Douglas Holmes rapped a rhythmic pattern on the cupboard door beneath the stairs, then stepped back as if someone were waiting behind it. Without a sound, the door swung open by itself.
Standing at the back, Harry found it deeply odd. Not a single ray of light spilled from the opening; inside, it was pitch black. When his cousin stepped through, it was as if the darkness swallowed him whole—Harry couldn't see a trace of him.
He knew this cupboard under the stairs like the back of his hand, and it had never been like this before.
Sirius Black shrugged, explaining to Lupin and Harry, "It's a little magical contraption, like the common room entrances at Hogwarts. Douglas once wanted to make the kitchen door password work like the Hogwarts kitchens, but decided it was too much trouble."
Remus Lupin mused, "I heard the Hufflepuff common room entrance requires you to tap out 'Helga Hufflepuff' in rhythm. I suppose this is a similar idea."
Dobby piped up, eyes shining, "Mr. Lupin is quite right, but this door is much more complicated! Master's idea is brilliant, and the design is even better. He even let Dobby help with the enchantments—but that's a secret for now, Dobby can't say more."
Harry took it all in with amazement. This, he thought, was what a wizard's home ought to be—magic woven into every corner.
But surely most wizarding families didn't go this far. Even the Weasleys' Burrow didn't have such elaborate doors. He wondered if the house Sirius had mentioned was just as enchanted.
While Harry was still lost in thought, Sirius had already stepped into the cupboard, calling over his shoulder, "Keep up!"
Harry hurried forward, only to freeze at the threshold, staring into the inky blackness.
Dobby encouraged him from behind, "Master says staring at the darkness only makes you afraid. Only those who fear nothing can conquer it. Harry Potter, Dobby believes in you! You can do it!"
Harry glanced at Lupin.
Lupin gave him a gentle smile, "Dobby's right. This is probably one of Douglas's little tests. If you're afraid of darkness, you're not ready for his secrets."
Dobby quickly added, "That's what Master said, not Dobby."
Harry drew a deep breath and strode inside, just as he'd done the first time he crossed through Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.
As soon as Harry passed through, Lupin followed.
Dobby looked around the house, snapped his fingers, and the curtains drew themselves closed. The doors throughout the house clicked shut, one after another. When Dobby slipped into the cupboard, the door closed behind him.
The moment Harry stepped into the darkness, a thousand whispering voices seemed to swirl around his ears. He strained to listen—only to have a large hand seize his arm and yank him out of the shadows.
He blinked in sudden light, finding himself in a vast, windowless chamber.
The entire room was built from massive stone blocks, their surfaces etched with strange runes—the kind Harry had seen in Douglas's study. Magical crystal lamps shone from the four walls, flooding the room with light. In the center stood a huge stone platform, ringed by towering pillars.
He turned, searching for the door he'd entered through—but there was none. Just then, Lupin stumbled out of one of the walls, breathing hard.
"Demon's Whispers," Lupin gasped in surprise. "I suspected it wasn't ordinary dark magic—a very clever combination."
Douglas handed him a bottle of water, grinning. "Didn't think you'd figure it out so fast. I was hoping it might hold you up a little longer."
As Lupin took the water, Dobby emerged from the wall as well, looking far less shaken than Lupin.
After a sip, Lupin explained, "That's because, when I was wandering, I once saw a reclusive dark wizard use this ancient magic to torment Muggles. But his version was nowhere near as sophisticated as yours…"
Seeing Harry's utterly lost expression, Sirius stepped in to explain, "Demon's Whispers is an ancient spell. It draws out your deepest fears, hatred, resentment, regret, and anger—turning you into someone ruled by emotion."
Harry's jaw dropped. He hadn't expected to encounter such dark magic in his cousin's home.
"But I did hear the whispers," he said, "only, I didn't feel anything."
Douglas smiled, "The barrier's only meant to keep out unwanted guests. I set a trigger: unless you focus on the whispers, you won't be affected."
Sirius cleared his throat, as if annoyed Douglas had stolen his moment with Harry, and added, "Demon's Whispers has a major flaw—it only works in absolute silence. Any outside noise weakens or even cancels the effect. Of course, that's for people with strong minds. Most Muggles and wizards are easy prey if there's no distraction—like just now, when I pulled you out."
Harry sucked in a breath, not mentioning that he'd nearly tried to listen more closely.
Douglas grumbled, "If you hadn't interfered, Sirius, Harry would've learned a valuable lesson."
Harry quickly waved his hands, "Cousin, I've learned my lesson. Really, I have!"
Douglas eyed him with a sly grin, "Oh? I don't believe you."
Harry nodded earnestly, "Trust me, cousin. I really get it."
Douglas nodded, satisfied, "Good. When we're back at school, write me a reflection, at least ten inches long, on this."
Harry felt his jaw might never close again.
Sirius protested, "Douglas, it's Christmas! We're at home, not Hogwarts, and Harry's already doing great. Give the kid a break."
Harry nodded vigorously, "Yeah, yeah! And today's Christmas present from my cousin was—test papers!"
Douglas snorted, "So you don't like your gift? Sirius, you're his godfather, not his mate. Try acting like an adult for once. And call me Douglas."
"Ahem!" Lupin interjected, sensing trouble. He stepped forward, clapping Sirius on the shoulder. "Douglas is right. As a professor and as family, he wants what's best for you, Harry. And as your professor, I have to agree with his gift. Honestly, except for a few subjects where you do well, the rest…"
After a pause, Sirius suddenly changed his tune, "Maybe you're both right. Harry, except for Defense Against the Dark Arts, you're not exactly top of the class. Not only does that Gryffindor girl beat you, even the Malfoy brat's ahead—well, except for Quidditch, of course."
Harry stared at Sirius in disbelief. That wasn't what you were saying a minute ago! And now you're bringing up Hermione and Draco Malfoy?
Dobby piped up shyly, "Actually, Dobby thinks Harry Potter is already very excellent…"
Harry looked at Dobby, touched—until Dobby beamed, his face wrinkling with joy, "But Master also says Dobby learns even faster than Harry Potter!"
Harry: (o￣3)==@))゜ロ゜((@==(′′)o
Douglas had guessed why Sirius had changed his tune. Anyone would be frustrated, seeing their brilliant friends have a child who turned out so… ordinary.
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