Lupin inquired "Does this answer your questions, Harry? I know my explanation might've been a little harried, but-" Harry lost no time in making his reply.

"Don't worry, Lupin," Harry said. "You did just fine. The only question is, did Stan start going up the wall when he noticed our absence?" Emily and he shared a laugh at that one, Emily clueing in Lupin in the process.

Now as this had been going on, Harry's stomach was starting to clamor for nourishment. At first it started out small, but the rumblings were by this time so loud that Harry could no longer ignore them. Thus Harry took the opportunity presented in the ensuing pause to propose going downstairs for a meal. Emily and Lupin chimed in with approval, and so after Lupin once more disguised himself the trio wen t out the door and down the stairs to the lobby.

As they did so, a series of voices met their ears, a series that to Harry soon became pleasantly welcome.

"Ew- what is that supposed to be?" a girl inquired with disgust.

"Nothing- and mind your own business," a boy retorted.

"Yeah- or we'll use you as its first victim," a similar voice added.

"Mother, they're making weird potions again," the girl complained.

"Boys, I thought I told you to knock it off," a woman warned in exasperation.

"Give us a break, Mother," one of her sons cried out.

"Yeah- this is the stuff that'll provide your pension and more," his brother said.

"Well at least put it away while we're out in public," their mother directed tiredly.

There was a muttering, followed by a new male voice.

"Aw, let the girl alone," it chastised. "You must admit, that stuff does resemble something from a freak show."

"Oh yeah?" responded his brother. "Well so do you."

Harry could no longer refrain form entering the conversation after that moment. "Now now," Harry chatisted with a grin. "That's no way to talk to your brother, is it?"

The Weasleys all looked up in surprise. "Harry?" Ron exclaimed in aghastment. "What are you doing here?" Harry's grin became wider, the same jubilation also causing Harry to rush down the stairs to greet his friends. "You sneaky little wally- how's your summer being going?" Ron inquired sunnily. "And you did get my present, didn't you?"

"Oh, miserably, as with every summer I'm forced to spend with my relatives," Harry responded coolly. "How was yours? Oh, and yes, I did get it. Thanks."

"No problem. Mine's same old, same old too," Ron said. "Although the weather lately has been acting most weird. Just when I think I couldn't lost any more sweat from the heat the sun decides to crank things up a notch."

Harry was about to add to this when Fred and George interrupted with "Speaking of being hot-" "Who's the broad standing over at the counter? She's been looking over at us the whole time." Harry swivelled around to follow the twins' gaze, and immediately recognized the broad to be Emily. He instantly felt guilty for not including her in the conversation, and so as soon as she moved her gaze yet again from her soup bowl Harry motioned for her to come join the group. Emily then did so, after whispering something to the disguised Lupin besides her.

As soon as Emily joined the group, Harry wasted no time in introducing her to his friends. "Hello, ducky," the twins greeted unanimously (and a bit lustily).

"Fred and George Weasley, at your service," said Fred.

"If there's any prank or joke you want to pull, don't hesitate to come to our store," added George. "We've even started giving discounts for your first day."

Ron became a bit embarrassed for them, and so he elbowed his brother in the ribs Ron apologized with "You'll have to forgive them. Those two are the loonies in the family." Ignoring his brothers' protests over such "outrageous hyperboles," Ron continued, "Rest assured, Emily, I've got both my sanity and your back."

Emily became both embarrassed and flattered. "Um- thank you?" was all she was able to say.

Suddenly Ginny, noticing that there was a new member in their society, promptly entered the circle and said, "Hello there. I'm sorry if my brothers have embarrassed you already- they do it all the time. I'm Ginny, by the way- Ginny Weasley." Emily shook her hand sunnily as Fred and George became offended at Ginny's statement, and thus began to try setting their sister straight.

Now as the drama unfolded, Harry was sitting back and letting himself be heartily entertained by their antics. However, his viewing was soon terminated as Ron slipped away from the bunch and pulled Harry to the side to question him about Emily. "Harry," whispered Ron in disbelief. "How could you meet such a hot dame and not tell me about it?"

Harry grew sheepish. "Sorry, Ron. With all that's happened the past few days, I haven't even had time to exist." With that, Harry ordered some food (he had offered to get something for Ron too, but Ron declined on account of his eating something already), pulled up a chair at one of the tables, and proceeded to engage Ron in a telling of what had happened up to the present moment (minus the personal tidbits with his Inner Voice and his moments with Emily).

As Harry at long last concluded, Ron's eyes grew wide with a mix of envy, admiration, sympathy, and expected hatred for the wrongs done to the pair. "Damn," commented Ron in between sips of a soda he had since purchased. "That Forthright woman sounds like an awful bitch."

"Yeah- no kidding on that one," Harry replied grimly. "At least the Dursleys ignored me. Forthright tore her away from the only living person she had left as family.....No wonder Emily hates her........"

"Although you have to wonder," Ron conjectured. "Lupin said that Forthright knew about Emily only through her lawyer. How did Peabutt [Peabody] - oh, Harry, who honestly gives a damn?- know about your friend in the first place?"

A spark lit in Harry's brain. How did Peabody know about Emily's existence? Harry wondered. If Emily had never previously known Forthright before the custody trial, then she most certainly wouldn't have known Peabody......right? Or did something happen before that I don't know about? Harry swivelled around to take another look at Emily. She was deeply engaged in conversation with Ron's siblings, giving off such a sunny disposition that if one (such as Harry) were to look at her they wouldn't have guessed that Emily had lead such a troubled life up till now. It was almost like Harry was watching a first year bubbly chatting along with her friends as they went to class. Even more infectious than her laughter, the cheeriness Emily was displaying soon affected Harry as well. I guess it doesn't really matter what the connection is right now, Harry thought as he smiled (for the first time in a little while). Once Emily's ready to tell us more, she'll tell us. No need to rush.......

Suddenly Mr. Weasley cleared his throat and asked for the attention of his family and their guests. "Allright, everyone," he said as the group settled down. "I think I've given you plenty of leisure time to satisfy your needs. But now I must insist on beginning our school shopping, and so, without further ado, let's be off." With that, the Weasleys got their lists together and set out (after promising to stay together). Harry naturally fell back with Ron, although before he left Harry successfully invited Emily to come along too.

As both the sunshine and the drone of hundreds of other shoppers rose to greet them, Harry couldn't help but let out a grin. It felt so good to be back in wizard territory, away from the Dursleys and their stupid rules. All the colors, all the sounds, all the faces- everything felt so familiar and yet so new. Harry never realized how much he enjoyed the atmosphere of this place until he stepped out there; although as he looked around and took it all in, Harry noticed that Emily was also enjoying it. In fact, it almost seemed like this was the first time she had even seen this place. Thus as the three went along, curiosity led Harry to ask casually "Have you ever been to Diagon Alley before?"

Emily became startled at this question, but the surprise quickly disappeared. "Can't say that I have," replied Emily as she curiously eyed a witch heatedly arguing with a store clerk over slugs. "I don't usually travel so far from home."

It was hard to tell who was more flabbergasted between the boys. "Are you kidding?" Ron exclaimed wide-eyed. "Diagon Alley's only the place to go for your supplies- how could you not come here?"

Harry quickly sensed an uncomfortable aura around Emily. Thus he quickly pulled out his list and said, "That reminds me, Ron. I think we just passed Flourish and Blotts. Let's go before we miss out on all the good copies." Ron agreed, and as he called out to the rest of the group to follow the trio Harry saw Emily flash him a grateful smile. While seeing this made Harry feel even more cheerful, he also became befuddled at Emily's newness to the alley. Has she really not come here before? Harry wondered in amazement. Ron has a point- everyone comes here to shop. She knows spells, her godfather's a wizard.....how could she not have ever come?

By this time the rest of the Weasley pack had joined the three, both causing the group to begin going inside the bookshop and causing Harry to have no more room to reflect on the situation.

No sooner did Harry begin to walk in, however, when Emily gasped and grabbed his arm. "Harry, wait," she whispered worriedly. "I'm not sure if this is a good idea. Maybe we should go somewhere else first."

Harry became perplexed at her worried state. "What do you mean, Emily?" Harry wondered, taking note of her bit lip. "It's just a bookstore. Besides, all the others have gone in already, and they're just fine."

"Yeah," Emily agreed. "But there's someone in there that, well, won't be in a pleasant mood to see you....." Harry's perplexity immediately shot up. Won't be in a pleasant mood to see me? Harry echoed. Who in the world is she talking about....and in the future tense?! Harry began forming suspicions, although this was interrupted by Ron waving at him earnestly to come inside.

Seeing his friend there made Harry relax. "Don't worry, Emily," he smiled reassuringly. "I've dealt with the unpleasant loads of times, so one more encounter with it won't hurt a bit." With that, he led a still-cautious Emily into the bookstore with the others.

*End Chapter 5*