Chương 45: Fleeting Moments, Lasting Bonds

The night was quiet on Privet Drive as Harry lay awake, staring at the ceiling, the usual creaks and groans of the Dursleys' house fading into the background. Tomorrow, he'd turn thirteen, but he doubted anyone here would remember. The thought of returning to Hogwarts was the only thing keeping his spirits up.

Just then, a soft fluttering caught his attention, and to his surprise, three owls flew into his room, each bearing a small package. Harry's heart leapt; gifts from his friends! He recognized Hedwig, along with two other owls—one carrying a parcel marked with Hermione's neat handwriting, and the other with a familiar brown owl carrying Raja's gift.

Tearing open the packages, Harry found a Sneakoscope from Ron, a poster of the Firebolt broomstick from Hermione, and a small mirror-like device from Raja, intricately designed and adorned with golden runes around the edges. A small note was attached to the mirror, reading: "Happy Birthday, Harry! Use this to stay in touch. Just call my name to activate it. – Raja."

Curious, Harry tapped the mirror and muttered, "Raja." The surface of the mirror shimmered, and in seconds, Raja's face appeared, smiling.

"Happy birthday, Harry!" Raja greeted warmly. "Did the Lumen Lens work?"

Harry grinned. "It's brilliant, Raja! But… how does this even work?"

"It's an artifact I put together. It works like a cell phone for wizards but is protected from unwanted listeners," Raja explained, clearly pleased. "If you ever need me, just call."

Harry's smile faded slightly as he glanced around his room. "Actually, Raja… I think I need help now. Aunt Marge is here, and she's been… horrible."

Raja's face grew serious. "What happened?"

Harry explained the events of the evening, ending with his frustration over Aunt Marge's insults about his parents. "I couldn't stand it anymore—I blew her up like a balloon."

Raja chuckled despite himself. "That sounds like it was well-deserved. Alright, pack your things and get out of there. Take the Knight Bus and meet me in Diagon Alley. I'll handle everything else."

Harry's eyes widened. "The Knight Bus?"

"Just stick out your wand hand; it'll pick you up," Raja assured him. "Trust me, Harry."

With newfound resolve, Harry packed his trunk as quickly and quietly as possible, casting one last look around the room before sneaking out. Following Raja's instructions, he stepped onto the dark street and held out his wand. With a deafening bang, the Knight Bus appeared out of nowhere, its doors swinging open to reveal a gangly young conductor named Stan Shunpike.

After a bumpy ride on the Knight Bus, Harry finally arrived at Diagon Alley, feeling queasy but relieved. Raja was waiting for him, standing at the corner with a calm smile, as if meeting friends at midnight was a regular occurrence.

"Harry!" Raja greeted, taking his trunk and Hedwig's cage from him. "Welcome to freedom. You can stay here at Diagon Alley. I've arranged a room for you above Madam Malkin's shop."

Harry looked at him, surprised. "How did you manage that?"

Raja shrugged nonchalantly. "Let's just say Madam Malkin and I have a working relationship. I've invested a bit in her business, helped modernize a few designs, so she was happy to offer us a place to stay."

The two of them ascended the staircase above the robe shop, where a small but cozy room awaited Harry. It was far more comfortable than anything the Dursleys had provided, and Harry felt a rush of gratitude as he dropped his trunk beside the bed.

The next morning, as he explored Diagon Alley with Raja, Harry stumbled upon a Daily Prophet headline that made his heart skip a beat: SIRIUS BLACK ESCAPES AZKABAN. Raja's gaze narrowed as he read the article over Harry's shoulder.

"That's… unsettling," Raja said thoughtfully. "They say he was You-Know-Who's right hand. Best keep alert."

Harry swallowed, the worry lingering in his mind. They spent the day exploring Diagon Alley, grabbing breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron and visiting several shops to prepare for the upcoming school year.

A few days later, Harry was browsing Quality Quidditch Supplies with Raja, admiring a display for the Firebolt broomstick. The polished handle gleamed, and the promise of incredible speed was enough to make Harry's fingers itch with desire.

"Looks amazing, doesn't it?" Raja said, sharing Harry's longing look. "Maybe someday…"

Harry laughed. "Maybe someday when I'm rich. For now, I'll settle with looking."

Over the next few days, Harry settled into a routine at Diagon Alley, often accompanied by Raja, who was busy with robe design meetings at Madam Malkin's shop. His time in Diagon Alley gave him a chance to catch up on homework, explore the shops, and daydream about the new school year ahead.

When Ron and Hermione arrived, they greeted Harry with excitement. He told them all about his escape from the Dursleys, and Raja filled in the details, adding humor to the tale. They spent the days together, exploring the magical shops, and getting supplies. In the Magical Menagerie, Hermione spotted a large ginger cat with a squashed face, which she immediately fell in love with.

"Oh, he's perfect!" she exclaimed, holding the hefty cat in her arms. "I'll call him Crookshanks!"

Crookshanks, however, seemed to have his own agenda, as he instantly spotted Ron's pet rat, Scabbers, and gave chase around the shop. Ron yelled in protest, trying to protect his rat from the eager cat, while Raja laughed at the chaos unfolding before him.

"The more things change, the more they stay the same, huh?" Raja murmured to Harry, who chuckled as well.

One evening, after a full day spent with his friends, Harry overheard a whispered conversation while passing the Leaky Cauldron's hallway on his way back to his room above Madam Malkin's. He paused when he heard Mrs. Weasley's anxious voice.

"…Arthur, what if Sirius Black is after Harry? He was one of You-Know-Who's most loyal supporters."

Harry's heart pounded as he listened, hardly daring to breathe. Mr. Weasley responded in a low, grave voice. "Molly, Dumbledore's already put protections in place, and Harry's safer here than anywhere else. But yes… we'll have to be watchful when he returns to Hogwarts."

Slipping away silently, Harry returned to his room, his mind whirling with questions. Could Sirius Black really be after me? he wondered. And why would he, unless…? He shook his head, a knot of fear forming in his stomach.

The following morning, Harry confided in Raja. The two of them were sitting in a secluded corner of Diagon Alley, the early morning bustle providing a cover for their conversation.

"Raja, last night I heard Ron's parents talking. They think… they think Sirius Black is after me," Harry said, his voice barely a whisper.

Raja's expression didn't reveal much as he listened. He knew the story, the reasons behind Sirius Black's interest in Harry, but he kept his knowledge hidden, playing his role subtly. He wanted to guide Harry without disrupting the story's natural course.

"Harry, Black was You-Know-Who's follower. If he's out, we'll need to be careful," Raja said thoughtfully. "But you're not alone. You have Dumbledore watching over you, and all of us are here with you."

Harry nodded, comforted by Raja's calm response. "Do you really think I'm safe?"

Raja placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Safe as you can be, Harry. And if anything happens, remember—you have your Lumen Lens. Call me anytime."

The two spent the afternoon practicing spells, Raja reviewing defensive charms and maneuvers with Harry. He even showed Harry a protective mantra he'd picked up in India, giving Harry the tools to defend himself should the need arise.

As the days passed, they enjoyed their last bit of freedom, exploring Diagon Alley and spending time together with Ron and Hermione. On their final day, Harry and Raja met up with Ron and Hermione at the Leaky Cauldron to pack their belongings and prepare for the return to Hogwarts.

"Remember, if anything strange happens, just call me on the Lumen Lens," Raja reminded Harry, slipping a small enchanted pouch into his hand. "And take this. It's enchanted to keep your things safe."

Harry smiled, touched by his friend's thoughtfulness. "Thanks, Raja. I won't forget."

The Hogwarts Express was packed with students excited to return, and Harry felt a thrill of anticipation as he boarded the train with Ron, Hermione, and Raja. They settled into a compartment, watching as the familiar sights of London began to fade into the distance. Raja leaned back, watching his friends chat animatedly about their summer, but his mind was already moving ahead, preparing for the challenges they would face together.

Harry, sitting beside him, looked out the window, feeling a warmth and happiness that filled his chest. With Raja's steady presence and his friends by his side, he felt ready to tackle whatever lay ahead, even the dark mystery of Sirius Black. With his friends around him, and the mysterious path still unwinding, he felt something he hadn't felt for a long time—a sense of belonging.

As the train sped toward Hogwarts, Raja watched the rolling hills outside, silently reaffirming his vow to protect Harry from the shadows. He would act subtly, remaining the "Dark Hand Behind the Curtain," guiding events as they were meant to be, and ensuring that Harry's story unfolded as it should, without too many ripples. There would be more mysteries, more challenges, and undoubtedly more secrets. But together, they would face it all.

For Harry, this was the beginning of a new adventure, and for Raja, it was a chance to honor both the story and the friendship he cherished.