Hydrus called Grace and let her know that there was someone out to get him personally and that they might not want to be seen in public that often. He made arrangements with her to pick her up via Apparation and take her to the flat. He thanked Merlin every day that he had such an understanding girlfriend. It was one of the major reasons he cared for her so, she accepted everything about him so far, even his darker past.
The next morning the headlines in The Times read:
Killing Curse Fired in Diagon Alley
What followed told the story of what had happened and praised the Department of Magical Law Enforcement for being on the scene as quickly as they had. It commented on how the public took cover and tried to defend themselves. The article suggested that everyone brush up on their defense. There was also the standard request that anyone with any information contact the DMLE.
The Daily Prophet's article was different.
Rumors of the Dark Lady are True
This article brought up stories of the Dark times that had just passed and tried to create fear and chaos. It said that the Dark Lady must be a Death Eater trying to resurrect He Who Must Not Be Named and continued on that vain. The article was full of rumor and speculation.
The Times' next issue got quotes from the Ministry to support their story that is was a single person. The Prophet did the same, and still tried to instill fear. The two papers once again battled it out for a week, until the Prophet's subscribers dropped. No one wanted to listen to rumor when they were given hard facts. This time the Quibbler didn't offer an opinion.
The next Saturday Hydrus was sitting in his office at Fun For All, drinking a cup of tea, when the tea vanished and the leaves read, I Know What You Are. He dropped the cup and looked around; people were looking at him curiously, wondering what caused him to make a ruckus. There was no indication of anyone doing anything malicious.
This is not good. Did someone really know? Was this a joke? I trust these people. Where is this woman? were some of the thoughts rapidly filling his mind. His breathing became erratic and his heart started beating faster. He needed to get out of the store. Taking deep breaths and slowing his breathing enough to talk without sounding panicked, he turned to his manager and said, "I've got to go."
"But we have to get set up for Christmas. You promised you'd help instead of hiring a temp," Ellie said firmly, looking up from her paperwork. The last temp they hired was a disaster; she had made the schedule so bad that it took two days of confusion to straighten it out.
"Something came up," he answered as he stood. His breathing was becoming uneven again. What if she hurts these people? Do she really does know my secrets? Once more calming himself he focused on his manager.
"How? You've been sitting here the whole time and no one has talked to you in the last half hour," she questioned with an arched eyebrow, and a hint of worry, wondering what has come over him.
"Well, I had a sudden thought and I need to check on something at home," was the excuse.
"Hydrus, we have to get this done soon. The Christmas rush is already starting and we need to get the employee schedule out before tomorrow. Not to mention you need to get with Jesse on inventory."
"I know. I'll be back in an hour. I promise," the immortal said as calmly as he could as he walked out of the office. He left the store and ducked into the alley behind it, donned his Cloak and went to the Apparation point. He popped in to the house and called to see if anyone was home. Sirius came down the stairs.
"What happened now?" the dogman asked, seeing the look on his cousin's face.
Hydrus told him about the tea leaves and ran his hand down his face, taking deep breaths.
"That's weird," Sirius said, taking his seat.
"I need a Calming Draught. This is freaking me out," the time traveler replied, his paranoia getting the better of him. "I didn't want to have some kind of episode in the store. I haven't had a panic attack in years. I don't want whoever this is to see me have one now." He called Tippy to bring him the potion. She popped away and was back in seconds.
"Well, according to my therapist, it's to be expected," Sirius rationalized. "Stress is always going to cause some type of reaction."
"I know," Hydrus said, and then downed the Calming Draught. "That doesn't mean I have to like it. It always makes me feel weak to have one." His shoulders slumped as the potion did its job. "I'm going to have to start meditating longer and carrying my potions with me, just in case."
"Well, you didn't have a flashback, so I think you did pretty good," the younger cousin said still trying to make Hydrus feel better.
"I'll call the clinic tomorrow and set up an appointment. Mr. Noble needs to know I have a nutter after me anyway." Now that he was calmer he stood and said, "I have to get back to the store, I promised Ellie I'd help her with the scheduling. I'm not sure when I'll be home."
"Alright, I'll see you later," Sirius said and stood with him. "I'll have Tippy cook tonight and we'll save you a plate."
"Uncle Hydrus, you're home," Harry said as he ran into the room, fresh from his nap.
"Sorry, Harry, but I have to go back to work. I had to talk to your Uncle Padfoot about something, now I have to go," he said as he picked up the five and a half year old.
"Aw, do you really?" Harry pouted.
"Yup, but I'll try and be home before you go to bed," the uncle said, tweaking the child's nose.
"Fine," the little boy pouted and then demanded to be let down. He went to his other uncle and stood by him with his little arms folded in anger. "Bye, Uncle Hydrus," he said sullenly.
"I'll be home as quickly as I can," Hydrus said kindly, knowing he was disappointing his younger self, but it couldn't be helped. He went to the child, kissed the top of his head and popped away. He thought about putting his Cloak back on when he reappeared in the Alley, but realized whoever sent him the message did it while he was in his office.
....
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